Born in the USA sorta

In the past couple of years I have had the privilege of attending citizenship ceremonies for two of my husband's employees. One of the nation's newest citizen Violeta Soubie
There is a lot of preparation that goes into the application for citizenship that one doesn't normally get to see. It is also interesting to see the slight differences in each of the ceremonies. The first I was able to attend took place in a large auditorium and was said to be the largest swearing in to ever be held in the state of Kansas. The more recent one had about 90+ people and apparently according to the security guards at the federal building is held on a monthly basis with about that many in attendance. The first one I attended the officiator named a country and every from that country stood. The more recent ceremony, the clerk read each person's name, their native country, and their occupation with place of employment if they had one. Free advertising for us lol.

Those attending the ceremony to support Violeta except Billie and TP who missed the photo op.


Almost the same thing as above except Billie and TP are in this one and Calli was taking the picture.

Gab Bumatay was so kind in letting Violeta have a party at her house afterward. They set a great spread. Tasty!

Judgement Day

About a month ago Daryn was on his way home from work when he was pulled over by a police officer for driving with expired tags. No of course it wasn't his fault because it's not his car. I knew we were gambling that that could happen, but what can one do when the funds just aren't there. In the process of issuing the ticket it was found there was no proof of insurance in the car. Now the insurance was paid, but the card wasn't in the glove box where it's supposed to be. Again something that isn't his fault since he isn't the car owner and he's trusting that we take care of that. Anyway, today Joe and Daryn went to pay the ticket, $90. For some that might not be such a huge amount, but for us right now it is. Of course they went during lunch time when there is hardly anyone around to take care of business. When they arrrived there were 3 stations opened to pay fines. Daryn and Joe get up to one and give the paperwork to the clerk. Just at that moment a judge walked in behind the clerk and took the paperwork. He looks at it and reduces the amount of the ticket by $70! Joe was so amazed by the whole thing. Daryn of course doesn't realize how significant it is.

The Blue Monster

For the past several months I have been able to keep the "blue monster" at bay. It's not been easy. I have to pretend at times that everything is fine. At others I just have to push myself to do the things that need to be done. It's not something I can explain as to why I am affected by this malady. I have a wonderful family and wonderful things have been happening. That in itself makes me feel guilty, because I am blessed this way. I just know that some days I want to give up, but something keeps me going. This past week has been extremely difficult to keep the smile painted on even with the wonderful things happening. It's very frustrating.

The Call Is Here

Sean received his mission call today. He will be serving in the Nevada Las Vegas West Mission. What's really funny is Joseph Naylor just came home from that mission and he just lives down the street from us. Serendipity.

Charles Theodore Rathjen

Charles Theodore Rathjen arrived July 14, 2010 at 11:29am.
He has a good set of lungs on him. I had the privilege of being his mommy's labor coach, not that she needed it. The nurses did such a wonderful job. Christa was Linda's nurse and she was fabulous.
7lbs and 19 inches long. He's seems so tiny.
The day was extra special because in the birthing room next to us Jenny Staggs (the bishop's wife) was having her baby. So the race was on. Charles came in first with Drew Staggs following a close second 2 hours and 15 minutes later. I was hoping to have a picture of the two boys in their bassinets, but it didn't work out that way.
Baby Drew Staggs
Baby CTR
Oh well, I'll just have to steal one they took. We are now and forever tied to their family whether they want it or not.
Poor Celeste
Big Sis
doesn't even have a clue as to how much her life is going to change. I think she will do fine, but it will be interesting to watch the transition.

Father and son


I think he's gonna be a blondie.


My little Teddy Bear

KC Temple

I was visiting with one of my favorite people today in Liberty and so I stopped by the temple site to view the progress.

Mall Rat in the Making

We have great indoor malls in OP. This one has a merry-go-round and a fun play area that CTR absolutely loves.

Independence Day

A legal way to celebrate the fourth. Love those poppers. Daryn tosses them and CTR pops them.

A New Project

Linda had a great idea to make a dollhouse for CTR. I have this pattern that I made for the girls when they were little that is kind of cute. We started working on the house in May and so far we have three rooms done. It's going a lot faster this time around than when I made it for the girls. Dani, Linda, and I get together once a week to woek on it together.
The crew
Wednesdays are again my favorite day of the week. Now that Laura's home even she is getting in on the fun. We're changing some of the colors. The bathroom and bedroom are different.
The front

This is a well worn pattern for sure, but so much fun.


The back


Working on the outside.

Even CTR is helping. I am so enjoying this.