"When a child is born....

...so is a grandmother". Fourteen years ago today this grandmother was born and a blessed day it was. I remember it vividly as we all gathered at Dixie Medical Center and endured some anxious moments in her mother's nearly 24 hour labor. Laynee Jane Wells finally arrived and I treasure the three days a week for that first year that I got to hold her in my arms while she napped.

She is the most pleasant person you'll ever meet, not your typical teen, just a joy to be around. I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with her in honor of her birthday. We lunched, we shopped, we cleaned and it was awesome. She loves to earn money and she babysits a lot. I know she does love her little nieces and nephews and is ever so willing to help out where needed. Happy Birthday, Laynee. It's been fun watching you grow into a beautiful young woman.
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...and speaking of fun, I was able to go watch the little guys play ball.  Seth and McKay were on a competitive baseball team that participated in the summer games and tho' they were playing against some really big kids and some good teams, they held their own. It was scary....and we call these "character building experiences" in our house. As the game ended and we got in the van to go to lunch between games, I asked McKay if it was scary being up to bat. He said to me... "did you see me shiverin'? I 'bout peed my pants".

Seth pitched a stellar inning and they both got to run some bases.They were up against some big kids throwin' some heat so hats off to my little kids that hung in there and saw what they can do in a few more years. I think they still love the game, I hope 'cause I sure do love watchin' them play it.
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While I was home for a visit, we had early church so I took the kids for the afternoon and went to the Temple Visitors Center and did a little geocaching in the area.

We were actually 4 for 5 on the day with a little trip up to the water tower on the Red Hill. We also created a cache that we placed out by their house so they can maintain it. Hopefully, it will get posted soon so the kids will have the experience of owning a cache. It was great to be home for the week to get caught up with the kiddies. Sure do miss them when I'm gone but life is good here in Folsom. I'm enjoying a pretty simple life here.

Got some tomaters growin' on the vine.....and I'm amazed. Saw this crane-like bird on the trail yesterday and I've loved these beautiful flowers growing here at our complex....and it's raining today. Life is good.

A wild and crazy summer....

..has begun. I took off last Wednesday, just me and my Accord and headed across Nevada to Traci's... hadn't been there for lots of months. It truly was great fun to see her and her little ones in action. I'd only heard about it and done a little Facetime here and there but I got to be right there in the middle of it for a day and it was AWESOME....

She's got that household running like a well oiled machine. Loved every minute of it. 

I'll let the pictures speak the thousands of words that they are worth.....the first stop was the zoo.

Then off to Ruth's Diner for lunch. The boys were great and the food was amazing as usual. This is one of our all-time favs......and the outdoor dining was divine.

I introduced my little detectives to Geocaching. Russ had just given the boys each their own little magnifying glasses so off we trekked....Jake was thoroughly enthralled with finding bugs while Scotty found our first cache. It was small but so fun to find one on the first try. The big one was our fourth. We were 2 for 4 on the day...not too bad.

I headed down the road in time for Maycee's soccer game in Cedar at the Summer Games....they won. Saturday found me up and early to a swim meet.

George and Emily both competed. Such good little swimmers and they seem to love it.

Then back up to Cedar for Maycee's championship game. It was a nail-biter but they won after two over-times and then a shoot-out. Oh, my.....what a day. I think I'll go to Pine Valley and relax.....

But before I sign off, it's Shana's birthday today so a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her on this day before Father's Day. I guess she pretty much has to share this day with Spencer most every year.

...and we all know not to mess with her, right? I'm glad she is the mother of this fine family.

Have a great day, Shana and eat some cake....and to all the fathers out there, Happy Father's Day tomorrow. I know I've been influenced by a lot of good father's in my life but most grateful to be the mom to three really great dads.

Every day should be a celebration...

...and today we celebrate the father of this cute family, James. Go HERE to see why...I love it all especially the part where
HE TELLS LAURI HE LOVES HER EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!!

You are the best husband that a mother could wish for her daughter....thank you for taking such good care of her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, James. B-Dubs and cake, a great birthday does make.

With camera in hand...

...we headed up the road for a little "mountain time". Ice House Reservoir was the destination....

We planted a couple of chairs and watched the geese....

...and a squirrel. He pretty much posed for me for about 5 minutes. He had  food in hand so he wasn't going to let a human with a camera scare him off.

..then later, he just stood there as I snapped and snapped.

Strike a pose little squirrel....so cute. On the way home, took in a little waterfall to the side of the road.

That's pretty much it for our adventures this week. I've got a couple of tomatoes on the vine. Not sure they're going to do much more than this but pretty good so far. I'll give you an update on the orange tree soon if I can see some change. Never had a green thumb....so I'm pretty excited with what is still alive.

Meatloaf Monday at River Shack in Lotus with Tessa and Steve. Comfort food for sure.....

That's what I've been doing....how 'bout you?

If you haven't heard him....

...you surely should and more than that, you should watch him. He can lay on the piano bench upside down and cross his hands and play "In the Mood".....I'll try to post it. He's playing on his new piano that he got for his birthday.

Not sure if it will work. I'm going to post a couple of things that JoEllen has put on Youtube for you to sample some of his work....oh, and btw, it's his birthday today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, George. You are awesome in every way.

He's just a totally great kid blessed beyond compare with some God-given talents. He's one to watch for sure. I'm just sad that I can't take any of the credit for his piano skills. I did give him lessons for a year but when he would come over, most of the time we'd just go over to Snow Shack or something. So, I'm gonna have to give most of that credit to Bob Ruesch. This video is "Angry Birds". He made it up just listening to it. He's done that to several songs.

Here's a link to a video created by George.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndqg-Z-dGFU. Another great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my second grand child, George Elliott Wells. Let's Facetime today. Lots of love from this grandma in Folsom. 

Mega Post Alert!!!!!

It's been over a week now. Been in Pine Valley. No internet.....but lots to catch up on so hang on tight and if you make it through this post, you will be entered in a drawing for the grand prize. I'll knit the winner a pair of socks.....no joke. Just let me know you made it through this and I'll put your name in my drawing. So here goes. FIRST and most important. My birthday boys.....

Jake's was on Saturday, the 25th and Scott's was on Sunday, the 26th. I was in Pine Valley with no internet so I couldn't post but I was thinking about them and their cuteness all week-end and knew their mother would throw a mega-party for them. Jake just started piano and will enter kindergarten this year but can read already....loves to do his work books and has mega coloring skills. I'm not sure about the T-Rex thing but as soon as I see him, I'm gonna ask. Scott has mega Tae Kwon Do skills and the tenderest heart. I'm not sure what color his belt is right now but he's making great progress. He's such a handsome kid with the tenderest heart.(It does deserve mentioning two times....mega tender heart).















Warms my heart to think of these cute kids.....A great big (mega) late HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jake and Scott. I hope to get to see you real soon.
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Randy and I were heading home for the Annual Reber Clean-up Party in Pine Valley on Memorial Day week-end but I had the urge to head out early to take in some family activities. I was able to get home in time to hear Mark and Marian report their mission. They just returned from New York where they served as activation missionaries in New Paltz and it was great to hear their stories.

 We had some great family time with them at their cabin after church. It's so good to have them back.

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Tuesday, I was able to get in a little baseball as Miller's team (coached by Mason and Justin) played Jack and Evan's team (coached by Spencer and Aaron, with Kyle helping). There's nothing I like more than watching my little kids play baseball....especially if they are enjoying it and these little boys look like they are having a blast. Jack announced that he was going to get Miller out.....and he did. Kyle was coaching first base when Miller hit the ball. Jack was on first and when he tagged him out, Kyle said...."hey, that's your cousin!" Jack looked at him and replied..."This is baseball". Later at home plate, Miller was running into home from third as Jack chased him with the ball. Miller got his revenge and dodged his tag. Wish I would have had my camera up on that one. So, who won the game? It doesn't really matter 'cause they all think they are the champs. I heard one of them say..."hey, their trophies are just like ours". In this league, everyone wins.......

Not so on Wednesday night. The stakes were high as Seth and McKay's team played for the championship. Real pitching. Seth starting on the mound. He got 7 strike-outs as the beginning pitcher. They played hard and tough and got the win.

Aaron has done a great job working with these boys, helping them improve their skills so they could enjoy the game. We like to think that it's not all about the win...but it is. It's also about the hard work that gets the win. These coaches and boys have put in the time and effort.

It all started with Jim McArthur and Scott Wells...wanting their boys to have a good experience so they would love the game. (I wish I knew what all these boys are saying in this picture). It's such a privilege to watch the next generation holding the trophies with smiles on their faces...hopefully, learning a life lesson here...getting a little tougher as they face adversity and feeling the reward of hard work and discipline.

Great job guys.....so glad I got to be there for these two nights of baseball. In the two games I was able to watch 5 of my grand sons enjoy the game.

Little boys and baseball....ya gotta love it...and I do.

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Mike sent out the e-mail a few months ago beckoning all the Rebers to come to Pine Valley for a work day/BBQ to get Josephine's place ready for summer so she could move in. We all did just that and it was a wonderful day of work and family fun.

My family came to the mountain as well and we were able to enjoy some time at the cabin and at Mark and Marian's.....they have an amazing place for kids to play, the main attraction being the zip line.

We are ready for summer......bring it on!!!

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One year ago on Sunday, May 26 I married Randy Reber in the Pine Valley chapel and it has been a wonderful year of companionship and fun. We love to get out on our bikes, explore the old mining towns and cemeteries, we've learned to Geocache, we've had a date every Friday night, watched lots of movies, and put in lots of miles on road trips to Utah to see our families.

We celebrated by enjoying a delicious dinner at the Brandin' Iron. Click HERE.  I feel blessed every day to have Randy in my life.  No more one dimensional....I'm now livin' in 3D and lovin' it.

Randy shows off his Pine Valley Real Estate....just purchased. Awesome view. Hope he doesn't have to move in any time soon....but it's good to know he'll be comfortable in his final resting place.

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We love to gather on Memorial Day to not only pay tribute to those who have lost their lives serving our country but to honor our loved ones who have gone on before us.

I love this picture of Lucy....just wonder what she is thinking....

We enjoy breakfast together then head to Pine Valley for a day of family fun.

The kids enjoyed the zip line...a little hike to a geocache we had found on Saturday up by the cemetery....

...and no Pine Valley day is complete without S'mores.....

We do love our "Porch Time" in Pine Valley....(just a few more random shots.)

These past two weeks have been a blast and reminded me of what is important in life. It's not the "stuff" we accumulate....it's the family ties and memories we make....watching the little ones grow and learn....struggling through hard times and relying on each other. It's helping our aging parents find comfort in being content with what they can do and doing what we can to help make them comfortable. It's living in the moment, not looking back with regrets and not looking too far ahead with anxiety....but enjoying the here and now, doing the best we can with what we have. I loved watching my children grow...now I'm watching their children grow...but I'm also watching them watching their children grow! Life is good....that's why I wear these t-shirts (click HERE).

"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." Nathaniel Hawthorne  

(I was able to get this shot on Saturday....don't you just love it?)

It's why we have smart phones....

....at least for me so I can capture moments like these.

The game is over....we won, but hey, why not just stay a little longer and make sure we are ready for tomorrow. Seth at the mound, McKay at bat, Spencer on the bucket and Mason calling.....and I can't tell you how this scene took me back to the days when Scott would pull up his bucket and let the boys pitch to him for as long as they could. It's pretty much a parent's report card to watch these kids of mine be dads and moms....making sure their kids have the best part of them. Spencer and I were talking today about competitive sports and why we want our kids to do them. Drew is in Orem winning a soccer tournament, these little ones are in a tournament  tonight and tomorrow, scared to death #1;of the ball and #2; that they will make a mistake; but in the end, I think it helps them to conquer their fears. If they are good at the game, they will love it so their dads do their best to help them be good at it. As soon as they don't like it, it's time for them to move on to find other things that they do like and that they are good at. It's a parent's job to give those opportunities....and it's my job as a grandma to go and cheer them on in whatever they do. I don't live here all the time now so sometimes I just have to hear about their successes but I'm so happy that they are all doing good things: Laynee plays piano very well and is getting into track at school. George is very good at piano and just got a beautiful new piano tonight for his birthday. Drew is good at whatever sports he does but is loving soccer right now and plays the piano. Maycee just got her point shoes today and is excited to enter a new phase of dance. She is also is good at soccer and loves it. Emily is my little theater girl and has been in several plays and is just starting piano lessons. McKay is a little gymnast and plays baseball. He pitched one inning tonight and caught a fly ball and got a double play. I was so glad I could be here to see it. Seth is turning out to be a mighty fine pitcher and is loving the game. He also plays soccer. Evan and Jack are on the same baseball team and they play Miller's team tomorrow. Wow, how did that happen!!! I have been able to go and watch Scotty do his Tae Kwon Do and he is progressing through it quickly and getting very good at it. Jakey is turning out to be quite the artist and just started piano lessons and is loving it.....and all of the babies are doing what babies do. Thank goodness for Skype and Facetime so I can see them do what they do. This has turned out to be a brief summary of my kiddos and kudos to parents who make these things happen.

...and speaking of beauty, I couldn't help but catch a glimpse of well-being the other day as I was driving and noticed the beautiful white clouds hovering over Pine Valley Mountain. It is so good to be able to come home periodically to check in with the family and bask in these beautiful surroundings.

It's hard to believe....

...that this little kid is 5 years old today. Seems like just yesterday Joyce and I were in Louisville waiting for him to be born so we could head cross country in the Maxima to be followed by Mason and his little family to move home and buy hurricanedental.com....HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MILLER...you'll forever be our little "Minner".....

It's been a blast watching this kid grow up and it seems like he became a little man over night. My favorite is watching him maneuver hand-held electronics....when I told him I didn't have any games on my phone....I looked down and he had my app store booted up as he said..."I'll buy you some." He's a little dynamo...knows what he wants and usually gets it. Happy Birthday, Miller. Can't wait to take you shopping.

Monday Monday.....

...can't trust that day....Mamas and Papas...and I always wondered about this song. Catchy tune but in the first verse it says..."Monday Monday, so good to me...then in the second verse it says..."can't trust that day"...then in the chorus it says..."every other day, every other day of the week is fine. But whenever Monday comes you find me cryin' all of the time..." well, I'm not cryin' today 'cause my blog  books came on Saturday.....oh, yeah. Two full volumes....Numbers Three and Four....hot off the press.....

Just in time for Mother's Day....and speaking of Mother's Day, found these little eggs in a nest yesterday while out on an evening bike ride. I didn't touch them or bother them, just took a picture and I hope mama bird returns soon. I'll check on 'em again in a few days just for fun.

It was a good Mother's Day and as the different tributes came through on Facebook, I realized how many out there were missing their moms yesterday. So many nice tributes to mothers who had passed on and it was then I realized how lucky Randy and I are to sill have our moms so I posted this on Facebook and wanted to add it to my blog.....

We appreciate all those who help take care of these beautiful women. They are both 86 years young and have various health issues but can still smile and enjoy life. We do love our moms and look forward to seeing them again soon.