Turning half a century!

Tomorrow is my 50th birthday and this past weekend my family filled my Saturday full of surprises. First I was taken on a treasure hunt to buy some of my own gifts and receive some very special treasures in the form of beautiful letters from each of my children and my husband along the way. I can tell you any make-up I had on (which wasn't much cuz I totally wasn't expecting any of this) was ruined by the end of the hunt, after reading those touching letters! I ended up at our neighborhood park with my family there waiting to play a rousing game of volleyball, my favorite thing to do! After our game we headed home to find that Heather and Lara had driven all the way to Globe earlier in the day, while they had me chasing around on my treasure hunt,to buy me my very favorite food for dinner, Chalo's spicy green chili burros! It was so very, very yummy. We were joined by our friends Reid and Valeree and after burros and some delicious cold stone ice cream cake I opened presents, visited with my family and friends and played a fun game of 5 crowns which Valeree dominated throughout, although she swears she has never played before. I think she's a card shark ;). It was such a wonderful day and I am so very, very blessed. Turning 50 isn't bad at all with family and friends such as mine. Below are a few pictures from this special day. Thank you guys, I love you all!!

My Surprise 50th Birthday Party

Halloween Cuties 2009

30 Years Today

My sweet husband of 30 years wrote me a beautiful poem for our anniversary, I love him!!!

Thirty years with Lisa

I met you at a dance, the fall of ‘79
All dressed up in my French suit, feeling mighty fine
I was looking for a friend, someone I could date
You were talking to friend Mark, I felt that it was fate
We went for a drive, went all over the place
I was so inspired, with your beauty and your lovely face
You made me feel brave, I moved in for a kiss
With two souls like ours, I knew I couldn’t miss
It didn’t take long to fall in love, it’s true
Three months later, I was asking to marry you
We made it to June; I took you to the Temple
To be sealed forever, it couldn’t have been more simple
It’s been thirty years today, we’ve had a great life together
We’ve had a few storms along the way, but nothing we couldn’t weather
We had six great kids, now three grandkids too
If I had it all to do again, of course I’d still marry you
We’ve got an eternity ahead, still to spend together
Progressing ever forward, our way to lose, no never
My love for you grows more, with every passing day
My desire to be your spouse, your lover, your friend, come what may
So thank you for dancing with me, lo these many years
If you’d have said no thanks, I’d have cried a million tears
I just want to be your everything; I want to be so sweet
But most of all, above everything else, I just want to be YOUR Pete

Lily's blessing day

North to Alaska

Jackson's Blessing Day

This week we welcomed our newest grandbaby into our family. Lilian Dorene was born on April 14th and weighed 8 lbs. 9 oz. We're so happy to have her here safe and sound. Way to go Wendy, she's a beauty!

I woke up this morning to find my house decorated for my birthday, 2 days early! Lara had planned and purchased decorations and with Kristen's help decorated me up a beautiful surprise. My kids and grandkids are coming over today (except for Melissa and David in Utah, *tear*) to help me celebrate. What a thoughtful family I have, I am so blessed!

Happy Birthday Kristen!!

Introducing Jackson Robert

Arianna's 1st Birthday Party

Beautiful day + quiet Sunday afternoon = naptime!

**************************She may kill me!******************

New Year's Hugs and Kisses

Christmas Day

We didn't get a lot of pictures taken this Christmas but here are a few of our Christmas moments. Santa found Ari at our house and she had a great time with her new toys and yes, those messy rooms do indeed belong to me.

Kristen and Lara are quite intent on figuring out the new technology Santa brought to them and later there is a killer game of Rummikub in progress. Notice Melissa manages to cover her face even when she doesn't know a picture is being taken! All in all we sure enjoyed our Christmas with our family all together.

Our house was filled with giggles this morning as Lara, Malia, and Casey enjoyed a "pre-finals breakfast" of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and apple juice. Hopefully their brains are powered up to ace their final exams and then on to Christmas!

Beautiful nativity video

Click on this link to watch a beautiful Christmas video of the nativity set to the song "Oh Holy Night"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_ypUnnqr8Y&eurl=http://www.youtube.com/v/Z_ypUnnqr8Y&autoplay=0&feature=player_embedded

Arianna's getting a new baby sister! Yesterday I met Wendy at St. Joe's and took care of Ari while Wendy got an ultrasound done. Everything looked great and I got my first glimpse of my new granddaughter, due April 29th. She's sure to be born before that as Wendy has gestational diabetes and the specialist will not allow her to go full term. It would be great if she was born on my birthday, April 13th, what a great present that would be! I'm actually hoping she can go as long as possible. Maybe she can make it to her great-grandma's birthday on April 27th, but I seriously doubt the doctor will allow her to go that long. As long as she and her mom come through it all healthy and strong I'll be happy!

Granddad is enjoying his Thanksgiving with Ari and family up in Payson