Star Spangled Salute - 2012

Our annual neighborhood 4th of July parade and breakfast...

Cash is ready to watch the parade, he loved it!

Our Grand Marshal's, Beth and Doyle

 I love the bike brigade!

Driving this beautiful firecracker red Lexus is our neighbor Tom. He has been in Afghanistan for 6 months and just returned home on July 3. His wife Linda and daughter Nicole said it was like Christmas!

Dustin exercising his freedom of speech, check out the T-shirt!

Sweet Billie's first parade, so cute!

Grandpa Tim on his cycle!

Tim always helps cook the pancakes.

Jo and Mercedes

That's it, what a fun day. We live in a great neighborhood!

Wordless Wednesday... Awww, summertime!

A new address for Christopher...

Chris has been looking for a condo for a few months and he finally found what he was looking for last week. It's a nice two bedroom with a two car garage. It's a great location, just a few minutes from where he works. And I'm glad he didn't move too far away!

Seventeen stairs is nothing when you're young!

We had a lot of fun helping Chris move into his new digs. 

Cash wasted no time helping Grandpa!

Mark wrote a few goals for Chris on his new white board! 

 Corporate Headquarters

 

 
Chris is excited to have his own place again.

 So happy for you son! 

On your way...

Quote for the Week - Experiences

"We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future." 

—Jeffrey R. Holland

Just 3 Words

 WONDERS OF WONDERS

On Tuesday afternoon a fast-moving fire threatened homes in Alpine just a few miles from where we live. 

It was sobering to see this huge plum of smoke from our house. Our neighborhood was not in any danger but several homes were evacuated in the Alpine area. Our beautiful American Fork Canyon was also evacuated and closed. 

We have seen Black Hawk helicopters and other aircraft fly over our home many times during the day.

It has been so hot and dry and no rain for over a month. Apparently the fire was started by sparks from a track hoe or from the heat of the machinery itself. Thanks to the amazing efforts of the firefighters only one barn was lost and a few homes sustained heat damage. 

I can't imagine watching a fire advance toward your home.

We have been praying for rain and cooler temperatures. We were so grateful see the rain yesterday morning. Rain never smelled so good! The fire is still burning but the rain did help cool it down. As of last night the fire is 50% contained.

Birthday Bash Part II

What's a party without lots of yummy food. My sister-in-law Marilyn made some delicious potato salad and stuffed mini peppers. Both were a work of art. A BIG thanks to everyone who helped!!

Mom mastered the art of cake decorating and has made many beautiful cakes through the years. When Mandy was little Mom would teach her some techniques so it was especially sweet that she made her birthday cake. 

Mom ~ Mandy ~ Eileen ~ Shaylynn

Mandy and I tried to light the candles but it was too windy, imagine that!

Happy Birthday To You!

Time for Mom to open her cards and gifts!

I made this photo book for Mom.

Needless to say she LOVED it!

Mom ~ Shaylynn 

My great-niece is so darling. She loves Mom. What a cutie!

Uncle Ken ~ Mom ~ Aunt Mildred

Roseanne ~ Lloyd ~ Kenny ~ Eileen ~ Marion ~ Mom ~ Ernie

(Two of my brothers have passed away, Les and Kevin)

Lloyd and I were trying to hold our stomachs in!

My cousin Carlene took this picture for us. It's not easy to get 41 people to hold still but she did great. (A few party goers had to leave early but we did have 41 attend)

At this point Carlene said, "I think we have got all we can out of this group!"

Mom's great-grandchildren took a balloon and made a wish for Grannie.

Wishes going up to heaven!

What a day... there's no way to thank my Mom enough for all the things she has done for us throughout the years. She has sacrificed and loved us unconditionally, often without recognition or gratitude. Her life has been a journey of love, grief, and some ups and downs with her health. Burying two sons was not easy but she showed courage and faith through it all. Raising seven children was a feat in itself, but she persevered and we are who we are today because of her. 

Happy Birthday Mom, I love you so much!!

And last but not least I got to meet and hold 

my one week old great-niece, Coralynn Belle Brown.

Congratulations Julie and Tucker, she's an angel!!

The End

Wordless Wednesday - Freedom...