Updates

Don't miss the cute baby pics!!! I forget that blogger posts your posts based on when you first started writing them.... my sister had her baby, so for more details, scroll down a bit.

It's My Party, and I'll Cry if I Want To!

Well, folks. It happened. I had another birthday. Really this birthday isn't that significant. I am not "that old." It's not a special milestone or anything. The only thing even slightly significant is that it is on a Sunday. The last birthday I remember having on a Sunday was my sixteenth. Actually, as I looked to double check this fact, I noticed the most recent birthday I had on a Sunday was my twenty-second. Kaylee was just about to turn one. I really don't remember anything from that day, but I was probably at my parent's house visiting for Christmas.... Back to my memory that stands out.... I was turning sixteen. I had hoped for something, I don't really know what. But when your birthday is during Christmas, and on a Sunday, it's just different. I used to think it was bad, now I just think it's different. Hmm. Anyway... I had just received a new dress. It had a dark blue background with light blue daisies all over it and a bit of lace at the neckline. I had also been given a string of pearls (not real), which I decided to wear. I walked the halls of the church feeling disappointed. Nobody remembered my birthday, and I remember feeling super awkward in that dress. Like I was trying to be grown up, but still a little girl. Fast forward to today.... We were at my parent's house visiting. They have early church. I have two children. We stayed up way too late. Bad start. We were thirty minutes late for church. My stress level was already at breaking point before ten o'clock. Not the best start to the day. It was just another day, ya know? The evening was wonderful, though. My family was able to congregate and drive my sister up the wall. That is always nice. I very much enjoyed seeing all my family, especially the new baby!, and eating a yummy dinner from mom and I received some super thoughtful gifts. I felt very spoiled. But as I drove home, the sadness almost overcame me. I finally reached the point where I feel old. Technically I am still pretty young, but I don't feel young anymore. I quit keeping track of my age when I turned twenty. By then I was dating Louis and pretty sure we were going to be getting married. Nobody cares how old you are after that, except at the DMV, and they can just calculate it. Well, somebody decided that everyone should be reminded of how old they really are. Despite this, I have battled to keep my age a mystery, if only to myself! I had it in my mind that I was still twenty, and so I acted young. Then at twenty-five, I didn't mind that age, so I took it on.... I haven't yet reached thirty, but I'm past twenty-five. I don't like my age this year, and worse than that, I can't trick myself into denying what age I really am. Perhaps it's because I pictured myself at a different place or station in life, perhaps it is the unfulfilled dreams, perhaps it's fear of the future.... The only thing I can gather for certain is that my birthdays have always brought a touch of sadness. I think this is mostly because I look back over the year and realize that I am still the same person. The "big changes" I had always planned to make never seemed to actually take place. Unfortunately this isn't the most positive of feelings. I always wish I were different in one way or another; kinder, more fit, patient, pretty, stylish, educated, wealthy, loving, etc. Maybe my problem isn't so much in what I'm not, but in overlooking what I am. I think too often we discount what we are, because we think we should be something else or somebody else. For example.... I really struggled with this ward when I first moved here. It was just too different than the other wards I'd lived in. I couldn't really stand the differences. I looked at them as "wrong." The problem deepened when I was given my "impossible" calling. Week after week I struggled to implement changes that I thought would "solve the problem." Finally one week in our presidency meeting after we each had expressed some frustration with "our situation" my wise and loving counselor said, "Maybe we should quit trying to change everything to look the way we think it should. Perhaps we need to just accept that it is what it is and work with it." It was a revolutionary idea! We tried it and in no time at all we found ourselves loving our ward, feeling so close to the sisters in our ward, having fun, remembering names, finding tasks being completed that used to seem impossible. As we discussed this months later I said to my counselors, "I feel like the ward has transformed. I guess it's always been this way, it was just me and my attitude that changed." Thank goodness we can change our outlooks and attitudes! Hopefully I can do that with myself. I hope next year on my birthday to look back over the year and rather than beating myself up for all the mistakes, take what my life was for the year and find the good. Then take that good and build on it for another year. and another and another. I think it's possible, I hope it's possible. It sure would be a nice change!!! Sniff. Thanks for the cry. I feel a lot better.

Happy BIRTH day!!! and Merry Christmas to me!!!

Well folks, I got what I really wanted for Christmas.... a baby!!! Charles almost got what he wanted for Christmas..... he wanted a baby brother, he got a baby boy cousin instead! I think my sister has forgiven me and the children for wishing him here earlier than planned. She went to an appointment the afternoon of December 23rd, and they kept her!!! I was thrilled to pieces. I had hoped that he would come that night, but he took a little bit longer. He was born at 1:15 am on December 24th. He weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. and was 18 inches long. He is so stinking cute!!! He has some soft, light brown hair. I was terribly impatient waiting for visiting hours. By the time it was "legal" to go, the grandparents and other siblings had arrived from out of town, so I waited a bit longer. He was definately worth the wait! Plus, I got an even better gift than I could have imagined.... they left the hospital yesterday and came here to let my kids hold him (since they aren't allowed in the hospital room) and the storm hit! They were snowed in here!!! Yay for me! I got to have the cutest baby spend the night at my house! I even stayed up late and held him while mom and dad tried hard to catch up on some sleep! Life is great!!! When they came over we had to guess the baby's name. We have been calling him "Squirmy" since we found out about the baby! Charles would always remind us that Squirmy was a pretend name. We are all trying hard to adjust to his "real name." To find out the baby's name, Tressa had us play hangman. Thank goodness we're good guessers! His name is Eric Rawson Mildenhall, and he is so stinking cute!!!! Even his cry is cute, which we seldom get to hear. Indulge now in the cutest pictures ever!!!

Playing "hangman" to figure out his "real" name.

Arrival!!!

The kids saying goodbye to gma and gpa on Christmas Eve. They waited so patiently. Santa Claus even stopped in to see them!

My big, tough brother loving the little baby!!!

Auntie Jen

Aunt Heather

Cutest baby this year!!!! ;)

Charles so excited to hold his new cousin! He's wearing a mask to protect the baby from germs.
He kept trying to move it so he could kiss him!

I got a cute picture tonight of Kaylee holding him.... but I don't have time to put it up now. Maybe tomorrow.

The Higher Plane

Ok, I promised I would rise to higher plane of existence where the booting situation ceased to aggravate me beyond reason. I will share my experience of yesterday and leave it to you to judge. I still am not able to think long on the situation without my blood pressure rising and hateful thoughts coursing through me, but, I no longer scream at unseen booting employees or throw things across the room at the mention of paying money to park. I was even able to remain quite calm today as I balanced my checkbook and included the lovely total of $70 payable to the Cache Auto Booting company. I refrained from replacing the company name with the name I'd like to give them. I think this is all to my credit. But, here is the kicker.....
Yesterday morning as I was preparing to depart in the freezing cold to my post at the crosswalk, I opened the garage to find a HUGE truck and trailer parked directly behind me. To say I was upset is putting it mildly. I sat for a couple minutes debating between three options:
1. Knock on the door and explain that they need to move or I will call the booting company
2. Call the booting company and demand them to boot the vehicle, and the trailer or refund my money
3. Drive my beater into the truck and tell them they shouldn't have parked there.

I decided none of these would work, so I thought hard and came up with number 4... maneuver out of my garage on ice with a one thousand point turnabout and hope they move before I get home. I'll have you know I hit the trailer door lightly with my side mirror, on my NEW car, so that didn't help my mood at all. I returned home after a long hour of positive talk that went like this, "Don't do it. You know you would feel very bad if you called the booters. Keep things nice with your neighbors."
I did it. I made it through the whole day without calling, and they were parked there the ENTIRE DAY!!!!!!! That should count for something for me, don't ya think?

Getting the Boot

For all of you who still think highly of me, skip reading this. For those who know the truth and can handle it, proceed at your own risk.

I am more than upset right now. I live in a very nice townhome. Let me define this. I have a luxury townhome that is roomy and gorgeous on the inside. On the down side..... It has zero yard, and we pay each month to have the lawn and grounds taken care of. I am NOT satisfied with the outcome of the money I pay. Here is what I get for my money each month:

A lawn company who ruins the grass, kills the trees and runs into the houses and fence.
The same lawn company who try to remove snow from the ice skating rink... aka parking lot. bless their little hearts.
A booting company to enforce parking. This may seem like a good thing to some of you, but let me further explain....

The booting started because people who own these townhomes decide to rent to students. Fine. Do it. But FOLLOW THE LAWS!!! There can only be a certain number of non-related people here and they KNOW they are only allowed TWO cars. NOBODY followed this last year and when winter hit, it was impossible to find a parking place. Even more impossible if you were here visiting. And you CAN'T park on the road or you get ticketed. Well, I would take a ticket over a boot. MUCH less expensive, and you can pay it online! There is my advertisement. Ever since this booting began there has been nothing but headache. Sadly, the majority of the headache is for those of us who have followed the rules all along. We have only two cars. We park them in our garages. Even now I see cars that are REGULARLY parked in the parking lot "with permission." Well, folks, it's the same people who've always lived here. Nice problem solving skills. I was always quite put out by this whole ordeal, especially when friends of mine were affected, but now my dislike has risen to an EXTREME level because tonight, my friends, they booted MY car. First let me admit my fault. I was parked behind the townhomes in the way. I knew I was in the way. I had NO intention of being there as long as I was. My friend got to talking, you know how it goes. And let me just add that I was on my way to DO SERVICE, thank you very much. I admit that I should not have parked there. I left my car running, then ran out to move it so another car could get in and decided to turn it off to save gas! The thought entered my mind to just move it home so I didn't have to worry about it, but I didn't want to have to walk across the skating rink in the freezing cold twice. I was stupid. I should've known it would come back and bite me. But for the love, people! I don't pay a large monthly mortgage payment so that people can boot my car for being parked on the very property I pay for. Then to add insult to injury, the boot man parks his car behind mine and he doesn't get booted. I was sure to point this out to him. He didn't find it helpful. Too bad. I would've felt much better about the whole thing. I would have paid my $70 and known he'd have to pay the same for the same offense and all would have been right in my world. I will now go and buy a set of boots for the next time they are illegally parked to enforce illegal parking. I am going to make sweet money for the rest of the time we are doomed to live in this choice community. Don't worry. It's not really as bad as I make it sound. But I think it is. Most of you are probably like my husband who can't understand why I'd be the least bit frustrated at the booting situation. Apparantly I should only be frustrated at myself. Fine, whatever. I'll rise to a higher plane of existense tomorrow. Until then I WILL VENT!!!!!!!!! Does anyone out there understand where I am coming from. Please tell me there is SOMEONE out there who understands what I'm feeling. Anyone? Please? If not, I don't need to hear again that it's my fault. I already know that part. Thanks.

Birthdays!!!

Wow, I feel tacky, but my sanity is worth a lot to me, so everyone can just deal with it! I have a LOT of birthdays this month, so I am posting them now. I don't know if I'll have another chance to blog this month. I am sad because we had so much fun in California and I am sure we'll have more fun soon! Anyways.... on to the birthdays.....

Dec 7th: Happy Birthday, Joe!

My brother-in-law is celebrating his birthday today. Joe lives in Oklahoma with his wife and four cute kids. Joe always knows the funnest new games to share with us. They used to be here in Utah a bit closer. Hopefully we can catch up with them and see their new house! Happy Birthday, Joe!

Dec 8th: Happy Birthday, Kim!

My niece Kimberly turns eight on her big day! She will be getting baptized this coming month and we are very excited for her. Kim is full of fun and life! We hope to see you this summer!

Dec. 25th: Happy Birthday Lawrence!

My cute, cuddly nephew turns one on Christmas Day! How cool is that?! You should see the cute birth annoucements they had. We enjoyed meeting Lawrence for the first time this Thanksgiving and, man! He is one cute kid! We love you, Lawrence!

Dec. 28th: Happy Birthday Cheryl (and me! )

My sister-in-law, Cheryl and I share a birthday. It has been four years since we were able to celebrate together, though. Cheryl is out in Oklahoma now. I always enjoy playing games and laughing with Cheryl and Joe. I will always fondly remember our winter drives to Arizona and California! Hope your birthday is awesome!

Christmas Newsletter

Dear Family and Friends,

It is hard to believe another year has come and gone. It is always nice to take some time at the end of the year to look back at what we have done. Life is usually pretty busy around here and often times it feels like life is running away without us! Here is some of what has happened in our household this year....

KAYLEE (5): The biggest news this year was Kaylee starting Kindergarten! It is hard to believe we are old enough to have a child in school. She has enjoyed it so far and has made lots of new friends. She enjoys Primary and gave a great talk in the Primary program this year. She enjoyed swimming lessons this past summer and keeps asking for piano lessons. She also set a goal of learning to ride her bike without training wheels and accomplished that this summer. Kaylee loves to play with Charles and her friends.

CHARLES (3): This summer was Charles' first swimming lesson! He was pretty nervous about it after the first day, but he decided to take another set of lessons. He did a great job and we enjoyed watching him jump off the diving board. Charles has adjusted pretty well to the move of his favorite aunt and uncle. Jake and Tressa bought a home in Perry so their visits have significantly decreased. Charles is looking forward very much to a new cousin this January. You can usually find him running through the house with a turkey baster and vacuum attachment. These are his favored “swords.” Charles loves babies and keeps asking when we'll get one, so if any of you are needing a babysitter, just let us know!

CAMILLE: Life is busy as usual. Camille decided to be a crossing guard again this school year. It has gone much more smoothly. We'll see how it goes when the snow starts flying. This summer Camille entered the exciting world of blogging! It has been fun to keep up with family and friends. She is still making cakes for friends and family and has recently set up a cake blog to get some feedback. The most exciting thing for Camille this year was the purchase of a brand new car! It has been wonderful to have reliable transportation. We broke in the car with a wonderful trip to California for Thanksgiving.

LOUIS: June marked one year at Juniper Systems for Louis. They have been a great company to work for. One highlight was a facility upgrade. Louis got a new office with a HUGE desk! The company also built an exercise room with a raquetball court. Louis enjoyed some lively games with Zach while he lived here. He is getting ready to head back to school for a Master's degree. This past summer he enjoyed doing some work for the HOA here.

We are still living in the same townhome. Rather shocking for us to not move this past year! We just may be here for a long time! Life continues as usual and brings us fun memories. We hope this year was good for each of you and wish you joy and happiness in the coming year. It is wonderful to keep in touch with our family and friends.

With love,
Louis, Camille, Kaylee, and Charles Koberstein

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to write a quick post about Thanksgiving. There is something about this holiday that always gives me warm fuzzies. I'll admit that married life makes for some new experiences around holidays and I will also admit that for a time I felt like holidays were basically organized family feuds. I can now say I have had at least three Thanksgivings in a row where this is not the case! I have been looking forward to this Thanksgiving more than others. In June I decided that we needed to spend Thanksgiving in California this year. We rarely get out there and the kids had so much fun the last time we went for vacation. I just felt this strong urge, something pulling on my heart telling me we needed to be in California. Of course the biggest problem in getting to California is always HOW. Our lovely protege is no longer allowed to make the trip. Flying is out of the question unless the tickets are donated. The last time we went we rented a car and not only did it just cost a lot to begin with, we ended up paying a couple hundred extra to pay for the window that someone broke! So, our solution this year.... a new car!!! A brand new car! I never thought I would own one! It has been wonderful. The next dilemma was the weather. We were so happy to find that the forecast was clear. We enjoyed a wonderfully uneventful drive out. That is pretty good considering it's twelve hours with two young kids. I can't remember the last time I was so excited to go on a twelve hour drive. I really felt like a school girl. I woke up Tuesday morning with butterflies in my stomach! I was grinning all morning knowing that we'd be leaving that night to prepare for our departure to California!!! I am so thankful this year for a new car which provided a much needed opportunity to spend time with our family. We enjoyed a delicious feast with all five Koberstein boys. That makes for quite the interesting conversation, but it was so fun to see Louis with all of his brothers. We were missing his two sisters and their families, but we still had quite the crowd! Tomorrow we'll head out to San Francisco for more family fun and I can't wait! I enjoyed a nice, laid back day of talking, laughing, playing games, relaxing, cooking, cleaning, feasting, and just loving! Hurray for Thanksgiving!!!

Trying out some Courage

This honestly is really hard for me and makes me very nervous, but I've been wanting to do it, so enough being chicken! I started a cake blog. I just want a place where I can post some pictures of my cakes and hopefully get some feedback. I really hope for positive feedback, but I can handle the truth. Usually this is my downfall in any type of situation where I am selling my "talent or skill." I get negative feedback or harsh criticism and just quit doing it. (i.e. hairstyling...) So I am really going out on a limb here, but I just have to know! What do people really think? So... check it out and let me know what you like, and what you don't. Thanks!

www.camillescakes.blogspot.com

Halloween, Halloween, Halloween, Halloween!

This year Halloween was nice. It seemed that I took it at a slower pace than normal, so I was only "mostly dead" the following morning. I saved just enough energy to finish a cake, move a family to a new apartment, and clean up the house. Can I have a wonderwoman award now? Hee hee seriously, though. We went to Kaylee's school in the morning for a costume parade. After school I took the kids to Lee's Marketplace for the trick-or-treat while I did my shopping. It made the trip much more enjoyable for all. We also went to Papa Murphy's where the kids got their own personal size pizzas for lunch. At the crosswalk they enjoyed playing Star Wars. Afterwards, we went to see Donna at work and the kids thought that was pretty cool. Next stop, Dad's work for some awesome trick-or-treating! That night we went to our "tri-ward trunk-or-treat." In case you were wondering, I'm NOT a fan of those. I thought about posting more on this issue and then decided against it due to possiblity of offense. Thanks, Donna and Steve for coming for the kids! They loved seeing you there! Next up, dinner party at our house. My brother and his wife, my sister and her husband, and our good friends, Alton and Shirley joined us. We had pizza, salad, breadsticks, homemade rootbeer, donuts, cider, and egg nog. Yum! Then we played a rousing round of BANG! before all had to depart. It was a lot of fun!

Here are some fun pictures of the kids' costumes, our party, and a few cakes I made.... enjoy.

These are pictures of the kids at a Monster Bash at Kaylee's school. I thought they were hilarious!
Darth Vader and Princess Leia. So cute! And Uncle Jake the jedi. My kids' favorite uncle and the instigator of Star Wars at our house. Playing Star Wars at the crosswalk.Donna and kids at her workSteve and kids at the trunk-or-treat

I made this cake for my friend's son. His birthday was a couple weeks ago and they had a Halloween costume party. This was one of my funnest cakes to make!

This cake is the one I made the day after Halloween.

In the meanwhile.... an Award!!!

Well, friends... thanks for all the response. I still am undecided in my vote on whether to go private or not. The polls will close this week, I hope. I noticed that I miss a lot of your comments because yahoo keeps sending a bunch of them to my spam list. Grrr. In the meantime... I will hurry and post some things I want everyone to see.... starting with this!!!



Hee hee! My friend, Katie, or Con as I call her, gave me this! Wowie! Look at me go. So, now I get to tell you some more stuff about me....

6 things I value:

1. family

2. faith

3. education

4. dreams

5. work ethic

6. experience

6 things I do NOT value

1. laziness

2. tv

3. apathy

4. designer jeans

5. rudeness

6. people who speed through crosswalks

6 people I give this award to:

1. Megan H.- best view on motherhood

2. Megan J.- love the writing skills! Makes me think hard!

3. Elena-so many fun ideas here

4. Elise-what can I say? She makes scrapbook stuff herself!

5. Amber-just check the blog, folks.

6. Danielle-a letter of the week in prose!

These people have inspired me with their never-ending creativity. Examples next to their names! Thanks folks!

The Mother of all Worriers

I know you are all thinking that the title of this post is describing me, but guess what!? There is another mother who is even more gifted at worrying than myself! It's really about MY mother!!! Bless her little heart. I get a phone call a few times a month to let me know about the most recent freak disaster that is sure to occur to my children due to neglect or oversight. I do appreciate her motivation, but it doesn't help my anxiety. I try and take the casual, calloused, "yeah, thanks, mom, I'll think about that," approach, but internally I feel my stomach begin to churn and I lose sleep for days afterwards. Her latest call came tonight to let me know about a story that would be shown on the ten o'clock news. It was about a family who had recieved all kinds of demeaning and threatening comments on their blog. I know nothing else. I try and stay pretty disconnected with the world by not watching TV. Ok, truth is I am too cheap to pay for it, and I like not having it, so there! Anyways.... of course, I began worrying as soon as I non-chalantly hung up the phone. I have no idea about what kind of wackos are out there. I tried to set all my profile things to highest security. I don't know. I have been tinkering with the idea of going private. After all, I'm sure there aren't that many people who read this thing anyway! What do ya think? And if I do decide to go private, I only have two questions..... who wants to be invited, and how in the world do I do any of this???

Tagged.... six quirks

Thank goodness we can limit it to only six! Hee hee! More like six hundred for me. Here goes...
1. I can't stand a noisy eater. Especially carrots.... I like all veggies steamed!
2. I don't like to be breathed on.
3. I can't stand my own feet. I will touch, pedicure, look at, smell, etc. anybody else's, you MAY NOT, look at, touch, see, etc. my feet.
4. I like the toliet lid shut!!!! Please shut it!!!
5. I am a complete germaphob. WASH YOUR HANDS!!! Use santizer, whatever! Bleach the counters if you use raw meat! Aack!
6. I know there is something else that especially drives Louis bats, but for the life of me, I can't remember what it is! Well, one other thing... I load my dishwasher just so. If I open it and it's not the way I like it, I redo it. Crazy, I know.

I tag... Amme, Amber, Jessica R., Jessica B., Isabel, Katelyn

Edified

Today was amazing. Have you ever had one of those days where you just can't stop smiling? Even if it's through joyful tears? I had one today. I hope you'll allow me to share. For the first time in about a year and a half I went to "early morning meeting" with a smile on my face and no dread in my heart! I came from the meeting feeling hopeful, cheerful, and filled with purpose. I came home and only briefly lost the "glow" while trying to coax two children out the door. I thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful testimony meeting. I had a small, but powerful insight while sitting pondering during the sacrament. I enjoyed a wonderfully enlightening, and uplifting lesson on the Holy Ghost during Gospel Principles. In Relief Society I witnessed a miracle of the spirit teaching. I had to teach a lesson today and though I had prepared by reading the material and thinking about it for a while, I felt no definite direction. I went to church hoping that all would come together nicely. I felt no panic, no rush, just a calm hope. The room was so full today! It has been a while since we've had so many sisters there! It was wonderful! As the lesson began, I just felt a clear picture of how to proceed and what to touch on and what to focus on. Most of the discussion was led perfectly from point to point by the wonderful sisters in my ward. I witnessed the power that comes when the sisters bring the spirit with them and participate together in teaching one another and I felt such a feeling of love and unity. It was a humbling thing to have the sisters comment on the wonderful lesson and to realize, "It wasn't me, it was the Spirit, and all of you!" And that is the truth! It was so wonderful!!! After the lesson, a sister handed me a sign up we had sent around. We used to have such a difficult time getting people to sign up for anything. I was so touched to look at this list of sisters willing to help. I just sat with my counselor and shed tears of joy and gratitude for the bond of sisterhood we have now! I can't believe that just a few short months ago I would have done almost anything to stay out of Relief Society! I just didn't understand what it was for. I am so grateful for this opportunity I have had to really understand what it is all about. I am so glad to have the opportunity to live in a transitional place where I can meet so many wonderful women who have taught me so much! I hope I can retain this knowledge well so that I don't have to learn it again! I ended the evening by attending a wonderful fireside with my Grandma, cousin, and her daughter. It was put on by Jenny Phillips for the Young Women. I just love the Young Women and it was a wonderful program!!! Thanks, Katie and Alex for letting me come "home" for a bit and enjoy the evening with you!

A Month of Birthdays!

Because this month is escaping me so rapidly and there are so many birthdays.... I am going to do three of them now! Tacky you say? I say ingeniously smart to use time so very practically! So, here we go..............

Today: Happy Birthday to my oldest niece, Cierra! I can't believe she so grown up! She was so little when I first became aquainted with their little family. We went to see the movie Monsters, Inc. In the theater! Hope you had a fabulously hip birthday today, Cierra!

Tomorrow: Happy Birthday to the best dad ever! My dad is the most amazing person. I appreciate his example so much more than he knows. This is because as I was growing up I would constantly make it a point to be irritated by his goodness and opinions. Well, I was either really dumb or bluffing. For the sake of my pride I'll say I was bluffing. Deep down I'm sure I knew he was right, right? You know someone's close to perfect when you really think about the movie that you want to watch with them or the lyrics to all your favorite songs or the way you speak and think, "Hmm, would dad be ok with that?" Goes right along with that question, "What would Jesus do?" Dad will most likely roll his eyes when he reads this, but what can I say? He's my hero.

Tuesday: Happy Birthday to my favorite, and only I might add, Sister! Tressa is still my favorite even though she left me in Logan and moved to Perry. I am very excited for her and Jake to be welcoming a baby boy to their family at the beginning of the next new year! Tressa and I didn't really get along growing up, but most of the time we do now. Again, this probably has more to do with my own shortcomings than hers. Good thing I got so smart in the last few years. I am excited to watch her begin the motherhood adventure. I truly do wish I could be closer to do some of that "payback." I really do owe her more than I will EVER be able to repay in time she has spent loving and tending my children! Oh, dear!

Well, there you have it folks! What a month for birthdays!!!

Happy Belated Birthday!

This birthday wish is long overdue! Happy Birthday to Danielle! Danielle is married to Louis' younger brother, Jon. They live out in California where Jon is attending school. Danielle graduated a couple years ago. She spent some time teaching at a junior high in Spanish Fork, I'm pretty sure. I just love Danielle because we are both English geeks! Hee hee. If only we lived closer we could begin a revolutionary bookclub for english geeks only! At the beginning of each meeting we would pull out our red pens and start marking up sentences! YES!!! Happy Birthday, Danielle! I miss having you here in Utah!

For Con... I was tagged

One word answers to the following questions:
1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Your significant other? Louis
3. Your hair? blah
4. Your mother? Sandy
5. Your father? Todd
6. Your favorite thing? freebies
7. Your dream last night? forgotten
8. Your favorite drink? cocoa
9. Your dream/goal? exaltation
10.The room you’re in? loft
11. Your ex? huh?
12. Your fear? failure
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? settled
14 Where were you last night? church
15. What you’re not? rich
16. Muffins? poppyseed
17. One of your wish list items? car
18. Where you grew up? Woods Cross
19. The last thing you did? email
20. What are you wearing? jeans
21. Your favorite TV? new
22. Your pets? NEVER!
23. Your computer? beautiful
24. Your life? full
25. Your mood? mellow
26. Missing someone? hmmm
27. Your car? broken
28. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
29. Favorite Store? Target
30. Your summer? boring
31. Like someone? sure
32 . Your favorite color? pink
33.When is the last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? today
35. Who will/would re-post this? nobody
37. Bath or shower? bath
38. Holiday? Christmas
39. Writing utensil? pen
40. Vacation activity? beach
41. Bedding preference? soft
42. Pet peeves? chewing
43. Cookies? sugar
44. Eggs? scrambled
45. Favorite thing to do on a rainy day? snuggle
46. Your biggest strength? unknown
47. Favorite thing about school? grades
48. Most awesome gift received? lots
49. Neighbors? many
50. What do you collect? coupons
51. Oldest kept item from childhood? bear
52. Greatest indulgence? food
53. Your house? nice
54. Fruits or vegetables? fruits
55. Quiet or loud? quiet

Say it ain't so!!!

I am super sad! I need to be able to let this go, and because blogging is free therapy for me, here goes. I love Shutterfly. I get lots of free things from them. The most recent was a free 8x8 photo book and 75 free prints! Wow!!! That is a lot of free stuff!!! Love it! Of course, these things have deadlines, and I have become very bad at just doing things when they first show up. I guess I've been in this calling too long of dealing only with emergencies. I have forgotten what it feels like to "catch up" on anything. I don't know. At any rate, I was down to the wire and needing to clean my house, shower, buy a gift, order my book and be ready by three o'clock to travel down to Park City for a reception that night. I barely was able to get my photo book put together in order for my dear friend, Amber, to finish placing my order before midnight! What a friend! Thanks, again, Amber! At any rate.... I reminded myself that I would need to spend the next day uploading my pictures for my 75 free prints. Guess what? I COMLETELY FORGOT!!! WAAAAAAHHHH! Look out! Here comes the Waaambulance. It's already been to Amber's! Thanks for the shoulder to cry on. I can't believe I let 75 free prints slip through my fingers!!! What was I thinking?!?!? To console myself, I imagine I will eat some chocolate while soaking in my jetted tub and holding my $10 Darth Vader costume. Sigh.

All's Well That Ends Well

First off, a big THANK YOU to everyone who offered to look for better priced costumes! :) Now, today was "shopping day" at my house so I have a little something to vent about... then the good news.
Coupons, promotions, freebies, "price matching."
These are words I have a love/hate relationship with. Why? How can anyone hate those words? Well, let me explain...
I cut coupons. I utilize promotions, ads, freebies, price matching. I love to bargain shop. I live for it. There is only so much you can perfect in my current "occupation" and this is one aspect I am passionate about. Mostly to give me something "stimulating" to think about I suppose. So I LOVE the coupons and other "tools." I HATE the way people make me feel about using the said "tools." I have a real problem with stores and their associates who snub those of us who use the above mentioned shopping tools. ESPECIALLY when the coupons are send directly from that store. (aka JCP portrait studio). I used to go to said picture studio quite regularly and take full advantage of the wonderful coupons they'd send me. Please note again, THEY sent ME the coupons. I could get a nice set of photos for a wonderful price and still stay in the starving student budget. I lasted four and a half years of the snobby picture people turning their nose up at my coupons before I snapped. I feel like I was pretty fair. When I would call to schedule the sitting, I would be very clear that I was coming to USE MY COUPON. I would be quick through the sitting and my kids love getting pictures, so they weren't dealing with moody mom or kids. Big bonus, I'd say. Then I would proceed to the computer to view my pictures and make my final decision, because you only get one pose. The associate would try at least three times to convince me that I needed to spend a minimum of $350 in order to fill my need for photos. I worked sales so I understand that some things you just have to present to the customer. No problem. I would let them have their say and kindly remind them that I had a coupon and would like to use it on pose "A." Then I'd get the look. Followed by the loud obnoxious voice to alert all other customers and employees that "someone is using a coupon." I'd smile and proceed to checkout. After leaving the store I'd fight tears all the way home and vow never to go back. A few months later, new coupons would entice me in for another humiliating round. This finally ended at Kaylee's five year photo shoot. I was dealt with very tactlessly and informed them I would never be coming back. And I finally stuck to my word. I see those coupons and find great joy in burning them up. (Which is obviously what they intend for you to do with them.)

Today as I was at my "favorite" store I was price matching some items when a price came up the lady wasn't sure on. So she left for a few minutes to fetch an ad to verify my claim. As she gave me the price, she muttered under her breath the small savings. I wanted to just let her know, "Yes, I know it's only a few cents, but why should I pay more here when I could have bought it for less at the last store? Why didn't I buy it there, you ask? Because your store claims to have the lowest prices, guaranteed. I decided to take you for your word, and it so happens that your price is HIGHER, so guess what? I'm making you live up to the guarantee. Quit making me feel bad for using your own marketing tools!!!"

At any rate.... I went in and spoke with the assistant manager about the costume "situation" today. As we talked he said, "Well, I can do this.....I'll return the item for the price you paid... (this is where my blood pressure starts to rise because it appears he missed the whole point) ...and then let you buy it back for, um, $10. Is that ok with you?"
I almost fell over, but tried to keep my composure until the deal was sealed.
"$10? Yes, I think that would be ok." HEE HEE! I got a Darth Vader costume for $10!!!! Granted, it's used and some of it is broken, but still, what a steal! Yay!!!! I must say I left feeling much more kindly toward a certain company, though they are still NOT my favorite place to shop.

Am I Wrong??? Tell Me, Please

Ok, I am frustrated! This began on Friday. I went to do my shopping as usual and my trip to me to a most unfavorite store that shall remain unnamed for the time being... but I bet you can guess who they are. Tell me if you can. I like to reward Charles by walking down the toy aisle and most recently, the costume aisle. I still have yet to buy a costume at this store because I feel like they are overpriced. I usually luck out and find something cuter or more creative without the cost. Well, my darling Charles wants to be Darth Vader. I started looking at costumes and could hardly bring myself to buy one for $20, ok let's be honest... $19.88+tax. After realizing that I really probably couldn't make, again let's be honest, convince my mom to make a costume for Charles, I thought $20 isn't THAT bad. Plus, he can use it for a dress up afterward and he would be sooooo happy. I would really do almost anything for him, I just love to see that face; the one he makes when he is so excited and sucks in a big breath! Besides, I reasoned, Kaylee got a special "expensive" costume a couple years ago and then got good use of it at princess parties and dress up time. So I keep browsing the costume aisle. I have had a hard time finding a costume his size. Well, Friday was the day! I finally found a costume claiming to be 4-5 size. Yes, Charles is only three, but he is a BIG boy. The costume was different than all the other costumes there and looked like it had been opened. My suspicion increased when the helmet that should be part of the costume was lying halfway down the aisle. I picked it all up and decided to give it a go. There was no price tag and so I just took it up to the check out. I was looking over my receipt on the way to the car when I saw how much I paid... $35 dollar. WHAT?!?!? Are you joking me? The only tag I could find on the costume was a pink sticker with the date of 9/1/08. Hmm. Then it hit me. It was returned on that date. It was a pink return sticker. After going to almost every other store that could possibly have a Darth Vader costume, including the DI, I decided to take it to customer service, explain my situation and offer to keep the costume for a better price. That didn't go well. The lady was very nice and agreed with my discovery that this costume is actually a costume from LAST Halloween that someone used and the returned. She even agreed with me that paying full price was a rip off. So, she kindly informed me of the store's policy.... a whopping 10% off. WHAT?!?!? 10%? That is such a joke! I was so mad, but she said there wasn't anything else she could do but return it. So I took the 10% since I as of yet had not been able to find a costume in Charles' size. Of course, he loves the costume so I can't rightfully return it... Yet. I came home and called the headquarters of said store. They said they'd let the store manager know and he'd contact me. Right. Well, he did! The next day, even. We chatted and I explained my predicament and he didn't hide the fact that he was put out that I would call headquarters. Like it's that big of a deal. I talked to some college or high school student in their teens that didn't care either in a big call center. Oooo scary! He asked me why I didn't have someone call a manager. I explained I was told that this was company policy and I guessed that was the final word, so since I didn't have a gripe about the store, just the company, I called the company headquarters. Anyway... he said he wanted to "work with me on this" and "make it right." I wasn't able to follow his preferred schedule and get in there the same day... and then I've been sick... blah blah blah. So, here is my plan, tell me please if I am totally in the wrong. I want to check one more store to browse their selection. If I still can't find a costume in his size, I plan to go talk to the manager and ask him to do one of two things for me.

1. Call another store and see if they have a costume (from this year) in Charles size and ship it to me at no extra charge.
2. If number one is not available, give me the used costume for half price, or at least the same price as this year's costumes.

I am a bargain shopper, I know. But really, is it too much to ask that they not profit TWICE on a costume that should never have been allowed to be returned this year?

High School Tag! I was afraid of this...

1 Did you date someone from your school? Yes, but it only counts because we kissed the last day of school.
2 What kind of car did you drive? A hideous boat! It was a Ford Fairmont silver with wine red interior. I had to jump start that dumb car so many times! The horn would come through the stereo! I hated it mostly, but laugh about it now. The car was as old as I was and we finally parted just before our nineteenth birthday.
3 Did you pass your driver's license test on the first try? Yes, but not the vision test at the DMV! I was so mad! I had to go to the eye doctor and get a special note. In fact, I probably have to do it again this year. Dumb!
4 Were you a party animal? Not in the way most people think, but I liked going to parties. My parents thought I was a party animal.
5 Were you considered a flirt? I don't know. Though, Louis says I'm a maneater.
6 Were you in a band, orchestra or choir? I always wanted to play flute and violin, but never did. I was in choir for two years of High School.... maybe three. Hmm.
7 Were you a nerd? Uh, I still am a nerd, what do ya mean?
8 Were you on any varsity teams? I was on the Girl's Varsity Basketball team, but because of work conflicts I had to quit. It was a hard choice. I had played two years before on the Sophmore and JV teams
9 Did you get suspended or expelled? No
10 Can you still sing the fight song? Yes, am I supposed to sing it now? "We're the Woods Cross Wildcats, fighting for our school. We've got spirit, loyalty and ever will be true, FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT, We've got power we've got pride always on our side. F-I-G-H-T-I-N-G We're fighting for a victory. Go CATS!"
11 Who were your favorite teachers? Hmm... Mrs. Wheeler!!! Ms. Ratz... though I didn't find out she didn't hate me until the next year. Mrs. Cook, Mr. Hendrickson, Mrs. Duffin, Mrs. Ferrin, my seminary teachers...
12 Where did you sit during lunch? My friends and I would usually go somewhere. Fast food or one of our houses.
13 What's your school's full name? Woods Cross High School
14 What was your mascot and colors? Wildcat Red, white and blue
15 Did you go to homecoming? Yep
16 If you could go back and do it all again, would you? There are some things I miss, some things I'll never miss, and some things I wish I could do differently. But, I don't think going back would help.
17 What do you remember most about graduation? Sitting next to people I wasn't really friends with (because of alphabetical order) and trying not to cry! I was very sentimental, but very excited, too. Yoli and Jim sang a beautiful song that I will always love! "Time to say goodbye." I also distinctly remember being so nervous that I would trip and fall, but I didn't. Whew.
18 Where did you go on your Senior Skip Day? We were threatened that anyone who skipped wouldn't graduate. I didn't have anywhere to go anyway.
19 Were you in any clubs? Pep Club, Concert Choir, Impact Team I think that is all...
20 Have you gained some weight since then? I've stayed about the same. I did lose a lot of weight AFTER I had Kaylee which was fantastic! I'd never looked that good in High School (minus the flabby pouch stomach, some things never do go back...)
21 Who was your prom date? I'm assuming they mean Senior Ball our senior year? Jared Despain
22 Are you planning to go to your 10 year reunion? I think I'll probably go, unless we move way far away in the next year or two.
23 Did you have a job while in high school? Of course. I worked at The Pizza Place for a few months of my sophmore year. I worked at Willey Ford as the receptionist my junior year. My senior year I worked at Quizno's and The Lion House, as a birthday hostess.

I tag.... Jenna, Melanie, Amber, Amme, and anyone else who wants to remember!

Double Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to two great friends! Donna and Megan!

Donna is my newest friend of about a year and a half. She and her husband, Steve, live a few doors down and our kids want to move in with them. Donna is super gorgeous and tons of fun! She is good to always plan fun things like picnics, BBQ's, game nights, and girl's night out, and she includes me! Love ya, Donna! Have a super awesome birthday!

Megan is my dear friend from High School. We were in drama together, and so we became fast friends. She is living in Bluffdale which is too far away, in my opinion. Especially since her new little boy will be arriving soon. In fact, if he's not already here, she may be celebrating a "birth" day on her birthday!

A Trip Down Memory Lane... 26.2 Miles to be exact.

So, today was the Top of Utah Marathon. Wow. I had sort of felt a stirring of desire to run this year in June. After I ran seven miles and couldn't walk for two days, I decided to wimp out. I just didn't have that "eye of the tiger." Today, I got my desire back!

My dear friend, Tiffany and her two amazing sisters came to stay last night. They ran the marathon together this morning. I want to say it was the first time for all three of them, but this might be incorrect.... (Chelise is basically Iron Woman and has done several races including placing first in her division in a half iron man, yeah, I know. I was jealously proud.)

Anyway, I had planned to drive them down to the bus this morning, but slept in and woke to the sound of their car starting and pulling away. What a goober I am! It worked out good, though so they didn't have to walk so far once it was all over. I had the time of my life today! The kids love marathons and want to run so badly in one. Hopefully someday...

We went down to mile 17 and cheered and cheered! It was so amazing to watch. I saw a lot of neighbors and friends, and my cousin! Hey Stephanie, way to go!!! It is amazing the people you find at a marathon! The next stop was mile 22.5. That is a tough mile. The canyon is pretty easy being all down hill, really quiet, and just gorgeous! It's a great distraction. Getting into town and running through the cities was a bit trickier for me. Lots of twists and turns, and some "hills." Having people there, even strangers, cheering me on really gave me such a boost when I ran this two years ago. I hope I was able to help some of the runners there today. It was all I could do to contain my emotions and not just bawl my eyes out. Especially when someone would be running along with a look like, "I'm pretty sure I am going to die." The memories would rush back into my mind and I would cheer as hard as I could. Then they'd look up with a faint smile, mouth a "thank you" or pick their feet up a little higher. It was so neat to see. I really was pretty emotional. Good thing I had sunglasses! I was so proud of Tiffany, Chelise, and Kara! How awesome to run with your sisters! Way to go ladies!!!! I'm planning big for next year and looking for a training partner.... all interested parties leave me a note! ;0)

I thought about just posting some pictures, but that just wouldn't do it justice. So of course, I had to put together a montage. I love this song! It is just perfect for a marathon, and life. My favorite line is, "Focus on the prize, dreams will be realized. No matter what people say, just keep going anyway!" That is so very true!!! Hope you don't mind the three pictures of me from two years ago. I put the pictures in to correspond with the same place/time that the ones from today were taken. It took a lot of courage for me to post those after looking at the pictures from today of my friends. I mean! How is it possible to look so cute after running your guts out? Never mind, I don't want to know.

Congrats again to all the amazing runners from today! See you next year, I hope!!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

To whom it SHOULD concern...

For your reading pleasure, an excerpt from the email I just sent to my boss. Poor man who has to hear my every complaint. Figured I'd better include some others as well!

I have had several near misses the past two weeks. I'm getting used to the fact that people try to hit me, it must be some kind of game? 1000 points if you hit the crossing guard? But now people are aiming for the kids, too. This afternoon was the worst. Cars speed through the school zone and don't see me until it's too late, and even when they finally see me, instead of stopping they grin sheepishly at me and DRIVE THROUGH THE STOP! I glare at them the best I can to try and inflict pain or death, but so far, no casualties. Today I can't keep quiet because a little boy was almost hit. I screamed so loud at the lady in the car that no other car dared to drive through in any direction for about five minutes. It caused quite a scene. Anyway, I know we can't prevent everything and we can't stop everyone, but I really am getting nervous. I am thinking it might help a little if I stood on the opposite corner, in the direct sun, but I am still too weak to attempt that on these hot afternoons. If I could get some patrol in the afternoon, that would be much appreciated. I know they are so busy, and I was so happy to have had so much patrol in the mornings at the first of the year, but I don't know that I've ever had afternoon patrol, and it is getting bad. People gun it through there and don't have time to stop when I'm walking out and the kids get impatient standing there waiting and some of them don't wait.....
Thank you for reading my gripes. It helps to sometimes just let out my frustration.

Tagged!!!

Okie doke. I just got tagged by Becky. I have to try and come up with five things people don't know about me.... this is hard because most of the people who read this already know everything I could possibly think to put.... I will try.

1. I have a cosmetology license. I know, GASP! "HER???" you say, "She doesn't even do her own hair or makeup!" I know, but I ask you to kindly remember that I went to beauty school and learned how to do YOUR hair and makeup, NOT MINE! ;) My favorite aspect of school was waxing. Which leads to number two...

2. I am obsessed with plucking things out of stuff. Mostly, ingrown hairs, coarse hair, slivers, blackheads, scabs... When waxing, I have to look at the hairs I pull out each time. It's wierd, I know, but there are others out there who feel the same as I do. Really. I have a vivid memory of playing with playdough and toothpicks. I made a turkey of the clay and then it "crashed" into a truck of sticks. I then was the surgeon who had to pull out all the sticks.

3. I never liked running, so this might shock a lot of you, but in September 2006 I ran my first marathon in 4 hours, 22 minutes! Yea me!!! It was a super awesome experience!

4. I can perform the entire scene of Munchkin Land from "The Wizard of Oz." All the characters, by myself. I love acting and hope someday to sing well enough to star in a musical. Again, we shall see!

5. I always wanted to study law and become a famous lawyer. Now I think instead of owning my own business.... specifically a salon, (not likely) or a cake business because I love making cakes!!! I think I'll call it "Camille's Custom Cakes." I'll set up shop in like Hollywood or something where people want to pay lots of money for those kinds of things. ;)

I tag... Amme, Amber, Tawnya, Katelyn, and Michelle.

Warning.... Tons of new Posts!!

Ok, folks! I have been slacking on posting with all of the computer building going on over here, so tonight I did a MAJOR catch up job! There are six new posts, not counting this one, and I am caught up! Whew! That feels good! Enjoy!!!

Happy Birthday, Simon!

Friday was Simon's first birthday! Aack! I still remember the day he was born, and I am certain it hasn't been a year! I went up to see Amber in the hospital the day after, I think. She was up and dressed, hair and makeup done and I vowed never to visit her in the hospital again. Just kiddin' , Amber. As I sat there holding Simon, I was overcome with emotion thinking of how recently he departed our Heavenly Father's presence. I always loved to be near him because he brought those feelings so poignantly to me each time. Thanks, Amber for all the times you let me snuggle him in Relief Society and steal him away from your house!

I had a lot of fun making this cake. Amber found a picture of it on coolest cakes.com. One of my favorite places for inspiration. The cake was yummy, too! The bottom is Grandma Mary's chocolate cake with German Chocolate Filling. The top is a white vanilla with frosting. The only part that is fondant are the giraffe spots and the zebra stripes. And, it's not store bought, nasty fondant, it's my homemade chocolate marshmallow fondant. Tastes like a tootsie roll! Yum!

This little lion was Simon's cake to devour himself.

I just love making cakes! It stresses me out, and I LOVE IT! It's the good stress kind of thing, like shock therapy, I guess. If any of you need cakes, let me know!

I tried to catch this cute pose, but of course it took me too long to get the camera out, but they were so cute just sitting there watching the opening of the gifts!

Bow Party!

Thank you to everyone who came to the bow party, and a HUGE thanks to Jessica and Jolene for doing it!

It was so much fun to just visit with everyone and eat mint brownies!!! It was the first time I've planned a get together and had a good turn out! I feel empowered to have some kind of holiday party.... with the help of Amber the party guru. They did an awesome job and Kaylee and I love her new hair bows!!! I will have to post some pics of the bows I got for her. I had two sets of bows custom made and they look great! I got Kaylee 4 sets of bows and one stretch headband and paid under $8!!! Sweet deal! If you want a great deal on bows, host a party!

What a Night!!!

On Sunday, following the crazy day of fun, I got a phone call from a family in our ward. The wife was going in to have her baby! The have two adorable twin girls and I told them to bring them right over! We had a fun, adventure-filled night that reminded me of many nights with Kaylee and Charles when they were younger. During the night both the girls woke up, but at different times. The first one woke up and I tried my best to keep her happy and calm her back to sleep, but to no avail. Finally she was crying and crying and didn't stop until Louis came out and held her. She clung to him and calmed right down. He held her until she fell asleep, and she stayed asleep all night. The next morning, she was very sad when he left for work without her! But, she was a trooper and enjoyed our walk with Kaylee to the school. On the other hand, her sister would have nothing to do with Louis and restored my sense of self-worth by clinging to me when she awoke. We stayed up visiting with Charles for about three hours before falling asleep. I had to leave for the crosswalk and when I came home Louis let me know my absence was noted! We had a lot of fun with the girls. Charles especially enjoyed having someone to play with for a while. The girls were so good and it was really funny to watch them try to climb in this car together!

So, can anyone tell me how to get this to accept the picture I saved of it rotated already? It undoes my editing when I upload. Hmm... well, just turn your monitor over for a minute, ok?

What a Day!!!

Do you ever have those days that are JAM-Packed!!! Anything that should happen needs to happen, and usually during the same three hour time frame! I had one of those days on Saturday, last Saturday. We began the morning with a baptism!!!

What an awesome opportunity I have had to befriend an investigator and be there for some discussions and see her baptism! It was wonderful. I am so excited to get to know her better.

While Charles and I were at the "baptize 'em" as Charles says, Kaylee was at the Primary Party. We waited for her to finish while we ate some lunch and then...

Next on the agenda... a quick trip to Salt Lake. I was trying to make it down for a baby shower, but since I had to stop on the way with two children and pick up the baby gift, because Logan doesn't have a Target, (I mean really, can we please have a Target?) I missed the shower completely.

Thank goodness Megan still agreed to meet me somewhere for a late lunch. :) Megan is my good friend from High School. I wish she lived closer, but alas. This is her first baby, and it's a boy!!! She is due in the next week or so. Doesn't she look so cute?! Why is it that other women look cute when they are pregnant and I just look fat? Hmm.

During all this running to visit people, I kept thinking of all the other people I could go visit, Lacey, Laura, my brother, etc. Fortunately, Josh and Heather were up from Provo, so we got to see them without the drive. Of course, I was sort of hoping for an excuse to go down and then check in on Melissa and see if there was anything I could help with on the Orem end since I had to bow out early the night of the big move. Sorry guys!

The kids had a great time at Grandma and Grandpa's house while I was galavanting around SLC with Megan. I came home to this art display. Pretty good, huh? Kaylee is quite detail oriented. Notice Jasmine's shoes, and Tinkerbell's intricate details. In case you can't tell, she drew all the princesses: Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty, Mulan, Ariel, and Tinkerbell. She was trying to finish Snow White when I announced we had to leave. I was totally impressed.

Next and last stop before home...

We were supposed to try and make it to peach days in Brigham City, but it just wasn't going to happen. I learned something, though. If you go to Peach Days, you don't get peaches. If you don't go to Peach Days, you get peaches! So my sister was kind enough to pick up peaches for me in the morning and hold them until I could come get them LATE that night. I also lucked out and got to spend a few minutes with my cousin and her family. We used to have lots of fun playing together as kids, and it's still fun to get together. Thanks, Jenna!

Although it was a bit hectic and I came home completely tired, it was well worth it!