Mother's Day

Mother's Day was a "high" this year - ENJOY with me a VERY fun day.

Actually "Mother's Day" started on Friday night and just kept going and going all weekend; dinner, flowers, cards and more. My kids never or never tell me anyway that I have some pretty quirky "want to do" adventures. The funny thing is, that week I had received one of those forwarded emails of what you have done or not done. One of the questions was, if you could drive any car for a day what would it be. I drive all the time and I couldn't think of ANY car so I said, how about a plane ride or balloon ride. Little did I know the ticket was already purchased. I know my kids will make sure I'll get my "want to do someday" list all completed.....my Bucket List. I love you for that! .....ENJOY my day!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Baby Blessing Day for MCRAE

Here he is the perfect little bundle.....Last Sunday all went to Benson for McRae's blessing day. There were so many great-grandparents, great aunts/uncles, grandparents, aunts/uncles and cousins. What a blessing to have that much love. McRae James is very loved. So happy to have another grandbaby - a little blue bundle at that.

Another Year Older for Our Brandon

Heavenly Father knew what this family needed as the "oldest child" when he sent Brandon Jason. Today is Brandon's birthday and he a whopping 29 years young. Brandon has always been the one to keep excitement and laughter a part of this family. His laughter is highly contagious. He certainly fills the role of his "big brother" and "oldest child" responsibility and always was such a help and don't know what I would have done without him. One is always the better after spending time with him. Brandon came into this life caring, loving and a most compassionate soul. I am not surprised with the occupation he chose - for that is BRANDON!

Not only was Brandon such a help and joy, but some of the other things he loved; Brandon loved to rope, he always will work like a man , he was and still is, full of energy (mischieveous and playful), he loves the stories of history, family history, church history and US history. He remembers ....with everthing that word means....he remembers! He knows where he came from, he remembers people and their cares, he remembers his Father in Heaven and His Son. He remembers, "when ye have done it unto the least of these...ye have done it unto me".

In May he gave us all another happy moment when he included Marcy into the family. Thank you Brandon for all that you do for each of us and wish you the best day and many many more to come. Happy Birthday to YOU!

Happy Birthday Alena Janae - 19 Today!

Today is Alena's Special Day - you're #1 in the Skinner's Book.

From Arizona to BYU - Idaho.....Happy Birthday to our SWEET / HAPPY little Alena. There is so much that can be said of Alena. She answers to many nicknames; Ali, Alikins, Lena, Leaner, and Brandon had a couple for her. °Ü° .........It doesn't matter what name you call her, she answers with a SMILE. Alena always is known for her smiles. And she never takes a bad pictures. She is so photogenic...she never has a bad picture.

That's because you can't hide wonderful, you can't hide beautiful.

If it weren't for Alena's insisting and teaching, The Skinner's would not each have their own blogspot. This was one of her project that she foresaw, being a link to one another and insisted we each participate. Thanks to Alena for that!
She is such a caring, giving, sweet, loves to laugh and I will emphasize sharing. It is very evident Alena loves each one of the family - and we love you back sis.

There are very few pictures of Alena by herself, she shares her pictures with her baby sister.

We each send a HUG!

Mother's Weekend @ BYU Idaho

Saturday, Karen, Hannah and Dalen picked me up at the SLC Airport. Off we went in the wind and snow to Rexburg. Hannah was a great driver and we had a fast trip as we chatted the whole way. After gathering all the families (Karen's and Alena/myself) we headed off to eat and shop. Karen had purchased tickets to Mother / Son Banquet - that was very nice. Nick had given an appreciation segment in the presentation. Karen was so excited she didn't get to listen to what he was saying. CUTE, CUTE!
Then we headed off to watch Alena in the International Dance Evening. Many cultures were represented during the activity. Alena danced with the Polonysian group. She had loads of fun. I hope she publishes her video. She REALLY dances - shake, shake, shake. Woohoo! We just all smiled and smiled - so proud of her.

After a late night with lots and lots of kids, finally got to bed. Sunday, Karen, Hannah, Krisjana, Nick, and Dalen, Alena and myself all attended church. Listening and enjoying a college ward was such a nice experience for me. There is such a spirit there. The weekend was so wonderful - I loved every minute.

Also wanted to show pictures of Nick in front of a huge poster. The pic on the poster is Nick himself posing for a Communication Symposium.

Happy Birthday #18 KenZ Jae

It's Sunday morning and snowing at BYU Idaho. Wishing you a long distance Happy Birthday! A couple things that I'm reminded of today.
I worked from Glendale on Friday, so Thursday night I drove up there. Late that night Kensey came in from somewhere with friends. It was fall break and she was trying to enjoy each moment. About 1:30am I woke up again to find Kensey's light still on. Thinking she was reading or something, I got up to find she had fallen asleep on her knees. It was the cutest thing ever. I woke her and she sleepily climbed up in bed.
Friday night she comes in late again from a friend giving her a birthday party. One gift was so cute I hope she tells about it but she had mentioned to a guy friend ask what she wanted for her birthday - her response was to sleep in and be a princess all day. He gave a tiara!
I am not with Kenz today due to Mother's Weekend at BYUI - but I called her early WOKE her up from what she desired most; SLEEP. Kensey is SO very busy - by design. She keeps an unbelievable schedule. Little doubt she will feel like a princess today - but I wanted her to know that is exactly what she really is...A daughter of Royal Birth and she has brought with her to this earth such majesty ...and to our family - what an honor. We love you KenZ and Wish you the best of another year.

Home of the Cowboys - Class of 1978 (30th Reunion)

First weekend in October the Class of 1978 celebrated our 30 year Reunion. Had THE best time. ENJOY a few pictures of the parade.