What I deserve

This is the time of weddings, family reunions and any excuse for a get-together. Our get-together is coming up this weekend. I plan to hug my favorite cousin, chat it up with long lost friends and eat a lot of freakin' delicious food. No work, minimal computer time and true reasons to stay out in the hot sun. Sorry customers, this weekend belongs to me. I deserve it.

Just hanging around

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Some days don't you just wonder why life hasn't turned out the way you planned? I mean I really don't think that everything has to be just that perfect but man.. somedays are still worth dreaming about.

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A great day!

Yesterday was July 4. The day of independence. For some reason year after year we still feel pulled to the hot, sticky long ordeal we fondly call "the parade". My children have yet to indulge in the fine times of decorating bikes or a riding lawn mower just to make their way down the streets packed with hordes of people waving and shouting approval at others not smart enough to stay home in the air conditioning and out of the blazing heat. Once again we also joined the group arriving early to secure the spot we've called our own for the past 10 years. Every year we swear we won't ever do this again and yet there we are. We mumble and grumble a bit but end up agreeing that this year was "a pretty good parade" and quietly comment to mostly no one that we're glad we made the effort. We always set up at the start of the entorage so we get everyone fresh out of the gate and have a quick get away as soon as the last horse and carriage is pulled past the line. No waiting for the pooper scoopers we're in the vehicles before they even put their shovels to the pavement.

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Following is the food. This varies from year to year but somehow ended up grilling at our house this year and eating way too much. My sister recently moved from Arizona to Utah a couple of weeks ago. Her family visiting kept things hopping so that naps were not an option. They didn't mind the heat and so we sat and visited on the porch all afternoon while watching the kids take turns try and kill themselves on our go-cart. They got pretty good at going just fast enough around the corners to skid several feet while turning the wheel just right and continuing on to the roundabout where tearing around the circle kicked up just the right amount of driveway to look really cool and then making it to the side yard to finish up with cookies in a cloud of dust and finally resting a the starting point ready for the next driver. My sisters kids almost have their parents convinced to let them use their pooled money of $267.58 to have Todd buy parts and work with them to build their own go-cart so they can work on killing themselves in the comfort of their own property. Trips are being planned even as we speak to meet in Pocatello at the parts stores and junk yards to start this new adventure.

Later we drove out to the thriving metroplis of Menan, Idaho. Home of possibly 1,ooo people that quadruples close to sunset every year on the 4th of July as the Volunteer Fire Department puts on a truely spectacular firework show in the center of town. We meet friends there every year and set up with blankets and camp chairs in the middle of the park while the kids run wild until the siren wailes and lets us know that the show is about to begin. This is my favorite part. By this time is has cooled off, the kids are tired enough and entertained enough to actually sit in one spot and the fireworks soar high above in amazing color of red, white and blue. By the time we arrive home and carry sleeping kids in from the car it is way past our bed time. We drag ourselves to bed and drift off to sleep. As we are lulled into slumber by the fireworks of neighbors still going off in the distance we hear ourselves saying "Now that was a great day!"

Robin Spencer

I just happen to have the best friend in the ENTIRE world. She is somewhat of a wonderwoman to me. In case you haven't met Robin Spencer let me just say.. you are really missing out. You actually become a better person just knowing she is in your life. Since I don't say it enough... Thanks Robin for all you do, You are the Greatest!!

Bun in the Oven

From time to time I get to do a little commercial work. This time is for a new store specializing in maternity, baby and childrens items called Bun in the Oven. It has been quite a project but I have really loved the change in pace. Here are a few of my favorite so far. I will be happy to see these in print.

Over the Edge

Over the Edge

(Hillbillies loose in suburbia)

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"Laugh out loud funny." - Entertainment Tonight

"Two thumbs up!"- Ebert & Roper

"A Wonderfully Funny Family.." - Good Morning America

Seattle, city of my birth

Funny how the mention of something can bring such a mix of feelings. Seattle has always been a mix for me. Until now. I'm adopted. Most of you know this. Did you know I was born in Seattle? Yep, that right. New Sweeden Hospital. Seattle, Wa. It is a wonderful thing for me. Being adopted that is. I feel quite fortunate to have a wonderful family and a great set of parents not to mention how greatful I am for the way I have been raised with the knowledge of the gospel in my life and a strong testimony of who I am, why I'm here and what happens to me when I depart this fine existance. I have wondered a time or two of the different world I may have wandered if I had indeed been kept and raised in this city. Never having visited only gives to the imagination. I only tell you this because as odd as it may be, going to Seattle was in a sense like home for me.

The entire reason for going on this trip so soon after returning from the last is simply..I love my niece Shalisa. She graduated with honors from Spanaway Lakes high school. I was fortunate enough to be there. Although they live in the burbs we spent a bit of time seeing the fabulous city of Seattle. Here are a few pics from the trip.

And the reason for going.. This is my brothers family, Love you guys! Thanks for a great time! Seattle really is a beautiful city! Congratulations Shalisa. I'm looking forward to you being closer to me this fall.