Camp Cutie....

Kelsee went to girls camp this year for her first time and "had a blast". She mentioned that the spirit was strong and that she had a wonderful experience. She can't wait to go again next year.
She came home from Young Women's the other night with an award for "Camp Cutie" and Cutie Patootie buttons. All the Young Women adore Kelsee. On the way up to girls camp they even had dubs on her. I always new my Kelsee is special but this proves it to be true outside of a prejudice mom. I am so proud of you sweetheart and I love you with all my heart. XoXoXo

Happy Birthday Jamie...

My Sparky turned "38" on July 11th. We made him a cake, cooked a BBQ dinner and enjoyed him home. He turns more handsome as he gets older. Why I love Jamie Byron Forbes:
1. His family is his life
2. Love for animals
3. My handsome man
4. Hard worker
5. Spoils us
6. Love for our Lord and his faith
7. His obsession with sports (preferably BYU)
8. Strong and amazing big heart
9. Showers me with love
10. Caring
11. The love for outdoors
12. Loves yard work
13. Loves to clean our home (and let me relax)
14. Loves to be involved in everything we do (most husbands could care less)
15. Makes us laugh
16. Smart and intelligent
There are so many more. You are the love of my life and I am so thankful for you in our lives. I love you so much Sparky! Alf

Happy Birthday Oma'...

My mom turned "60" on Sunday, July 12th. Wish we were celebrating with her. I was telling Kelsee and Mattee how she used to say stories backwards and we sang the songs "Katie and Alice" together. Those are the girls' favorite songs that Oma' sang to them. My mom was a beautiful, strong willed, stuborn, loving, giving person that you could probably have ever know. Her top priorities were my brother and I and her grandkids. She loved watching her grandkids everyday. There were days when I knew she didn't feel good or she was so tired so I would let her know that I was going to take the kids to Marilyn's that day and she would make a comment of "my grandkids are my life and they keep me going. I need them here with me. I will be just fine." So I would end up taking them to her anyway. She taught me the meaning of loving your children, spouse and family. She loved and cared for her family. I love you much and miss you everyday. Love you lots...Spider

4th of July...

I love the 4th of July! Kelsee and Mattee were in the Centerville parade this year. They looked so cute in their outfits. When they got to our seats they had to catch up to the people in front so they were running. Darn! But they have shown us their routine at home about 10 times. Afterwards we took them to get some lunch and then to the carnival. We had a great time at the carnival. Kelsee waited in line for animal balloons for her and her sisters while Mattee climbed the rock wall all the way to the top to ring the buzzer. By the way the guy let her do it twice. She was up that wall and down so fast. She is amazingly physically active. I wish I had 1/2 her energy. Kelsee ended up getting herself a mouse character balloon, Mattee a penguin and Avree a pig. Avree's lasted for about a 1/2 hour then she bit into it and popped it. Her little face was so sad. We then headed over to Marilyn's and Bud's for a BBQ and firework show. We had a great time and the girls were glued to the fireworks. With the BBQ we also celebrated Jamie's birfday. We had quite the busy day.

Schools out....

My baby's are out of school. Since I posted an earlier graduation for Mattee this is for Kelsee. My Kelsee graduated from 6th grade. I will say it again from 6th grade. Can you beleive she will be in 7th grade. She is so excited!! Kelsee brought home her report card and Jamie and I were just in awe. She almost got straight "A's". We are so proud of her. She has grown into such a beautiful, smart, and intellegent young women. We love you so much Kelsee and are so proud of you. Keep up the good work.

Love, Mommy

I love this story and thought I would share it. I have read it many times.


The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson.
The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered

The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and
failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.
When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.
'We must do something about father,' said the son.
'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.
There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.
Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.
Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.
He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded,
'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.
' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.

For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family.. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:
a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..'

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.You nee d to be able to throw something back sometimes.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you
But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others,
your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.

People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.