Just Another Manic Monday

I wish I had something great and wonderful to contribute to the blogosphere. I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off and feel like I am not getting anything done. This repeats day after day. Ryan leaves in 9 days and when I think about it, which I try not to do too often, I get a little sad - OK so a alot sad. I want him to do this. I am so proud of him for doing it. But it really sucks to the be mom. There I said it.

We had a great weekend with cross country, soccer (3 games) and the twins had a stake FIGG activity. We really used and abused the 3rd driver. Those days are coming to an end too soon. We wil be back to divide and conquer.

Kelsey got 7th place at her cross country meet - and she got a trophy. If I was a good mom, I would inset a nice pic of her with her trophy. But I don't have one. And I don't have a camera yet - mine was a victim of the California beach. So instead, I give you a picture of her from her first CC meet that Eric took with his camera phone.

I am so proud of her. She is sticking with it and keeping up - with two a days and seminary. Not to mention school. She did say to me last night that she thinks she is done with high school. That is what 1 week at THS will do for a person! She is doing great.

Happy Hump Day Steveo

Really, his hump day is the 26th or 27th, but since he can only check email on Tuesdays, we are going to pretend he is 1/2 way done with his two year mission. (and since he complained he was forgotten on his birthday...)

Steven is a great kid. He was born after Eric and I were married, which I guess makes Eric more a member of the family than Steven, but I digress.

As the baby of 10 kids, he liked coming here where he could be the eldest. He and Ryan have been buds since they could walk. It will be hard having a three year gap when they will not see each other, but it will be fun to have them both serving at the same time.

Here they are circa 1997 creating treats with Dr. Dreadful.

Steven is a great uncle, and my kids miss him. It was not uncommon to see him covered in kids - much like Blake. All the grandkids love Uncle Steven.


He is living the good life in Brazil - OK he is working hard and doing the Lord's work and for that he is blessed.

We love you Steven! Keep up the good work!

First Day of School -09

No tears here! Working from home is a blessing - 9 months out of the year. Those summer months can be brutal. But today was the blessed back to school day. My camera is broken (sand plus camera don't mix) so I used Sophie's and some things were a little off - OK so maybe it was user error.

The first two left in the dark - well really it is children two and three, but since number one is enjoying his last few days of sleeping for two years, he does not count. Kelsey is a freshman at the HS and Sophie is in 7th grade - year one of Jr High in Tomball ISD.

This is Kelsey's stop taking pictures look.

I ran into one of Sophie's friends mother on the way to the elementary school. She asked if Sophie allowed me to take her picture this morning - I guess it was no for her daughter. I have taken a first day of school pic each year - up to and including Ryan's senior year, so my kids have no option! I am mean like that.

The twins in front of Lakewood Elementary. I am not sure how I feel about my babies starting 3rd grade! Dang that seems so big. They both got excellent teachers, so I know it will be a good year.

Caroline ready to go. Allie's pics did not turn out. Dang.

On the way to school. New backpacks, new shoes, new lunchboxes. You gotta love the first day!

Happy Birthday Dad

My dad turns 29 again today - this will be the 33rd time he has turned 29.

Do you love his gift? All I can say to the Linford's out there is I have set the bar very high with this gift! Yes, in case you are wondering that is a Chia Obama. It is a collector's item. That is what the TV add said, and I believe it.

My dad is wonderful. He is a great example to me in so many areas, not the least of which is patience. I feel very blessed to have him as my dad - and I know my children feel the same way (for him to be their grandfather).

And in celebration of his birthday, I am going to post a youtube video which would make Big Al, as we affectionately refer to him, laugh.

Happy Birthday Blake

Yes, my brother-in-law has the same birthday as my Dad. I think Megan just did not want to have to remember another date.

Blake is a great guy, and great Uncle. The twins have a big crush on him. As a matter of fact they love Megan, but they would push her out of the way to get their hands on Blake.

This is at their wedding - see Caroline is making the move on him!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Blake. It is not uncommon to find all the nieces clamoring for Blake time - and he just sits and lets them crawl all over him. He is a great Uncle and will be a great dad someday.

Happy Birthday Blake!

What Else Do You Do In So Cal?

Go to the beach, of course. But here is the deal with the Pacific Ocean. It is cold. We are wimpy. We swim in the Gulf of Mexico. It is warm. Sophie and the twins were the only ones brave enough to get in the water.

Sophie was working on using a skim board. She used the boogie board. She body surfed. She can't sit still. Ryan, mom, dad, and Kelsey. We are lazy. We would just lay on the beach. And bury Caroline....

Happy Birthday Ryan

I can't believe my baby boy is 19.


This is one of my favorite pictures of Ryan. He was two. I had just discovered Gymboree.

One of his Sr. pics. I am so proud of the young man he has become. I am really going to miss him when he leaves, but we are so proud of his willingness to serve.

I love you boy!

"Scary" Rides

On the scarier rides at Disney, and most theme parks, they take your picture at a scary part - or at the end. They then want to sell you these photos.

Eric wanted to purchase one - this is from our first day. It was our first time on Space Mountain. The look on Allie's face is priceless.

Then Ryan took to posing for the picture - I guess this is what you do when you are there for 5 days. Do you love the pose? He was so proud of his sword. He started taking pictures of the pictures with his camera phone. They are on his facebook. Fun times.