Saturday, February 26, 2011

Farwell to Nanny

This is the Postman's Grandmother. 

The 4th of July
This most beautiful LADY passed away this evening. She was 95. Her time had come and it was peaceful. Even still, I know I'm not someone who deals well with death and goodbyes. I just feel extremely grateful for the chance to have gotten to know her so much better this past year. For years while living in Arizona, she sent cards and gifts and all her love. What a blessing that she moved just one hour away and we were all able to spend time with her and love her more than ever. 
She is truly beautiful and she will be missed. 

We love you Nanny!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Gifts & The Prophets

Oh yes. Love this drawing of President Monson. This is an original artwork and you can own it cheaply for a GREAT cause. Click HERE to go the website to find out HOW and WHY. Mine should be coming this week and I can't wait!


Oh yes. Love this MAN! Don't you just really really miss him sometimes? I do. 


Driving home from Idaho on Sunday, we listened to this song on the radio by Paul Cardall. (It's playing right now, so turn up the volume.) The Postman and I fell in love. I started thinking what a remarkable artist he is. His music and arrangements are so peaceful and beautiful and instantly bring the spirit. Just like 16 year old, Caleb Ceran, some people are just really blessed with gifts to share like that. 
And we're blessed to enjoy them.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Weddings, Weddings, Weddings...

Just got back from Idaho.

 My niece got married!
  



Congratulations Layton and Ashley!

Up next....Nephi and Mallory
My nephew
April Wedding

And, Brian and Vanessa
The Postman's Brother
June Wedding






Last year. Matt & Kylie
The Postman's niece - Mesa, AZ


13 Years Ago...
February 21, 1998
I have found that when you first get married you believe that you are in love. Not until you live the years together do you finally learn TRUE love. It transcends the storms and lows and cold. Then you love because you know you have found someone who can love you, in spite of you, and you find strength in forgiveness and disappointments, companionship, and encouragement. You never abandon or think more of yourself and you don’t give up. You’ll find yourself in these moments of beautiful peace – full of joy and never alone. I’m grateful for my husband who has taught me and helped me to feel all of these things. Most of all, I’m grateful to be loved by him.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 

    I love thee to the depth and breadth and height 
    My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight 
    For the ends of Being and ideal Grace. 
    I love thee to the level of everyday's 
    Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight. 
    I love thee freely, as men might strive for Right; 
    I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. 
    I love thee with the passion put to use 
    In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. 
    I love thee with a love I seemed to lose 
    With my lost saints,–I love thee with the breath, 
    Smiles, tears, of all my life!–and, if God choose, 
    I shall but love thee better after death.

- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Congratulations to everyone! 
Welcome to the tree! ♥

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Valentines Day

The Hubs and I began celebrating Valentines on Thursday night. Why? Because we're smart people. Oh yes, we made reservations to be sure, but we were able to enjoy and very quite and romantic dinner at Corbin's with very few people around. We hid out, pretty much secluded in our little both next to the waterfall. I don't know if you can tell in the picture, but that is an entire wall of water. Also, the food is just hmmmmm....can't stop saying hmmmmmm....while I eat it. It is THE BEST ROMANTIC PLACE to eat in this here county. It was pretty great to say the least.


Saturday, the Hubs and I were out again at....wait for it.... wait for it.... The Old Spaghetti Factory. Yeah? Valentine Day is also my mom-n-law's birthday. We met up with the Hub's family and showered her with gifts. I would have to say that her favorite was probably the gift we gave. Red fuzzy handcuffs. (For sure. Right?)


Monday morning, I tried to craft with third graders. See picture above. I would love to tell you that's how they all turned out. I'm wondering why at some point an alarm didn't go off in my head, Abort mission...Abort mission. Threading ribbon, gluing tissue paper, tying bows, stuffing with chocolate, nine-year olds, and 10 minutes don't add up. Live and Learn. But look at all it's crafty Valentine-y potential.


On Valentines Day, I gave the Hubs and each of the kids their own box of chocolates. We dimmed the lights and our family had a sweet little candlelight dinner at home.  Hubs brought me flowers and, yes,  handmade chocolates and made our meal. We listened to music while we ate and the Hubs and I danced. I love that man! (I really love that man because that man spent the last two nights watching North and South with me. - all four hours! Did he complain? Yes he did. No.)

At this point I won't mention the part of the dinner that turned into a rousing game of "Do I dare put out the candle with my bare hands?" Let's just say, I'm grateful the house didn't catch on fire and everyone still has their hair and eyebrows.

 I made dessert.



I didn't know I knew how to temper chocolate... *pats self on the back and gives a kiss to the Hubs*

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Romance at the Movies

I love Valentine's Day! I really do. I mean I didn't used to. Okay, it's pretty lame if you don't have someone to share it with. But I really love it because my wedding anniversary is only one week later. One of my favorite ways to celebrate Valentine's Day is by watching the juiciest, most transcending, emotion-hijacking romance movies ever made! My husband is so right there with me - so glad to not be watching some testosterone-filled, violent, adventure film. I mean, guys are so not like that....

Here are my all-time favorites. If you have not seen one or any of these, go put it in your Netflix que NOW. Your husband will thank you for it.


PRIDE & PREJUDICE
Not just any version of Pride and Prejudice (but I kind of like them all). It has to be the Colin Firth version - before he played the role of a stuttering king. (Why, oh why is that movie rated R?! Curse you Hollywood! *shaking my fist to the sky*) Seriously, have you not seen this one? I pity you.


THE NOTEBOOK
A love story with a lot of depth. Which was kind of unexpected. There is just a part of this story that won't ever leave your mind because it makes such an impression. But, could I please watch a clean version of this movie? It really was a shame. So could I interest you in a little NORTH AND SOUTH instead?




NORTH AND SOUTH
If you love Jane Austin movies you will {heart} this one! Your tongue will be rolling out of your mouth in the end, trying to lap up all the gooey romance oozing from the screen. This is a movie I will recommend without hesitation.


MOULIN ROUGE
Extremely creative. Tons of eye-candy. This is a musical with amazing arrangements. I own very few movies but this is one of them. If I had to state my ALL-TIME favorite. This would be it.


THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
*Sigh* In collage I memorized this entire soundtrack. I can play nearly every song on the piano. But alas, I have never seen the Broadway production. (Don't you feel sorry for me? I do.) With that said, I love this movie! And, hello ladies...Gerard Butler.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Calling All Angles

I love these two people! Please meet my handsome nephew Neal and his adorable wife Angie. (If you haven't already - you're missing out.) Please click below. You'll be so glad that you did. Here is a beautiful video that will provide you with the opportunity to give a little of yourself - all in the memory of their angel son Jayden. If this touches you, please spread the word.