Gotta Love Those Cousins

Emilie (Shepherd) is so sneaky! Lizzy (mine) and Jack (Ray) don't seem to mind, they stay in the line of fire.

Just missing big cousin Jake (19)

What a fun day. Since my brother and his wife and daughter (his son is home in Oregon) are in town, it was a treat to all be together. Well, almost. Sheri was speaking at the Arizona Women's Retreat in Flagstaff and we all got together without her and mom. Derrick and the kids made shrimp gumbo and shrimp and veggies on the barbee.

It was unique to be together without their spouses. My sister, brother and me. Rare even. So since dad was the only one there, we ganged up on him. He's a good sport though. We learned from the best, we told him.

Did I already say I am grateful? Well, I hope it shows.

Sisters

When my brother introduced our family to Sheri Rose (right), Karen (left) and I said:

"No way, a Beauty Queen?"

"Our brother is marrying a Beauty Queen?"

That was 20 years ago. She's still a beauty! And so is my sister.

We had a sister lunch today (thanks Mom, Dad and Steve) and the bonds of sisterhood have a far better chance when the bond is Christ.

Thank You Father for sisters to go through life with. We are so blessed.

Check out Sheri's newest book.
And this is her book before that one. And she has an amazing testimony of how the publishing of this book really put her in Satan's line of fire. It's a message that effects the next generation ladies. A message for the men of the future and how you have a great impact on them.

That will be $100 Please

September 24, 1961.
When Walter Everitt and Janice Joy went to the obstetrician, pregnant with their first baby, Dr Reay said, it will be $100 for visits and $100 for delivery at Good Sam. Such a deal!!! Of course that didn't include the anesthesia (they didn't use any, no epiderals or stadol then) I know in New York, where Derrick was born, they just put her to sleep. His mom doesn't even remember there being an option.

I don't remember much of that Sunday morning, I know you're surprised. But I do remember having very happy parents. Grandma Shepherd came to help and I think her mom, Grandma Bibelheimer, but I think she stressed out my Mom. They had 3 babies in 3 years and we had a wonderful childhood.

The 60s in Tempe Arizona were simple for Mom and Dad. They had one car, so mom had to stay home. And all the moms around their apartment were home too. Dad was teaching at the new Coronado High School and the security guards tried to kick him out of the teacher's lounge because he looked like one of the students. (He was 23). He also worked at Proudlove's Hardware back then so they could make ends meet.

My first Christmas, Mom did get homesick for North Dakota. So they packed me tight between them in their little Corvair(no seat belts or car seats) and drove through the snow to get there. It was quite harrowing and the only time they ever did that! My brother was born the following December anyway.

I wonder what memories my kids will have. I hope they're good ones.

Desert Rainstorm

I don't know if you can see, there are raindrops hanging from this palo verde tree.
So sparkly. It's the calm after the storm.

Rain in the desert is a thing of beauty. Never mind that it's always dry and hot here, the smell is unbelievable. The creosote and mesquite are so pungent. I know I complain a lot about living in this arid, barren land. But somehow just one storm makes me forget.

Tollhouse cookies in the oven, Breakfast Blend brewing and the whole family together watching Akelah and the Bee.

What a perfect Saturday.

My Little Women

Emma and Lizzy were quite the lady daredevils. They surfed too. We paid for 3 lessons and when Emma and Jeff were surfing, the teacher saw their siblings watching from the shore. He called out "hey, you guys come join us!" So Lizzy and Dex went surfing too. What a treat!

Look at Emma's hands. They are like that in every picture. She is such a little lady. She is strong in mercy, always thinks of others first and loving to cook and bake comes with the package! She is such a blessing, and nothing like her mother.
And Lizzy just loves to try new things. She also tries to do what her sisters do. But I can tell that she loves the stage. Can't wait to see what God does with these Little Women!

Jefferson Turns 6

Aunt Dee cheering him on

When we told Jefferson that he would have his birthday in Hawaii this year, he said, "I don't want to have my birthday in Hawaii! I want to have it at Peter Piper Pizza!"
Little did he know!

Here's our little athlete having surfing lessons. I'd say it will be a birthday he won't forget.

Thanks Aunt Dee

Aunt Dee is on the left! Emma(9) and Jefferson (6) More surfing photos to come!

This is an amazing woman. Any wonderful, adventurous, creative men out there that love God? Here is the woman for you. She is always so gracious and giving. Our vacation was her gift to us. She owns a timeshare and arranged this trip. You would never guess she is in her 40s would you? Deirdre loves the outdoors and creating and fixing things with her hands. I am so grateful for her in our lives. I wish her every good thing from the Father of life.

Wowee Maui

We had a great time in Hawaii, the whole 10 Tutens. Here are the kids on our Kihei beach. No rocks, no seaweed and glorious water.

Highlights: Jefferson and Emma learning to surf with their Aunt Dee on his 6th birthday

Lowlights: Hot and muggy

Highlights: kayaking and snorkeling with the sea turtles

Lowlights: Hot and muggy

Highlights: Good food, good fun, good family

Lowlights: Hot and muggy

Highlights: A washer and dryer in our unit

Lowlights: Using the washer and dryer when it's hot and muggy

Oh well, the highlights win anyway!