21 years ago...

21 years ago, on May 5th, I received a gift from a friend of mine for my birthday.  It was a plant.  I had been married for 1 year.  When my friend gave me the plant, I joked about how I wasn't very good at keeping plants alive, but that I would try.  She commented, saying, "Oh, no, this is the kind of plant you can't kill." 

 

 

The plant looked something like this, only a little smaller...

 

 

 

This is what it looks like today...

 

Are you laughing your head off?  I have to tell you the story of this plant.  Todd and I kept this plant in our variouis apartments for probably 10 years or so.  (And actually I don't really know how long we kept it)...But after awhile, I couldn't stand to take care of it anymore.  I always claimed that it didn't like me, no matter how much I watered it.  So, Todd, being the kind-hearted man that he is, told me that he would take it to work and keep it in his office.  That plan was great for me! 

 

Now, I've got to be honest.  I haven't really thought about this plant in a long time.  After all, it was 21 years ago that I received it, and even though I have seen it in his office from time to time, I really haven't thought much about it.

 

Last week, Todd walked through the door from work, carrying this thing...I mean, plant.  I literally burst out laughing so hard!   "You killed my plant,"  I said.  "No," Todd replied.  "I just need to repot it into a bigger pot, with newer soil, and it will be fine."  Even now, as I'm writing this, I am laughing hysterically because...I mean, look at that "thing!"  It's pretty much dead, if you ask me. 

 

Also, Todd was thinking we received this plant as a wedding gift, so he quickly stated, "This represents our marriage.  We can't get rid of it."  THIS represents our marriage?   I don't even know how to respond to that.  But I gotta say, I'm a little frightened!

It's interesting, though, because now I find myself wanting to "save" it somehow.  Like repotting it and getting fresh soil will revive it.  Now it's like a challenge to me...can we save this plant? And if not, is our marriage in trouble?  (ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha)  I can't stop laughing.

 



 

 

So, we are going to see what happens in the next little while.  As for now, I have it in my living room, next to two other beautiful plants, and in front of our window, hoping that somehow this little guy will get strength from the sun and his new found friends.  :)

My Sweet Little Jacob

The other day, I came into my room to find this little note, and a couple of girl scout cookies on my bed.  It was from Jacob...

 

 

 

 ...And here is what it said...

 

He had received the cookies at school, and saved the last two for me (probably most of the day in his pocket)...  :)

 

But it melted my heart all the same. What would I do without him? 

Thank you Jacob! 

 



Kyle's Arrow of Light and Blue and Gold Banquet

Kyle got his Arrow of Light a couple of weeks ago.  It was awesome!  Way to go Kyle!

 

 

That cake is bigger than you!  :)

 



Kyle and Mom.

 



This is Kyle holding his Arrow of Light.  Each of my boy's arrows are a little different.  This one was seriously cool!

 

 

 

We also had the Blue and Gold Banquet on the same night.  Jacob's troop made these cute little center pieces out of pringles cans...so creative!  :)

 



 

 

Jacob and his two friends, Vail (left) and Mason (right)...

 



 

 

 

The whole stake troop...trying to get ready for a good shot...

 

 

 

Getting closer...

 

 

 

Much better.  We'll take it.  Done!

 

It was a fun evening and we are so proud of Kyle for earning his Arrow of Light.  What an awesome accomplishment.  That's 4 down and 1 to go.  Whew!

Jacob and his snow cave

 

See Jacob's snow cave...

 

 

 

See Jacob getting in his snow cave...

 



 

 

See Jacob in his snow cave!

 



 

Way to go Jacob!  Goodnight!  :)



Happy New Year 2013

 Happy New Year!  Oh my word...how is it 2013 already?  The other day I was writing a check and I  swear I bagan to write 2004 on the date line.  Is this some intense, radical, sub-conscious yearning for the past?  I do not know.  Either way, life is going way too quickly!

 

Here is a picture of Kyle and Ziggy.  I bought this little shirt for our dog last year on clearance, and I couldn't find it until New Years Eve...Oh well, I'll save it for next year.  It fit Ziggy perfectly...but I'm not sure he loved it...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 "Lil' Grinch"  Absolutely!

 

 

 He looks kind of cute when he's not trying to rip your leg off...

 

 

 We got a chocolate fountain for Christmas and the kids were so excited to use it on New Years Eve.  It was a big hit, and Kyle kept saying, "This is the best day ever!" 

 

 

 

 

 

 We had a variety of things to dip in the chocolate....marshmallows, scooby (graham) snacks, big rod pretzels, gummy worms, cinnamon bears and...oh yeah, some fruit...bananas and pineapple and strawberries.  YUM!  We had to get a few "healthy" things in there too... 

 

 

 Poor Brandon got sick on New Years Eve.  He didn't feel good most of the day and threw up several times.  It was a sad day for Brandon...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Notice that I'm dipping a strawberry...see how nutritious I am...HA!

 

 

 At the end of the night, we opened some cool "firecrackers" that Todd found at a store.  Inside of each one was a little toy and a paper hat.  They were really fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 And Brandon still didn't feel good...so sad.

 

 

 

 Dallin was almost asleep by the end...but he made it until midnight....barely.  Good job honey!

 

 

 I don't really know what to say about Eric, but here he is, enjoying his paper hat (or something like that)!

 

 

 Even Dad got one...

 

 

 

 

 

It was a fun evening spent with just our little family.  We played games and watched movies too...such party animals, I know.  But we love spending time with our kids!  They are so fun to be with. 

 

Happy New Years Jones Family!  Here comes 2013!