Filling My Time...

All of my kids are in school, so now I have time to do laundry, cleaning, run errands...  and maybe some more free time.  I've had this road bike from my birthday, and never used it.  It was time to change that.  I road about 13 miles round trip on the Jordan River trails.  It was fun, but wow, my bum is not use to that seat.

I'm also finding time to do some projects around the house.  Really, these could be a Saturday projects, but with limited resources and time, I have to take this a little at a time.

BEFORE

This is the basement bathroom.  I thought I'd do my experiment job on a bathroom that not too many would see.

The studs didn't exactly make things symmetrical, but oh well, it looks artsy.  I'm new to making these boxes, I'm improvising.

AFTER

I'm realizing how much I could use a table saw.  My hand saw skills are a bit shaky.  But over all, I like it.  A coat of paint and I have a complete project.  I think I did great for my first time. :)

My next project...

BEFORE

 Decided to try the upstairs kids bathroom.  I saw something on pintrest and wanted to put my own twist on it.  If anything, pintrest ignites my own projects.  I really don't like the bland bathroom and cheap towel bar that, potentially, will fall off soon.  So I thought hooks would be better.  Storage is also an issue.  So here is the before...with my probing stud finding holes...quickly remembered to get a before picture.

I found the studs were equal distant, a plus, and cut out the cubby holes.  Debated to do a fifth hole, but decided against the extra effort that would be hidden by the door anyway.

Wanted to do something horizontal.  I love the horizontal look!  So I bought the beadboard paneling.  I wanted to try out tongue and groove boards, but this was more cost effective (about $100 project).  I sanded down for a more vintage look.

This doesn't have the sanded down feature, this was my 'see if it fits' attempt, and the only picture I snapped before moving on.

Finally, functionality.  I used my compressor and nailed it all into place and mounted the hooks.  I love it.

Yes, I still need the shelf and boxes to do... but I love it!

PRE AFTER

I still have the boxes to do, that is more tedious and time consuming with my limited tools, but the shelf is in and this can be used until I get to the boxes.

wow this picture didn't turn out very clear...sorry.

Raegan Birthday Celebration

Raegan is 10!  I have a double digit girl.  She is growing up to be such a sweet, joyful sweetheart.  She radiates love and oozes smiles.  I'm so glad to be her mom.

Thanks to Kiley, Trent's sister, we had tickets to the Salt Lake Real soccer game the Saturday before her actual birthday.  A nice kick off celebration.  It was pretty cool to be there in the stadium and see these guys win the game.

 It was a bright, hot day (hence the wrinkly squinting on my part) but it was worth it.

Afterwards, we headed to the mall and did some fun girl time.  A great day!

Morning of her birthday, I had her door all ready for a great beginning to her day.

birthday waffle...make a wish!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Raegan's birthday was also the first day of school!  Pretty wild!  But she was a good sport and made it the best day.  

I waited until the next day to take her out for her birthday lunch...Tarin came along, since she has a summer birthday.  Love my girls!

The next Saturday, we had her party at the bowling alley.  The kids get a party every other year...this happened to be her year to party!

Noelle, Averie, Tarin, Paytyn, Raegan and Jade

And of course...THE CAKE!  She wanted an oreo cake, so she got it!  It was fun doing this masterpiece. 

Life Scout

Jarom is officially a Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.  Proud of my big boy!  Next stop, Eagle Scout

My official pin that I wear proudly.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat

Had the opportunity to go see the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat at the Tuacahn Theater in St. George.  I had never seen it before, so I was really looking forward to seeing it.  Trent's sisters, mom and sis in law Kristin were there.  It was a fun weekend.

Me and Kristin

Clayton Family

I haven't done much photography lately, but my sister asked if I'd do her family pictures.  We went down by the Riverwoods in Orem, by Provo Canyon.  They are all so adorable.  They did a great job.

Wardwell Family Reunion

 This year the Wardwell's held the reunion in Heber.  It was really nice in that big cabin and enjoying all the wonderful things to do. 

Amazing that everyone was able to make the pictures.  This is a good looking family.

All the siblings together.

Hiking Timpanogos

 This day was bitter sweet.  I really had a great day and accomplished a lot and felt Trent did too.  He's afraid of heights and did an amazing job for doing so.  This day also began a rough road ahead that would affect me for the rest of our lives.  Anyone close to us knows our personal story.  I love you all.  (I'm updating this from October)

This hike is significant to me because my brother took me on this when I was a teen.  We only made it to Emerald Lake, which is still quite an accomplishment, but there was still the summit I had never reached.  Several times after, I still hadn't reached the top.  Finally this day, Trent (whom doesn't like to hike--deeper meaning) gave me the opportunity to make it up.  It was a wonderful accomplishment and meant a lot.  I hope we can have more accomplishments together.

Primrose section of the hike

Emerald Lake--slid down that glacier coming back

remember...this guy is afraid of heights.  He did so good!  I was so excited for him 

my turn for the glory shot 

The panoramic view was so marvelous, it literally takes your breathe away!

signing in on the log book at the shelter shack.  It's official.  We did it!

Again, this day was pivotal and significant and changed my life forever.  I have mixed emotions when I think back to this event.  It was the beginning to a new me.  The Lord works in mysterious ways to mold us into what we need to become...a refiners fire.  We, as children of God, need to be broken down, molded and shaped, built up and refined into knowledgable, experienced spirits.  This makes us wise and allows us to come to our Father in Heaven and KNOW He is God.  My three favorite scriptures: Ether 12:27, Mosiah 24:14-16 and D&C 58:2-4.

July Happenings

 After returning from our vacation, the neighborhood still decided to have our own celebration.  I love how we can get together and have a great time.  The kids loved the fireworks.

I took my kids and some nieces and nephews hiking up to battle creek falls.  Also, another friend just moved here...Trents mission buddy, Jason and his family the Strongs moved from California.  I had Katie come along.  It was a great day.

Love when my Georgia friends visit!  Kristi and Mark and Asa Henderson came out to Utah and it was so great to be able to be part of their busy schedule.  They came over for BBQ and then next day we headed up to Utah Olympic Park in Park City.

Ammon being shy... just hangin' with his 'ol pal Ace man. 

 This place was spectacular.  It's amazing the technology.  These are the ski jumps.  We also watched some of the skiiers practice in the ski jump pool.  That was pretty cool.

I gave the last jumper into the pool a 2, but Kristi thought it was pure talent... 

We really came for the slides, but the rain prevented that for about an hour.  We finally were able to ride the chair lift up to the top and have some fun.  Ammon was a little scared, but afterward (as always) loved it and wanted to do it again.  It was a good day.

Loved seeing my friends, and sad to see them go.  Miss them tons, but was so glad to have some quality time.  Love me some Hendersons :o)

Teton Family Vacation

 I have tons of pictures, but I'm updating this blog (its October) and I have so much to catch up on...crazy couple of months in our family.

We planned this trip wanting to really experience the beautiful nature in the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  I came here as a kid and rafted this same part of the river and wanted our kids to have a bit of appreciation for it as well.  It's gorgeous and magnificent territory.  We rented a cabin in Victor, ID about 20-30 min. from these parts.  It was nice instead of a hotel and not spending so much on eating out.  It was cozy and so comfortable.

Its Independence Day here in the Grand Tetons, we were ready to head over to Jenny Lake and ride the boat ferry to the Hidden Falls trail.

 We all loved the ferry to and from the trail.  

This picture doesn't do the falls justice.  Its magnitude is outstanding with the thundering outpour of water.  So spectacular to sit and take it all in.

There was inspiration point further up the trail, so Raegan, Rian and I decided to go to it.  I don't think we made it all the way, but this view was just as inspirational.  Beautiful day to remember our maker.  

Next day...

Here we were already for the Snake River outside of Jackson Hole.  I think everyone was a little weary what to expect, but I knew they would be happy when we were finished.  It was cold and a few of the kids did take the plunge when the water was calm.  It was really great.  Again, I had some awesome pictures of this event.  Memorable for sure.  Trent was lead with another guy and they were soaked for sure!

Later that afternoon, we had a packed lunch and walked around Jackson Hole.  So touristy, but really cool to be in the thick of the excitement.

Kids found this labyrinth at this church.  It was pretty neat.  

This was a short, but very sweet vacation.  Long enough to get just enough excitement in.  Love seeing my kids experience new things.

Happy Birthday Tarin

 My big girl is 11 yrs old.  Next year she will be in YW and going to girls camp...where does the time go?  Love my little helper and sweetheart.  I hope she had as much fun today as I did watching her have fun.  Love you sweetie.

decorated her door before she woke up

 breakfast pancake tradition

Went to Blackridge Pond in Herriman with family and friends to celebrate.  Afterwards, they helped decorate the birthday cake.

finished product

Making a wish...deep thought face

Bake Family

The Bake family from our home in Georgia came for a visit.  With many of their kids matching up to ours, we have many memories with them.  Her family is in Idaho, and made their way down here.  We decided to do the Timpanogos Caves.  Sadly all the cave tours were sold out, but the hike was till a lot of fun.  Great seeing them and catching up with them.