weekend with kids

We met up with the kids in Circleville Utah this weekend so that Jord and Ry could go do some fly fishing. The weather didn't end up being the greatest with a lot more wind and cold than desirable, but we tried to make the best of it by taking them to Bryce Canyon and hiking there for a bit and going to see the overlooks. We got to see Jord's pride and joy: his truck, stay in the 'world famous' Butch Cassidy Motel, eat at some really fancy diners, see beautiful country, and most importantly spend some time with the kids... something we definitely do not get to do enough.

girl night

Annette asked Chal and I to participate in a girls retreat on Friday night. We decided even though we don't like to scrapbook, it would be fun to go hang out with some ladies and make our own fun. So, that is what we did. We ended up putting a whole book together for Annette. We are just sooo creative! barf!!the hot tub was more fun... especially when chal fell backwards and flipped into the cold pool! that was pretty funny!

easter

Happy Easter! Thanks Tara! I love my flowers!

my hyrum

Happy Birthday Hyrum! I can't believe how old you are getting! Ten already? This pic was taken a long time ago, but I couldn't find a more recent one of the two of us! It is time to get that camera out!

Have a great day bud! I sure love you... my little arien ally!

welcome 33

This is what I walked into when I arrived at work yesterday. It was a birthday blast right in my face, and so cute. Thanks so much Chal and Lucy for surprising me and making my day special!

The cupcakes were definitely a hit for everyone who was lucky enough to be my friend!

Another year bites the dust... but who's counting?!

girlfriend trip

It was past due. Girl trip time. So, Chal and I left on a jet plane and landed in Portland OR for yet another girlfriend adventure. We dabbled a little in a lot of different things.

A wine country tour by James with Willamette Tours.

In his pimpin' red car that he was SO proud of!

A quaint bakery for lunch a wine waterfall a lot of public transportation (at which we became quite proficient) on MAXhours.... probably five... at The Rack downtown PDXan AMAZING dinner at our new friend Raphael's restaurant... he treated us well.

Cheers to new friendships and great dining!

Oh, and P.S., the reason we went to Portland and not somewhere warm... we wanted to take some continuing ed with MAC. We just like to keep up on the trends and what is coming in, going out, and new techniques. So, we met up with our class while we were there and received some insight and instruction from Victor Cembellion. Great artist. And, yes we did learn some different techniques. So, it was worth it.

hours...at least five... at one of our new loves... Powell's books. We got lost inside, amongst the scent of old books and coffee, and the never-ending crave for more books, more books. Ahhh... so much to choose from!

and... a really random and crazy night out beginning at Henry's (yum) and ending many hours later (like we're talking 7 am the next day) at Starbucks. Yeah, this is where we waited for MAX, yep, didn't realize that it CLOSED at night. ...waited with the homeless in Portland. Peter Pan and Rumpelstiltskin to be exact. Funny how the next day after we left the Saturday Market:we happened upon our good friend Peter Pan, small world that city of Portland...

We had a fabulous trip. Thanks Chal for the laughs, the smiles, the 3 tg's, and for just relaxing and being your authentic self right along with me. Friendships like ours don't come to all. For that, I cherish it.

Click here for her rendition

just like that...gone

My amazing cousin Jeff, who lived his life for God, is gone. He was a youth pastor in Jackson, a wonderful husband and daddy, a friend to all, and an incredibly important part to a and loving family and extended family. Please send good thoughts and prayers to his wife Heidi, and adoreable kids Landrey and Dawson. Aunt Cris, Uncle Terry, Aaron, Cameron.... I love you guys. This REALLY sucks!

I love you Jeff. I never told you, but you are my favorite cousin... always have been.. I looked up to you so much, even during your crazy teenage years, I thought you were so cool. And, then as life has gone on, and both of us have changed so much, there has always just been this special connection that I have felt. A lot unspoken, but not all. You shared with me hope. You shared with me love. You shared with me compassion. You reached out to me in small ways during some of my most difficult times, and it was huge to me. You helped me want to believe when I didn't really want to. I didn't see you often, but knowing now that for this time you are gone, I ache. Say hi to Grandma Betty and Grandpa for me. To be able to see them again makes me jealous! Until it's my time... Thank you for your love.