Bragging on Bryan

Senior picture time, so Sierra grabbed her professional camera and drug Bryan along.

I don't have a clue why Bry is so reticent about having his picture taken.

These few photos are proof that he's not only gorgeous, but oh-so-photogenic!

Bryan is in all AP and a couple of Honors classes. He's acing them. Which proves not only that he's killer smart (we've known that forever) but that this year he's also very self-motivated.

(*relief*)

Yeah, he'll be 18 soon, but Bryan is still the*most*tender*hearted*person in. the. world.

period.

His love-language is gifting. So when he crams his last nacho down your throat, realize he's saying "I love you". (and then eat it)

Pretty quiet around here ...

With Sierra gone for so long, it's not only quieter, but a little lonely too ... Can't wait to get her home.



Last night Bryan made Stuffed halibut ...YUM. We've divided up nights for cooking, and much to my delight, Bryan took 2 nights (if only he'd take my two nights too!).



Azure looked so cute coming home from church today that I jut had to snap a photo.

Other news this week: I'm definitely getting acclimated to my job. And the kids and I got some good school shopping in. They're all set look great and take notes!


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Cali's Blessing

It was a busy week which included traveling for work, 2 weddings and the blessing of little Cali. And because a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll let this picture do the speaking:


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I'm Back!

It's about time I update, dontcha think?

In the 6 weeks I've been AWOL lots has happened.

I am now an employed woman. I am the Marketing Director for ASL Communication. It is the perfect job for me, as it allows me to work a whole lot from home, or from whatever location I may be at, and it actually requires that I travel regularly to Utah (oh darn! I'll have to stay with my family there!) When I'm not researching and setting things up from home, I'm visiting with clients and potential clients, taking gifts to them, buying them lunch, and basically schmoozing. LOVE IT! (Plus, this job has motivated me to learn ASL. Thankfully my parents are signers and this past 10 days I've been tutored by my mom!)

I've also spent some time with a lot of my extended family this past little while. I've been with kids and grandkids, inlaws, and with my parents in Texas. It's been a blissful month and a half.

Meanwhile, my motivational blog, Silver Strands, is really thriving. I feel like Silver Strands is the raft that is taking me on my divine current.

Today Bryan completed his Duty to God and even had his Bishop's interview. Our 17-year-old is a motivated young man who makes us very proud.

A big thanks to my Mother-in-law who has motivated me to get back to the family blog. I've committed to her that this will be updated at least every Sunday.

winners and heroes

O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife.

Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

Winners of Kevin Hall's book, ASPIRE are:

Liz Schroeder

James & Michelle

LyddieGal

Shari@LittleBlueDeer

Please email me your mailing address for your personally autographed copy of this amazing book!

(Can you believe he's giving us 4 copies?!! He's just a great guy ... you'll want to check out his book if you're not one of the winners ... well worth reading!)

And for those of you who didn't win - new giveaway starting Monday!

Happy 4th to you all.

nothing like having family together

together

Yipee ... we have Brooke and Gage with us!

Caci & Jace get here tonight and Trevor arrives from the Ukraine on Monday night.

... all together again ...

the girls went for a run yesterday morning and every one of them plopped, exhausted on the ground as they stumbled in the front door.

Gage's 1st swim