Grammy and Papa Albright

Delaney Ella

2011-12-27T21:42:00.000-08:00

She is here!!!!! I just returned from a week in Soth Carolina. Miss Delaney waited until the schedued c section date. We were so happy. Everything that had to happen before she came got done. She is perfect! You would see that if my camera was not dead but I will add pics tomorrow. She weighed n at 9 pounds 5 oz and 20 3/4 inches long. She has dark hair and blue eyes. She is a little yellow (was not due until the 30th) She checked out this morning at the dr just fine. She is extra sweet and very calm. The littles are so in love with her and the rest of us are too! Welcome baby Delaney!!!

Harry!!!!

2011-08-30T13:09:00.001-07:00

Our newest addition Harrison Brandon Albright. He was blessed in North Carolina at the Phillips home. It was such a great day. Anna and Mike were married in the morning and the blessing was done just before the reception. Tim and I were so happy to be able to drive down and share in the day. How beautiful is this baby??? VERY beautiful.

Just Saw this picture on Susan's facebook. It is so fun to see how chubby Mr Harrison has become. Calvin is so happy! It is hard not to smile at how happy Harry makes us...just looking at that round little face! (snatched the picture from fb...not sure how to make it bigger.)

A Grateful Heart!

2011-07-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

It has been a little of two years ago, we were facing open heart surgery for our little man Tate. We plan to celebrate every year, Tate being "whole hearted!"

I am amazed at how Ashley and Ryan handled an very difficult situation with such faith and courage. I took this picture as they headed into he PICU to see their baby boy.
I will forever be grateful for the love and support so many of you sent. The "heart" thoughts and prayers, made all the difference. We expected to be nervous but all three of us were flooded with peace during the entire surgery. Thank you again for "holding" us up during this time.

What an amazing boy this is!!! He is the strongest person I know. I am so grateful to be his grammy. Tate today is a very happy, healthy, and busy almost three year old. He keeps us smiling and always, always grateful. We are so blessed!!!!

Me and my girl

2011-07-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I realize just how lucky I am. I have a wonderful family. My parents loved me and always supported my decisions and choices. I chose the right life for me. I married the man I picked from all those others! I was blessed with five wonderful children and now the blessings of being a grandparent are mine. I love being grammy. I think I big part of that is this little girl. She is the leader of the pack. First grandchild. First and only girl. (so far:) She has always loved me more than I deserve. She thinks that I am funnier than I am. She thinks I am smarter than I am. She thinks I am way cooler than I am.

She has made becoming a grandmother so wonderful.

I think everyone should be so lucky to have a "Ryley" in their world.

She makes me realize that what I wanted to be when I grew up was......
.......a grammy.
Life is good. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to learn to be a grandmother. I am still trying to figure it out but we are having fun all along the way.

Life is so good. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a grandma, to be able to continue to love and nurture my children, by loving their children. I still make mistakes but I am sure enjoying the journey. Smiley Ryley, I love you!!

Calvin and the S'more

2011-07-10T18:42:00.001-07:00

Calvin was not sure about the whole fire pit thing.

But then after careful consideration....

and further study....

and much thought.... ...he is still not sure if it is worth getting that sticky!!!

Harrison Brandon Albright

2011-06-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

I will be doing lots of posts of this little man. Need to gather pictures from many cameras. Needless to say, he is perfect and we LOVE him. Sure looks alot like Calvin Mark!
7lbs 7oz.
19 1/2 inches
June 12th, 201

The after party for the ladies!

2011-06-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

We love Mai's nails. We felt a little bad that we came so late but they were stil open and we were thrilled. I so wanted to get Susan's toes ready for labor. We all went to support the effort. LOL Ashley was the designated photographer.(she does not like people touching her feet

Our little mama and her bump alias Harrison.

Emily getting her toes ready for tracting.

Laura had her toes done by Mia on her due date. It is good to know that these babies wait unilt the pedicures are done. Laura said that Harrison would come as soon as we got Susan ready. It worked!! Laura, you are so smart

Ash was suppose to get her toes in the shot but clearly she did not. Darn, guess we have to do it again.

The guys and "littles" after the party

2011-06-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

The pool is open but Tate's not sure

Jacks takes off!!!

Ryley is our little fish.

She and Sawyer are first into the pool.

Serious business< Mario Cart. So sad, that they have to play on our tv that is the size of a microwave! Why not use the 110 inch one in the basement??? Odd.

Bittersweet. At least Dad has two years to try to improve before Johnny comes home again.

Celebrating Missionaries!!!!

2011-06-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

Emily has been called to serve in the Alabama, Birmingham mission. John is serving in New Mexico, Albuquerque mission. Of Course this is cause for celebration!!!!How did these gorgeous babies grow up...it seems like yesterday they werebuilding snow forts and staging backyard weddings. Kate is graduated from Penn State. Lucas is begining his masters work. Laura is trying to keep up with that lil blonde tornado.....cullen.

Friends from two separate families that did not know each other before made fast friends in the playroom. Aren't kids great at that. We should be more like that.

Emmy and Patty. Thank you Patty for being a great example. Patty and Alisa Adams, started the mission chatter last summer. It is good to have the advise from those who have been there. Sister Missionaries Rock!!

Cousins! Love that Adam and Kelly could be there. They have adventures of their own to look forward to. Good luck Kelly with your next great adventure.

Fun faces!

2011-06-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

Tate!!!!

Miss Ryley and her grammy!!!!

The peanut gallery.

Jacks and Calvin learn the iphone.

Birdie and Jacks.

Some of our guests....

2011-06-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

My mother (center) was able to come and join in the fun day. She was the star of the show. Always had a circle of visitors around her. Catherine Surlis and Pam Schweitzer. We have been friends forever . They are family now. :)

John just loves having his picture taken.(not) but he was a good sport. (Thanks Tyler for forcing the issue!)

Can't have a party with out Beth!!! Emily was also happy to get sister missionary input from Meagan. (Meagan served a mission in New Zeland.)

Grandma Albright and Grandpa Albright came to see the missionaries one more time. Always fun to see them.

It was fun to see so many peeps come to wish them weel. We are blessed more than we deserve!!!

Party Food

2011-06-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

I never remember to write down how much of anything we used and how much we needed so I am going to keep track here. Sorry for the boring post.

Five dozen cupcakes

2 veggie pizza

2 7 layered dip

fruit salsa and cinnamon chips (doubled)

2 lg nugget trays

1 large orange chicken

4 dozen ham sandwiches

fruit kabobs-2 pinapples 2 lbs of strawberries 4 lbs of grapes

carrots and tomatoes 2lbs each

could have used one more of everything

served 101

grammy's new playroom!

2011-06-03T15:19:00.001-07:00

I was whining to Tim about not having a great place for my littles to set up shop and play.

He willingly(well almost) sacrificed a good section of the garage for a playroom. So now it is perfect. Right off the kitchen is my laundry room and now...GRAMMY'S playroom.

(Chris was able to make a dutch door for me!)

It is a happy blue color with white wainscoat.

We reused cabinets from the garage to store games and puzzles.

For Christmas Chris and Laura gave us this beautiful bookcase.

(Chris is handy with the tools!)

Tim bought me this cute little kitchen. So far the most used part of the room.
(thanks to Ashley the super shopper for the lead.)

Gotta love IKEA.

Balls are a must.

When the littles are out of the room,

we often find Nick and John

playing dodge ball or knee hockey.

Tim also bought a fabulous craft table.

It serves a dual purpose...fun to play

but also blocks the door to the pool .

With grandbaby Harrison expected any day

and Grandbaby # 7 coming at Christmas time,

we are ready to PLAY!

My missionaries!!!!

2011-03-08T18:53:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to announce that these two adorable characters are about to receive their mission calls. (no! not Chip and Dale.) John and Emmy!!! We have been waiting and waiting. Emmy says she will get the call tomorrow. She has class and wold get the mail until 6:30 mst. She thinks john's will come on Thursday. We are so excited and grateful.(Aren't they cute?)

Grandbabies updated

2011-02-22T09:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Ashley! She updated the pics of our littles on the side of my blog page. Aren't they adorable?
Nick and Susan are adding to the team, a boy in June!!!

Grammy! You forgot to blog Famly Fantasy Football draft?"

2011-02-19T20:02:00.000-08:00

Lap tops at the ready. The teams were painstakingly chosen. (Aunts, Uncles,and cousins all over the country logged on to get their teams ready.) They had lots of fun. John and Emmy logged in @BYU. ASh and Ryan in South Carolina. Adam in Virginia,Dave in San Diego. Kev and Jeff in New York. Dad was serious. He studied his plan in the office.

I think Chris won. I really stopped caring about football, when the Patriots lost. Bring on March Madness!!!

It's been awhile.....

2010-09-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

I must apoligize for my non blogging. I learned how to post pics on facebook and it was so easy that I forgot I had a blog. I will try to be better at posting here as well. I need to get my camera fixed.HAhaha. It is taped together from the many times I have dropped it on the floor.

My sister Linda send this picture to me this morning. We had such fun at this time fo the year. The fall soccer season. My best guess is that Ashley and Adam were playing on the same soccer team and we were there to watch and support them. What cute kids we have!!! (Dave is in blue Nick in green emmy in pink and laura in the green sweater and saddle shoes!)How adorable!!! Thanks linda for the blast from the past.

Sleeping boys

2010-04-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

Cullen crashed beofre his blessing.

Tate fell asleep in his chair waiting for dinner.

Jax snoozes between sessions of conference.

Calvin crashed on the couch.

John has taught them all well. LOL Uncle John leds the pack in snoozing. It must be genetic.

Aunt Ashley meets Cullen

2010-04-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

She finally got here and got to hold her baby! Ashley has been trying to get here forever! She wanted that baby right away. Cullen was here waiting when the crowd got it from the airport.She was not thrilled I was taking pictures after she had driven four hours and then flown 5 hours with three lottles but she was distracted by the newest Albright. He was happy to meet his cousins too but the camera got lost int eh shuffle.

Cullen spits up!

2010-04-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

We didn't think it would ever happen, but ......He did spit up. We were quite shocked. I called Laura and she came running with a cloth. I told her "no, go get the camera!" LOL we sure are having fun. He was so proud of himself or he felt a lot better!.

Wow..this happened weeks ago. Look at all that hair. He has lost a bunch of hair int he front and now the new hair is super blonde. He has already changed so much.

Little yoga boy!

Twenty three and glad to BE!!!

2010-04-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

This year the March girls both turned 23. Some were happeir than others about this. LOL Susan went to visit her "actual" family, and when she returned Laura had turned 23 also. We had a cook out and lots of chocolate. It has been a great year. Laura became a mom for the first time and Susan got out of Rexburg! We are so grateful to be albe to celebrate each other. Life is good!!!

Gundell Salad

2010-04-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

Long ago my Grandmother would make a macaroni tuna salad for most family cook outs. She always decorated the top with veggies to make a face. My Grandmother, Helen Gundell became fondly known by my children as "Gundell". She was a teeny tiny little old lady that was kinda a spitfire. She could be found every Friday nite in a local pub called the Ugly Mug, having a fish fry and doing the polka with her purse on her elbow. She always bought my children each their own pack of "gundell" cookies. She may not have been the traditional women you think of when you hear the word Grandmother but she was mine and I loved her.

My mom has taken over the duty of making the "gundell salad". Lots of my children love it. It was all Susan requested for the birthday dinner. ( the chocolate cake was implied) Thanks mom for keeping the tradition alive...another generation of silly salad faces....it is a good thing!

First trip to Grammy and Papa's

2010-03-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

One quick text..."I've got a baby over here"..... and Mrs Jones was through the door. She was also able to visit Chris and Laura (with yummy Coldstone) in the hospital. She is a big fan of Cullen's even if she wishes he was named Harry.They look like they will be fast friends. We love Mrs Jones!!!

Krista Noble came by to see our cute little bug. He is so relaxed and happy to be held. She needs to log in her time before she has to move(tear!)

AHHH! Doesn't get any better than this! My parents are in love! They love all the great grands but it is always nice to hold a days old little one. My mom tried to take Cullen to put him in his bassinet and my dad asked if there was room enough for him to cuz he was not ready to give him up. So sweet.

Pa, as my kids call my dad ..... with little Cullen. I am so grateful to have them so close by. Laura tells me they were able to skype with Chris's grandmother in Utah on Sunday.... so she could see her first great grandchild. Don't you love technology??!! Wish we could get her out here in person....maybe they will be able to take Cullen to see her soon.

Gigi!!!! My mom was so happy to get her hands on Mr Cullen. She misses the greats out in Idaho. It is a special thing to have this experience. She was about to be there in the room when Cullen was born. She thinks we ought to keep him.

At home with Cullen

2010-03-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Calvin is so happy to have a baby in the house. he wanders the house saying..."want it...want it..."He wants to hold the baby.He is so cute...says "nice" and pats his head. He puts a finger up to his lips and "shhhhhs" is when we are talking to much. So funny

Susan is so happy to finally get to hold him. She is such a help ...how nice to have another set of hands in the house.

I worked and worked to get that pacifer in. He will take it from me and Susan...but not from Laura. LOL why take a real pacifer when you have THE mom!

Cullen looks like a little prince!

So strong!

2010-03-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

Somebody better tell Cullen that he is only 3 day old baby.

He is so strong that he just picks his head up and looks around.
He is so dang cute. I can hardly stand to put him down.

Cutest little bug!

Hone again , home again...jiggedy jig!!!

2010-03-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

Cullen came home on Sunday while I was at a church meeting. so i didn't get the green sweater pictures. (there are some fear not!) He did if fact wear it home. We are doing a photo session tonight with it for fun. He was so sweet just laying on Chris and Laura's bed. I could not help but take a picture...or two ...or five.

He rarely cries but it makes me want to laugh. He is very serious about it. He is so cute!

My first attempt at a picture of his cute little feet. I will get better at it. He is happy to have that hospital tag off!

Back to sleep. What a great life!

My Dad always says that babies sleep so much cuz they are busy forgetting everything. they have just come from our Heavenly Father and they know it all. Here is Cullen busy forgetting.

Cullen day 2 in the hospital

2010-02-27T15:36:00.000-08:00

Cullen and his bff in the basinette.

Really his skin is so perfect.

Papa holding the boy.

Great Aunts Debby and Linda came to visit. They brought treats to barter for time holding the perfect baby. debby said it has been lots of years since she held a newborn but you would never know...she is a champ! He loves being held.

Linda brought pretty flowers. Debby brought "Birth" day cupcakes from Our favorite...Cakes Plus!!! YUM.

Cullen Joshua Jarvis

2010-02-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

Cullen Joshua Jarvis born 02-19-10 @ 10pm exactly. Weight 8.12lbs 21 1/4 inches long Light brown hair and currently blue eyes. All I can say is he is perfect! What a blessing.

Oh to hold a new baby!!!!

2010-02-27T15:10:00.000-08:00

Papa finally gets in the room. (we had him snoozing in the lobby for a while.LOL)

Aunt susan gets a turn. She has been waiting for a long time. For weeks she keeps saying.."i just wanna hold him"

great Aunt Linda takes a turn. Cullen is getting used to the idea that he belongs to a very large family. We all want him! He is a patient boy....happy to be passed aroudn to all the loving hands that want to hold him.

Cullen and his Gigi. (Ryely started calling my mom gigi...for great grandma) It fits. She is a fun lady who is a blessing in our lives.

Daddy!!! Cullen seems to know he is with his Daddy. So happy! Life is good!

He's here!!!!

2010-02-27T14:58:00.000-08:00

41 weeks...2 days of induction....2 hours of pushing...Cullen arrives!

He is the first one of the births, of my grandchildren, I have been able to attend. It was really something to see..... how alert and aware he was right from the beginning. Laura and Chris have a video on their blog that Linda took. It is amazing.

With about 20 mnutes left to push. Susan and my mom arrived. It was the first for them too. My mom got to go to laura's sonogram. 3 childrena nd 10 grandkids and now 5 great grandkids and she gets to see one born. It was very special to have her there. )Thanks Susan for bringing her!)

Out favorite nurse Beth! She ws so great. (notice Linda making sure the Dr is doing everything just right!LOL)

Of course Gigi has a teddy bear to present as soon as Cullen arrives!

Life is good after the Epidural!!!

2010-02-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

Lots of waiting. Laura was so much more comfortable after the epidural......so we are all happier!

Chris saved the world on his lap top.

Linda worked on a cross stitch sampler. It sure is handy to take along your very own Dr. (my sister linda is a retired OB/GYN... she delivered Laura almost 23 years ago.) She made us all feel better. she checked the moniters and was happy that the staff seemed to be on top of everything.

Laura was able to sleep for a bit before showtime!

Our best friend!!!! Gotta love a full epidural machine.

Celebrting Nick's Graduation

2010-02-26T18:15:00.000-08:00

Pa and Gigi came to dinner to help us celebrate Nick's graduation form BYU Idaho. It kinda got lost in the moving across the country and the snowstorm and Christmas. But we finally got to have a family dinner. Pa broguth a couple of his horns over to give to Nick. Calvin was very interested!

Cal wants to just do it!!! Not really ready for instruction yet. Just give it to me!!! I got this!

Wow! It sounds way different when Dad plays!!! So darn cute!

The Albright family and the cake. Laura was so happy they only had polka dots cakes...that is our story and we are sticking to it!

Congrats Nick! We are so proud of you . All of you!

yummy tradition

2010-02-26T17:29:00.000-08:00

We have a family tradition of making gelza for holiday parties. it is like an egg roll type thing. I am not sure if that is even close to the name it is suppose to be. That is what we have called it for years. It is a recipe given to us by friends from Bowie ward who made it on there missions.(Garrison's!) Tim and I used to make it for New Year's Eve. It is a really long process...(i hate it) Laura took over years ago....my part. this year she helped her dad at Christmas but hen we wanted more for New years or Super bowl or just to have more(LOL) So Susan volunteered to learn the passed down process of gelza with Dad. It really is so good. I am so happy to have new helpers. Last year it was Ryan.

Photo Op!!! Susan puts the filling in and seals the won ton wrappers...Dad is in charge of frying them. John and I fight over who gets to test! Yum

Back to work...this is serious business!

Calvin comes to Town

2010-02-26T17:22:00.000-08:00

Johnny is happy to have the help doing his wash!

Calvin looks a bit like Pa taking a walk around the pool.

Love the hat...wonder where he got that??? LOL

Cal found a great hiding spot behind the baby grand at Aunt Linda's.

Sunday afternoon....reading with Papa.

more Christmas

2010-02-26T15:47:00.000-08:00

Calvin loved his kitty. If you give a kitty sprinkles...he's gonna make a mess...great book!

Uncle Johnny bought Pokemon stuff...so cool.

Scout......no susan is not reading to scout. He is too excited that Christmas is here.

We had what we thougth was a big storm at eh time. Dad and Chris had to go rescue Emmy who could only get as close as Cleveland. We got to shovel...the pregnant girl just came out for a phot op.

Bares repeating...happy boy!

Christmas 2009

2010-02-26T15:36:00.000-08:00

Out tradiational picture on the stairs is getting harder the more we grow. We had Christmas in the basement for the first time.

Santa came!!!!

Clearly the guys placed the gifts under the tree. Ummmm seams go under!

Calvin starts the ripping. His basketball career is about to begin!

Studying the technique. Ready for the big leagues.

The night before their world changes!!!!

2010-02-18T20:18:00.000-08:00

The birthing suite is very nice. A big homey room. We were tesing them and they were so DONE with having pictures taken.(just wait till tomorrow!)

Everything is hooked up and ready to go but we really don't expect anything until the Dr comes in the morning.

more of the room.

Is't she cute??? She is a bit nervous but this time tomorrow...she will be a mama!

Ready , get set,....go!

2010-02-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

After teh last Dr appt...(with no change) We needed to raise the spirits of the mama. Off we went to Mai's(our favorite!) They love Laura there! Could not wait to hear all the news. (It has been awhile since she has been) She got a pedicure/manicure and the eyebrows done. She felt much better and is ready to go!!!

Forty weeks!!!

2010-02-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

Took Laura to her appointment and she got to have a non stress test. They hooked up the monitor and she was to push a button when she felt the baby move. It was fun to hear the constant heartbeat. He is doing great. (Laura said she felt like she was on a game show with the button. She kept saying things like "Who is the king of Persia") Hilarious!

At the door to the office. Thought it would be fun to have all the names of the Dr's of course she wanted me to hurry before anyone came so...we can't read the names. Growl.

The clean up continues

2010-02-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

We had the full support of the pregnant girl but we would not let her shovel.

John and i made short work of the remaining snow in the driveway.

John trying to decide how to get the snow to stop dripping on us.

see i told you she was supportive. (LOL)

Note to self...do not shovel for hours in black leather flip flops. the bottom of my feet is stained black and will not scrub off...time for a pedicure!

Let it snow ...let it snow....let it snow!!!!

2010-02-12T18:12:00.000-08:00

Dues to inclement weather...our cook out will have to be rescheduled....sike!

Our pool is gone!

Traffic jam in the driveway. This was early in the day of the second storm. You can see the 44 inches of snow at the corner of the sidewalk. Ugh!

Some cool icicles on the back of a neighbor's house.(LOL get it cool...icicles...okay...i will stop now.)

My lil bug has been exiled to the street. It is a sad sad day. Nick and John unearthed it. Before this it looked like an igloo. I was concerned that the plow would just push it down the street.

Time to Bake

2010-02-12T18:02:00.000-08:00

Laura has not had a bunch of cravings during her pregnancy. But she has made a lot of noise about sugar cookies. During the storm...I got busy......

Love thse big cookie sheets Debby gave me!
I think I need another cooling rack.

The key to a good sugar cookie..is tupperware! Seriously...need an airtight container.

Not as cute as Ashley and the littles but they are pink and some sparkle!!! She loved them!

Fabulous Shower!!!!

2010-01-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

Katie Higgins and Lieu Boyd gave Laura a fabulous baby shower. We had such fun. It was a wonderful night of love and support. Thank you everyone!!!

Katie is a great party planner. Everything was perfect. I love that she even wore polka dots...Laura's favorite!!!! Thank you Katie, you rock!!!!

Fabulous Family!!!

2010-01-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

Laura with her silly old mom.

Laura and Susan.

My mom....... the kids call her GiGi

mom of three

grandma of ten

Great grandma of 4 1/2

My sisters. Debby and Linda.

Fabulous gifts!!!

2010-01-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

Kami made a diaper cake! It is so cute we don't want to take it apart...and we won"t have to for a while.

Kindda makes you dizzy doesn't it. There were so many! So much love and support. It is a humbling thing.

I couldn't stand it...I had to get a close up look at everything. so much fun stuff!

Julene made laura a beautiful bracelet. Her sweet baby's name. Cullen.

Deni made this huge quilt. Love the polka dots.

Fabulous Friends!

2010-01-09T13:26:00.000-08:00

So many great ladies! Lieu and Rachel....Molly and Jessica in the background. Jan, Megan and Rachel.

Kathy, Maureen, Sharon and Angie.

Julene, Kathy and Jan. (Julene and Jan won the game)

gma, GayLynn, Lieu, Patty Allison, Krista and kathy during fire drill.

Fabulous Endings!!!

2010-01-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

The food was so yummy! Lieu is a genious(thanks Alli) mini potato skins...so good. Chicken ballwith blue cheese sauce. Spinach tarts, grapes and cheese. Heart shaped cupcakes and Katies heart peppermint cookies.

Homemade hot chocolate! Laura's favorite!

Sweet treats made by Katie.

Hearts for our Valentine Boy

Cutest favor ever....microwave popcorn with the cutest tags"About to POP!!!!" (love the Cullen Crest)

Linda's pictures from the shower

2010-01-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

Kelly, me and my mom!!!!

Anna and Joanna checking out the cake.

Laura, susan, Grandma Bright, Debbie, Jamie!!!! and a mountain of gifts!

Possibly the most photographed cake since the wedding.

Calvin wants to help out.

My baby is having a baby!!!!!

2010-01-02T19:15:00.000-08:00

Laura is so darn cute! she still feels great. Now that it is January we can say ...next month Cullen will be here! This time has flown by for me. Of course it is much harder for Chris and Laura! It is hard to believe that it is really happening. Laura was my middle baby...the one who needed to be touching my skin every minute of her awake life. We have been blessed with 4 wonderful grandchildren.Ryley, Jackson, Calvin and Tate. We are adding to the team. Cullen is due on Valentines Day!!! Life is good!

One of Laura's favorite students came to the shower. They bonded last year cuz Laura was missing her neice and Kendall reminded her so much of Miss Ryley! It was great to have jamie and Kendall at the shower.

love cakes plus! love love love that they put up with our crazy party themes! It was a wild time.
Laura was of course wearing her 5 inch zebra stripe shoes. It might be good that she is having a boy...one diva in the family will be enough for Chris!

Wildly waiting for Cullen

2010-01-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

What a fabulous day! My sisters Debby and Linda , and my emmy gave Laura a baby shower today. Em made the invites and Ashley found the wording....

"We're wild with excitement...laura's tummy is expanding...t
he day os getting near....let's gather all together before the baby's here."

So cute. They used zebra...(very laura withthe black and white!) My mom got this cute piggy bank that set the mood...FUN!

Cakes Plus does it again! What a great job they did with the cake! Used the invite to be inspired!

The food was sooooo good. Chicken salad stuffed in puffs. Spinach/strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing. Veggies and dip....fresh pineapple strawberries and cherries!!! Laura was sirprised to see chocolate dipped strawberries too. (that is ususally her job!)

Evertyhing was wonderful. Thanks for the wonderful party. We are so excited!!!!

More Shower pics!!!

2010-01-02T18:12:00.000-08:00

We had such a great time. We can hardly wait until Cullen gets here so we can play dress up. We missed our Ashley. I know how much she wanted to be here. We can't wait unitl you are here too! We are saving you a spot in the picture. Love you.

And so it begins.......

2009-12-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

Laura hosted a cookie exchange. I made Aunt Rosemary's sugar cookies. I got a new snowflake cutter. they really are prettier than they look I used the holly to use up the scraps. And we had our secong annual Fudge Day with Gma Albright. She bought us a new fudge making pan. It worked great. We might try to do another batch all on our own. Yummy!

Thanksgiving at Debby's

2009-12-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

I really meant to take more pictures. We had a wonderful day. It was fun to see Kevin.(He is hilarious) and Adam and Kelly...love the green beans! Even got to see Scott and Nicki on the computer. It was a great meal and wonderful company. We took some time to remember Our Larry. He is always tied to Thanksgiving in my heart. He is so much a part of all our holiday celebrations. What a gift he had for making everyone laugh. We shared our favorite Larry stories and we could have gone on all night. He is sorely missed. It seems like the perfect way to celebrate his birthday...as many of us together. Those who were not able to be there still sent their stories and helped warm us with memories of Larry....we are so thankful to have had him in our lives.

Black Friday!!!!!

2009-12-12T15:05:00.000-08:00

I went alone this year. Didn't want laura slowing me down..lol I shopped and shopped! I love American Eagle...can I just say that again? I love American Eagle. I had shopping bag marks on my wrists for two days. But I got good stuff! 40% off!!!! I shopping till the lil bug was dragging. Christmas , here I come!

Thanksgiving project!

2009-12-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving baskets!!!!!!

2009-12-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

Once again our ward put together baskets for local familes in need. This year with the gorwth of the ward we also grew our goal. We made 110 baskets. It is so much fun to put them together and then we delivered a few. Tim and I got to take five to families inteh Crofton area.

Just in case....

2009-11-17T20:20:00.000-08:00

There might be tears on Friday at the midnight show....we are prepared! I forced Laura to design these fabulous tissue covers! She did a great job...with minimal grumbling.

We made twice as many Edwards...so ther you Jacob fans!

I can hardly wait for the big night!

Let the games begin!!!!!!

2009-11-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

A few ladies gathered tonight to start to set ready for the New Moon. It was the first time I got to see Charlotte! So adorable. Meagan, Katie, Charlotte, Molly and Jessica get ready for the game.

Jan, Debby and Marija are the newest to the Twilight madness, but held their own in the Scene it game.

Laura has tissue packs for the whole gang on Thursday for the saddest movie ever. Team Edward and Team Jacob...it is time to make a choice!

Of course we needed snacks to give us strength while we debated the books and movie.

It was red Kool Aid, But Rachel sent the idea to label it with blood types. Yum. I was so sad that Rachel was not able to come. this was her idea. Get better quick Jason!

We had fun and are so ready to see the movies on Thursday/Friday!

Gorilla Calvin!!!!

2009-10-28T18:53:00.001-07:00

These pics are all backwards so we start at the end of the nite. He was so happy to sit on grammy's Bug and watch the others kids trunk or treat! Mostly making lulu laugh.

I picked a firefighter coat and hat but they were too big..today we found a gorilla that was perfect!

He was so cute at the church. We kept him from the gym. What a mad house. He was happy to play with the water fountain and wander. I wonder what children this age think we are all doing on Halloween. I am sure it is super confusing to them.

He got the hang of his pumpkin real fast. Again the cutest gorilla in the world!

He had NO interest what so ever in wearing the hat. So we waited until he feel asleep int eh car to put it on him.

So cute. He is going to be so tired of that hat by Saturday! We are so glad that Susan's sister got married this month .....and that she and Cal got to go to NC for a few weeks and that we could steal them for a few days.

From my son.....

2009-10-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

Nick sent me this picture! After the snowy game on Sunday... five touchdowns in a quarter. End score 59-0 Hard not to see the halo and wings....

Happy Birthday My Ryley!!!!

2009-10-12T05:46:00.000-07:00

She is funny!

She is talented!

She is smart!

She is beautiful!

Happy 5th birthday Ryley...we love you!

2009-10-12T05:39:00.000-07:00

Linda come home!!!!!!

2009-10-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Linda has been out of the country forever...well it feels like forever. she joined Ed in Africa for a 2 week safari. We are missing her something ...fierce...get it safari...fierce??? Sometimes I just crack myself up! Just come home already.

Man's Best Friend

2009-10-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

Chris was not feeling well and got here late for dinner. He invited Sawyer to sit with him. (He is the only one who gets away with that) Sawyer loves Chris and he sat the whole time chris was eating. Chris tried to get Sawyer to take some roast...but Sawyer just sat and waited for Chris to eat his dinner. So funny. That dog loves Chris!!!!

Last Zinnias of the season

2009-10-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

Tim planted zinnia's from seed this year and we had such fun watch them grow. We got tons of butterflies and 4 yellow finches everyday. It was like being in a nature show. I truly felt like snow White. We made lots of bouquets and shared the fun. This is the last day. I pulled out the plants and had one more bouquet!

Painting Pottery!!!!

2009-10-06T05:17:00.000-07:00

We had so many things we wanted to do while Emmy was home. this was one of the best. It is a great thing to do with a
group. We all had a blast. (emmy was not feeling great but she was a trooper and endured!)We ca't wait to go again! The whole gang.Kate,Emily, Laura, me Linda, Debbyand Grandma. John(standing)

Hard at work...Oh the concentration!

The joy when the project is finaished!

We had such fun. You can't really tell from the pictures but we did. Made some Christmas surprises. SHHHHH!

Thank You!

2009-07-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

Words can't begin....

...to express...
...the gratitude...

...we feel...

...for all the love...

...support...

...kind, encouraging, & uplifting words...

...and especially for the Prayers...

...on Tate's behalf!

I get really emotional every time I think about it. There's no way I could imagine everything going just as smoothly as it did. By all accounts I should have been a nervous wreck. I should have been freaking out. I wasn't. I was calm. I was sure everything would be okay. The thought that things could go wrong wasn't even on my radar.

The only way this was possible was because of all the thoughts and prayers on our behalf. I know its true. My testimony of the power of prayer has swelled to new heights. We are so grateful for each and every one of you.

Thank You!

-ashley

The Cocoa Bean!!!

2009-07-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took the girls and the grandbabies to The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe. We all tried something different, everything was yummy!

New post Finally!!!

2009-06-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

I know it has been awhile but.... my camera got smashed in my purse. Then after a period of mourning...I got tim to try to get the pics off and on to the computer. It is a magical thing cuz I have no idea how he did it but they are there. Now it has been so long I can't remember what i have posted and what i have not. I don't think you all want to revisit christmas but I am not promising I won't go there. lol While Calvin was here(oh yeah...his mom and Dad were here too) We took lots of fun pictures. He was always a little nervous when i got out the red camera. Do you feel his fear? lol He was a good sprot.

Mr Cal

2009-06-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

I have not blogged in forever. though I would go back and post some pics of Cal from when he was here. Susan went to take a shower and we had a photo shot. He is so cute.

I am seeeing ANTM here!

Dimples!

So dang cute!

Really wants to have the camera.

2009-06-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

More Christmas.... Tate's stocking

2009-05-15T06:37:00.001-07:00

Here is the newest member of the family....modeling the newest stocking of the family!

He is number 28......

and he is great!

Yay!

2009-04-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Ashley is fabulous....she is the person in charge of making my blog look pretty.
Bravo...love the colors....
....... Thank you for takign such good care of my blog. You rock.

Johnny's new kicks

2009-04-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

John finally got the Sperry's I had tried to get him for Christmas. Wrong color then the wrong size. He loves them ...so much that he wore them too much and got sore spots on his heels. We fixed him right up with pink heart bandages. Always fashion forward!

What............ the dogs do this all the time????

2009-04-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

These squeaky balls are all over the hosue. They belong to Sawyer. CAl wants in. He really loves the dogs and secretly wants to be a dog.

I am sure there are those that are totally grossed out but I thinkit is adorable. He is so getting these balls to make the dogs mad.

Making sure Sawyer sees him with the ball. lol

Man, we miss this little boy...he is back in Idaho...away from all the dogs gross toys.

Pa and Cal

2009-04-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

There is a very strong connectin going on here. Pa is very interested in Calvin. He is a serious boy. Not long before the Albright's had to head back to Idaho...Calvin learned to walk. He didn't do it often but nick put him down to show off his skills and Cal surprised us by turning away from his nick...............and walked to Pa. Arms stretched up and Pa picked him up. Nick thinks they are connected. they both love music. Nick thinks Cal can "sense" that Pa is a musical man. they "get" each otherI need to search out more pictures of these two.

Take me out to the ball game!!!!

2009-04-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

Susan, Nick and Cal meet hall of Fame first baseman...Boog Powell.

Happy Family @ the park...they need to use them in their commercials!

The dream begins... Cal loved the ball park. He was so interested in everything. He was "at home" too bad his buddy Cal Ripken was not there this night. We did however take him to fan assistance and get a official certificate of his first Oriole game. So nice of them.

Ready for the game. Someday he will beon the field playing for the o's...an we will remember the night we first brought him to the yard.

End of the nite...still an O's fan.

2009-04-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here is Calvin trying to get our section to do the wave.

Serious situation. bases loaded and no outs...the Rays might come back.

heading to the playground for a bit.....

chocolate ice cream always hits the spot.....

It was scarf give away night. It was not that cold but we had to model the new accessory! O's win and a good time was had by all.

Little baker!!!!

2009-04-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

Ryley had a tough day at the dentist today so I thought I would make another venture into the Christmas pictures to amuse here. Her she is getting ready to bake cookies on ....you guessed it..."cookie day"

I used to know how to turn the pictures but my camera died and Tim dumped all the pics on the computer and it think it had to turn at the time of dumping...(technical term.)

She is so fun to bake with.Ca't wait until we get to do it again!

Calvin Mark Phillips Albright

2009-04-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

So dang cute!

Laughing as we discuss Twilight.

Really laughing because we are still discussing Twilight.

Tired of us discussing Twilight.

Sternly telling us to STOP discussing Twilight.

Christmas fun

2009-04-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

a zillion years ago..Ashley bought this Franklin doll for Nick. (He loved Franklin the turtle) Cal loves playing with Dad's old toys. So cute to see them playing together.

More Christmas flashbacks

2009-04-07T16:02:00.000-07:00

GG came one morning and brought sprinkle donuts. They were a big hit. By the end of the trip I had them liking my favorite donuts ...double chocolate..they call them Grammy donuts.

jax makes short work of his donut. they really are super eaters...wonder where they learned that???

Chocolare Boy

2009-04-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

Calvin looks like a Phillips, but he eats like an Albright!

Come to think of it...susan eats chocolate like an albright too!

Sleepy Cal!!!!

2009-04-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

He looks so cute in his yellow skeeper. A little chick ready for the nest.

So sweet. It has been nice to have him here for the time of Nick's internship. We sure will miss him when they go next week.

The Ladies go to Tea!!!!

2009-04-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

We have two birthday girls in March. Susan and Laura got to go to tea at a fancy hotel in Baltimore. We have gone to tea at several differnt spots over the last few years in Washington, Maryland and Virginia. We think this summer we will do one at home. We can do this!

It was amazingly cold. But warm hearts help...the valet guy loved the hats.

Laura looking like a movie star.

Susan loved the library. They didn't have one copy of Twilight! I should donate one of my many copies. ha ha. um no!

Up the staircase. Susan wore laura's wedding shoes. We love pink!

Time for Tea......Harbor Court Baltimore

2009-04-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we were a bit early and had fun exploring the hotel.

Laura is old hat at tea...she knows the drill.

Susan's first formal tea. She looked fabulous.

Grandma giving instructions. Another generation is coming up!

susan wanted to full experience. So she strained her hot water. LOL she added lemon. It was a fun day.

More from tea time

2009-04-07T15:31:00.001-07:00

The proper way to eat a scone was a topic of great interest. lol The other ladies in the hotel so wish they had my hat!

Short work was made of the fancy sandwiches. Linda had to eat my salmon. (ewww)

We really didn't plan to color co ordinate but we are very "in the zone" for high tea.

We sat next to the window at the restuarant. National Aquarium ou the window.

The ladies at Tea.

Boys will be boys...

2009-04-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

even old ones. After totally school dad on the weighs downstairs, Nick took his licks in arm wrestling.

Chris was in charge of keeping everyone honest. Laura was in charge of Dad's fashion accessories

Valentine Love Bug

2009-04-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

Laura's class made themselves into Love Bugs. Laura brought one home for Calvin. He was not that impressed. But oh so cute!

Dancing in the kitchen

2009-04-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

I KNOW that I will be in big trouble but someday when they are old and greying(loke me now) they will look back fondly at the days of dancing in the kitchen. It is a wel honored tradition....usually during cooking but here we see the ladies dancing on New's Years Eve. this may or may not be deleted...the jury is out.

Emmy was trying to teach her famous tornado move...it is very hard to duplicate. She is put together in such a way that is is easy for her. No so for the rest of us.

Laura could see me with my camera so she is very sneaky. Needless to say the house was rocking.

Spring time!

2009-04-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Nancy brought me some tulips last week. they were the most beautiful color. I put them in my room and enjoyed them every day. ( I forgot how to turnt he dang pictures....sorry Tina.)

DVD release!!!

2009-04-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

We had a great time! Katie and Jim came for dinner...introduced us to Killer Bunnies. Nick and Susan had played before. Chris and Laura are still on the fence.lol(Oh my!) Tim and I drove down to Borders early to get the reserved wrist bands. Came back just in time for me to win the game! lol Here are the dvd's they rolled out at midnight.

The party was much better than the one we went to last August. We went to Bowie this time.

I knew the answers to all the trivia questions.... I let the other 12 year olds answer but i got mad when they got them wrong. They were stumped at one point and i raced to the playing area to help my team( I had wandered away) I got there and gave the answer to a team mate...she tried real hard to get it to the team captain but she would not listen. I was right! lol

My Maryland Twilight girls. Gotta love them!

Scout misses Emmy!

2009-04-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

I do I do!

Aunties are always fun.

2009-04-07T12:52:00.001-07:00

Linda came to say good bye at the end of the Gould's trip...Ryley would not let go of her.

I think Linda actually considered keeping her...or going to Idaho with her.lol

Debby gets to know Tate. He is a mama's boy but humored us and loved all the attention.

Tate!!!!

2009-04-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

This was during Chirstmas visit. What a sweetie Tate is......so tiny. He is learing to crawl now. Will be sad that his old Grammy is this far behind on posting.

Emmy and the pups.

2009-04-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

Emily misses her dogs when she is away and was happy to spend time with them during the holidays

New Years Eve!!!

2009-04-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

Love the Christmas PJ's this year..."Mom likes me best" shirts for the whole crowd. they all wore them on New Years while we played games. Gma, Pa and Debby stopped by and took some pictures. We really do need a photographer to follow us around and take pics of all the fun we have together.

Our crazy shot.

more snuggling

The official family photo.

Susan ...Team Edward???

2009-04-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

I thought she was a member of the wolf pack but caught her kissing my fridge. lol

Playing in the office.

2009-04-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

Calvin found my ribbbon drawer I used the wrapping paper to keep the drawer open so he would not smash his fingers.

more nite of the arts

2009-04-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

Black Bottoms...Nick's favorite.

Regen Adams and her mom made shamrock cookies.......Morgan made rice krispy treats.

Kathy and Kyla made the All american fave....chocolate chip cookies.