Happy Father's Day!

This is what Evan's Father's Day looked like!

He had his stake presidency meeting and we had home teachers come and we also went home teaching, but we did get to have a little celebration with presents and ice cream. Evan has been a great dad and we can always look to him as an example of a good, righteous, wise father and priesthood bearer. We love you, Evan!

(Look at that cute shirt and tie gift bag idea I got online. The caption reads "Have a TIE-rrific Father's Day!" on the pocket.)

(btw, Evan loved the BYU plate and cute letter-in-a-frame and the Seinfeld game. He's studying up for a tournament this weekend!)

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

One time when Max was visiting us here in Tyler, he was chowing down on some Cheetos. All of a sudden and without any warning, he started crying uncontrollably and I asked, "What happened?" Through his tears and as he held up a Cheeto-stained finger, Max exclaimed, "I ate my finger!"


(I just came across this as I was going through some seminary records where I asked the parents of the kids for some cute and funny things that their kids did as little children. Luckily, I had recorded this little incident with Max which reaffirms the charge to "write it down" and "keep a journal." I'm so glad I wrote that down. I've been trying to remember what happened there for the longest time, and now I know!)

Hamburger cupcakes

Mom, I thought you might like this. They are cute.

Ohh...The Wonder of a Child

Here's darling little Cooper--just one year old!
(Don't you love the comfort just two little fingers can provide?)



And I love watching Max (3 years old) discover the world....





What precious grandchildren we have!

Biggest Yard Sale in America

Here is an interesting article on a yardsale that stretches from Ohio to Alabama on a single road!
It reminds me of that stretch of road we drove on on the way home from Nauvoo and Branson--yard sales along the whole way for miles! Think of all the treasures (and all the junk!)

http://www.parade.com/news/2009/05/the-biggest-yard-sale-in-america.html

Flying Squirrel Frenzy!

Lost in Austen

I discovered a wonderful British film for all Jane Austen (specifically Pride and Prejudice) fans called Lost in Austen.

It's the story of a young, modern-day British woman, Amanda Price, who is totally obsessed with the characters of Pride and Prejudice and reads the book constantly. She finds herself transported magically back to the Bennet household (you'll see how) and the plot thickens as she causes the story as we know it to twist and turn in different, surprising ways. What fun! You have to get past the initial scene in modern-day London where it is difficult to understand those thick British accents, but if you hold on you will be rewarded for your patience (that is, if you even have patience for this story--this post is not for some of you).

Anyway, here is some info on the film which was an English TV series first with a fun clip:

www.lostinausten.com

I just got it on Netflix. The music and scenery are beautiful as well and there are some funny references to the PBS series with Colin Firth.

They're back.....

Fireflies! They're back!

Evan and I were thrilled to discover very late last night that our firefly phenomenon in the back yard has returned.

It was a cool, dry evening (late--after 1 am!) and I just wondered if we had any fireflies yet. When I stepped outside our bedroom door, the night was unusually brilliant due to a bright half- moon. Taking a moment for my eyes to adjust, I then noticed tiny flashes of light in the trees. At first I thought it may be shooting stars, but could there be so many at one time? Nope! It definitely was fireflies as I noticed one rogue lightening bug on the deck. Mostly they were in the trees, instantly lighting up the night. Truly a magical scene of wonder and awe--evidence of the amazing creations of a Heavenly Father who loves us and provides us with a world full of light (literally!) and beauty.

Now I wonder about the science and the conditions where fireflies best flourish.

Go here to learn more: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/insect/firefly.htm

or to wikipedia here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefly

Be prepared to be "enlightened!"