No harm... no foul!!!

What can I say? This is my husband, he's "special"!!! I love this man so much. Last night, the YW/YM in our ward were having some kind of scripture mastery competition and they asked Randy to judge it.... this is what he looked like when he walked into the church. Can you IMAGINE if you were a youth in our ward? He kills me.



You can't see it in the photo too good, but he has a black sweat band on his head and the socks had lost all the elastic so they were falling down... his solution? RUBBER BANDS to hold them up!! The whistle sounds like an old car horn and it lights up!!! I can just imagine with the personality that he has, that there wasn't a dull moment at their activity!!! There is stuff he does everyday that makes me laugh so hard, and I am so glad!!! I tend to get uptight about a lot of stuff and he keeps me really grounded. Sometimes when he gets into it, he will get me laughing so hard I start coughing and end up dry heaving, then he feels bad. But it's all worth it!!! He has always been very funny to me.

One of the first times I met him, I was working with his cousin and he came to visit her. As he walked through the doorway to the back room, I was standing in the doorway, unlike a normal person that would just walk through, he pretended that his muscles were too big to fit through the door and ended up scooting sideways so he could "fit"!!! He constantly keeps the party alive. The way he acts is enough to put me into cardiac arrest sometimes. If you have ever seen him "run", you will know what I mean. He has mastered how to run like and idiot
and it's a favorite of my family to see him do it!!! And believe me, he'll only do it to make people laugh!!! What a guy!!! I sure do love this man!!!

Happy Memorial Day

This is my great nephew, Odin. It's his 2nd birthday today. I wanted to use this picture for my Memorial Day post, and thought I would give him a little shout out!!!! I took this picture last 4th of July, isn't he edible? Anyhow, I want everyone to recognize how lucky we are to live in the county we live in and get to enjoy the freedoms we have. I am so grateful for those who have served and who currently serve in our military. I am SOOOO glad that this little guy's daddy, Chuck came home safe from Iraq when he served there. Today would have a whole different meaning if he hadn't. I will be teaching our kids about the importance of celebrating those who have gone before us, especially the ones that died while defending our freedom. I'm so happy that I live in a county that lets me worship the way I want to and live my life the way I choose. How lucky are we? Now, go get the dogs on the grill.... LET'S CELEBRATE!!!! Happy Memorial Day, folks!!!

2 cool+ 2 be= 4 gotten

School is almost out!!! I love summer. We get to do whatever we want and there is no schedule to follow other than swim at Gina's house or play at the splash pad everyday!!! It's easy to go from day to day and think that I'm not making a difference in my kid's lives, then I remember when I was in 1st and 3rd grade and it puts into perspective how much we are influencing our kids everyday.

Randy in first grade at Hurricane Elementary!!!
Hopie's first grade picture, West Elementary.

Tyler in first grade!!! He's done such a good job. He reads like a pro, didn't have any problems at all!!! He has good manners and we are so proud of him.

Randy in 3rd grade. Notice the shirt, his mom made it!!! Cool, huh? You know how you always wear your favorite clothes for picture day? 9 out of 12 of his school pictures, he's wearing a red shirt!!!! Yea, he still loves red!!!


Here I am in 3rd grade. Like the hair? It was very stylish for then, I will have you know!!!

And Maddison this year, 3rd grade!!! She had a hard time with math at first this year, which was a challenge because everything has always been so easy for her, but she welcomed the challenge and kicked it in the butt. She is such a cool daughter.


It's so fun to have another school year come to an end, but it's scary to see our kids growing up so fast. Next thing you know, they'll be graduating!!!! EEEKKKK!!!! I should start therapy now so I can get a handle on my emotions!!!!

May 16th, 1982

May 16th, 1982. I was 5 1/2 years old. This is the day that my parents took me to the temple to get sealed to them for time and all eternity. It is the day that my "blood lines changed" and in the eyes of our Heavenly Father, I became their daughter. What a wonderful day. I remember being in the temple. When I went through to get my endowments, I walked in and remembered IN COLOR everything I would have seen that day 14 years earlier. I knew immediately which sealing room we were sealed in and everything. I know it was never an easy thing to raise me when they thought they were done having kids, but they did a great job. I have the best parents in the world. I am so grateful for the sacrifices my family went through to do what was right. It's not always easy or convenient to do what is right. I know without the intervention of my parents, I would have possibly ended up dead. I am grateful that my parents were encouraging when it came to a relationship with my biological dad's family. They didn't have to get along with them and make things work, but between my parents and my grandma and grandpa Albrecht, I had the best childhood ever!!! I am so blessed. I hope I never forget that. Thank you mom and dad for taking that leap of faith so many years ago. I hope I have made you proud. I love you.

Isn't she CUTE????

This is Cambelle. She is such a fun girl to have in our family, most of the time. She's growing right now, so she's eating non-stop, sleeping a TON and is whiny as can be. I hope she gets this over with soon!!!! Yesterday, the dishwasher was being abnormally loud. When she heard it, she asked, "why is the dishwasher saying something different today?". I thought that was a very creative way of putting it!!! She is in dance with Southwest Dance. They have their year end production this weekend. She is a "star baby"!!! I can't wait. I love Southwest Dance. She is excited to be on the "big stage" with her costume and a pinch of make up!!! I have been wanting to do a blog post about her for a while. She is so maternal. It's crazy that some kids are just BORN to be a mommy. That's our Cambelle. She always has at least one baby that she's nursing, rocking, wrapping up, or taking care of in other ways. She shocks anyone that sees her with babies, live or fake!!! I'm gonna take pictures of her for 24 hours of her taking care of the babies, you'll see what I mean!!! Until then.......

Word to your Mutha.....

So, with it being Mother's Day and all, I decided to do a post about 2 of the best moms I know. This is my mom. Like I have taught my kids, sometimes you're not born to the mom that is meant to raise you. That was the case when I was born. I was not born to her and my dad, but it's very obvious that I was supposed to be their daughter. I was lucky right from the beginning to have her in my life. The very first thing she did for me was refuse to let my biological mom name me Chastity. That's right, Chastity. I'll take Hope over that ANY DAY!!!! She has always been a great mom. She has raised me to know that I have self worth and I can always love myself and no one gets the right to put me down. A lesson I hope my girls learn. She raised 5 girls and then took on me. What a brave woman!!! She loves women and what we are all about. She is the perfect mom for me. Even though she doesn't like my blog and probably wont read this... Mom, I love you and hope you have a fabulous Mother's Day!!!!


And this is Peggy. She is Randy's mom.



I call her mom too, because it is my way of showing respect for her and showing her how much I love her. Not everyone has a mother-in-law like mine. She is never critical (although I give her enough reasons to be). She did a great job raising my husband. Always showing him love and sacrifice and teaching him the value of service. I have so much love for her. She is amazing in so many ways, but the best is what she is at the core. She is a genuinely good woman that I can look up to and try to model myself after. Peggy is the #1 fan of my blog, and I love that!!! I know you will read this, so, I love you and I am so lucky to have you in my life. Thanks for being the person you are. I love you!!!!


So, I've also been blessed to be around so many wonderful women. My Grandma Albrecht has always been a huge influence on me. She has taught me so many lessons that I think about every day. I have the best sisters in the world, aunts that are wonderful and best friend's moms that have also been a huge part of my life. When it comes to strong women, I have been surrounded by them my whole life. I thank my Heavenly Father for sending all these great people to teach me and guide me. Happy Mother's Day to all women. We are all mothers in one way or another!!!

Happy Birthday Randy!!!!

Today is Randy's 35th birthday!!! The first thing I want to do is tell him mom thank you for raising such a good son for me to marry. Randy entered this world a lot faster than most and he's left an impression on a lot of people starting with the doctor!!! (He was born so fast, the doctor didn't have time to change and let's just say he needed new shoes after Randy came!!!) There are a lot of things that I love about Randy and that make him the unique person he is, I thought today would be a perfect day to celebrate him!!!

I love that Randy is a goof ball. Never a dull moment with him around!!!


I love that he loves his (and mine) family.


I love that he serves people.


I love that even in the depths of bronchitis, he still wanted to spend time with us a Disneyland and ended up falling asleep on this park bench.


I love that he was worthy to take me to the Temple and that will always be a priority for him.


I love that he likes to take us on motorcycle rides!!!


I love that he takes his talents seriously and shares then with everyone!!!


I love that he is social and enjoys taking the kids and I to events.



I love that he likes spending time with me.


I love that he values family time and shows love and respect for his family, there is a good reason his mom dubbed him the "peacemaker" in his family.



I love that despite all my many flaws, he loves me unconditionally. He's always been slow to anger and quick to forgive... that makes life easier for all of us.


I love that he's handy and if he doesn't know how to do something, he'll ask for help and figure it out!!!


I love that he lets me make fun of him on occasion, like when our friend, Jeff picked him up on his bike to go fix Randy's bike!!! I'm still laughing thinking about the 2 of them riding together!!!

I love that he supports our families always, in everything they do, from dance recitals to Temple endowments.


I love that he's not afraid of babies or baby poop!!!


I love that he knows how to have fun with friends!!!


I think he's just a hottie ;)


I love that he helped me make 3 beautiful children and is a wonderful father.


I love that he decorates that he decorates the gingerbread houses with the kids at Christmas time!!!


I love that he lets me drive, and drive way too fast without saying anything!!!


I love that he appreciates the outdoors and that he can hunt and fish (including gutting the animals...ewwwww)


I love that he is physically fit and can do things, like haul wood, that a lot of men can't do!!!


I love that he's a hard worker. No one works like those Clyde boys, and am I glad!!!


I love that he has a sense of humor and will dress up for Halloween!!!


I love that he will dance!!!



I love that he said yes to being in the Bishopric even when it scared the crap out of both of us. He respects and honors the Priesthood that he holds. And I think that's sexy!!! WOOHOO!!!


And I think THIS is sexy!!!! HEHE!!!!




Those are just a few of the reasons that I love Randy. I don't know how I ever got so lucky to get a husband like him.

Randy, happy birthday!!! I love you!!!!

A piece of HOPE

What were you thinking? This week Randy has a pretty big job to do at work. Yesterday he even worked over 13 hours for the first time in... well, I don't remember. That used to be the "norm" but not now, he hasn't had overtime for over a year and a half, so the idea of getting some overtime this week gets us both very excited!!! He has a couple big jobs coming up, I don't think we're on the way out of this hole we're in, but we'll take what we can get, right? We are grateful for the 40 hours he gets a week, but boy do we miss the 60+ hour weeks!!!! Hopefully all of your jobs are stable. Remember to stay friends with me, that way you'll always have Hope!!!! Ohhh, I crack myself up!!!

Ohhhh, for a laugh....

So, this is Jordan (my nephew's bro-in-law). Like his sister, Tyra, he is so freaking funny. He did a blog post that made me laugh sooo hard. It takes about 20 seconds to look at it and laugh hysterically. So, check THIS out if you want a good giggle, if you like it as much as I do, leave a message on his blog (it makes him feel important!!!). By the way... I took this picture of Jordan for his College and High School graduation invites... that's right folks, not only is he funny and cute, he's got a brain too!!! ENJOY!!!!

Not much!!!

So, what have you been up to lately? Us? Not really much.... just this.....


It's the cake Randy made for our neighbor by request from her mom. Stephanie graduated from College today!!!
And this....

It's a cake for a neighbor girl who turned 16 today. Her mom really wanted Randy to make a pink car cake for her b-day!!!!
And this.....

Another cake request for a neighbor's birthday. That was last Friday!!!
Then we have this.....

Randy's cousin, Ivy's bridals!!!

Oh, yea.... and this one.... had to add it.


Their wedding was tonight, I got to play wedding photographer at it!!!! By the way... this "sun kiss" is NOT photo shopped!!!! That was just good timing!!!!


Oh, yea... and this one.....

My nephew, Josh's sister-in-law's wedding!!!!




That's 3 custom cakes made by Randy, 2 weddings and one bridal session by Hopie, and that was in ONE WEEK!!!!! I don't think we'll do that again. Randy and I are totally wasted. But, we have been told to use our talents or we lose them.... we don't want to lose them!!!! Thanks for the opportunities!!!