BACK (ISH)

Remember when there used to be a blog that I updated (SEMI) regularly?

Yeah, me too.

I tried really hard to forget, despite some not so subtle reminders that I was a slacker.

But when somebody actually felt the need to ask today if I had changed my blogging address and was writing elsewhere...I knew it was time to come back.

For now.

It's not like my life has been terribly boring, or anything. I got a new niece (she's beautiful), we had super-fun company, my next show opened, I've done a bit of subbing, I've done a bit of coughing, oh, and I had a son turn 18 years old.

I am no longer telling people that I actually am old enough to be his mother. Because I'm not. Not anymore.

I've been to soccer games and choir concerts, and last night I got to watch three of my lovelies perform a 50's themed number at the "Spring Sing" at our Stake Center (a.k.a. church meetinghouse). It brought tears to my eyes to see someone belonging to me so dedicated to his craft, someone else belonging to me so dazzling to watch on stage, and someone else belonging to me so dang handsome in sunglasses and a black leather jacket.

But, let's face it: boring life or not, I really am a slacker.

So, maybe you'll hear from me again. Maybe you won't.

At least now I know who cares.

ECSTATIC

This is the cake that Keri made.


This is the cake that Keri made
to surprise Evan.

This is the cake that Keri made
to surprise Evan,
along with his acceptance letter.


This is the cake that Keri made
to surprise Evan,
along with his acceptance letter
to Brigham Young University Idaho.


This is the cake that Keri made
to surprise Evan,
along with his acceptance letter
to Brigham Young University Idaho,
which letter just so happened to make Michael cry when he read it out loud.


This is the cake that Keri made
to surprise Evan,
along with his acceptance letter
to Brigham Young University Idaho,
which letter just so happened to make Michael cry when he read it out loud,
and, for the time being, is making all of Evan's dreams come true.

Congratulations, Evan!
May all your dreams be equally lovely.

P.S.


This is the cake that Keri made
a week ago
that still hasn't been touched by Evan
or anyone else in the family.

Can you say,
"Keri, we just might be a little bit afraid of any cake you made!"

UN-AMERICAN

Just imagine this in navy blue.
It really is super, super cute!

Once upon a time there was a coat that I really, really, super badly wanted to buy.

But it was very expensive.

Then, one day it went on sale.

Still, I decided to wait.

In fact, I did the very un-American thing, and waited until my paycheck came and I actually had the funds for my purchase.

Meanwhile, other Americans went shopping.

And now, my coat is gone. Sold out. No longer available.


Lesson learned: buy on credit. The American way.

IN LOVE

With this guy:

And, with these pictures from the past year:

Some good lovin'.


More good lovin'.


Another (yet far less flattering) possible Christmas card photo.


The boys seeing rice that wasn't burned in the bottom of a pan.
It obviously wasn't my cooking.
Michael has since bought me a rice cooker. With good reason.


My dad.
If only there was Red Mesa dirt under those tires...


My mom.
I love the laid back look on her.
I love her.


The little guy who still likes to hang out with me.



The big guy who still likes me, too.


The family picture in Island Park, Idaho.
Notice the stairs--I mean, what stairs?!
They broke out from under us, mid-picture.


Live long and prosper, Little Red Riding Hood.


A painting done of Michiko by her mother.
Madame M. really is this beautiful. More, actually.


My big boy, who still plays with his hair.


A message from a repentant child;
so worth whatever he did wrong in the first place!


And all of it, worth this.

Happy (Post) Valentine's Day!

HAPPY

I'm at a great age!



Too bad my honey isn't.
Happy Birthday anyway, Honey!

HAVING FUN ON A FRIDAY NIGHT

What did you do for fun on Friday night?

Did you go with your sister to see your brother's dance performance?

Then your brother (and his lovely fiancee) must be on the Folk Dance team, too! So why didn't I see you at the show?

It was an awesome show, especially Colin in Mehkerek, and Amy in everything.

Also, Hopak was back in, so I was back happy!

Sadly, photography wasn't allowed during the show, so you'll just have to take my word on how great the show was. I am such a rule follower. Besides, I take terrible pictures, even in the best of circumstances, so imagine how bad my photography would be under the pressure of being naughty, too!

I did, however, manage to get a few shots of the cool-down, stretching bit that the team put on:

Wow. These guys are fancy-dancy dancers now: a team trainer, and fake hair pieces to boot (or, should I say, to clog shoe...?)!

WISE

Why boring is better:

Excitement can sometimes mean backing up into someone else's car.

Oops.