Baby Shower for Caraline

 family and friends gather as gifts are opened. 

 Our wonderful friends and neighbors!!  Lindsay,Jackie, Olivia,Maddie and Sue

 Vivian, Colleen and Claudia

 Denise, Melanie, Jenette, Liz and Kallee

Debbie, Dixie and Kerry

 Nancy Burton

 Annette Brady

 Sheila Glandon admiring the gifts for "our" new granddaughter:)

 Caraline and Amanda (friend)

 My mom

My mother received a tender mercy of good health and came to the shower.  She has been so ill and practically flat in bed for almost a year.  This was a real blessing to all of us to have her come and participate in the fun.  She doesn't look 84 does she?  We are looking forward to a new family member in about three and half weeks.   Wow...guess I'll have to get used to a new title in life..Grandma, Grams, GMA, but please not granny....

March 2012

Chocolate apron, quote and tag for my friend.  I don't know what craft number I'm on.  However, the apron did look like chocolate bliss...the tag was made from things I had around in the craft room.  I took the quote off of pinterest and put it in a $3.00 frame.    It ended up being a very cute gift basket.

 Lazy Dog assuming her spot on the stairs

 Kenzies' candy bouquet to her friend.

 The surprise entrance on our 29th wedding anniversary.  We just came back from RC Willey's where we purchased a new stove after 25 years.  It was time.  After all I had thoroughly worn it out and freaked out my relatives when I would have to manually light the oven each time.  Maybe it was the smell of gas that gave that away.

 A re-creation of the "Reams" sign from Provo.  When Fred and I were dating we would often stop in at Reams and grab a .10 hot dog and drink.  It was a fun and  cheap date.  Kenzie took us down memory lane as a gift to Fred and I.  It was very thoughtful and turned out to be exciting and fun.

 Part of the twenty-nine memories that she had gathered from family members and placed them on a colorful banner in the entrance of the kitchen.

 The TV is not normally there.  The kids grilled hot dogs for us, had bottled orange soda and chips on hand to devour.  While we feasted on our meal the Carlson Movies were playing.  We enjoyed watching home movies all over again.  I think Kallee must have them all memorized.  She could recite, act and tell you what was coming up next. 

 My first reaction...always with a tear.

Limmie and her favorite spot....the place where she shouldn't be!  On the furniture, any furniture.

We are super excited that most of our children are currently residing in the same county as we are!  A friend reminded me that it was a real blessing to have family close by.  I have always been around family.  I grew up living next door to my grandparents.  I enjoyed the frequent cookie and treat runs to grandma's house.  Her tidy kitchen often smelled of home-baked yummies just waiting to be devoured.  I loved being able to go over and eat freshly made donuts or devour a creamy cold vanilla malt shake.  My mouth still waters thinking about it all.    Nat and Clint purchased a home in East Layton.  They have received a warm welcome to their "empty nester" ward.  Who wouldn't love a fun and energetic young couple to spice things up a bit?  They are excited for this new opportunity and though sad to leave dear friends behind in Ogden they do not miss noise or wild neighbors in the area.  Kallee is as busy as any beehive in YW and Duncan is working 65 + hours during tax season.  They are excited for new carpet, spring and a baby girl in July.  I was delighted that Kallee invited me to go with her to her doctor's appointment.  It was fun to watch her baby move all around and to listen to her heartbeat.  Josh and Caraline will soon welcome their baby in April.  They live across the street and have settled in to their home and new ward.   I think our lives are going to get very busy again!!  It will be a welcome blessing in our lives.