Shoes!

I know I've shared this shoe with you before... but it's so cute, I'm sharing it again.

Funny how something like this...
can turn into something so cute like this!

Made these for my ladies I go visiting teaching to.

Also made this Minnie Mouse shoe... more on that to come.

I've also adapted the pattern and made an elf shoe, curled up toe and all. I'm thinking this would be super cute as Dorothy's ruby slipper or a Cinderella "glass" slipper too, as a party favor or party invite.

How would you use this shoe???

Hands

Credit for this idea comes from Pinterest.

Now there's no guilt about the time spent on Pinterest, right? We've actually done something from it. :)

As we gathered for our "girl's night" at my Mom's house, we had a few extra visitors; Grandma Ison, Aunt Loma and Aunt Jocile. We took advantage of being together and took a few generational hand photos. This one is of Grandma Ison, my Mom (Lora Dawn) and me.

Grandma Ison and Aunt Loma... sisters.

We also ate yummy soup, talked about our lives and basically just enjoyed one another's company. We've made "girl's night" a regularly occurring date, once a month.
Sooo much fun.

XC Districts

Rylee was in cross country (XC) again this year.

Let me tell you... cross country at the highschool level is WAY more HARD CORE, than in middle school!

They began their practices in July and ran 5-8 miles a day; rain, shine or 100 degree weather. Even on their days "off" they were encouraged to run "just a few miles". What?!

Rylee was on track to be invited to join the Varsity team, but then at the beginning of the school year, she injured herself and was out for the first few races. The school trainers helped her with therapy on her injury, so she was able to run the last 3 races of the season, on the JV team.

Districts were held at Eagle Island State Park.

Side note: While I was waiting at the start line for the race to begin. There was a man there blasting music to pump up the runners. He turned to me and said I looked familiar and asked if I had gone to Valley View. No. After visiting briefly, we figured out how we knew each other. He was one of my 6th grade teachers at Garfield Elementary, Ted Coe.
So weird... I couldn't see Mr. Coe in him..he looked like an old man (he was wearing a hat and sunglasses too). Wouldn't want to know what he thought of me.. lookin' pretty rough that day. :)
Half way through the race, Rylee looks good.

Here she comes down the home stretch... still lookin' good.

Whew... tired.

Rylee, we're so proud of you. :)

Running buddies- Sarah Bruneel & Rylee

I'm so impressed that these kids WANT to do this. Running has never been my thing. Watching these young athletes is amazing. During races I fluctuate between yelling encouragement to tears of pride. I even cry for the opposing school runners. They are all AWESOME!

If you see me at a meet.. please don't mind my blubbering.. I can't help myself. I'm just so proud of them all. :)

RMHS Choir Concert

It was a Thursday night and we needed to be in two places at once... a choir concert and a Cub Scout Pack Meeting. We decided we had to divide and conquer. Jason, Treyson, Taylee and Abree chose to go to the Pack Meeting.... I suspect because of the hope of treats. I went to the Rocky Mountain choir concert to hear Rylee sing.

It was a nice concert with lots of variety.... no treats though. :)

YW in Excellence

Our ward recently had a new shift in YW leadership.... a whole new presidency (same advisers). With the change, came a slightly new direction for YW in Excellence night. The vision was to create an experience... a pioneer trek type experience to be more exact.

As you entered the gym, you could tell this was going to be a special night.

We literally set the stage for the girls to share their experiences by setting up 3 scenes.

This doesn't give you the full impact. We dimmed the lights and then "lit" the battery operated candles and lanterns. Also to add to the effect we had cricket, bird and stream sounds playing. With the dim lighting and nature sounds it was an awesome display.

Each class (Beehives, Mia Maids, Laurels) had selected 2 girls to speak about their trek experience or a trek pioneer story that made an impact in their life.

The girls were also asked to write a paragraph about their experience and how they would, "Go Forward with Faith".... how would they choose to use their trek experience to better their lives today?

The girls gathered in the over-flow area, as the parents were seated in the gym. When it was time to begin, the girls came in singing "Come, Come Ye Saints" walking up through the isle to the stage (holding battery operated candles), to begin the program.

Shared trek experiences, a special musical number, a personal pioneer connection from our new YW president, remarks from our Bishop and a delicious apple crisp served for dessert... a successful evening.

Over-the-Hill?

This year I turned the big 4-0!

On the morning of my birthday, I woke up early to find this.....

Yes, the "Over-the-Hill Birthday Fairy" had struck!

It was such a cool surprise and my kids went crazy over it too.

Thank you Birthday Fairy... whoever you are!

Next, I went to breakfast with some friends. We enjoyed good food and even better conversation.

When I arrived home there was a note on the door telling me to knock before coming in. After knocking it took several minutes before the door opened and I went in to discover more decorations.

The kids had quickly done their Saturday chores and decorated the house.

Chores done quickly... one of the best gifts ever don't you think?!

Even Nibblet the hamster, got her spot decorated. :)

That evening, Jason and the kids made dinner; bowtie pasta with chicken, peas and alfredo sauce. Then I hurried to Sister Beck's broadcast. After the broadcast, I opened presents and we had rootbeer floats for a treat.

Sunday evening, family came over to celebrate. Each family brought a yummy treat to share... some of my very favorites!

We enjoyed birthday treats, until we had a sugar buzz... well, at least I was buzzing. :)

Next, we played a trivia game. Jason asked each sibling/couple to come up with several questions about me. He asked the question, I wrote down my answer and then the group decided on their answer. They knew me quite well, I must say. Dean/Candice had to remind ME at what age I received my first bra.... 11 if you're curious.

So is 40 really Over-the-Hill?.... I feel more like 40 and FABULOUS, to tell you the truth. :)