Family Reunion!

Remember how July is like the craziest month ever?! Yeah I just remembered when I looked at my calendar and read that is was July 30th! What the heck? Where did this month go? We did a lot of fun things this week and weekend, and I tried to document what I could.

First thing we accomplished was our bridal pictures. I was super nervous just because my dress wasn't completely done, and I didn't even know how I was going to do my hair. I'm just not good with winging things, but in the end it ended up great. My dress is even better than I imagined. It is perfect. I love it. Our photographer was super nice and made me feel really comfortable so I didn't have to worry too much. I'm so glad we got that out of the way, so now I know how I want to exactly do my hair, what I need to prep for (being in that dress all day long). I'm so excited to see the final product, the best part being at the end of the shoot we were just getting some final shots and the sprinklers came on. If you think you can't run in a wedding dress you are wrong, it was pretty funny. I had a lot of fun, and it made getting married even more real! I will post the pictures when we get them, no worries!

We are still in the process of car shopping and it's getting really frustrating, I found a car I really loved, and B did too for a good price but we were 2 hours too late and didn't get it. So now we are still shopping, it would be fine if B lived in Rexburg, but he doesn't so for now we are trying to figure a way to get our car situation figured out. Add it to the pile of stresses right?

Wednesday we headed up to the cabin to see the rest of the family and to participate in the evening festivities. We did skits and laughed and ate.We even had time to take pictures! Grandma gave every grand kid $100! AWESOME! Talk about a great surprise!

Here we are... minus just a couple!

We are silly!

Thursday I still had to work but B was able to get the kids. We always get a little nervous before seeing them, well more like anxious because even though we talk to them regularly it's exciting to spend time with them. They are so funny, and so cute. Tajia is getting so big, and has the most beautiful skin! Parker is a big 4 year old (when I mean big I mean 62 pounds big) and pretty much a little B. He's so funny! We headed up to Jackson Hole that night to see the Bar J Wranglers. It was a lot of fun, I want to take my family. Great food, and good laughs.

The next morning we headed out to float the river and it was a little chilly at first but ended up being a lot of fun. There were a couple rapids (ok not really rapids, minor flows of water) and we had a great time. I love summertime! That night we had a volleyball tournament to which we won (ha)! Then I got to know some more of B's family which was really great. He has some great relatives and I'm so excited to be a part of their awesome family. It was also great to get some one on one time with B, we've been busy all week and I needed it.

Parker likes to ask a lot of questions, I captured his confused face and I love it!

Saturday it was time to pack up and get on the road. We made a stop at Twin Bridges. Which of course was my hang out during college only to find out B's family OWNS that bridge and land. What the? I love that place! It was fun to play and swim and then we had lunch and hung out some more. By that time, people started leaving one by one. Sad. I hate saying goodbye. We took the kids out to eat and then came home and played in the yard and watched some Olympics. It was sad to say goodbye to the kids the next day, we always miss them when they have to go. We will see them soon though, because the wedding is approaching fast!!

Tender Mercies

So many incredible and awesome things have happened to me over the past couple of days. First an update on B's car:

This is a long story that I'll try to make fairly short. A couple of years ago B got upside down in truck, so he sold it got the Malibu but we owned $15,900 on it and it only values at $2000 less than that. So we were expected to have to get $2000 somewhere to make up for the difference. So when the Insurance Adjuster called and offered B $16,100 for it we about fell over! Thanks to the low miles, B treating his car like his child and keeping it in pristine condition, an after market stereo system and speakers, and brand new tires we will walk away owing the bank $0.00... Can you believe that? I couldn't believe how perfect it ended up, B just had to make one more car payment and we are free from that loan. Exactly. Isn't it funny how God works? How something that seemed so horrible and upsetting was actually the answer to our prayers we've been looking for so long to be answered. Tender mercy. Not that I recommend anyone getting in car accident or anything, but I continue to be taught time and time again that I just need to faith that everything will work out if I let it. It was sad to see the "Boo" go because we have a lot of memories in that car, but in the end it's the best thing that could have happened. I still can't believe how perfect it all turned out.

In other great news:

This foolio gets married today. I must say I'm jealous that he's getting married before B and I, which is rude! I am so happy for him, he found an amazing girl who also happens to be B's cousin. I know those two couldn't ever leave each other's side. So we will forever all be linked, hooray for seeing the BFF at family reunions. I was talking to B about how crazy our lives are compared to last summer. Last summer Anthony and I were both totally in love (not with each other but with B and Dani) but it just seemed that it wouldn't work out, and it would be a miracle if we even dated them. HA! Here we are a year later, both ready to get married. I sure do love Anthony, he's one of the nicest guys around. He would do anything for you, and I'm so glad that he found his match! I'm sure I'll have a ton of pictures!! Congrats A-Town!

This pictures is so funny, it was the first weekend that B and I, and Anthony and Dani made it official. Pretty funny.

 

 Have a great weekend and be safe! We will be partying with the BFF and car shopping!

A Car Accident and Reunion!

Talk about a weekend. One that I won't forget, for several reasons, most importantly being this:

B and I experienced our first major car accident. It was scary, and honestly now I know why it's scary to drive after something like that happens. I went to pick up B in Twin Falls after work and we left later than we had expected, but B has a DVD player in his car so we figured we would be fine for the short drive to Boise.  We had just filled up with gas and were on our way out of town when we were stopped at a light. The light turned green but the two cars in front of us weren't moving, it looked like the car didn't know how to drive stick or something. B was commenting on how he was bothered when people don't go on a green light when BAM. Totally rear ended by a big Ford Truck, and we totally hit the car in front of us. The back windshield was completely popped out and the trunk was just smashed into a lump. B was a little out of it when it first happened and that was the scariest part because I thought maybe something had happened to him, but I think it was just shock. No one was seriously injured thank goodness, and just had some bruises and bumps.  My biggest bruise is from B, we are pretty sure he grabbed me when it happened and so he gave me a nice big bruise on my leg! B has a bad back anyway so that didn't help it at all, we are going to be seeing the chiropractor a lot in the next couple of months! I was seriously just so happy that we were all ok, and then I walked behind and saw how bad it really was and then I lost it. The Black Mamba was totaled. I was so sad, that car has a lot of sentimental value to me. I know it's just a "thing" and we will get a new car, but I fell in love with B in that car. We had a breakup in that car, and when he first drove that car into my driveway I was like "oh nice car"... When they were loading onto the tow truck I was just sad, because well we had decided to keep that car for a long time. Now we have to look for a new one, and I know it's going to be hard process, because well it's a big deal! Later after it is over you realize all the tiny miracles that happened. My feet were on the dash when we were hit, so if the air bags would have went off (which they didn't, and the firemen were perplexed by that) I would have two broken legs. Then I would be in a wheelchair for my wedding. We both were wearing our seat belts which also saved us, and no one was in the back seat. The car that hit us has insurance so we are also grateful for that. Hopefully everything goes smoothly, and we will have a good story to tell our kids later.

 B watching the Malibu get towed away

 Drivers side. B's seat was also completely busted

 Sad...

We decided just to drive home after the accident since we knew we wouldn't be able to sleep anyway. We got to Parma around 3:00 a.m. and crashed. The next afternoon was my 10 year class reunion. The whole reason for traveling down to Parma in the first place. It was actually really great to see some of my old classmates, and I'm glad we went. It was good to catch up and reminisce about the old days. I cannot believe it's been 10 years and everyone looked great and seemed super happy!  

Some of us that stuck around for the picture, several people had left already (it was hot)! Mind you there's only 52 people in our graduating class!

We also got to spend time with my brothers. It was so nice just to chill and enjoy each others company. Their kids are all growing up so fast and soon we will have 3 toddlers running around instead of just Liam. We missed my seeing my parents by a couple hours, but they had so much in Hawaii. I can't wait to see my souvenirs! 

Baby Reece and Baby Grace! 

The next couple of weeks are going to be crazy around here, so not having our own car will be inconvenient, but I am so grateful that everything will be taken care of and we can continue to work and prepare for the wedding. Today I get to see my dress completely done and I cannot wait! 

10 Years?!

This weekend B and I are venturing down to Parma for my 10 year class reunion. What the?! I've been out of high school that long? Impossible. I swear I just graduated, just completed my Homecoming float, or cheering at a basketball game. I don't feel that old, and looking back when I was in high school I definitely didn't think this is where I would be. Life couldn't be better though and that's all that matters. I'm excited to see my old friends, and to see their kids, and see others I haven't seen in a very long time! My high school class consisted of 52 people and actually we were all pretty great, and we were all pretty close too! I am sure it will be a good time, and a lot of fun, but I'm glad I get to take B with me too. He's the funny one! I'm sure most of my classmates have been back to Parma since graduating, but the biggest difference is the place where we went to high school isn't the high school anymore. It's crazy that its already here, I remember in high school we would talk all the time about our 10 year class reunion and wonder what it would be like. I'm sure I'll have a full update on Monday!

My mom posted pics of their trip so far in Hawaii. One word - Jealous. I want to be there with them, it looks so beautiful and fun, and the whole week in the ocean? Done and done. There's even video of my dad cliff jumping, glad to see the 'ol man still has got it!

We are planning a short but fun filled trip to Vegas for our honeymoon during my birthday. I used to live there so I know a lot of fun stuff, but if there is something that you LOVE or you think we definitely need to see let me know! I love recommendations!

Enjoy the weekend, I can't believe July is half over. Say what?!

Things I Love Lately

It is hot. My house is hot. My car is hot. Do I love it? Yes. I will remember these days when it's 30 below in a couple of months. I cannot remember Rexburg ever being this hot, it is usually pretty mild. I love it though. I will miss complaining about my hot weather in a couple of months.

Mob Wives. Jenn has been a faithful watcher for a while, probably since it started, and she's told me about it, but I was bored on Friday so I turned on my Netflix. Bam! It's so much better than any Housewives (which I have stopped watching). They do however have potty mouths. They back up their talk too, I mean they fight, and they will punch. Trash TV at its finest!

Regular updates of Hawaii from my Dad. You can always tell when my dad is excited about something, he will text you, call you, and in this case even send you pictures. I'm so completely jealous of them, it's rude. They are in a house right on the ocean, but my parents deserve it. It only took them 50 plus years to get there! I say we forego Christmas and birthdays this year and go to Hawaii!

The Summer Olympics. I'm so excited. It's part of my wedding countdown. First the Olympics then a month later it's my wedding. (Oh yes its for sure changed, the wedding date that is, September 6th, in Rexburg)!

Star gazing. I love that I have a backyard to star gaze in, then I have a fiance who joins me in looking at the stars. I know, how romantical!

Self-Improvement. The way I see it you are either moving forward or moving backward. It's always good to self evaluate and commit yourself to be better. I know I need to be better in a lot of different ways. I seem to have been pretty pessimistic about a lot of things, because well I hate being dissapointed, but that's no way to live! B is such an inspiration to me, the past couple of weeks he has been killing it on the doors because he decided to do better and there you go. Love it!

Ok so those are just a few things I am totally loving. So the only thing that I need this summer is time on a boat! Anyway want to help me out with this goal? HA! Stay cool in the heat I will more than likely be sitting under my sprinkler this afternoon! (I need a waterproof book and phone cover)!

4th of July and Family!

I love the 4th. Honestly it's one of my most favorite holidays ever. Everyone loves to spend time with their family and they are all just in good moods. Lots of sunshine and a lot of pride for this beautiful country. B and I reminisced a lot about last 4th of July. We were just happy to be there, and happy to be with each other, and enjoy our family and the beautiful fireworks.

That morning we went to the Rexburg Parade. Since B was traveling back from selling Mariah and I went. Talk about children, EVERYWHERE. We managed to find Emma's sister Jill, and they were sitting right by our bishop's wife. So it was a lot of fun! It started to get hot in the end, but Mariah and I took lots of pictures (on her camera), I just have a few from my iPhone. (I cannot believe my camera was dead on the 4th of July)!

 

 Yes these are the missionary's and yes they were on the float. The best part was that the rest of the missionaries were just walking along and getting great cheers from the crowds. Oh Rexburg!

The water truck spraying all the little kids!

B finally made it into town so we headed over to his grandma's house so we could have some hamburgers, and just chill. The little kids floated the little canal behind the house. It was good to see B's family! 

 Lakesha and me

 B and me just kickin' it. This kid makes me laugh!

 The Blanchard's. B's uncle and cousins! 

 Floating the canal!

 Awkward photos for the win!

Brother and sister, how cute!

We then made our way into the mess of the fireworks. Idaho Falls is known for its fireworks and this year we had a prime space in a secluded back yard that was fantastic! We even got to catch up with B's friends from high school. Plus, he knows everyone around!! Plus I fulfilled a bucket list item last night... kiss under fireworks. Done and done!

 Pretty much love this kid!

I hope our children have beautiful skin like him. I love this picture one of my new favorites.

 God Bless America!

Happy Birthday!

It was a great night! I am so happy that I got to spend it with my love! 

B also was selling in Parma so he spent some time there with my family. It was hard to be back at work while he was there, but he really enjoyed himself. Here he is playing softball with the family!

Here are some other pics of our past weekend:

 Big boy Liam. He's such a dramatic character, but we sure love him!

 Cute new little family, here they are celebrating their one year anniversary!!

 B and I being silly during my mom's photo shoot. HAHA!

 Backwards hugs! Haha!

 Best picture ever! Liam being tortured by his aunt's!

Batman Liam! He's so precious!

See I told you July would be crazy and it's only beginning! 

Rocky Mountain Fireworks and Fur

I'm a firm believer in having that one job (or summer job) that helps you understand the value of hard work. Sure now I work hard, I just sit in front of a computer and use my brain, but I am talking about hard labor intensive work. That job for me was at a little (but famous) place called Rocky Mountain Fireworks and Fur. Jenn is sort of (by marriage in a way not really) related to the people who own it, so she worked there every summer since she was 16 I'm pretty sure, and it has had it's fair share of people that I know work there, but you can't really understand unless you've worked there. My first year working there I didn't really start until the 4th because they needed some extra people, I had been jobless all summer and was in deep depression until Jenn called me begging for help. So my adventures begin. There are SO many stories that happen that I wish I would have written them all down. The following years my little sister Mariah joined in the fun and that was even better. The worst part about it is during the week of the 4th you never sit down, and you don't know what the term "my feet hurt" even means. When people complain about their feet hurting I have ZERO sympathy for them. You honestly need a week to recover (or a wheel chair). Here are some of my favorite "stories" from working the 4th of July there. 


So Rocky Mountain is right off the exit of I-84, so we get a TON of business. Plus it has the best firework selection around. The line is always out the door to get into the "illegal" room. Anyway, we get all sorts of characters. My sister and Jenn also have good stories, but these are just some of the ones I remember:

"Where are your M-80's?" - This is a question we got asked at least every 15 minutes, what people don't realize is that is some serious dynamite and has been illegal for awhile, I mean they don't even make them to sell. Jesh people, what do you want to blow up?

"What is your longest firework" - customer, clearly meaning a long lasting firework
"Oh we have this firetruck over here, it's about this long (measure with her hands)" - Mariah
Funniest story ever. We still laugh about that.

"The field in on fire" - oh you know, burning weeds right next to the fireworks trailer isn't a good idea, and I'm sure there were swear words in there too. HA!

"It's in the trap trailer or try the stink room" - ok so this is also a trapping supply and fur trading store. Along with fireworks you can always buy fur, or lure for your animals. The trap trailer stored a lot of safe and sane things, as for the stink room, yup just that, a room that smelled like skunk and coyote urine.

"How do you get to Winnemucca?" - Everyone ALWAYS missed the turn to get to Winnemucca and have gone way too far, those oldies, trying to get to Nevada!

"DENISE" -high pitched voice... I know Jenn just laughed.

If you didn't get hit on my some old man shirtless in overalls who was drunk, well then you must not be female.

My boss offering me a Long Island Ice Tea, when clearly I could smell the alcohol a mile away.

Oh there are so many more stories and laughs, here are some pictures I found, I don't know why I didn't take more, probably because well I was too busy stocking those stupid Whistling Pete's...

 Some down time, remember when this song was popular?

 Nice hat Ry. Also that is a giant sparkler, and people would buy them thinking they were Roman Candles...

 See our awesome fireworks?!

Oh yeah... and Fur!

Happy Independence Day! Take a small moment tomorrow and be grateful that we can celebrate this birthday any way we want! Much love!