Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!!!

Today is my mom and dad's anniversary...#48. My dad has been gone 15 years now, but as I truly believe that theirs is an eternal love and marriage, I still celebrate today as their anniversary and know that mom does as well.

My mom and dad were an amazing example to me of how a marriage should be. I knew every single day of my life that they loved each other. More than that, they liked and respected each other. I always know that the most important things to both my mom and dad were each other and us kids. From my parents, I learned that marriage is a special bond to be shared with your best friend and the love of your life. My mom set the bar super, super high for me by marrying the best man I have ever known.

I love you mom & dad! And for all of us, the 5 kids, 21 grandkids, and 2 great grandchildren who have so far come from your marriage, I thank you for falling in love and for being the people that you are!!!

Happy birthday Mom!

Oh, I am a terrible daughter! My mom's birthday was actually last Friday, the 27th. I meant to write her a birthday post, but then got caught up in whatever I was doing that day & didn't get it done. Sorry mom! It wasn't because I don't love ya!

I have the best mom. She's super strong & I hope that I can have that kind of strength one day. Mom raised my older brothers on her own a lot because my dad's Navy career took him away from the family for long periods of time. I was little when my dad retired, but I remember my mom saying--we're a Navy family--it's what we do. Mom has deep, deep New England roots, but when Dad got a job in Idaho, mom was so strong about it. She knew it was what was best for our family, so it was what we did. When she was far too young, mom lost her soul mate and Eternal companion, my dad. I know how much it hurt her and how much she misses him still, but she always, always stayed strong for me, who was a fairly young teenager at the time. She knew I needed her and she was always there for me when I needed her and when I needed to grieve. Mom's taken every punch that was thrown at her and has rolled with it. I so admire her for that. She never wavers in her strength, her courage, or her faith. I look up to my mom a lot!

I love you mom! I hope it was a good day for you & that you enjoyed your New England Clam Chowder for your birthday dinner!

Ever heard of Murtaugh, ID? I didn't think so!

Friday I took a little trip for work. I did my Twin Falls/Sun Valley circle. Mom wanted to come with, so I had some company on the drive. Iwent to this little town I'd never been to before, called Murtaugh. I guess I should say I'd never even heard of it! It's between Burley & Twin Falls. To get there, we had to go on this back country road that town us across the canyon by going down into the canyon on this little switchback road. It was gorgeous!!



If you are ever in the Sun Valley area, Hailey in particular, and need someplace to eat, I highly, highly recommend The Wicked Spud!! This is a great little place that has a huge patio with outdoor seating in the summer and even brings in live bands during the summer months. Mom had the blackened chicken sandwich and I had the yummy fish tacos with grilled mahi mahi. We shared an order of these delicious seasoned fries. My fish was grilled perfectly & mom's chicken was so good! The best part--it is so well priced! I have a new favorite restaurant & will be going there whenever I'm in Hailey

Busy & Rewarding Sunday

Today was a busy, fun, and rewarding day. Our neighbors son, who pretty much grew up with James, had his missionary farewell today. Wayde will be leaving next Wednesday to go to the Columbus, South Carolina mission. He is so excited! Wayde comes from a large, large family--he is one of 14 kids. Because of the number of people that would be coming to support Wayde, we offered to have the diner for family and friends at our home, because we have more space. We had Wayde's sister's party here too--they are a fun family & we sure enjoy having them! I remember when Wayde's family moved here, he was sort of an awkward, shy 15 year old. It's been fun to watch him grow up and become a confident, prepared young man. Congrats Wayde! I'm way excited for you and very proud of you!!


Today was also Josh's first time blessing the sacrament, as he was ordained a priest last week! He had two very good friends bless with him. I was so proud of him! And Emmett, who turned 16 this past Tuesday, was ordained a priest in his ward today as well. Josh and I left the party so that we could be there for him. Emm asked Josh to stand in for the ordination, which was very cool. And of course, below are two of my three favorite guys in the world!


And, my mom took a quilting class that taught her some new techniques. I benefitted from it, because she had this quilt that she had originally made me about 15 years ago or so. She decided to try out what she learned on my quilt & finished it & gave it to me yesterday! I think it's so, so pretty & was way excited to get it! I just love it. Thanks MOM!

My very own Custom Quilt by Judie!

This past spring, my mom started making an Around The World quilt in some scraps she had. As I watched it come together, I kept thinking about how much I loved it--it's colors that I love & it's just beautiful! So I mentioned to mom how much I loved it & she gave it to me! I am thrilled to have one of my mom's custom quilts! Her work is just beautiful. My new quilt is the perfect size to use for napping & is my new Sunday afternoon quilt. Thanks mom! I love it!!

Check it Out!

Any of you who know my mom, know that she is a quilter. In fact, as I type this, she is working on her next project.



I have been trying for years to talk her into making her quilts available to people outside of the family. Not HER quilts that she's already done, but custom quilts designed for her customer. I have finally gotten her to agree to let me build her a website and see what happens. So, I have finally gotten a blog site up and running for her. Check it out!

http://customquiltsbyjudie.blogspot.com/

Spring Time!

I was in Idaho Falls on Monday. It was such a gorgeous day!!! A little bit too warm for me for this time of year, but gorgeous nonetheless. I think it's finally spring here!
This is our spring kitten this year. We don't have a name for this little cutie, but she sure is sweet!

Meow-Meow is the kitty cat queen bee around this place. She is the boss & she knows it!
On a totally separate note, my mom is an amazing quilter! I have been telling her for years that she should make her quilts available for sale and do custom orders. I think I about have her convinced to branch into that. I'm going to start making her a blog for her work this weekend. These are a couple of her most recent table runners.
This is called Trip Around The World. This runner is made out of leftover fabric from making me a quilt of this same pattern. She decided she wanted to make this pattern & I just fell in love with the fabrics she selected. She generously decided to make the quilt for me & I cannot wait for it to be done being quilted!

She appliqued these flowers on for this spring table runner. I think it's so pretty & it's fun to walk by the table and see it every day!