TWO fun things going on here

This time of year is always exciting, but I have 2 fun things coming up.
#1.
I won an IPAD.  I can't believe it either.  I did an online survey for one of the companies that we buy from at MIni Bazaar, and they were giving 2 ipads to random customers.  And they are an international company, too.  Anyway, I won one.  Can't wait until it arrives.

(I chose the black one...choice was white or black)
#2.

We got our tickets for Jon Schmidt's Christmas concert on Dec. 20th.  I really love his concerts, and can't wait for this one, since his cellist (who is so dang funny) will be with him and it will be Christmas music.  It will be sooooooooooooo fun.

tickets are at the idaho falls art council website

Kind of Cool

We were at Fred Meyer last Tuesday night and after I got all of our vitamins, etc.and went to the check out.  I happened to notice a little sign.  It said, if you are 55 years or older, ask about our extra 10% off on Tuesdays.  Yahoo.  Saved $8.00!  (I didn't even realize we were old enough for Senior discounts.  Maybe I shouldn't be so happy?)

Freddy's is our store!

The Spauldings do it again!

It was time for our Spaulding party, and it was a party.  Mom had the big idea to start at 5pm, thinking that if people needed to go places, it would be convenient.  Well, heck....I guess no body needed to be anywhere else, cause we all just stayed.  Such a fun family, and we learned once again just how much they just love each other.  Mom and all her siblings are such good examples to all of us.  We had a great time listening as they told us about "how it really used to be", and it kind of makes me wish we could go back to those good ole days.  They were hard, but dang good.  And it produced lots of good people.

 Here's  the girl cousins.  We decided we are long overdue for a weekender.  The plan is in motion.  Love these guys!

Ted was feeling left out, so we did get a pic of Ted and Kendall before everyone got away.  Good food, good visit, good program, good fun!

Our Busy Summer

We have had the busiest summer!  First of all, we got to have Josie here, beginning June 7th.  She came to help me both here at the house and at the store.  We got a lot done, and had a fun time having her in Idaho.  The cousins enjoyed her, too.  Then, when the rest of the family came, we got the guys together and got our swing set up and going, the flag pole up (Jay's personal favorite), our little rubber building put together that holds the smelly lawnmower, the new basketball hoop up, Jay's spraying trailer is fixed, and a lot of the new mulch has been spread.  The boys have really been busy. Now, I get back from market and Jay has cleaned the garage and even changed out the two weird oak toilet seats that I hated.  2011 has truly been a get the project done year!  Jay and I are all ready working on our 2012 list........just saying!  (Shhhh...we won't mention it to Layne)
I'll get some pictures of everybody up soon.  We worked in time with Photo by Geri, too.  We have just enjoyed all of our family this summer. They are simply the best.

Is it really begonia time?

I hope I haven't jumped the gun, but I just had to plant the begonias that Mom gave me for mothers day this morning.  I just love them.  It is such a beautiful day....3 in a row, now, and I just had to do it.  Here's hoping it was a good idea.
And I finished one of my books (I got 3....and I normally don't even read!) that I got for Mothers Day.  Yes, the book "the Help" is a keeper.  Now on to "These Is My Words".  But, I can't start for a few days.  I'm kind of a marathon reader....don't really stop til it's done.  Not a good idea if people expect other things out of  you.

An Ode to Mom

Thank you Mom for being so fun, kind, honest, gracious, beautiful, smart, genuine, supportive, loving, and talented.  My whole family adores you and are so happy and grateful to have you in our lives.  You are the cutest little soon to be 85 year old I know and I love you.  I know everyone thinks they have the best Mom, and there are lots of great Moms for sure.  It's just a shame that only 6 of us got you.
You are my champion.

Things I've been noticing

In driving to and from work each day, I sometimes take different routes, but there is one thing that I really notice.  On just about any given road between the city of Idaho Falls and County Line Road you will find this disturbing phenomena. JUNK CARS!  
My suggestion to these folks is this:
1.  If you live bordering a state or a county road, you have an obligation to keep your yard looking nice.  Your neighbors and your family deserve that.
2.  If you have a vehicle that hasn't been in running condition for over 6 months.....get rid of it.  I've seen places that look like they welcome wrecked/non working cars, trucks and buses.  Call them and see if they will pick up your old car. 
3.  Vintage cars that run are cool.  Vintage cars that do not run are not cool in your front yard.  They could be kept in a building or better yet....sold.
4.  If any of these non working vehicles in your yard (front or back) are filled with stuff, you are a hoarder.
5.  Parking your camper trailer near your home is probably ok....but if you have several campers, they don't belong in your yard....front or back.  We can still see it.  Oh ya, old pickup trucks are probably not going to come to life, either.  Come on folks....let's clean up!