"SYRA"

I don't have a picture to go with the post because I don't have a scanner & I almost didn't write anything because of that. But, I just couldn't let this day go by without mentioning my wonderful friend Sarah (aka "Syra"). She was one of my best friends in High School & she was killed in a car wreck on this day in 1995. It's hard to believe that it has been 13 years. I think of her daily & I miss her terribly. Her death was extremely hard for me & I remember being consoled by her dad at her viewing.

Sarah was a very fun person. I'm not sure how else to explain it. Everyone loved her - she truly had the best personality. Not to mention that she was gorgeous!! She had beautiful, long blonde hair that everyone envied. She was always the "life of the party" because she was not shy in the least. I still find myself screaming in my car as I drive by an elementary school off of Baseline (we had strange homecoming dates their & it was tradition to scream in the car whenever we passed it) or wanting to buy a "Mystic" fruit drink when I drive by 7-Eleven (they don't even make those anymore).

My daughter Kylie was given Sarah's middle name of Ann. It is a topic Kylie & I talk about a lot & how lucky she is to be named after such an awesome person. I'm so thankful to have the gospel in my life & to know the truth. I can't imagine living & thinking that I would never see her again. If that would have been the case 13 years ago I would not be here. In fact, it was going through this tough time that my testimony really blossomed. I can't wait for the day to see her beautiful smile again.

I love & miss you Sarah!
Love - "Mail-butt-knee" (that's a story for another day)

VINYL DREAMS

I have finally switched my lettering website over to a blog site. Here it is:

VINYL DREAMS

If you need anything let me know! Also, those of you that have links on your blogs to my old site - would you please switch it to my new one? THANK YOU!!! That old website was just too much of a hassle - this new one will be much easier. Another thing, if I've done stuff for you before please send me pictures that I can place on the blog. THANKS AGAIN!!

SCENTSY

Hi everybody! I'm doing a Scentsy basket party right now if anyone is interested. A basket party means I'm not doing a formal thing at my house. Just an open ended thing for this week - if you would like something let me know. My party will close this weekend. There is a web address below if you would like to look at their products online. The nice thing about buying from a "party" is you don't have to pay shipping! (Hence, why I'm doing this instead of buying them online.)

With that said, here's my quick little shpeal! I really do love this stuff. I have been a die hard Salt City Candle girl for years, but I have found a new winner! You spend a little more up front because you have to buy the warmer ($25), but it's worth it! For the price of 2 large Salt City Candles you could get the warmer along with 6 bars. You can buy 6 bars for $25! Each bar lasts as long as 1 large Salt City Candle & 1/4 of the price. The warmer has a low wattage bulb & the wax is never hot. If it gets knocked over on accident & pours on your skin it will never burn you. Another good thing for kids. Plus, there's no wick to trim & no black soot everywhere. So, truly, it is a great product.

Ok, enough of that. I will not be a pest because I totally will not be offended if you're not interested. I just wanted to let you know in case you are! Just email me or call me if you would like something. Also, I do have samples that you can smell if you'd like. Hope everyone has a good week!

SCENTSY

TAGGED AGAIN

Well, I've been tagged by Heidi, here you go....

4 “people” who email me regularly
1. Rennie
2. Allison
3. Heidi
4. Mimi
(**If you're on this list & wondering why because you don't really email me that often - it's because I really don't get a whole lot of regular emails. I still talk to everyone.)

4 places I would like to visit
1. Ireland
2. Iceland
3. China
4. Italy

4 favorite restaurants
1. Cafe Rio
2. Manuel's
3. Moki's
4. Grass Skirt Grill (mmm - my mouth is watering now)

4 things I am looking forward to in the coming year
1. dance recital being over (sorry Em - but it stresses me out right now)
2. Jadyn starting Kindergarten
3. Monsoon season
4. Bell cruise (even though we found out it will now be the same one as last time)

4 things I am not looking forward to in the coming year
1. swimsuit season since I'm still quite large (no comments please)
2. Kylie turning 9 (what the?! how did she get so old?)
3. the busy month of May
4. Rennie moving away & leaving me! (boohoo for Mel!)

If you're reading this - consider yourself tagged. Let's hear it!!

LOVED

My SIL intoduced me to this song last summer & I listen to it often. Today seemed like a good day to share with everyone. Listen to the words - it's awesome! Enjoy!

Don't Give Up

P.S. - Familia - is it just me or does he look like Jill a little?

STANLEY STEAMER

Today my dear sweet Grandpa Julian passed away. He has had bone cancer & it was his time. It's always good for the one suffering (even though he remarkably didn't have the pain that usually goes along with his type of cancer), but sad for those left behind. I just can't imagine not having the knowledge that we do in the gospel. I can't imagine thinking that this was the last we'd ever see of him. I'm so thankful to know that this is just the beginning of another stage of life for him. It brings tears to my eyes to think of the reunion he had. He has lost 3 children & my beautiful Grandma in his lifetime. I'm sure he's having a wonderful homecoming right now.

If you've ever had the pleasure of meeting this awesome man you know how sweet he is. Never a chance went by where he wouldn't greet me as, "there's my precious Melanie". In high school he would always tell me how beautiful I was & that I was sure to be the homecoming queen. (I never had the heart to tell him otherwise.) He always made me feel so special even though I was not his biological grandchild. Not to mention how sweet he always is to my girls. But, that's just the way he was. I think a lot can be learned from him on how to treat others that you care about. I could tell many stories about him & how we called him "taco burger" & all of the lectures we would get on the truths of real life.

He always had the best stories, too. He was a fighter pilot during WWII days & he has some of the most amazing pictures I've ever seen. I loved to hear him tell about his adventures.

He will be greatly missed while we remain here on earth. I can't wait for the day that we can all be reunited. There are so many others I can't wait to see as well. But, for now, I need to wait.

We will miss you greatly Grandpa & we will always love you!!!

SUCCESS

YEAH FOR ME!! Today my sister Allison & I went hiking up Camelback again. And today, I made it to the top!! I had to go really slow (thanks again Allison for being so patient with me), but it paid off in the end. What a gorgeous sight! It's hard to believe we live in the desert when you look down & see all of the trees. I can't wait to go again. I'm going to get my tired, old body in shape if it kills me. (And it just about has with these two hikes!)

P.S. - We missed you Ren! Next time for sure! And Robin, what are you talking about rubbing it in? Have we forgotten that I'm not the one that lives in Hawaii?!