I-Irrigation

My big project this summer was to put in a sprinkler system. Tugging the hose around to try to water was not working. In early Spring (in a serious moment of poor judgement) I decided to start digging trenches as it was the only "free $$" thing I could do to get the process moving. It took me two months to get the trenches dug since I lack the arm strength of my Husband and Dad who, in May came to my rescue and within two days had the rest of the trenches dug, the sprinklers lines in and working. I am so greatful for the men in my life who help me with my "man" projects. Now watering is on a timer and brainless! Yeah! And my grass is growing great now. Thanks Dad and Bill.

J- Jaci

In June Jaci went to see Bill up at school. It was really fun for them to be able to spend time together alone. She had to go to class with him a few times and thought that was fun. They went swimming in a nearby lake and of course he took her to get a Big Judd burger! They had a great time and Bill said that he enjoyed being able to talk to her and spend time with her.

K-Kylie

Kylie is Ashlee's best friend from Las Vegas. Since we have moved to Montrose they have kept in touch and have seen each other both summers. Last year Kylie came to Montrose to stay with us for a week. This summer Ashlee flew to Vegas to spend the week with her. Within one week they went to the mall (of course), went to the Circus Circus Adventuredome, rode the Roller Coaster at the New York, New York, and went to a water show. On the day of her return they were in Abercrombie and Fitch shopping and she saw Carrot Top. So she got a picture with him on her phone. She said he was really nice.
So now the drama... Right before her flight to Vegas we learned that Kylie's mom would possibly not be able to get a pass to meet Ashlee at the gate. So of course as a Mother I was freaking out. Ashlee has flown alone many times, but I have always dropped her off at the gate and there has always been someone to pick her up. Sure enough they did not get a pass so she had to walk through the Las Vegas airport alone. Then add to that she was at the D-gates which are the furthest away from the main terminal and baggage claim. It was that day I learned just how grown up and independant Ashlee has become. Here I was a nervous wreck, and she was calm, cool, and collected. She followed the signs and made arrangements for Kylie and her parents to meet her at her luggage carousel. I was very proud of her.

L-Lap Dog

Is it too late to inform Sadie that she is not a Poodle or Chihuahua, that she will never fit into one of those cute dog purses or designer pet sweaters, or that she is not a lap dog. Everytime we travel she does the same thing. She starts in the back, then she inches her way up to the front slowly. First her head is in the middle of Ashlee and I, then she rests her arms on the middle console. Next her paws and arms will move to Ashlee's lap and her back feet will be on the console. Pretty soon she is all the way on Ashlee's lap. Rotten, Spoiled, Dog!!

N- National Anthem

Ashlee has always dreamed of singing the National Anthem for some sporting event. She got her chance this spring when she was asked to sing at the Little League Opening Ceremony. She did awesome and had a blast. You can check out her video on YouTube under SadiePollyPops.

H- House

My house was BLUE!! Blue I tell you. Horrible. There is nothing worse than giving directions to your house and having to use the phrase "the blue house across from the park." Thankfully my mother shared my distaste for blue and came to paint the house. Now I cannot take credit for alot of the painting cuz I was at work a lot of the time. So my Mother spent a week at my house painting with Ashlee and I helping when we could. The change is amazing and I feel so much better now when people tell me that they almost drove by becuase they didn't recognize the place!

Much improved house now. I love my Mother for all she does for me. Her and my Dad spend countless hours helping our family. (Note the brown patches in the grass, from the sprinkler system Dad helped put in.)

Q-Quincy

Meet my new nephew Quincy Rollins (Q as we call him). What a sweet spirit. I am just in love with him. Quincy just turned 1 and for his birthday he arrived in America after spending most of his first year in an orphanage. He is so precious and such a good baby. It is so wonderful to see him change and grow with the love of a family to change his world. I am sure Heavenly Father loves him so much to send him to a family that adores him.

This is Q's first time meeting his Aunnie and Ashlee. I love him so much.

Here are Maddie and Q at home during a family picture session.

This is a picture of Quincy and Maddie in Africa the first week that they got him. You can see a huge difference in him from then to now. He is so happy now!