Shadow

We are saddened to announce the loss of our dear sweet Shadow. She was at a friend's house and got out of the backyard and was struck by a car.

She was a good, smart, and quirky dog and our hearts are breaking. We are taking comfort in the fact that all dogs go to heaven.

Things I learned today

1. Its really important the whole family gets to decide what piece Emma plays for her piano recital.

2. Its not a good idea to plant your garden the day the temperature jumps 20 degrees.

Its hot in San Diego

Rock 'n Roll

Stef, this is to motivate you to keep on running! You still have six weeks till the marathon!

my friend Juli

I am organizing my photos and I came across the pictures of Juli and I while in England looking after Jean, my mother-in-law, who had been diagnosed with cancer. My friend Juli offered to fly over and keep me company. Now that's a friend.

Us on the tube after a day shopping in London.



We have known each other for about 20 years. Needless to say, we have been through a lot together. And a flood of love for this woman washed over me tonight.

This is a picture of her doing yard work at Jean's house! She came over to give her friend support and she cleaned house, gave Jean pedicures, weeded the garden, cooked, helped with visitors all while keeping me grounded and sane.



Emma loved to bring Grandma a cup of tea. We had to follow behind her carrying a second cup of tea. But Grandma made a proper fuss over Emma delivering her tea.



What a cherished memory our family has of being able to nurse Fraser's mother in her own home, during her last days. And as I revisit those photos I feel incredibly blessed to have Juli still in my life. She is one of the most amazing women I have been lucky to know and trust me, I know some amazing women. I'm not sure I have ever let her know how much her friendship means to me.
Love you Jules. I wish it was your birthday or some other reason I could be posting this tribute to you,. But maybe I'll rename April 15th "Aunt Juli Day"

Easter Morn

In Pensacola,FL

We, (meaning Fraser, Emma and myself) are spending Easter Weekend with Grandma & Grandpa Webster. Stefan and Ashton and our new little duckling, Henry, are in Phoenix with the Guthries. Brit and Grant stayed in San Diego to hold down the fort and are spending the day with cousins at the Krages. Its all about families, traditions, and eggs!
I saw this picture in my mom's hallway and thought you'd enjoy seeing Brit at age one. My beatutiful baby.
Love you and wishing you the peace and joy that comes from remembering the sacrifice of our brother, Jesus Christ, and the hope and comfort that a new spring brings.

Happy Keester!

Spring Break!

I was able to run away from home for a few days (another perk in having Brit living with me) and I'm holed up by the pool someplace in Pheonix.

All I can grow is frustration

So its spring and time for my annual attempt at a garden. I think it may go better this year cause I have backup. Grant is totally on board and with his promise of help and support I am moving forward with renewed hope! Although out of the eight small tomato starters I bought last weekend the dogs have eaten four; two of which were still in the little tomato egg carton thingies and hadn't even been planted! Do I even have a chance against the rabbits and birds?

I saw this book advertised today: "The $64 Tomato: How One man Nearly Lost His Sanity, Spent a Fortune, and Endured an Existential Crisis in the Quest for the Perfect Garden" by William Alexander (Algonquin Books $24.95) I have to have it! Its always a good thing when you realize you are not alone in the world.

April fools

Today was a fun April Fool's day. First, I got Fraser good. I have been undergoing some testing and this morning had to have some girlie test so when I got home told Fraz that they found out what was wrong. I was even able to bring tears to my eyes (mostly because I was trying not to laugh) and told him I was pregnant. I wish I had had a camera. You could see everything going through his head and one of the more mild things he said was "bloody hell". I told the tech what I was going to do and she offered to give me an old sonogram picture to show him, but thats where I drew the line (hes old you know). It was really fun........although I'm sure he is starting to plan next year's revenge.

Then Emma and I made April fools cupcakes to share with friends.



Mashed potatoes and gravy (frosting and caramel sauce with a starburst pat of butter) and peas and carrots (skittles and orange tootsie rolls) The peas and carrots were supposed to be on top of a cupcake too, but I was too tired to frost anymore. (see above) Yummmmmmm.
We got this recipe from this book. It is a fun book even if you just look at the pictures.

Happy Stef Day

Yesterday was my baby's 28th birthday. I am so proud of the man he has become and so pleased to be able to celebrate with him.




This is a photo of an Unbirthday Celebration at beach camp when Stefan was about five. We had un-birthday parties when we got together to celebrate all the cousin birthdays. I especially love the Fievel matching sweatsuit! I'm sorry Stef.