30 years!?

How is it possible that we have been married 30 years? Although in one way it seems like 30 years, we have had six children, lived in 3 apartments, bought 3 houses have watched our children go from babies to missions, college, careers, and now becoming parents themselves! But on the other hand it seems like yesterday we got married and started a life together. We leave for Sundance tomorrow so tonight we had my favorite "Salmon Dolce Caldo" at Sisley!! I could eat it everyday! Then we had cheesecake! I forgot how good refined sugar tasted... I have been off refined carbs for over a month after all... one slip couldn't hurt... right???

WRONG!!!!!

Mothers day and sac taps... the way things go in our weird family.

Mothers day and my birthday sort of got lost in the 'getting Patrick off on a two year mission to Argentina' hubbub. But we did do a little photo documentation despite the craziness. Courtney was in Salt Lake and Lindsay was in Mexico BUT Chris spent the night (Mari was in Utah) so I had all my boys together!

Our photo shoot started as all things do when it's just me and the kids... calmly, quietly, just me and Patrick.

Then Luke joined in. Again a nice family moment, pictures with mom on Mothers day...

Ah, my oldest Chris joins the party. Mellow, relaxed, everyone looking good...

Dad says "I want a picture" Notice the change in energy immediately???

Then he sac taps Luke... Photo shoot over. Notice how happy Mr. Spiker is with himself. This is my life... in a nutshell.

Adios Elder Spiker! We will miss you!

Well, it's over. The long anticipated drop off is a thing of the past. On monday the 10th Steve, Patrick and I left for Utah. We stayed at the cabin, playing, eating good food (which Patrick appreciated after 9 months of cafeteria food) and taking care of a few last minute details before... dun, dun, dun... dropping Patrick off curbside at the MTC. So this is how the final moments played out. We got ready in the morning, packed Patrick up, and then Steve gave Patrick a fathers blessing during which Courtney and I were weepy.

Patrick's first missionary care package.

Patrick and his first mission companion Elder Dwight Shrute.

Then we went to lunch at an amazing little bistro in Provo called the Communal. Patrick was showing his first signs of nervousness during the meal. Up until then he was cool as a cucumber! After lunch we drove to the MTC. We were greeted by an elderly man who told us to go to station 17 to drop Pat off. He then asked "Is everybody happy is this car?" I had been, but as soon as he asked the tears started. As we drove to station 17 we passed all these missionaries lining the curb. They were waving and smiling and helping the new drop offs. One mischievous missionary made eye contact with me, put his fists up to his eyes and then twisted them imitating crying... little jerk. Actually it gave us all a good laugh and kind of broke the tension. We pulled up to station 17 and two young men (who are now in Chile) helped us with Patrick 's bags and reassured us all was well. They were so sweet and helpful, except they are not allowed to touch our cameras which is why we don't have a full family shot... boo!

Patrick getting his bags.

Last pic with the parental units...

And with Courtney.

We then kissed, cried and off he went with his new friends. Kind of like dropping him off at summer camp if summer camp lasted two years and was in Argentina. We know he is ready, we know he is doing well in the MTC, we know he will come safe and better than before BUT we also know we will miss him very, very, much. Adios Patrick we love you.

Patrick's Big Adios!

Patrick spoke in church on Sunday the 25th. He did an amazing job. He spoke on the blessings of the restoration of the gospel. I was so amazed at how mature he seemed. And I got teary a few times as I watched, thinking about how I would not see him for two years. He has grown up so much since leaving for university. And I know those changes will pale in comparison to the changes he will make in the 24 months he will serve in the mission field. We had a big family dinner and then a dessert for everyone! The house and yard were packed! But it was so good to see all the people who have helped him become who he is in one place at one time! Lots of hugs and tears.... to be repeated... when he comes home in two years!!!

Hatchlings

The first hatchlings of the year are out and about! We look forward to the baby ducks and geese every year... and unfortunately the years are passing faster and faster! Now is the time to bring your kids by the lake, in a few weeks these tiny, cute, little ducklings are awkward ugly teenagers! Now that we can hear the ducklings peeping, it feels like spring!

Happy Birthday to Courtney and Chris!

Yep march is a double birthday month for the Spiker's! Court turned 24 and Chris turned 28!I really don't understand how this happened since they were just born... They are two of the best kids anyone could hope for! Both funny, smart, feisty, opinionated (no, what???) hard workers, good people, willing to help others, responsible, good spouses, good children, siblings and grandchildren! We sure love them both and appreciate all they contribute to our little family!

Grand Baby News

So I think I am going to need to buy these. Notice they are pink...

Afternoon walk around the lake

This is what you can expect to see on an afternoon walk behind my house. Click to enlarge.

Check out these two white birds. They just sit waiting for fish to swim between the rocks and then .... Bam! They eat them. Notice the baby turtle basking on the rock!

Yeah... so you can call me Grandma!

Courtney and Josh are expecting a baby! We are all so excited! They had their first doctor appointment today. The heartbeat was strong and the baby was flipping and moving it's arms and legs! Baby Alvord is due September 21, 2010 and the timing couldn't be more perfect since we will be empty nesters shortly thereafter! What a great distraction for me! Congrats to Court and Josh but mostly congratulations to Grandma Linda and Grandpa Steve and Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Sam... cause it's all about the grandparents! Yay us!

Adios Patrick!!!

Patrick has been called to the Argentina, Salto mission! We are so excited! Foreign, but very developed.... I am very relieved. Congrats to Patrick! We know he will work hard and be blessed for it! He leaves May 12th.

Americana Farmers Market

These are just a few of the reasons I love the Gigi's farmers Market at the Americana at Brand

It's big!

They have fresh baked goods for...

....dipping in these!

Everything is clean....

...and colorful.

And they let you sample... yum!

My favorite place to be on a Saturday morning. And it doesn't hurt that they have an Anthropologie, Lulu Lemon and Madewell there... I am a girl after all.

Happy Belated Birthday Lindsay!

my mother is posting this because she feels guilty because I am the only child she did not do a birthday post for and I called her out on it... so don't think she is all loving and bla bla bla... this is a guilt post and nothing more...

This is my daughter Lindsay and here is her birthday poem...

Lindsay, Lindsay sweet and fair,

Lives her life without a care,

Prettier than a flowers bloom,

She never, ever cleans her room,

Her hair is red, her eyes are green,

In the morning she is really mean,

Like a bird she sings so sweet,

She has freaky long toes on her feet,

She makes me laugh all the time,

I have now run out of rhyme...

So happy Birthday Lindsay Lu,

You are now twenty-two!