Saturday, May 12, 2012

LDS Mod (Modest) Prom



Gabe's first date!  Gabe's 16 years old, but doesn't date.  Gabe has his Learner's Permit, but doesn't like to drive. Gabe has many friends, but prefers to interact with them online.  I don't get it.
Gabe, Meagan, Raechel, James

He was convinced to go to the LDS Prom, however, and I was so happy for him -- actual interaction with people!  Dancing!  Eating!  Talking!  In person!
Arrival at dinner "Pike's Place Market"

Market wares and Fish Throwers

Gabe, Meagan, James and Raechel had a great time on their date.  It was a Seattle theme, and the decor, food and amazing time and efforts put into this 5-stake event still amazes me!





Dining Room at the "Space Needle"
Arrival at the dance (the "cruise")
Dancin'
















I hear that my son was a total gentleman.  Sigh.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

2012 Mother-Daughter Weekend

This years Mother-Daughter weekend was planned by Rebecca, and we went to Sedona, AZ!













The trip included all the usual things -- food, pedicure (for me), games, talking, food, birthday celebrations (Carrie and Rebecca), food.  You get the picture.  I have such a great time with my sisters -- I laugh so hard I cry.  Rebecca is so clever and fun.  Carrie is a great conversationalist and eager to be active.  Mom is a peacemaker and it's clear she loves us and loves being around us.  She likes to make memories.  I think I got that from her.
Yummy food at The Barking Frog- deep fried cactus!
A wonderful sunset

Sedona Summit pool
A day at the Grand Canyon


Grand Canyon!
 I can't wait to see what next year has in store for us!  I miss them already.

Monday, April 23, 2012

12 Years Old!

My only daughter is twelve years old!  She's been very excited to hit this milestone, to enter Young Women, and start babysitting.  Carly loves the idea of speaking French and living in Paris -- thus the cake theme.  She also received a huge print of the Eiffel Tower to hang on her bedroom wall.
It was great to have the family over for a birthday dinner of spaghetti, french bread and salad.  
Cousin Kristina and Cousin Tim



Grandma Martinez
Uncle Jeff and Aunt Linda


Father and Daughter

Video game time with the 2nd cousins










Carly has matured so much since her last birthday, and I've enjoyed seeing her grow and change.  I'm so proud at the young woman she's becoming -- honest, joyful, talented, caring and helpful.  I can imagine what kind of girlfriend, wife and mother she will be.  It's my joy and sadness as she continues to grow away from being my daughter into what she will become!  I miss her already.


Happy Birthday Carly!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Birthday Thoughts



Another birthday has passed me by, and I've marked my 46th year. My joints are deteriorating, my eyes are giving out on me, and I'm starting the dying process.


Okay, it's not that bad. Yes, there are things I now mourn -- the loss of a body that can play volleyball, can ski, can do a cartwheel (yes, there are times I think about doing cartwheels!), that can wrestle on the floor with a 1-yr-old. There are many things, however, that I still can do. I can make cookies with my daughter, give my husband a hug, I can listen to my boys talk to me about video games, and I can feel thankful.


This year I'm especially thankful for my family. I watch my children grow as they seem to tower over me, and I often get the I'm-smarter-than-you-are looks from them. However, they also give me great joy and pride. They are reliable (some more than others), happy (more often than not), and show love to each other (at times)! I love spending time with them, and often miss their toddler selves that needed my protection and guidance.


My husband continues to excel as a father, a husband, and a provider. He's really matured into such an exceptional spouse -- since I "robbed the cradle" by marrying someone five years younger, I actually have witnessed his maturity! I'm proud of him and all his efforts to make me happy.

Happy Birthday to me. I'm going to try and rejoice in successfully obtaining 46 years on this earth, and commit to living a more joyful life this year!

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Patriarchal Blessing

Grandma Vogt made a quick weekend visit from Utah to be here to celebrate Gabe receiving his Patriarchal Blessing. It was a wonderful experience to be able to witness this special blessing from Patriarch Coleman! I am so proud of the possibilities of blessings in Gabe's life if he continues to follow a righteous path.


We also took the opportunity to take some family pictures! The kids are changing so quickly and only when I look at photographs does it occur to me that our whole family is almost the same height!