{Flashback Friday}

I adore my children.  They make everyday worth waking up. 

(Being married to Sir Thomas is actually reason enough.) 

The part where my kids grow up so fast is not such a favorite.

My sweet cousin, Caroline, just welcomed baby Solomon to her precious family!  I'm so happy for them!!  He's #4 and I happen to think having 4 children is wonderful!

I'm so grateful for modern technology.  Having precious pictures of my children is priceless.  These pictures make me so happy.  I just wanted to look at them again - so here they are.

I have so many favorite pictures, someday I'll post more.  Looking at them makes me realize this is REAL!  It is a blessing to be a mother.  So many want the privilege and I don't want to take this journey for granted.

"A picture is worth a thousand words". . . I think it's because it would take at least that many words to describe the moment captured in the picture.

Now, they're BIG! And still oh, so handsome & beautiful.

When my crazy kids were WILD little kids . . . "knowing" adults would look at me with a bit of a scowl and warn (complete with wagging finger), 

"Just wait until their teenagers."

For the record . . . anyone with little ones, 

"Just wait until their teenagers!  It's SO much fun!"

Teenagers, at least mine, are wonderful to be around.

I love these happy memories!  We're going to make more tomorrow!

The preparations for the Birthday Ball are exciting.

I can't believe it's already here! 

I hope it's lots of fun and everyone enjoys it - that's the whole reason for hosting it.

{India's date}

Sir Thomas is so wonderful!

I  still don't know how I managed to get him but I'm so glad I did.

We were out of town when The Southeast Texas State Fair opened. Usually, we all go together but I think a family vacation is a good excuse to miss one year.

Fortunately, Sir Thomas took India for a 

daddy-daughter date Friday night.

She said it was THE BEST date they've ever had!

They didn't spend much money and only rode a few rides but they had a great time.

One thing we virtually never do is play the games . . . but Friday night was different.

India played one game and WON!

She loves stuffed toys and couldn't have been happier.  You may have noticed how stiff these stuffed prizes are and they're not very cuddly.  India's creativity and ingenuity never cease to amaze me.  

She found the seam used to sew the tiger closed and reopened it . . .

removed the styrofoam filler . . .

re-stuffed it with poly-fill . . .

and sewed him closed again!

(You will notice all the cleaning paraphernalia.  It made a BIG mess.  The styrofoam beads stuck to everything. Luckily, I like to clean.  Guess there's a future for these stiff critters after all.)

It is SO soft now!  Isn't she brilliant!

I have a feeling she will keep this treasure forever.  

(I hope her someday-spouse likes white tigers on the bed.)

{my favorite weekend}

My least favorite weekend of the year comes with the beginning of Daylight Savings Time.

I don't like to lose an hours sleep!

Lucky us!  We got to experience it TWICE!

England did not change the date for British Summer Time when the U.S. decided to change and begin Daylight Savings Time two weeks earlier and end two weeks later.

Yep, it was fun.

The good news . . . I also have a FAVORITE weekend!

(actually two of them)

I LOVE watching General Conference on the first weekends of April and October.

I feel like a new person!

This year was no exception.  All the talks were uplifting and inspirational.  I'm so glad I was able to spend the weekend with my family as we were uplifted and counseled by living prophets.

I definitely feel inspired to be of greater service,

tell people how much I love them,

be humble and work on my weaknesses.

I'm actually really excited to start listening to the talks again.

We started the best tradition a couple of years ago . . .

"Conference Breakfast"

The missionaries are part of this tradition.

They are so nice to go with us to a big buffet breakfast.

Jenkins & Kemp

Axtell & Kaufusi

Smith & Reed

We always take quite a crowd, but it's more fun this way!

 Breakfast was wonderful . . . many, many thanks to the kind people at Golden Corral for cooking AND doing the dishes.

Concerning Daylight Savings Time, once I get adjusted to the change, I actually really like it.  I guess I just want to whine sometimes.

Last, I expect to see quite a few new clocks on the market after hearing the sweet sentiments of Elder Richard G. Scott.  Years ago, he wrote his wife a note saying, "It's time I tell you I love you."  She put it in her kitchen clock where it has stayed for many years.  Etsy will probably be a mecca for such fabulous finds.  I'm hoping to get creative and make one myself because I love it!  I also want to give them to everyone I know.  

He's right, it is time that I tell you . . . I do love you!

{On Holiday - The End}

We are home!  We are happy!  We had fun!

The last full day in London was incredible.  

I have so much to blog about and could reminisce about this trip for weeks.

I think I may know the difference between a palace and a castle . . . SIZE.

"This imposing edifice what first meets the eye is the" weekend home of Queen Elizabeth.

(Recognize the movie quote?)

Commonly referred to as Windsor Castle.

It is impossible to get a complete picture of Windsor Castle . . . unless you are in a helicopter . . . up very high.   (Windsor Castle)

This castle was built 900 years ago and I cannot even begin to describe it in a way that would explain the size and splendor.  It is 480,000 square feet inside (or 150 - 3200 square foot houses)!  That doesn't include the courtyards or walkways or anything else!

No picture taking is allowed inside but trust me,

there's tons of gold leafing throughout.

(This lovely picture can be found on the internet here)

After touring the beautiful Windsor Castle, we made a stop at Costa for the BEST cupcakes we've ever had!

I think the entire day would have only gone downhill if we hadn't been privileged to go see . . .

Les Miserables at The Queen's Theatre!

I still can't believe we were so blessed to see this production in London!

When I asked each of my children about their Top 3 favorite things we did in England . . . they all had 

Les Miserables on their list! 

 It was late when we returned to Greenwich and this darling little place we "letted."

The next morning came EARLY and we were excited to head home.

. . . although everyone was tired.

 I am SO happy we had this amazing opportunity.

I know the Lord loves us and I realized even more how much He loves all of his children. 

I quickly came to love the people we met in England.

I appreciate their kindness to us and pray they are blessed for their goodness.

Here's your movie quote hint . . . 

(It was tough to get the shot on a moving train!)

"This imposing edifice what first meets the eye is the home of Admiral Boom.  The whole world takes it time from Greenwich, but Greenwich they say, takes it's time from Admiral Boom." - Burt

Greenwich = Grenich . . . I love the way they pronounce things!