Happy Birthday Jeanette!

July 20, 2010

Today is my great friend and next door door neighbor, Jeanette's, birthday.  Lucky her, she is celebrating it at the beach in California instead of sweating it out here in hot AZ.

Me & J in Flagstaff last summer.

Tuck (J's husband), Lori Braun, Jeanette & Cathy Massimi.

Little did I know when we moved in five years ago (almost exactly five years!!), that we would have the best next door neighbors ever.  Every member of the Bettin family is awesome.  But since it is Jeanette's special day, let me tell you about her.

She is very artistic and paints amazing art...I still am hoping she'll sell me her poppy painting, it's my favorite.  (Hint).
She is athletic and has inspired even old lazy me to go on an occasional walk.
She has the best porch parties on the block...not hard since they have such a great porch!
And best of all, she is a kind, thoughtful, generous, caring, dog-loving, fun, and gracious friend.

Oh, and she's an excellent hula-hooper...

She won the contest at ACC last fall.  

Happy Birthday J!!

Karen

Heaven

July 14, 2010

Tommy and I saw this beautiful view on Sunday late afternoon in Munds Park.  We agreed that the sun rays remind us of heaven.  Every time I see sun rays peeking through the clouds I think of my uncle Carlton up there and like to imagine it is his way of saying hello.  I always say hi back.  

Take a listen to this amazing song by Brett Dennen.

God bless you.

Karen

Bathroom Update

July 14, 2010

It's been much slower than I imagined it would be.  Coordinating different subs is a hassle, but it is coming together and I LOVE how it looks so far.  I adore the color so much I may paint my whole house that color.  Just kidding.  

I had a small glitch because the mirror I have looks itty bitty when we held it up today.  I ordered a larger one in a rectangle instead of an oval shape, but I think it will look better.  

Shower doors go in tomorrow.  The marble can't get installed until the 21st.  No sink till then.

I think  know Tom is ready to kill me.  He says the tile, that gorgeous shiny new subway tile, looks just like the old white tile.  Seriously!  I hope he will end up liking it even if he has hated the process.  

Look at those baseboards.  Ahh!  So tall and handsome.  

I also don't like how the glass knobs look on the vanity, so a trip to exchange those is on the agenda for tomorrow.  Grace will like that because they came from Anthropologie which happens to be right by Forever 21 in the mall.  Maybe that will make up for the trip to Lowe's to return the too-small mirror. 

Oh how I wish this little guy was bigger.  I've had to purge lots of bathroom "stuff" from the old vanity. 

To be continued...

Happy Birthday Katie!

July 3, 2010

OK, I'm very late, but bear with my lack of internet access in Flagstaff this summer.  Before we head back up, I have to wish Katie a belated happy 10th birthday!!

Katie is lucky to get a fireworks show every year for her birthday.  One of these years, I will be lucky and get to share her special day in person.
Her mom doesn't email me nearly enough photos, so I have to use old pictures from two years ago (hint).  She is, however, just as beautiful today.
We hope this sweet, kind, fun, smart American Girl had a lovely birthday.

Karen

Independence Day

July 4, 2010

Happy Fourth (or Seventh) of July!

The halterhome enjoyed Independence Day in the cool weather in Munds Park (near Flagstaff). 

I did miss the always-fun but unbearably hot Arcadia Parade.

Happy Birthday Grace!

June 29, 2010

Ten years ago today, this crazy kid was born.  She is truly unique.
I laugh at her and yell at her in equal measure. She's adorable and sweet when she is not being sassy.
She is very creative and funnier than the rest of our entire family put together.  I can't wait to see where her life leads her.  She's bound to do interesting things that I would never have the courage or spirit to think of, let alone try.  I love her like crazy.
Happy 10th Birthday Grace aka Gracie Goose, Dean, or Gigi.

here are some of my favorite Gigi pictures over the years...
The lamb in the church Christmas play

T-ball, love the big smile on her face

Crazy dress up days

She's got her mother's holiday-itis.  Here on 4th of July with Alex

And again with Alex, my all-time favorite picture of them

Talking to a statue in Boston

Another example or two of our crazy kid:

Love this one of Grace loving her lemon ice cream in Lopez Island one summer

Kathy got this amazing shot of the soccer All-star in action

Christmas morning 2009

Rockette for the Hopi Variety Show 2010

You are amazing Grace! I love you.

Karen

Pictures from Camp

June 28, 2010

The report: camp was fun, but not as much fun as anticipated.  Grace enjoyed herself but would not like to repeat the experience.  Hmmm.
Here are some pictures she took before the camera battery died (on day 2 of camp).  Unprepared mom didn't send her the charger.  Her friend is Alex.

They built this "structure" 

Cabin mates (they look so much older)

Grace's bunk, so neat.

Grace & Alex 

Friendship bracelets

"purse" Grace made in textiles (sewing)

Hamming it up in the Mess Hall

Wood crafts

More Hams!