costumes

the witch and the cow....6th grade



and now there''s baby cow



First taste of sugar ev-vah!

It was only three weeks ago today that we celebrated Ally's first birthday.   She had her personal little cake.  Staring at the candle with such a perplexing look was soon followed by hands full of frosting and the delightful taste of SUGAR!.

Ally had a blast at her party.  Here she is attempting a little dance with cousins, Skyler, Quaid and Jackson.  Only a minute long video, worth the watch to see this princess  in action for a few seconds. 

Starting off this post with a picture of Shannon and Ally because I just found this one on Shannon's Facebook and I love seeing that big smile!

A heart of gratitude for these two in the photo.  And here's a few more reasons I am so thankful this week:

1. Back to work this week, which means I was so happy to sleep in today and fully enjoyed a Saturday in a way that can only happen when I am working!  It makes Saturday feel so good!
2. Finally, feeling better, although not 100% yet. 
3. The Dutchman and his incredible kindness to my family.
4. Sleep this weekend....12 hours last night!  Guess I needed it.
5. Most importantly:  that God has never left me nor forsaken me.  In His word, He promises that He never will leave nor forsake me.    I've been leaning on Him alot the past couple of weeks!  Yes...and "because of the Lord's great love, I am not consumed, for His compassions never fail me.  They are new every morning.  Great is His faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22-23





My Mama and Me



Happy Birthday to my Mama!



October 25, 1917, Tina Reno Lee went into labor and sent for the midwife.  However, before midwife could arrive, a beautiful baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Lee.  They named her Geneva Irene and that baby grew up and became my mother.  If Geneva were alive today, she would be celebrating her 94th birthday!  Not a day goes by, even now, but that I think of her and miss her. See you in heaven, mom!

Thursday, October 20th, 2011
Sick with ear infection and sore throat.  Taking a moment to post.  But realize feeling too sick to write or post any photos.  So more to come when I feel good again.  Which I hope is soon - this is NO FUN. 

Ally Ray!

Ally is now one year old.  Even with a cold, she is about as cute as they come! 

The week that went too fast!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

A week of family time in Utah with the kids…..what could be better?!  Nothing!  It was great to be with them even though I got sick on the way.   Before we even arrived in Ogden.  Bummer.  Arrived Thursday, late afternoon.  Went to doctor with Jayme on Friday.  Antibiotics for ear infection.  Can’t say it has REALLY helped. (and I have not been on antibiotics in a long time)  Although I did get to feeling better as the week went on:  thanks to ibuprofren.  800 miligrams did the trick. Every 8 hours.  But you can only do that so long before it will start to have an effect on kidneys.  So trying to be cautious. 
Ally turned one year old on Thursday, October 6^th, 2011.  What a darling little one year old she is!  How do I begin to describe her?  Other than just saying  “she has a God-given happy disposition".  The most beautiful big smile I have ever seen.  Big blue eyes.  Chubby little face that smiles most of the time.  She smiles and her face lights up when she sees me (pure joy for me) and she is always busy, into everything, curious.  She particularly likes music.  Moves to the music.  Loves Mickey, Minnie Mouse…when it comes on TV she is “Into it – intensely”  -  Hope it is good for her, and not a negative effect.  Too much TV, I mean. She loves books.  Much to my delight, I could sit and hold her and she stayed interested in the pages throughout the entire book - including turning pages!   She is a smart one, this great-granddaughter of ours. We are both so in love with her!

Her party was on Sunday afternoon at Chuck E Cheese.  A celebration it was and what fun for everyone.  Children and adults alike.  Ally had a blast.  (and some thought she wouldn’t enjoy it - too young).  She liked being there…all the people.  The little dance area with her cousins was a hit.  She got on that little platform and moved with the best of them.  She had her own birthday cake………first time ever had SUGAR!  And she dug into the frosting with vigor.  Yes, quite a lovely mess she was.  And quite fun for her.  There was an animated Chuck E on one side of the stage.  "No fear Ally", loved him!  When the real Chuck E Cheese came on,  Ally loved him!  Again, no fear.  Precious child.  She is Personality Plus!  Her cousin Skyler filled in for her, wearing the crown (too big for Ally) and going “through the paces” with the party leader and the older children.  He was a hit with Ally and a big help.  Ally watched and loved it all.  About 30 people (including kids and adults) were there to celebrate with her.  It was the best first Birthday Party I could have imagined.  (A little biased am I?!)

The week went by too quickly and now we are on our way home.  We kept pretty busy  while in Ogden.  Looked at some real estate.  Dutch quite wholeheartedly.  Myself toying with the idea.  Hard to imagine a move right now. Yet, hard to be so far away from Jayme and gang.  (Evidenced by the tears that pour from me.)  The move would include my brother. So it would have to be as perfect a place as we currently have to accommodate semi-separate quarters for Daniel.  More than likely, for the time being……we will stay right where we are.  How could I move so far from my sister, comes to mind too!  Utah family loves to have a place in California to come visit – and they promise many visits to come!  BUT we miss them so much! 

God is so faithful.  He has continually cared for me...my family,  in ways beyond expectations.  This too is in His hands.  His timing.  Above all, Lord, don't let us go ahead of You.  Don't let us go anywhere if You are not leading the way.   


Here is what I do know:  Lord, You are my dwelling  place!  Deut. 33:27 says "The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms."
and my favorite which is from Psalm 16:11 "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
For now, I am right where I am supposed to be.  and I am content.

They don't come any cuter than this......

Ally is one year old! 

We are no longer in Utah and how I miss this little one! I miss them all.  Home tomorrow and will have pictures and lots to say about the trip.  For now:  It went by too quickly  :(   but I have wonderful memories.  (In spite of getting sick)

Happy Birthday Jayme!

Can't wait to see you in less than 48 hours.  We'll celebrate your birthday then!  Happy Birthday to my beautiful and perfect daughter!  love you!