A Red Hot Fourth

It's no secret that I adore the 4th. For one thing I look GOOD in both Red, White and Blue. For another I am in love with fireworks. What is better than hanging out on a giant lawn with a million people that you don't know, oooing and awwwing in unison as the stadium of fire let's loose with it's incredible fireworks display.

This years calendar of events (as always) includes; Stadium of Fire (this year it's on Saturday just a heads up),Hot air balloon launch, parade and shopping.

For those of you interested in checking it out, here is the link to America's Freedom Festival

Engagement

Honestly, I thought that I would feel different now that I'm an engaged lady. The truth of the matter is that Ray and my relationship has changed very little. I mean sure Sydnee is nicer to him now and I do have a beautiful ring on my finger. But truly except for a few little things we are the same today as we were the day before we got engaged and the day after.

There is actually something really comforting about that.

Now on the the update, we have decided to move forward with the K-1 Visa. This is the one where he leaves the country until the visa process is complete. We are turning in all our paperwork today and are crossing our fingers that maybe we will get a miracle and it won't take quite the full 6-9 months that they are saying.

Meanwhile the plans march on. I have found a dress I love, although I still want to try some on before making a final decision. I found a cake style I love and am currently looking for a photographer and someone to do the decorations at the wedding (whenever that might be).

Visa

Yesterday Ray and I went and met with an immigration attorney to try and figure out the process for him to get a Visa and a time frame for getting married. Apparently there has lately been a crack down on fiancee visa abuse. The attorney we met with advised us that to do a K-1 visa (fiancee) could take 6-9 months just to issue. Our only other option is a K-3 visa (married). With that visa we would get married here and then move over to Northern Ireland while it was processing. Both options obviously come with their own sets of pro's and con's and Ray and I are still weighing our options and trying to decide which way is the best for us.

The thing is, I just find it slightly ridiculous that this process is so complicated. I understand that there has to be a screening process. I really don't have a problem with that, but considering all the immigration debates that have been going around lately it feels to me right at this moment like our government is making it hard for the honest people to be honest and do things the right way and the rewards for dishonesty in this particular regard are great.

Regardless, I know that Ray and I are doing the right thing by getting married and that things will work out. I'm grateful that we will have an attorney on our side to make sure things get done right and hopefully before too long we will be able to have this all ironed out and set a date. I'm really looking forward to that day.

Until, then we'll keep you all posted!

It's Official!

Ray and I are officially engaged! He asked me yesterday and I of course said yes. We are both very excited.

We haven't set a date, as we have to wait for Visa's and such before we can do so. But I will of course keep you all posted.

Jacks

Yesterday in Wal-Mart as I was walking to the check out line, I noticed that they were selling a set of jacks for only 88 cents. I used to love playing jacks as a little girl and couldn't help myself but pick up a set.

Turns out I haven't lost my touch. I cracked them open last night only to find that my coordination and skill came right back to me. I even got Ray to play a few rounds.

So now I'm in a jacks playing mood. I'm calling all comers. Just let me know, I'll bring the jacks and the butt whooping that goes along with it!

A little Jaunt

So yesterday I had to fly down to Bullhead City, AZ. I had planned our company party and needed to be there to oversea all the details. My company owns a little single engine Cessna plane, it's a delightful little 4 seater and actually was quite roomy.

When we arrived at the Provo city airport yesterday my boss, Ken Condie asked me if I ever had any sort of motion sickness as there were supposed to be "erratic winds". I have a stomach of iron (or so I thought) so I didn't think it would be a problem.

Turns out what "erratic winds" really means is that your plane will be so tossed around that you will feel at any moment you could potentially plummet to your death. I was able to dampen these feelings of impending doom when I realised that Ken (who was piloting) and Norm (co pilot) still had the controls on auto pilot and were sharing a can of mixed nuts. Certainly not the behavior of people who feel their lives are in jeapordy.

I'm happy to report that the flight back early this morning (6:30 a.m. to be exact)was a dream, no turbulence in sight in fact I slept most of the way. I now can chalk this experience up to an adventure and eagerly anticipate my next trip in the company plane.

Graduation Day

Today is the day! My dearest and lovliest of sisters Sydnee Nicole and Alexis Joelle join the ranks of adulthood through the time honored tradition of graduation.

I'm so proud of them both for working so hard for this day. I'm privileged to have them not only as sisters but as friends.

How well I remember my own graduation which almost didn't happen because of failure of citizenship (I had missed to many days of school apparently). Thanks to the grace of an assitant principal who made me mop the floors at Mountain View, I graduated. Indeed it was good times!

I'm glad to see they didn't follow in my footsteps in this regard. I can't wait to see them in the caps and gowns this afternoon and to party with them tonight!

I'm proud of you guys and love you very much!!