Carrie passed!

Carrie just called from California and she passed both sections of her comprehensive final. About 50% passed the macroeconomics portion, usually the harder of the 2 tests and harder for her personally, and just over 30% passed microeconomics. She's super excited to have passed them both the first time and looking forward to next year!

Never, ever give up!

It is exciting to see these little guys as they mature. Little Carter McMurdie, who just turned one, doesn't walk yet, but he certainly manages to get around! At McDonald's, he is king of the hill – walking just doesn't seem to matter.

New Car!

This is it! I started looking about a month ago after I talked Jared into thinking about a new car (only because we've promised the old Burb to a family in our ward). This was a HUGE tithing blessing. The car is an '04 with a bench front and 4WD like we wanted, but with only 12,000 miles. It really is like a new car but for 1/2 price ($16,999 vs over $35 for a new one). Even though Mom hassled me a little about getting a different car, she most graciously jumped on the idea of a road trip and we drove to Oklahoma City yesterday, after we picked up Paul & Nellie from the airport--isn't she great! We were in and out of the dealership in about 45 minutes and had a celebratory dinner at Cracker Barrel before leaving for home at 10 p.m. The car is great and available to borrow depending on when scout campouts are scheduled.

For those who haven't seen the old Burb lately, it's paint is peeling, seats are shredded, there are dents on every side & the hood, windshield is cracked and the air conditioner only works if the passenger kicks the fan under the dashboard. We have personally driven that car 180,000 miles (it had 45K when we bought it). Despite all that, the family that is getting the car has declared it a "blessing from God." The dad works as a tile layer and is excited to have a vehicle that will hold the whole family (wife & 3 kids + grandma) and allow him to get his business going again. So, no Melinda, the car is not going straight to the dump! I'm actually grateful to have a husband who keeps things forever--hopefully when I start falling apart he'll have a little of that loyalty and keep me a little longer!

THE BIRTHDAY BASH

I never did post pictures of the Birthday Bash, so I have put together some of Connie's and some from me for a nice little look at the family. I cleaned these up, cropped em, etc. and some are not too bad!

Sister/Mom night

Okay girls, how about it? Do you want to make it a Saturday so the hubby's can babysit? I'm free June 14 or 21. Or the 13th or the 20th if you want to make it Friday night. The next weekend is Houston and the next is 4th of July and the next 2 I'll be in Alaska, so it's kind of now or never, at least for me.

Do you want to just go to lunch or dinner? Temple date? Musical event? Theater? Shopping?

The Music Man is showing at this funky little theater in Hurst and it's only $12 each. I think it's a converted pizza place or something and it's owned by members. I've been 2 or 3 times and each show has been very high quality.

I'm open to suggestions, but let's get something going!

Ultimate yard stuff

When Paul and I were coming home from Houston, we stopped at this giant (maybe 2 acres) place that sells lawn statuary and has a huge store that sells everything for outside the home - bird feeders, benches, bird baths, fountains, etc. I took this picture with my phone and e-mailed it to myself. I am getting sooooo high tech!

Lilies of the Field

Thought everyone would enjoy a picture of Connie’s lilies which are growing beside her front door. Anyone need gardening lessons, just give her a call.

Atop the Reunion

I just heard on the news that the famous Wolfgang Puck of Food Network fame (and pots and pans and other stuff) will be the new chef at the restaurant atop Reunion Tower when remodeling is complete. Start saving now!

Does anyone want this?

We just don't have room for it now that we have a piano. It reclines and is really comfortable, except the wood that goes accross the headrest is broken. It just couldn't take the weight of Tommy AND Anna on it at the same time! Imagine that! Let me know ASAP so I can make arrangements to take it to Goodwill. Just leave a comment that says: I don't want it, or I do want it. Thanks!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

My friend, Jackie Allen, is retiring June 30. She plans to sleep for months and then wants to go to Kansas, her home state, for a long visit. As we are searching for a theme for her farewell/retirement party, what else could we choose but "The Wizard of Oz." But I need help finding stuff to decorate with and to do the walls which all need to be cheap! We will assign Public Works to make up a street sign that says Yellow Brick Road. Any ideas or places to look for cheap stuff or does anyone have anything to loan? Help!

Here come the Grandmas!

I joined Suzy and Paul for a trip to Houston on Sunday, May 25, to see Carson Kenneth Adams, Kenny and Texas’ new little son who had to be taken early. He is fine and healthy and cute as can be. I call him “Smidgen” because he is so little. Suzy is staying for a week to help out since Texas had a C-section. Paul and I came home the next day. It was fun to hold the little guy and feel his spirit.

Can you pick out Gideon?

I joined Ginny and tribe on Tuesday evening to see Gideon’s end-of-year choir concert. It was well done and the music was delightful - the students got to pick it. Of course, I always love a good sing and am so pleased that Gideon has chosen to be involved. The choreography was straight forward and not too involved, so it came off well as you see in the picture. Can anyone pick out Gideon?

Ultimate Recycling

I decided recently to get rid of the big dish that has been out of use for a long time. So, I put a sign out front and within hours, I was being contacted. It turns out that Cecil, who took it away, did not want any of the electronics. He was getting it for a disabled guy at his church who turns the dishes upside down and makes them into gazebos. The ultimate recycling! I love it! It only took 30 minutes for two guys to get it out of here and now it will be easier to mow. I will take the receiver to Goodwill for their auction.

David Letterman appearance

Once again, from Katie (von Bose) Tucker:

Once again, I have a ticket in hand for a flight to NY.  I hope they
don't postpone the filming of stupid pet tricks again.  The last time
they scheduled us there was a delay of some sort.

My wolfhound and I are to be filmed on May 12.  IF he performs, the
segment should air that night on the Late Show with David Letterman.

Wish us luck and look for us on TV.  Too cool!

For those of you who don't know the trick.  My wolfhound stands about
34 inches at the shoulder.  On command, he will go through a 20 inch
diameter tunnel that is 5 feet long.

Katie