Dude, Nice Purse

Picture my handsome husband sitting outside of the oh so manly store, Cabela's. He has kindly taken my purse and purchase out while I was inside, using the facilities. I swear I was in and out in 5 minutes. It was long enough though for a couple to walk by and the man looked over at Steve, saw my purse and said, "Oh, didn't they have it in pink?" (I have a white purse right now.) The lady said, "You are number one in my book", and gave Steve the thumbs up. When I came out of the store he was laughing and told me what happened. That made my evening! I am grateful to have a husband that will hold my purse when I go pee, that will laugh with me-but usually at me, and still hold my hand in public. I think I'm pretty lucky.

I Love Birthdays

All the girls in the house wear the "Birthday Crown"

El gave me a "BPA" free water bottle

Ki gave me acrylic letter stamps and ink

Ki also colored a picture for me

Yes, it's true! I love the day (but preferably a month) that we get to celebrate us getting older. I don't care how old I am getting or how old you are getting. I just love the fact that we are still alive. It is a time that you can make someones day special for them just by saying "Happy Birthday". Why not revel in the fabulous gifts and prizes and the attention?

Thank you to those of you who remembered!

Birthday Dessert

Ashley posted about our Birthday Dessert adventure on her blog, check it out: The Bluths: Birthday dessert

Another one bites the dust

Ki is getting pretty close with the tooth fariy these days. Both of her front bottom teeth are gone. Is this a sign that she is getting older or what? I am happy for her to becoming a big girl!

Yo Pops-

It's your Birthday! I think I am one of the luckiest daughters, to have such an outstanding father. I love you for the fighter that you are, the survivor that you are, the wise man that you are, the priesthood holder that you are, the example that you are, the kind hearted man that you are, the supporter that you are, the awesome grandfather that you are, the fisherman that you've become, the teacher that you've been to me, the patient man that you are, the loving husband that I've seen you be, the practical man that you are, the spiritual man that you are, and the best Dad that I've ever had. I know how lucky I am to be born into your earthly family and what it means to you to see your 8 children grow and have their own families. You are a miracle man to me and I am thankful for each day that I get to be your child here on earth. Thank you for living your life each day as best as you can and for encouraging us to do the same.

I love you Pops!

A Visitor at My House

Torrie and Brandie

Steve missed the group photo

Awesome Aunt Brandie with Ki and El

My so brave and awesome brother in-law, Jere, planned a trip for my sister to come to Phoenix for Christmas. She came with her baby and he stayed home with the rest-4-of the cutest kids I know. So my sister and I stayed up talking until the wee hours of the morning and then hung out in our pj's all day and promised that we would get to bed earlier the next night-didn't happen. She got to hang out with my girls which she said she thoroughly enjoyed. They miss her terribly. I miss her terribly too. It was an awesome week of just chillaxing and that is just what we both needed. And when she got home to Virgina, all of her children were alive, and well, and her hubby was still breathing. I'd say that it was a success. Somehow I just don't think she'll be getting that gift again for several years-bummer! I am excited for my younger brother's wedding in February because I get to see her again and my other siblings. I can't wait. After that I don't know what I'll have to look forward to.

What once was here...and now is gone

Did I mention that my Ki girl is growing up way to fast? It is official. The tooth fairy made a stop at our house. Her two bottom teeth have been loose and a week ago she said she had another tooth in her mouth, and sure enough she did. The new tooth was making it's way up, right behind the baby tooth that just wouldn't let go. Maybe it liked the view from her mouth. So after my sister and I tried all kinds of tricks, Steve got her to hold still and he tied floss around that baby and a quick yank and it was out. She didn't even cry, rather she thought it was cool! The one next to it is getting looser daily, we'll have to get out some more floss this weekend for it, I think.

A Time To Remember

This is dedicated to my dear friend Stuart P. Rippy. He has passed, but today would have been his 29th birthday. I met Stuart when I moved to Colorado in the 4th grade. He was a very loyal and kind friend to me as we grew up. When we left for college, I never imagined that I would never see him again-on this earth.
He died in his sleep on Christmas Eve in 2002. As his loving parents remembered him they said, "He was just so happy, and he had a smile that would make anyone melt. He was one of those rare individuals that could make anybody feel at ease." I consider myself blessed to have known this brave young man, and to share a friendship that I look forward to revisiting when I too return to my loving Father in Heaven.

My First Born is 6

The girls playing Gone Fish'n

Ki's crazy Card from G'ma Kay

She LOVES her Barbie Town House


A little frosting mustache for the Birthday Girl

Wow, it's true. My Ki is 6. We had a great day yesterday. We went to a Primary activity and then had a Birthday gathering. A few of Ki's friends came over and we played games, ate lunch and had funfetti cupcakes. And later when dad came home from hunting, Ki opened her birthday presents. Her Favorite is her Barbie Town House. It came with two Barbie's and she even let El have one of them. Steve put all the stickers on it and the girls love it! I can't believe that my girl is getting so big, she even has two loose teeth. Ki is a great girl and I love her very much. We don't always agree how things should be, but she is a good friend to her sister, she is good at drawing, painting and coloring, she is very imaginative and a great organizer. I am very honored to be her mom!

I love you Ki!