For all of you "TWILIGHT" fans out there today is a sad day!
I just read this... (click on it)
I'm so heartbroken about this! I'm just speechless!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
HAIR
This past week has been a hair changing extravaganza at our house. We're trading hair cuts for dance lessons with a lady in my ward, so all 3 of us girls went in for some much needed hair remodeling! The girls were dead set on the idea of getting bangs. Which - I was not happy about. Just the maintenance & the hair constantly on your face, etc, etc.... is not my cup of tea. I despise bangs, but I let them choose what they wanted. They turned out cute, but I just have a weird fetish I guess you could say with bangs.
So, here's the pictures. Please keep in mind that they look A LOT better in person. You would think that since my husband is a photographer I'd have awesome pictures of my kids. Quite on the contrary. Since he takes them all day long - he doesn't like to take pictures any other time. I end up taking the pictures & I'm horrible at it. I cannot for the life of me get a decent picture of Kylie lately. Oh well - at least you get the idea.
Kylie's hair...
Jadyn's hair...
Now, as for me, I've never done anything drastic with my hair. Even when I do go in for a hair cut I always end up looking the same.
I am just hair/fashion challenged in every way! I always want a change, but never go for it.
I've never had my hair colored - only highlights.
I've had my hair cut to my shoulders twice in my whole life.
This time I didn't even tell her what to do. I told her to do whatever she wanted. After all, it's just hair - it'll grow back right?
Now, here's my hair...
I like it a lot. It's just strange to see it on me.
So, here's the pictures. Please keep in mind that they look A LOT better in person. You would think that since my husband is a photographer I'd have awesome pictures of my kids. Quite on the contrary. Since he takes them all day long - he doesn't like to take pictures any other time. I end up taking the pictures & I'm horrible at it. I cannot for the life of me get a decent picture of Kylie lately. Oh well - at least you get the idea.
Kylie's hair...
Jadyn's hair...
Now, as for me, I've never done anything drastic with my hair. Even when I do go in for a hair cut I always end up looking the same.
I am just hair/fashion challenged in every way! I always want a change, but never go for it.
I've never had my hair colored - only highlights.
I've had my hair cut to my shoulders twice in my whole life.
This time I didn't even tell her what to do. I told her to do whatever she wanted. After all, it's just hair - it'll grow back right?
Now, here's my hair...
I like it a lot. It's just strange to see it on me.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
MUSIC
I love music! I admit - I'm not nearly as knowledgeable these days as I use to be. I'm not the greatest on keeping up with the new stuff, but I'm still tolerant. So, I like to think I'm not getting too old yet. I know everyone has some classics on their list. I'd like to know what CD's you could listen to over & over again & never get tired of. I'm not just talking about random songs - I mean an entire CD. Here's some of mine.....
1. 30 Seconds to Mars - "A Beautiful Lie"
2. Weezer - the "Blue" CD
3. No Doubt - "Tragic Kingdom"
4. ANYTHING GOO GOO DOLLS!!
Now, let's hear some of your "classics"!
1. 30 Seconds to Mars - "A Beautiful Lie"
2. Weezer - the "Blue" CD
3. No Doubt - "Tragic Kingdom"
4. ANYTHING GOO GOO DOLLS!!
Now, let's hear some of your "classics"!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
BIZARRE
This is how our Tuesday went...
While driving Jadyn to dance class before school she asks me to listen to this CD..
Yes, my 5 year old LOVES "30 Seconds to Mars". What can I say? I taught her well.
After dance we went to lunch & then off to school. We were running late for school & I saw her class lining up already when we got their. So, I told her to jump out of the car & run to get in line. She did & I was off. Erik picked the girls up from school & when they walked in the door Jadyn's wimpering & Erik (trying not to laugh) asks,"Do you know what your daughter took to school today?" I of course say "no" & Jadyn's crying. He hands me this CD cover...
(This is the jacket to the above CD. Only mine doesn't say "The Kill" because it's not the single.)
Jadyn's hysterical at this point & I bust up laughing. Apparently, I rushed her out of the car so fast that she didn't realize she still had it in her hand until she was in line. So, what does she do? She hides it under her arm (thinking she'll get in trouble) & when she gets into class she quickly hides it in her desk. When the bell rings to go home she gets the CD out of her desk & brings it back. No harm done - Erik & I both thought it was hilarious. But, Jadyn was beside herself. You would have thought she committed a felony - it was funny!
Then, this is what happened later...
At about 8:30 Kylie decides to stall a little & come tell us a story before bed. Mid-story we hear our little gate to our courtyard squeak open. Our blinds were open a bit & we could see 2 guys on our front porch looking around. Kylie instantly opens the blinds to see who it is like she always does & Erik & I both yell at her "DON'T!". Still, there was no knock. Erik then goes to the door (with still no knock) & opens it to see what they're doing & if they need something. Here's how the conversation went down in a nutshell...
Erik: Can I help you?
Guy #1: Can I use your bathroom?
Erik: Who are you?
Guy #1: I just need to go to the bathroom.
Erik: Well, I don't know who you are.
Guy #2: Hey, I understand - it's cool - I'd do the same thing.
Then, they take off with Erik & I scratching our heads wondering what that was about. Roughly 5 minutes later we hear a search helicopter hovering around & laugh to each other. Joking around that they're probably looking for those guys that were at our door. Roughly 5 mintues after that Erik looks outside & sees multiple cop cars out in front of our house. WHAT THE??!! Erik says,"Do you think I should go talk to a cop & tell him about the guys on our porch?" WELL, YEAH!! So, he goes outside & comes back in after a couple of minutes & starts picking up our house. He tells me that one of the guys is handcuffed in front of our home & the cops want to come into our house to ask us some questions. We gave him every detail we could & were so thankful that our girls had fallen asleep by now. I asked the cop if we were allowed to know what was going on & he said yes, but hold on. He's listening to his little radio & then takes off.
Awhile later he finally comes back & asks Erik if he can come identify the suspects. Apparently he had taken off because they found the other guy. Erik says sure & goes outside to see both guys that were on our porch more than an hour earlier. Then, the cop starts asking Erik if we want to press trespassing charges on them. Well no, they didn't do anything & were actually pretty cool about leaving. What could we say? Then, multiple cops came to our front courtyard looking all over. We have a large pot that doesn't have anything in it right now. Erik stuffed his tarp in it & forgot to take it out. The cops pull it out & search everything for any weapons, drugs, etc. Finally they left our house, but stayed outside until close to 11:00pm.
Yet, we still don't know what happened. Until today...
My dad gets on AZCentral.com a lot just to browse the news. I had told him about our little incident earlier in the day. He calls me this afternoon to tell me about an article he found on AZCentral that sounds like "our guys". I talked to my neighbor & he confirmed that this was the correct story. He asked one of the cops & the cop told him. So, for the fun of it - in case you care - here's the story...
NEWS ARTICLE
And to think that they tried to get into my home!! We could tell that Erik caught them off guard when he opened the door & that they just looked for some excuse for getting caught. But, I know we were watched over this night! It could have been so much worse! We are BLESSED!
While driving Jadyn to dance class before school she asks me to listen to this CD..
Yes, my 5 year old LOVES "30 Seconds to Mars". What can I say? I taught her well.After dance we went to lunch & then off to school. We were running late for school & I saw her class lining up already when we got their. So, I told her to jump out of the car & run to get in line. She did & I was off. Erik picked the girls up from school & when they walked in the door Jadyn's wimpering & Erik (trying not to laugh) asks,"Do you know what your daughter took to school today?" I of course say "no" & Jadyn's crying. He hands me this CD cover...
(This is the jacket to the above CD. Only mine doesn't say "The Kill" because it's not the single.)Jadyn's hysterical at this point & I bust up laughing. Apparently, I rushed her out of the car so fast that she didn't realize she still had it in her hand until she was in line. So, what does she do? She hides it under her arm (thinking she'll get in trouble) & when she gets into class she quickly hides it in her desk. When the bell rings to go home she gets the CD out of her desk & brings it back. No harm done - Erik & I both thought it was hilarious. But, Jadyn was beside herself. You would have thought she committed a felony - it was funny!
Then, this is what happened later...
At about 8:30 Kylie decides to stall a little & come tell us a story before bed. Mid-story we hear our little gate to our courtyard squeak open. Our blinds were open a bit & we could see 2 guys on our front porch looking around. Kylie instantly opens the blinds to see who it is like she always does & Erik & I both yell at her "DON'T!". Still, there was no knock. Erik then goes to the door (with still no knock) & opens it to see what they're doing & if they need something. Here's how the conversation went down in a nutshell...
Erik: Can I help you?
Guy #1: Can I use your bathroom?
Erik: Who are you?
Guy #1: I just need to go to the bathroom.
Erik: Well, I don't know who you are.
Guy #2: Hey, I understand - it's cool - I'd do the same thing.
Then, they take off with Erik & I scratching our heads wondering what that was about. Roughly 5 minutes later we hear a search helicopter hovering around & laugh to each other. Joking around that they're probably looking for those guys that were at our door. Roughly 5 mintues after that Erik looks outside & sees multiple cop cars out in front of our house. WHAT THE??!! Erik says,"Do you think I should go talk to a cop & tell him about the guys on our porch?" WELL, YEAH!! So, he goes outside & comes back in after a couple of minutes & starts picking up our house. He tells me that one of the guys is handcuffed in front of our home & the cops want to come into our house to ask us some questions. We gave him every detail we could & were so thankful that our girls had fallen asleep by now. I asked the cop if we were allowed to know what was going on & he said yes, but hold on. He's listening to his little radio & then takes off.
Awhile later he finally comes back & asks Erik if he can come identify the suspects. Apparently he had taken off because they found the other guy. Erik says sure & goes outside to see both guys that were on our porch more than an hour earlier. Then, the cop starts asking Erik if we want to press trespassing charges on them. Well no, they didn't do anything & were actually pretty cool about leaving. What could we say? Then, multiple cops came to our front courtyard looking all over. We have a large pot that doesn't have anything in it right now. Erik stuffed his tarp in it & forgot to take it out. The cops pull it out & search everything for any weapons, drugs, etc. Finally they left our house, but stayed outside until close to 11:00pm.
Yet, we still don't know what happened. Until today...
My dad gets on AZCentral.com a lot just to browse the news. I had told him about our little incident earlier in the day. He calls me this afternoon to tell me about an article he found on AZCentral that sounds like "our guys". I talked to my neighbor & he confirmed that this was the correct story. He asked one of the cops & the cop told him. So, for the fun of it - in case you care - here's the story...
NEWS ARTICLE
And to think that they tried to get into my home!! We could tell that Erik caught them off guard when he opened the door & that they just looked for some excuse for getting caught. But, I know we were watched over this night! It could have been so much worse! We are BLESSED!
Monday, August 18, 2008
OCD
My name is Melanie & I have problems. I have a bit of OCD tendencies. It's a known fact in my family that my brother's & I tend to get a little obsessive over things. For me, I switch around A LOT! (If you read my blog then you know this already.) My brother's tend to focus on one thing for long periods of time. However, I like to tell myself I'm just being well-rounded. (Hey! Whatever justification works for my sanity right?!) This week - it's food preparedness. If you remember in a previous post I've recently done some canning. Well, peaches were on sale this week, so EmmaLee came over & we canned some peaches.
(Thanks for the pic Emm - I stole it from your blog since I was too dang lazy to take my own!)
I'm going to go get some more peaches & get some more done & even test out jam. That could be scary! We'll see.
Another problem I have is collecting "tools". I like to say I'm a scrapbooker - even though I haven't scrapbooked in who knows how long. Those that have seen my collection know I love to have all kinds of "tools". I have all kinds of cold laminators, a hot laminator, a handheld printer, etc. I also have a frame maker (that has come in handy), a steam canner, a vinly plotter .... you get the point. I just purchased a dehydrator to add to my list of stuff. We'll see how that goes. But, I'm excited to add to my food storage some things that we might actually eat. I mean who's really going to eat 50 lbs of wheat? You lie if you say you will!! So, if anyone wants to do some canning or anything - give me a call!
Just for kicks - since Christmas is around the corner (SCARY!!) - here's a list of some more tools on my list...
vacuum sealer & bags
compound miter saw
router
new computer
DVD converter program
(Thanks for the pic Emm - I stole it from your blog since I was too dang lazy to take my own!)
I'm going to go get some more peaches & get some more done & even test out jam. That could be scary! We'll see.
Another problem I have is collecting "tools". I like to say I'm a scrapbooker - even though I haven't scrapbooked in who knows how long. Those that have seen my collection know I love to have all kinds of "tools". I have all kinds of cold laminators, a hot laminator, a handheld printer, etc. I also have a frame maker (that has come in handy), a steam canner, a vinly plotter .... you get the point. I just purchased a dehydrator to add to my list of stuff. We'll see how that goes. But, I'm excited to add to my food storage some things that we might actually eat. I mean who's really going to eat 50 lbs of wheat? You lie if you say you will!! So, if anyone wants to do some canning or anything - give me a call!
Just for kicks - since Christmas is around the corner (SCARY!!) - here's a list of some more tools on my list...
vacuum sealer & bags
compound miter saw
router
new computer
DVD converter program
Thursday, August 14, 2008
BIRTHDAYS
This month 3 of the most influential women in my life have birthdays. So, here's to them..
First, yesterday was my stepmom Mignon's birthday. (aka "Migmommy") She is one of the most hilarious women you'll ever meet. She doesn't mess around - she gets things done. Not to mention the fact that she will do anything for you & rearrange her entire schedule to help people out. She's definitely one of those "give you the shirt off their back" kind of people. I love you muchos Mimi!! **By the way, she rode this horse like no other! You would have thought she was a rancher the way she just hopped up & rode off into the sunset.**
Second, is my sister-in-law Rennie's birthday on Sunday. If you've ever had the priviledge of meeting her then you know what an amazing women she is. I admire her in so many ways & learn from her daily. Many don't know, but this past year has been one of the hardest of my life. Rennie was my rock. She was always supporting me, always worried about me & always helping me out in anyway she could. I only wish that someday I can be as wonderful as her. She's definitely one of a kind. I am forever indebted to my brother Luke for marrying her. Or I know I would not be where I am today! I love you Ren & am counting down for your return! ('Cause you know you have to come back to the valley!)
Third, is my Mom's birthday on the 30th. WOW! What can you say about your mom? She's unbelieveable! She's a true example of faith to me. When times get tough - she may stress quite a bit (Thanks again for passing on that wonderful trait to me!), but she always knows it will work out in the end. She never gives up. This was a hard summer with my brother's passing. In fact, that whole week I couldn't even look at my mom. I just couldn't imagine now that I'm a mother myself what that would be like. But, she's handled it tremendously. I love you mom!!
Lastly, I must end on a more sad note that is completely not related to these birthdays. I was in the kitchen yesterday filling up a water bottle when Jadyn got ahold of my camera. She took a picture of me, looked at it & then said,"Mom, you look like you're fat." THANKS!! That makes my day! As if I wasn't self conscience enough already. I love my kids!
First, yesterday was my stepmom Mignon's birthday. (aka "Migmommy") She is one of the most hilarious women you'll ever meet. She doesn't mess around - she gets things done. Not to mention the fact that she will do anything for you & rearrange her entire schedule to help people out. She's definitely one of those "give you the shirt off their back" kind of people. I love you muchos Mimi!! **By the way, she rode this horse like no other! You would have thought she was a rancher the way she just hopped up & rode off into the sunset.** Second, is my sister-in-law Rennie's birthday on Sunday. If you've ever had the priviledge of meeting her then you know what an amazing women she is. I admire her in so many ways & learn from her daily. Many don't know, but this past year has been one of the hardest of my life. Rennie was my rock. She was always supporting me, always worried about me & always helping me out in anyway she could. I only wish that someday I can be as wonderful as her. She's definitely one of a kind. I am forever indebted to my brother Luke for marrying her. Or I know I would not be where I am today! I love you Ren & am counting down for your return! ('Cause you know you have to come back to the valley!) Third, is my Mom's birthday on the 30th. WOW! What can you say about your mom? She's unbelieveable! She's a true example of faith to me. When times get tough - she may stress quite a bit (Thanks again for passing on that wonderful trait to me!), but she always knows it will work out in the end. She never gives up. This was a hard summer with my brother's passing. In fact, that whole week I couldn't even look at my mom. I just couldn't imagine now that I'm a mother myself what that would be like. But, she's handled it tremendously. I love you mom!!Lastly, I must end on a more sad note that is completely not related to these birthdays. I was in the kitchen yesterday filling up a water bottle when Jadyn got ahold of my camera. She took a picture of me, looked at it & then said,"Mom, you look like you're fat." THANKS!! That makes my day! As if I wasn't self conscience enough already. I love my kids!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
BEGINNINGS
Here's another one of my long week-in-review- posts. This is what we've been up to. School started this week. Here's Kylie on her first day of 3rd grade! (This was the best picture I could get out of her. She usually loves to pose for pictures, but we were a little too excited this morning.)
Jadyn started Kindergarten. I can't believe she's that old! Just crazy!
Here she is lining up to say the Pledge of Allegiance before they walk into their classroom.
When I picked Jadyn up from school she came to me & said,"Mom! This is going to be so cool!" She's so funny & just as dramatic as her sister.
**Erik & I were able to finally get our living room project completed with the girls at school. Check out my vinyl site link on the right for pictures of that.**
With the beginning of school also comes the beginning of a new dance year! Make sure you check out our dance studio blog & be sure to sign up your kids! We have some new classes & are excited to be in our new building! Here's the link:
DANCE DEFINED
Then, there's the beginning of the Olympics this week on 8-8-08. Erik's been waiting weeks for this to start & he's been watching it all weekend. (The Olympics take over our lives at our house.) We love them. The opening ceremony was truly unbelieveable! As a dance teacher I was amazed at how in sync everyone was all the time. I can't get a group of 5 girls to be together, but they can get thousands in unison. Absolutely amazing!! It was just breathtaking what they did. Here's my favorite picture of the night...
One of our favorite things about the Oympics is the stories they tell of the athletes. I love to hear how they came to be at the top & what they had to overcome to get their. It's always inspiring. Well, this was no disappointment. In case you somehow missed this moment - here's the story..
This little boy standing next to Yao Ming is a 9 year old survivor of the recent earthquakes in China. 2/3rds of the kids in his school were killed in the quake. After pulling himself out of the rubble - this little boy risked his life to go back into the rubble & save another student. Then, went back in to save another one. He was asked why he risked his own life to save the other children. He simply said, "I had to. I'm the hall monitor." How can you not love that? What an adorable little guy. Not to mention how just too cute this picture is. The shortest person on the athlete field with the tallest person on the athlete field.
Lastly, I topped the week off with a night out with some friends in my ward discussing the good old "Twilight" series. Even though we talked about A LOT of other things - it was a blast. Thanks ladies for a fun night! We'll have to do it again soon.
Monday, August 4, 2008
JUST DO IT
I retrieved this from someone else's blog (It was all over all of our old Vegas friends blogs)....here is a fun little game...Leave a comment on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time or a long time--anything you can remember! Next re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory of you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you....Don't be shy, this will be fun!
BREAKING DAWN
You know I read it! I didn't go to a midnight party. Thought about it, but I'm just too dang old. Instead, I woke up, on my own - no alarm, at 6:30am & had to run to Wal-Mart immediately. (I'm glad I did. I had to go their again later in the day & they were sold out.) Anyway, I LOVED it! Although it makes me wonder what really goes on in that women's head. I am just amazed at the things people can create. I never would have guessed anything that happened in this book. How do authors just create their own world? Just like Harry Potter - people that can think up a whole different existence are just amazing. I guess just because I'm so not creative in the least. (Now I don't want my family popping in & saying how that's not true because you all know I just copy everything!) It's definitely worth reading. Only after you've read the others, of course. Go get it & ENJOY some time in fantasy land!!!
Friday, August 1, 2008
UTAH
We just got back from a week in Utah. Here's a breakdown of what we did... (Sorry - this will be long.)
We drove up to St. George via Las Vegas on Wednesday to stay with my Mom in Dammeron Valley. Nothing too exciting. Except for the fact that I read almost the whole time to Erik. I started to read "Twilight" to him.
On Thursday I went shopping with my Mom to buy LOTS of stuff. We were having a "mini reunion" at my Mom's house & the girls had planned to do some canning. So, we spent almost 4 hours in St. George shopping & literally filled my Mom's 2-door BMW to the brim with stuff. Then, started to prepare some of the food to save some time. Which included washing & cutting 12 pounds of strawberries. Fun times!! Then, we took a little hike with the girls in my Mom's backyard.
Friday we went to the lake! Allison, Jackson & Steph got into town at 3am & were ready to go to the lake with us by 7am. We did a little wakeboarding & a little kayaking. We were all pretty soar the next day from kayaking. It is quite the workout.
Saturday the girls woke up & canned away while the boys went to the lake again. I enjoyed canning & could really get into it. I even bought a steamer so I'm ready to go! I was in charge of the salsa, so I spent 2 1/2 hours straight making 12 batches of salsa. It was a little long, but fun! We headed to Veyo for lunch at the local cafe. (That sounds so "small-townish" & let me tell ya - it is!) 
Then, we came home to prepare for family pictures even though almost half the family was not able to come. Check out this lovely group. I love how my sisters get ready & within minutes look like they're ready for the runway & no matter what I do I still look the same. Yeah, they STINK!!
Sunday we drove up north to Highland to visit my Grandpa & Grandma Carroll. When we got their we spent time walking around their home in awe of Grandma's gardening abilities. The grounds are beyond gorgeous. These pictures don't do it justice. And my sweet Grandma just kept saying how everything looked horrible. She had everything all picked up & beautiful & then a big storm came through. 
Monday morning Erik left for sales meetings in Ogden & the girls & I continued to stay at my Grandpa's along with my Mom who came up with us. I went to visit my friend Melinda in the morning who moved to Cedar Hills a few years ago. It was so fun to see how her kids have grown. Cute, cute, family!! Later that night my Grandpa took us to eat at the Golden Corral in Provo. We met my Uncle James their & his wife Heidi. James is the same age as me & his lovely wife is pregnant with their first. I'm so excited for them! Then, everyone returned to my Grandpa's house for some geneology & family history talk while my girls played in the sprinklers.
Tuesday my Grandpa was so excited to take us to "Cabela's". He was dying to show the girls the GIANT display of animals. He kept telling me about all of these stuffed animals they had everywhere. Well, being the mother of 2 girls I thought of Build-A-Bear workshop type stuffed animals. Never did I ever even think at all that it was real stuffed animals. The displays were amazing! They had 3 large seperate displays. Also, when we walked in to the store a worker handed the girls some tokens saying they were good for the laser shooting upstairs. After looking at all the animals we went upstairs to shoot away. They had a row of about 20 laser guns with a big display of all kinds of objects with targets all over. Jadyn got lessons from my Grandpa & still struggled a bit. The guns were pretty heavy which didn't help. Kylie, however, was pretty good. At one point she hit 3 targets in a row. Not too shabby for some one that's never done anything like this. Her favorite item was a pair of old boots on a porch. When she would hit their target water would shoot out.
I took the girls for a ride after lunch to see the Mt. Timpanogas Temple. It's so beautiful their. Then, Erik returned home from sales meetings in the afternoon & we headed back to my Mom's house in Dammeron Valley.
Wednesday Erik & I took a little hike in my mom's backyard to get some decor for my home. I know that sounds weird, but I'm excited about these giant stalks. Plus, they were free! We watched "Jumper" at night before resting up.
Thursday we drove home! It was a long drive & we stopped a few more times than we normally do. But, I finished reading "Twilight" to Erik & don't ever believe what He tells you to your face. He loved it! We even tried to stop at a Wal-Mart to buy "New Moon" & they didn't have it. So, don't let him tell you otherwise. He enjoyed it.
Now it's Friday & I spent 6 hours school shopping with my girls & I'm ready to relax. We're watching "DOG" (The Bounty Hunter if you didn't know) & we're so stoked he's back on TV. Erik wishes he could work for him. That would be his dream job I think. And now, I've got only a couple of hours before "Breaking Dawn" comes out so, I might as well stay up & go buy it tonight! WOOHOO!!! Don't call me for the next day because I won't answer - I'll be reading what happens to Bella!!
We drove up to St. George via Las Vegas on Wednesday to stay with my Mom in Dammeron Valley. Nothing too exciting. Except for the fact that I read almost the whole time to Erik. I started to read "Twilight" to him.
On Thursday I went shopping with my Mom to buy LOTS of stuff. We were having a "mini reunion" at my Mom's house & the girls had planned to do some canning. So, we spent almost 4 hours in St. George shopping & literally filled my Mom's 2-door BMW to the brim with stuff. Then, started to prepare some of the food to save some time. Which included washing & cutting 12 pounds of strawberries. Fun times!! Then, we took a little hike with the girls in my Mom's backyard.
Friday we went to the lake! Allison, Jackson & Steph got into town at 3am & were ready to go to the lake with us by 7am. We did a little wakeboarding & a little kayaking. We were all pretty soar the next day from kayaking. It is quite the workout.
Saturday the girls woke up & canned away while the boys went to the lake again. I enjoyed canning & could really get into it. I even bought a steamer so I'm ready to go! I was in charge of the salsa, so I spent 2 1/2 hours straight making 12 batches of salsa. It was a little long, but fun! We headed to Veyo for lunch at the local cafe. (That sounds so "small-townish" & let me tell ya - it is!) 
Then, we came home to prepare for family pictures even though almost half the family was not able to come. Check out this lovely group. I love how my sisters get ready & within minutes look like they're ready for the runway & no matter what I do I still look the same. Yeah, they STINK!!
Sunday we drove up north to Highland to visit my Grandpa & Grandma Carroll. When we got their we spent time walking around their home in awe of Grandma's gardening abilities. The grounds are beyond gorgeous. These pictures don't do it justice. And my sweet Grandma just kept saying how everything looked horrible. She had everything all picked up & beautiful & then a big storm came through. 
Monday morning Erik left for sales meetings in Ogden & the girls & I continued to stay at my Grandpa's along with my Mom who came up with us. I went to visit my friend Melinda in the morning who moved to Cedar Hills a few years ago. It was so fun to see how her kids have grown. Cute, cute, family!! Later that night my Grandpa took us to eat at the Golden Corral in Provo. We met my Uncle James their & his wife Heidi. James is the same age as me & his lovely wife is pregnant with their first. I'm so excited for them! Then, everyone returned to my Grandpa's house for some geneology & family history talk while my girls played in the sprinklers.
Tuesday my Grandpa was so excited to take us to "Cabela's". He was dying to show the girls the GIANT display of animals. He kept telling me about all of these stuffed animals they had everywhere. Well, being the mother of 2 girls I thought of Build-A-Bear workshop type stuffed animals. Never did I ever even think at all that it was real stuffed animals. The displays were amazing! They had 3 large seperate displays. Also, when we walked in to the store a worker handed the girls some tokens saying they were good for the laser shooting upstairs. After looking at all the animals we went upstairs to shoot away. They had a row of about 20 laser guns with a big display of all kinds of objects with targets all over. Jadyn got lessons from my Grandpa & still struggled a bit. The guns were pretty heavy which didn't help. Kylie, however, was pretty good. At one point she hit 3 targets in a row. Not too shabby for some one that's never done anything like this. Her favorite item was a pair of old boots on a porch. When she would hit their target water would shoot out.
I took the girls for a ride after lunch to see the Mt. Timpanogas Temple. It's so beautiful their. Then, Erik returned home from sales meetings in the afternoon & we headed back to my Mom's house in Dammeron Valley.
Wednesday Erik & I took a little hike in my mom's backyard to get some decor for my home. I know that sounds weird, but I'm excited about these giant stalks. Plus, they were free! We watched "Jumper" at night before resting up.
Thursday we drove home! It was a long drive & we stopped a few more times than we normally do. But, I finished reading "Twilight" to Erik & don't ever believe what He tells you to your face. He loved it! We even tried to stop at a Wal-Mart to buy "New Moon" & they didn't have it. So, don't let him tell you otherwise. He enjoyed it.
Now it's Friday & I spent 6 hours school shopping with my girls & I'm ready to relax. We're watching "DOG" (The Bounty Hunter if you didn't know) & we're so stoked he's back on TV. Erik wishes he could work for him. That would be his dream job I think. And now, I've got only a couple of hours before "Breaking Dawn" comes out so, I might as well stay up & go buy it tonight! WOOHOO!!! Don't call me for the next day because I won't answer - I'll be reading what happens to Bella!!
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