Lemon Lily

When Mom gave me a start of this wonderful plant a few years ago, she said that she had gotten hers from Grandma Blood. After just a couple of years, they have become great bloomers - the earliest of any of my daylilies - with a wonderful, rich fragrance. What fun it is to have this 'heritage' flower blooming outside my kitchen window this time of year!

When I was Skinny

I am starting to get a little meat on my bones and here is the proof!

Joleen's Beauty

This fragrant and delicate tree peony was in bloom by Joleen's front door. What an eye-catcher!
We had dinner with Joleen & Phil after attending the magnificent "Reflections of Christ" exhibit. I was moved by the power of photography to capture the spirit of the life of the Savior.
http://www.reflectionsmg.com/reflections-of-christ-videos.php

A Picture is Worth...........

Pictures for Mother's Day! Elissa is beautiful and all grown up. That means doing all the things that go with the age.
Here she is with her friend, all dressed for the big Mormon Prom, a very special night in Alphraretta, Georgia.

Kerry is an outstanding mother, who works very hard at keeping the family ship upright and going in the right direction. Natalie (Boo) on the left, keeps them guessing, and Libby has the answers.

Kerry & Jay

I would say, reluctantly, that Georgia has been a good home to this family. And while we all think that the distance between us is far too great, we are certainly blessed with technology to bridge the gap.

Happy Birthday to the Old Man of the Mtns!

Happy 76th Birthday, Pop! You are a fantastic example to all of what a father and a man should be. You've been a constant rock of silent strength to me and I want you to know how much I love you. You are why I watch hangliders as long as I can when they happen to be in the sky, why I try to identify the different Evergreens in the woods, why I take interest in Hawks, Eagles, etc., why I like old cars, and why I love the mountains so much. You always took the time to point out these things out to me. You are definitely the reason why I am very clear in giving directions-boy, do I know my North, South, East, & West! I think I can blame you for the reason why I need things to be symmetrical in my surroundings. If only I had some of your math skills! Thank heavens someone in this family shares my passions for John Grisham and going to the garbage dump.

You may not have been able to see and do everything on your life's list, Dad, but you've been everything that your children have needed! I love you, and Happy Birthday.

Love, Shannon

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

This picture was from Mom's birthday a few years ago...not much has changed, especially the smile! Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I am so glad you are my mother, rather than a steam shovel with a snort ("Are You My Mother?", for you uncultured people). I wouldn't trade a minute of the lessons and the love that you have shared with me, and the heritage you have given me. Thank you for every little, teeny, tiny thing you have ever done to make my life easier and happier. Thank you for teaching me things like "no worky, no eaty", and "pretty is, as pretty does", and "Get to it!" and "Is that a want or a need?". Many times I have found myself shopping, choosing some great stuff, and then putting it all back on the shelf, going home empty handed-wonder where I got that from...

You are the best Mom in the whole world! I love you and I wish I could be with you today.

Love,
Shannon

Change of Address

Ben, Joel, JoLin and almost 8/9 of baby paused in the garden after church just long enough for this photo. Saturday night was their last night of sleeping at this house. What a blessing it has been to have them for this time.

The boy loves the open spaces.

The house will be quiet without his hollering, "Bob" "Judy".

Frist Night In Their Own Home! Happy Days!!!!!!

Congratulations Mr President!

Phil has just been elected 2010 President Elect for the Washington State REALTORS Association. It currently has a membership of 20,000. He is very passionate about Home Owner's rights and protecting his profession. He went in as an underdog and beat the giant from King County. This will pretty much define our lives for the next 3 1/2 years as he serves as President-Elect, President and Immediate Past President. As his wife, I am very proud of him and know that he is humbled and excited at the same time. As a member of the REALTOR Association, I am excited because I know our organization is in great hands. Good Luck Phil!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Gardening may be Mother's hobby of choice, but her first and greatest love is her family.




After Dad, her kids and grandchildren are the center of Mom's world. What a blessing it has always been to have her guidance, love, and friendship in our lives. Thank you, Mom - we love you so!

Easter Sunday

Sunday Morning dawned with cold rain that continued all day long. At church we had enough family to take up a whole row just like the good old days. Who says that you must have sunshine to feel the spirit of Easter and the Resurrection ? After church we hunkered down in the house, loving being together.

Shannon & David

Brooke

Ben, Joel, and JoLin

Kemp, at the table, & Ross playing with Joel

Grace with the toothless smile

Joleen & Phil

Joel and his Grandpa

What a joyous day for family members here and those far away, as we remember the good news: Jesus is risen from the tomb!

LIBBY TURNS 11

Libby had her 11th birthday on April 11. This picture is from her birthday one year ago.

As the middle child, she is valued as the balance in the family. We have many happy wishes for her!!!

Back to School

Congratulations to Shannon! BYU accepted 100 students for their new program for a BYU online degree. When complete, she will earn her Bachelor of University Studies. School begins on April 20. So between David, Grace, Primary Counselor in charge of scouts, Girl Scout Leader, being very involved in family history research and temple work, she won't even notice one more thing on her plate! Good luck and best wishes!

The Climbing Tree

When Jacob was 14-15, one of the requirements for a merit badge was to climb so many feet and repel. Bob nailed the steps into this tree and attached a rope at the top. Much to his delight, Jacob climbed it many times. Not wanting to be left out, Alicia and Benjamin also went to the top and swung down. Last year, the tree died. So Bob cut it down this winter/spring?

Got to cut it right so the tree will miss all of the garden raised beds, fences, and electric wires.

Straight as an arrow, it came down. There is only one small apple tree missing. It was sent into the ground by the force of that big fir landing square on it. The fir made a good amount of firewood!

Sequence of Sleeping Positions

After playing in his crib till the wee hours the night before, wake up time in the morning was a little tough for Joel. Here is flash # 1.

And here is flash #2
Now we have flash #3

Here is the only response I got!

Ben Earns GREEN

You have to turn your head for the cake. The celebration was an important achievement for Ben. He passed his accreditation test for "Green" construction. This is a big deal for him and his company for future bids, jobs, etc. There were lots of nights of study and plenty of anxiety, but now the piece of paper says it all! Congratulations, Ben!

Phil Takes A Day Off

For a Christmas present, I promised Brooke a day of skiing. It sounded like so much fun, Phil & Patrick had to come along. Though Brooke left them both behind in the dust, (or powder), she pooped out before I got my camera out. It was a well deserved break and day off.

No Tonsils = New Quilt

This is the day Grace had her tonsils removed...notice the purple mouth from a grape popsicle. She loves dressing the "paper dolls" with their clothes. Thank you, Granny, for the beautiful quilt!

50 Years Later...

...and it still fits!

Spring! ...???

It seems like it is time for "Spring"
to decide to make a commitment,
don't you think???

Pussy Willows

A couple of days ago, Bob picked some branches of pussy willows and put them in a vase for the dining table. They are usually the first cutable signs of spring and generally last until we can sneak a few yellow daffodils in with them. This picture of Kemp was taken at our Cooper Pt. home so he is just 4 or 5 years old. Spring was welcome then too!