It's easy, when you have your own personal designer.

This weeks news: New couches at our house. Woot, woot. The old ones have been lovingly slip-covered and recycled to Becca's house. Her kids think they're new and are thrilled.
I think they class up the place.

And then there's my personal designer (Memzy) who helped select the bling/new pillows.

We're at Pier 1 loving all their pillows, commenting on how much we love this one and that one and how Cris will think they're too "out there" but buying them anyway.

When the scene was set and revealed he said, "There not putrid and Memzy DOES know best about these things. They're good". Ta Da!!!

LOVE hydrangea's.

And look who turned TWO yesterday!!! She loved her new baby from Gramma and Papa.

And set about making her baby happy. Happy Birthday Clara. We love you.

These kids just oooooooze happiness.

Nick, Tasha and Bella came for a visit this weekend. It's very clear that Liesl is in hog heaven when girls cousins arrive.
They laughed and played and laughed and played.

Nick has a way with toddlers. He can win them over within about 1/2 an hour. Once the sticker book came out Clara hopped right up.

Papa does love those little girls.

Me too.

A couple of weeks ago Kevin took his family to Mexico. Can you tell?

They LOVED it. Christine and Rachel are the most fluent in Spanish with Luke and Seth not far behind. Ricky. . .not so much.

Great family picture. Thanks for sharing Kevin.

What time is it REALLY?

This is the clock on the wall above my computer. It's a nice little clock--but too high for me to reach without a step-stool. Too much trouble.
This is the clock in one of our bedrooms. The correct time. Daylight savings time. The Daylight Savings time that will end next Sunday. I can reach this clock. I'll change it next Sunday and then it will match the clock above my computer---that's been wrong for 5 months.

Then all will be right with the world. Makes me happy just to think about it.

I love these people!!

Sometimes you just gotta whine a bit. It's human nature. Most of the time I try to suppress it and be super cheerful but every once in awhile it comes out. I MISS THESE PEOPLE.
And this one.

And this one.

Luckily, I have these people to soothe the soul.

Everything Charlie does----Clara wants to do also.

Quite a case of hero worship. Why is Gramma's bed so appealing to kids? When I got in to bed that night I found Charlie's socks. . . . .and some fruit snacks lovingly left behind. Sigh. . .life is good.

Do people in their 60's go to concerts? Oh yes they do!!!

We received a wonderful gift for Christmas from the Waite Boys (Riley, Jack and Charlie). Tickets to the Chris Botti concert--one of Cris' favorite jazz musicians. It was totally awesome people. Like a rock concert. People were giving standing ovations on the regular, one woman kept yelling, "You're so sexy Botti" which made him embarrassed but I think he loved it. It really was fun so we're sending a big thank you to the boys.

Update on the BYU license plate that Memzy scored. It is displayed very nicely in her kitchen. It looks so happy up there doesn't it?

I know I post more about Clara than the other munchkins but it's because she's the only one not in school and can visit more often. She took hold of my hand and said, "Come on Gramma". "Where are we going"? "To the 'puter". We sit down and she said, "Now get Thomas for me". I rest my case--she's a genius.

A short video demonstrating her verbal skills. High-larious. (only 1 1/2 min.)




She then wanted to see herself on the video, over and over again, actually talking to the camera and answering my questions. So funny.

This video is equally fun but a little longer 3 1/3 min. Enjoy

P.S. Other grandchildren could send pictures of videos to Gramma for posting :)

Just some of our blessings.

Aren't iPhone terrific? Nick visited Kevin and family in Medford, Oregon this weekend and sent some fun pictures. IPhone pictures aren't as good as camera pictures but I love them just the same. Let it be said I didn't actually ask permission to post these images but am hoping they don't mind. A little target practice. . . . .
This one was labeled "Mormon Militia".

It appears that some people like to relax in the isle at church. "Just step over him people" He won't mind.

Little Miss Rachel at the park.

Kevin in his office looking very professional and official.

Liesl and Owen playing Webkins. They will talk to you while they play but will not look up.

Legos---lots of legos.

Now THIS is a picture. Miss Clara in her happy place at Gramma and Papa's. Thumb, sippy, blanket, Dora the Explorer on TV. Life is good.

Happy Valentines Day to all our loved ones.

Guess who got to see her Mommy?

Last week I was able to arrange for Cris' care and take a short trip to Rexburg to see my Mom. It was soooooo good to see her and know she is doing well, as cute as ever and happy as a clam. She and her little puppy (Ginger) are constant companions. Suffice it so say Ginger is spoiled rotten.
Me and my mom.

Do we look like sisters? (Patty)

People--this is their front yard. Seriously.

Krystina's truck is proof of snow, snow, snow.

And this is my favorite niece, Krystina. (Get over it people--she's the fave this week). Sorry it's not a good picture of Jaden (her nephew) but it's darling of Krystina at Angelica's wedding. Gelly, you could be the favorite next week--we'll see. Landee the week after. And Tara.. . . Annie, Heidi. You get the picture.

Cris did really well thanks to the caregivers and our super daughters and sons-in-law. Thanks so much for all your help. It was a great trip.