School Pictures...

This year was my first experience with having the kid's school pictures retaken. Until now, I've been lucky the first time around. So, I asked lots of people what they would do, held my breath, and sent the not-so-pretty pictures back to school with my kids & prayed they would be better. After all, they couldn't get much worse.

This is the original...I scanned it before sending it back.
Some people's comment about this were
"He looks like he's on drugs."
"He looks like he's about to cry."
"He looks like he's bored."
"He looks like he thinking 'just take the darn picture already."

And this is the re-take! Best decision EVER!
I know exactly what he's thinking in this one because
I told him to remember when mommy slipped & fell on
her bottom in the kitchen. I knew he would have a natural smile...
It worked!

Here's Emily's original picture...I have no words for this!

And here is the retake.
She doesn't want to show her missing teeth,
so we get the precious smirk.
It's MUCH better than the first one.

Here is Zach's preschool picture 2007
with the ultimate cheesy fake smile,
but still very cute!

This is Emily's 1st grade picture 2007.
I have to say that out of all of the, this
one is still my favorite.

And finally, here is Emily's Kindergarten
picture 2006. She looks so little!

"I Don't Even Know Any Japan Words"

Okay, so I don't have any pitctures to post with this one, but it's a cute story that I want to share before I forget it. I was saying betime prayer with Zach & I prayed that the missionaries would not be missing their families too much and that they would get to talk to them on Christmas.

When the prayer was over I asked Zach if he knew that missionaries don't get to see their mommies or daddies or brothers or sisters for two whole years.

Then he pouted & said, "Then I don't want to be a missionary". It was super sweet, but of course I explained that it was okay because they are serving Heavenly Father and he takes care of them.

Then he said, "You know what? I can't be a missionary because I don't even know any Japan words".

That made me laugh & I said that if he was called to serve in Japan, he'd go to the missionary training center & they would teach him Japan words.

Then he said, "I only know one Japan word. It's for hello. It's Konnichiwa".

I laughed & told him that's one word down and he's on his way. He is so stinking adorable. Marc giggled the whole way through the story when I shared it with him...so I thought you all might get a giggle or two too.

Missing Pregnancy and Newborns...

Okay, so I've been around all these young mamas who are either pregnant or have newborns...it's making me nostalgic.
I'm pretty sure we are done having babies,
so I'll relive the experience with these pictures.
Enjoy...

These two were taken on Easter 2001...
3 days before Emily blessed our family.

This was taken on my way to the hospital to have my precious Zach.
A bit of a sad story...I'd just found out
that the day before, my step-mom passed away unexpectedly.
I went in to be induced so I could go to her funeral in Sacramento.
Talk about mixed emotions during delivery.
It's okay though because I know that she was with Zach in heaven from the 9th to the 11th before he joined us on earth.

Christmas Tree Hunting continued...

I guess I should have mentioned where we go to get our trees since I've had two comments asking that very question. It's a Fairbanks tradition to go up towards the High Lakes (above Magalia & Inskip). However, that may be changing if it's up to Marc. He wants to get an artificial tree, and go up to fish. Problem is, often times there is snow & our little boy blue isn't just called that because of his eyes...he literally turns blue when he gets cold.

Christmas Tree Hunting

Happy Holidays...I say that not because I'm one of those people that don't want to offend others by saying Merry Christmas. I say Happy Holidays, because we are right in the middle of them. Thanksgiving has just passed & Christmas is rapidly approaching. I've got some new pictures of our annual Christmas tree hunting trip and a few from Thanksgiving. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

On our way up the hill. They look thrilled don't they?

Me & my baby girl.

Eric & his beautiful fiance Suzanne.
This was her first of many annual trips to come.

Zach & Grandma looking for trees.

Emily looking for trees. I love this pic of her!

The whole gang.

Me & the kiddos


Our 2008 tree...

I'm Back!

So, I haven't posted anything on this since 2006! I discovered MySpace & Facebook, and that's where my attention has been. I will start updating this as soon as I find the time!

DeDe's Trip to Kentucky

On August 21st, I was FINALLY reunited with my brother & his family. It had been almost 2 years since I'd seen them. Sallie's birthday was the 25th, and her sister threw her a surprise Steelers party. Christy really went all out with the cake & decorations, and we all wore Black and Gold for the occasion. It was a blast...and not just because we went to the Buca (my favorite)! The next day was the Steelers/Bengals game, and we tailgated at the Pub. I was on cloud nine...until about midway through the 3rd quarter when the Steelers self-destructed. Still, it was nice to get to watch a game with Bryan...even if we were disgusted when it was over.

It was so hard to say goodbye to everyone. I miss them so much already. I really enjoyed the time I spent with Sallie & Christy. It was great getting to know them better. But, the plan is to meet again next summer at Steelers Women's Fantasy Camp. I'm already on a diet so I won't pass out on the field.

So, here are the pictures...

Here's Mackenzie eating "red chips" (because they come in a red bag)

Here are Sallie & Joe at dinner the night before her party

The decorations & cake. These photos don't do justice...

New Faneca jersey from Bryan
Cute picture of Mackenzie & Christy

Bry, DeDe & Mackenzie wearing Big Ben's number

Sallie & her brother Mac

The Ritas

Waiting for our table at Buca Di Beppo (We Dey!)

Joe entertained while we waited for our food

Guess the party's over...

Tailgating at R Place Pub

Sallie & Ben...I mean Jason

Never too young to tailgate!!