Happy Birthday to ME!!!!!

Yes- I have arrived at the BIG 39! :) I was sick on my birthday... so we are going to celebrate later. But I wanted to give a shout out to my sis and tell her Thanks.

Many of you have heard my woe's of when I was a small child in Hawaii. I remind my mom and Aunt Joann often of how one day on the beach "we" all stopped to get pearls. I stood patiently watching my sister, my mom, and then my aunt choose their oysters- then open to see what color and size of pearl and then watched them choose their setting. To me this was exiting. I l-O-V-E jewelry! I couldn't wait for it to be my turn.... unfortunately that never happened. I got the same old answer.... YOU ARE TOO LITTLE! I was extremely sad.... And I have NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!!

This year I have finally received closure... That's right! When my sis went to Hawaii she got me a necklace. Brad chose the oyster. He did a fabulous job. I love my necklace. Thanks Hiltons!!!! :) And when my cousin, Jon Cody, went on his honeymoon- he brought me my grass fish..... :) That's a whole other issue. :)

Hoover Dam

On the way back from Cheryl's funeral in Las Vegas- we took these pictures of the Dam. I thought they were pretty amazing. They are in the process of building the new bridge. They are working from both sides and will meet in the middle. I'd hate to have that job!!! :) It's too far up for me.... I'm not sure I even want to drive on it after it is finished. :)

A Tribute

March 7th 1928- February 12th 2009

I was so sad when I heard the news that Cheryl Hilton (Jan's mother-in-law) had passed away. Cheryl was someone who I totally admired and looked up to. She was fun, spunky, and independent. To say that she was a "mover and a shaker" would be an understatement. She had an accomplished career in banking, she was active in many organizations and clubs, and she loved spending time with friends and family. Early in her marriage she was widowed and left to raise three small children. Hmmm....Does that sound familiar??? It's interesting to see how many things Cheryl and my mom had in common. Both strong women!

Cheryl was fun to be around. She had a way of making you feel important and welcome. She was interested in what was happening in your life. I loved her biscuit's & gravy. She made the BEST clam chowder!!! I loved that she had such beautiful hands & nails and kept them painted. I think my favorite thing was her red hair... it reminded me of my Grandma Westergard.

Cheryl touched and enriched many lives. She will be greatly missed!

David, DeAnn & Brad

I wanted to do something special for my nieces. I remember how scary it can be when you are little dealing with death. My nieces love stuffed animals. I found these cute bunnies and thought they would go over well. :) The note that went with them said:

"Your Grandma Cheryl was some "bunny" special!
Always remember how much she loves you!"

Hallie and Josie

The funeral services were very nice. DeAnn, Brad, and David spoke. They all did excellent! I also enjoyed her home teacher's talk. I thought her flowers were beautiful! My favorite boutique was the one from Carolyn's family. Here's a few pictures from that day.

Hilton Family

Hilton Cousins

It was fun to see all the kids. The girls had a great time hanging with the boys. I was sad that Nicole didn't get to come. I would have loved to seen her.

After the funeral we all went back to Cheryl's home. It was fun visiting with everyone. Here's a cute picture of Brad and the girls.

Uncle Jeff and Hallie gettin down!

Later the girls wanted to go swimming at our Hotel. They didn't swim too long because the pool wasn't heated and they were cold. That night we went to Claim Jumper for dinner. It was fun to see Jan and her family.... but it was a whirlwind for all of us. I was exhausted and ready for bed!!!!

You Have Got To Love This One

The other day when my mom and I were driving down Stapley Road. We were looking at a new strip mall that they were building... my mom noticed this sign.

Can you read it???? It says: Do nat Antr What????

My mom started laughing so hard. We had to pull over and take a picture. You know you are in Arizona when.... someone can't spell- DO NOT ENTER!!!! Loved it!

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday Bob!

Mom, Aunt Joann, and I helped Bob celebrate his birthday. We went to Anzio Landing for lunch and came back to my house for cake and ice cream. It was all delicious! We decided that since I couldn't find enough birthday candles.... we would use a BIG one! It might help with the fire hazard. :) :) :) I was going to post how old Bob is ... but I decided against it... I don't think my mom appreciated me posting hers a month ago. :) Let's just say that he's a little older than my mom.:)

Bob received several phone calls, a card from Debbie, and a cheesecake from Mindy. I know he appreciated everyone thinking of him!

Going... Going... GONE!

The Judy home has been SOLD!

We are excited that Jon and Kristen's home sold! It was a great home and there were some wonderful memories made there... but the Judy's are moving on. Where you ask??? They are building a new house next to my parents home. They were hoping that it would be done by the 1st of March. It's looking like it's going to be a "little" longer. So they have moved in with my parents until their house is finished.

Moving Day

Kristen's family helped so much with the move. I know Jon and Kristen were so thankful for the additional help. They couldn't have made it without you! Thank-you! Thank-you!!!

The New Home

Here's a few pictures of their new home. It's still a work in progress. :) It will be so nice once it is finished. I know the boys can't wait.