Could YOU survive?

Maybe you are like me and maybe not. Sometimes I question my existence and my purpose here on earth. Along with that comes contemplation as to my priorities and wants vs. needs.
Having been on BOTH sides of the financial fence, I can definitely appreciate ( and have strong desire for) the finer things in life. But, like so many in the state of today's economy, cut backs are needed to weather the storm. I feel fortunate to be at a place in life where I can differentiate between wants and needs. My trials and experiences have taught me what I can live with or without.

In today's society, there are so many external pressures to keep up with everyone else with the cars, houses, toys, etc., and I'm convinced that the ONLY way for some to manage this is with debt/credit. When you think about it long enough this means our material desires outweigh our processes of rational thought and good spending practices. Are we really so prideful a nation that we would put the acquisition of possessions before those we love and their future?

Here's an article that may be a little to the cut back "extreme" but it truly makes you realize that there is SO MUCH that we could do without and be better people for it, regardless of the money.

Could you live without money? Meet the UTAH man who does.

{Randomness}

Who poisoned the dog?

Disclaimer: j/k No aminals were hurt in the creation of this blog post! Since she knows she's cute and we can't resist a freckled tummy, she rolls over with a little grunt so we'll scratch her.

Frogs and Dogs

Oh, those hot summer days. A guy really can't ask for much more than a cool place to play....

some shades, a frozen treat...

and a good friend to drink your pool water!

Frogs and dogs. The best parts of summer!

Somewhere.....

over the rainbow, bluebirds fly....but not today, as they crazy Utah summer weather strikes again! It's actually refreshing to have sunny, blazing hot days with afternoon thunderstorms. It moves in quick, cools everything down to a comfortable temperature, gives the plants a needed drink and (the best part for me) it SMELLS really good. Kind of like Hawaii when the quick rain clouds pass by and cool you off while laying by the pool....except without the palm trees. Or the sand. Or fruity drinks with cute little umbrellas. Or stunningly beautiful ocean....but you get the idea!

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside. Because only then does one feel all is as it should be, and that God wishes to see people be happy amidst the simple beauty of nature." - Anne Frank

Friends and Family

Today we went to my sister's house in Tooele. She had a 4th of July celebration for the family, as my nephew and his wife & little girls were in town from California. Nolan and the girls had so much fun playing golf (or more like Nolan chasing the girls with golf clubs!), playing hide & go seek and swinging in the hammock.



And {as always) THIS was Mira's favorite place...


holding the BABY! She always has and always will love, love, love the babies. Doesn't matter whose or how big/small, she wants to hold them and feed them and change them and love them. Such a nurturing little soul she's got.

All in all a friend and family packed weekend of fun! Great to have a break and lots of reasons to kick back and celebrate. Makes me realize how most times we don't "NEED" a reason at all, it's just making the time to spend with those we love than can make life so much more enjoyable.

Fourth of July!

Fourth of July proved to be another great day! We went to our friends Tony & Vanessa's home and had the traditional BBQ and fireworks fest. Good times...


Too much food and drink, lots of treats, glow sticks and a full moon...

what more could we want for a better Fourth of July celebration? The kids had a BLAST and so did the grown ups for that matter. Just everyone hangin' out, enjoying the beautiful summer weather and being goofy. That's what it's all about :) Hope yours was wonderful too!

{Field Day}

Nothing screams "end of the school year" better than FIELD DAY! Everyone brings a sack lunch, bottled water and sunscreen to beat the heat.
Mira signed me up to volunteer on the first shift of the morning! So, I was in charge of station number 11 - the target (it was really skee ball made from landscaping material and duct tape). A definite crown pleaser. Especially when the one who volunteered to shag the balls for the group would put their face right in front of the target, begging to be pegged in the head with the tennis balls!


DISCLAIMER: No students were injured while I was on duty :)