Summer Fun with Family:

We have to beat this Summer heat somehow (which I heard the back in Oregon it was over 100, so I can't complain too much with our weather we have here) so get ready or not, backyard pool here we come.
(Paps as well jumped in.)

Now that we are drippin wet and sun has started to set, what do we do now??

"Start that fire babe" Let's roast marshmellows and have some smore's.

Everyone seemed to like that idea!
The kids were excited to make their smores'

Even Bentley was excited to even snag a treat here and there.


It was a fun evening.
I love the smell of campfire burning. I love having my parents in town. I love Summer nights.
(I was even able to get Paps on the tramp to jump a few times. What a sight!)

We all were laughing, eatting, playing, having fun, 0h and getting bit by lots of bugs...A perfect Summer night!

A promise worth keeping...

...a promise you can only get at one place...

...The Temple: the House of the Lord.

I am honored to say that today we had the opportunity to visit and walk through the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house.

What a special moment it was for me, to be in the house of the Lord with my husband, kids, and even my parents. I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere but there in that moment of time!

The feelings in the temple were strong and that is even before the temple has been dedicated (hence why it was open to all people, members of the church or not) I know that if we do what we are asked and follow the Lord, then the promises of an eternal family will be mine. I want nothing more that that for my family.

I will remember this day for a long time.

Some time to kill...

...we had a wonderful morning being able to go and watch little Kinlee get blessed by her daddy today in their ward building, but we had some time to kill before we met up for lunch, so what do we do...

...stop down at Riverwoods mall in Provo to take some family pictures.
Seeing my little family always reminds me just how lucky I am to have them.
Having some extra time now and then, doesn't always have to be a bad thing, if you get moments like this.

truly a blessing

Today, only comes only a few times in a little girl's life and well, today was Miss Kinlee Rae's special day...her blessing day.

...A special blessing from her daddy.

(I can't believe just how much she looks like Delanie in this picture when Lanie was a baby. I swear I have the same picture of our little Miss Lanie.)

Kinlee is such a good baby and was ever so good during her blessing. Not a peep she made, and the things that Kory blessed Kinlee with is something special between a daddy and his little girl.
My family and I were honored to be a part of such a special day. Dan thought it was special to be a part of Kinlee's circle.
Kinlee looked so pretty in white, truly a blessing from God.
Kinlee has blessed many with her sweet spirit and she isn't even 3 months yet.
I know that she is loved by many, Lanie told Nana that with this current visit, that Lanie was more excited to see Kinlee then see Nana. Nana didn't know how to reply to that; So I know that Kinlee is loved so much from her cousins.
I also know that many great and wonderful things will happen to Kinlee and that she is a chosen spirit. She brings much happiness to many.
We are so grateful to have her as part as our extended family and I am so very proud to be her auntie.
I Love you Kinlee Rae!

deja' vu

Today we got to celebrate and party for today is a holiday in Utah; gotta love those state holidays. In Utah, we celebrate our pioneer heritage and the trek they walked to finally end their journey in Utah. "This is the place!" is far from an understatement being able to live in Utah...

...well, you can't have a party without fireworks, so before the kids could go to bed, off we headed to watch the show (thanks to the neighbors) and how could I not take a picture of the kids.

Seeing them with my mom and having her holding them with their ears covered totally gave me a deja' vu moment.

As a kid ( and maybe even a little bit still) I didn't like fireworks. Actually, that is an understatement, I HATED fireworks. Year after year for the 4th of July, when growing up we would get together with our cousins (Emily, Carrie, and Jenna can share truth to this next part.)

I would FREAK out!

Screaming, crying, running into the house, and hide till the fireworks were over. I told you that I HATED the fireworks. My parents and cousins never could get me and my mom would get so upset at me for the way I was acting...
...well, that was a long time ago and though now I don't run and hide in the house, I can at least tolerate them, but still not a favorite.

So, tonight seeing the kids covering their ears took me back a bit. No tears and screaming from the kids tonight, but I was able at one time to get this cute picture of Carson, watching the fireworks at one point through the window from inside the house; at least he has a smile on his face.

All and all, we (yes, I said we, so that would have to mean even me) enjoyed the fireworks, but I am glad I have a whole year to do it again.

Dan was thankful to have a day off from work and get to spend time with the family. Again, you gotta love state wide holidays. It was a fun way to spend the holiday and even Nana and Paps are here with us this year, making it even more fun and a better day.
Relax+Sunshine and Heat+Family+Fireworks+Holiday+No Plans+Fun = A Perfect Day!

GONZO!!!

I am excited to say that this is my life at number 17 lbs. lighter!

Got on the scale today and was happy to see that I have lost the the 3 lbs. I gained while at Newport Beach AND I also lost 2 more lbs...bringing my total weight lost to 17 lbs!

I have 18 lbs. (maybe even more) to go, so I am a little over half way there...

Here is to counting points, subway 6 inch wheat turkey sandwiches, diet coke, Smartones, walking around the block, lots of water, AND lots of patience!

what's been on my mind latey...

this "tag" is for all who have a facebook/twitter account.

Tell us what has been on your mind!

Go back a month or so and post what your "status" was.

Kinda fun to look back and see what you were thinking about or what was happening just a short time ago.

July 21: *Happiness is in our home: Hells' Kitchen starts a new season tonight!

* The pool is calling our names...we better listen. Wouldn't want to have an angry pool. Laundry can wait one more day!

July 20: *Is getting ready to conquer the world today...or at least Lehi.

July 18: *WANTED: Apartment Manager needed in Orem, Utah! BYU or UVU married couple. Needed ASAP! 44 unit complex. Great Benfits to come! Tell your friends or family members. Leave a comment if you want more info.

*It is so hot, I can't eat! It's so hot, I can't sleep, it's so hot, I can't think...

July 17: *My New Boyfriend: I {heart} Ryan Reynolds!McConaughey WHO???

July 16: *It's gonna be a hot one tomorrow...Triple digits here we come!

July 15: *The ringing in my ears still today is so worth it from the American Idol concert last night! I could have gone without Adam's thrust pushes right in my face!! But WOW, Everyone can sing! Autographs followed the show!

July 14: * I can almost hear the screaming crowd of Fans and hearing the sexy voice of Kris Allan! Idols here I come!

July 13: *me + front row floor seat 1 + a great friend and thousands of screaming fans + Adam's sweat + tomorrow night = American Idol Live!!!

July 12: *Please call me "mrs. Chairman," I will not answer to anything else. You are looking at the newest chairperson for our church/Ward float for NEXT June for "Round Up Days" Jealous???

July 11: *Saturday + 9am=T-ball game!

July 5: *Laundry is so NOT FUN when you have been gone for a week and there are 6 in your family! I will be playing catch-up ALL DAY tomorrow!

*Home Sweet Home...just got home from a L*O*N*G car drive from Cal. and Vegas! Pictures to come!

Jun25: *Heaven needed a "King" and an extra "Angel" today. Here's to Heaven and the entertainment they are having right now. Enjoy it, we will miss it here on Earth!

*Michael Jackson is DEAD!!

June 24: *Has tears in her eyes...down a whole pant size! YES!!!

June 23: *Glitter Toes make me HAPPY!

*Derek Hough must be sore today, because he was running through my dreams all night long. ;)

Looking back at what was on my mind the last little bit, it made me realize 3 things; I love pop culture, I am a lucky girl who has a fun and blesses life, AND I spend a lot of time on facebook.

Either way whatever it may be, if it is on my mind, you will for sure know it.

Matthew McConaughey WHO???

OK, so tonight I went to the movies, where I saw THE PROPOSAL......only the CUTEST ROMANTIC Comedy!

And, I am going out on a limb to say that it might be one of my favorite movies of all time. It is up there with 13 GOING ON 30, which I love as well.

Well, if you know me, I have celebrity boyfriends and a "list" of if I was to meet them, then all would be OK. (I hope you see where I am going with this...)

Well, On this "list" there is Matthew McMonaughey, Zac Effron, and James Marsden; all good lookin' guys, But after tonight, move over you three guys...

#1 guy on the "list" is Ryan Reynolds!


Can you blame me???
His eyes, smile, and after I saw The Proposal tonight, everything else about him!
There was times during the movie that I just wanted to have an outer body experience and I was hoping that he was talking to me. I just wanted to call out his name.
Like I said, he is so cute and funny at the same time; the whole package!

Listen to me, I know that I am a happily married girl who has a super great husband which I LOVE so much, but come on, a girl can dream...isn't that what a hopeless romantic does???

When life gives you triple digits...

... you better go swimming! Today was HDOY (Hottest Day of the Year) as the weathermen like to point out on the TV.

We hit 101 degrees, so with $50.00 bucks and a trip to Target; we found this 8x30 pool for the kiddos. (and it looks like Dan needed to try it out as well)

It was a prefect way for the kids to cool off and I finally had some peace and quiet in the house where the air conditioning was on and blaring on high.

I can guarantee that the kids will be out there again tomorrow, the heat wave is here for the next couple of days.

Gotta love Summer and the heat of it all!

A tradition we must keep...

...In our home, Today is like a very special holiday.

"Why?" You may ask,

Well, Today is 7-11 which only means it is......FREE SLURPEE DAY!
I made the suggestion to head over to 7-11 and the kids (even Dan) thought that I was a genius! Who can pass up a slurpee??

We all jumped into the car and headed up North; the closest 7-11 is about 15 minutes away.

(A sin if I had to choose, No 7-11 should be that far away!)

When we got there, I wondered if today was even the right day, we were the only ones in the parking lot, BUT it didn't take long for people to come.

Offer a "free" Slurpee and people WILL come.

Lanie picked wild Cherry, Kenzie got the Crystal Light strawberry, Dan was in heaven because they had Pina Colada, and C&C got Coke Slurpees.
(I got a real fountian Diet Coke)
Everyone had a smile upon their face.

While in 7-11 paying (Yes, I said PAY, the"FREE" cups didn't come with lids and the girls wanted BIGGER slurpees...I can't blame them!) I was taking pictures and the clerk asked me why I was doing so, I looking at him, gave a smile, and said, "Slurpee Day" comes only once a year. It is a special day on our calendar. We want to remember today as we would any other holiday.

So, you better believe that we will be at 7-11 next year, I already have it on the calendar!

we all have our moments...

I was debating if I should post this or not, but it is just too funny to not. I am always posting the funny things the kids do, so why not have a taste of my own medicine and put myself up for a laugh or two.

It was during the Michael Jackson Funeral, and I was watching and remembering just what a true talent he was. I got thinking and wondering if I could do some of his signature moves.

I know what you are thinking..."NO, She Didn't!!" Well, I hate to say it, but yes, it is true. I got up from the floor and started to "dance." (if you can even call it that)

I did the kicks, did the "oh whoo," tilted my "hat,"and even tried to do the moonwalk.

It was about that time when I stopped what I was doing and asked myself, "What the heck was I doing??!?!" I even found myself laughing out loud at myself. There is a reason why Michael Jackson is the KING OF POP and there was no reason for me to even attempt to try to be like him.

Michael has skillz, talent, and was just plan good at what he did; entertain!

I then sat right back down where I first started the funeral, thinking that my attempt was just that, A Secret! NO ONE needed to know.

Little did I know, the kiddos were watching me the whole time and from around the girl's room, I hear, "Mom, are you trying to be Michael Jackson???"

I was caught!

Together the kids all then laughed at me. I was embarrassed and there was no way out of this one.

So, now you see why I had to share my moment of pure "wannabe," it was just too good to not share, and the answer is NO, I will not be showing my dance moves to anyone. Sorry!

This girl has learned her lesson, There is only ONE KING OF POP and it is so NOT me!

Celebrating the 4th-Las Vegas Style

On our way home from Newport Beach, CA. I knew that the Livingston's were spending the 4th with their family, so we decided to call it a day in the car and meet up for fun with friends.

In Vegas, things are a little bit bigger and a whole hot hotter, so what do you do???

First, Lunch at Metro Pizza and when you have a over stuffed belly, nothing a swim can't fix.

Over to Liza's parents home for a BBQ and some fun in the water.

The kids played and played in the pool. Nothing got them out...they ate their hot dogs and back into the water they jumped! I have to note that "floaties" are the best thing! C&C actually played in the water and Dan and I didn't have to hold them. (WHY did I not use them sooner was silly on my part. So for sure invest in a pair for your kiddos.)

After the pool, we headed over to watch the firework show that was off of one of the many casinos there. Everyone does the big fireworks and since Vegas is so flat, that as you drive around, you can see many many shows of fireworks going on.

C&C didn't like the sounds of the firework, but would actually sit through them unlike my sister and I when we were little, but that story is for another time.
The kids were so tired from all of their hard playing during the day, that they all crushed before we got back to the hotel.

In the morning before we headed back on the road, we thought since we were in Vegas, the kids would like to go to the M&M's and Coke store along the strip.
and yeah, they sure did!
They each picked out their trip treat and we headed off the strip. I have come to the conclusion that Vegas isn't a place for kids. Each time I go, I realize this. The people and things that you see there is pretty strange. You for sure see all kinds and the world is opened up to you.

Now, into the car we go...
Ready or not, 6 hours await us in the car. I hope that I can survive!
Thank goodness for air conditioning; it was at one time 115 degrees driving through Vegas. Also, thank goodness for dvd players in the car with wireless headphones, so I don't have to listen. Thank goodness for my itouch, so I can control the music AND last but not least, thank goodness for my pillow, so I can nap through part of the drive.

Happy Rally Monkey Day!

It was like a bad dream...seeing 40,000 stuffed monkeys around the baseball field.

These monkeys were what the stadium were giving out tonight at the game; aren't we the lucky ones.

6 Rally Monkeys of our very own, but I do have to admit, it did save us $$MONEY$$ on buying silly souvenirs.
We (and 40,000 other people in Cal.) were out to see some baseball from the Anaheim Angels and Baltamore Oriels.

Let the game begin and sing it with me...

Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out to the crowds,
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks,

I don't care if I ever get back,

so it's root, root, root for the home team,

if they don't win it's a shame,

For it's One, Two, Three strikes your out,

at thee old ball game.

We had a fun evening!

What is a baseball game without a hot dog and some peanuts. After dropping almost $60.00 in food alone; the drinks were $6.00 EACH and we got 5 during the game and the hot dogs were $4.00 and $6.00 peanuts.
It was well worth it though AFTER the many trips to the bathroom!

Yes, we did get to see some of the game, in fact, we saw many home runs, the skydivers, many smiles from the kids, peanut shells on my lap from when the kids would drop them on me.

The sun was out, we were together as a family, and to make it a great ending to the evening, the Angels took the win.

***I have to add this side note as well, We got to the game early, so we headed down to the field to watch the players during the batting practice. Well, Cassie "caught" one of the balls from Aubrey Huff. He came up to Cassie and told her that he wanted her to have the ball because she was so cute. Leave it to Cassie to almost throw it back to him. So now Cassie is a proud owner of a major league baseball. ***

I like to think of it as a little piece of Heaven

I can only hope that Heaven can be a little bit like Newport Beach, California!

This has to be one of my all time favorite places...

What can be better then...

the warm sun shinning all day,

family,

food,

sand in between your toes,

tan lines,

laughter,

giant Diet Cokes from 7-11,

people watching, (and believe me, you see it ALL along the boardwalk)

the smell of salty water with a cool breeze,

bed time at 7 for the kids due to all the playing,

the dress code, (oh wait, there isn't one. Bear piggies are ok in stores)

AND the lose of all sense of time,

See why I can only hope that Heaven is even a little piece of Heaven!

Some of my favorite things to do while in Newport Beach...
1. Cassie figured out this year that the "mermaid" is topless.

2. My kiddos happy

3. my daily breakfast of 2 donuts and 52 oz. of Diet Coke

(hence why I am sure I gained back 3 lbs. from this trip, but I can tell you, so worth it!)
4. People Watching and seeing the different street vendors along the boardwalk

(this guy painted with cans of spray paint)
5. I wish I had a boat like these off my personal dock in the harbor

6. being barefoot in the sand.

***One thing I could live without is the sirens!***

They are non-stop there. In fact, I wonder how will I be able to sleep again with the sounds of the 24 hour police sirens.

I {Heart} Newport Beach, California!