Janet and Mike's Wedding

Payton with Jared's friend that has a brain tumor too, they watched a baseball game together.

Taylor, Kinsey, Payton, Alica, and Tate

Janet and Mike.

Tator.

Payton

A little somethin' for the newlyweds.

Cohen.

Jess and Tess

We went to CA for Jared's Mom's wedding. We had a great time. Payton didn't feel that well but he still managed to muster up the energy to play hard. They kids looked so cute. Janet looked beautiful. The reception was fun despite having the kids play at the ranch in dress clothes. They actually didn't get as dirty as I thought. One of my nephews did manage to get spray painted by another cousin, and my niece basically destroyed her dress. We had a great time and it was so much fun seeing cousins and family.

I was able to connect with one of my best friends from High school. She saved my life by watched my kids plus 10 others during the wedding. Thanks Jessica, you're a life savor. It was soooooo good to see her. I wish there was more time.

(ps. I updated Payton's caring bridge site)

Sunshine in Washington? Really, there was!

We were able to have multiple beautiful days. It was very much needed. We mowed the lawn, cleaned up the yard, played, ate Popsicles, went to the park, planted some trees, even put the sprinkler under the trampoline. It was great. I just hope it returns soon.

Easter 2009

(I was forwarded this email and had to post it! I just like the ladies response, it's not to snub anyone who does work outside the home.)

JUST A MOM?

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office,
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder,
'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.

'I'm a Mom.'

'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.


I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself
in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'

'What is your occupation?' she probed..

What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,

In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'
Motherhood!

What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and HumanRelations'
And great grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates?'
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts
'Associate Research Assistants.'

My assistants busy working on the details of their next project.