Childhood Favorites

Allison and Ali both posted about their favorite books during childhood. Reading about their favorites made me so reminiscent of what books I used to read over and over. I wish I had taken the time to go home and sit infront of our children's bookcase so I could refresh my memory on everything I loved. But I'll attempt without, and if I forget some of the most important, well--c'est la vie!

(Not in any order)

1. Little House on the Prarie by Laura Ingalls Wilder books--I can hardly recall what they are about but oh I remember late nights (for an 8 year old) reading these books and not wanting to put them down.

2. Go Dog Go by Dr. Suess. Probably one of the first books I learned to read and I loved those dogs.

3. The Berenstain Bears by Stan and Jan Berenstain. I loved all of the books and always wanted my parents to read them to me.

4. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. I hate the movie. Boo. A child's book so short isn't meant to be drawn out into a 2 hour movie.

5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling. I love all the books, and the first isn't my favortie--but this is the one that started it all for me. I still remember the first day I heard of Harry Potter in the 5th grade. Matt Lind was talking about it and I thought it was some sort of baseball book that only boys would like. Oh was I wrong.


I know I have so many others, but this was fun just so skim the top. What were your favorites? Did I leave out some of the most important ones?

A turn for the worst

I'm afraid that if during the holiday season when I have plenty to talk about and I still haven't blogged in over a month, my blog has unfortunately taken a turn for the worst--slipping into nonexistence. I blame the fact that I prefer blog posts to have pictures, but by the time I get home each night I am too tired to upload pictures, let alone make a blog post. I apologize. I will do my best to revamp my motivation to blog.

In the meantime--I do have something to say about the BYU-Idaho skinny jeans ban:

Regardless of whether I think its lame or not, the fact is that BYU-Idaho has a right, as a private institution, to make up any dress code it desires. Those who applied and attend BYU-Idaho gave their consent to follow whatever that dress code may be. The fact that BYU-Idaho already doesn't allow flip-flops or shorts should suggest to those students that the institution makes very conservative choices about the dress code, and that a ban on skinny-jeans could be a real possibility. If you go to BYU-Idaho and you can't stand the thought of not being able to wear skinny jeans, then go to another school.

I think its great that everyone has an opinion on skinny jeans--but I think the bigger issue is whether BYU-Idaho has a right to ban them or not, and my answer is YES, they do have right. (Yes, I do own skinny jeans. Although I have avoided them this holiday season because with a little extra weight gain they are the hardest to put on.)

Simple Moments

Each year at Christmas we make new calendars of the family. This year my mom wanted us to teach her how to do it herself. Since I have no babies and am not in school, I get to be the one to teach her. This means that all the pictures people gather come to me. My sister-in-law Natalie sent these photos over that she had taken this summer during a celebration for my dad. She captured some moments perfectly. These pictures made my heart so warm I needed to share them. The family is the most beautiful idea that God could create.

Dinosaur

Mitch and I recently took a trip back to Vernal to go visit this. The Dinosaur Quarry has been closed for a long time, so it was my first time and Mitch's first in a very long time. I was skeptical at first because I'm not the biggest dinosaur fan, but this truly was AMAZING. If you are ever out that way, you MUST go visit Dinosaur.
(Between that and watching Terra Nova, this has been a month filled with Dinosaurs)

Summatime

Okay, I know I'm not the only one that feels a little jipped this year on summer play time. Boating season was way too short due to a long rainy season. But that is okay, it was still a lot of fun, and I'm excited for the fall colors. Mitch is in his third week of law school and I'm glad to say that I think he has found his little "niche". I'm just working and taking advantage of any time with family and friends. I still don't know if I'm actually going to go through with the Master's program or just stay working. But for now, we are happy in this little life of ours.

2 years and counting

Two years ago was the best day of my life up to that point. Every day since then has consequently been the best day of my life, thanks to Mitch. Happy Anniversary babe--I love you.

Tomorrow. . . .

photo here

Guess what tomorrow is . . .

July

Besides the warmth of the sunshine, Summer is a favorite because there always seems to be a family party. July was a great month this year for family parties.


Raspberry shakes and four-wheeling at Bear Lake with cousins is always one of my favorites.

Fun nights out and delicious dinners with siblings.

Tyson and Keera had their baby girl--welcome Ivie!!

Fun activities with friends--we are going to miss the Jacks come school time. :(

Okay--boating has probably been my favorite thing we have done so far this summer. There is nothing like smooth water to water ski on; or play on the tubes with my cute nieces and nephews.

Naturally, any month that includes Harry Potter is one of the best!

And birthday outings to get dessert is always wonderful.

July--you have been great.
I've got mixed feelings about August. It includes my birthday and some fun family parties . . . but school also starts--ending summer.

25

This handsome man turned 25 this weekend. We had a wonderful time that included crepes for breakfast, Thor in 3D, P.F. Chang's, Spark with Tyson and Keera, Apple Pie Apple from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Market Street Grill with Mom, Dad, Kate and Kyle.

Happy Birthday Mitch! I'm so glad I got to spend it with you.

Babies, Birthdays, Rocks, and Such

I've been totally lazy about blogging lately. I apologize. And I still haven't started studying for the GRE. I really should get on that. But I have had a wonderful summer break thus far.

Recently Mandy and I threw a baby shower for the beautiful Rachael. It was small and intimate--such a blast with close friends. It was so fun to see Tia fresh off her mission as well. We love having her home!

I've also been trying to get in loads of baby time with Oliver and Elliott. I especially need a lot of Elliott before Adrienne and Nathan abandon us for 3 years.
We have also been enjoying birthday parties. First was Mitch's sister Lauren. She got to share her birthday with Memorial day which meant we could go to Vernal to celebrate it with her.
Then it was my father's birthday. He is the big 60 this year. We surprised him with a children and spouse dinner party at Thanksgiving point. It was absolutely perfect and I think he loved it.
I love my dad so much it makes me cry just thinking about him.
Also Nathan and Adrienne blessed baby Elliott last Sunday.
And yesterday, since Mitch was gone camping, Ali went to a wedding with me and slept over and got out of bed with me to go cheer on Christa during the end of her MARATHON! So proud of you Christa!!!!
Then last night my sister Megan graciously took us rock climbing up AF Canyon. It was a blast.

Here is Karren

Me

Dillon

Mitch

And the pro--Megan.

Thanks so much Megan!!!! We had so much fun.

I love my sisters!