Wedding Plans....

The planning of the wedding has begun. "P" and "B" are excited out of their minds because "E" called and asked them to be bridemaids. "S" and "E" seem to be very on top of all the Utah details, so I'm focusing on the openhouse here. While it may seem a tad early, I'm praying for good weather. I have in my head exactly what I want and what I don't, but I have to remember that it's really just a celebration of these two amazing individuals and the beginning of their life together. Nobody will ever remember the number of lights, how many tables there were and if the flowers were perfect; even I won't remember that in a few years. I just want this to be a great celebration with all our friends and loved ones - that's the bottom line. "P" is planning a surprise at the openhouse and I'm so excited about it; if we can pull it off the way I'm imagining it, it will be a highlight. I also hear there may be a suprise at the Utah reception: hint - "Fab 5".
Last night we had a funny moment when Mark started referring to "S" and "E" as "Shemily". Look out "Brangel1na", "TomKat" and "Bennifer" - there's a new couple in town...

Love Is In The Air....

For us it all started when we met "E" on our trip to Utah over Thanksgiving...of course, for "S" it started long before that (I'll let him tell his own story). We had lunch together at a Chili's and right from the start we were all smitten. She is adorable and absolutely perfect for "S". The girls were so giddy over her that we actually had to remind them to "cool it". We enjoyed being together over several different occasions over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Then came Christmas and "S" came home for 2 weeks. "E" came down about a week after he did. One rainy day, we went to the beach. "S" was very calm as he collected boogie boards, towels, swimming suits, etc. which were all just props for what was about to come. He had even asked "B" to be the "official" photographer. It was a pretty exciting moment for all of us, but especially for "S" and "E". I think the pictures say it all....

Grab the popcorn - it's movie time.....

A few weeks ago, "P" and "B" asked me if we could watch home movies. I have to admit that I was reluctant mostly out of guilt; I have been one of those people who has bunches of 8mm tapes and they are completely unorganized. So, yesterday when they asked again, I marched into my closet, pulled out a box of tapes and not only proceeded to watch them but we even organized some of them by downloading them onto the computer. We had a great time and found ourselves laughing ourselves silly. "P" is sure that I dressed her with the intention to humiliate her. I on the other hand, didn't realize that I was so fashion challenged; I completely deserve to be nominated for "What Not To Wear". It made for a wonderful afternoon and I can hardly wait to do it again!

This Year For Christmas....

This Year for Christmas

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.

The thrill just wasn't there.

No pictures taken with Santa Claus,

My decorating lost it's flare.

His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties,

two suits and socks...no fun.

I've bought him all white clothes because...

This year I'm giving Christ my son.


I've spent more time in the temple,

Felt strength come from His words.

I've reread November's Ensign,

and my testimony stirred.

Our family prays more frequently

My tears are quick to run.

Abraham seems closer because,

This year I'm giving Christ my son.


I wonder how those Lamanite mothers,

gave their sons to war?

Or how the pioneers chose Zion ,

their sacrifice was so much more.

My loss will be his presence,

I'll miss his smile a ton

For two years we will pray for him,

I'm giving Christ my son.


I stare at his face when he's not looking.

I memorize his eyes, their shine.

He's always hungered for the part of him,

that makes his soul divine.

The stories and lessons he always heard,

His choice and mine are one.

I'll put my faith in God's hand,

This year, I'm giving Him my son.


Past gifts have lost their glitter,

I think I finally understand

Christ's birth should be celebrated

by giving Him a hand.

It's because I know Christ lives and reigns

that all his packing's done.

My gift has taken years to make,

This year... I'm giving Christ my son.

Life In Argentina!

Yesterday we got a memory card from "R" in the mail. It was great to see him in pictures and video. "P" said she thought he looked taller and thinner and wondered whether or not he has an accent. He looks so good to all of us. It's so great to hear him talk about where he lives and get a little peek into his life in Argentina. Just a couple of months and we'll be able to talk to him - it will be the best Christmas present by far!

That brings back great memories of when "S" was in Nicaragua and we'd all wait anxiously for the telephone to ring and as soon as it did, we'd all race into the kitchen. I remember about a year into his mission hearing his accent and having a huge lump in my throat realizing how hard he had worked to get that accent and how long it had been since I'd seen my beautiful blonde boy.

Great times for sure - and more to come! Love and miss you, big man....