Kingsford Thymes

Christmas Letter 2010!

2010-12-21T11:11:00.000-08:00

2010 has been a very fun and blessing-filled year for the Kingsford family.

In April we celebrated Asher Dean's first birthday as he continues his reign as the center of our universe. Brendan returned from his mission to Japan in June. We all had a fabulous vacation at Panama City beach for a week in July. In August, Shari, Clark, Brendan and Kendall went to see the Broadway musical, Wicked. Shari , Clark and Brendan drove out to Brigham Young University at the start of his fall semester. Now we are all looking forward to spending Christmas together here in Alabama.

After over three years of serving as our ward's Young Women's President, Shari was released in July and immediately called as the Ward Activities Committee Chairman. She also continued her annual work on the Stake Christmas Festival, creating a wonderful, new wise-men tent, complete with a star chart.

Clark is still working for Boeing (25 years). He loves his job and his calling: Pack 676 Cub Master. Clark is especially enjoying having Brendan in town to do a lot heavy lifting around the house that has been waiting for him.

Kimberly and her family are doing really well. For the latest on their family's happenings, please visit her blog.

Brendan loved his mission in Japan, where he found a lot of joy teaching the gospel. He extended the end of his mission by six weeks, arriving home on June 25th. He misses Japan and wishes his dad could remember more than a few words of Japanese. He is now a sophomore at BYU and plans to major in accounting with his eye on a JD MBA degree from the University of Texas. He is dating a gorgeous young woman from our ward who was one of Shari's Laurels. She is also attending BYU.

Kendall has grown into a strikingly beautiful sixteen year old. After completing the requirements for her Young Women's Medallion, she got her license, and hopes to someday have a car. In April, she sang, danced, and served as choreographer in her high school's musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. She will be fulfilling the same role this coming April in Guys and Dolls. She also took Advanced Art and discovered a love for painting. Kendall continues to do well in school and is a joy to her parents.

The Kingsford family wishes y'all a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2011!

Love My Jelly Bean!

2010-05-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

Asher loves to help Papa in the yard.

Our Littlest Laurel

2010-05-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

This little one comes to mutual almost every Wednesday evening. She fits in perfectly with the Laurels and we all love her. One night when I was taking pictures of the YW my lense fell upon her face and she lit up! She loves the camera and the camera loves her.

Meet sweet Kaylee

Happy 1st Birthday Asher Dean

2010-04-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

Yummy and adorable Smash Cake made by Marie Kilpatrick

I Remember

2010-04-08T00:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't lived in Arizona for 25 years but when the weather is warm and dry I remember. Not much about Madison reminds me of my childhood home only those rare moments when its unseasonably warm and dry. Even though it killed my daffodils and shriveled my tulips I'm happy in this warmth.

Our Neighbors

2010-04-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

We love our neighbors, the Robertson family. Clark has really enjoyed being their home teacher off and on for years. Wendy is now my wonderful visiting teacher.
There are so many memories of Bill and Wendy helping us out with church functions. Whether it's setting up, cleaning up or just about anything else, we can always count on them.
Lately Wendy and I have spent alot of time together sewing prom dresses and making costumes for the High school musical. She is a good seamstress, a very creative woman and a supportive friend.
It was fun taking their pictures. I love watching their beautiful family interact with each other and all those extra mommies taking care of Liam.

*note to self: White walls do not make good back drops and don't forget to take shots from all directions.

Liam got out of the car and immediately set these characters up on the ground for me to take pictures of.

After watching his sisters pose in front of the window Liam hopped up on the sill and began to make such funny poses for me. So cute.

Hoping for Clear Skies

2010-04-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today was a full day of weeding, pruning, raking, mowing and sweeping. Then off to visit 4 nurseries for a little rock pricing.

I wonder what's at the end of this sidewalk

Clark googling tomorrow's weather because after all our hard work we still have to plant, mulch and spray.

Fun Day!

2010-04-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

When Clark let me know he was taking Friday off to help me work in the yard I was so happy. Working in the yard and especially working in the yard with Clark is one of my favorite things to do. The weather is fantastic right now, but I hear it is going to rain on Saturday. Thank goodness Clark Googles weather all the time and doesn't mind helping me in the yard.

Shelby

2010-03-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous and spunky girl is a delight to all who know her. On occasion I have had the privledge to watch her dance. Watching her can bring out a surprising amount of emotion in me. It's beautiful to behold.
Not only is she beautiful on the outside she is beautiful on the inside as well. She has strong principles and a conviction to be a force for good in this world. I always feel the spirit when she prays.
Shelby was very patient and cooperative with me, holding these poses and repeating the leaps until I could catch the right shot.
Thanks Shelby!

Kayti

2010-03-22T08:31:00.000-07:00

I remember the day I first really got to know this girl. It was almost three years ago and we were sitting on her Mom's dorm room bed at youth conference chatting. This was the moment I felt we clicked. As with all my Young Women, I don't get to spend enough time like that with her.
Kayti is adorable. I'm sure she will be a famous author soon. Lucky me, I am currently getting a sneak peak at her newest novel. Let me just say it's fantastic.

A Visit to Chattanooga

2010-03-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Kendall and I took a day trip to Chatanooga to visit with Kimberly and Asher. We had lunch outside at a cafe located in the wonderfully quaint art district. We were all so happy to bask in the glorious sunshine together.

Asher Dean just got his first pair of shoes. We thought the shorts with those shoes made him look like a little British school boy. Kimberly wasn't sure if he would keep the shoes on but he kept them on the whole time. Finally we just couldn't take the look anymore so Kendall took his shoes off.

Wishing for Spring Weather

2010-03-18T00:03:00.000-07:00

The flowers think it's spring but my thermostat begs to differ.

Fall Bulbs, Spring Flowers

2010-03-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

One little crocus flower has decided to bloom today. I planted the bulbs this last fall and it is so exciting to see them coming up and finally blooming. I couldn't remember what I had planted where, so this is a fun surprise!

More Practice

2010-03-01T13:24:00.000-08:00

The girls were in a lighter mood and we had a lot of fun together. So glad they don't mind letting me practice on them.

I Love the Alabama red dirt on the tire.

Practicing

2010-02-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

Kendall and Cassie let me practice photography on Sunday. They were so serious. I could hardly get a smile out of them and when they did goof around it was crazy.
Cassie and her doggie, Molly are staying with us for a few weeks while Kristy and Barlow have fun being first time Granparents out west.
Cassie is really like another daughter to us and Molly is adorable.

Often when I photograph Kendall with another person it becomes apparent how dark Kendall's skin is. Cassie's skin is just so fair and reflects all the light beautifully. It is difficult for me to capture Kendall's true beauty. I have to get better at understanding light.

Cassie got a new dress and Kendall did Cassie's hair. Now Kendall needs a new dress!

Sweet 16

2010-02-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful Kendall is 16 today! We are heading to Birmingham for some shopping and some relaxtion, and a little Owl City concert. We are staying at the Marriott with her BFF Stephanie. Took some pics before we left. I love Kendall. My Sweet Baby.

Sexy 16!!!

...not so sexy 16

I Miss the Sun

2010-02-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

I was fine until the sun gave us a sneak peak at how beautiful it can be. I have actually enjoyed this cold winter season but it has gone on long enough for me now. My yard really needs some work done and it is just too cold and too wet.

Snow in Madison and CRIMSON ruled the day!

2010-01-07T21:27:00.000-08:00

Japanese New Year!

2010-01-04T22:04:00.000-08:00

As is our custom here on New Years day we celebrated January 1st with a Gyoza bash! Our good friend Josh has spent many a New Years day celebrating with us. Josh is home from his two year mission in Idaho and we couldn't pass up inviting him this year. Our new good family friend, Anna came over to test out the feast too. Later in the evening two of Kendalls other friends came over as well and we all played lots of fun games.

Kendall created another one of her fabulous table settings

Our Chef prepared the Gyoza. (Why is this always the face he makes when I turn the camera on him?)

And our terrific guests arrived on time.

It was so great to have Josh back with us this year. He is still his humorous and awesome self.

Trying Out My New Lens

2009-12-27T16:53:00.000-08:00

Pictures with the Lens Clark got me last year.

Clark got me another new lens for Christmas this year. So fun! How did he know?

Christmas Music Makes Me Happy!

2009-12-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

I just have to post that I LOVE David Archuletta's Christmas CD. I am listening to it while I wrap gifts and I get goosebumps on almost every note. I am also loving our Third Day Christmas CD. AWE!!!!

Still so much to do and so far behind this year. The Christmas music makes me happy!

Roll Tide and Bama Snow!

2009-12-05T17:42:00.000-08:00

It was a good day today - Bama Won! And it snowed in Madison. We are getting ready for the Christmas festival around here. I hope ya'all are enjoying the season.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

Asher's Nana Jo bought him this little Indian sweater when she took a trip back west before Asher was born.
We sure Love our Little Indian.

Showered with Blessings

2009-11-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

The everlasting down pour of rain this fall had me worried. I have a small collection of Antique and Earth Kind roses. With all this moisture I feared that my roses were doomed to the dreaded Black Spot. To my surprise, I happily found that my roses have bloomed more profusely than any other year. When I was talking about this with Kendall we decided that this small miracle occured as another one of the numerous blessings we have recieved since Brendan has been serving his mission. I am sure glad Kendall is planning on serving a mission, there are a lot more roses I want to add to my collection.

Kristy's Surprise!

2009-11-22T19:50:00.001-08:00

My friend Kristy is expecting to become a first time Grandma soon. It was her birthday this weekend. Little did she know her family and friends had planned some fun surprises for her.

Her beautiful pregnant daughter, Emilee, flew in for the celebrations.In between shopping and "New Moon" I was able to take a few pictures for them.

Emilee looks terrific she is 24 weeks pregnant with twin girls.

Grandma can't wait!

Shoe Boxes!

2009-11-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

For Combined activity this month the Laurel's hosted an "Operation Christmas Child" event. It went really well and we had a great turn out.
When the Laurels were researching Christmas child we found an article on LDS.org that talked about a stake in Australia that collected over 1000 shoe boxes. So cool!
We were able to collect about 50.

On Monday evening Kendall and I went shopping for the gifts to fill our shoe boxes. We were walking from our car and discussing our prayers about the boxes and this young mother overheard us. She was holding her preschoolers hand and she turned to ask us if we were talking about Christmas Child. She said she was there too for her shoe box gifts. When we got inside there were about 8 Moms with their children holding hands in a circle. They talked about the little children in Honduras. How they don't have any money and not even a tooth brush. They said a little prayer to bless their gifts and the children that would recieve them. Sometimes when the little preschoolers were choosing a gift they would say "I want this" Their Mommy would remind them of the little children in Honduras that don't even have a tooth brush. They would ask, "do you want HIM to have this gift?" and the little preschooler would nod his head "yes". So cute.

"L"

2009-11-18T19:26:00.001-08:00

"L" is a frequent visitor to the Kingsford home these days. We think he is one of the cutest 3 year olds around. I picked him up from school today and took him to get a white frosty. Because we don't have a Wii at our house "L" has to settle for nature walks and craft time. He doesn't seem to mind too much as long as he doesn't have to stay the night.

Fairy Tears and Bat Blood

2009-11-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I promised Kendall and her friends that we would throw a Halloween party this year. Kendall and I had grand plans for a Coraline theme. We wanted to make the house have wompy furniture, spiders and buttons everywhere. What we ended up with is some hints of Coraline and a really great party!
It wasn't until well after Kendall had handed out her handmade invitations that I realized it was Stake Conference weekend. OOPS.
On Tuesday I was hit with a really bad flu that progressed into Bronchitis. I went to bed Monday night and I pretty much stayed there until Saturday morning.
Kendall, Clark, Kimberly, Austin and Kendall's amazing friends: Stephanie, Anna and Cassie took what we had and prepared for the party on Saturday while I sat on the couch and "helped"
I wish all parties were this easy for me.
We had about 40 young people show up and they rocked on from 7pm to 11pm
I love young people!

The Princess, the Witch and the Dragon

2009-10-24T15:00:00.001-07:00

We took a short trip to the 'Boo'tanical gardens today. Asher Dean, the Dragon, brought his Princess Mommie and The Good Witch Kendall came too.

Oranges and Lemons

2009-10-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

I have loved this new addition to the garden this year. It is called "Oranges and Lemons"

Gaillardia. This flower has been in bloom all summer and even still into October.

Merritt is on the Mend!

2009-10-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Our sweet old Dog, Merritt, gave us a bit of a scare last weekend. She couldn't get up off her back legs nor could she breath well. Poor thing went into a bit of a panic. We had to stroke her back off and on throughout the night to help keep her calm. I couldn' t believe how emotional I felt at the thought of Merritt suffering or at worst being put to sleep. I love that our Vet was able to give her something to heal her. She is back to her tail - wagging, food - loving self. She is one of our Heavenly Father's creations that bring us so much JOY.

She is a Joyful creation too!

Kendall's Homecoming Dress 2009

2009-10-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

I'm glad Kendall loves this dress because the plaid was so difficult to match up. We just couldn't pass up this beautiful silk fabric.

These shoes cost more than the dress. :)

Kendall had a great time having dinner at Mellow Mushroom before the dance.

Gigi Loves Asher

2009-07-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

Gigi Loves Asher from Kimberly Cone on Vimeo.

My favorite person in the world!

The Grandpa Cradle

2009-05-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Placed on the wall in our bedroom is a very old chair. We call it the Grandpa chair because Clark's Great Grandfather made it for Clark's mother when she was a little girl. It's made of wood with a woven seat. It is in such disrepair. I love it. When Clark was little he claimed the chair as his own. It still has his faded initials which he wrote on the back of it with a black permanent marker. All three of my children loved that chair. They used it to learn how to sit in a chair. It has sawed off legs so it is just the right height for little ones.

We have a new Grandpa in our family now. Papa Clark must have inherited the ability to build things out of wood from his great grandfather. I love the wooden pieces he has made for me. Although he has the bare minimum of tools he always does a beautiful job. His newest creation is what we like to call "The Grandpa Cradle". He made it from a fallen tree that a local sawmill cut into rough lumber, then he planed each board to perfection.

I wonder who's initials will end up on it?

Going Green

2009-05-14T20:43:00.001-07:00

One of the ways to reduce my Carbon Footprint is to Mow the backyard less.

The bunnies love it!

Angel Mother

2009-05-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

I have often heard General Authorities speak of their "Angel Mother" and I think to myself, "No wonder he is a Man of God, his mother is a Saint". Then I would know for sure my son would never say that about me.

When he was a little boy he loved me sooooo much. He would pick me flowers from where ever he went. Sometimes my friends would call me after watching him and tell me how much he loved me. He would have to get me a flower from their yard. I just knew he loved me. It was awesome!

Fast forward and he is 15. He can't help but let me know his dissatisfaction with the Mother he is stuck with. I am " Lazy, Unsuccessful, Way too Strict, Dumb, Boring, Stuffy, and totally Uncool" This goes on for 4 years. I do become a little defensive but for the most part I pretty much agreed with him. What happened to the awesome mother I used to be. I missed her. Why am I a mother in the first place? I am not good at it.

Let's just say I paid my Dues. I just got the coolest box in the Mail from my Missionary 20 year old son. It was from him to me for Mother's day. All kinds of cool and fun things were in the box. My favorite being the Cherry blossom stem he picked for me, placed in a tissue and wrapped in a gift box. To top that off he wrote me the most amazing appreciation letter I never imagined receiving from him. I want to shout what he wrote from the roof tops but it might sound too much like bragging. However I will quote one line.

"I know God gave me to you because you are the perfect Mom for me. I am glad He knows what he is doing :)"

I almost feel sorry for the poor Moms who will hear him speak of his "Angel Mother" someday. They won't know it isn't true.

Asher Dean

2009-04-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Asher Dean is in the NICU in Northport. His Mommy and Daddy hope to bring him home this Thursday. I can't wait to hold him. I gotta say he is the best looking baby.

Born April 11 at 2:45 am. 8 pounds 3 ounces. 20.5 inches long.

Asher pulled out his ventilator and so the Doc said he could leave it out. He removed all his other plugs today and the Doc. let him keep them all out except his chest tube. He is doing so much better today. One tough little boy.

My New Bud.

2009-03-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

Grand baby Asher is due any day now. I am anxiously waiting to meet him and kiss him, and smell him, and hug him, and hold him, and stare at him. I hope Kimberly and Austin let me take a turn.

Kendall and I got a little teaser of him when we went to his 4d Ultrasound with Kimberly. That was an awesome day! We really saw a baby in her tummy. We saw his face! We saw him moving his hands all around up by his mouth and we thought he was so cute.

When Kimberly first found out she was having a boy, Kendall and I both imagined him looking like Brendan. During Christmas time Austin's long lost baby album was found. One night Kendall and I stayed up looking through it. We smiled and laughed until it hurt. Austin was a precious little boy. So now when I think of Asher I picture that cute little Austin.

I do have mixed emotions about this birth. I can't wait but then again I am thinking about Kimberly and her birthing experience. I had my babies natural and I know what it feels like. In one way it is a lot of work and a bit painful but on the other hand it is so amazing and empowering. And in the end you get to meet him and kiss him and smell him, and hug him, and hold him, and stare at him.

Prom Pictures

2009-03-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

Cassie and Josh went to Prom together this weekend. They looked great!

My Beautiful Baby

2009-01-03T22:22:00.000-08:00

And a Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T17:12:00.000-08:00

We had a great time ringing in the New Year with Kimberly and Austin and their friends in Tuscaloosa.
Our family tradition for New Years day is making the Japanese dish GYOZA. Clark learned to make this yummy food on his mission in Japan. Because it is such a rich dish and takes some time to make we save it for this special day. Also we honor the Japanese New Year this way too. It is extra special to us this year as Brendan is celebrating his first New Year in Japan. We hope that Brendan is enjoying the celebrations that Japan has to offer as much as Clark fondly remembers them.
We are grateful for a Happy 2008 and we hope our Family and Friends find themselves experiencing a Joyful 2009.

Let It Snow

2008-12-30T18:20:00.000-08:00

I participated in an annual ornament exchange for a few years when I lived in Houston. One year this very talented friend brought us these snowmen for our front yards. She made them out of an old fence that someone in her neighborhood was replacing. Clark and I added the wooden trees when we moved to Alabama. Every time I drive up to my house he makes me smile.

Kendall's Gift

2008-12-30T18:03:00.000-08:00

I received a cute red bird feeder from Kendall for Christmas. I went to the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Huntsville and got a bag of bird seed to attract song birds. Just like magic I've got a fluttering bunch of song birds surrounding the redbud tree right outside my back window. I love the internet. Whenever I see a new bird I just google it and then It is quickly Identified. So far I have seen some cool birds. I saw a couple of Cardinals, some Finches and a way adorable woodpecker. This wood pecker is actually on the endangered species list so I feel so special to have observed him.

Merritt guarding my Christmas gift. Too bad the birds get scared of her.

A Kingsford Christmas

2008-12-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

We have had a wonderful Christmas this year. Kimberly and Austin were able to join us for Christmas Eve dinner and lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. The lights were fantastic as usual.
We got to spend a whole hour on the phone with Brendan. It was great to hear his voice! He had so many fun stories to tell us. We miss him alot but we are so proud of his choice to serve this mission.
We have had a very peaceful day today and very much enjoyed opening and tinkering with our presents. Kendall thought it would be a bummer just spending the day with us. But as it turned out Austin and Kimberly got to spend the morning with us. So only half the day was a bummer.
We are going to the movies this evening to see Bedtime Stories. I hope its good.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!!

I love this ornament Dana!

Austin's Best christmas gifts

Our Grand doggie "Rocky"

Homecoming

2008-11-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

A young man in our ward hosted an alternative homecoming dinner and dance last month for one of his Faith in God projects. He wanted the music to be fun and clean. He also wanted an appropriate dress code. I was asked to help with the decorations. The theme ended up being "Inner city, disco, warehouse". We had a very limited budget and it still turned out way cute and fun!
Kendall is a freshman so she went to the dance after going to dinner at Cantina Lorado with her friends from school. She had a terrific time in her new great dress that she and I worked on together. She picked out the dress pattern and the fabric and I sewed it. We just didn't have time to help her sew this one.
She looked beautiful and so grown up.

Kendall's fabric choice

"Vintage Purple"

One of my favorite things about her dress is I only had to use this once!

Beautiful...

Sweet Peas in D.C.

2008-10-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

We took Kendall's best friend Stephanie with us to D.C. We will definitely take her with us on a trip again. She is a delight. Kendall and Stephanie are like two peas in a pod. They get along amazingly well. I had the best time hanging with these two. The weather was a little chilled which made it all the more fun for these sweet peas to get dolled up and have their picture taken. We took pictures all over and I filled one whole SD card and there were hardly any pictures of the sites. Just these two gorgeous gals. What fun!!

Fall Break in D.C.

2008-10-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

We went to D.C. for fall break this year. This was my first time in that city and I loved it! The weather was perfect all week. We stayed in a hotel on the corner of F and 9th street. The city is so clean and pedestrian friendly. All the memorials and many of the museums are free. We bought a metro ticket for the whole week and it took us everywhere we wanted to go. So the vallet parked the car and we didn't see it all week. We either took the metro or walked and walked and walked.

My favorite museum is the Smithsonian National Art Gallery and the Sculpture park. I really enjoyed the botanical garden too. There are so many things we never got to see so we must go again soon.

The Washington Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Sunflowers

2008-10-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

Things have finally slowed down a little in YW's lately and that has given me a chance to spend some time with my Laurels. I have been able to take a few of them to ice cream and interview them about their Personal Progress. Sometimes I am so busy just getting the logistics together that I don't get to enjoy the part I really love about YW's and that is the girls. These young women are so amazing to me. I love how teachable they are. I love how inspired they make me feel.
We have a new Laurel class presidency and they are just a delight. Our activities always turn out terrific thanks to the great work they always put in. I love that I can count on them to carry out their responsibilities.
This last week one of my Laurels heard I wasn't feeling very well and she brought me a bouquet of sunflowers and a get well soon balloon. Every morning when I see those flowers I smile big.
I took another Laurel to ice cream on Monday and when I brought her home, in her driveway I saw a little jar of handpicked marigolds and a bowl of garden veggies next to a little paper sign that said "Thank You Sister Kingsford" . So thoughtful. I am not sure if her sisters did it or her mom, but it made my day.
Just like the Sunflowers my girls make me smile big.

Letters From Home

2008-08-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

Brendan left for Japan Monday August 20th. He called us from the LAX airport and we got to talk to him for an hour before he boarded the plane. We called Kendall at school for a conference call and then she called Kimberly at work and so we all chatted with him together. It was so good to hear his voice. He was so excited and a bit nervous. We got an email from him the next day and he said he had arrived in the mission home. He said he would email us the next day and we didn't hear from him. I had a feeling he wasn't doing too well. I do have that extra sensory perception when it comes to my children. Clark kept saying "don't worry he is fine". But I still felt anxious for what he might be going through. I got and email from him yesterday and I was right he was depressed some. He said that he felt he had been dropped off on an alien planet where all the aliens were doing a really bad job of pretending to be Americans. Then he read my last letter to him and he felt comforted. I feel that way so often when I read my scriptures. I feel like I am getting a letter from home and so many times an amazing feeling of comfort washes over me. I cried when I read his email but I am so glad that my letter made it to him before he left the MTC.
We have a blog set up for Brendan at www.elderbrendankingsford.blogspot.com. This is where we post parts of his letters and emails and pictures that he send us.

Heaven Sent!

2008-07-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

Don't know why but I was feeling sorta low. Nothing came to mind as to why. I just couldn't shake it. It was not that time of the month even. Then I looked out my kitchen window and I saw him in my bird bath. A gift from heaven! Wow! I AM loved.

Blue Birds are my Favorite!!!

He appeared to be doing some serious house hunting...

Does his wife approve?

"But, I like this one!!"

Next year they will stay because I am getting them a real blue bird house!

The Last of June

2008-07-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

We left for Orlando June 27th. I thought I would never get packed! All the girl's camp junk was left in my garage and on my living room floor as we bolted out the door. We stopped in Tuscaloosa to pick up Kimberly and Austin. We rented a van in Birmingham and Kendall got a back seat all to herself. Kendall's dance team won a scholarship to the dance competition and Hollywood Vibe hosted a special gala, including a nice dinner, for all of us.

We stayed in a 5 star hotel and got the park hopper tickets to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. We were in Magic Kingdom for 4th of July fireworks by the castle and all around us!! So fantastic!!! The weather was great for us Alabamians! No complaints. Many happy coincidences blessed our trip with so much fun! I loved every minute of it.
Austin and I love Animal Kingdom. Clark and Kimberly's favorite park is Epcot. Kendall's favorite park is Hollywood Studios.
We missed Brendan.

Some More June

2008-07-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

Off to YW's camp June 23-27. It was so fun being with my ward. I love our young women ! They are the best! We have the biggest ward in the stake. We brought 3 non-member girls with us to camp as well. They were all such good helpers and good to each other. The girls in my cabin read their scriptures every night with each other and taught Kendall's good friend Stephanie about the scriptures. I look forward to camp because I get to spend time with all the girls in a relaxed way. The girls who went as YCL's worked their booties off. They loved the younger girls they were mentoring and I was so proud of them. I can't believe how much I laughed!! Such sweet times!!

Our Cute Banner!

The girl's decorated our cabin.

The Goofy Gang!

gotta love 'em.

More June

2008-07-07T18:31:00.001-07:00

We left for Trek 2008 on Thursday June 5th. It's so hard to describe it. I was anxious about how I would handle it. The weather was hot and humid and we had to camp out among the stars and bugs. (mostly ticks and spiders) We were given a family when we got there. We had no idea who our kids were going to be. We had 10 kids. 5 girls and 5 boys. One of our boys had some health troubles the first day and had to go to the hospital. We were all so sad and worried for him.
The trek was longer than the kids thought it would be and kind of intense. So hot! Clark and I fell in love with our family immediately. They were such troopers and so hard working. The big brother and big sister we felt impressed to call on were amazing leaders. They all made us laugh so many times. Two of our girls fell to heat exhaustion the seconed day but they stayed on when the medics helped them get better.
While Trek helped me to think about and be more grateful for what our pioneer forebearers suffered through it also showed me clearly what our youth suffer through today. The assault that Satan places on them daily is not so much physical as it is spiritual. While we were on Trek there were no Ipods, cell phones, T.V. or computers which allowed us to see more easily the amazing quality and strength of the youth in our stake.
I loved Trek 2008 !

JUNE

2008-07-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

Brendan went into the MTC June 4th. It was so much more emotional than I had expected. I know that Brendan is prepared to go on his mission. We have prepared for this since we knew we were having a son. The day came to put him on the plane to send him to Uncle Brians in Utah and I was doing fine. We all were. When we got up to security I was taking pictures of everyone and then Kendall took pictures of me and Brendan saying good bye. When I kissed him I could feel him melt a little and Kendall saw it through the lense. She looked up from the camera and began sobbing then we all started to cry. (Brendan just a tiny hint) He went through security and kept looking back until he came to the stairs leading to the terminals. He started up the stairs and never looked back. We cried all kinds of emotions: sad, anxious, relief, and happy all the way home. I just wanted to crawl in my bed but trek was around the corner and I had to throw myself into it. It was probably a good thing. We miss him a lot but love his letters and emails every tuesday morning.

2008-05-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

Our fence is almost finished!!! It is sturdy enough to keep out the bunnies and our yellow dog. Clark and Brendan have done an awesome job. After this we will get the gravel in the paths and build a scarecrow from the tree we cleared to build the garden. I saw a cute one in a magazine made out of tree limbs and old tools and I hope to copy it.

My Best Helper

2008-05-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Brendan is a big help when it comes to working in the yard. We missed him this year while he was at BYU and we will especially miss him for the two years he is on his mission in Japan. He is so strong and he can get an incredible amount of work done in a short time. Brendan has always been my best helper. Even when he was little he was very good about getting his chores done. A funny thing about him is whenever he is doing a chore he always leaves at least one tool or supply at the site. Even tonight he left the Amdro bottle in the exact spot where he was applying it on the ant hill. We are making a lot of progress on the garden because he is here helping. Brendan has pulled all the wood from the pallets to make the fence, mowed the whole yard twice and helped me fill three planters with soil for the veggie garden and lots of other garden work. Let me say again we are really going to miss him!

Doesn't Brendan look happy?!!

Yeah!! Pallet wood

My variegated Iris should be ready to split this fall and then I will have two. I love perennials

This is my Kimberly clematis. We planted it for Kimberly's wedding and when she gets a house we will transplant it for her. Every year it blooms it reminds me of my beautiful Kimberly.

This is the "F.J. Lindheimer " rose I pruned yesterday. It blooms all summer and into the fall. I love the many colors produced on one shrub.

Beautiful Blossoms

2008-04-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

I love spring in Madison! The beds in my front yard are blossoming beautifully.

Scabiosa

Coreopsis

Blue ?

Texas Rose. My First Bloom!

Square Foot Gardening

2008-04-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

Clark and I are putting in a new veggie garden in the back yard. We are following the new square foot gardening method. This garden requires a small fence around it to keep out the bunnies and our ol' yellow dog, Merritt. The fence posts are in! We are copying Alisha's idea of using pallet wood for the pickets. It will save a lot of money and it is environmentally friendly. The boxes are in and I am planting today! We plan to grow tomatoes, orange peppers, serrano peppers, green beans, herbs, cantaloupe, yellow squash, strawberries, sunflowers and cutting flowers. It should be a yummy summer!!!

Clark working really hard!

the posts are in.

Budding Photographer

2008-04-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures Kendall snapped today. She is a budding photographer. My brother, Ken, bought her a nice point and shoot camera for Christmas, but she continues to pester me about her ability being superior to mine-especially if I would allow her to use my camera. But i still enjoy these pics, which happen to be taken with her camera.

My Gardens

2008-04-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Another beginning to a new garden - blogging. This is my online journal of the many gardens growing in my life: the front yard beds, a new small backyard vegetable garden, madison 3rd ward young women, and my family. Scattered throughout my house are quite a few different journals I keep about my gardens. I am sure one more won't hurt.