Ross Lake Resort 2011

Here we are on the dock waiting for the ferry to pick us up and head home. I definitely did not take enough pictures. We had a wonderful time. Getting to know new friends, laughing, reading, eating and enjoying our beautiful hideaway at Ross Lake.

I made this grape salad and got fancy by garnishing it with strawberries.

Here is our dinner on Tuesday night. Sue made her spaghetti pie served with crusty bread and salad. Yummy and comforting!

Linda laid down to read for a while. This picture does not do justice for her bedhair hairdo. She was a good sport to let me take pictures. We all enjoyed a giggle. We love our Linda!

Here is our Southern Belle Sue. She was so happy to be able to wear this hat that she bought for her trip to the South to visit her son. He forbid her to wear this sweet hat because she looked too "touristy". Doesn't she look fabulous!

Lorraine was having a hard time staying warm in the early hours of wind off of the lake. It was actually kind of funny that on the other side of this little tree the other ladies were soaking up the warmth & sun.

Tuesday morning sunshine, beautiful scenery (i.e. the ladies of course), and good conversation.

Here we are gathered for happy opening!

Displayed here are the happys we received this year. The tradition of opening our happys first was honored.

Our supplies were condensed quite well this year. Two ice chests and three rubber tubs, plus our personal bag. We brought more supplies from our pantries at home so our shopping list was shorter this year. None the less, grocery shopping was still one of the highlights to our journey.

This year's Ross Lake Trip brought new faces to the lake. Myself and Linda Cunningham were the only real old timers plus Andrea Lewis who joined us last year. Andrea invited her mom LaDawn Smith, Linda invited Sue Bison and I invited Lorraine Butler to make up our group. I didn't get any pictures taken until the picnic on the way up to the Resort.

Primary Power

I have felt a little burdened this month because basically I have had to prepare 5 sharing times. I am getting kind of tired, but I know that tomorrow when I'm in Primary the Spirit with just lead me through it even if I'm not prepared as much as I should be. The three hours at church on Sunday are actually my favorite hours of the week. I admit I get irritated with some people and let my mind wander or find fault, but most of the time I feel at home. I can sense in my heart and soul that I am a Daughter of God and He loves me and I am where I want and need to be. I feel very loved and accepted by our ward members and my deepest and truest friendships exist within my ward. What a wonderful blessing my eternal friendships are to me. Thank you all for being my friend and sharing your friendship and acceptance with me.

This proves I have a problem

I have been bugging Fred for many many years that I want more diamonds on my wedding ring or a new one. I've come to be very lustful after BIG diamonds and lots of finger glitter. Well my wedding ring has been a bit more snug especially the last few months (maybe gaining a ton of weight contributes to that problem) anyway back to the story. I went into Penney's a couple of weeks ago and was drooling over the jewelry counter and when someone came to help me I found myself responding with a yes. I said I wanted something big and sparkly but under $100. They have that there. Diamond Art. This was a ring that is normally about $330. I got it for $86 which included sizing and a lifetime warrantee for free sizing, repair & cleaning. Problem is my wedding ring is a 5 so I knew I needed it to be a little bigger, but I had them make me a 7. I was so nervous while I was doing the ordering because I couldn't believe I was doing it, that I didn't really think clearly. It's huge. I'm going to have to go back and have it sized again. I'm in conflict about wearing it instead of my wedding ring....I didn't tell Fred (you can't either). I don't think he will notice for a LLLLOOOONNNNGGG time. I could not get a clear picture of the side view. But you can see it sits high and has a beautiful mount. Oh and the problem that I'm referring to ..... I love to shop and spend money. I get my highs from eating (which I'm trying to control) and shopping. I keep telling myself that when summer is over and I'm back to work, I'll be done shopping. I keep telling myself when Scott gets married and we transition to the official empty nest that life will change. Please don't laugh at me. I have to have hope.

Toenail Art #2

Here is the second creation by Melanie for my toes. Thought we would try out something for Scott's upcoming wedding colors.

Birthday Party

I was able to get together with wonderful friends last night to celebrate some birthdays at Red Robin. Here is the party gang. Sorry if the pictures aren't the greatest, but I had to go skimming facebook to get one of everyone. Everyone is much more beautiful in real life.

Lismarie one of this world's cutest little patooties!
Suzie Q - the mother of our ward! Here is Lorraine who is always fun to have along at any get together. Doranda was sweet enough to split a dessert with me so when I ordered for us I said "My sister and I would like to share a Mud Pie". In my dreams. Here is Birthday Girl Sarah! Here is Birthday Girl Melanie!

Saying Goodbye to Corinne and the boys today

Here is Corinne leaving me with her smile. I admire Corinne for her strength. She just gets done what needs to be done. Driving back to Orem with three kids all by herself. That is something I would never have been able to do on my own. I depend way too much on Fred.

I really enjoyed my time with Corinne during this visit. I can see after 30 years I am finally beginning to rub off on her. She asked for a haircut and wanted to go shopping. I was totally jeoulous because everything she put on looked just darling on her. I was so happy that we could enjoy doing one of my favorite activities together. We also like watching movies together. I am thankful that my children are not high maintenance. When they come home to visit they are content to sit around talk, eat or watch tv....or if we plan something to do they like that too.

Richard is a pretty smart boy. By day two of working on the lego submarine he knew he wouldn't be able to get it completed before he left. He left that project and started this one. He finished this morning just before they all left. One of the three tires was missing, but I found it tonight by my piano which is downstairs from where he was building it. Hmmmm? How did that happen? Just try and guess. Three little boys.....

July Activities with Corinne & the little boys

We went to the Wild Wacky and Sometimes Wet activities at the Keyport Undersea Museum on one day. They had water tables, coloring and making a porthole and free tour of the entire museum. This is Spencer practicing his cutting skillls.

At home Grandpa Fred played Monopoly Junior with Garrett and Corinne. Scott played Star Wars Clone sabers with Spencer.

Richard was excited to be able to work on putting together a Lego submarine that he has always admired in Uncle Scott's room.

We had to visit McDonalds for lunch and the play place. Spencer didn't want to go down the slide so Corinne had to go up and get him.

A trip to Chuck E. Cheese for pizza & tokens galore.