happy 44th....

 between dinner at Olive Garden, golf passes, some new clothes, favorite cologne, and a fire pit 

Kurt had a good one!!!

but I think,

being ALL together was the best gift of all.....

Happy Birthday Kurt!

finally...

Candice is coming...... Candice is coming!!!

we've been waiting all day,

the excitement is better than Christmas for me,

we've been cleaning and getting everything ready for her,
I even sprinkled powder in her newly washed sheets,
so when she climbs into bed tonight, it will be just that much better for her to finally be home.

and

 we picked this bouquet of fresh flowers from our garden just for her! 

welcome home Candice Jean...

welcome home.

6th grade...

(yesterday)

p.s that darn big bright beautiful morning sunlight!!!

.

.

.

p.s.s. i've decided i don't like year-round school.....
at least,
 Lynzie was beside herself with excitment!!!

June of 2012...

I can't believe its July already....

before I tell ya about our fun fourth, I must back up and document June, 

June was full and worth noting.

Candice flew in for Caitlyn's graduation, and so did grandma Peggy...

It was soooo nice to have Candice back amongst us again, 

we all missed her and tried to take advantage of every minute of everyday with her....

( i loved just laying in bed and talking with her just about life.)

then, we went up to a park in Heber and celebrated Steve, Diane, Grandma Harris', Dad's and Breanne's birthdays, which happen to fall one right after the other, it's quite convenient! 

(oddly enough this is only half my family...)

singing to Diane, Dad, and Breanne,

(Steve and Grandma Harris just happen to be celebrating on the "other side"

but, we still love and acknowledge them!)

Candice and Grandpa...

Caitlyn, Breanne, and Lynzie...

Macall and Spencer...

Sutton and Ella Kate...

AND

that's when we announced 

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A NEW BABY IN THE FAMILY!!!!

(when I say "WE" I really mean my little brother Dave and his wife,)

 we love our cousins,

 and congratulation's to Dave and Kristen and there little family for adding one more to the bunch!

 my mother's day gift finally arrived from Candice...

it's from "Origani Owl"

it's a clear locket with little jewels that describe me,
(a"J" for julie, my birthstone, a heart with mom, a CTR emblem)

i loved it!!!!

Diane and her little dog Winston stayed with us for the month,

it was fun going on nightly walks...

and I think Winston even slimmed up a bit!

and just a few days ago,

we got to celebrate some of our favorite people's 50th wedding anniversary,

Bob use to be our bishop and Marilyn was our Young Womens' Leader,

and camp director, she taught us how to tole paint and so many other life learning experiences.

the whole neighborhood use to hang out at their house in the summers playing 

"kick the can", jumping on the trampoline, and sliding down their pulley.... 

you know how there is always one house on the block that is fun...

it was so heartwarming to see so many people from my days of growing up that had such an impact on  my life, that shared my love for the gospel, that helped build my testimony and that helped shape and make me who I am today,

 I also saw and visited with a lot of friends that I went to school with,

oh, the stories i could tell....

it did my heart good!!!

(the only problem was I was visiting and gabbing so much that I didn't take any pictures of all the people I love...)

then, of course,

come hell or high water....

we were going to get a family picture before Candice left,

and so we did!

 Candice will be moving back in a few weeks..... and we couldn't be happier!!!

(pictures by Danette Chugg)