Kellie's Birthday

Yesterday was Kellie's 16th birthday. I gave her the date idea book I have been working on for months. Thanks to all of you for your help. It is never too late to add more ideas..so if you hear of some great double/group date ideas let me know. She also got some fun gifts from her friends. One of the most thoughtful was a loaf of bread, peanut butter and honey from Emily Lawrence. I guess when Kel goes over to her house that is what she always eats there. I love thoughtful gifts like that. Kellie invited a group of kids to share her special day. The 3 boys offically asked out the 3 girls and it was all of their official first dates. So journal entery for each of them!! The boys picked up their dates and met at our house. Then I drove them all to Disneyland since non of them can drive eachother yet. haha Kellie got a birthday pin and Marshall got an "I'm Celebrating" pin since he was on his first date and has waited so long to do so. And the cool part is he actually wore it. The boys paid for the girls lunches and were quit gentlemanly towards there dates. It was sweet. I met them for dinner, a jungle cruise ride and then off to see the fireworks. I was sad that Dumbo did not fly last night during the show. Kellie got her b-day gift card to spend and had to use it that day. Marshall and Kel went off to spend that and the other kids went on one last ride. We all met to find Kel has spent most of her money buying each of her friends a "thanks for coming to my party" gift. We took a few last pictures (which I will post on FB) and then we were off. These kids are so great and were so gracious I feel blessed that I know them. I also feel very happy that Kel has such great friends. I feel very blessed that I have such a great family and wonderful friends too. Thanks to all!!!

Service day

Today started out with taking the young women to clean a friend's house. We had so much fun. While we were there this friend asked me if I would mind watching a pot of homema'made spaghetti sauce while she is on holiday for 2 days. So tonight she brought over a large pot and now my house smells great. All the ingredients are straight out of her garden. Doing service is so much fun and smells delicious.

Julie will stay for one more full day and then back to Utah she goes. I am so grateful she came down and I hope she had a great time. But I know there is so much more partin' to be done in Provo. So I'm glad she has a fun place to go back to with such nice people.

This is Kellie's last week of summer school. She is getting an A in the class!! Next week she will turn 16 and get her driver's lisence. Big things instore for my little girl who is growing up.

Sunday night Julie, Kellie, 'Someone' and I took a stroll around the University of Redlands campus. We saw things we didn't even know were there. It was a beautiful evening in Redlands and I'm grateful we have such a beautiful campus to enjoy so close to our home.

Here's to wishing great things for my loved ones in the month of July!!

Wide Awake

We took Julie to the beach today. Shelley and Jett met us. Jett looked so cute in his swim trunks and muscle shirt. He loved watching the pigeons and liked watching the water but wanted nothing to do with getting in the water. Julie did not get at tan but she did not get a burn either. That is always good. The weather was perfect. Carlie got some good news today! She passed her AP test. With all that goodness, I am unable to sleep. Luckily my son-in-law lent me a book about Wallace Whipple that is so funny. Lots on my mind. The good news is the fever blister is done and my throat is feeling much better. The big question is: What is around the corner?

Party time

I feel like throwing a party....a pity party. I don't have these parties very often....and don't expect any balloons.

I have been sick for 2 weeks. I got sick right before my husband and I left for our 25 wedding celebration. I kept a lot of meds with me and tried to be perky, even though I felt like my face was extra large because of my sinus'. When I got home from that I could feel a fever blister coming on and boy did it turn out to be a doosy. It hurts to smile or laugh. I can't have any kissing parties with my 2 grandbabies. That makes me sad...'cause I won't see Jack until Thanksgiving. It is getting better, but it is in that gross getting better stage where it looks really yucky. So up to Utah I go with my awesome fever blister and still feeling a bit like a hot air balloon with huge lips. And I think I am starting to sound like a man....my throat is so sore. But I put a happy face on and get to work getting Carlie settled. I even tried to put happy toes on too. I am currently wearing bright yellow nail polish...some may think it is a bit loud, I think it is fun and wacky. I will be going home on Monday...the house will be VERY quiet after a month with ALL the girls home and the 2 babies. I am glad there are things to do when I get home like rearrange my entire house. And there are still 3 birthdays to celebrate.

Some may not be happy with me having parties for Kellie and friends. But they may also not understand that I get my energy from that. I love the anticipation and planning of the party. I love hearing laughing and people having a great time. I will only get this for 2 more years. That is such a crushing idea....2 years....and quiet. It will be great with Paul and I home alone....but the reality is I will be home alone....a lot.

Party over. Medication taken. Looking forward to going to the Provo Canyon. I bought a book about President Lincoln that I will enjoy reading today. And I get to spend one more day with Caleb, Holly, Jack and Carlie. No matter how yucky the day is....if you look you will always find rainbows!!!!!

A little recap of June.....it was the busiest June of my life...

I would have to say it was even busier then the June I got married 25 years ago. We took lots of fun pictures...but they are spread out on everyone's camera's, so I hope you enjoy these few. This life is such a gift...even when it is busy...or should I say...full of adventures.

It was soooo great having the babies together...I am so excited for when they can run around and have lots of fun together.

Julie having a BYU buddy come and visit her...isn't he a cutie??!!!

A super cute Sunny-D spokesperson...makes me want to buy some.

The boys playing football at the duck park. (Ford Park)

Jett meeting Mickey is like the "Best thing EVER!!!"

Of course a trip to California means a trip to California Adventure and Disneyland. This is my favorite picture. Sad to report that dino Jack just got torn down...still a great pic.

The girls have all learned how great it is to have brother-in-laws. Especially Kellie.

This is Johnny Thomas. He is golden. All the Chatfield's love him!


It was great having my girls all together for the month of June. They are beautiful individuals but carry such amazing strength together.