Teen No More

This is my baby girl. It's her birthday today. 20 years ago I lay in the hospital in Soda Springs holding the most perfect little girl ever.

She didn't stay small for long. Before I knew it she was crawling and then walking. She was sassy from the moment she could string two words together. She went to school and learned all that public education had to offer.

She has loved and lost and loved again. She has made friends in every city we lived. She has brought us more joy than we thought possible...she's brought some tears too. She has taken it all and learned some very important lessons.

She has tasted adventure and independence. She is the most loyal of friends. She is funny and smart and beautiful. She has a tender heart and wicked sense of humor.

She is a devoted Auntie and a sweet sister. This girl of mine is so loved. I am so excited to see where she goes from here. 

I love her more than more and I feel so blessed to have her for my daughter, and my friend.

Genetics

Michael is 3 months in the picture on your left. Kevin is 6 months in the picture on your right. Guess we don't have to worry that they were sent home with the wrong baby. Such cute babies. I love them both.

This Face!!

This is the sweet face that greeted me last week when I flew into SLC. No wonder I can't stay away!!! He is the cutest most chill 3 month old baby ever!!

Thankful Thursday

I love these people. So much. I am thankful for each of them. They bless my life and make me want to be a better person.

Abby is the perfect addition to our family. She is sweet and sassy and we love her. Kevin's family is about the cutest thing ever.

Auntie Jo is more than happy to take charge of this little muffin. He is so dang cute!!

My Jo...She has my heart. I am so thankful for her. She has learned so much this last year. She has taught me along the way.

Being a grandma is something I am most thankful for. Having this little guy in my life is the icing on the cake.

He has been blessed with a Mama who loves him and a Daddy who adores him...he is lucky little guy. These people make me truly thankful.

Star Wars AND Baseball!!

We go to Werner Park to watch the Storm Chasers play a few times a summer. We love it. Jim and I sit and enjoy the game like the nice old couple that we are. Last night we invited the Walkers (remember the more-than-fun cruise we went on?? We went with the Walkers) to join us. We should have known that we were in for the best fun EVER!!

Not only was it a night out with the Walkers....it was Star Wars night!!! WHAT!!! How freakin' cool is that!!

I tell ya, this chic was excited. When the umpires take the field, it is tradition to play Darth Vader's theme music to mark their entrance. So when the familiar da da dum da da dum started I didn't really pay much attention.....until I did.

And then I was like HOLY COW!!!! Do you see what I am seeing?? Coolest thing ever. Seriously. Of course I didn't have my camera on me. Luckily the Storm Chasers put a few photos on FB that I was able to use.

I should just know by now that when the Walkers are involved TO BRING MY CAMERA. Mayhem is sure to ensue. Seriously.  Every time we go out it is a riot.

Vader throwing the first pitch...how many times is that going to happen in my life?? Dang. Awesome.

Lucky for us, Jim was able to get this shot of Robert with Boba Fett and part of the Imperial Guard. Best ball game ever...well that part was. So were the last two innings. Good times. 

The team wore special jerseys and were called The Force just for the night. The jerseys were signed and then auctioned off after the game, the proceeds going to Autism research. Decks, Decks and More Decks was kind enough to donate to the cause and donate a jersey TO ME!!!! #17 signed by Pedro Ciriaco Love it!!

 Ilise now wears #16 so when we go to the game (or to Walmart. Or the library. Or to church. Just kidding about church. Sort of.) we can wear our magic jerseys. So much fun. 

I love hanging out with the Walkers. They get it. It's about the memories we make. That is what brings true and lasting happiness. I gotta say...I giggled like a girl all night thinking about how much fun we had. Priceless.

Wordless Wednesday

What's For Breakfast?

This isn't a food blog. I don't spend hours cooking. I am very basic in the kitchen. My Mom was the same way. Usually I'd just grab a bowl of whatever-sugary-cereal we had on hand and that would be breakfast. Then I decided to eat a little better. Clean up my diet you might say. I used to eat a yogurt/cottage cheese blend once in a while. While being yummy it did have quite a few calories and no fiber. So here is what I have come up with. I use plain nonfat yogurt, granola (and more recently Kashi) craisins, walnuts and Chia seeds. This not only tastes good but keeps me full all morning.

1/2 cup plain, nonfat yogurt (53 calories, 6 grams protein)
1/4 cup craisins (98 calories, 1 1/2 grams fiber)
1/4 cup low fat granola (48 calories, 1.2 grams fiber, 1.5 grams protein)
1/8 cup walnuts (100 calories, 1.5 grams fiber, 2,5 grams protein)
1 TBS Chia seeds (47 caolorie, 3.3 grams fiber, 1.7 grams protein)
So for 346 calories I get a whopping 7.6 grams of fiber and 11.7 grams of protein. It is sweet enough with the craisins to curb and sugary cravings I have in the morning and keeps me full. I will say that using the Kashi (honey, almond and flax cereal changes the totals to 8.3 grams of fiber and 12.4 grams of protein with the same number for calories). 
Just something to think about....trying new things maybe isn't so bad ;)