Ben-JAMIN

This is a super belated "Happy Birthday" to my brother Ben, who actually had his birthday in May. Pictures will hopefully follow...but I'm not making any promises. :)

A top 10 list for Ben

1. Ben and I often share the same hair color...although he's getting more conservative as he gets older.
2. Ben loves to play: video games, outdoor games, card games, he's always willing to jump in.
3. Ben wore a kilt to his reception. I'm not kidding. And he looked awesome.
4. Ben is a great dad. He loves to play with his children and does a wonderful job looking out for them.
5. Ben must love to drive. He will often drive from Hailey to Boise just for the weekend.
6. Ben reads great books. Even a few I haven't read yet.
7. Ben is very loyal. He will help you out whenever needed.
8. Ben is caring. I rarely hear him say anything bad about anything else.
9. Ben was a super cute kid. When I get pictures up, you can see what a little charmer he was. Not that he's not cute now...but nothing compares to his little boy pictures.
10. Ben can make me laugh. He is fun, light hearted, and loves to enjoy everything this world had to offer.

Ben...I love you!

Jim-Bob

Happy Birthday James!

The important thing about James, is he can tell a great elephant joke.

He loves to laugh and have a good time.

He believes in his opinions.

He likes to play with my boys.

He always looks happy to see you.

He is a sweet dad.

He is a die-hard BSU fan, complete with a Bronco-themed bathroom.

He plays.

He loves his family.

He is constant.

He makes me laugh.

He never forgets to call on my birthday.

He gives our dad a run for his money, nobody can dish it out like James.

He loves Dr. Pepper.

But the most important thing about James, is he can tell a great elephant joke.

to one skinny guy...

Happy Birthday, Joe! Here are two lists just for you.

Five things that Joe finds funny (but most others do not):

Himself.

Giving nicknames to everyone. Often these make no sense, since the cultural references are a little dated. No one is safe from a nickname. As an adult, I've run into people Joe knows and realize I don't even know what their real names are.

Passing gas while in a truck crowded with 9 kids on a LONG trip to Denver.

Teasing all of us relentless...about anything and everything.

Asking our boyfriends/girlfriends to say family prayer, even if they don't pray.

Pretending we might have drumsticks for dessert and then offering canned cherries. Also, offering drumsticks, knowing that we will think it's cherries and get excused from the table, and then actually getting drumsticks out of the freezer.

Five things that Joe enjoys:

Watching TV and movies...even if the TV show is terrible and the movie is cheesy.

Boys night out.

Dancing.

Western clothing, decor, activities, music, etc.

Family.

Embarrassing his children.

Driving.

The country.

Wyoming, Montana, rural Idaho, any place that is remote and empty.

Being teased back...just kidding, he hates that.

Double Your Pleasure...Double Your Fun

My twin sisters are having their birthday today. I wanted to wish them happy birthday in order: first Kimberly and then Katie (since Kim is some 10 minutes older than Kate) however, blogger had another idea...so, here is a happy birthday being wished from youngest to oldest. I love you two and hope you had a wonderful day!

The important thing about Katie, is that she is interesting. She loves old books, movies, and home décor. She can turn any odd garage sale find into something fabulous for her home. She makes me laugh. She is a quilter. She is the mother of three girls and one new baby boy. She has a fetish for red shoes and cute coats. She is consistent. She writes a funny blog. She likes me and calls me on the phone. She is witty. She buys coloring books in bulk. She is up for new adventures. She plays the piano, so I can sing. She has good taste. She is faithful. She is a great friend and sister. But, the most important thing about Katie, is that she is interesting.

The important thing about Kimberly, is that she gives.

She seldom thinks of herself, when she knows something needs to be done.

She likes to have fun and wants to make things fun for everyone else, too.

She throws a great party.

She experiments with interesting recipes.

She is a wonderful mother, aunt, and teacher.

She is the glue that holds a lot of the family together.

She puts up with family when they are at their worst.

She likes to give gifts…good gifts.

She is kind hearted.

She loves to try new fashions, hair styles, and home décor.

She can put up with a lot (broken house, three kids, crazy family, etc.)

She would do anything for you.

She is creative and talented.

She is strong.

She is faithful.

She is a great friend and sister.

But,

the most important thing about Kimberly, is that she gives.

Happy Birthday to my favorite twin sisters!

In Honor of my Sister

Today is my oldest sister's birthday. She lives in Alaska, and I am terrible about sending packages. The fact that she is fantastic about sending cards and goodies, makes me feel even worse. For my last birthday she sent me a card with an older naked woman on it, with strategic areas covered by a flower pot. She said it reminded her of me...how do you top that?

So, in honor of my beautiful sister, here is a top ten list of things she has taught me:

On the lighter side:

1. If you think it sounds like a great idea, you will probably get in trouble. However, the fun you have along the way, just might be worth it.

2. Babysitters are meant to be tortured. It is very important that you make them earn every quarter they may recieve for each hour they have to spend watching 6 incredibly horrible children.

3. Never underestimate the power of a good money making scheme. Many people are gulible and will give you money for things that should most likely find a home in their garbage can.

4. Toilet papering your own house is only a good idea if you do the front yard. If you toilet paper the back yard, your parents will somehow realize it was you.

5. Torture your younger siblings as much as possible; it will make them stronger in the future.

On a more serious side:

1. Have fun--life is meant to be enjoyed.

2. Laugh, often--it helps you feel great, even if you don't.

3. Be creative--there are a million things you can make with your hands.

4. Play with your kids--those memories are the ones they'll remember.

5. Be a fun big sister--eventually your younger siblings will look back and laugh at all the fun you had.

Happy Birthday Tam! I love you.

To My Mother: A Tribute

Happy Birthday Mom!

To a young daughter, a mother
comforts her when she's scared,
holds her hand when she crosses the street,
reads her stories,
sings her to sleep,
feeds her when she's hungry,
and curls her hair for Sunday.

To a school age daughter, a mother
fixes treats for her classroom (ghosts made of white chocolate),
creates perfect Halloween costumes,
sews stylish clothes,
teaches her to ride a bike,
lets her walk to school with her best friend,
and curls her hair for picture day.

To a teenage daughter, a mother
tells her no when she wants to hear yes,
makes sure she eats a snack after school,
tells her to finish her homework,
warns her about boys and dating,
shares her own experiences about girl's camp,
deals with her mood swings,
and resigns to her wearing combat boots and dyeing her hair.

To a grown up daughter, a mother
inspires her as she raises her own children,
talks to her like a friend,
sympathizes when she has to clean up after sick children,
calls once a week to check in,
reminds her to be a patient, loving wife and mother,
offers advice,
brings countless goodies to her door,
and notices when she cuts her hair.

To me, you are the best mother a daughter could have.
I love you; Happy Birthday!

December...January...February

I'm not one to back track, but since I just unloaded the camera and found all the fun things we'd done over the past few months...I couldn't resist.



These are January Birthdays. We'd gone to Chuck O' Rama for our annual "I-Can't-Believe-Dad-is-Buying-Dinner"lunch before we ended up at our place to celebrate Christy and Addison being born.


This is Christmas at the Morgan's. Francis knitted all of us a BSU stocking cap.

This is our Christmas morning. If you look closely, you'll see our LIVE Christmas tree. It's a Norfolk Pine and can live indoors for several years. It was a compromise between Jay and I. We could get a living tree, if it was small and didn't look like a Christmas tree. It was nice to have a slightly larger tree this year. :)

And Finally....the heart shaped pizza for Valentine's Day. They look excited, right? :)