19 and Crazy!

This cutie is 19  and crazy today!!! Happy Birthday, Sara Dawn! 
We love you and are so glad you are in our family! Thanks for all you do for all of us and the fun and joy you bring into our lives! 

Here is your song for today! Don't get too crazy! 

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy 80th Birthday to an amazing woman, my Mom, Alice Ford! 

Born and raised in Lizard Bump, AZ

Brothers and Sisters from left to right: Linda, Von, Alice, Norman, LaVora, Ray

Beautiful Alice!

Her wedding day,  June 27, 1950

For my dad when he was in the Navy

My mom and dad owned a farm and raised 4 kids in the Australian outback for 10 years.
Now that is tough!

My wedding reception: Carrie, Dad, Ryan, Kim, Mom, Ava, Mike

Cruising fun with Dad, Ava, Mom, Carrie

Had a blast on the Disney Cruise: Mom, Kim, Ryan, Madison, Ashley, Sara, Faith

Her thoughts on being 80:

I never thought I would make it to 80! My mind is still the same, thinking, planning, dreaming but my body says no.

My mom is my best friend. I love her and I'm so grateful for her strength, wisdom and love. I'm grateful for the blessing to still have a mom here on earth with me!

I saw the letter below on Facebook a while ago and it perfectly sums up my feelings for Mom and the stage our life is at (especially today as we head to the cardiologist):

LETTER FROM A MOTHER TO A DAUGHTER:

"My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.

If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.

When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?

When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.

If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.

And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.

When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love.

I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... my darling daughter."

- Unknown

Happy Birthday, Mom! Love you!

Happy Birthday Sara!!!

This cutie is 18 today!!! She is ready to graduate high school and take on the world. We love you Sara!!!

Merry Christmas!

Here's a little Christmas diddy Ashely, Faith, Adam & I worked on yesterday. Ryan was our great videoer. Merry Christmas everyone!

Weekend Happenings with the Fammie

I'm back from North Dakota and back into life thank goodness! Last Thursday, Ashley had her last cross country meet of the season. Adam and I were there to cheer her on! This was her first year running cross country, I am so proud of her for working so hard and being so dedicated. Cross Country is a lot of work! Early morning practices, long runs, meets in the heat etc. All that plus she is doing cheer and getting straight A's :)

During the race. Go Ashley!

Ashley and Adam after her run. Could you look this cute after running 3 miles?

Right after the meet (at Red Mountain Park) it was off to Westwood to get ready to cheer at the football game. Also, earlier that day I made this potato soup for the teacher dinner during Parent/Teacher conference week at Adam's school.

Delicious soup!

Friday was parent meeting for girls softball at Faith's school then Faith had cousin Lacey over for a late night which turned into a spend the night lol. Friday night, Sara was busy with her color guard performance with the marching band at the away football game.

Then Saturday was band competition day in Tuscon. They did great getting 2nd place over all plus a guard and music caption!! It really is an excellent show! Sara plays the fairy godmother and has a beautiful solo.

Beautiful Sara!

The costumes & flags are so pretty!

Saturday was also the Westwood Pom/Cheer BBQ and carnival. It was so fun! The girls worked really hard setting everything up and getting all the donations. The food was yummy bbq sandwiches, bbq baked beans, salad, chips and pie. Fun carnival games, train rides and dancing were the activities.

Little bud!

 A silent auction was held. We won the Ultimate Teen Basket!!!

Made their night and then some to win this!

Sunday was Adam's primary program at church. The theme this year was 'Choose the Right'. It was an awesome program with some of the best singing I've ever heard in all my years of attending primary programs. I couldn't help but get teary eyed as the spirit poured out of those sweet children.

Happy Birthday Madison!

20 years ago today I became a mother...

To this beautiful, precious little creature...

My life has never been the same and I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

Here she is all grown up...

Happy 20th Birthday Madison!!! No more teenager! Your dad and I both love you very much!

It has been such a joy watching you grow up! From waiting for you to arrive, taking your first steps, getting your first tooth, piano lessons, soccer games, getting baptized, Young Women's, girls camp, driving, dating, jobs, Teacher Training, FCCLA, Color Guard, graduating High School, going to college, moving to Washington. You have been a trailblazer and set the bar high for your sisters to follow. 

Here is a replay of your birthday video from two years ago:

Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time Ashley was the star patient at her orthodontist - Glauser Williams Orthodontics. They seriously are the best orthodontists in town. Ashley sees Dr Glauser & let me tell you...he rocks!

She won a limo ride and free meal at Neilson's Frozen Custard for her and ten of her friends! They also received awesome goodie bags! Thank you so much Dr Glauser!

As you can see by the date on the pictures this happened back in Nov of 2010, so yes I am a mommy blogger fail to just now be getting these pictures up. Do you think I'm setting a blogging record posting something from almost two years ago? Oh well this is really a case of better late then never :)