Our Joy

Tempest June
August 7, 2010

Excuse Me

Apparently I love YouTube.

But that's not important because the other day I saw this commercial and tracked it down on the internet. It's that important. Watch this video (please?) and then would someone explain to me...



what happened to freakin' Idaho?! Not only am I pretty offended, but my great Grandpa Vernal is rolling in his grave as I type. Watch out Lays, seriously. No one messes with the Idahoans.

5 Years

"you get to me like old time religion did
in my heart when I was a kid
you're sweet gospel music to my ears
you know how to ease all my fears
and from my heart to yours all I can say is
hey baby hey baby hey baby hey"

-Greg Brown

A Loss For Words

Remember this?


Today is a huge deal. In my wildest dreams I didn't even know if we would make it this far. What a ride. I only have one person to thank.

To: You, From: Me

Christmas this year was wonderful. Spent with my many families, here's a sampling of yuletide spirit- portrait style. Our family is probably a lot like yours.

We reluctantly smile for the camera.

We listen to our elders.

We rock in rocking chairs.

We play with our new toys.

We take cat naps by the tree.

We catch up with ones our own age.

We talk with family who live out-of-state. (And re-heat fudge sauce at the same time!)

We are wise.

We laugh.

We dress up for the nativity scene.

We adore the baby Jesus.

We play peek-a-boo.

We give presents...

even white elephants.

We make faces for the camera.

Hope yours was just as delightful!

I've Been Thinking A Lot About This One Lately

"If white is good and black is bad,
All my friends are gray or plaid."


My great uncle Pete deserves all the credit...

It's About Time!

Saturday Night Live has finally hit the nail on the head. Several times, in fact, since the newest season started. This was too funny not to share. Sorry Grandpa!

Balsamic Bereavement

Will they still make this? If not, my Grandma is going to have a sad salad.

Grandpa Weaver

The patriarch of my "other" family, this man is incredible. Featured both here and here, nothing comes close to meeting and seeing Max and his artwork in person. My personal favorites are his Red Rock landscapes of the early 1970's, the mosaic table in his family room, and various rings and pendants worn by family and friends.

Whole Fam-Damily

Here's the most recent photo of my mother's entire side of the family. And you just gotta love the chapel basketball hoop backdrop. With seven children, seven in-laws, twenty four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, we make a great looking bunch right?

Happy Anniversary!

I have had the privilege of living in my grandparents home not once, but twice. Both times I gave me a sneak peek inside their lives and I'm honored to say that they are some of the grandest people I know. Congratulations on 50 years together, I love you!

Happy Birthday Heather!

Today is my lucky sister-in-law Heather's birthday. By lucky, I mean me. I'm so glad you joined the family and were there to welcome me into all the craziness! Have a great day... this includes lunch somewhere special, okay?