"Auntie, This Is The Goodest Party I've Ever Been To!"

...and YES it was, J.T.! Out of the mouths of babes, the saying goes! JT is a very passionate little boy about everything in life. So his eyes are either wide open or closed when he is expressing himself about the things he is so excited about! When Patti brought him in from the pool to get dressed and wind down, he blurted out, "Auntie! This is the goodest party I've ever been too!" And he was right. It was a GREAT party.He ran around as the official beverage tender. He made sure everyone had a water, crystal light, juice box, gatorade, etc. from the cart and the cooler. He loved it and truth be told, he did a great job!
The darling invitations/announcements Meredith made and sent out.

Christine and Duff manning the grill. Chris is ready to take off that swim cover-up and get in the water!

Natalie and Gramma earlier that morning getting the cream puffs finished at Gramma's house.

To frost or not to frost, that is the question. Powdered sugar sprinkled on or chocolate ganache. Ahh, not too hard--chocolate wins everytime!

Some of the fixin's. Big refreshing fruit salad, potato salad, assorted chips, 7-layer dip (in honor of Josh--he could live on it), hamburger and hot dog condiments and produce, hot chili.

Keifer's famous fresh salsa. His gift to Josh for graduating. It is pretty dang good. I've watched him do it, but just can't quite replicate it. I wish he would write it down!

Kristin and Lisa putting the final touches on.

Shaun, Gwen, and Keifer

Some of Josh and Meredith's good friends from their ward who they will REALLY miss and vice-versa. l-r: Echelle, Jeremy, Josh, Mere, Morgan, Nick, and the Slade's 3 darlin's: Kaylee, Brynn, and Brielle. Missing are the Johnson's and baby Sam, who came a little later. She brought the most amazing cupcakes to double team with the cream puffs.

Janae, (Robert's sister who is a chef in Scottsdale and has been 'adopted' into the extended family), Natalie, and Adrianne.

We had hamburgers, hot dogs, cheeses, chili, pickles, onions, relish, ketchup, mustard, mayo, chips, dips, salads, fruit, cupcakes, cream puffs. We were going to have root beer floats, but got so busy in the pool and visiting that we completely forgot!

Thank You to everyone who brought things and to Auntie and Uncle Craig for hosting!

Yes, JT, it WAS the goodest party ever!

He Did It!

Today is graduation day for Josh from the Sandra Day O'Conner Law School at Arizona State University. Yay! He is all done! My ticket and program. It was at 4pm on campus at the Gammage Theater.
Josh and Meredith after the ceremony. I don't have the kind of camera to take pictures of the ceremony down on the stage. They all turned out black. So I'll just have to wait to get the professional ones that were taken. But it's official! He is 'hooded'!

Robert, Grandpa, and Gramma waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Meredith and Christine.

Natalie and Robert. Mike and Adrianne, Shaun, Lisa and Craig, and Clint and Kristin were there too, but the ceremony was about to start so I didn't get any pictures of them.

Me, Josh, and Duff.

We love you Josh. Good Job! We are so proud of you.

I want to mention that it was 105* at 6pm when we were taking these pictures. I didn't get all the shots I wanted because it was just toooooooo hot. We were melting and Josh was in cap, gown, and hood. He couldn't get out of them fast enough.

Grandpa, Josh, Gramma, and Meredith.

Christian and Josh.

They were 1L roommates, friends, compadres, buddies, and now graduates! He knows Uncle Mike D. in Utah.

Josh and Brady. Brady was a stalwart study group member with Josh.

Congratulations to my awesome husband, Josh, and Thank You to my amazing wife, Meredith!

YOU BOTH DID IT!

Thursday

Up and at 'em! My mom made a big ole delicious farmers breakfast, which means I didn't need to eat until dinner! Eggs, hash browns, fruit salad, toast, jam, avocado slices. Rosie serenaded us during breakfast until he got what he wanted--the whites of the fried egg! Hahaha!

While I was brushing my teeth and doing my hair, Miss Darla kept vigil on the bed. She is smart. She knows the signs of getting ready to go somewhere and if she could go everytime, she would!

The Little Princess. As if the bed wasn't soft enough, she has to lay on the pillow.

Duff went to pick up Josh, while Meredith was doing some babysitting and meeting her mom and dad and JT after they flew in. Lisa swung by and picked us up and we headed to Costco to do the shopping for the bbq party tomorrow night. I left my list in the Denali, so Duff and Josh came straight there to bring it to me. We all cruised the aisles in Costco. You know, I just love Costco!

We sent our car home to my parents and took the rest of the stuff to Lisa's. Then she and I went to Fry's to pick up the other things that Costco just had in too big of quantities. Fry's is such a fun grocery store. It is huge and has a big home/sports section in it that is fun to walk around in.

Natalie, Robert, and Christine got here right after we finished shopping, so now everyone is here for the big day tomorrow. I love how my kids love each other and support each other. This was a sacrifice for them to arrange work and school schedules to be here, but that is just what they do. I hope it can be that way in the future. Family is so important.

Celtics anyone?

Shaun got jersey's for Josh's graduation present. They were hoping it would bring them better luck in the game tonight. Notice the lone Lakers fan's hand on the left with the 'thumbs down'.
Sorry Mike. They didn't do well either!

After the Celtic game--btw: shouldn't it be pronounced Kel-tics? Adrianne and I always want to correct that--Patti, Richard, and JT came up and JT stayed with the fam while the graduating couple and their parents (aka: us) went out to dinner to celebrate. Meredith chose Un Bacio in Scottsdale. It was really good. We had Caprese and lobster stuffed ravioli for appetizers, and then I got the grilled salmon, Mere and Patti the halibut but prepared differently, Duff the asparagus with shrimp and angel hair pasta, Josh got spaghetti and meatballs, and I can't remember what Richard got, except it was with penne and looked really good. The bread was to die for 1) because it was just dang good, and 2) because of the herbed butter they served it with.

The graduate and his sweetheart. When the staff found out he was graduating, they gave him a complimentary Creme Brulee for dessert. We all had decided we were too full for dessert, but after that, we gals couldn't resist and I got a Creme Brulee, Mere the chocolate and vanilla ice cream balls with brandied cherries (which she didn't know were laced with the brandy until Patti took a bite and it burned all the way down. We had a good laugh...), and Patti the ricotta raspberry cheesecake. The guys had more willpower than we did skipped the dessert!

We had the waiter take a picture of all of us, and he cut Richard out of all the ones with my camera. Richard is on Patti's left.

We had a really nice evening.

Auntie grilled some steaks and had baked potatoes with the mushroom gravy (from Mamo Minnie) and they watched the Lakers/Rockets game. By the time we got back most everyone was in the pool for night-time swimming. It was still 87* outside at 10pm!!!!!

Wednesday Workings

What a day! I'm gonna sleep good tonight! Mike and Adrianne arrived safely for the festivities and now we only have one more group of family to come. Mr. Rosie. He was working on his breakfast of--yes--corn pops! Funny bird. Gramma and Grandpa spoil him. I tried to get a picture of him holding a pop in his foot and eating it, but he wouldn't cooperate for me. Look at those 'rosey' cheeks--hence his name. They raised him when he fell out of his nest in Greg's aviary. Like Darla, he doesn't quite get that he is an animal!
We headed off to Josh and Mere's. Packing and cleaning were on the agenda. We got a TON done, and thanks to Meredith's organization and previous packing, there is not much left to do. Now they can relax some and just enjoy the graduation without too much stressing. Dad and Mere working on boxes and the movies.

We put Shaun and Josh on cleaning detail. With the pictures to prove it! Shaun and Josh worked on the laundry room--cleaned the washer and dryer, mopped all the floors on their hands and knees did all the baseboards. Shaun wringing out his rag.

Then they moved on to the kitchen floor. Josh is working hard. Yes, even all my boys can clean well.

Boo hoo. Empty kitchen, except for the bike. Meredith had it soooo cute and homey. I got the microwave and stovetop all deep cleaned. Another plug for Bar Keepers Friend--it is amazing! Those stove plates look like they are brand new right from the store packaging!

Meredith and Dad taking their very huge bed apart. All the finials and hardware in one ziploc bag labeled in the nightstand top drawer.

Meredith is organized. This end of the living room is all the stuff that is going with them to her parents for the next couple of months. They are staying with them while Josh studies for and takes the bar.

This side is all the stuff going to the storage unit.

Bathroom just about done. We put the boys on this detail too. It's all done except for the sink and mirror, right down to the baseboards. With all the work divided up, we got so much done.

Then to Auntie's for dinner. Build your own Taco Salad was the menu. It hit the spot on this hot day. Gramma, Grandpa, Mike, Auntie, Adrianne, Shaun.

All the goodies.

Another view. The meat and beans and family made taco/hot sauce is on the stove staying warm.

I forgot to get a picture of the mini cheesecakes and the lemon curd. A nice little refreshing bit for dessert.

The guys got in the pool and cooled off and played some 'horse'. Auntie has a basketball hoop at one end of the pool. It has provided many a fun time over the last 19 years! The girls talked, read books, and I did some handwork. I did go out for a while and soak my feet while sitting on the decking. If I hadn't left my 'suit' at my mom's I would have jumped right in. It was so nice.

More big things tomorrow!

Here We Are--

We are in AZ for Josh's graduation on Friday and to help the kids move this weekend back to California. He takes his very last final tomorrow morning! He will have his Phd./ Juris Doctorate. Woo hoo! He's worked really hard and Meredith has been the one earning the money to keep them afloat and living. She has been awesome and very supportive.

The drive out was good. We kept watching the car thermometer go from 63* at our house to 105* when we got to Tempe. Just a bit of a difference, ya think? 5 hours is a reasonable drive. You are there pretty quick.

President Obama comes in to town tomorrow to speak at the commencement. We decided not to go. We are not big fans to begin with, but it is in Sundevil stadium at 5 pm and you have to be in your seat a couple of hours before that and it's too hot since it's already in the triple digits. It just wouldn't be good for my mom and dad. So we will all be at the convocation for Josh on Friday. We went to their apartment when we first rolled into town and it is a mix of emotion. Mere has everything off the walls and is pretty much all packed up. Sad and yet happy and exciting at the same time for them to close this chapter and open a new one. Josh picked up his cap and gown and his hood (?)--I think that's what it's called. I can't remember and it's really late and we traveled. But it looks pretty dang impressive. Just to brag a bit--he is graduating high in his class!

Afterwards, Auntie is hosting a graduation/good-bye/send-off party for them. It's going to be so much fun. Everyone is bringing things and we are going to have an old-fashioned 50's BBQ with swimming in the pool and games and movies and lots of visiting and laughter.

I'm so tired. More tomorrow....

Provident Living for MAY

Okay family, here we go! May is first aid month. Go to the side-bar and scroll down. We are already in the 2nd week so we need to catch up. Start on a first aid kit for your home and then one for each car, then one for your office, carrel at school, etc.

Check the ads for Target, Walmart, and your local grocery stores. And remember--store brands are good quality for things like this!

We've been doing pretty good. Let's keep it up!

Garden Update

Here is a little garden update. We have pea pods galore, bean blossoms that will open probably today, tomato blossoms. It's lookin' good! We have a lot of volunteer tomato plants coming up, so we are going to let them grow a couple more weeks and then transplant them into some pots and let Mike and Adrianne have them for their patio. Oh, and we have some basil volunteers too that we will do the same thing with. Boxes l-r: Peas growing up the upside down tomato cages. Then bush beans. Tomatoes along the fence.
Middle box: spinach (which isn't doing as well as we would like. We will probably replant with some swiss chard), chives, basil, cucumbers. The cucs are finally up. We planted them a little too deep, but with the warmer weather they are now going strong.

Right box: yellow and zuchinni squashes. Oh, I can hardly wait. Nothing quite like that soft buttery taste and texture of a freshly picked and cooked zuchinni and some good old cracker crumbed fried yellow squash.

I'll post more again in another 4-6 weeks.

May Birthdays

I'm behind.

So, here's Happy Birthday greetings to those I'm belated on:

Jessica--Love you! One day, one day.....Still remember the day you were born. So sweet and precious.

Brad--Go Navy! Missing you and Deidre and the boys.

Danielle--Today is your day! May it be awesome! Love you!

Mike M.--The happiest of birthdays to you today. We love and miss you guys. Have a good one!

WE LOVE YOU ALL AND SEND OUR HAPPIEST THOUGHTS THROUGH ALL THE MILES!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

To my own sweet Mother, first, and then to my lovely daughters and daughters-in-law (who are just like my own daughters), my tender sisters, and my cousins and friends:

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

So much of who and what I am today is because of your love and example.

Thank You. Have a beautiful day!

[What a nice mother's day we had. I just didn't do much by way of picture taking though. Oh well. Duff and Robert took care of getting breakfast for all of us mothers (me and Nats) and future mom (Christine). We all slept in late though and I just couldn't stay in bed any longer, so we ate at the table, which was just fine by me. Duff and Robert got a cake in the oven for dessert later on. I got the table set and it was so pretty. Blues, whites, greens, and pinks. I cut flowers from the yard again and made a centerpiece. We went to church which was very good too. The speakers gave good talks and the primary children were stellar. We got See's chocolates. Natalie got to celebrate her first Mother's Day! I watched her sitting there and smiled as I thought of her embarking on this wonderful world. She will do well.

Mike and Adrianne were here when we got home and all the guys got the rest of dinner going. Baked potatoes, steak, corn, salad, hunter sauce. We gals visited, rested, and enjoyed. Mike manned the grill. I took a lovely 'rest' out in the backyard in the hammock. OH, it was sweet divine goodness. A gentle breeze with the tree leaves fluttering and the soft sway of the hammock. I took 'calls' from Lisa and Josh and Meredith out there. Quiet and relaxing. Dinner was scrumptious but the company even better.

Then I went back out to the hammock, the guys cleaned up, Adrianne, Natalie, and Christine were watching the movie, Lost in Austen, on Adrianne's computer in the living room, and the men-folk were cheering on the Celtics while doing dishes. It was the best Mother's Day present to hear them all having fun and enjoying being together. We missed Josh and Mere.

I reflected on Mother's Days. I remember in my younger mothering days. It seems that several Mother's Day I ended up disappointed and crying. As most young mothers, I had very unrealistic expectations of Norman Rockwell Mother's Days. The actual outcome never matched the perfectly painted pictures or tv commercials. I had 4 children under 8 years old and was overwhelmed and tired, just longing for not even a whole day, just 12 hours (!) of happy, quiet perfectness, with my darling hubby taking over perfectly, reading my mind in every way and executing it flawlessly. HAHAHAHAHA!!!

Over the years I've come to learn that the perfect Mother's Day is knowing I'm the best mother I can be. That I'm doing my best, imperfect as it is. That God is pleased with my end of our parenting partnership.

Today was about as perfect as they come. Even down to the mascerated strawberries over the vanilla ice cream and white cake.

Ahhhh, being a mother!!!

Beam Me Up Scotty!

The starship Enterprise. We went to the 10:45am showing this morning and we LOVED it! Except: spoiler alert!!!: since when did Spock and Uhura like each other?????
Ohhhh, and what a cutie Chris Pine is. Christine and I were wracking our brains as to where we've seen him before, and then it finally came to us: Princess Diaries 2, The Royal Engagement. He was the love interest. He's blondish now, but still very dreamy. He makes a really good Captain James Tiberious Kirk. All the old-faithfuls are there: Spock, Scotty, Checkov, Bones, Sulu, Uhura, Pike. We grabbed a little lunch at the outdoor food court. It is a gorgeous day.

I hope they 'boldly go where no man has gone before', and make another one in a couple of years. Until then, I send you good Vulcan wishes: Live Long and Prosper.

[ Christine went to see her friend, Ashley, who just had her surgery on Wednesday. She is 14 and has female cancer. It is terriby sad. She is a darling girl and she and Chris have been friends since elementary school. It breaks my heart. I saw her for a few minutes when I went to pick up Christine. She was so cheerful, but wasn't moving too well, and looks pretty tired. Guess surgery and cancer do that to you. She has such a good outlook.
Duff and I got the grocery shopping done. Really not in the mood to do it today. But we did run into lots of people from the ward doing the same thing. We get a good laugh out of that. Came home and Adrianne helped us get it all unloaded and put away. THANK YOU! Made a quick dinner and then watched Ocean's 11.
Christine went to Sarah's to get ready for the stake dance and then go hit the dance floor. I'm waiting for her to come home. Rachel is bringing her tonight since she chaperoned. The girls were looking forward to it because it was a 'black light dance' and they were planning their outfits to make the maximum use of the black lights. It was also Beatle's night. Geez, that takes me back.....]