Saturday, June 23, 2012

Portland Days - Congratulations, Cheri!!!

On June 16th, I flew to Portland, Oregon to see my daughter, Cheri, graduate magna cum laude from Portland State University and then enjoy some days with her and her fiance, Daniel Kahn.

Here is Cheri just hours before her graduation. She'd never seen this sign and we decided to take her photo standing by it! What a cutie!


The graduation was held at the Rose Park where the Trailblazers play. Cheri was seated to your left in the last row of the second to last section. (Wow, that was confusing!) I was joined by Daniel, his parents and his brother David.


Here is my daughter just after graduation! She has a VERY big smile. She graduated with a major in Mathematics and minor in English! She has been so dedicated and deserves this great honor!

 After the graduation we drove up to the West Hills in Portland to enjoy a dinner in Cheri's honor given by another of Daniel's brothers, Aaron (pictured left) and his sweet wife Caroline. The dinner party included them, their three sons, William, Ryan and Caleb; Jan and Jenny, Daniel's parents, David, Caroline's mom and step-father, Andi and Steve, Cheri and Daniel and me! We suppered on grilled lobster tails (a first for me), steak, a beautiful fruit salad and pound cake with fresh
 strawberries and whipped cream for dessert.








It was quite a treat!

Below I'll put in some photos of the places we saw. Daniel and Cheri took me to the coast and to see waterfalls, Saturday and Monday. Then Cheri and I took in an art museum, the zoo, the Rose Gardens (real roses not the basketball court), and the shops. I stayed at the Portland Westin where Daniel is a manager. I had a beautiful room!!! My grateful thanks to Daniel and Cheri for treating me SO nicely and giving me a glimpse of their world. I had a wonderful time!!!









Wednesday, June 13, 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Well, it's June 13th again! Another year better! Thanks for the birthday wishes!

Last evening, Hailie Rose said, "Dwamma, amorrow is your birthday!"
I love that girl!

I LOVE birthdays!


53 years have come and gone. Here I am above on my mom's lap. Life has it's ups and downs but the ups keep me going! Love to all!

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Perspective

This morning I am thinking about the last several years and the changes that have happened in my life. These thoughts came to me as a result of how I felt after a blind date I experienced on Friday evening. Luckily the gal who I know from my Curves class was also there with her husband. I'm not saying the guy was a total ditz but let's just say he was kind of a drip. No personality...maybe he was just nervous. There was no attraction there. My friend and her husband were very chatty and I joined in but I was glad when the meal was over. I went directly over to Adam's house and got hugs and kisses from my grandchildren. I wasn't sad, but I realized something when I was finally laying in my bed. I'm happy! I truly am! No, I still struggle financially. I have to work extra jobs and may have to add another, but I get to come home to me and I like me. I have 7 wonderful children and their spouses and families who bring me great joy! I have great friends who love and care about me. I have a job where I feel I make a difference and no one is waiting to pounce on me for perceived or real mistakes. I'm cared about as an individual in all aspects of my life. I don't need a boyfriend or a husband to give me that.

There are going to be a lot of changes this year. In fact, they've already begun. Taylor graduated from high school and will be leaving the nest to go to college and then a mission. Whitney will be become a mommy in November. Cheri will graduate next week from college and get married in September. Adam's family is trying to find more permanent digs where their children can run and play in a real back yard. David and Ashley will finish some things in Rexburg after they return from their Alaska adventure and get on with pharmacy school. Andrew and Cameron...well that story has yet to be written but I can see that they are working toward something big!!!

This being said, I'll be living alone for the first time in my entire life. It will be weird but happily I have people in my life who I can always call on and make plans and be with. My BFF the last 5 years and I will be going to Las Vegas in August to celebrate her 40th birthday and see "The Phantom of the Opera." I'm so glad she wants me to be with her for that special day.

When my husband of 23 years finally called it quits, I thought I'd never be happy again. But my idea of happiness in those days was distorted. I didn't realize that I had been alone in my marriage for a very long time and it took some counseling, prayer and time to heal. I am very grateful for my mom and for my brother Frank who got me through some very difficult times and for their continued support.

My children are my rock. I try not to interfere too much in their lives and let them live but I do so enjoy being with them and I'm glad that when I show up at Jessica and Adam's they always let me in and let me be a part of their family. Their children are such precious people and I enjoy hearing their little voices and kissing and hugging them. I have long talks with with Cheri and Whitney and love to hear what they are doing. Taylor is a great guy to have in the house, even though it's getting less and less. He's been such a joy to me.

Well, no more ranting, although it is good for the soul. Always remember that our Heavenly Father is our friend and wants to bless us. Remember to be thankful every day for all we have and not fuss about what we don't have.

I'll photos and more things to share after next week when I return from Portland and seeing my daughter, Cheri graduate from Portland State with a Math degree!

See the blessings keep mounting!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Taylor the Model


A week before Taylor graduated, my brother Frank called and asked if he could take some photos of Taylor. We met at Murray Park and he took some amazing photos. You've already seen the one where he manipulated the background. I love it! The one above is pretty amazing too! There will be more to come as he gets them done. I love seeing him develop his talents more and more! He has a real gift! Thanks brother!

Monday, June 4, 2012


I really like this photo of Taylor and Hailie. I think she really enjoyed the attention. I'm so blessed to have a wonderful family.

Friday, June 1, 2012

More on Graduation







Here we are. Taylor has graduated!

Congratulations Taylor!

This blog post is in honor of my youngest son, Taylor Robert Lambson. Today he will graduate from Murray High School. I'm so proud of him and his accomplishments. He has many college credits already that will give him a head start when he begins college this fall at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah. He's such a kind person. He has proven himself trustworthy and though he still has some teenager quirks for the most part, he is very mature and ready to move forward in the world. Taylor, you have been such a blessing to me. You have always been willing to be obedient and to love others. My best wishes and my love. Mom