15 Years and Counting!

Today is Quentin's 15th Birthday!

What an amazing 15 years it has been!

I know, I know, I'm the Mom so the word prejudice comes to mind I'm sure, But.....I think Quentin is one of the most unique, gifted, intelligent young men that I have ever known.  He has accomplished more in his fifteen years than most young men his age will ever do and I don't have a doubt that we 'aint seen nothin' yet!'

I want to share some of his accomplishments....I am pretty proud of him.

4.0 Grade Point Average

RMS Student Body President

RHS Freshman Class President

2008 Wyoming Middle School Chess Champion

Speech and Debate Team Member

Accomplished Piano Player

More than Accomplished Trombone Player

Jazz Band Member

2009 All State Orchestra Member (as a Freshman, he scored the 4th highest in the State on his audition)

All of the above....plus a 15-20 hour per week job at Papa Murphy's Pizza

But, it's not just all the things he does on a daily basis....it's more about who he is.

His smile warms my heart!

His tender heart has always shown what a compassionate person he is to anyone....he would spend his last dime or bend over backwards to help someone who needs it....or just to make someone smile.

He never hesitates to volunteer. 

I love to hear him say "Yes Mam" or "Yes Sir" and I get a tear in my eye when I see him hold the door for someone. 

He's not afraid to stand up for what he believes in....sometimes to a fault :)

And....isn't he just the most handsome guy you've seen in a long time?!

I love that kid.....and I can say 'kid' 'cause he's mine.  But, really 'kid' just doesn't cut it anymore.  He's a young man.....and an awsome one at that!

I love you Quentin!  Happy Birthday!

January.....again

Okay, so it's January....again.
A brand new year! A Brand new start! Brand new goals! Brand new, Brand new....
So.....how come I don't feel 'Brand new?'
Does it ever seem to you that the world just keeps turning faster and faster? Is it just me or does anybody else wish at times it would just stop?!
I am venting today, as you can tell.  I have been thinking for three weeks now about goals and resolutions and all that stuff that seems to envelope you in January.  I realized, that I can't even remember the goals and resolutions I set last year....that means, I didn't do very well with them.  I feel lately that I am doing good to just make it through the day without screaming much less working on goals and resolutions too.  Does that mean I'm getting old?
Don't answer that!
Maybe that should be my goal this year.
One day at a time.
I've heard that phrase a dozen times and I think I've even given that advice to others.  Perhaps I really need to give it to myself.  Maybe the big goals don't really matter in the long run if you can't close your eyes at night knowing you've done your best for that day.  It seems so simple, but when I think about what that involves.....being the best mom, wife, homemaker, coworker, committe chairman, friend, Primary teacher, etc, etc.  That is a pretty lofty goal in itself!
I think I've come to that....no more 'loose 20 pounds', 'paint the kitchen', 'plant the ultimate flower garden', 'read the standard works',.....I'm just going to take each day at a time and make that day count. It's going to take a lot of thinking things through and prayer and acting on the promptings of the Spirit.  It's a tough goal! But I'm up for the challange!
One Day At A Time

Wordless Wednesday

Arlene

Today is Arlene's Birthday!
I miss her!
We had lots of good times together.
I could not have asked for a more loving, supportive, generous Mother-in-law! My husband has brought lots of good things in my life, but at the top of the list I have to say will always be my Mother-in-law.
We lost her last Thanksgiving. It's hard to believe it has been a whole year that she's been gone. She suffered a lot the last few months of her life and I know, without a doubt, that she is free from that now. She is with family and friends who love her dearly. But, I have to believe she maybe misses us a little too. Her family was her life. She loved each member individually and completely. She proved it everyday of her life with her smile and sense of humor, her generosity beyond belief and her unconditional love. I have so many memories that are a huge part of my life...
Trips to Salt Lake
Eating Mexican food at our favorite places
Picnicks on the back porch
Baked Beans and Potato Salad
Going over to Linda's
Late night board games
Watching new Afghans take shape....choosing the colors
Just sitting around talking
Salt Lake Company at our house
Giant Cookies @ Safeway....shhhh! It's a secret!
Country Road Walks....baby racoons
We always had fun. I could go on and on. I know this is a long post, but I wanted to share some pictures....memories over the years