How Does She Do It???

Well there have been many many times in my life I have said this phrase. I want to take some time and thank all the "she's" in my life. I look at each and every one of my "she's" and they have all impacted me in one way or another. This year I hope to be more like "she". More like the friend who never talks bad about her husband. More like the friend who never gives up when things get hard. More like the friend who is so in touch with the spirit there is no question in what she should do. More like the friend who cooks dinner and enjoys family conversation around the table. More like the friend who is so patient and understanding with her children. More like the friend who is adventurous and not afraid to try something new. More like the friend whos house is clean and uncluttered. More like the friend who knows whats going on in my life because they are not to busy to keep in touch. More like the friend who enjoys each day to its fullest. So my goal is to take a little away from all the "She's" in my life and be a little better "she" my self. Thanks for the great example you are to me!!!!!!!

Portland- Carols Wedding

Carol and I have been friend since before we could talk and I am so happy to see her married to a wonderful man. They are such a cute family and Cam just love Ian. I know how hard it is to find not only a spouse, but someone willing to be an automatic dad. Ian it takes someone special to fill that roll and you just fell right into place. It is so good to see Carol so happy and Cam have the daddy he deserves. I wish you guys the best as you start your future together.
Wendy, Lisa, and I flew up to attend the wedding and it was so much fun. I am not going to go into details, but when you get three crazy women (and Jen meet us up there, Her and her husband made a trip of it)away from their kids and stresses of being a mom anythings bound to happen;) We did a little shopping, went to Multnomah Falls, and took in a late night movie. Good times!
Mr & Mrs Ian Graham

The Girls (Wendy, Lisa, Me, & Jen)

Lisa, Jen, Carol, Me, & Wendy

Multnomah Falls

This is to all my friends.

As I work in the cancer field (which I love) there are some hard days for me. You get so close to our patients and their families that it is difficult to see them struggle. I just want to take this moment and let my friends know how much I love and appreciate them. Even though we may not talk on the phone everyday, or see each other as often as we would like, I truly love and cherish our friendship. I heard this little video and I couldn't help but think of my friends and the wonderful times we have had over the years and the great times to come.
I love you all and thanks for everything!

Raquetball Fun!

Well my friend and coworker Tiff and I have been playing raquetball and we love it. Of course the trash talk starts way before the game and our fellow coworkers even get in on it. Tiff got ticked because I was winning and belted me with the ball (of course she says it was an accident). Don't worry I belted her right back. It is all in fun and we have a great time. I don't know if we get a better workout from laughing or playing. Thanks Tiff for your friendship. I am looking forward to next weeks game.

Finally Girls Weekend

Well I never thought our girls weekend would get here, but it finally did. It came and flew right by. We started this girls weekend in 2004 after my husband was killed and I really needed my girlfriends. Turns out this was a tragic year for several of us as we each faced our own set of challenges. We really found strength in each other we laughed, cried and scrapped our hearts out. We had so much fun that we decided to make it an annual event. Each year we change locations and this year happened to be in sunny St George. Shelly (Koyle), Jen (O'Camb), Wendy (Christensen), Joanna (Shepard), Taunie (Stott), Lisa (Beckstrand), and I (Carol and Tricia were not able to make it this year) had a great time and I honestly look forward to this weekend every year. Thanks for the great times girls. My stomach still hurts from laughing so hard.

Labor Day Camping Kanosh Canyon!

Over labor day weekend we met up with a few friends and went camping up Kanosh canyon. We all had a good time and the kids got along great. Between the 3 families (Jen's, Lisa's, & ours) we had 11 kids (Jen brought a few extras)all under the age of eleven. 8-boys & 3-Girls. I was surprised how well they all got along and played together. As Jen stated on her blog a neighboring camp stole some of our wood and it was game on. The boys formed an alliance against them and spent a lot of the time sneaking around and hiding in the woods. Oh to be young again! They had such a great time and keep us laughing the entire weekend. We also enjoyed playing games, (although Derek kicked our butt. He is smart) looking at the stars, shooting bows, hiking, the boys went swimming, rode motorcycles, roasted marshmallows, etc. I hope this is the beginning of a new tradition and something we will do every year from now on. We love camping, but it is even greater to go camping with friends. I would like to thank the guys for coming. I am sure it was a little different for you since you don't know each other very well. Thank You!!! Wendy you missed out. Taunie we wished you could have stayed longer, but we also understand. We love to see you any chance we get.

I have lots of photos so I will post as seperate slide show enjoy!

To My Friends

Well here it is Mother's Day and I am feeling very thankful. Since my mother is not here to show my appreciation to I am letting my friends know how grateful I am to them and all that they have done for me in my life. I came acrossed this poem that I love. So this is dedicated to all my friends. You know who you are!

The Friend Who Just Stands By

When troubles come your soul to try,
You love the friend who just stands by.
Perhaps there's nothing she can do,
The thing is strictly up to you.

For there are troubles all your own,
And paths the soul must tread alone.
Times when love can't smooth the road,
Nor friendship lift the heavy load.

But just to feel you have a friend,
Who will stand by until the end.
Whose sympathy through all endures,
Whose warm handclasp is always yours.

It helps somehow to pull you through,
Although there's nothing she can do.
And so with fervent heart we cry,
God Bless the friend who just stands by.

~Author Unknown~



Thank You for being that type of friend for me I would have never made it this far without you. I love and cherish your friendship more than you will ever know.

FRIENDS FOREVER
Brandy