34 Years and Counting

It's been kind of a different week this past week...I have been reflecting on Cliff's and my life together.  I think both of us have forgotten what we have come through and the joy we have shared in the past 34 years.  We are not perfect...we are blessed!  A video link below to give you a glimpse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le2yH-6C3jU

Yosemite National Park

 

Cliff and I had an unbelievably wonderful time in Yosemite National Park and I wanted to share it with you.  There is also a video link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4eFTywMrLA

Back to Shoots!

I'm back to doing some photo shoots for people other than family.  These two young men are brothers and the one on the left is graduating at Virginia Tech this spring and the brother on the right is graduating high school here in Atwater.  I have known these two for quite some time now.  They are really good guys!

Happy New Year 2011!

We started the year off with a granddaughter photo shoot with Margo.  Two year olds have a peculiar habit of running everywhere!  Except to pull up their pants!  Then we celebrated Lacee's 23rd Birthday...I know, she's our baby.  Where has the time gone?  Also, starting out the new year, we had a good frost this past Monday.  We Central Valley flatlanders aren't use to it, but we know how to survive it!  Then this Tuesday a most wonderful thing happened.  On my prayer walk flocks of Cedar Waxwings flew in a near by neighborhood tree to take a rest and feast on berries.  It was a beautiful sight.  To see the video of the birds (I just happened to have my camera on the walk), click on the link.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmIIa2TfmxE

Birthday Girl (Me)

Ashlee and Lace helped me celebrate my birthday yesterday...we had planned on going to a movie, but it was packed.  Then we didn't have a clue what to do and wandered around...and around...and around Merced as each decision led to a closed store, multicultural center or a roadblock (literally).  It was Monday and a lot of places close on Monday.  We finally did most of our shopping at Pier 1.  Lace and I modeled cute aprons.  Then we went out for dinner where Cliff joined us later.  I got sung to (the girls thought it would embarrass me...NOT!), and a free chocolate mousse.  Can you believe in all of my 56 years I had never had a chocolate mousse before?  It was heavenly!  Perfect way to end my special day!

(Photos courtesy of Ashlee)

Christmas Evening 2010

Balloons help fill up the time until dinner!

The grillmaster had steak on the new grill and the shrimp on the old.

Zelma, Velma and Fred joined us...only one casualty!

Opening gifts...Gilbert trying on Margo's chef's outfit.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Christmas Time is Here!

Christmas time is here...Lacee doin' her annual Christmas Cookie making (and eating)...the house and outside reflecting the season.

The Yokley Family wishes you a VERY Merry CHRISTMAS!

Two Weeks of Life

My last water polo game of the season...



Grandkiddos Trick or Treating (Mummy Mayc and Raider's Fan Margo)

Ashlee's Trash Bags Open House...she had it set up in her office/sewing room much like a little trendy chic boutique!

I had a family shoot the same afternoon as the Trash Bags Open House...21 family members showed up.  It was a very long shoot, but fun!

...and then there was the women's day retreat in which the ladies spurred me on to lie across their knees when the photo was taken (on timer so we could all be in the photo).  There was a bit of resistance on my part, "but I'm too heavy...I only have 10 seconds..."  I lost the argument!  Right after the flash, I rolled off their knees and onto the floor and we all laughed again!

Last, but not least, I found out today that I have a new grandpuppy, Buster!  He is a purebred Basset Hound...12 weeks old and by his paws, he's going to be a big boy!

It's been a very full two weeks!!!

Pumpkin Patch with the Punkins!

It was a wonderful time!

Atwater High Water Polo (in blue caps)

Above, Daniel (#5) actually dunks this guy!

But I have to say, the girls are in it to win too!!

Lots Goin' On...

Maycin's (Center) first flag football game Wednesday night (Gilbert is the coach for his team).  It was hilarious at times, but Maycin's got his game face on.  The little girl (and only girl on team) on right made 2 touchdowns!

My first Water Polo game on Thursday afternoon with Daniel (#5 and our pastor's son) reaching for the ball.  I have a lot to learn about water polo and taking photos at water polo games!  But it was fun.

Corry left California Tuesday, spent Wednesday night in Baltimore and was in Germany Thursday.  He is part of a medical logistics team in charge of medical supplies in the hospital on base.  He and his comrades will be caring for our wounded soldiers.  It will be all business once he gets to work.  But, he took advantage of some time off before he starts and toured the Heidelberg Castle pictured below.

It was a good full week with everyone safe and everyone in good health!  That's a big thank you, God!!

10/10/10 Once in a Life Time

It's a once in a life time to experience 10/10/10 (won't happen again for a thousand years) and on this day Cliff and I celebrated it by giving each other a 10 second kiss at 10:10 a.m.  We would have tried for 10:10 p.m. too, but I went to bed early!  =o)   We also spent some time together and traveled to Lake McSwain to have an out of this world burger (very yummy) at the don't blink or you'll miss it, marina!  But, on the way to the lake, we like to stop at one of the dairyman's exotic ranch in the Snelling area.  This fellow got rather close to us and the poor lad had flies flying all around him (along with all the other animals)!!  But, my favorite part are his lips!  They make me smile. 

Yep, it was a pleasure to spend 10/10/10  with my best friend eating our out of this world burger, and relaxing by the still water with a cool breeze!