Brownies for Breakfast

Last week I made some frosted mint brownies to take to a bar-b-que at a friends house. They just happen to be Winston's favorite brownies (and mine too - Yummm!). After the party, we still had half the pan left over - the recipe makes a lot. It was late when we got home so I just covered up the pan thinking that I'd put them in a container in the morning. The next day when Winston woke up, I got him ready as usual and then went to finish getting ready for work. He usually comes in and "helps" me. When several minutes had passed and he still hadn't come in, I thought I'd better go see what he was up to. Well, he had discovered the leftover pan of brownies on the table. He just couldn't resist those delicious brownies and decided to help himself to one. When I asked him what he was doing, he told me that he was "eating brownies for breakfast." What a smart kid!
I thought that sounded like a great idea and had one myself. Mmmm - gotta love those mint brownies. A delicious (though not very nutritious) breakfast. If anyone wants the recipe, just let me know and I'll post it.

Kenny Chesney Concert - Woo Hoo!

Brad and I went to the Kenny Chesney concert last night and it was awesome! He sounded great in person and really put on a good show.


Miranda Lambert was one of the opening acts and also did a good job. We missed the other opener - Lady Antabellum - but they were on at 5:30 which was a bit too early for us to get there in time for. We really just wanted to see Kenny anyway.



He sang for over two hours non-stop and was obviously enjoying himself - which made the performance that much better. And even though it was hot - over 1oo degrees - we had so much fun! Dancing and singing along to great music. Kenny, you rock!

Happy 4th of July

How extraordinary are the blessings of freedom and liberty we're able to enjoy in this wonderful nation. I'm so grateful for all those who have given so much so that we're able to have these blessings. I hope you all enjoy this great day!

Enjoying the Moment

A thunder storm rolled through tonight while I was reading bedtime stories with Winston. He wanted to go watch the lightening so we turned off the lights in the house and sat by the window to watch the storm. Winston was fascinated. He sat on my lap and together we stared out the window waiting for each lightening flash and then listening for the thunder to follow. It was like a spell had been cast over him. He sat so still watching and waiting. He would smile and his eyes would sparkle with each flash of lightening and boom of thunder. There were plenty of oohs and aahs. He loved it and I loved watching his reaction - utter fascination and pure enjoyment. Because our home is surrounded by mountains, the thunder echos here. I love it and I loved this special moment with my son. The storm only lasted for about ten minutes but what a perfect way to end a great day - a wonderful memory making moment. Brad's been out of town today and so it was just my little buddy and me hanging out together. I can't imagine life without this wonderful little boy.

So You Think You Can Dance!

I absolutely love this show! I've been looking forward to this year's season for months and I'm so happy that it's dance time again. I thoroughly enjoy watching the artistry and beauty of the dances, and the strength and talent of the dancers is just amazing. This is my favorite show on TV. Hooray for SYTYCD!

My Sister, My Friend

My sister moved to New Mexico yesterday and I miss her already. We haven't always been as close as I'd like over the years, but the last 5 or 6 years have brought us together and she is one of my best friends. I love that we are raising young boys together - something I didn't think we'd be able to do.

Thinking about my sister, brings to mind a song by Reba McEntire that I love - and always reminds me of my sisters when I hear it - called My Sister, My Friend. One of the verses goes like this:

I was thinking just today
About how we used to play
Barbie dolls and make-up
Tea parties, dress up
I remember how we'd fight
We made up and laughed all night
Wish we were kids again
My sister, my friend

Some of the best times of our childhood together were playing barbie dolls, dressing up in my mother's old dresses, dancing around the front room to my parents old 50's music, hours and hours spent swimming, sleeping out in our back yard under the stars and playing hide and seek - our favorite game. We also had our fights over clothes, toys, TV programs and having to share a room. We had so much fun together growing up - the three of us girls.

Lauri, you are so loved and will be missed dearly. Everything will work out though and you'll be back in Utah before we realize the time has passed. Enjoy the ride and in the mean time, know that you are always in my heart - My Sister, My Friend!

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my Dad's birthday - the first one since he passed away in February. I woke up thinking about my dad this morning and missing him. He's already been on my mind a lot the last few days - ever since Memorial Day. It feels like he's been gone for so long and yet it's only been a few months. Time has dulled the pain to just an occasional ache but I know I'll always miss him. Happy Birthday Dad. I'm so grateful to have had you as my father.

Recovering Very Quickly

Part of his recovery was getting him up and walking around. The day after his surgery (Thursday), he could only go for about a dozen steps before he needed to lay back down again. The next day (Friday) he was feeling a little better and so that morning we went out onto the patient patio to blow bubbles - very good to clear the congestion out of the lungs the nurses said. He rode out to the patio in one of their wagons.
He even got out and walked around for about ten minutes before he needed to go lay back down.
After his nap, he was feeling restless and wanted to get up. They had a little trike out in the hall and he rode it up and down the halls for about 45 minutes. I was just amazed at the quick progress he had made from the day before - even just from that morning. His pain level seemed to be quickly going down and his energy was increasing. All those prayer were sure working!
Here he is riding down the hall with his dad.

Happy to be out and about and not stuck in his hospital bed.
Enjoying his breakfast on Saturday morning just before going home.
Leaving the hospital in style in one of their wagons.
I really didn't think we'd be going home until Sunday afternoon and we were out of there Saturday morning. When we got home, he was running around and playing with his toys before taking a short nap. He ate pizza (his favorite meal), brought over by a dear friend and finally had a good nights sleep. Thank you again to everyone for all of their prayers on his behalf. The quick progress of his recovery is amazing and only proves that prayers really do work.