My Baby Bear is 18!!!

I really can't believe Darren can seriously be 18...(I don't feel that old!) What a great last child Darren has been.  The cutest little boy...I still can see him in the Primary Program when he was a sunbeam, we were at the back of the chapel and when he finally spotted us, he started waving and yelled at the top of his lungs "Hi Mom" Don Ahern cracked up at him and kept telling me, "he should be in the movies".  He has a very tender heart that surfaced at a young age...Chris Figgins was teasing him about bringing him some treats so one Saturday morning when we had donuts, Darren went over to the Figgins without us knowing and rang the doorbell (early Sat. morning) no answer so he left Chris a donut hanging it on their doorbell. When he went to middleschool and started band with Mr. Matta, his friends thought he should play the tuba because he could fit in the case! It was tough riding the bus with that tuba...so one day he comes downstairs with his tuba case with wheels on the bottom.  He had taken the wheels off his desk and got the drill gun and put them on the school tuba case! I have always loved his bright, ingenious mind...its always at work.  My older kids think I have spoiled Bear which I have what can I say. He is an amazing young man, loyal, extremely non judgemental, he always fights for the underdog.  He has always had friends from all ages and all walks of life.  He will be a great missionary because of his unconditional love for people. He has had alot of great leaders in his life that have seen the best in him, thanks Bro. Hodson and Casey, Bishop, Bro. Wilcox, Sis. Schlauder, Janae, Lucy, Wendi and others.  I know I shouldn't name names but as I'm sitting here and the tears are flowing and I am feeling very grateful for all the help in raising this young man...it does take a village and I am grateful for the village we live in...Darren I hope you know how much you are loved! You have so many gifts, we love to be with you, you add so much to our family...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Sail away....

I started this post and got sidetracked...but we did sail away and went on a Book of Mormon cruise.  It is so amazing to see these ruins...I feel like a dry sponge, right now I want to be dropped into a bucket of water and completely soak in every drop.  I'm so excited to read the Book of Mormon with new eyes...I know it will take me longer but I think that will be a good thing!  Here are a few pictures, we also went to a butterfly conservatory in Key West.  In Canada I don't know how many hours I have chased butterflies around trying to get a close up good shot...it was really easy here...they landed on you.  When I walked into the atrium, I'm sure my heart rate rose rapidly.  They were flying all around you.  You  had too watch where you stepped, all kinds of little creatures! You couldn't scream because it was a quiet, serene environment...I'm sure they would have kicked me out!

Tagged.

It's been awhile...a little crazy around here...I really want to do a post about my father-in-law, maybe Sunday, for tonight I'll answer my 8 for 8 tag from that original, talented lady...Janazee...

8 TV Shows I Like to Watch:

Criminal Minds

Bones

CSI NY

Extreme House Makeover

The Unit

Tennis Opens

Oprah

The Mentalist(new)

8 Restaurants I like to eat at:

Cafe Rio

Cheesecake

Carrabas

Sammy's

Gurus(in provo)

Quizno's

PF Changs

Luv it's

8 Things that happened today:

BONANZA BEAT PALO VERDE IN TENNIS REGIONALS!!!

Lucy Whiting jumped higher than Craig!

Lost my voice...

talked on the phone,finding addresses

Mailed all of Rachel's & Dustin's invitations!!

Did a Sudoku fast

Learned how to mail merge excel list into word and print

odd size envelopes..almost...thanks daniel!!

Hugged Ron, Rachel, my Mom, Bear

8 Things I am Looking Forward too:

Rachel's shower(thanks Laurie)

The Wedding Nov. 1st

Book of Mormon Trip after

Making Rachel's room into my office

Getting in better shape

Going to the Temple tomorrow

The Primary Program

Getting my Washer part here...

8 Things on My Wish List:

Lose 10 pounds by wedding..

 Go to yoga 8 days a week

I would remember things better

Take our Family on a great trip for Christmas

Darren would play at state

Friends & Family would really know how grateful I am for them and all they do for me and my family

More time in a day

8 hours of sleep at night!!

8 People to tag:

Kris

Carol

Tammy

Brittney D.

Brittany B.

Cami

Rachel/Dustin

Jenni W.

Braintype??

Yeah...I got to play tennis today what a beautiful day it was!!! We talked about Brain types...this was a fun test to take and see why we do what we do(wish it was that easy...) Which Brain Type are you? Check it out...http://www.braintypes.com/ I was FCAL/ENFJ "Educator"

Testosterone.

This top picture was from last Christmas and these guys were checking out Google Earth.  We couldn't break them free.  Guys are different than us girls, thank goodness, but we've been spending a lot more time together this Dye bunch and I have grown to appreciate all these men. I am so thankful for the Priesthood Power available to us here on earth.  I am thankful for Grandpa Dye's example of how to be a great husband and father.  He is just beaming here with his four sons.  We tried so hard to get him to take a trip with just his sons and we would take care of Grandma but he would not leave her.  I kinda always thought he probably thinks we can't handle it but now I know he just didn't want to spend one minute away from her.  Last night was Ron's night with his parents and I am so thankful he is such a wonderful son and is there for his parents but these days I hate spending one minute away from him.

Talent.

Can you believe this darling little girl?? And this darling little sweater and hat?? Jan made this for me awhile ago with a matching blanket and booties. Really still to this day I can't believe she did that!!  I would never have the patience that it would take to finish a project like this or the talent. I was overwhelmed that someone would give a gift that took so much time to make to me.  It touched my heart and made me feel very loved; its also made me think alittle more about the gifts I give, how they make others feel, what they say....its been really hard cause I can't think of just giving it to one of my grandaughters...Jan just laughs and thinks that is so silly but it is truly a treasure and was a gift from the heart...thank you Jan for sharing your many gifts.  I just can't believe Kate is growing up so fast!

Playtime...

One of the highlights of my week!! This little cutie is growing up way too fast.  She is so independent and wants to climb on the rocks all by herself. It is so fun being a grandma...you definetly have a different perspective.  I could just watch Kate all day; try to figure out all the little details...whats this on my finger? whats this hole here, maybe the hose goes inside it. I would love to read her mind.  She played with the hose so long and just laughed and laughed. It felt great to just slow down and Play...no wonder kids just wanna have fun...we need to learn from them and have play time!!!!

Whew....

Thank goodness for the people in our 'inner circle' who know just what we need and just when we need it!!! Brittney came down the night before Cami left to go back to Provo and said they were going to see Mama Mia, just the girls Rach, Cami and her and they wanted me to go. "No its ok, I really don't want to go...I just need to go to yoga...you girls go and you'll have way more fun! I'll just be a party poop.... you can talk about wedding night things (for Rach!)" No" Britt said," come on you need to go...so after 15 min. of talking she got me in the car we're driving in to Red Rock and Brittney turns the wrong way...I'm like I think you park on the other side...Britt, no theres a short cut through the spa...I'm like are we going to the spa???? YES we are going to the spa!!! It was great, Cami has a picture but I feel SO blessed to have all these sweet women in my family, my inner circle...I love them all so much and what I really love is that they love each other so much. P.S...Thanks sweetie for making that possible...now its the boys turn(not the spa maybe hunting trip??)

grateful.

I am so grateful for this sweet example in my life.  On July 28th they have been married 63 years.  Maynard has been amazing to watch as he has faithfully cared for Grandma the past several years.  Right now they don't even want to be in different rooms. It is so tender, I feel so blessed to be around them and be taught by their example....I am so grateful...I love you both so much! xoxo

Rachy....

It was Rach's birthday June 19...I am really late in this post to her! Rachel you are amazing. You really should be the mom. I learn so much from you. I still am working on patience...Rachel has the most patience of anyone I know. I have told this story so much about her but to this day when I think about it I still can't believe it. She was in elementary school and I was suppose to pick her up but I felt sick so I called Ron at work, he said he'd run and get her. It was awhile and they still weren't home I thought he must have taken her to get an icee or something(this was before cell phones!) So its really getting late, I called work and Ron's still there. So I race out the door and drive up to the school and here is Rach sitting on the curb, everyone gone home and I said Rach why didn't you go in the office and call? she said I knew someone would be here to get me. It had been over an hour. If that would have been Cami or me 5 min. max then into the office.. call 911. She is still the one in our family that remains calm and wise. She has the biggest heart, gives very thoughtful gifts, never talks bad about anyone or to anyone. She has always honored her parents. She is a great sister who is easy to talk to and is always caring. She has so many talents and gifts that Heavenly Father has blessed her with. I love being around her. She is artistic, has great taste (she is going shopping for me soon) and is currently the manager at Bare Essential in Nordstrom(stop by and wish her a belated Happy Birthday!) Rachel you are a great spirit, what a lucky mom I am...keep teaching me I know it takes alot of patience! We ALL love you xoxoxox P.S. Darren wanted me to say he knows he's the favorite brother and he loves you!

Grace for the trials....

I've been reading from adailyscoop.blogspot.com for the past several weeks.  It has been inspiring and uplifting for me....years ago I went through a trial not very gracefully and since that experience my prayer to the Lord has been 'please let me pass through my trials gracefully'.  This sweet mother is doing that and has touched many lives by her example.  She comes from pioneer heritage so a little tribute to Stephanie, a picture from Cove Fort and this perfect quote I found...."God has not promised skies always blue,  flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;  God has not promised sun without rain,  joy without sorrow, peace without pain.  But God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way.  Grace for the trials, light for the way,  unfailing sympathy, undying love." -Kristone... Thank you for helping us all to remain focused on 'partaking of the fruit' and having our hand firmly planted on the iron rod....

Summer.....

Summer goes by so fast! Here is a quick catch up...Rach's Birthday, June 19 and then we headed up to Provo to stay with my sister Carol for Stadium of Fire for the fourth. I love to be in Provo for this holiday. We went to the parade in the morning and then to the fireworks, Hanna Montana, Blue Man...it was great. I think my favorite part is at the beginning when the planes fly low over the stadium, it is so loud! You just can't help but feel proud to be an American. We had a wonderful time with my sister and her family they always have their door open and treat us so well. Then on the way home we stopped by Cove Fort. I've tried more than once to get my family to stop but we are always in too big of a rush.  Brittney had never been there and Kate needed to stop and stretch. The minute we stepped from the car we were greeted by a very sweet brother such a great missionary. You could feel the sweet spirit immediately, the huge trees, green grass and this home of Ira Hinckley family. They moved it from Coalville when they rededicated Cove Fort. Thirteen people slept in this little room! We are so spoiled...I loved the hardware on the front door, no doubt this home was filled with love!

Then we toured the fort and this was a picture from behind by the pond, if you look in the background you can see where the brown starts this is where the fire last year stopped. I had heard about it but until I was standing there really seeing how close that fire was I had no idea. I was just struck with how much Heavenly Father loves us and watches over us. I was so, so thankful we stopped. If you are driving up north....take a minute its only 1 mile off the freeway and you will be so glad you did!

Playing Tag.....

My cute little niece(Britty) started her own 'name the top five things no one knows about you' blog tag game and I was the first one she tagged. Brit, I'm honored... I've been sitting here for awhile trying to think of five things and I think everyone knows everything about me!!! Ok, I'm giving this a go, don't laugh...

1. I do not like men with facial hair..we went to this seminar years ago and they said men with facial hair especially  around the mouth area means they are hiding something, so to this day when I see a moustache or those little go tees I immediately think...hmmm.. What's he hiding? (I know so dumb!)

2. I don't like the word try, you either do it or you don't.

3. The first time I went to IKEA I felt like I was on a Disneyland ride..I get so excited, my heart actually beats faster. I love, love, love paint chips, fabrics, accessories, it is still crazy to me how my mind goes into overdrive when I see great design...you should go check out my sisters neighbors house  WOW

4.  I really want to take an art class. I did in college and I think deep down inside me is a famous artist just waiting to escape....ps.dye dreaming...

5.  When I'm on the tennis court in my mind I'm twenty...no wonder my right knee is the only limb that hasn't been scoped!

6.  I'm not very good with my english grammar (ask Daniel) I'm working on not saying 'alls' right now

Ok thats six..I like to make my own rules!

I'm going to tag my sisters Kris(time to start your blog!) and Grammie(get posting girl!), Cami(time for a new post!!) Karly, Amy, Tammy and everyone else...

K Britt thank you for now  helping me to take my mind off my shoulder for awhile, love you!

Aging....

What can I say??? I am alive, that is a good thing and I will read my little positive saying write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year...and I will be positive and grateful for the day. This shoulder surgery has not been fun and I am sorry I have been grumpy but it is getting better.  I am motivated to rethink my habits...the physical therapist said now that you are 50!!!!     !!!!...you can't just go out play tennis, go play the next day...you have to start to train and maintain, I'm looking at him like thank you very much for that information trying to smile, biting my lip, drawing blood...it has been a great reality check. I joined bikrams yoga yeh so here we go...

weekend Inspiration....

Life As Baby of the Family...

Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

Weekend Inspiration....

So here is where it's coming out...this is one of my many nature photos, my family laughs when we vacation...Kris says people Kathie, people pictures as I am over in the bushes somewhere...I love the saying!

All ya need is LOVE....

This is what I got for Mothers Day. Ron and I went tonight and it is incredible. I can't even comprehend who imagines and creates and makes it happen...how is it done? Wow, I am inspired, my creative juices are flowing and where they'll spill over, who knows!!! Thank you to all my family, that was a great gift...I enjoyed, it took me back to when I was crazy about Ringo, made me giggle, made me sing out loud,(is that why we only had 2 tickets?? extra thanks Ronnie for always stickin by my side, no matter what!)made me think could I get that in shape...just dye dreaming....

Camilla is 21!!!!

Can you believe it? I can't... Cami turned 21 (so did Sonya...same B-day!) on May 16th. I wanted to do a great tribute to Miss Millie because she is deserving of a great tribute. What an amazing young lady, she has so many talents, where do I start. So many things I love about her; she doesn't have a hard time choosing right, she doesn't question it, no debate, no gray....just white...just right. Tremendous moral compass, tender heart, generous heart, loves kids, compassionate, serves other, gets the job done, fiercely loyal. She loves the Savior and shows it daily by her actions. My favorite thing to do these days is sneak into Costco when we go to Provo and watch Cami in action in the optical department.  She helps alot of elderly people and she is so kind and patience with them. She has some regulars that come and visit with her. Once Rach, Cami and I got out of the car in the Costco parking lot and Rach and I got out the same side and started walking but no Cami...we turned around and she was chatting with an older lady that had locked her keys in the car... Cami was helping her decide what she should do, comforting her because she was upset...she is following in her Grannybirds shoes!! I love you so much Camilla Lynn

Most of my pictures are on my old computer so these are what I found on my Iphoto....I think I will title them Self Portrait