TRUE LOVE...

Tracy

and her newborn son,

Oliver Ayden Layne

Born 11/21/09

5 lb. 14 oz.

18 inches

THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE!

Here's to my best, most sane and inspired decision ever! The love of my life and me -- we're celebrating our 35th anniversary together! Seems like the years have flown by, but when we look at our terrific kids, their spouses, and those adorable grandkids....well, I guess we've been busy!

So, here's to you, baby. Here's to 3 1/2 decades on our way to eternity! Thank you for your patience with me, your tolerance of my faults and weaknesses, and your unending love - which I always feel. You are, without a doubt, my smartest decision!

I love you!!!

Mug

Conference at Grandma Barb's

What is it about the Sunday afternoon session of Conference? Perhaps a yummy home-cooked meal right before? You be the judge....



Maybe we'll just say, they were lulled into the sweet peace of the prophets voice.

A WOMAN OF GREAT FAITH AND COURAGE...

SO..... today is my baby girls 25th birthday!  Amazing that so much time has elapsed since that joyful day!  I want to tell you why I respect and admire this wonderful woman.  If you're reading my blog, you're probably amazed that I even have a new post - as it's been a very long time since I did this.  

But today - I want to honor my daughter.  I wish I were more like her.   In the midst of what was clearly the most devastating day of her young life, I found that she was comforting ME!  Hmm... that should work the other way!  She received the unwelcome news that her in-vitro attempt failed -- again.  Worse yet, it won't be repeated until modern science solves some difficult problems, that might leave the door open for another attempt.  However, this is 5-10 years away.  What a blow for this cute couple, who want nothing more than to be parents.  As they proceed with the route of adoption, it brings a new set of hopes, disappointments, and uncertainty, yet they're willing to put it all on the line - facing it all, with faith in their Heavenly Father's plan for them.

There's little comfort or answers I have for you, Tracy, except that I KNOW that you are somebody's mom, and how blessed those children will be for having you open your heart and welcome them in.  

Last night, rather than wollowing (like me), you were making cookies for a bake sale to help a family in great need.  What a shining example you are!  What courage you have!  And Faith -- well, just remember the college paper you wrote a few years ago entitled "Faith."  It touched me then, and it touches me today.  Thank you for being my daughter, Tracy.  Thank you for letting me experience this challenge with you.  And thank you most for keeping my perspective of these challenges very clear. 

You are my hero.

You are my example.

You are my beloved, beautiful daughter.

I love you!

Mom

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANDY!!

SO.... my little guy is now a big grown up "thirty-something" dad, who is having a swell birthday today!  My, how time flies!  So, my friend and bud, today I want you to know how very proud we are of you!  You're a wonderful hubby and daddy, and a marvelous son, brother and grandson.  We're all very blessed to have you as part of our family.

I wish I could upload the cutie pie picture I picked out, but I suspect I'll have to just change my internet service to do that.  They just won't load for some reason.  Have a VERY great day, and I'm sure there'll be some well deserved spoilage!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

LOVE YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BABY BOY!

HERE'S WISHING MY HANDSOME BABY BOY A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Ok, I give up.  At 1:30 this morning I began composing this post.  I had the pictures selected and ready to import, so my baby boy would know his momma was thinking of him on his birthday.  I waited about an hour for the pictures to download, and finally went to bed, leaving the computer doin' it's thing.  I was very disappointed  this morning to see the words "action failed" on my screen.  BUT, undaunted, I began again this morning -- this time selecting fewer photos.  Alas, I left for my workout with the computer working away...only to return to the same message!  I hate this!  

I'm repeatedly getting "failed" messages, and I'm starting to feel like a failure.  BUT, how can that be, you say?  Having produced 4 such magnificent babies....I can't be a failure!  So today, my young Zakasaurus, this mommy is thinking of you, and what a wonderful man you've become.  Kate and Kennedy are lucky indeed!  Hope you have a wonderful day -- can't wait to see you on Friday!!!

love you,

mommy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATE!

ISN'T SHE HOT??

What a beautiful mom, daughter, in-law, sister, friend she is!  And what a great addition to our family!  Lucky lucky Johnson's!!   Hope your birthday is especially nice.... we love you!!