Weekend Review

Saturday we got out to Alpine Loop to watch the Tour of Utah come through.  It's always so pretty up there and the weather is a bit cooler than in the valley.  

 Having some fun with chalk while we waited for them.

Oh, and the Rory we wrote is for Sutherland (who was in the race)...not my Rory...because that would be kind of weird to write our own names on the course.

Also over the weekend my Aunt and Uncle from Mesa came to town for Education Week at BYU.  So we were able to have dinner with them on Sunday to catch up...it's been a great long while since we've seen them last.

And when ever a get a spare hour or so I make jam...I am up to my eyeballs in plums!

It seems my kitchen is always sticky!

Oh, and you remember my project of the chalkboard wall?  Well, I'm still working on it!  I ran into a few issues...like it being to porous even after my endless amounts of spackling and sanding.  Actually the project has been finished several times just for me to do it all over again because I'm not happy with it.  So, when I AM happy with it, I'll post some pictures and share what to do and what not to do if you ever plan to do a chalkboard wall.  You can learn from my mistakes!

Last Week

Woo Wee...what a week!  We had a lot of fun outings!  

My grandparents have their big motor home parked at a really nice campground by the lake, so we wound up over there a few times to swim in the pool and do some grillin'.  

My brother, Andrew and his girlfriend, Nicole.

 Another day we hit up Sundance to let the kids run around and play in the river.

Piper introduced Rory to the joys of a lollipop.

Another day my mom, grandma, my girls and I drove up to This Is The Place in Salt Lake and explored their Pioneer Village.  The girls absolutely LOVED it there.

They made their own rag dolls, rode the train and toured the houses.

They also panned for "gold".

Don't mind me...just breastfeeding over here.

The girls also did the pony rides.

Haley had quite a feisty horse too!  Although, it didn't seem to phase her.

By the time Ryan got back from CO Friday night, I was EXHAUSTED!

Then we had more good fun over the weekend too...post on that tomorrow.

Hello, my name is Kelly...I'm LDS and addicted to coffee.

This is my coffee pot in all it's glory...isn't it beautiful?  I love coffee.  I love everything about it...coming down the stairs in the morning and smelling it brew, pouring it, holding my mug (especially on a cold morning) in both hands, sipping it slowly all morning long...I'm not a weirdo, ask any coffee drinker and they will agree with me!  Not only do coffee drinkers love the taste and caffeine fix we LOVE the ritual of our morning coffee.

Now I realize that coffee drinking and being LDS don't mix.  But I figured if Joe Shmoe from the church can drink his Diet Coke or someone else can drink their Red Bull...I can have my morning coffee!  But comparing myself to others is never a good thing.  It's not about them...this is about me!  The church disapproves any addiction...no matter what it is.  But I'm not here to do any preaching!  After some reading and soul searching I decided to kick the habit...because in all honesty (as much as I hate to say it) my body was relying on that cup of coffee to get through the day.  I know this because I nearly died on the first day without it!  Seriously...I had a splitting headache all day, and I felt as though I would collapse at any moment from the sleepies!  It was awful!

It's been over a week and I do feel better, but I miss it.  I'm in mourning for it.  I've started drinking milk, juice or even water in my beloved mug just to try to mimic that same sensation of sipping coffee.

I can't say that I'll NEVER drink it again.  I may one day enjoy a cup in a social gathering...or Christmas morning??  But, I know that I don't want to rely on coffee every single day to help me function...I want to be free of any addiction.  And I feel good about that!

So...I'll continue to sip my milk, juice or water from my mug and be sure to hold it with two hands...just like the old days.

13 Years!

Ryan is in Colorado for the week...he called me this morning with a "Happy Anniversary!".  Whoops...I admit...I forgot.  Hey, it happens!  With two birthdays super close, a baptism, him leaving yesterday, the truck battery dying on me last night...well, I've just been a bit frazzled.

But yes, today is our 13th wedding anniversary!!  We'll have to celebrate when he gets back.  Perhaps a breakfast out...I'd like that.

Happy Anniversary!  I love you!

Haley's Baptism

Haley was baptized in the same white dress that my mom made for me when I was 8.

She was beautiful!

Watching my first born get baptized made me so proud of our little family.  

And having Ryan, a worthy priesthood member, carry out these ordinances is a really neat thing...I'm so proud of him!

Haley loved her special day.

My grandmother gave the most beautiful talk, and our neighbors sang to her.
I just loved having our family and friends all around us.

It was perfect.

And then everyone came to our house to eat and celebrate!

Happy Birthday!

Happy 8th Birthday Haley!!

We love you!

8 Months

Rory is 8 months today...can you believe it?

I think this swing has seen better days.