21st Birthday

Well, my little darling turned 21.  What a milestone!  I drove to her college town so that I could be the designated driver.  Hard to imagine that my baby is now legal to drink and a myriad of other things.  Well, it was pretty tame and I am just thankful that she was tolerant of me tagging along for her safety.

College kids today are so much smarter than my friends and I were at that age.  The take cabs, they look for designated drivers, they stay home.  I am thankful that they are not willing to risk their lives or the lives of others. 

Notre Dame

Tim's godparents, Sam and Laurie got us tickets to the Notre Dame-BYU game this past weekend.  What a thrill, Tim is a lifetime Notre Dame fan, so Tim, Megan and I flew to Chicago and then drove to South Bend.

An experience that none of us will forget.  Just walking across the campus was a thrill and entering the stadium nearly took my breath away.  I cannot describe the feeling....like I had imagined only infinitely better.  The game was great!  The Irish won 17-14.  After the game, I was heading for the exit and Tim grabbed my hand and asked me why I was in such a hurry.  "Enjoy the moment, Mom!  Take it all in."  He was so right, I just stood in awe!

Sunday we toured the campus.  The Basilica, the Golden Dome, the Grotto were awe inspiring.  I have always admired those places but to actually see them....what a thrill!

Thank you, Sam and Laurie.  One weekend and a lifetime of memories!

Go Irish!

The 5 of us after the game

Tim and Lou Holtz

The Grotto

The Golden Dome

Coaching Volleyball

Coaching kids is one of the great joys of my life and I have been coaching volleyball again this year.  I only have 6 girls but they are so much fun....well, at least most of the time!  I coach the C team which is predominately freshman.  We practice each night after I get home from work for an hour and a half. 

 The good news is that I never have to substitute.  The bad news is practicing with 6 is not easy!  They are having a great season.  I love these girls! 

After a tournament!

Outdoor Shower

I love my outdoor shower, especially during the dog days of August..  When I work outdoors and am hot, sweaty and tired, I am grateful for the cool water.  It is a great way to rinse off and cool off before bed!  Amazing how much more restfully I sleep.

Girls Weekend

Last weekend, two of my sisters, my mother, my daughter and my nieces spent the weekend together in Sun Valley, ID.  Unfortunately, one of my sisters and my daughter-in-law were unable to be with us so we were a couple short but the rest of us had a great time.

We ate out, ate in, played games, hiked, swam and mostly enjoyed each other!  I love the times when we get together.  While waiting for meas, we often ask questions such as, "what is a goal you want to complete".  It is such a great way to learn about each other.  

Me and Mollie.

I know how lucky I am to be surrounded by such amazing women!

Backyard Containers

I used to spend hours gardening.  The last few years, I have been a total slacker.  This year, I stepped it up and have cleaned up the yard, replanted and just returned to spending time working outside.  I am pleased with the results.  My containers are especially lovely this year!

Whiskey barrel on deck

One of the hanging baskets

Red geraniums are my all time favorite

Herb garden

This is the best part of gardening...my sweet little helper boy!  Gabriel loves getting in the dirt and especially loves to water.  He tells me regularly that he is going to be a farmer with his Bubba (grandpa) when he grows up.

Independence Day 2012

We had an amazing 4th of July this year.  A couple of my siblings and their families came home, as they usually do.  We have many traditions and this is the one time of the year that our small hometown really celebrates.  It is a great time to reconnect with old friends and to remain thankful for the blessings of living in such a great nation.

We started the morning with the Fun Run/Walk.  Carl ran the 10K.  Gayla ran the 5K.  Jim and I walked the 5K.  

After showering, we headed back to town for the parade.  Gabriel and James loved it and especially loved collecting candy.  Mollie loves hanging with her favorite nephew.  My mom can be spotted enjoying the parade, too.

 We spent the remainder of the day at my parents house.  As our custom, we had fried chicken, beans, chips, salads, fruits, sodas, cookies and homemade ice cream.  Several of my aunts and uncles and their families join us.  We play games and the kids spend much of the time soaking each other.

My parents with their younger grandsons.

We enjoy family fireworks before we drive into town to enjoy the community fireworks display.

What is better than the 4th of July in small town U.S.A.?