For all those who come to this happy place, Welcome!

Just today my "Silly Grandpa" passed away peacefully & joined his wonderful wife after a 4 year separation. This is a picture of my handsome Dadders (Terry) & Silly Grandpa in the days before I knew either of them. Ray McKenna was my grandma's 4 th husband, but he is the only one I've ever known as grandpa and is the one sealed to our family. This is the "Silly Grandpa" that I remember, always surrounded by grand kids. This was such a special Christmas that I will never forget, to be with my favorite cousins & grandparents. The McKenna's became so special to me at an early age. I remember writing my grandparents a "thank you" note and having them respond with the sweetest letter. Grandma officially became my pen pal from that time on until after my mission. I have saved & treasure every letter. Pictured: (back) Maren, Jared, Allison, Jennifer, Kelly, (front) Tricia, Deanna, Sunny & Joey. Sean & Leslie pictured ...

My mother's mom, Barbara Hope Adams , passed away on Feb 28th. I spent this last week in Utah attending her viewing & funeral. It was a bitter sweet time. All of my brothers & sisters were together (except 'no show Joe' - no shocker there, he missed my wedding as well) - it was a great time to see family & friends and remember a great lady . My grandma gave me a tape of her life a few years back along with the pictures of her above inspired me to write the poem featured below (I do not claim any talent to poetry. I'm a hack artist at best... it was to be the basis for lyrics to accompany a song written by my sister Sunny). (left) My grandma as a little girl - (right) me as a little girl Shelby, Paul, Randy, baby Lynn & Barbara (she was the mother of twelve - 2 preceded her in death)... she had her share of good and hard times, but was generous and kind hearted to the end. If you ever mentioned a doll you liked or a trinket in her ...

I hate these damn things - but after reading my sister-in-law Ashley's I had to do it. It made me laugh and if I can get any of you to laugh at me even for a minute then it's worth it. The picture is of me & Kelly (my BFF) as kids in the Strawberry Shortcake bedroom, I'm the one that closely resembles her pajama's. 1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:10 (Jason said I had to get up, someone has to get my 5 year old to school) 2. Diamonds or pearls? neither. I like colored stones better. 3. What was the last film you saw at the movies? P.S. I Love You (only person with dry eyes in the theatre - my heart is ice cold) 4. What is your favorite show? I miss cable for HGTV - but I'm addicted to LOST & Dallas Season 8 was released a few days ago. Yeeee-ha! 5. What do you eat for breakfast? Coco-roos & choked down a prenatal vitamin 6. What is your middle name? Annette (like my mother-in-law) This is my beautiful Paige, Me, & my moth...

One of the best things about my birthday is sharing it with my mom. I was born on her birthday 32 years ago today. Can you believe it, 32 years old - you too will get lovely little fine lines when you hit 30- ish . Oh how time flies when your having a life. Anyway, I've been tagged a few times to share interesting pointless facts about myself... so here goes. Curl up in your favorite sweats with your bowl of homemade popcarn , because this might take awhile. My mom was 24 years old back in November of 1975 - having her 4 th child (brave woman)... Here is a little known fact about her. Molly (my beautiful momma) only wanted 4 children so I was in the clear (thank goodness), how she ended up with ten was pure divine intervention and a very "healthy" relationship (oh the stories I could tell, but this is neither the time nor the place - I will save it for another time). Anyway, it was the day before Thanksgiving, a Wednesday to be exact. (Side note: I never understood the ...