My Sister's Keeper

We went to see My Sister's Keeper last night. From the moment the movies starts until it is over 106 minutes later you really don't stop crying, okay maybe a few minutes here and a few minutes there. It was a very touching story of just how much a little sister loves her big sister. If you're in the mood for a good cry, you have to see My Sister's Keeper.

Backyard Movie

One of the things our kids enjoy doing in the summer is watching movies in the backyard. Our family loves to watch movies, even the ones we've seen a hundred times. We set up a movie screen, projector and DVD player on the lawn in the backyard. Kayla and Alyssa blow up an air mattress to lay on and the rest of us pull up chairs. We pop a little popcorn or make a treat. It's a fun family activity and one that our family really enjoys.

We were fans.

Yes, we were Michael Jackson fans in the 80's. I think we would have been fans now if he wouldn't have gone all freaky the last 20 years or so. But then how much of that is his fault and how much is the fault of those who worked for him. He was a great talent the truly influenced music.

You've got mail!

Today I got a nice little package in the mail. When I opened it up it was a happy moment, inside were my U2 tickets. I called Liz to tell her I have them and naturally she said put them in a super safe place so nothing happens to them before we go.

Happy Birthday Shelisa

Guess who had her 18th birthday. SHELISA! Happy Birthday Shelisa! You've grown into a beautiful young woman. May your future be happy and you enjoy life to its fullest. We love you!

A big THANKS!

I just wanted to thank my family for coming to Shelisa's graduation. I know things were crazy, to say the least, but we're grateful you could all be here to celebrate with her. And thanks a ton for all your help. I know there were times you thought I should have been letting you help more, but I appreciate all that you did. THANK YOU! And thanks to all those who couldn't make it too!

BIG news!

Something very exciting just happened at our house. This news could be more exciting than the day Shelisa found out she had been accepted into BYU. Moments ago, Shelisa go a perfect score on Guitar Hero. Here's the proof!

Time to breathe!

I finally feel like I can just take a breath. Things are calming down and the next big adventure for our family is our trip to Washington (the state).

Kayla and I went on our young women retreat this last week. One of our ward members has a cottage on some property in the mountains and they were gracious enough to let us stay there. We only had about half of our young women go on the retreat, but for those who went we had a lot of fun and a few spiritual moments too. Shelisa, Alyssa and Ken stayed home. Shelisa decided working would be a bigger pay off than going on the retreat.

These are some of the pictures from our retreat.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Columbia State Historic Park

Who's opening up for U2 you ask?

The Black Eyed Peas! I guess this means an early dinner at Memphis Championship Barbecue and then on to the concert. Only 132 days and counting.

Happy Birthday Alyssa

Alyssa had a birthday and she's 11 years old. The only thing she wanted for her birthday was a purple camera and she got it. She's been taking freaky pictures of herself for the last couple of day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSSA!

Graduation Day

Shelisa graduated from Concord High on Monday. Because she was the class president, she gave a speech at the ceremony. She was very nervous, but did a great job!