Concerts

Monday - May 11, was one of those conquer and divide nights. Two concerts - different schools -and on different sides of town. Carson and I went to Kristi's band concert. Doug went to Jason's choir concert. I wish I could have made both. Jason's school choir has one of the most amazing programs - and one of the best in the state. Doug said is was an awesome concert. For those of you who know Doug well, for him to say that about a band or choir concert means it was very - very good. Sorry I missed it, but I'm glad I had a chance to be at Kristi's concert.

Here she is - playing the flute, which she loves!

Carson behaved pretty good, much better than I expected. But - he does like music so that helped. (Isn't the little girl behind him just so adorable!)
It also helped that I had smarties in my purse - his most favorite treat ever!!
He is getting into sorting - "two's" is the one he likes to do most.

Tuesday night was Dani's choir concert. Doug and I were both able to make that one.

She didn't tell us she was doing a trio. It was a big surprise when they announced her name.

The final song was "Take Me Out to the Ballgame".

How appropriate for our family!

Great job Dani, Kristi and Jason.

You all did a great job this year in your music.

I am very proud of you.

Matt's Birthday Celebration

It seems like most years Matt and I have gotten to celebrate his birthday and Mother's day on the same day. This year it was different in one way - he now gets to celebrate Mother's Day and his birthday with his wife!

Jo took him out to dinner the night before for his birthday. He fixed her dinner on Mother's Day. Sounds like a good trade to me (she didn't have to fix dinner either time!)

Later that evening they came over for him to open presents and cake/ice cream.

Here he is with a little helper opening his present.

Matt got this Diamondbacks hat - and another hat as presents. Good choice for Matt. He is always wearing hats!

He got this tool set from Doug. Now he's a married man - he needs to start his own collection of tools - don't you think?

Let's see - he also got new Sunday shoes from Jo, and from the family he also got a tarp for camping and a few small camping items, hunting/hiking socks and other socks. I think that was it. Matt - did I miss anything?

Here he is with his cake.

He tried really hard to blow out all his candles but didn't quite make it.

Must be getting old.

Matt was the best Mother's Day present I ever got.

Hope you had a Happy Birthday Matt!

Mother's Day

Here's the flower I got for Mother's Day.

Thanks Carson!

(side note - just after taking the picture - Carson got it and TORE it up. Thanks Carson.)

Here's the rest of what I got. Doesn't look like much - but it was great!
My main gift was the ticket there to go see "Wicked" in July - and good seats too!
I got a couple of cd's, gift card to Deseret Book to buy "Forever Strong" when it comes out May 26th. If you haven't seen the movie - you ought too. It is great! At least I think so!
I also got gift cards to Jamba Juice and Cold Stone Creamery - gotta love that!
Plus a shirt and Dani gave me the decorated tin and clothes pins and Mikel is going to take me shopping for what I want. Oh yea, I also got some sunday shoes (forgot to put those out.)
I loved it all. I loved the time to relax. I loved the muffins Kristi made me. I loved the dinner that they fixed for me. I loved spending time with my family!

Here's the mom-to-be opening her gift.
She also got gift cards to Jamba Juice and Cold Stone.
Maybe she'll have a craving for them one of these days.

I Try!

Little Mr. Independant's favorite new words "I try" - and he says it for everything.

If you won't let him try - he'll figure out a way to try it himself anyway.

One Sunday afternoon - while I was taking a nap, the other kids caught Carson on tape (or in this case - pictures).

The pictures tell the story.

Enough said

other than

.

.

.

little stinker!

Announcement

November 22, 2009

That's the date.

EmmaLee is going to have an Alldredge cousin!

I'm going to have my 2nd grandchild.

Congrats Matt and Jo!!!

Now the guessing

and waiting

begins...

Boy

or

Girl?

Miss EmmaLee

Just a few of my last random shots of EmmaLee.

She is so cute.

I am really going to miss this adorable granddaughter of mine!

Any shoes lying around - she'll wear.

She especially seems to like Mikel's shoes -

those high-high heels!

Such cute ittle feet in Mikel's shoes!
Wearing Tyler's boots (Jeremy's friend)

Silly girl - showing her messy face.

Happy Birthday Matt!

Happy 23rd Birthday to my handsome son - Matthew!
(Well - this is for the 9th - even though I posted it late at night on the 8th!)

Don't you think he looks so handsome?

Just kidding Matt. This was his halloween costume back in 2007.

Here he is - very handsome and happy with his wife (fiancee at the time) Xyonane.

(we are very glad to have her in the family. Good choice Matt!)

Just a few random shots of Matt the last few years.

Yes - he loves camping and riding the toys!

Meeting - and holding Carson for the first time - on our trip back to pick him up from his mission.
Reunited with his two best friends - Carlos and Josh.

Just a few things I love about Matt:

His compassion for others. Even as a little boy he was compassionate. When Mikel was in the hospital as a 10 month old we took Matt to see her - he cried when he saw the IV in her head. He kept saying "they're hurting my little sister" He was 2 1/2.

His acceptance of everyone - no matter what. Matt was - and is - able to make friends with everyone. I would never know who Matt would bring home from school to our house. He didn't care if they were rich or poor, or what color of skin - he accepted and loved everyone. (He's still the same).

His smile. Matt has a 100 watt mile (or maybe brighter).

His hugs. He gives the best hugs - just enfolds you in his arms.

His love of the Lord and his ability to feel his spirit and presence.

Two stories - again when he was just 2 - we were at Sacrament meeting. A special musical number was being sung. Matt was listening to it and started pointing to his chest and saying "hot, hot". He could feel the spirit of the song.

When he was about 3 years old he asked his Dad and I why Jesus didn't visit him anymore.

We started asking him questions and he told us about this person all dressed in white who would come at night - he could see him. He wanted to know why he didn't come anymore.

He has always been this way.

Thanks Matt for your example to me all these years.

I love you.

May you have the best and happiest birthday ever!