Karaoke Night

Sometimes, as hard as you try, you can't keep the giggles inside! That's how it is with our family when we get together for a party, especially if karaoke is involved. Heather pulled out her machine and boy did the music and laughs ever begin! We enjoyed getting together at Heather and Jake's apartment in Herriman. Although they now have a home in West Point, I look forward to more happy times together.

You are Loved

How hard is it for Dorothy to love the Bride of Frankenstein (or was it Dracula)? Not very hard. Sometimes there is a bond between two people and it is not immediately obvious why. That's the way it is with Alyssa and Stephanie. Could it be because these two both have a bit of red in their hair? Or that they are aunt and niece? Or that they both like stories? Or that they feel comfortable with each other? Or is it just one of those indefinable things--something to stop analyzing and just enjoy? Why not? How blessed you are!

Heading for Women's Conference

This photo makes me smile because, even though I will not be going this year, there are so many good memories. I remember the times we met up with Carol and Aunt Fran. We not only enjoyed the classes but our time with each other, the laughs, the serious talks, the fun in just being together. One year, Michelle went with me. We did not have a room and ended up commuting from a motel in Nephi! There were kids there from a Senior trip or something. They woke me up from what must have been an awful dream and for a time I thought I was listening to really abusive stuff happening rather than just kids fooling around. Glad I figured that one out before going back to sleep again. (I was really dragging during Friday's classes that year!) Heather has been my companion many times. She would plan ahead and take a day off work just to do it together. Thanks to all who provided the memories and the company.

Canine Grandchild

Here is a photo of Chance, Kimberly's darling little dog. I was with her when she found him at the Humane Society. He stole her heart immediately and when she took him for a walk outside, it was clear that he had already bonded with her. He didn't want to have much to do with me. She has taken him from a fearful dog who growled and barked at all of us to a friendly and loving little guy. It took patience and training on her part but now he is a wonderful companion for her, sensitive to her feelings and lively but sweet.

Sunrise

Today the sky is very grey. The morning almost looks gloomy. But I can see by the picture that there are other days (that particular sunrise was in February) when the clouds serve an extraordinary purpose: they enhance the beauty of light and sky. This sunrise faded out rather quickly. I took three photos from the office, each one successively more pale. But I am glad on this Thursday morning I can remember the sunrise in February. Looking north, through the other window in this room, I am even getting a glimpse of blue.

Papercrafts and Ice Cream

On the day this photo was taken we were in Cedar City. Aunt Fran, Carol and I were gathered around her table for several hours, making accordian style photo albums. I remember that time with fondness, being with people I love from my mother's side of the family, working with our hands to create something. It was good being together. Art was in the other room, relaxing or reading, sometimes poking his head into the kitchen to see what we were laughing about. Later on, Don brought leftover ice cream from the Ennis' freezer. We had the choice of about six different flavors (temptation!!) and I told myself we were doing a favor by helping them clean things out. What rationalization! And more laughs!

PT with Bill

Technically, Bill is a massage therapist, and a good one. And he is so much more. Having physical therapy is not exactly fun. But Bill has a way of showing concern, pushing you to do the work and promoting lots of laughs in the process. I think it is a gift. He looks very serious in this picture. Don't let that fool you. In the next moment, he was probably joking around with me or talking me into a little more effort on the upcoming exercise. Although I am not overly excited about doing physical therapy, I am glad that Art and I had the chance to meet Bill and get to know him.

And even though it is the first of April today, I really mean it!