Todd and LuCinda

IT'S A TOUGH ECONOMY

2009-03-08T12:15:00.009-06:00

So because of this tough economy Courteney has been trying hard to find a job that just isn't out there so she has been doing odd jobs here and there...
Ask any one of my girls, they will tell you, that I always ask them to do things for me, for a dollar, well I hardly ever pay but I know Courteney needs money so to make it a little interesting, I dared her to do something for $20.00.

Yes, folks that is creamer from Angies. She down two of them for Twenty bucks and this time, I did pay...

I must say, that has to be one of the fastest ways to earn money.

THREE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS...WOMEN.

2009-02-26T17:07:00.003-07:00

Okay so it has been awhile since I posted anything there really hasn't been much to talk about. This week has been a little rough for me, for obvious reasons. But I've been sort of under the radar with everyone and everything. So I just barely read Kirst's and Courte's blogs (that were posted a few days ago) and even though all I have done this week is cry I still had some cry in me. My girls are the best, all three of them. I have no idea what I did to deserve any of them but I got the three best girls in the world. Yeah they can be selfish and thoughtless at times but I know that they don't mean to hurt anyone. That is just part of being a teenage girl. Times like that were rare at our house and I am thankful for that. They are two of the most loving, caring women now. Really how many teenagers would spend every single weekend at the hospital with their little sister while she was getting a blood transfusion, not just that, but she was asleep a majority of the time she probably wouldn't have noticed if they were there or not, but they were always there...

I am so glad they understand the importance of family and good friends.

I have a hard time expressing how I feel about them most of the time, but a mom couldn't be proud of these three.

Kirsten, my little analytical, is always so determined, there are only a few things in this world that she wanted and didn't get. She works so hard for everything...

Courteney, my little free spirit, I used to worry about Courte but not anymore she found her way and is making such good choices. I am very proud of her and glad she is growing up...

Spenser, my little angel, she is so brave and strong and always said what was on her mind. She touched so many people in her ten years...

The last 24 years or so have been amazing and I wouldn't trade my life with anyone. I am very pleased to have been apart of each and every moment in these three lives. I love them all very much.

Todd's 44th birthday!

2009-02-09T21:54:00.011-07:00

This is how we celebrated Todd's 44th, at work as usual, but with lots of friends.

You have to love the cake! This picture was also photo copied and put on just about every surface in the building. You gotta love the 'stache and the mullet.

Dana posing for the camera.

Pride and Joy

Birthday's

2009-01-22T22:33:00.005-07:00

So this next week is full of birthday's..Starting tomorrow January 23th is Whitney's 16th, the 25th is Cardon's, the 26th is Spenser's and the biggest one of all is Todd's it is his FORTY-FOURTH BIRTHDAY!!!!
You should all call him and wish him a happy birthday. He really stresses over his age. So poke fun at him as much as you can.

More Pictures from Castillo Christmas Party 2008. Just for you, Nicky

2008-12-19T15:02:00.017-07:00

James, Justin and Jeni's son.

Courte and Hunter

Taryn and Amber

Katie Carpenter

This was the Too Cool wall. Brad, Robby and Tracy

Santa and Ali

Tish and her new baby, Taylee (I think)

Kellee and Tysen's brother

Courte and Santa

Must be Santa

Santa and G'ma and Gramps

Some of the Great Grand Children

Some of the Grandchildren

Castillo Christmas Party 2008

2008-12-17T16:35:00.002-07:00

This is how I will forever know my parents...Reaching out to everyone with a smile.

Look at them happy (for the most part) for almost 62 years! We should all be this lucky to spend your whole life with that one person.

ThanksGiving 2008

2008-11-28T23:24:00.012-07:00

My favorite holiday is ThanksGiving... I love it, I love getting together with family and just hanging out. This year was a just a little party, only a few of the crazy's showed up. And since Victoria rarely updates her blog I thought I add some pics of her and her chubby baby. Victoria and Ali
Baby Tish just had a baby on Monday and here is a four generation picture of Great-Grandma Castillo, Grandma Clark, Tish and Taylee, aren't they just cute as buttons.

Todd always the Rock. Anytime I need him.

Here are some pictures from Temple Square. I love, love Christmas lights and what better place to see them then on Temple Square in SLC. Courte, Me and Todd went down on Friday the night after Thanksgiving. I love it. It is like FireWorks in the cold. These aren't very good pictures but I think you can understand where I am coming from.

Todd and Courte in front what looks to me like a gingerbread house. I don't know what building it is, but it is cute.

Todd and Me

Me and Courteney

Tagged...

2008-11-25T19:20:00.004-07:00

I was tagged by Francene!

The Rules:
1. Post the Rules
2. Answer the 6 "8" Items
3. Let each person know they have been tagged

8 Favorite TV shows
1. The Biggest Loser
2. Criminal Minds
3. Two and a Half Men
4. The Office
5. Kath and Kim
6. Third Rock from the Sun
7. Dr. 90210
8. Dharma and Greg

8 Things I did yesterday
1. Overslept
2. Wished Tanner a Happy Birthday
3. Worried about Courteney
4. Worked
5. Ate with some sisters and neices, Todd and Courte
6. Didn't Lie
7. Went and saw Tish's new baby girl
8. Played internet games

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Training Table
2. Iggy's
3. Firehouse
4. Timbermine
5. Tony Roma's
6. Ruby Tuesday's
7. Sizzler
8. Fredrico's

8 Things I am Looking Forward To
1. Kirsten and Tanner coming home for Christmas
2. Charlie to come home from his mission
3. Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday)
4. My girls to have the best life ever
5. Another family vacation
6. Todd and me getting old and riding a Harley Davidson everywhere with a side car option
7. A remodeled home
8. Family Christmas parties forever

8 Things on my Wish List
1. To be as happy as I can be
2. To have my girls happy as happy they can be
3. To have my parents live forever
4. Be down to my goal weight before to long
5. To have a perfectly clean house everyday
6. For all my family to be healthy and happy and not want for anything
7. To be the greatest at whatever I want to do
8. To be with Spenser again one day (I wanted to end with the Best Wish)

8 People I Tagged
1. Todd Cole
2. Kirsten Cooley
3. Courteney Cole
4. Mandy Bell
5. Kelsie Wood
6. Susan Bryner
7. Haley Thompson
8. Jen and John

The Results are In and I am a Loser

2008-11-22T09:57:00.003-07:00

Okay I am a loser, not the biggest, in fact only second to last place. But hey that's okay, I have been losing weight since February and this was only part of what I have lost or intend to lose.
The results are - Weight Loss 8.2 lbs. Overall % Loss 4.82 Inch Loss 9.75. Not bad for an old lady, like myself. So far this year 17 percent overall. Yea! for me!

Body Bugg Ultimate Loser Contest

2008-11-17T20:26:00.004-07:00

Okay, this is the last week of this long contest. I must say I love watching the Biggest Loser on TV it is definately a whole other world living it. I am so bored right now I feel like giving up. But like I said 4 more days I can't give up now. I have done just what a normal person can do. 1lb per week, nothing to scoff about, I am pretty proud of myself. I really wanted to lose 10lbs in 8 weeks but 8 in 8 will do. I just need a change. Wish me luck!
Also I am starting a fund, The Replace the Boobies Fund. This weight loss has taken a lot out of the girls. So I not only have to continue to lose weight but now I have to start saving money and I am not really good at that.

Last Little While

2008-11-02T19:23:00.040-07:00

Rose from CandleLighters

Three trees that were dying in the backyard

Todd took them down with a little help from me.

I did load the trailer all by myself!

Daddy on his 84th Birthday!!!

Isn't my Dad Dreamy...I love him so much!

Courteney and Vic's baby Ali.

HALLOWEEN 2008 AT HRI

Stephanie

Kenzie and Dana

Caresa and Susan

Linda

Dr. Edward Durrant getting his 6th patent for Chem-Dry

Todd (aka the Hot Dog) getting his third Employee of the Month within 5 years

I think Craig is Wild Thornberry?? Is that right?

Dave and Ruth

Dr. Durrant, Sgt. Pepper, Mummy, Something geekish
and my Hot Dog Todd.

Ty and Courte aren't they just so cute,
I think they should get married soon,
to bad it isn't up to me. Ty is a wuss he wouldn't give blood.

FINALLY, A KID OF MINE REACH THE MINIMUM WEIGHT
TO GIVE BLOOD

Amber giving blood! Yeah good for her.

HRI Halloween Party

2008-10-31T20:45:00.013-06:00

So we had our Halloween Party today!!! Yea! Todd went as a weiner and I didn't dress up, I still have one more opportunity to dress up. I just don't know if I can make it. It is at a co-workers house but it doesn't start for another hour and that's past my bedtime and an old fart tonight. We'll have to see what happens.

Anyway today at our party Todd got "Employee of the Month". Pretty cool, huh. He wasn't even expecting it and I can usually guess who they are talking about but this one went right over my head. But wait, that isn't all that happened.

So we've been doing "The Biggest Loser" at work and I have been trying to slim down a bit (okay a lot). So I made Todd join Weight Watchers with me in February and of course he lost his weight rather quickly. But that little sucker is still losing weight. I tell him all the time he's done and needs to quit eating like a girl on a diet. But I think he enjoys telling people that he is still losing. We have officially become the skinny man with the fat wife. It's sad, I know. But he refuses to eat more and lift weights. Anyway back to the other good news, we've been doing this TBL contest sincs June sometime and well I came in third, so I won one hundred dollars, pretty awesome, huh. I should have been first but one girl changed birth control and lost automatically and another one is still nursing. Oh well, you win some, you come in third on others. I am way excited for both of them!
I'll post pictures from our party on Monday.

Halloween

2008-10-27T21:42:00.003-06:00

I am usually not a big fan of Halloween but Todd has been getting into it the last couple of years, so I think we will be having a good time with the Harris party and then I'm sure a really good time at one of our co-workers' party that night. She threatened that if I didn't show up in a costume that I would have to have 5 shots to get in the place. I am a little tempted to take the shots so I don't have to dress up. I guess we'll see.

LIFE CHANGES

2008-10-16T16:20:00.004-06:00

Okay in about 10 hours it will be exactly 8 years ago that my life changed as I had come to take advantage of, one day you are there doing your thing and suddenly the carpet gets pulled out from underneath you and it changes your life and puts you on a whole new course. Eight years ago on October 17, 2000 approx. 2:30 a.m. Spenser was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia. That was the first day of life, out of control. Because of course I thought I HAD control, my first mistake.

The next year and a half were to say the least an interesting learning experience. To say the worst, a living hell. I don't mean to sound selfish, but between regular scheduled office visits to Primary Children's Hospital, emergency visits to Logan and Primary hospitals, helicopter, ambulance and driving as fast as I could in the fog to the hospital. Constant worry that any germ could make Spenser sick, constant worry about blood counts, drawing blood, becoming a pseudo nurse and still wondering if and how this is affecting the rest of the family attending football and basketball games. Parent teacher conferences, working, making sure bills were getting paid. Making sure the house was clean, the clothes were clean. Making sure Spenser was feeling as normal as she could. Hospital stays, attempts at immune suppression to restart her bone marrow, the chemo the radiation the hair falling out and her brushing it out to give as Christmas gifts. Christmas for the girls, birthdays, anniversaries, dancing, tryouts, homework, making the team, school, everyday girl stuff. The sores and worries of Spenser must have had (we were both trying to be brave for each other). The operations, the cultures, the ICU, insurance, the meds, these are just a few of the things that could really stress a person out, especially for someone who thought her life was in control.

At the same time, what an experience for my family, I mean really how many of you know a teenage girl that would spend her Saturday nights week after week with their baby sister in the hospital, because she was getting a emergency transfusion. Well I happen to know two of them, they are the most amazing girls anyone could ask for. Anyone would be lucky enough to have one but somehow I managed to get THREE wonderful and beautiful girls.

I have to say that my life isn't exactly where I thought it would be 10 years ago. But, and sometimes I feel really guilty about thinking it is good. I really don't have to many complaints, I mean really everybody has LIFE happen to them, overall my life is pretty damn good. I never expected to be happy again, I really thought my life was over when Spenser passed away I at times thought that I wouldn't be able to go on. It isn't natural to have children pass away before you do. But I still had Kirsten and Courteney, Todd and even myself to take care of, we were still trying to cope with such a loss.

I have to say that not a day goes by that I don't think of something Spenser would have said or done. She is still a big part of my life. I miss her, so much sometimes it hurts. But I now know that she isn't hurting anymore.

Who would have thought that both Todd and I would be working at Harris and not only that working right next to each other, riding together almost everyday (thanks to gas being so high). Sometimes the drive, well I am not going to lie is just to much for either of us to handle. Luckily at night we both have separate floors to be on.
So basically the moral of this long story is - even though it isn't how I thought my life would be, and I miss Spenser so much...it still is a good life and I am thankful.

CandleLighters

2008-10-09T11:42:00.018-06:00

Okay so I left one thing out we did the last week in September, because it was just a little more special. So every year since Spenser passed away we go an event that CandleLighters hosts. Basically it is for parents and families of children who have passed away in past years from any form of childhood cancer. And well Spenser did not have cancer I am so grateful to be invited as a family to participate in honoring and remembering our children.
I think and everyone in my family agrees that the first year we went it was amazing, they spotlighted each child and had a wonderful message I think we left feeling a little better than when we came. Since that first year well things haven't been that great but we still go and every year it gets a little better. The best part is that it is at Memory Grove in SLC, it is beautiful there and every year they do it a little earlier in the year so we can enjoy the scenery. If you have the means I highly recommend you going there one day. You'll know I'm not lying.
So on October 1st Me, Todd and Courteney went down to Salt Lake, (we missed Kirsten and Tanner this year) the weather was great, it was warm and clear skies. It was nice and we had a good time, I love to think about Spenser and remember how silly she was just remember her period. Even though I think of her every single day this is just a special time for us. I hope that everyone has the opporturnity to share their greif with people who really understand the circumstances that brought them together. Even though it is hard surrounding yourself with people who really get it, it is just nice.
Anyway every year we get a button made with a picture of our child and this year it was this one. This was taking in Lucille Packard Childrens Hospital at Stanford in Palo Alto, CA. The doggy on her head is from the most amazing person I will never meet. Her bone marrow donor.

S.Y.T.Y.C.D.

2008-09-25T11:34:00.017-06:00

So You Think You Can
Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance.

So Mandy, Jen and I went down to the E Center on Tuesday night, not to try out but to watch those amazing dancers from last season. Sometimes I miss seeing my girls dance and sometimes I just don't (mostly the traveling to see my girls dance). Tuesday was one day I missed it. Seeing the joy and happiness that dance gives these people is amazing and knowing that they know they are bringing joy has got to be the best feeling in the world. I have never been one to be in the spot light unless I wanted to be, but never to perform. I had chills the whole night and my throat hurts now to from cheering. I loved it. Here are some pics from that night.

Me, Mandy and Jen

All the dancers

Twitch

Gev

UP UP AND AWAY

2008-08-18T10:56:00.020-06:00

So this weekend was the Ogden Valley Balloon Festival. Todd and I have been going up there for the last few years, it's fun and so peaceful we love it. And we just remembered Friday night on the way to the gym. So I immediately called my nephew Val to see if he could get a condo. He said it was short notice but he would try. I was like what you can't get one in a week or two, little did I know that it was this weekend. So we ended up staying at his condo with his wife, Olga and three boys, Val IV, Tony and Nicky. Very sweet and cute little guys. Luckily Todd and are absolutely no trouble what so ever.

Me and Todd not the greatest pic but for some reason the camera doesn't take pictures of us the way we think we look.Saturday Night - getting ready for the glow.

Sunday Morning launching

Here are the boys, it was freezing.

just some of my favorite pics.

No frogs this year in fact a lot less than in years past. Hopefully next year they will have a better turn out.

the ride home in Ogden Canyon

BITTERSWEET WEEKEND

2008-08-15T09:28:00.025-06:00

Kirsten and Tanner did it, they moved to Virginia. I'm not going to lie I am Happy and Sad about the situation. Mostly Happy because they are moving on with their lives, but sad because it is so far away. I will hardly get to see them in person anymore. But I can't wait to see what they do next.

Kirst with Baxter and Jack last evening in Lewiston.

on the way to the airport

Yea!!! Courte, haven't seen YOU in months.

FedEx Field

Cooooley, #47

Redskins vs. Bills

Aren't we just the cutest little Cole family of girls.

Chris' '69 Camaro SS, was a blast to drive. Better if there weren't so many damn corners to turn between Chris' and Nancy's house. I need open road to punch it and maybe better aiming lights for the ride home, luckily it was Sunday.

Courte again!! Tanner the Pedophile

Kirsten just moments before a cop pulled her over because her tint was to dark in the state of Utah. Hello, we aren't in Utah!
Me and Baxter, he is so sad he already misses me.

That Famous Preston Night Rodeo

2008-08-05T10:48:00.015-06:00

Okay this last weekend was a full weekend to say the least...The last time I blogged was on Friday when Kirsten had her last day at USU. Well that evening we had sushi for dinner at Kazoku in Smithfield it was delish, plus we learned that Kazoku means Family in Japanese.

Well then on Saturday I saved up all my calories for "Fair Food" I love it. By the time Todd and I made it up to it was nine o'clock and I was ready for a good greasy carni handled corn dog. It was fabulous, I couldn't have asked for a better appetizer or a better view of the greatest mullet since 1986.

After that we moved on to the funnel cakes another amazing "Fair Food" you can't pass up. I thought we had spaced the timing of eating pretty well. But it left me still a little hungry and now I wanted fries, but the fries there were not that great looking. So we left, but not before seeing....

Now what bride to be wouldn't want their bridals taken at the carnival. I just don't know.

Now time for fries and a Dr. Pepper, screw the eating right. I am an adult I am accountable for everything I eat. (and it shows). Now we're off, time to go home. Ahh, but not before stopping and seeing Todd's mom. And where do you find his mom in Preston, at home you say, nay, at a bar, of course. So we check out the closest one The Owl and tahdah magically she was there. So we go in to talk to her and invite her to Kirsten and Tanner's little shindig we are having on Sunday. She of course is way past "half in the bag" and has to introduce us to everyone she sees and most of everyone has no idea that she even has kids. I just want to go but before that can happen I hear a man announce. "Qwayne is up, it is his turn and he will be singing, KISS' Doctor Love". This just topped off the evening, as he walked up to sing he pulled out his shades and put them on soooo cool and seductive. (People were watching) And then he began to sing. OMG I thought I would die laughing it was so funny. But we couldn't laugh at least not out loud, Todd is asking me where my camera was, I'd left it in the car dang it. But the image of Todd's mom's clampet boyfriend is burned on my brain. And it isn't just the singing, oh no, the dancing too. Mostly pelvic thrusting and Todd's mom was so proud she has been wanting us to see him sing for years. (I am still shuddering). That has to be the best Preston Night I have ever had. Everywhere we looked a gahut or a clampet.

Sunday, we had a little going away for K and T, here are a few pics from that day. Nicky was even in town. It was nice.

Traci, Sutton and Nilda

Grandpa and Whitney

Danny

Nicole and Michelle

Proud Moment

2008-08-01T14:40:00.004-06:00

One of my babies finished her Master's today!!!! I don't think I have ever been more proud of her as I am at this moment. I am thrilled that she has this drive in her, SHE IS AMAZING! I have always thought that if Kirsten wanted to do something she would do it. And she has.

I tell my kids all the time that they are "All grown up" I can't believe it is really happening, she is all grown up. Right now I am so giddy I can hardly stand it. I went around the office telling everyone, nobody thinks it is really that exciting, just me and Todd. WHO CARES. I think that it is one of the greatest things ever.

CONGRATULATIONS KIRSTEN!!

USU Ladies Football Clinic

2008-07-31T09:37:00.005-06:00

This was the biggest waste of time for me and Kirsten. But don't we look cute.

This was pic was taken moments before my daughter knocked me on my ass, not only on my ass but to where my head was bouncing off the ground! This is the only part of this little episode I can remember. I don't remember her running toward me or hitting the pad. The only thing I remember is that my feet were slowing coming up from underneath me and I was thinking, "I am about to fall, if I don't get my feet back under me. Too LATE!" Bamm, bounce, bounce. I was a little shaken and I have to admit a little embarrassed. Luckily for me I tend to trip, fall and run into walls, chairs, desks and such that I am used to being a little embarrassed. So we went on, in the meantime everyone notice all the coaches and of course all the other ladies and of course congratulated Kirsten on her nice hit. I am so glad that I can make her look good. Usually it is the other way around.

The reason it was a waste of time is because instead of learning the rules and the calls and when they call them, USU coaching staff in their infinite wisdom decided it would be funny to see a bunch of ladies TRYING to hike, catch, throw, tackle, run, backwards, forwards, side to side. They are awkward positions and shouldn't be done outside of your own home. But I guess if you can make a living, looking silly to the outsider, who cares, I have to admit I am pretty sure they were getting a kick out of watching. I hope the have it on tape to show the team later this season when they lose all their games and need a little pick me up.

Just a Quiet Sunday Afternoon

2008-07-28T11:25:00.007-06:00

Yesterday what a beautiful day. I woke up as usual about 6:00 a.m. Every weekend I wake up that early but on a week day I struggle to do it. Anyway I laid around for awhile trying not to disturb Todd until a more reasonable hour. Nine o'clock finally rolled around and Todd got up got dressed and we went to the movie, "Step Brothers". Ehhh. It was funny but not as funny as everyone claimed. Then we headed over to Iggy's for a quick bite to eat and a little NASCAR. The sandwich I got wasn't as good as the last time I got it, this should have been a sign, but I did not heed. Lunch ended up being a little to filling so we decided to hit a park and relax under the shade of a nice maple tree, and the grass and the dirt it smelled so good I wanted to eat it, mmmmm, yumm. Anyway we laid there for awhile and I was telling Todd I think when we were little we used to go to parks and hang out on Sunday's too. I was pretty psyched about remembering happy moments from my childhood. Just as we were getting ready to go I started playing Suduko on my phone I played a game and when I looked up there was a car right behind where we were parked. I was a little startled by it and I guess the person in the car noticed. Anyway we got up and were on our way to go workout at SARC anyway I get in the car and start to pull out when I noticed the person in the car is now right on my ass. I thought she didn't need to be so close she could have my spot no one else was around. Then she started following me really close, Todd at this point is mad and swearing and turning around looking at her hoping that she would stop. No luck, she followed me from Central Park to the cop shop. I went there because they say if you are ever in trouble you should drive straight there. Well I don't know where the F*@# the front door is anymore to the police station, well I ended up in the Post Office parking lot and I stop and roll down my window, this psychotic bitch is asking my name, I'm like, why. Basically it boiled down to that she thought I had given her a "LOOK" and she didn't like it. Well, crazy bitch I didn't even see you. So much for a quiet Sunday afternoon in Cache Valley.

Recap of last few days of fun in the valley

2008-07-23T16:33:00.017-06:00

Are we the cutest girls in purple - This was definitely "Purple Monday".

Stephanie, Dana and LuCinda
So last Friday I hosted a Blood Drive at HRI, our goal was to reach 35 units and we did YEAH!!! We actually reached 36 units. Thanks to all those who participated in this drive or any drive you all are awesome. Here are just a few that helped out that day. For the most part Harris employees.

Greg Taylor

Here I am I couldn't give blood my crit was too low I was a little bummed, I'll get it done next time! It makes me sad when I can't give.

This is Susan and her husband Josh
Mandy, Mandy she looks a little scared, she is not really.

Here is Jade isn't she just a cutie!

And Jenn you know she is having a blast.

Then on Saturday Traci and her sister Krista and their new bellydancing performing group, Shimmering Sands, performed at the Whittier Center and The Indian Oven catered. YUM!

Good fun, Good friends and Good times were had.

Kinza (Krista)

Sumra (Traci)

After the belly dancing we headed over to Krista and good times were had there as well until about 3:30 a.m. playing Rock Band.

Traci playing the guitar

Todd singing!!
LuCinda on the drums and Krista

Me singing and Holly bouncing on the ball.

Empy Nest...

2008-07-16T14:08:00.011-06:00

This week has been filled with so many memories of Spenser, I can hardly believe it has been over five years since she was here. I think of her daily, but these last few days have been intense. Todd and I went to the cemetary on Sunday, I don't think we've ever been together except on Memorial day. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day, the sky was clear and it was sunny and warm. It reminded me of when I was kid and I would twirl around and lay down and the world would just spin. Wow, to be a young again. I think that is how Spenser spends all her days now. I miss her so much but I think I really understand that she is so very happy now. I know that this is what God had planned for her and for us. That even though it is very hard sometimes, this is why were are here. I want everyone in my life to know how much I love and appreciated them and even though I am not good at saying it. I do love my family very much. I miss Courte so much right now and I am becoming uneasy about Kirsten and Tanner moving so far away. Someone just asked me, "How long they were going to be gone". I said forever... and even though I will be seeing her on holidays and probably talking to her on a daily basis I know that I will be missing her too. It so hard to see you children grow up and move on but that is exactly what they are supposed to do. And hopefully if you do you job right they grow up to be happy and productive people. I think Todd and I have done our part, now it is their turn. So far so good. I look forward to what happens next..

Your Mama Don't Dance and Your Daddy Don't Rock and Roll...Whatever

2008-07-07T08:24:00.068-06:00

Well the Fourth of July weekend has come to a close... It was a great one too, even though my kids are no where in sight. Courte still in KY and Kirsten and Tanner in WY. But, my cute friends Jim and Julie were here to keep us company.

The weekend began on Thursday, July 3rd, Todd and I headed down to SLC to the ESA (formly known as the Delta Center) Energy Solutions Arena. We saw Dokken and Bret Michaels with Poison. IT WAS AWESOME!!! I love Bret, he is on my list of people I would divorce Todd, to be with in a second. Todd is very aware of the list.

Don Dokken, I think he kind of looks like Meatloaf.

Bret Michaels

C.C. Deville

The Bass Player from Dokken and our concert buddy,

I found her to be very observant, she thought that Todd of course looked like he was in his forties,
but not me. I think she was pretty smart.
Then on Friday the Fourth of July we had our usual crowd my family at my house for the parade, lunch and fireworks...

At the parade... Justin, Ene, Francene and Cameron (nephew, sister, neice-in-law and nephew).

Joey and Victoria (sister and neice)

After parade festivities lunch, fair at the park and usually just sit and enjoying everyone.

Vannessa and G'ma

Grandpa doing just one of the things he does best.

Victoria

Cameron and Francene

Todd and I didn't stay for the fireworks because we went to the STYX concert with friends. Here is Todd and Julie in front of our dream vehicle, Julie posing for her engagement picture. Kind of Redneckish don't ya think.

STYX was pretty cool.

Jim and his dad, the car used to be his dads, it was the giveaway car for this year... A stupid girl won it. I think Jim was very sad.

This is me and Julie at the Crusin' on Saturday. Are we just so cute. Jim and Todd are pretty lucky!

2008-06-17T11:20:00.004-06:00

This is officially my first blogging adventure.

The days surrounding June 14th and June 18th have always been traditionally very busy days for the Coles, with Kirsten and Courteney's birthdays, Tueller Dance Review, Tuellerette Concert, Fathers Day, getting ready for the 4th of July( we always try, but, usually end up cleaning the night before) and many other summer related activities.
This year seems to be a little more quiet than normal with Courteney in Kentucky and no dance reviews to attend, we may have to be a little bit creative until we get used to celebrating birthdays somewhere other than small town Lewiston.
So, raise your cupcakes high. Happy Birthday Kirsten and Courteney you are both very special!!

Dad

Just Starting...

2008-06-16T09:17:00.005-06:00

So we started this today because I thought it would be a good way to show our friends and family the things we are doing. So where to begin?

A little about the two of us...
Todd and I are high school sweethearts. I really hate that phrase, but what are you going to do. It is what it is.

We were married January 1985.
We have three beautiful daughters - Kirsten, Courteney and Spenser.
All three are fabulous and doing very well.

We are basically empty nesters now, I love it, it is the greatest thing next to having kids. We have the benefit of kids but they don't stay around all the time and the best thing ever is that I don't have to pay for everything anymore. (just some things)

This is us on our way to Memphis, I will write more about this later.

Kirsten is finishing her Masters in Accounting and will be starting her new job in the fall. She and her husband Tanner will soon be moving away and I can wait for that to happen. We will miss them so much.

Courteney will be starting her third year of college and doing well. She moved to Kentucky for the summer with her friend Ty. She seems to be having a good time and enjoying being away for awhile.

Spenser, well she passed away a little over five years ago, she is still a part of our lives and we think of her everyday.

She is our little angel.