Proud Mama!

Wasatch Back! What is it? It's kind of a long crazy relay where 12 member teams run through the mountains for over 180 miles ending in Park City. They started at various times on Friday and ran throughout the day and night in the rain, cold, heat, sun, etc. and ending sometime on Saturday afternoon. Both Hilary and Taylor participated in this amazing event. There were over 1000 teams competing. Hilary is waking up after about an hour and 1/2 of sleep Friday night. She is preparing for the last leg she will run starting about 8 a.m. on Sat.

When Jen and I arrived at this handoff station, we located Taylor just waking up from his short nap. He had run his last leg at midnight and would now run two consecutive legs starting a little after 8 a.m. He ran an extra leg for a team member who developed severe blisters.

Here Hilary starts out on her last leg and takes the bracelet from team member, Griggs.

Here Taylor passes the exchange point and begins a very steep climb for the next 3-4 miles.

Here's the view from the top of the mountain that every team had to conquer. This looks down on the town of Midway that they just ran through.

Steve was one of the race volunteers. He worked at an exchange station from 6:45-11:45 enduring rain, wind, cold, etc. Jen and I followed the runners until we located both Taylor and Hilary. Then Jen rode in Taylor's van and I drove ahead to cheer first Hilary and then Taylor throughout their final runs. It was an awesome experience. I was so proud of my kids for their hard work and endurance! They did a fantastic job! I am a Proud Mama!

Today, on Father's Day, Steve and I were officially sustained in our new ward at church and were also sustained as Sunday School teachers for the 12-13 year old class. Later that afternoon we went to visit my 95-year old father. We had a delicious dinner together. Here I am with my Dad and my older brother, Steve. I am so grateful for my father. He is a man of integrity, loyalty and a true disciple of Christ. He has no guile. I am also grateful for a husband who has those same qualities. He is a great father and I love him.

Look What the Breeze Blew In

Last Sunday Taylor and Jen had a 5 minute reunion with Heather & Aaron before Taylor had to pick up a customer at the airport and head up north for his Global Summit. Heather and family had just arrived to spend a few days while Aaron works. Here Jen and Taylor pose with the new baby Quinn. Isn't Quinn cute when he isn't crying? Look how big he is getting already.The kids and I tried to squeeze in some fun during the 4 days they were in town. We went to the zoo and had a ride on the train and the carousel on Wed. I love our Grandparent's pass. We also managed to swim 3 times at our old condo pool in spite of rainy weather most of the week. One night we even swam in the rain until a heavy wind storm blew in.

Anna doesn't look too happy, but she actually liked the train ride. The penguins were a big hit this visit.

On Monday night we added, Dustin, Larah, Cassidy and Parker to the chaos. There was a period of sunshine so the kids took over the yard and had some water fun of their own.

Here's Elsie seriously reading. We had a lot of fun together. I hated it when I had to leave for work or meetings.

China's Half Way Around the World

Just ask Jen and Taylor who spent more than twenty hours getting to Utah from there. Here's proof that Jen is pregant. Isn't her little tummy cute? This morning bright and early, we hosted our 2nd Annual Flag Day Breakfast. Here is our prize winning family the Hospardarsky's. They went home with full stomachs and a new outdoor flag for their home.

Adam and I started hosting this event last year as an appreciation to our clients for their support and referrals. Here Adam, and Steve get the griddles ready for cooking.

I think that this group is happy. There are a few smiles.

Nancy and John with their little ones enjoy the food and the fun.

Here are a few kids with parents waiting for their turn at the fish pond. They just kept coming back until Hilary said "That's enough."

We borrowed Grandpa & Grandma's jumping contraption. It was a hit!

Right after the breakfast, Hilary and I headed for a baby shower for Jen, hosted by her mother and sister. They had quite a nice spread of food and it was fun to congratulate our mother to be and shower her with little "boy" gifts.

Taylor watched the festivities while Jen's nieces helped her open every gift. They had an especially good time. Having a boy willl be a new experience for her family.

It's been a busy day as you can see. Steve and I are a little tired. Jen & Taylor are at the movies because they think it's the middle of the day which it is in China.

It's a Party!

Some of you don't think that Steve and I have much of a social life. You may be correct since we spend most of our time at work, church, moving, organizing and doing things for our family. However, on Friday night we attended a party. We got together with three other "realtor" associates and their husbands. We ate yummy food, laughed a bit and even played a game.
Don't be too shocked. I know, you can't believe we played a game, but we did. Of course, Steve had one of the best scores. That part shouldn't have surprised you. Steve is actually a social kind of guy. It's just that by the time he gets home at the end of a travel week, going out is not his favorite option. He was a great sport though and we enjoyed the evening.

This beautiful spinach salad was served on a platter so you could see and indulge on the strawberries and pecans. I'm going to try that idea soon.

QUINN-THE STAR OF THE SHOW!

Today was a special day for Quinn! As family members gathered together from both sides to attend church and hear his father give him his official name and blessing. It was a joyous occasion and here you see him so cute in his "Sunday Go To Meeting" clothes.

Here are the proud parents and grandparents on our side of the family.

Elsie's having fun for the moment, but she's not terribly fond of giving up the royal "last child spot in the family."

Hilary, Heather, Bonnie and Quinn enjoying each other and the lunch we had following the meeting.

I am taking a moment to visit with Ruth and LaVerne, Aaron's grandparents, were are also long time friends of my parents since World War II.

A whole lot of laughing going on at the kids table.

When it was time for Saturday night baths, I got to bathe Quinn first. We both had a great time. He was cooing and smiling. I love giving baths to my grandbabies. Well, let's just say I love baths!

The Blues

Monday night I was feeling kind of blue. Steve was in Montana and I was missing him and feeling kind of sorry for myself because I had to stay home to promote one of my listings on the Broker tour and I was all alone in a new house and neighborhood. Steve called often to tell me how pretty Montana and Idaho were this time of year. We were both sad not to be sharing the trip together.

At 9:04 p.m. after just finishing a phone visit with Steve, I got a call from another client. The house I had listed for sale a week ago had been burlarized for the 2nd time in 3 months. Not only that but this all came on the heals of the death of the father & husband just a month before the first break-in.

I left immediately to meet them at the house. Of course the police and crime unit were there. We couldn't go in the house until the crime unit had finished their work so we talked with the officer in charge about the showing activity on the house. The daughter who lives in the house had been staying with her mother since her father's death 31/2 months ago. They often came to the house but hadn't been there all weekend. The house was totally trashed. The burlars had gone through everything and dumped it out. They even removed food from the freezer and fridge and had a party. Yuk!

I was so glad that I was able to be there for my clients-two women alone who have had their plates overflowing with grief. I think it was a comfort to them to have someone there with them. I went home and thanked the Lord for my many blessings. My self absorption was gone and I was filled with gratitude. Who's blue? Not me.