CONGRATS WHIT!!

We're so PROUD of Whitney- she graduated from her program in massage therapy AND got her first job!! It's been neat watching her become so knowlegeable about muscles, techniques, and assorted business plans. We had a fun night at her graduation- she received numerous awards that didn't surprise us at all- we think she's pretty great, but we were shocked when she got an award for attendence- in high school she almost flunked choir because she refused to get up in the morning and go!! Her dad has loved her being able to give him foot massages (is that daughterly love, or what?) to help him with his sore feet and she does a pretty mean neck massage. She'll start working at a spa in Orange in January after she passes her state and city licensing tests. I can't tell you all how much we love having her and Ryan close- being around the two of them makes Lynn and I smile because we know they're happy, love each other lots and are good to each other and their families- what more can you ask as a parent? So she's off to Utah for a few days of fun with her sisters and the world's most amazing nieces- love you Whit and way to go!!


Whitney with the MacLauren's and us!

Junie B Jones Grows Up and Goes to College

Lindsey decided to go private on her blog for many reasons (actually it's because she only wants family and close family friends to read about her trouble with the law and other various misadventures) and wanted me to put a post on my blog with her email. So if you would like to be able to read her further adventures in Provo you can just contact her! So here it is: lindseykershaw@yahoo.com

Chelsea's Pregnant & Halloween Fun!

So I realized today that I hadn't told everyone that Chels is pregnant and due in late May. Her and Dan came to California for the weekend so she could eat at her favorite Japanese restaurant which is the only thing she's been hungry for. We're all so excited to have another little addition to the family- I guess it's serious business to have THREE grandchildren!!

I snagged some pictures from both Mandy's and Lizzy's blogs- both of them have gone private and these pictures were just too cute not to share. I don't know where to begin to explain Liz's- let's just say that the law was involved and no, she didn't spend anytime in jail...yet! This was part of the story- you'll have to try and read the rest on her blog:

















"I thought I'd press my luck and ask to get handcuffed...I mean, that would have been a classic picture. He didn't even look up when I asked, he just said no way. As he was writing me up for my ticket he said that it was actually breaking his heart to give it to me...he said, and I quote, "in all my years on the force you're actually the nicest person I've ever ticketed...not to mention you are the only little ballerina I've given a ticket to, I'll enjoy sharing this story"...I asked if he'd enjoy sharing the story more if he didn't give me a ticket...apparently not, because he still gave it to me"

And yes, Jon is dressed as the Green Giant- tights and all!!

So next year, I am NOT missing Halloween with my THREE grandchildren, jailbird daughter, and jolly son-in-law!!

Much to My AMAZEMENT!

Did you know- you probably all knew- that when you change your template it erases your side bars!!! So I'm loving the new background, just not loving having to put everything back! I'm finally back to blogging- wait, I said that last month, but I really do mean it this time! Whit and Liz made me feel guilty cause even they finally updated their blogs so now it's my turn- pictures next!

Brick Walls are There for a Reason-

They let us prove how badly we want something.

The other day I read a touching article in the WSJ about a professor at Carnegie Mellon and the lecture he gave. I have been thinking about it over and over ever since and thought I would share it with you. I have tried and tried to link it, but sorry- it just won't work- hopefully you can just cut and paste!

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB119024238402033039-lMyQjAxMDE3OTIwMDIyNDAyWj.html

I love how this sweet man has taken this tragic event in his life and made it into a positive event- something I think I always struggle with doing. Lately (maybe it's my age or the fact no children are living at home) I wonder have I accomplished the things that I should have- the things that I maybe thought there were too many obstacles in my path to achieve. The dreams that I think about all the time accomplishing that I haven't made a priority in my life and that I let all the little things going on in my life get me off track.

It made me think about the people I know who went out and achieved a dream against some pretty tough obstacles- my husband who has worked hard every day since he was eleven to earn a living and has created an awesome business on his own by never giving up. My sister Debbie who went back to college with three children, not much support and graduated and has become a great third grade teacher. My daughter Mandy who tried, tried, tried, and finally on the fourth try became a cheerleader in highschool. My sil Diane who rose above some unbelievable challenges to raise her daughters with much grace. My nephew Matt who never gave up his dream of being a fireman and just got his job! Our friend Courtney who never lets her CF stop her. Those moms I watch at church every Sunday deal with all their little kids while their husbands aren't there with them. And all those others of you out there who make me smile with your ability to keep going!

So, this week I'll be praying for Professor Pausch and his family and be grateful that I got the chance to read about him- I only wish I could have been there to hear him give his lecture.

Cinderella in St. George

The second weekend in August we met in St. George to see a friend of ours daughter in "Cinderella". We picked Grandma up in Boulder City and everyone else drove down from Provo and Salt Lake. It is such a beautiful setting there- the theatre sits down in a red rock canyon. It was Emma's first play and she did great- even though it was two and a half hours and SO HOT!! She told us after that her favorite part was when the Prince kissed Cinderella!

Dinner with the Browns

In June our friends the Browns from our old neighborhood in Utah rented a beach house and we got the chance to have them over for a bbq. It was great seeing all their kids, spouses, and their children. They were such great neighbors and I consider it one of the best blessings in my life to have had the freindship of Gaye. It was so nice at Education Week I meet with her and my old next door neighbor Pat for dinner one night. I have such fun memories of our old neighborhood- water fights with hoses brought into the house, kids playing night games till late, parties, walks around the block. Gaye has always been an example to me of what we should be striving to be. She has dealt with the loss of a sweet daughter, teenagers, sickness, and the such that comes our way with a grace that astounds me. Gaye never failed to show my girls boundless fun and lots of love. The last several years she has been involved with an organization called "Reach the Children" which helps out in Africa- she now has a grant to develop a program dealing with AIDS there- wow! When I think of Elder Bednar's talk about "tender mercies" it makes me think of her in my life!