A Few Random Mini Posts

We went to the rodeo in Ogden this summer with the Lohrke's and the Clinger's. It was HOT sitting in the setting sun. But it was a fun little rodeo. There was a little boy that would turn around and start chatting with us. It was a fun distraction. I love my friends!

My friends are really good at sending encouragement whenever they can. I love them!!

I made pickles with Marcie and Lisa this summer. I have a feeling we'll be doing that again!!!

Darla likes it when I have time to give her the snuggles she thinks she needs. 

This is Marcie. She is the funniest girl. I love her spunk and that she loves soda as much as I do!!

We made these at Liz's house one day. If you flip it around it says JOY. I think it's a great addition to my porch.

THE CUBS WIN THE WORLD SERIES!!! No lie. They finally broke the streak. It was SO much fun to watch. Jim and I used to watch the Cubs when we were newly wed and living in Soda Springs. We haven't kept up out die hard fan status but we have always rooted for them and hoped this day would come!!

A Wedding

First there was a funeral. My Aunt Chris was buried in Orem in the morning. The girls came to my house Friday night and stayed so we could get a crack on it early in the morning.

Then we boogied north to Pocatello for Cade's wedding to his sweetie Jade. It was fun to see this guy there. I forget he is cousins with Shannon. We were already family when Travis married Shannon (because he is Jim's brother from another mother). John is the sweetest guy.

It was the first time I'd seen Travis in a few years. I was SO happy to see him again. I love that he and his family have moved to Boise. It is so much closer than Denver!!

Always goofin'. This girl knows how to have fun.

And she has raised the most fun daughter as well. Love you Lace!!

Kind of over all the crazy. What a day we've had. Very emotional. Good and bad.

Look at us!! We got a picture like this the year Kevin came home from his mission. That was the last time we've all been together. Hopefully it will happen more often now.

Because family is what it is ALL about. Our mom would want us together more. It just makes sense. Such cuties. I think we look pretty good for a bunch of aging kids.

Back Surgery

On August 4, 2016 Jim had his second back surgery. It was a little more involved than the first time around. This time they are fusing the L4 L5 bones with rods and screws and a bone graft (from bone harvested from his own hip).

Trying to find peace before the surgery I went to the gym for a couple hours and then took a walk in the beautiful sunshine.

We got to the hospital and began the longest wait ever. Of course Jim's anxiety was rising with every minute they were late.

Then they took him  away and hours later they brought him back...a little more "holey" but hopefully better. It has been 3 months since this day (yes...I'm a bit behind) and I am glad neither of us remembers how scared we were.

And a new normal for us has begun. Jim has been home a lot. He went from working 10 hour days to being at work for zero hours two weeks after surgery and starting at two hour increments building his strength back up. Here we are three months after surgery and he is working 6 hours a day. 

With the rest of his time he has been reconnecting with us. He snuggles with little Bug at nap time and enjoys every minute. He texts Jo and visits with Kevin and I. Even Abby has been the beneficiary of some long chats about gardening.

Mostly he has been a good patient and he  is trying to be patient with me. He has LOVED getting to know this little Bug. I appreciate his efforts with that,

It makes me happy that he has found a way to stay positive about this set back. Instead of feeling like he has lost a year of his life, he is choosing to see it as a relationship he has gained.

Our neighbors have also pitched in with the yard work. It has been good for Jim to be on the receiving end of some charity. Three mowers and two trimmers got our little yard done in no time. We do have some great friends/neighbors here!!

Our Crazy, Wonderful Life

Our lives right now are filled with playing and snuggles and laughter. It is the biggest blessing.

As you can see from the mean-muggin pup in the background, not all of us like it when I play with the boys.

Michael got to play at the Kroger company picnic. He had such a good time!!

He even let a girl he didn't know paint a turtle mask on his face!!

Ethan got a new toy. He loves it. He can reach for the toys and he loves the added stimulus. 

His imagination never fails to amaze me.

Inevitably the dollies end up picking his nose.....

As well as their own....He is SUCH a little boy!! Boogers and farts are hilarious.

Snuggling on Rackie's bed. Nothing sweeter!!

He gets so excited when he wants you to pick him up. His little body tenses up and then he waves his arms and kicks his legs. He is so loved.

More of Ethan

He is getting bigger and bigger.

I still fell like the luckiest grandma in the whole world.

He still likes his binki for nap time.

And he LOVES Darla. Darla isn't too fond of sharing my time with this little guy. But I think secretly she likes him a lot.

This little fuzzy duck is the most fun!!

Patiently waiting for my time.

He has found his ears. It's so cute!!

He's so smiley and content. He's the best baby!

Always asking to share my lap. Sorry dog...it's taken!!

But I think she likes him....

Goodwin Reunion

This year we had the Goodwin Family Reunion in Pingree. Quite a few of us were able to attend. 

The Watt family did most of the work it seems (as usual). I wonder if that's an oldest child thing. Aunt Pam helped to get us all there. She is so sweet.

We reconnected and made new bonds. I think grandma and grandpa and Mom and even Aunt Chris would be pleased.

Of course any excuse to hang with these people is ok by me!

Kim loved holding on to Ethan. She is such a good auntie!!

We were missing Travis and his crew, our hubbies and Jo but we still had a good time!!

My little boy!! He has my heart!!