Happy 60th Dad/Grandad!

August 18th we celebrated Melissa's dad's birthday in Santa Fe! It was planned as a surprise party, but mom had to tell him the morning of because he was bound and determined to get a lot of work done in preparation for their move to Pojoaque...and he wasn't about to let mom do any running around on her own. So, she told him, "We're having a party for you today and that's all I'm going to say." Of course, he was happy with that. She did tell him one more thing. She said, "I'll tell you one person that is coming...Caleb!" Here are some pics from that special day!

Of course, there is always great food whenever Lou Brown (my mother-in-law) is involved. Thanks, Mom, Aunt Margie, Aunt Mary, Donna and Melissa!! Awesome feast!

Dad, how many times did you go through that line? I'm not tellin' how many times I went through. Good stuff!

The theme was classic cars with 50's music playing in the background. The kids danced on the hardwood floor...ok, so did some of the adults. What a great time!

The grandkids (minus Emily & Cameron who are in Florida)

Well, dad couldn't have any type of gathering without preaching so...Just kidding! Mom and Dad are such a blessing and I am very blessed to have them as my in-laws. The flip side is they are very blessed as well. Dad received many gifts from his friends and church people and genuinely felt loved and accepted. Dad, thank you for being such a great inspiration and blessing to so many people...especially me and my family. We love you!

Visit to Mexico

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

Hot Times in Old Town...of Albuquerque

Well, it was the Salsa Festival this weekend in Albuquerque and our friends from Arkansas, the Quirings came for a weekend visit at just the right time. Here are some pics of the fun we had.

This is Shelly, Ryan, Collin and Jessica Quiring...And Melissa, Anna, Jacob and Caleb Flaming. Yours truly is taking the shot.

Kids aren't the only ones that can try on crazy hats, y'know!

We had fun!!

Best buds doing what they do best...eating. Lots of enchiladas (pronounced een-chi-lathas), burritos (prounounced bew-rrrrrr-eeee-toes), and fajitas (pronounced fah-heet-aaahs). Collin loves it when I enunciate these words with a Spanish flair.

Reunion collage

When we went to Nebraska in July for the family reunion, every family got together to take individual family pictures. Well, one of my cousins very creatively put each family's pic together to make one big collage. Isn't this cool? Way to go Jake (cousin)!! Be sure to click on the pic to make it hugigantinormous, and you can see people better.

This weekend my best friend is dragging his family, ok, not literally, but bringing his family out to visit with us. Should be a great time! We're planning on visiting the Int'l Balloon Fiesta museum which is supposed to be really cool! Will try to post some pics next week!

August is here!

I took this picture of the sunrise this morning as Melissa and I drank coffee on the patio. Mmmm...I love this new job!

Trying to be a good Housewife

I am sitting here in this office. I am supposed to be CLEANING it. But every time I come in here I think, "Ok, I could start pulling everything out of here, OR...I could get on Facebook and see how my friends are doing." So, guess what I've been chosing lately??

You see, this office is so pitiful that just thinking about cleaning it makes me want to eat a chocolate bar! Help.

Also, this is the first day in, oh....two and a half years (it seems) that all three of my kids are actually playing together and not killing eachother! So I feel that I have to take advantage of the quietness. It might only last another two seconds.

Can anyone relate?

Photo shoot

Well, it's time for some updated family pics. Last night we went down to the bosque (Spanish: land covered with trees) by the Rio Grande and took some pictures. We got too hot and too hungry to stay very long, so we'll get some more pics soon.

Jacob - Age 9-1/2

Anna Mary - Age 8

Caleb - Age 6

I like this one.