It's So Funny I'm Crying

I like to think that I have a pretty good sense of humor. Not that I can come up with lots of funny things to say, but that I find the humor in many things and I laugh fairly easily. But, it's not often that I find something so funny that I laugh myself to tears. Come to think of it, it's not too often that I shed tears. I'm not sure why it is that the tears can pour out of my eyes when I'm cracking up, but when it would be really nice to mist up and cry pretty at an appropriately tender moment, I totally dry up. (I digress.) Anyways, there is something that is so cathartic about a good laugh and cry. And I guess that's just the way I get it out!
Something that has had me laughing to tears lately is this show...
Tell me, have you seen it? Do the Dunphys remind you of some family you know?? Yeah, well they do me. At first I just thought Mark was Phil, now I have accepted that I am Claire. Or Claire is me? Either way, it is pretty much dead on. It's pretty cool to have a TV twin. And one for your husband too. It gives us a unique opportunity to see "ourselves" from a different angle. Sort of like an out of body experience. And you know what, when you are taking your life way too seriously, it's pretty stinking funny to see it spun that way. It gives me hope that if nothing else, our personal neuroses can provide comedic entertainment for the masses. So, in the end, I guess we too are pretty lovable, good hearted people. People who most certainly can laugh at ourselves...

Blog Play

So, I'm toying with the idea of blogging again. It's a habit I just sort of fell out of. I'm playing with the background a bit and I have some work left to do. Changing the picture made me feel kindof good. Maybe the bug to blog will bite me again.

On the Bright Side

Is it only appropriate to blog when all's well in life? That's been my dilemma for the last little while. Part of me felt no need to burden others with the difficulties of life, until today when it was off-handily mentioned by one sister that blogging is part of our family's history. How can I leave out important events in our lives just because they might not be the happiest parts? That being said, our family has been overwhelmed by sadness since Thanksgiving due to news about Mark's Mom, our dear Nana, and her cancer diagnosis. It's amazing how quickly life and perspectives can change. We all know our time here on earth is limited, but when that time frame is narrowed and made specific, it brings the reality to center stage. We feel blessed to have this time to spend with Nana, knowing that we need to appreciate each moment we share together. We have lots of happy memories with Nana and I feel so blessed to be a part of her family. Over Christmas we will have time to spend with her before she starts treatment.I feel honored that I can be there when she begins radiation. For as many years as I've been a radiation therapist, I've never had a close family member receive treatment. Now that the time has come, I am so comforted to know that I can be involved(in a very limited way) and that she is being treated where I was trained and by one of my mentors. She will receive the best care and that is comforting. Our prayers are for a peaceful journey ahead for Nana!
Nana loves music. Whenever she is here and I am trying to put the kids to bed, which can be a chore, she will always sit down at the piano and play peaceful music. It is the best way she could help. It doesn't usually affect the children's behavior, they are so stubborn, but it calms me. And for that I am grateful! Nana always loves to hear the boys play piano. Here they are performing at their piano recital this month. They did great!

 

 

Thanks to you, St. George

There are lots of things I love about St. George, Utah. This year marks the 5th Thanksgiving we have spent at Mom and Dad's home there. (Every year except '08 when Andrew got married over the holiday.)
There are a few obligatory stops we make every time we visit.
There's Taipan Trading, a home decor wonderland-especially at the holidays. The kids love checking out all the fantastic trees.

 

Of course, we make multiple visits to Jimmy John's for sandwiches.

 

David has perfected his bread hollowing technique.

 

There's is something magical about the toys at Granny and Grandpa's, home. The kids are so excited to check on all their favorites, Tinkertoys, Lincoln Logs and Lego sets.

 

Pizza Factory is a must. We love the pizza and can't get enough of the bread sticks.

 

Our newest favoritest thing in SG is cousins! This little pumpkin ,Miranda, is showing us the pure joy of dipping a dessert bread stick in cinnamon sauce. (I love this girl-and the rest of her family- so much!!!)

 

More on Cousin Fun coming soon.....

DMM Baptism

Today was a fantastically joyful day!! David was so excited to be baptized. He and Mark were so cute together. David just adores his Dad!

 

Our family is just growing up, I can't believe it sometimes.

 

David had many friends and family there to support him. He was running up to everyone and giving warm, David-style hugs. You have no idea how great a Dave hug is until you've had one!

 

his smile tells it all, he was so excited and ready to be baptized. It really touched my heart to see him so happy.

 

 

I made this candy gram for David, just like I did for James on his baptism day. David really got a kick out of it. There's something pretty special about having a full-size candy bar all to yourself. It's even better when you have multiple full size candy bars to yourself. Hopefully it not the only thing he remembers from this day!!