80 and Still Kickin!

Grandma Nelson turned 80 today! The things she has seen, done and experienced is amazing. Grandma has 5 kids, 9 Grand kids (14 with the spouses) and 12 Great-Grand kids.

I'll never forget the 'shopping sprees' when we would stay with you in the summer growing up and then the fashion shows Grandpa would have us put on with our new clothes. You always make us feel special and important. You ALWAYS have ice cream in the house and you make the best spaghetti and sloppy joes known to man. You're so talented and love so strongly. Stay strong and healthy and Happy 80th Birthday Grandma!

Decoration Day

I still call it Decoration Day instead of Memorial Day. It's what my Grandpa Nelson called it and it stuck with me. Mom went down to Fairview on Friday to help Grandma get her flowers from the florist but the weather was too bad. Dad, Susie, Will, Roo and I came down on Saturday. Susie and her family camped up in Milburn in their trailer. Crazy if you ask me, I hate camping in the rain.

Other extended family was there and we all visited and caught up on gossip in between trips to the cemeteries. I always know I've made it to Fairview when I come around the bend and see the cemetery up on the hill and Grandpa Nelson's tree. It's not really his tree but it's next to their plot and he kept his tools in it for when he would visit to clean and water their area.

I came home on Monday and stopped by Camp Williams. I love going there seeing all the flags. After all the traffic, construction and slow drivers it was worth it!

Overall it was a great weekend but it makes me sad. I've lost 3 Grandpa's, 1 Grandma, 3 Uncles and an Aunt. Not fair if you ask me...I miss them all so much!

Aunt Mary

May 1st.....the 18th anniversary of Mary's death, the day we laid my cousin Kathy to rest and now Uncle Evan's service. I'm not a big fan of May day! Driving home from the service I though lots about Mary and how much I miss her. There are so many things every day that remind me of her. I'll see, hear or smell something and I think of her. Here are a few...

Microwave popcorn
Chlorine
Alabama (the music group)
Peep toe heels
Yahtzee
Mac'n'Cheese
Bubble bath
Frito's
Masking tape
Backscratchers
Anything yellow
Carnations
Alcohol swabs
Cookie dough straight from the tube
Lady and the Tramp
Tab

It's hard to think that you've been gone 18 years and I only had 12 years with you. You were the best aunt and backup Mom and girl could ask for. I talk to you almost everyday and sometimes people think I've lost it but it helps me. There are times I feel you with me and I treasure those moments. I love you dearly and miss you terribly.

Uncle Evan

My great uncle Evan passed away recently and Mom, Dad and I just got back from his service in Las Vegas. He was such an amazing guy. He worked for the church most of his life and definitely lived for his family and the church. His service was full of everyone talking about what he always did for everyone else. What a great guy and I'm glad he passed so quickly. If he had to leave us I am glad it was so quickly for him.

Unfortunately funerals are sad but they tend to be a great time to see family. Aunt Joanne came from Florida, Uncle Lewis came from northern California and we also got to visit with Aunt Etta and Aunt Susan from Ivins. Seeing Evans wife and kids and everyone there was sure fun.

Mom, Dad and I did Vegas and the funeral and were back in 29.5 hours! I don't recommend it if you don't have to.

We'll all miss you Evan!

Happy Birthday Dad!

For Dad's birthday we went to the 'Jakanese' place for dinner. He loves this place! He did end up on Susie's list that night though....we caught him giving Roo Pepsi! The best part was how much she liked it! Isn't that a Grandpa's prerogative?!? I love teasing him that he is now a senior citizen!

Happy Birthday Dad! You're the BEST!

Sisterly Love

Since Roo came along Susie and I don't get as much time together as we used to. That's ok...she is home being a great mommy. She is so patient and loving to that little girl....even after 8:30pm (inside family joke).

We used to take self portraits all the time being goofy but since Roo came along they're all off Roo or with Roo. I got this great shot of us at Dad's birthday dinner last weekend. Love ya!

Blurry but Beautiful

Mom tells me all the time that she has never met anyone that takes more self portraits of themselves than me. While at Mom and Dad's last weekend I took this of me and Roo and I simply love it...even if it is blurry. I love playing with her and making her laugh. But who wouldn't with as cute as she is. See Mom I got a good, although burry shot!

Later that night I was babysitting and we played and laughed until she fell asleep. Susie called me the next day asking what I did to her child. I panicked and thought, "Did I feed her too much, not enough, did I forget to burp her, etc?". Then she informed me that she was so tuckered out she slept through the night. Maybe that will encourage Susie to let me babysit more often!