Alright I have another Funny Friday post courtesy of Ross. Mama Mia, the kids is a crack up, what can I say?

So- I was upstairs on my bed reading when Ross came in and asked,"Hey Mom can I go over to Jacob's house to ask him a question?" Without glancing up from my book I replied, "Sure".

About five minutes later Ross comes back upstairs and says, "Mom, can I go over to Ian's house to ask him a question?" I had vague memories that he had recently asked a question a long those lines but I was at a critical point in my book so once again without giving it too much thought I answered that he could.

Five more minutes go by and Ross is back in my room- this time asking if he could go to Jonah's house to ask him a question. At this point I realized it was time to investigate. So I put my book down and asked, "Ross, what exactly have you been asking all these people?" "Well", he said hesitantly, "I don't really want to tell you." "Well, if it is not something you want to tell me about it is probably not something you should be doing." I explained. "Okay... I am just asking if they have any spare money they can give me." "ROSS!!" I exclaim in exasperation. "What?" he asks sheepishly. "Honey, you can't go around asking people for money. If you want money you have to earn it. We have to work for it. It is just not appropriate to go door to door asking for money. Does that make sense?" "Yeah Mom that makes perfect sense." "You're a good boy." Hum, I thought to myself that was easier than I thought it was going to be.

I dove back into my book but didn't get very far before Ross was back at my side. "Mom can I go outside for a while." I glanced up from my book beginning to feel a little irritated. "Sure babe- have fun." I finished the chapter I was working on and went down stairs to prepare a few things for dinner. As I was working I looked out the kitchen window but didn't see Ross in the back. Oh no... what is that kid up to now I wondered. I went outside to look for him. I found him in the A section knocking on doors again.

I was shocked. "Ross, what are you doing? You can't go door to door begging for money, remember?" "Oh, I am not asking for money this time Mom." He explained clearly happy with himself. "I am just saying, Hi I'm Ross, can I help you- for money!"

Seriously! What a stinker. I do have vague memories of Chris doing something similar in high school. So I figure it is okay, right? I mean if Ross turns out half as good as Chris I'll be a happy mom. Sheezzz- I guess it runs in the family.

Last spring Robert and I spent the weekend together in Paris- it was awesome! This is a picture of us on the train- I think it is the only picture we got before our camera died.

Okay, okay I know it is silly but I have total issues with Facebook. The first and probably greatest dilemma is that I don't really know what my problem with it really is. Honestly have no idea why I am so oppsed to opening an account. In fact, the more I learn about it the cooler I think it is and the more I want to open my own account. But despite multiple invitations from people I love and want to be in touch with...I resist. And therein lays the dilemma (sigh)!

Are you on facebook? Do you love it? Why?

Last night was the perfect summer night. It was warm with a cool breeze. The sky was perfectly clear. I was outside when the sun set and it was spectacular- red, orange, yellow and purple. It was breathtaking! I stood and enjoyed the sight for a full 10 minutes. As soon as the sun set however, I decided I had better get back to work or the work would never get done.

I didn't look up into the sky again until it was completely dark. As a treat for working so hard I laid down on my back and looked into the night sky. As I stared up into the big black sky I thought, Oh what a same, there are only two stars in the sky tonight. On a beautiful summer night like this the sky should be full of stars. But the night was still beautiful so stars or not I decided to stay right where I was. My mind wondered for some time on things that were worrying me and things that had to get done. After awhile I looked into the sky again because I had been outside for some time my eyes had adjusted to the dark and I noticed that there were more than two stars out- there were actually several stars out. I was pleased. The longer I looked for stars the more I found. By the time I decided I had better head home I realized that the sky was full of stars- I just hadn't noticed it at first.

This was a simple experience but one I have been thinking about a lot in terms of my relationship with God. I mean, how often do I turn my voice to heaven for guidance or direction or comfort and get discouraged because the answers aren't what I expect them to be? How often do I look away disappointed before my spiritual eye have adjusted and I can see clearly what God has in store for me? How often have I watched and waited and see some but not all of the answers I was seeking? All too often I am afraid.

I am grateful for moments like this though because from something simple I feel like I have learned something profound. I have to make time to be alone and quite and still to see God's purpose for me. It takes time (something I always feel I have to little of). It takes quite (hello, have you ever spent time with my boys? I love them but the talk NONSTOP!! There is no quite in my life unless I make it.) It takes being still (I am the queen of multitasking- like all of you. If I am not doing at least 5 things at once I feel unproductive). In short- it takes effort, planning, purpose.

Now don't get me wrong- I am not suggesting that one must be completely isolated from normal life to have a relationship with God. I am just saying that for me- I feel His love most when the distracts in my life are eliminated. Which is easily said and not so easily done I am afraid but it is something to think about and strive if nothing else.

Anyway... that is what is on my mind today. Thanks for letting me share it with you.

We decided to spend this fourth of July on the east coast of Italy in a little town called Bari. I had never heard of Bari before I moved to Italy. In fact when I tried to plan the trip there was very little information to be had about Bari on the internet or in my travel books. So you may be wondering why we chose to spend our precious little vacation time in such an obscure place. Well, our reasoning can be summed up in two (or is it three) little words- The ZooSafari! Though we found lots of other cool things to do (see the pictures below) our experience at the ZooSafari was by far one of the coolest things we have ever done (at least as far as animals are concerned). Okay well enough from me I will let the pictures do the talking.

Truli Houses
These little houses are a cross between something I imagine a smurf and a hobbit living in. They are a little strange but very impressive.


Our "Hotel"
I always forget to take a picture of the inside of our European hotel rooms. It never ceases to make me laugh. They are horrifically decorated- this one was no different.


The Dolphin Show
We got front row seats for the dolphin show and it was SO impressive. Honestly- dolphins are incredibly smart and powerful animals. It was one of my favorite parts of the day.


Roller Coasters
We have officially entered the roller coaster age at our house. I kept trying to get the boys to go on the Ferris Wheel and the Merry-go-Round but they just wouldn't have it. It was especially fun at this park because there were NO lines- literally. Each time they road they were the only ones on the ride. It was actually kind of weird.

The ZooSafari
We had so much fun feeding the animals that I forgot to take pictures until the very end. This is a video of Robert and the boys feeding the Camels. It was so fun. I am not sure why but there is no sound on this viedo but don't worry Ross is not really as scared as he looks. He was laughing... really he was!

Today Ross celebrated his 7th Birthday! He is SEVEN YEARS OLD- can you believe it? Wow. Last night we were snuggling and it occurred to me for the first time that I don't have little kids any more. Without really knowing it I have entered a new stage in life. It is actually a little scary- I mean, I still think of my boys as my babies but they are really growing up and it is a delight to watch.

Anyway, Ross's birthday has been great. Here are a few pictures from the day- enjoy!

Ross is delighted to discover his "Birthday Basket" which contains all his birthday gifts and a game to open them slowly and enjoy the process all day long!

Ross's first birthday gift... Lego's from Grandma and Grandpa. I think he likes it- how about you?

Breakfast pancakes- yum! Ross took cupcakes to school yesterday and will have a party next weekend so this is the birthday "cake" of the day!

Ross spent much of the morning putting together his Lego project- he LOVES Lego's and had tons of fun!

Silly Ross!

What time he did not spend on the first Lego project- he spent on this one! He has been wanting this set for quite some time and we were delighted we were able to get it for him.

This is a picture of Ross enjoying his daily dose of The Incredible Machine. What a kid!

Ross is such a great boy. He has added to much love and laughter to our lives. I can hardly imagine what our family would be like without him. He is funny and confident. He is sensitive and social. He is smart and fast. He is completely honest (sometimes too honest) and sincerely wants to do what is right. He loves a thrill and is ALWAYS looking for some kind of adventure. He knows how to enjoy life- to see the good- to have fun. He is a great boy!

We love you Ross- Happy Birthday Dude!

This is my Mom and today is her Birthday!

There are a million things I love about my Mom. Here are just a few in honor of her 62nd Birthday!

1. She is the most generous person I know. She would (and has on several occasions) give the shirt off her back to someone in need.
2. She loves her family and has dedicated her life to each of us.
3. She is whitty and though I tend to be too serious most of the time- I do appreciate her humor!
4. My Mom is incredibly creative.
5. She has a eye for color and patterns and can decorate ANYTHING and make it look good.
6. She is totally hip. She always knows what is "IN" and what is not.
7. My Mom has the best jewelry collection I have ever seen.- rivaled only by HER mothers collection!
8. She always looks like a million bucks- cute hair, flattering clothes, fun jewelry. She is a fashion icon.
9. She is sensitive to others feelings.
10. She is a movie lover and on a moments notice can give me a list of at least ten movies I MUST see!
11. My Mom is a professional shopper- really! She knows where to find all the good deals.
12. My Mom can make a thrift store flower arrangement look like it can from Neiman Marcus.
13. My Mom "gets" me. She can read me like a book- actually it is a little scary.
14. Being with my Mom is like being with my best friend.
15. My Mom does the laundry when she comes to visit!
16. My Mom really loves me and that is amazing to me. She has seen me struggle through the toughest times in life and she likes me just the same. Her love is unconditional and is as close to the love of God as I have ever experienced.
17. She is my biggest fan. Even when I am a total dork and do everything wrong- she thinks I am great. Every person needs a Mom like that.
18. She is a great cheerleader and gives great pep talks on just about everything.
19. My mom has taught me what is means to serve others. I watched care for her mom for 13 years and I will never forget all of the time and energy and love she gave her.
20. My Mom knows what she likes. I love that!
21. My Mom is an inspiring teacher.
22. My Mom is a great cook.
23. My Mom loves potted flowers in her yard but can't keep them alive. When they die- she replaces them with new flowers. I love that because I do the same thing.
24. My Mom is a great reader. I can still remember her reading to us when we were little and thinking, "I hope I can read like that someday."
25. She knows how to relax and enjoy life.
26. She knows how to make holidays and birthdays special.
27. She is the best gift giver I know. Honestly, I don't think I have ever gotten a gift from her I didn't love!
28. My Mom has a knack for entertaining. Her parties are always classy, organized, comfortable.
29. Mom (and Dad) have the best backyard BBQ's in the world. Not only because they have an awesome backyard but because they "get" how to make people feel comfortable and welcomed.
30. She loves my babies and that means the world to me.
31. She loves to snuggle- I do too.
32. She is the best shopping and lunching partner. I can still remember our Nordstrum shopping days when I was a teenager- my how time flies!
33. My Mom loves God and truly strives to do what is right.
34. My Mom taught me to decorate- a skill that has brought so much joy to my life.
35. She gave me the piano her dad gave her. I love having piano music in my home- it has blessed my life in a thousand ways.
36. She doesn't give up on people or dreams or goals.
37. She is a great travel partner- together we have been all kinds of wonderful places. My favorite trip with Mom... that is hard to say. I loved Europe and Italy but I think those summer ED week trips will always be my favorite.
38. My Mom is a blogging maniac. She has four blogs and keeps up with all of them. Hello, I can hardly keep up with one! Her blogs has been a great blessing to me as we live to far away and it has helped us all stay connected.
39. She has a eye for beauty. She loves trees, flowers, mountains, the sea. I love those things too.
40. She has mastered the art of "enjoying the journey". I hope I can be like that someday.
41. My mom loves music and theater and art and dancing. She taught me to love and appreciate those things too.
42. My Mom is a extraordinary speller. She can spell ANYTHING. Unfortunately for me- I didn't get that gene.
43. My Mom loves my husband like her own child. Her ability to love and accept him has blessed our lives.
44. My Mom is patient. When things don't go her way... she waits with patience for things to get better.
45. She beautiful hands- always perfectly manicured just like her mom. I love that.
46. She has always made my family feel welcome in her home even when we come to often and stay too long.
47. She is a great writer. It is so fun to read her blogs because she really has a talents for expressing thought and feelings in words.
48. She kept a journal all though our growing up years. I admire the time and effort she spent doing that and look forward to reading it in full someday.
49. My Mom has a gift for languages. She can speak and understand other languages with ease. Her talent has come in handy a time or two.
50. My Mom has visited me every place I have ever lived in (and that is a lot- eleven cities and counting) Her visits are always a delight.
51. She understands my sons food allergies and always makes an effort to make her house a safe place for him to be.
52. She makes great Mexican food- fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, chili reneos... yum!
53. She makes the BEST potato salad EVER.
54. She takes beautiful pictures- photography is definitely one of her talents.
55. When my Mom joined the Church she did it with all her heart. She embraced it fully and has taught me to do the same.
56. She makes 62 look fabulous!
57. She loves being a grandma and makes me want to be one too.
58. She remembers things about my kids that I have forgotten. The funny things that say and do.
59. My Mom has given me or helped me pick out every cool thing in my house.
60. My Mom is a wicked good basketball player. Seriously, she can out shoot the entire family!
61. When I think of my Mom- I think of love and happiness comfort and safety. When I think of Mom I always feel good inside.
62. She is Ross's actual birthday twin today- yeah for time zone changes!

Happy Birthday Mom. We love you and wish you all the happiness in the world!