SuMmEr FuN!

I can't believe we are ending another summer that only seemed to last a couple hours or so!  We are trying to fit in all the fun we can before it ends.  We've had cousins stay...

We've celebrated birthdays...Nede 13

Grandma Bolli's Luau.....

Kena's 15th with her twin Grama Joyce....

Mabi 17....

me, the big 4-0...

and the last celebration of the summer tomorrow... our 19th Wedding Anniversary!

More summer fun to be added when I have more time!

40 & Fabulous!

I never thought I would feel this good about being 40!  I guess it's all in how you look at it.  I didn't speak of it for the longest time, thinking that maybe it wouldn't really be recognized and therefore not really happen.  Then a couple months ago I decided to embrace it!  It's inevitable, so why not enjoy it.  I posted a sign on the fridge that reads " 40 and fabulous".  This was for a few different reasons.  1. To help me remember  2. To help me adjust to it, and 3. To help me embrace it with joy!  Well, it worked.  I felt great turning 40 today.  I had so many phone calls, visits, gifts and love spread that I think it's been the best birthday in a long time.

A basket of health and joy, just to mention one of my gifts..........

The girls used this basket to make me an incredibly delicious breakfast in bed.  

After they presented it to me, they informed me that they thought it was way to much for just me.... naturally I invited them to join me for breakfast in bed!

Mace and the girls made a great dinner of Lasagna, Salad & Garlic Bread, and then we watched home movies of our little gems. ;)  Yes....40 & fab!

My Oldest

17 years ago today my first gem arrived.  It was a hot July day, and I was so sick with Toxemia.  The day before she was born, they were ready to quickly induce me, due to my health and danger to her, but as I was being examined, the Dr. said that he thought she was in the wrong position.  I assured him that she was not, for surely nothing else could go wrong with this pregnancy. After further investigation, they found that she was indeed 'double foot linged breech' and I would need a c-section to get her out in one piece.  This was the beginning of the trend for my babies to come in that position. (Except of course Tess, who was the 4th and had to be taken c-section anyway, because I'd already had 3. ;..( )

         

She was well worth the suffering and we continue to be grateful for her strong sense of right, her instant obedience, her quiet ways of listening, reading and helping, her fun and crazy side and her love for her family and her Heavenly Father. The day she arrived will always be treasured as a glorious one.  When Mace held her by my face so I could see her, I was overcome with joy!  We are so blessed to have her in our family. 

Her birthday this year was one of RELAXATION for herself, Makena, Kennede & Grama Lori.  They were all sick and laid around all day while Tess and I were their chef's, maids, nannies and all around servants.  I think they watched an all time record of 7 or 8 movies in one day!!

Besides total relaxation she was treated to several of her favorite foods, served in complete princess fashion!  The 1st course...........

 followed by more......

until finally.... she was officially 17!!