we love to see the temple

Wow! The Payson Utah LDS Temple is stunning. It is the most beautiful building I've ever seen. Every single detail is perfect, from the gorgeous paintings on the wall, to the fancy bathrooms, to the modern but Victorian style furniture, to the dark wood trim. The sealing rooms were large and full of natural light and the Celestial room was a cozy, comfortable room I'd want to stay in for hours. 

I'm grateful we were able to squeeze in a trip down there with the Sunday cousins this past week. Blake loves Temples so much and is constantly asking to go inside each time he sees one. I always have to tell him no, so he was especially excited that he got to go inside. 

And when we pulled up, he said, "Look! It's Angel Ramoni!" I didn't want to correct him because it was so cute and funny hearing him say that. He'll grow out of it soon enough. 

I can't wait to go back with Brandon. And those who choose to be married there-- they are in for a real treat both inside and outside. The grounds and exterior were also so beautiful. 

4th of July ward breakfast

Brandon and I were asked to be in charge of our ward/neighborhood 4th of July breakfast. Sure, I love planning parties, but it's much different planning a little party versus one for the whole ward. And since we have never been to this traditional breakfast before, we didn't know what to expect. Needless to say, it turned out well and we think everyone had a good time. And that's what makes a party a success.

Unfortunately, I was too busy taking care of Blake and Evelyn during the breakfast while Brandon was cooking, so I didn't get a ton of pictures, but I did manage to snap a few before I ran home to get Blake. Michael was nice enough to spend the night so we could get up early to decorate.

These were the invitations I made up. I removed the details in case there are any stalkers out there :) 

Somewhere during the planning I had the vision of making a balloon arch that the kids could ride their bikes through during the bike parade. And since we were at Home Depot 6 times (no lie) in one week to fix sprinklers, I was able to figure out a cheap and reasonable way to pull it off. Brandon was totally on board and helped me figure out how to make it work. So if you ever need to make one, we've got all the stuff now. I have a feeling this won't be the last balloon arch we make. 

These are our awesome neighbors the Farnsworths. They love Evelyn and Blake loves their boys. 

These 2 were so good during the breakfast. 

 Blake loved, loved, loved the bike parade. He wanted so badly to ride on the rode with all the big kids, but he still had fun. He is getting so good on his little red trike.

Blake and his friend Mason kept each other entertained while us and his parents cleaned up. They are cute lil' friends. 

We decided to forego the parade after we were all done cleaning up. We went back and crashed. And didn't regret one minute of our 3 hour nap. 

prepared, not scared

Our stake has been emphasizing preparedness this year. I've had multiple quiet promptings the last few months to get prepared. I've been slowing stocking up on water and extra food storage, but haven't done much more than that.

With the recent earthquake that happened near us in Centerville, it was another prompting to get into gear. The day after, I went to the store and got all the stuff we needed for 72-hour food kits. I adjusted the menu to make it a bit more healthy and things that we would eat. (As in no spam!)

I would still like to find better containers to fit it all in and I need to keep working on the rest of our 72-hour kits, but at least it's a start. I'm feeling much better. And much more prepared.

Here's the menu:
(I may add in some oatmeal packets and switch out other things, but I went for sale items. I figure we'll be rotating these every 6 months or so I can watch for good deals)

Day 1:
Breakfast: Hot chocolate + Raisins + Protein Bar
Lunch: Applesauce + Ramen + Capri Sun
Dinner: PB crackers + V8 juice + fruit roll-up
Snack: raisins + protein bar

Day 2:
Breakfast: Hot chocolate + protein bar
Lunch: Ramen + raisins + fruit roll up
Dinner: Chili + Capri Sun
Snack: applesauce + V8

Day 3:
Breakfast: Hot chocolate + protein bar
Lunch: Ramen + fruit roll up
Dinner: Canned turkey + capri sun + raisins
Snack: applesauce, raisin + cookie and nutella packets

the men in trunks and other photos

Brandon and I got put on our ward's birthday party planning committee. We've never been to a ward birthday party before we moved here, so it was a new concept for us. We don't do much with the birthday part, but it's more of a nice, adult dinner. And let me emphasize nice. The first one we attended a few years ago was just 2 weeks after we moved in. We showed up a few minutes late and in jeans, not realizing that we would be walking into a wedding-reception-looking party. Where everyone was dressed up. Yes, we felt out of place and awkward. We have since learned our lesson. This ward does nothing half-hearted.

So that sets the stage for us a committee--meaning we must go all out. The theme was an Italian Dinner in the Captain's Quarters on a cruise ship. I'll post about all the details on So Festive, but our contribution was the Entertainment, so I'll share that here.

Brandon rounded up a bunch of other guys in the ward to do a performance called "The Men in Trunks". It was basically a synchronized swimming  skit set to some Italian music. It was the hit of the night. Here are some pics of the "Men In Trunks" and a video in case you want to see it.

my heart goes out

It's a tragedy to hear about the Connecticut shooting. 

There is probably nothing that can be said that will comfort the families of those affected. 

However, there is hope that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, they will all get to see their loved ones again. There is life after death. 

I've kept Blake extra close to me today and enjoyed every second of him. 

12.12.12

Brandon surprised me with a dozen roses when he walked in the door today.

 And that was after he sent me 12 random texts throughout the day of things he loves about me. 

Sorry to be mushy, but man, he's a keeper.

Happy 12.12.12!

+ And for a side note. I love being in YW! These girls make me smile. 

blessed

On Sunday, May 7th, Blake was blessed. It was such a special day for our little family. I'm grateful that Brandon holds the Priesthood and was able to give him a perfect blessing that made us both cry. Speaking of perfect, Blake didn't make a peep the entire time.

Blake wore the outfit Brandon was blessed in. It barely fit!

We hosted a luncheon at our house after the blessing. We always love a good excuse to have a party with good food and great company. And we couldn't have asked for better weather. We were so grateful for everyone who celebrated this special day with us. It's hard being the caterer, hostess, mom, and photographer all at the same time, but I somehow managed to get a few pictures of the day  and the people who mean a lot to us.

Justin ran the drink bar...Italian Sodas and all

I think heaven will be exactly like these kind of days.

We're Thankful for: Our Ward

We have loved our ward from the moment we moved in. They throw parties like nobody's business and everyone is so friendly and nice. A few weeks ago at the Halloween carnival (which was Amazing!), some of the ladies came up and asked, "How are you doing?" I later find out that that they were referring to me being pregnant because they weren't quite sure if I was or not. I found it kind of funny because I definitely cannot hide it these days. But perhaps the best story is how the first lady in our ward found out. She saw a pregnancy book I had on hold next to hers at the library. I'll have to remember to be careful what I reserve at the library in the future!

Here are a few pics of the carnival. They don't do justice, but this is the best I could get.

Me and Lulu...one of our primary kids. We love the youth but miss our primary class!

One of My Favorite Places

Three years ago today I went through the Bountiful Temple for the first time. 

How grateful I am for that day and all the times I've been able to go back.

I love the peace that comes from visiting the Temple 

and I am so grateful for all that I've learned so far about life and true happiness.

Saturday Sundae Party

Our primary kids worked really hard to earn a Sundae party at the Sundays. We made giant sundaes and had lots of fun playing with water balloons and the hose.

Ashley and Caroline

Will and Ainsley

Cougar succeeded in getting Brandon soaked!