Labor Day Weekend

Over labor day Barry and I headed up to Pinetop, Az. to see Tami, Ryne and sweet baby Blake for his blessing. It was great to see family and be out of the heat and...Tami made cafe Rio sweet pork tacos which was worth the trip alone. wink. We spent the night with Tami and Ryne where we took a stroll in their back yard, watched Americas funniest home videos, ate some razzelberry pie and played games. Then Monday Barry and I got our hike on!! We headed out for Strawberry to hike to Fossil Springs. Barry had hiked it before awhile ago and all he could remember is that all these girls were about to die of dehydration and Barry was determined to NOT be dehydrated and LOADED up a big hiker pack FULL of waters and gateraids and all our snacks, camera etc. I swear it was 100 lbs. So off we go down the 5 miles to the bottom. Of course down was an easy hike. It was so refreshing to be out in the mountain air, see the pretty views and get some exercise. I really enjoyed the hike. It was so pretty when we got to the bottom with all the green, big trees and running water. The water fall was great. The water was freezing though. We did get in the water but not much swimming went on for us. There was quite the crowd of people that kept us entertained.  So we spend a few hours at the bottom and then headed back UP the mountain.  UP took us (Barry) a little longer.  He has a bad knee and 100 extra pounds still even after drinking a lot of water. So I carried up a 10 pack of Gateraid, which is not that light after 1 mile or two, to help ease his burden. After a lot of sweating and breaks Barry make it out alive and I was proud of him. When we got to the top all he could say was where  is the truck, lets get to the truck and then once we were in the truck he said "lets not do that again fore a while!!" We hit up Arby's for some beef and cheddar's and went home. I like it a lot and would do it again soon. Barry needs a new knee and then we can go more often, so he says.

 

 

My little adventure with a RAOK

Random Act Of Kindness.
My sister in law Becki  inspired me to take some time and be KIND to others. So I I took a few hours out of my Saturday and this is what transpired:
It began with my love of chocolate. Next with the reality that I do not know (did not know) a single one of my neighbors.  So I though I'd introduce Barry and I to our neighbors by taking them some freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with a little "Hello" note attached.  I bagged up my goods and ventured  out to seek that which seems to be lost,  friendly neighborly  banter. I was happy to meet a few of my neighbors.  Some people chose not to answer their doors, others barely cracked it.   Others invited me in and introduced themselves to me.  Sometimes it was super awkward. I had very suspicious takers. . . "are these poisoned? Why else would someone make cookies for people they don't know? Should I take them?" In the end I was able to give all my cookies away. I think it a good place to start and I plan on doing it again soon.  I felt happy and I think the people who got cookies felt a twinge of kindness in their day, at least I hope so.  Try it! surprise people.

Brigitte's cute and FUN reception

A friend of ours from our old singles ward (Williams Ward), Brigitte Henry, got married yesterday to Ben Lamoreaux. They make a beautiful couple. She is a little ball of energy!! This wedding was fun to go to because  Brigette caught my bouquet at our wedding a year ago! So it really works! wink. Celebrating marriage is wonderful. What better cause to support eh?

I have always loved to browse wedding receptions. I thought I'd be over it once I was married, but I still enjoy going. Her reception was to die for. I loved it at least. ha. She had the reception at Shenandoah Mill right here in Gilbert. Which was a perfect place for a "shabby chic" look, which she pulled of FABULOUSLY.  She was a beautiful bride and it was fun to see the two so in love. DJ Ron aka Bishop Howard of Williams ward kept the party going and party they did. The grooms men did this great little performance for the bride and groom. Brigitte did a great waltz with her Dad and every one was up and dancing. I guess it was just refreshing to go to a "Mormon wedding" where the people where actually ENJOYING themselves- not trying to sneak out ASAP ya know??? yeah you know what I'm talking about. So hence this reception was fun to be at and so I blog.

My new Nephew!

  

Dolling up Momma- to- be!

To help pass the time and distract from the contractions we played games.

These were the pretty grounds at the hospital.

I was lucky enough to get to be a part of baby Blake's birthday. I got to be in the room with my baby sister Tami to try and help and offer support.  I didn't want to miss a thing and I didn't.  I stayed the whole 24 plus hours and loved every second of being there with Tami and Ryne. I am so proud of Tami and her bravery. She was so strong and had the BEST attitude even through all the pain. She is a beautiful mother. It was a beautiful experience, one that made me very emotional. I know I felt the spirit when Blake was born. It was a first time experience for me that I will never forget. 

Life in-between work

Out for bday lunch with the girls from work.

Here we are with Chris and Andrea (Barry's sister)

Sometimes I feel like all we do is get up go to work, come home eat dinner,  go to bed and repeat, but in- between work we do get to spend time with family and friends. I celebrated my birthday Aug 3rd. I spend the day at work. yay. Barry got me the chandelier I have been eying for a while. I love it.

Barry's Niece Emily at her Baptism

Me out with some of my long time girlfriends for Erin's farewell dinner

Eirn and baby girl Reece.

Della, Porter, Tanner

Barry's brother Rustin, his wife Danae and cute kids made the trip our to our house to help us move our fan. Rustin is an expert electrician and we were grateful for the help. The boys spent the day on the project. After it was all finished we went out to one of Barry's favorite places for BBQ Waldos.

The fan started above the dinning table and was moved across to the living room.

It was a MESS

Ta-Duh

A little behind

Barry and I went to my home town, Eagar to celebrate the 4th of July.We had a really good time. It was exhilarating to get out of the heat. We enjoyed the time with family. We got to see Dustin and Dawn Johnson who make the trek with their good friends. Bret, Becki and there kids came,Tami and Ryne as well and of course M&D and Chad.

Here are some things we did:

• Played games of course (my family loves games) Barry did win 5 crowns- BTW
• Spent time OUTDOORS at our Cabin finding water dogs for Cole
• Painted patriotic nails (Tami, Becki and I. Barry wouldn't go for it)
• Tami's baby shower. I just love her prego belly
• Barry went to the RV all-star F-ball game. He had VIP tickets because his insurance agency sponsored it.
• Enjoyed my Dads newest addition to the the house- A NEW water heater (with the old water heater you could only shower ONE person at a time b/c of water pressure issues so YES, this was an event to note.)
• Ate Mom's good cook'n
• Played with Kingston and baby chicks. Kingston what quite intertaining- "WHAT??!!" (Kingston would yell "WHAT?" after everything you said to him no matter how close you were to him. It was so funny!!)
• Went to the parade. Favorite float "stand up for the constitution" It was a hit!!
• Finally prevailed at purchasing a snow cone. Becki and I really wanted a snow cone this year so we walked all the way down main street to find the snow come hut, went to get cash, and by the time we got back they had closed, but Reopened for us. yay. 
• Watched the fabulous firework display!! Loved it! 
• Celebrated Rynes Birthday with a BBQ and game of water baseball. Very FUN!

At some point, Barry and I went with Bret and Becki to a D-backs game. They got killed! I do remember that.

I almost forgot to write about some major news (for me at least)!! Are you ready? I wasn't. Two weeks ago, out of the blue, I got released from my cub scout calling (which I was actually really sad about) and called to be Relief Society 1st counselor!! Oh my. What a humbling experience. I have never been in a presidency. This will be a learning experience for me for sure. I love our RS president and look forward to working with her. So I guess that story goes that Jamie, (RS pres) submitted my name, bishop said no, she actually asked a second time and I guess was pretty insistent, and I got called. Wow. Me? Really? I don't know why she would think I would be good at this calling.  I still feel a bit overwhelmed and clueless but SO FAR SO GOOD. I am excited to serve.

 The Husband had his 29th birthday yesterday. We both had to work, but I took him out to dinner at a fun Brazilian restaurant in Phoenix. Here's the birthday boy in all his mullet glory!

Yummm oreo creme cake!!

 An Argentine birthday hat and song for Barry

I had made reservations online and there was a slot for any special requests, so I filled it in. I wrote, "a Happy Birthday Barry note on the table would be lovely. " and they did just that.