The winds of change..........

I walked outside this morning and felt the wind hit my cheek,

the feeling of fall was definitely in the air,

we all expect the change of seasons as they move each gently in to the other,

and yet somehow it always takes time to adjust to each one......

As it is in our lives...the winds of change come............

They come sometimes ever so gently that we hardly notice,

like a child growing up way too fast,

Like a parent aging right before your eyes ever so gentle......

Some winds of change are not so kind......

They bring the chill of winter and the sting of frost.......

We are in the winds of change....

But, soon as in all seasons a new one will come along....

Soccer and fair time!!!!

We started off fall with Special Olympic Soccer it was really fun............... Then on to the fair..........

The Demolition Derby is always a must.............

The Haunted house ride is first on the list............

It was a fun time.... I know this is alot of posts at once, but, I have time to catch up so I decided to do it all at once............

One more stop on the way home....

We stopped by the "this is the place" historical site in Salt Lake.... What a spirit that was present there............

It was amazing to stand there and look out and imagine what the pioneers felt as they came through that canyon and knew they were in the promised valley........

Summer Continued......

Then on to Hogle Zoo.... Vanessa was not near as excited after going to Lagoon, in fact, her statement was "you should have taken me back to Lagoon today...." How else to do you begin the Zoo without putting your head in the Lions mouth!!

I caught this little guy coming out of his little hole... he is a charmer...........

I would love to be as tall as one leg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The bird Show was fabulous!!!

Just taking a break............

We had a really fun summer!

Summer continued............

We went to Lagoon which is in Utah. Vanessa had never been there before. She had a blast and now plans to go again next year!!! I hope she is saving her money!!!!

On the way in to the haunted house...........
Vanessa loves the Caroussel................

Too high for me....................

Yet another haunted house.....

This was a really fun ride, somehow Brian managed to come out a little wet, Vanessa and I came out soaked............

The Train ride was a favorite for me and Brian

The Jumping dragon was a highlight............

We had a really fun time, and stay tuned Because we aren't done yet.......

Is summer over already????

We went camping to start our summer off!!! Off on a road trip...........

I know that chipmunk is in there somewhere......

Our campsite..........

Motorcycle Momma............................

We love to fish..........................

We camped in two different spots!! The first one was our favorite..............

WHO DO YOU THINK IS REALLY DRIVING????????????????

We went camping above Liberty Idaho. We had a very fun time. We cut it short a little bit to take Ness to lagoon. More of those pictures coming soon!!! It has been a fun summer just a way too short!!!!

Accomplished a long awaited goal.......

About two weeks ago, I accomplished something in my life that I never thought I would do.

I did a 5K race. I didn't come in first or last for that matter, but, I accomplished a so called "Mountain" in my Life. Thank you to a very dear friend who could have totally won, for sticking it out with me and staying right with me. We laughed we talked and she gave me lots of helpful hints that made it possible to get through it, We went up and down hills and ended by going up a very long hill with her encouragement all the way. I know to some people a 5K is not a big deal, but to me it was a huge deal and it truly renewed my spirit!!!!!!!!!

NEW BEGINNINGS.........

We have a Robin in our back yard, who built a nest on top of our electical box, I have been sitting on our deck taking pictures. I got tons of wonderful amazing pictures. I don't think "momma" liked me being out there, she kept squawking at me, but, it was fun to get these pictures. Watching life take place from the beginning is a wonderful feeling...........
Waiting to be fed.............

Mom, brings some food home..............

We want more................

Proud Momma Bird.............

Just watching over the kids.....................

Special Olympics..........

Today was Special Olympics Regional Competition in Blackfoot. It is always a very humbling experience to be amongst these wonderful spirits that are so innocent and amazing..... Vanessa won two races and came in second on one. Her Uncle Carl and Aunt Margie came and were very patient in waiting for the events, as it can be a very long day. Now we go to Boise for State games in July!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

camping.........

THis is where, we ended up leaving the trailer, until we could go back in and get it several days later..............

This was on our way out, we kind of got stuck..............

We woke up to snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We went camping over memorial day weekend, it was cold and wet, but nice to get away and be together as a family...................

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Tomorrow the 19th of April, 2011 Dad will be 83 years old. He claims he is going to be 38. I told him that would make me 6 years old and I really don't want to be that young again!!! Dad, I am so very proud to call you my father. You have taught me so much in my life and you are such an example to me of integrity and honor. I am proud that you served our nation and that you still honor it the way you do. I am grateful for the Love that you showed to mom and taught me how a marriage should be. You have truly touched my life in ways I can never express. Happy Birthday!!! We love you so very much!!

27 Years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

April 14, 1984...................

This was one of our engagement photos.................

Wow I can't believe it has been has been 27 years. It has been an amazing run so far!!! Our wedding day was amazing, I can remember it as if it were yesterday and yet I can honestly say that I am more in love today then I could have even imagined 27 years ago. Happy Anniversary Brian!! Here's to another 27 years at least.............

BRAGGING RIGHTS........

I NEVER NEVER brag on myself, but, today, I have to, cuz, I am just plain proud of me!!! I have been in a Biggest Loser Weight Loss Group for the last 12 weeks. I am not the Biggist Loser, however, I have lost 20 pounds and I am so happy. Still have more to go, but, it just makes me know that if I push myself I can make big things happen. THANK YOU BRIAN FOR CHEERING ME ON!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

MATTERS OF THE HEART CONTINUES

Last week we took Vanessa to Salt Lake City to see lung and heart specialists. While there we went through 2 very long days of testing. Some that brought her to tears. Through all of it including the tears, she managed to touch the hearts of the doctors and nurses. We found that she does have Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, however, it is in the mild stages. This can progress over time so we will have tests about every 6 months, to keep up on the progress. We are so very greatful for all the prayers that were said by many friends and family of many different faiths across the country on her behalf. Funny story about these pictures, some of them were taken by the nurses in the Cath Lab, because "Vanessa wanted pictures". Like I said she touched their hearts..............

Bruise caused by IV...........Very proud of this bruise, she thought it was "cool"

Very anxious for the Heart test to start............

Just got another IV and not super thrilled............

In the cath lab with her "friends".....

After 18 hours, she finally got to eat........much happier...................

Matters of the Heart....

Well, the year is getting off to a fast pace. Vanessa has lots of events on her calendar that she is looking forward to. So far Brian has been out snowmobiling and enjoying the wonderful snow. I took my father in laws machine out and played For awhile on his land in Montpelier, very fun!! Then we went to a tribute concert to Queen! It was a rockin' good time. Vanessa had a ball and it brought back lots of memories. The sad thing we were among the younger ones at the concert!! Then Brian got to go Cougar hunting. They treed a lion and got to take lots of cool pictures. He is gorgeous. However, our lives are not full of fun and excitement, soon we are going to Salt Lake to see a specialist, Vanessa has been diagnosed with a heart disease, we are not sure what the outcome will be. But, as I reflect on all the many blessings that we receive on a daily basis, I continue to build upon my faith and look forward to a new day.................

AMAZING.....................................

WE WILL ROCK YOU......................................

HE IS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS.............................