Wednesday, January 30, 2008

15 and counting...

One of the many great things about being in a big family is that I have A LOT of nieces and nephews. And I always look forward to seeing them every time I go home. They all have the greatest personalities and I just love them to death! I haven't been able to see some of them for months and I am missing them all so much that I thought I would do a blog of some of my favorite pictures of them to get my auntie Annie fix :) You know they're all adorable, admit it!


Carson and Dallin (Chunk!)

Easter Cupcakes

Noah, Lauren, Hunter and an unfortunate bear!


Buddies
Will and Ben

Ashley, Cade and new baby sister!

Cute Carson

Davis in Daddy's size 14's

Porter, Jillian and Bailey: some of THE smartest kids you'll ever meet :)

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Man's Best Friend




A Dogs Purpose

A Dog’s Purpose (from a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.” Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”

The six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

I wholeheartedly agree with all of this! I don't know what Paul and I would do without our two little pups...probably have my pillow to myself at night, not have a hairy cuddle partner, or someone who is so happy to see me he jumps into my arms!




Monday, January 14, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL!!!

Today is Paul's 25th birthday and oh how time flies. We have been married for 2 1/2 amazing years and everyday he amazes me with is patience, talents, love and sense of humor. He is absolutely THE hardest worker I know and I'm pretty sure I have never ever heard him utter a complaint about anything. So here's to you babe! I hope you have the best 25th ever...You deserve it! 











Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Ummm...I think I've had enough!

It has been snowing non-stop here lately! Good for the mountains and snowboarding...bad for my mini car and lack of winter shoe attire! :) Paul has already slid into a fence outside our apartment and we saw, not kidding, 7 wrecks on the way to SLC airport on Saturday to pick up Heidi, Paul's sister. I am missing my unseasonably warm Arizona weather right about now.

Weather

  • Salt Lake City, UT

    Cloudy, 26°
    • Tuesday
      Flurries37° / 27°
    • Wednesday
      Flurries35° / 19°
    • Thursday
      Flurries38° / 28°
    • Friday
      Flurries37° / 23°

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Thuggin' It


We got to go home to Arizona for Thanksgiving this year. It was my family's year for the holiday so most all of my siblings were able to be there. We have a huge bunch these days with 2 parents 20 kids, and 15, going on 16, grandkids!!  The next day all the boys loaded up their guns, ammo, targets, and pumpkins and headed out to the desert. They think they're pretty tough with their "pieces" :)