A new favorite

I switched on the tv just in time to see the end of Apollo 13.
I heard a line I'd heard and liked before, but this time- amid some personal worries it really brought the tears-
"with all due respect sir, I believe this to be our finest hour"

May it be so!
Our Father in heaven has sustained me and my loved ones my whole life. I am so thankful for that

Hello, my name is Connie

The other day I saw a post by an awesome blogger named Jillee

things-you-probably-own-too-many-of-and-what-to-do-with-them.html

She wrote of several things that "I probably have too many of.."  The list included 

towels

glasses and mugs

makeup

books

vases

plastic containers

kitchen tools

grooming and cleaning products

reusable shopping bags- ya know, the ones with a handle

travel sized soaps, lotions, shampoo...

though I am guilty only on 4 or 5 of these things, books are certainly an addiction of mine.  (DI/Books is like a liquor store/alcohol.)

Maybe it started when i was 5 and "rewarded" in going to school happily with a new book.  I like them a lot!  And to add to the madness, I have the kindle application and have gone too crazy on there too.  There are too many free or less expensive kindle books!

These books were just the ones under my bed that I just pulled out to organize.  I'm not sure why I do this-- there are worse things.....

Pinterest idea. Does it work

I've seen the mixer way to shred chicken on pinterest so today I decided to try it. We're having Pixtons, all kinds, over for dinner tomorrow. I slow cooked chicken until it hit 165 degrees, then cooled it a bit. I broke it up a bit and put 3 pieces in at a time. I used the whipping blade, not the bread Kneaders one. It worked like a charm. The shredded chicken is now snuggled in BBQ sauce in the fridge. I'm glad I know this trick. Wonder if it would work with pork. We love to serve the cafe rio pork burritos when we have folks over ad well. I'll let ya know when I find out.

It does!

This is the "Prince Harry" thing I was referring to

This is in the Utah valley magazine for this month. Awesome hua?

Bad timing

Awhile ago I set something up that compared Jacob to prince Harry. Several strangers have commented on Jacob looking like him. Now it comes out that Harry has been misbehaving. My little something will be posted here in the next few weeks, and I'm bummed that the England Harry hasn't been a good boy. Hope this something doesn't turn into something negative for my kid. We'll see...

The rain

After a week of being virtually beat up for some of the political things I've posted on fb, Dave took me out for a very nice evening. We went to see the Piano Guys at Thanksgiving point. The concert was outdoors, and the sky was cloudy and dark- and it rained on us, and it was awesome. David had set us up with a tarp and some blankets and a poncho so we stayed pretty dry. The piano guys are so talented and though we couldn't see their hands they sounded great. It was a greak little get away.

Under the tarp

Had to share this one

What a doll!! Love this boy. Laura, wisely, has been keeping Jack from his nap so he will go to bed easier. That makes between 3-6 very dangerous, we called it the bewitching hours. No Nap Zone! My favorite gramma trick was to take him out back to water the plants. He'd skinny down ago his diaper and have a great time.

My summer party is ending

Catching up---
Stephanie married Spencer, and oddly enough we don't see them much anymore. Kim moved back to Provo, so we only see her and Aaron on the weekends. Laura went back home, Joseph enrolled in a few institute classes, (which is so good!!) and Jacob is now in school. It's really different around here. It's good and sad too. It was so great to have a houseful for a little bit. I love love love my family and am so thankful that David still is home!!

ToyStory 3

Laura put the movie on for Jack and both big boys came in to join us. I was sewing but it warmed my heart to have them with me.

Laura and her littles had to go home

Sorry about the blur- action shot

First day of school

But I didn't take the picture till the third day. Poor last child. Can you tell he's a drama guy? Sorry. It should be "theater" guy.

We have peaches!

This was just the first gleaning.

My at-this-moment picture to Aubrey

Today - another great day

A few days ago we were told that a dear member of the cedar hollow ward had passed away. David and each of the boys had home taught them the whole time they were in the ward. Brother Fred Pola is a kind quiet wonderful gentleman and blessed our family in such a loving way. As things went the family was in need of two eagle scouts to stand with the military 21 gun salute. Sister Pola asked if Jacob could help, and when I offered Joseph's serve as well she was very happy and relieved to have the two scouts she needed. Joseph and Jacob were flag bearers of the US and the Utah state flags. They looked so great and did a great respectful job. It was such a great funeral. It was full of love and tears. Neither of my sons had been to a funeral before. We hoped it wouldn't be too different for them. They both had such a great experience and felt a great reverent sacred spirit. I'm so thankful for this great service to my boys that Fred Pola gave to us. He is certainly a hero to us.

An amazing experience

Last spring I heard about a woman's retreat that was going to be near my house. It was going to be held at the end of July which seemed so far away. I have been out I my groove for awhile and I hoped this might help me out. So I went and it was great.
I wasn't there 30 minutes before two ladies in my group told me they had been in abusive marriages. I heard women speak of their addictions, as well as the plague of porn and the wake it leaves. "my problems we quickly put into perspective. One night we had a fireside with Kenneth Cope. He sang the whole time and I was close (with in a few yards) so I could watch his hands while he played the guitar. It was great in so many ways. There was such beautiful spirit there. Went I got in my car to leave the news was on the radio, I felt the world come back into my life. It wasn't good.
After months of being a little lost, somewhat apathetic, I came away from this retreat with motivation and focus and a determination to be happy-- really happy. I've made goals having to do with my attitude and my relationship to my Father in heaven. My heart has been softened-- humbled, all in a positive loving way. It's hard to describe. I'm so thankful I went, and though they might say some of the same things next year- id sure like to go again. The last day was salon day and this picture is a few of us when we got back to the retreat.

4th of July

Seeing if this works. This is the interesting place we stayed on vacation

This summer is going along so wonderfully!

I know you are dying to know what's been going on with this group. We've been pretty busy and mostly really happy with all we've been up to since our vacation. Here's a few or a lot of pictures so you can be caught up quickly. Btw, the facial hair is not mother approved, but I pick my battles.