Spring Projects and Planting

I know I'm not the only one who thinks time seems to be racing by. How is it almost June already? I really can't fathom that.

Since the hot, summer weather (I know... it's not officially summer yet, but it sure feels like it around these parts) has hit, I thought it was high-time to get my canvas outdoor curtains hung again. I admit, I put it off for a week or two, thinking it would be a bigger project than it really was. But it took all of 15 minutes, if that. Last year, I took them down, leaving the rod and clips up in place. They sortof blend in with the wood, and aren't noticeable. 

As I was taking the curtains down, I marked them with a permanent marker as to which panel went where, and I also marked a tiny mark where each clip was attached. 

my code here is, west side of the house,

south curtain :)

marking where clips should
be attached

Then, I washed the panels and folded them and put them away for the winter.

This year, I pulled them out, and because I had sortof draped them instead of folding them, there weren't even any fold lines. I got out the ladder, and clipped those babies right back up into place, and it honestly didn't take more than 15 minutes. Sooooo easy!

I love when projects are fast, and go just as planned. We've had a few sprinkler issues this year that haven't been quite that way. We had a garage build in the backyard, and when the workers were putting the foundation and driveway in, they cut into sprinkler lines, not bothering to mark where those occurances took place. So, we have had a few issues there. Like yesterday, when I was checking to see if my grass seed was getting enough water from the sprinklers, I noticed bubbling coming up from the side of the driveway. That meant that there was a cut sprinkler line underneath the driveway. When Bob got home from his meetings that night, we went out there and he started digging under the driveway. Long story short, he stopped at about 30" under the driveway, and thought up a better plan and circumvented the cut sprinkler line. We are back in shape now, but crossing our fingers that we don't have any more surprises left over from our garage project.

There is one project that I never seem to get to. Every year, I think we need to fix the old birdhouse we made years ago. And every spring, it becomes inhabited by a new little family of finches. And when they move out, another family moves in. There is no time for sprucing up the place.

If you look closely, you can see the momma bird coming out of the bottom hole. She flies in and out all day long keeping those babies fed. Maybe this fall, after the finch families have moved on, I can get to fixing the birdhouse. It's in dire need of a new roof that keeps the rain out.

Another project I have been able to get moving along, is planting and filling in space after our paver patio project left a blank canvas (and I do mean blank). It's been fun to slowly fill up some of the areas. I still have much to do, but I don't mind ambling along a bit. It gives me time to think about what I want, and where I want it.

I LOVE a trip to the garden center. Last week, my mom and I drove down to a nursery in Springville. We had taken our pots there in March, and they fill the pots, and keep them in their nurseries to grow until we pick them up in May.

We always end up packing the car (with all the seats down, or removed) to the gills. And this year was no exception. My mom had to pack a few plants in around her feet on the way home. Fun, happy day!

Spinning Plates on the Verge of Greatness

Oh boy. Do you ever feel like the train has left the station, and you're running along side it trying to muster up the courage and the strength to climb on board? It's one of those stretches for me. I feel like I've got so many darn plates to spin, that I just am in awe of the pile of plates, and haven't even started spinning them. So much to do. I realize that there are two different analogies there, but that just about sums up my train of thought these days... too much going on in the head. It ends up feeling a bit fuzzy. 

Tonight is my daughter's baby shower. My other daughter, along with various friends and family members, is throwing it for her. And she was sweet and amazing enough to plan out all of the decorations and such whilst I was floating around in a boat somewhere near the Panama Canal. So, I've really only had to get my house in shape (a bigger task than I want to admit to), and plan some food. Not too big of a deal, but it's a plate that needs spinning, in order for things to work out nicely tonight. 

And there are several other plates: getting our backyard garage construction project done; and once the garage is done, cleaning out the other garage and storage unit so that we can have actual organized spaces (what a concept!); cleaning out and updating a new little rental property we just purchased (this one counts for several plates, I imagine); getting my yard put into shape after the construction has done a number on it; tearing out and filling in our pond and stream; preparing for my son's wedding luncheon in March; cleaning out every single closet and drawer in my house (you think I'm joking...); insert here about twenty more plates that I won't bore you with at this time; and, getting ready for the arrival of our second grand baby in March (at which arrival I will be a coach.... see the above graphic for my thoughts on this assignment).

So, although I know that I'm not any more busy than anyone else, sometimes things get a little crazy for a day or two. And then it all seems to fall into place, and I realize that I don't even have to spin every plate at once. In fact, things go along quite nicely if I just spin one plate, give it my all, and then once it stops spinning, set it aside and start another plate. I am very much a single-task oriented person, so I can be very satisfied being a "one-plate-spinner", all the while being quite dazzled at my husband's array of numerous plates spinning all together, and ne'er a one crashing to the ground. We get along quite nicely -- me and him -- with our different approaches to life. We are the yin to each other's yang.

Panama Canal Trip and then back to the routine!

We are back! And since I don't normally advertise over the internet when we are leaving, you wouldn't even have missed us, but we were gone for almost two weeks! We went on a Panama Canal cruise, which was something we've always wanted to see. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

This is the Panama Canal (Gatun Locks) as our big cruise ship is entering the locks. The little trains you see below, attach to the ship by lines, and keep the ship in the center of the canal where it belongs. There are four trains on each side of the ship.

And here are the Miraflores Locks, seen from the side. It's hard to believe those huge cruise ships can fit inside of that space, but they do!

Oh, and here's my travelling partner. I could look at this photo all the day long. In fact, think I will.

Leading up to the trip, Bob and I were at a point in our hectic lives where we were mostly just passing each other in the hallway (sometimes at a pretty good trot). We needed some time away together, and this trip was just the thing. We saw beautiful things, thawed out in the warm sun, lazed around on lounge chairs and went on hair-raising zip-lines in the jungles of Costa Rica...

Here we are before. Happy as clams.

And here is Bob, gliding along with the greatest of ease. He never really looked the slightest bit different than he would look when he's sitting in a lounge chair sipping a cool soda. His facial expressions never change. Of course, he is the consummate "calm and cool under any circumstances".

I, on the other hand, have varying levels of fear, puzzlement (as to how to get my body pointing straight instead of sideways, when coming in for a landing), and excitement.

And lest you are wondering why there should really be any fear involved, this photo may give it a little justice. Some of the zip lines are 150 feet above the jungle floor. Think of it. Doesn't it get your adrenaline going a little bit?

Near the end of the zip-lines, I did figure out how to come in straight and I may have even had a smile or two.

...We also went on walks, worked out together (remember, fatty, high-calorie cruise food -- we needed to keep some of that at bay), actually read books, and generally soaked each other up for 12 whole days. Heaven. We could have been anywhere on earth, and it wouldn't have mattered to either one of us, as long as we got to spend that uninterrupted time together. It will be just the thing to get us through the busy months ahead!

And now that we're back, I feel like I'm ready to conquer the world. Well, almost. I came back to this.

I had sworn to myself (and anyone else who would listen) that I refused to come home to any Christmas decorations that still needed to be put away. But, try as I might, I could not carve out the few hours it would take to put them all away where they go. So, it all sat on the floor of our basement just patiently waiting for me to get home. And the very morning after I got home, I rolled my sleeves up and got to work. It felt great to pack it all away, but I was reminded of my need to purge Christmas decorations, so I invited all of my kids to a Christmas garage sale next October. Done.

And with the basement all cleaned up and organized, I was in my "nesting" mode, so everywhere I've gone in my house in the past few days, I've lingered to organize. I still have oh, so much to do, but it feels so good to start seeing a little organization and order scattered here and there in our home.

In a couple of days, I'll be sharing my Trip Packing and Prep lists that help me remember to pack every last thing and also to do all that needs to be done around the house before we leave. It makes the preparation part of trips so much easier!

29 Year Anniversary

Excuse me whilst I get personal for a few minutes. But it can't be helped. It is a great day!

29 years ago today, I married the man of my dreams. I know that sounds a little cliche, but I'm telling you... as a young girl, teenager, and young adult, I had the same hopes and dreams about my future. They never changed. When I was in grade school, I remember having to write down what we "wanted to be when we grew up", and I wrote two words: A Mom. My teacher didn't think that was enough, and tried to get me to write something in addition to that, but I couldn't come up with anything else. There wasn't anything else, as far as my hopes and dreams were concerned. Now, if I had been on my toes, I might have changed it to: Wife and Mother. But, to me they were all encompassed in one word anyway. That all went without saying.

And then, when I was 21, I met Bob. And that's where the hopes and dreams turned into a reality. I'm not saying our lives have been perfect and free from trials and challenges since we've been married. We've had our share, and I'm sure there's more to come. That's just part of being on this earth. But through it all, I've always been living my dreams. (Again, cliche) But there's no other way to put it. 

And who knew? My mom told me that through the years we would just continue to grow more and more in love, and I couldn't really comprehend loving Bob more than I did the day I married him. But now I get it. I know that what she said is completely true. 

Our lives continue to get more and more full. The experiences we have are like beautiful pieces of a quilt -- all different patterns and shapes, but fitting together and making the whole quilt more and more beautiful as it continues to grow. 

And I say to myself, "How can this quilt possibly be any more beautiful than it is now?". And then, as the next son or daughter-in-law, or grand baby is added to the family, their is more beauty. And even when we have something really hard and sometimes really painful to go through, as we make it through the other side of it, we take another look at our "quilt" and lo and behold, it has become that much more lovely. 

How little did I know 29 years ago, when I was that smiling, happy bride, that my life would be this deeply rich and sweet. Words can't express how blessed and eternally grateful I am for the man that has been by my side and made every bit of it possible. Oh, how I love you, Bob.

Halloween Past & Present

Happy Halloween!

I can't rightfully say what I was dressing up as for this particular year... maybe a tourist? It looks to be when I was 18ish -- probably headed off to a Halloween party or dance. Oh, to be young again! I'm not one who loves to dress up as an adult, so these photos of when I was more festive, are a treasure. My family might even be tempted to think I've digitally put my head on someone else's costume. Not so. This is the real deal, as hard as it is to believe!

Though I don't participate in the costume part of Halloween, I do love seeing all the darling costumes of the kids in our neighborhood, and greeting each of them at the door. I love handing out the candy bars, and we usually all just gather in the living room so that we can all see the kids that come by. Sometimes neighbors filter in, so that by the end of the night, we have a fun gathering of people watching the parade of children coming up the front steps. It's a great evening! Tradition is that we have homemade chili in breadbowls and roasted pumpkin seeds, and this year looks to be no different than the rest.

Have a great Halloween with your friends and family!

They Say Its Our Birthdays...

Last night was the big night for our 50th birthday(s) party! It was really the perfect way to usher in our 50th(s)... to be surrounded by our kids, grand-baby, mom, sisters and brothers, nieces, nephews, and many friends who all mean so much to us and have been a part of our lives and our happiness. I loved looking around the room and seeing the faces of those people who are so important to us, mingling and laughing together and meeting new people. Sweet, sweet memories I'll hold in my heart for a long time to come!

As I laid in bed last night, I thought of several more things I could or should have done for the party to prepare a little better, but overall, it went by without a hitch.

We didn't go too overboard on the decorations, but enough to say it was a special day.

With the helium shortage (still can't get my arms around that), I decided to go a different route, and Lindsay and I tied balloons to thin wooden dowels so that they were in an "arrangement" for the table. It ended up being a cute, easy way to make a colorful fun centerpiece without having to try to work with helium.

Okay, this isn't the first time I've used this Happy Birthday Garland. I made it for my mom's 80th birthday party, and the colors end up being perfect for other birthdays, so I reuse it now and again. It was perfect for the colors for our party!

This was a sign that depicted our 50 years of life. It starts with our hospital and baby photos up at the top of the "5", and goes through our childhood and teenage years, and then on the "0", it starts at the top with our wedding announcement, and follows the years as it circles around. I have a gazillion photos of me as a baby and child, but not many of Bob. And I have a gazillion photos of Bob since we've been married, but not many of me (since I'm the one usually snapping photos). But, it all worked out okay and was a fun way to show us through the years and at the same stages of life.

If you didn't know our history, check out our birthday party invitations that my niece Joanna designed for us. It tells our story of being born in the same hospital, four days apart.

These are the cake pedestals before we put the cakes on them.

I know. I should have taken a photo of the little cake garland before we cut into the cake, but we were getting close to the start of the party, and starting to scramble a bit to get everything ready.

And these were the little favors that the guests took as they left.

Bob used his magic laser machine and etched in some subway-style birthday sentiments on the bags. They turned out just exactly the way I imagined!

What a great evening! We didn't take even one photo while the party was going on. We had the camera there, but once 7:00 hit, we didn't have a minute's time to have someone take photos (something I should have arranged with someone before-hand, but oh well). I also didn't have any time to get back into the kitchen to see if the cakes were holding out and if the water tub needed more water bottles in it. Luckily we didn't quite run out of anything, so it was all good!

Half a century... a drop in the bucket!

I wonder if you can guess what event we have coming up in the next little while...

recent Costco purchase

received this in the mail.

received this in an email
this week
(Thanks, Jeana!)

Yes, you guessed it! We're turning 50! I think there is some comfort in the fact that we're both jumping into the 50's together -- 4 days apart.

There are a few things that need mentioning in all of this hullabaloo.  First of all, why all the hullabaloo? I didn't receive any ads in the mail when I turned 30 or 40, directed to some medical care that I should be looking into. There weren't any vitamins that were specific to 30 or 40 year olds and their needs. I'm getting the idea that this one is a biggie. I guess half a century IS a pretty big deal, and something to celebrate, right? (50 years used to be so very many years, and now its just a drop in the bucket)

So along with all of the hullabaloo and medical procedures and new (adapted to my very age) vitamins, it seems that people think I should be either fearing this new stage, or at the very least, just plain old depressed. Strangely enough, both Bob and I are not too worked up over the fact that we've been around for five decades. Just one more day older than the previous one, is how I look at it, so the "age thing" has never really bothered me. I don't know what this says about my past physical health, but I am probably healthier at this point in my life than I have ever been. (That really does make it seem like I was a couch potato for a large percentage of my life, but what I mean to say is that I've really been kicking it in as far as exercise goes lately)

Back when I first began this blog, on the very first post, I wrote the following:  The name [of this blog] comes from a conversation that I had with my mom many years ago.  She told me that the best time of her life was always the one in which she was living. Bob and I have adopted that sentiment and truly love whatever phase of life we are currently in.  ...And it is true, the best time of our lives is today! And that even applies as we turn the big 5-0!

Now, since Bob and I have birthdays that are only four days apart, we have never really thrown a big party for each other. It seems too strange to throw a party for the other, and then not have one thrown for you, or vice versa. For this big occasion, we (along with the kids) thought this might be just the time to have a shindig, so that's just what we're doing -- Bob and I are throwing a party for each other!

I'll post the invitation in a day or two. It is darling, and designed by my very talented niece.

Oh, and just for the record, I am calling on Monday to schedule that medical procedure appointment -- for both of us! :)

Wyatt makes his debut today!

Photos are going to do this post way more justice than any words...

Bob and Wyatt

Dayna and Wyatt

Life doesn't get much better than the way it is this moment, this day! Wyatt Ash was born this morning at 9:40-ish and weighed in at a healthy 8 lbs. 9 oz. He is as beautiful a baby as they come, and it was instant love for all of us. Whitney and Mike are going to be amazing parents for this sweet little baby!

On the way home from the hospital this afternoon, Bob mentioned that its amazing how instantly and completely we have an unmeasurable love for a little baby that we are just laying our eyes on for the first time! I remember that same exact feeling when each of our four children were born. My heart could not possibly be any more full!

28 Amazing Years Together

Today is our 28th anniversary! We went to our cabin to celebrate for a few days -- just the two of us! I love this man more than I can ever describe. I have loved him for each of the 10228 days of our marriage. And I look forward to the next day, and the next, and the next. Being married to him fulfilled to the exact detail, my childhood dream of being a wife and mother in a blissfully happy family. He is the reason I have never had the need or desire to make a "bucket list"... I feel like every day I am doing exactly what I have always wanted to do! 

A few years ago, on our 25th anniversary, I made an anniversary quilt. I used Lori Holt's pattern "Comforts of Home" and adapted it to me and Bob, and our favorite things.

The center of it shows Bob and I, the temple that we were married in (along with the date), a block with a home on it, and then a block (Happily Ever After) that shows the places we've lived in our married life.

We were born in the same hospital, four days apart, which is depicted with the baby rattle block. We also love to eat at Chilis, and we love playing family games.

We have watched old Perry Mason episodes for almost our whole marriage. We have seen them all, and still love to watch them together late at night. We love to go hiking together.

We snowshoe, work on projects, and while we're watching Perry Mason, we have cookies and milk. Every night.

One of our favorite movies: Princess Bride

The block with the days of the week, and the Wednesday circled, depicts our Wednesday lunches, which we've done for as many years as I can remember. We rarely miss that most important appointment of the week!

We have been on three pioneer treks together, and have loved them all. Such hard work, but so, so worth it!

 We love antiques and love to hunt them down together.

Nothing Bundt Cakes. Nummy. They have been the thing that has gotten us through some of our craziest projects (like the Amazing Race youth conference).

We also send each other emails and texts frequently and randomly throughout the week, just for the fun of it, and just to remind the other that we're thinking of them (shown in the You've Got Mail block).

Need I say more? See's has also gotten us through many a hard day (weddings, parade floats, crazy schedules). Every day when Bob gets home from work, we head to our See's box and each of us has a piece. I'm beginning to understand why no matter how much I exercise, I can't seem to lose any weight.

The block with the brown couch symbolizes our cabin.

We love to shop together, and also love to travel, though we both really love to be home!

Our four kiddos.

This year, we gave each other a new kitchen table and chairs (we're still waiting for delivery). Since I haven't had it in me to do a big project, I think we'll just look at our quilt and relive some of those grand memories we have made together!