10 years ago today....

10 years ago today, I lost my dad. Man, do I miss him still so very much. It is amazing how there are some days where I still get the urge to pick up the phone and call him. I miss hearing his voice. I miss so much about him. My dad was one amazing man. He was incredibly generous. He was a wonderful dad who was always there for me. He was always complimenting me on everything from my outfit, to the decisions I had made. I was there when my dad died. I saw it all. As hard as those images are to have in my head, I am grateful I got to be with him in those final moments. It was just me and my mom, and that is a moment in time I will cherish always. I feel incredibly blessed to have been in his daughter and for all of the love he gave me while on this earth. That's all I can write for now....

While the boys are away...the girls will play!!!

Dessert at Johnny Rockets!! Sooo yummy!!!

Kimbo getting her manicure

Rachel getting her manicure

Rachel's first pedicure

Kimbo's first pedicure!!!

Buddy and Garrison went on a father and sons campout for church the weekend of May 15th and 16th. So, I asked my friends if they would watch Natalie so I could take the older girls on a date with their mom. We had such an amazing time. First we went to get our toes and nails done. They LOVED that. It was so cute watching them. They were the hit of the salon. Then we went to this awesome diner called Johnny Rockets. It is just like a 50's diner. We were laughing so hard (at Kimbo's antics of course) and just had an awesome time. Then we went SHOPPING!!!! What is a girls night without shopping??? We were so tired after all of that was finished so we topped the night off with watching "Hairspray" of which the girls lasted maybe 20 minutes before they conked out. It was a wonderful night. I will honestly hold it close to my heart for years to come. Thanks for being such wonderful and fun girls Rachel and Kimbo!! I love you so much!!!

Kindergarten Graduation!!!

Kimbo look so scholarly!! :)

Ms. Ray (the EA), Kimbo and her teacher Mrs. Varnell

Kimbo was in charge of the letter Q for the "Kindergarten ABC's"

Kimbo walking into the room trying so hard to keep her hat from falling off.

Well, today was Kimbo's kindergarten graduation. We are so proud of her. She looked so cute walking into the room with her cap on. I cried of course!! Kimbo has grown up so much this year. She is such an incredible joy in our home. She has been such a blessing to me. She truly does light up not only our home, but my life. Here's to you, our big 1st grader!!!!!!! I love you to pieces!!!

Happy Birthday Babe!!!

Today is Buddy's 34th birthday. I just wanted to take a moment and tell him (and everyone else) just how much this amazing man means to me. I love him more than words can say. He sacrifices so much for our family and his patience (especially with me) never ceases to amaze me. He is such an amazing dad. He loves his kids and shows them continuously how special they really are. He is an incredibly hard work and extremely loyal. I could go on, and on, and on, and on... but you get the point. Happy Birthday to the love of my life.

Lovin' me some NASCAR!!!

Elliott Sadler's car. This is Buddy's favorite driver

Jamie McMurray's car. He is my favorite driver

Buddy and I Saturday night after the race.

The kids and I at the Friday night race

Our family Friday night after the race

One of the good things about living in New Mexico, is that we are only about 6 hours away from Phoenix International Raceway where every April and November, they have a NASCAR race. We like to go in April because the race is on a Saturday night rather than a Sunday. So this past weekend, we went!! We had a blast.

We arrived in Phoenix late Thursday night and spent that night at my good friend Kim's house. Friday afternoon, we met up with some of my most dearest friends Vickie, Suzie, Missy, Trisha, and of course Kim. It was so much fun to see everyone. We ate at In-N-Out which is my most favorite food on this planet.

We actually took the 3 older kids to the race on Friday night. That race is the Nationwide series which is kind of like the minor leagues. Tickets are significantly cheaper. We had so much fun. The kids were blown away by how much louder and faster the cars were in real life. After about 30 laps, they were done. We were joined by our brother in law Mike and 3 of his boys and Buddy's sister Melissa and her husband Chris and 3 of their kids. It was so nice for all of the cousins to be together for this.

Saturday Morning, we met up with Buddy's friends Branden and his wife Ashely and their two very sweet twin boys, and his friend Greg and his wife Amy and their two sweet kids. It was so fun to get to see them.

Then on Saturday night Buddy and I and Melissa and Chris went to the Sprint Cup race. This is where the big dogs race. It was amazing. We have gone one time before but I cannot tell you how much I just love the whole atmosphere of being there live. It is unbelievable. I know what most are thinking about your average NASCAR fan but let me just say, yes many of them may be rednecks but...I have grown up in a family that was full of die hard sports fans and I have been to many professional sporting events and NEVER have I been to an event where everyone is so accepting and kind to each other. It is like a family of about 30,000 people. Yes there is your "typical" fan who looks like everything you may have ever heard. And yes, there is quite a lot of alcohol (what sporting event to you go to where alcohol is not running rampid through most spectators bodies) but I love being there and enjoying the sport with all of those people who love it just as much, if not more than I do.

The noise is indescribable. the speed of the cars cannot be comprehended. And for all of you non fans out there, there is a whole heck of a lot more involved then these men going round and round a track in circles. It was awesome!!! My driver came in 11th so that was pretty darn cool as well.

Mission Update

Okay!!!!! He is going to Sierra Leone (the country) Freetown (the capital city) West Africa (the continent) English speaking mission. He will report to the Ghana MTC on July 31st. He will only wear a suit to arrive to the MTC and then from the time he gets there, he will wear a white shirt and tie and slacks with sandals!!! He is so excited!!! Of course...so are we!!!! I love you Ryan!!!!

I Hope They Call Me On A Mission

So tomorrow around 8:00 p.m., my phone should be busy so do not call. My nephew Ryan will be telling me where he will be serving his mission!!! I am beside myself with excitement!!! Those who know me well, know that I am very, very close with my nieces and nephews. Probably because I have been an aunt since I was 10. Being the youngest of 6, I have so many nieces and nephews. I love them all so very much!! This will be the first grandchild to serve a mission. He is the oldest boy. I am so proud of him for making the decision to go. He is going to be an amazing missionary!! He has such in incredibly strong testimony of the church. I am so excited for him but jealous of those he will be serving as they will get to be with him for 2 years, and I wont!!

I love you Ry-Ry!!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR "THE CALL"!!!!!!!