THRILLED

Once upon a time there was a couple that always had beautiful hair, always had gleaming smiles, and always looked just liked this.



Then, on April Fool's Day (could any day be better for giving away big rings and making promises?), they looked like this.

And did a whole lot of this.

Not only are they beautiful,
they're obviously quite smart, too.


Congratulations, you two, and to all of us that get to have you in our lives, as well.

We're thrilled!

FOOLED

I'm not sure what, exactly, woke me this morning just after 6 o'clock. Usually I awake to the sound of Lane showering around 5:45, so at finding it already so "late," and not hearing any morning noises downstairs, I panicked a little at how behind we morning-risers were.

I should have known something was up when Michael hopped out of bed right behind me, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, squawking, "Aren't the boys up yet?"

Michael's alarm goes off every single morning at 6:19 a.m. And Michael never, Never, NEVER gets up until closer to half past 7, when I nudge him (lovingly, of course) out of bed with updates on the passing time. Michael always stumbles around for while, grumbling and groaning, his eyes half-shut, hardly speaking a coherent word until he's showered and on his way out the door a few minutes later.

So when Michael got up, on his own, before his alarm, before even his own children, before I had to go in and do any nudging at all (lovingly, of course), I really, really should have known something was up like a tall man in rumpled pajamas.

But I was too busy getting Lane out of bed, getting Evan somewhat cognizant of the situation, and getting everything else ready on this hurried, harried morning.

I started breakfast. I made Michael's lunch. I listened as Lane called his friend Cody to make sure he was awake and ready for his ride to school in just 5 more minutes...

And I tried really, really hard not to be furious at Michael as he walked around, berating people for their tardiness.

Then, he tipped the scales, and called us all to morning prayer.

Michael hasn't been to morning prayer since...I don't know...ever?

"What?!" I demanded, "Is this something new?" He'd even gotten Joshua out of bed for our little family gathering.

"I just thought," Michael cooed, "That since we're all up at the same time, we might as well have family prayer together." And, with that, he began. "Dear Heavenly Father, we thank thee for this beautiful morning, that we could all have a chance to kneel here and begin the day...and please, Heavenly Father, help my family to forgive me for what I have done to them today..."

And with that, I knew all. So did the others. We'd been had.

Evan groaned. Lane laughed. I harrumphed and walked away, definitely mad. Joshua rubbed more sleep from his eyes and asked, "What did you do? I don't get it? What did you do?"

Michael, after laughing his head off, tried to make amends by taking us all to McDonald's for breakfast. Believe you me, there was no ordering off the dollar-menu this time: it was as expensive an order as I could possibly make it! Extra-large, premium orange juices for everyone! Two of everything! And throw in lunch, while you're at it!

Then, after our return from McDonald's, Michael had to reset every single clock in the house back an hour, to the real time.

I so should have known.

Hope yours is as "fun" as ours!


P.S. I'm not sure Michael's prank will ever make it on this list (though it should), but if you're interested in some more good jokes, here's a fun place to peruse:

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/

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!