Challenge #12 - something I am OCD about.

You know I think there are more things I do or like to have done in a certain manner.
Oooh that must mean I am getting older than I want to admit.

There is one thing that I really have a problem with...labels.
Price Stickers and product labels make me a bit nuts.
I do not like the price sticker left on anything I am going to use.
Unnecessary Package labels are in the same category.
I take them off plastic storage bins, canisters and random containers.
If I don't like the label or sticker on a product and don't need it for
identification of the item it will be coming off.
I will not be a billboard for unattractive labels.
I will do whatever I need to remove that label, sticker and it's residue.

Challenge #11 - a photo taken of me recently

Boating on Lake Powell...red nose, sunshine, water and waves.

Challenge #10 - a photo taken of me "almost" 10 years ago

Over hill, over dale, we go hiking along...

Short hikes, long walks, up and over the next hill to see what we can see is always a learning experience.
Rick has always loved taking a "hike".
We always get a little botanical lesson and quiz along the way. We are also schooled in the care of wilderness environment "leave no trace", in other words if you pack it in you pack it out and you never cut through the "switch backs"

Through many of the years I was content to stay home with those in our family who were too "young", too "little" or just not quite up to the trip. As the kids grew older they have had great experiences backpacking with Rick, with plenty of opportunities to use their scouting skills. 

One summer, nearly 10 years ago our family made took a backpack trip into the Uinta mountains. As we hiked along trails and through meadows I was usually the "caboose" unless Max came back to give the "caboose" encouragement as he took most of my stuff in his pack and said "Mom, you're doing great"!

Challenge #9 ...a photo I took

We were heading towards the Cheetah enclosure 

when I noticed some VIP's at the Houston Zoo.

There weren't many people in the area so I snapped this shot.

As Barbara and Barbara were leaving with their Secret Service guys

they turned to look towards us.  You see, we had the cute baby, two very cute boys 

and one of those cute boys was sporting squeaky shoes.

The lovely Bush ladies smiled and waved.

Challenge #8 ...a photo that makes me a little bit sad

My dad is getting older and isn't able to do as much as he could when he was younger.
This will happen to everyone who lives long enough, this I know.
It is just a bit sad to know my children do not know the man he was.
It is just a bit sad to not have him present at family occasions.

I wish my children, my nieces and nephews knew him when he was a bit younger.

I remember walking to the stadium with dad to see a BYU football game.

I remember a dad taking time to show me a bit about painting when I felt all alone.

I remember a dad telling me to look at the shape of things and then draw.
I remember a dad who built houses even of gingerbread.
I remember a dad who took time to listen.
I remember a dad who could figure anything out; a builder, a thinker and a bit of a tinker.

He is slowing down like I will one day and I love him very much.

Challenge #7 ...a photo that makes my heart melt.

There are many photos that make my heart melt. I couldn't choose just one so...

melt, melt, good thing I am not a snowman.

a walk in the park is the joy of Maggie

Totally Cute Tate!

Look at that smile. Look at those eyes...

Christian is older but this shot is still one of my favorites!

Challenge #6 - Twenty of My Favorite Things

Listing 20 of my favorite things could be dangerous. The list is not necessarily in order of importance or most favorite...so don't read too much into the list. So, just for now, this is a list of 20 things I really like.

1 - Rick
2 - Christian, Maggie, Zachy, Tate, Addie
3 - See's Chocolates - Chocolate Butter and Apricot Delight!
4 - Cody
5 - Green chile Verde - we have pot simmering right now.
6 - Madisyn & Max
7 - Reading a good book!
8 - Kellie & Brian
9 - Going to a fabric store without $$ limit.
10 - Eric & Jess
11 - ICE cold Coke with pellet ice!
12 - Yellow Roses
13 - Bob
14 - lds.org
15 - Thunder & Lightning
16 - Baby giggles
17 - Beaches
18 - FAMILY
19 - Cooking something new
20 - Temples