FFF... Favorite Foto Friday

Remembering Bryant when he was 23 months old!

A Future So Bright... Preschool Graduation

Where has the time gone?

I remember as I smiled at my newborn babe, he gazed at my face and looked back at me.

Bryant's bright smile lit up my day... he was my life.

As I nursed him at night I would tell him all about my wishes, hopes and dreams for him.

I told him how I prayed for him and dreamed of him long before he was born.

I so loved his beautiful face, his sweet baby scent, and his tiny fingers that softly touched my cheek.

He filled my days with happiness beyond my wildest imagination.

I couldn't wait until he awoke. And then when he went to sleep... I would cuddle him and watch him sleep peacefully, like an angel.

Then before I knew it, it was time for preschool.

Without even looking back, Bryant was off into the big, new world.

People told me that time would fly and to enjoy "these days."

How true those words were.

It seems like just yesterday he was just toddling up the steps to preschool, waving to me, and dashing in to be with his new friends and teachers.

Over the years I've watched Bryant grow up and learn new things... He's become independent and ever so confident.

He has such a kind, caring heart.

He loves people and animals.

He even loves all the "old ladies" I help at work.

When I look at Bryant,

I see everything that is so good and right in this world we live in.

So tonight it shouldn't be any surprise that I was an emotional wreck as I watched my preschooler walk across the stage to receive his preschool diploma!

My little boy is growing up!

My Dearest Bryant,

Daddy and I are so proud of you. As you venture into the next part of your life, we again wish you all the happiness you deserve. Make sure you stop and take pride in all of your accomplishments. We foresee you succeeding at whatever you do and wherever your life takes you.

Thank you for being a fantastic son, brother, friend, and student. You are truly an inspiration and example for others to follow. You have shown us your love, caring, courage, determination, and respect.

When I looked into your eyes tonight at graduation, I realized that my dreams for you are already coming true. Don't ever forget that every milestone that you reach, every sound that you utter, every smile that you smile is recorded in my heart and soul. I will remember them for a lifetime.

Now, go forward and follow your own dreams and your heart. Your future awaits you!

Love, Mom

Sunday Night Fun

I love warm sunny evenings with family & friends.

Zac and I (not our best picture by far)

Our neighbors, Shaun & Jen

Cooper and Bryant
Sunday evening was one of those.

We at burgers, hotdogs and chorizo's.

We talked, drank soda, played games and had a fire in the outside firepit.

It was great.

Shaun grillin' up some 'dogs
God gives us so many blessings and friends are some of the greatest.

Jen and I... 5 years of friendship

Cooper, Bryant and Karsyn.

Although they fight like brothers and sisters, they are the best of friends!

Even Big Sweetie got to play with his friend, Lucy.
I can’t wait for more sunshine, good food and conversation this summer.

It’s going to be incredible.

This ain't your grandma's SHUFFLEBOARD game!

When you think of shuffleboard do you think of old people?

I know I always did.

But my brother (who is WAY more cool than I am) showed us that the "in" thing among 20-30 year olds is to play a "new" kind of shuffleboard.

The kind of shuffleboard he's playing takes place in a bar on a table like this...

So, when we were in Portland last weekend, Christy and I asked Travis to take us to the local pub to play shuffleboard.

The game seemed pretty simple... just slide your puck down the table (on little silicon balls) and get it in the "scoring" zone.

Unfortunately it's not that easy. We lost multiple games against Travis and his friend, John. Christy and I are both pretty competitive... so John and Travis had to suffer the wrath as we continually lost each round.

Lucky for me, they still loved me... even though I was getting grouchy from losing...

I hate to admit it... but Travis is pretty good at shuffleboard!

And, he's still single ladies! You could play shuffleboard with him now AND when you're old and grey! Double the fun.

Lastly, you know me... I like to try new things. So maybe I'll play shuffleboard again... but I'll play a different kind of shuffleboard... and just maybe I'll play it nude (or not)!

(sorry I couldn't resist when I found this picture on the Internet!)

FFF... The "boys"... The "twins"

Can you tell which one is my husband, Zac?

Zac (on the right) and Steve are co-workers. They both teach Special Education and they both coach baseball together.

Not long ago we were watching a UFC fight with Steve and his parents. I was sitting in the kitchen talking to Steve's mom when Zac walked through. His mom said, "Don't just walk by and ignore me. Give me a kiss and take my plate to the kitchen." WOW! I though to myself... this lady is BOLD. So, Zac started to oblige her and as he walked over she screamed "Oh my... I'm so sorry... I thought you were Steven."

That's right. Even Steve's own mother had mistaken Zac for Steve!

I have heard people comment on how much a like they look... but hadn't really paid attention. And, the above photo doesn't really do them justice, but believe me... they look alike.

And the fact that they dress the same (always in the high school coaching gear) makes them even more like twins!

My Friday Favorite Foto (FFF) for this week!

What the heck have I been up to?

Well... I've been gone!

I snuck away for a scrapbook retreat in Oregon. It felt so good to just relax and do something I love.

My friend, Christy, flew to Boise from Utah and then we both headed to Oregon and met up with our mom's at the scrapbook crop.

We scrapbooked for 20 hours straight (8am-2am) each day. We laughed harder than I've laughed in months. The crop organizers were smart and assigned us to the upstairs table. We determined early on that we were classified as the "rowdy" ones... otherwise known as the ones that laugh a lot. We met some *interesting* people who shared the space with us... many whom we're still laughing about.

I was able to complete over 25 2+page layouts... plus I worked on a few projects (which I'll show you later in the week).

Here are few of my favorites (some because they're so simple and really highlight the photo's). These scans of the pages don't show all the details and dimensions... but they're still fun to look at:

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On another note, I was able to have TWO of the greatest things while on our trip to Oregon...

We had Dunkin Donuts.... only the best donut shop EVER!

And we had Fruit Smoothies from Dutch Brother's Coffee.... Holy Cow was that smoothie ever great. So great, in fact, that I had one two days in a row!

Here's us girls enjoying our treats:

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Is anyone watching The Bachelorette?

Oh boy, it's that time again! It's great eye-candy for us girls each Monday night... it's still fun to watch and see these "men" act so silly.

This season's bachelors cracked me up with their duck calls, their dancing skills, and their tiny underwear buts with Deanna's name on it... trying to get the oh-so-coveted first impression rose.

What's Your Take? Do you have a favorite?

I like Richard (the science teacher from NY) and Jason (the single dad).

Like Gag Me with a Spoon and Barf me Out the Door!

Like, O my God, the 80's, they were like totally bitchin'.

Who could forget what a totally rad time that was?

This year I wanted an 80's theme for my 35th Birthday.

I couldn't decide what to do... and then my answer was found.

A local radio station hosted an Adult Prom this past weekend.

A prom for adults who wanted to relive their prom or make new memories.

So, our friends, Christy and Dan, flew in from Utah and then

Zac, Dan, Christy and I went to the Adult Prom 80's style!

Christy and I in our "Madonna" looks...

Remember in the 80's there was all kinds of music: punk, new wave, and glam rock heavy metal. MTV was born and filled TV sets and ears with the music of the Beastie Boys, Madonna, and Cyndi Lauper.

Zac and Dan wanted to relive the 80's as rock stars...

And, dude, the hairstyles were awesome! In the 80's hair was big, colored, spiked, feathered and in regular and backward mullets. My philosophy...Go big, go neon, go crazy, go 80's.

And like every good Prom couple... we went out to dinner before hand.

I'm not sure that Mexican Restaurant will EVER be the same!

For that matter, I'm not sure downtown Boise will ever be the same again.

People cleared the sidewalks when they saw us coming.

I don't think they knew if we were for real....
Once at the Prom we danced the night away.

We even met some new friends what were dressed in their own 80's Prom attire....

We were definitely the hit of the Prom.

We were treated like celebrities... we had our pictures taken by people over and over.

At one point Christy and I were even given condoms by some random guys who thought they might get "lucky."

And to make our night complete, we were able to find an old 80's Trans-Am
to do a photo shoot with.

I have to say that I have 3 of the best friends in the whole world... DAN, CHRISTY and ZAC!

They are so awesome for being such troopers and indulging my 80's whim.

I had a totally bitchin' time.