Missing Ray

Today Ray has been gone for 2 weeks and although we have been apart before it's much harder this time around than it's ever been.

Ray and Lindsay at the Lodon Bridge (our attempt at a self portrait with the disposable camera)

When we went down to Bullhead City, AZ and St. George in May we bought a disposable camera and snapped a few Photo's. I just had them developed and picked them up this week when I was out and about and it made me miss him all the more


That same trip we went out and hiked at Zions and had mucho fun. Here is Ray striking a very dashing pose.

Much Fun in the Bear Lake Sun

I thought I'd start by honoring the two people for whom we trekked all the way to Bear Lake, Idaho to celebrate. Happy Birthday Dana & Steph. It was a very fun weekend in honor of 2 very fun people who I love with all my heart!


I know you were all most anxiously awaiting to hear whether or not our Bear Lake festivities were a sucess or not. Rest assured that we had a most delightful time.

Saturday morning we all got up early and headed out the the lake. Stephanie had purchased what was either referred to as the "party island" or "temptation island" depending on who was on it at the time.
Much fun in the sun, several sunburned people and a party island (almost lost to the Bear Lake monster later for more details on this ask Steph, Jake or Kathleen)....we packed up and headed back for showers and to rendezvous back at the Steve and Peggy Portela household from some really, really delicious dutch oven delights .

After dinner we all participated in some really fun relays. The first one involved straws and pretzels. Here is a pic of Stacey and I ROCKING the relay.

Next was followed by getting a piece of bubble gum out of whip cream and blowing a bubble, and filling up a glass with water by using only a spoon.


Behold the winners of said competition in all their glory!



Thanks to the Portela family for being the hosts with the most. I can't wait until next year!

Bear Lake, Yipee!

This weekend I am heading out to the beautiful Bear Lake. I'm excited to be with the Portela's, Bennett's, Brijs's, DelHoyo's, one Shepherd and the Larry Arnett fam.

On tap much lake side and lake activities. A delicious dutch oven BBQ and additional fun and frivolities too numerous to mention in this post.

Goals for this weekend include:

Maxing and Relaxing

Not getting trapped between 2 docks whilst unloading the boat (which happened last time I was at Bear Lake)

Eating myself into oblivion

Cove Fort and Other Delights

This weekend we went down to St. George with Jon and Kristen. We attended the play Grease "School Version". This just means that they cleaned up the lyrics to be not quite so graphic. It was truly a high school delight, although i'm quite certain that both Ray and Jon wanted to snap their own necks. Kristen and I however were thouroughly entertained.

We also met with some of Ray's friends this weekend. His friend Wilma from Ireland and her husband Craig, also a friend of Ray's from college and his wife and baby.

As a fun sabbath activity on our way home yesterday we stopped at Cove Fort. Everytime we pass by there we always say we should stop and finally yesterday we did. We didn't think they would be there on a Sunday, but the missionaries were indeed there and out in full force. We had a delightful couple from Boise take us around and it was fascinating. As I'm sure most of you already know Cove Fort was run by Gordon B. Hinckley's grandfather, Ira, his wife and family. By all accounts these were truly amazing people and it was wonderful to feel the spirit that was there as we learned about the Fort.

Last night was a fun one with an impromptu family gathering so that the Larry Arnett clan could finally meet our little Canyon. I'm posting a pic of she and I from when she was still in the hospital and I leave you with a final question;

How can anyone resist this face?- Her's not mine ;)

Tidbits

I have more pictures of our new baby Canyon. I haven't had a chance to upload them yet because they are still on the digital camera and the camera is currently at Larry's because I forgot it there on Monday. So I will strive to recover the camera and share more pics of our cutest little one.

Ray is flying out on Wed the 19th. We are still patiently waiting for any word on our visa application as we have had the app turned in for about 2 wks at this point. So now comes the not so fun part of being apart.

I'm looking into hopefully flying to the beautiful country of Northern Ireland sometime in September. Luckily I have much to look forward to between now and then. The blessing of Canyon, a visit from lacy and a much looked forward to trip to Bear Lake for Steph and Dana's brithdays. Woo Hoo!!

Happy Birthday Canyon Rose

So last night Miley gave birth to our newest member. Welcome to our family little Canyon!!

I'm happy to report mother and baby are doing well and Miley was such a trooper. Aaron couldn't have been more supportive and except for a bit of a scare at the end (emergency C-section) it couldn't have gone any better.

Good job Miley and Aaron she's beautiful!

A Pic of the Ring and Other Bits and Bobs

Well here it is finally, a picture of the ring. Now you can all see why I love it so much. Although currently it is at the jewlers getting sized. It's funny how my hand doesn't feel quite right without it and I've only been wearing it for 2 weeks as of last Sunday.

Other items of interest;

My sister Miley still has not had her baby. We are most anxious to meet the newest member of our family and hope it will not be too much longer until we can meet her. (Also Miley is exceedingly uncomfortable and we don't love that either)

I started back to the gym and I might have overdone it. I can't haul myself off the couch these days without a little assistance from Ray. (but let's be serious, I have to be hot on my wedding day, so "beauty is pain" is my new motto)

The BBQ yesterday was a smashing success. I know I was not the only one to enjoy the sight of Sydnee and Ray as partners agains Lex and Mallory, out on the badminton court where instead of Syd trying to hit the birdie she would yell out to Ray, " get it, get it!!". Needless to say she didn't break a sweat and Ray most certainly did. (Also who can't love HB sharing his "secrets" to delicious hamburgers)

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!!

London Bridge

This past week I had to take a business trip and Ray came with me. We road tripped down to Bullhead City, AZ. We actually stayed in Laughlin, NV because the two cities are just across the river from each other. It was 114 degrees there in the hottest part of the day and Ray and I both felt like we were melting.

I had to work all day Thursday but Thursday night we drove down to Lake Havasu so that Ray could see the London Bridge. HB had told him all about it and Ray wasn't sure whether he was just pulling his leg or if it was in fact actually THE London Bridge. So we drove about an hour south and checked it out for ourselves. Sure enough the original London Bridge was transported over from England in the 70's to promote British/American relations (or so says all the literature).

As we were driving up to St. George on Friday we decided to call HB and let him know that we had made the trek to see the London Bridge. In the true spirit of British/American relations he told me to pass a message along to Ray. His message was, "We saw it, We wanted it, We went and got it!"

God Bless America.

The whitest person on the planet

It's confirmed, I am indeed the whitest person on the planet. Yesterday I spent my lunch at the park for an hour and then had to plant some flowers here at the office. I was outside for a grand total of 2 hours most of which wasn't even really in the sun. I now have a horrific sunburn on my entire right arm. Pink enough that it's very hot to the touch.

For someone who shuns the sun, as is my motto, I certainly have a way of managing to get the nastiest of sunburns.

On the bright side I suppose this signals the beginning of the summer season for which I can't feel sorry.

Bees

One of Kristen's favorite books is "The Secret Life of Bees" by Susan Monk Kidd. She has wanted me to read this book for some time. I was resistant for a couple of reasons. First and foremost is that I am petrified of bees. I mean seriously has anyone ever seen "My Girl"? Bees could swarm at any moment when you are searching for a mood ring and you could die!!!

I for love of Kristen gathered my courage in my hands and embarked upon reading said book. I have to tell you that I finished it last night. If you have not read this book I would suggest that you give it a whirl. It was a beautiful story about women and finding mother's in our lives and within ourselves. By the time I turned the last page last night I felt like my heart was being squeezed so tightly by joy. The title character's name is Lily and she just makes you want to be friends with her. I give this book two enthusiastic thumbs up! If someone who is scared of bees can give this book a chance and learn to love it, believe me you can too.

Weekend in Review

This weekend I had the unfortunate experience of having to work on Saturday. When others were surely sleeping in and reveling in the start of the Easter weekend, I was at work from around 8:30 to 3:30. I was there to oversee some movers that I had hired who were rearranging our office to accomodate some new people we just hired.

The end result for me in the move puts me in what was formerly the supply closet. Happy day indeed when your office is a closet (at least I got to keep my stapler!)

Sunday was a wonderful day. I went to church with the fam at 9:00 a.m. Quote of the day goes to HB. He wasn't in the cheeriest of Easter moods. When I leaned in and said, "What's wrong? Didn't the Easter Bunny find you this morning?" His reply was, "Yes.....and he dumped all over me!" Easter pearls for the annals of time.

Easter dinner was lovely, Candy and her family joined us, along with my Grandma Dorothy and my Mom's brothers Gene and Jeff. Candy delighted my heart by bringing us some cupcakes in the shape of easter eggs decorated by her, and made with her AMAZING frosting. MMMMMM, let's just say I had two, and I don't even feel bad about it.

Followed up dinner and a good hang out with the fam by heading out to the Kristen and Jon's where Kristen, Jon, Erin and I read some Easter scriptures and had a wonderfully uplifting conversation.

All in all it was a beautiful weekend like most Easter's always are and I eagerly await next years extravaganza's, when we will have Miley and Aaron's new baby to play with. Perhaps we will even fit the puzzle that Penee gave to the baby this year, even though she is still in Utero. Good times!

Mmmm Toast

So I went to Walmart on my lunch break. Indeed I can often be found at Walmart at lunch. I debated within myself as to whether I should go out to eat, but I powered through and decided to go buy some nutritious fare at the Walmart. Cheaper and better for me I dare say.

I finished shopping and still had almost a half hour left of my lunch. As I was driving to the park prepared to park my car and commence reading "The Secret Life of Bees". I was suddenly hit with the craving to eat a bagel that I had just bought. I really wanted one, but I also really wanted to go to the park. It was at this moment that I thought of how amazing a Toaster that had a car adapter would be.

I mean seriously, how many times have I been on a road trip or in some other situation where I just think some toast or a pop tart would hit the spot. Doesn't it always seem like those sorts of cravings hit right when you are driving and can do nothing about it? This kind of drama could be avoided with a toaster adapter.

Does anyone know if this actually exists? Even an adapter that would plug into the car and then you could plug anything with a standard plug into it. How delightful whilst driving to be able to straighten your hair, Plug in the bread maker for some fresh bread, and then toast it?!? Am I right or am I right?

Take the Lead? If You Insist

It's not a secret that I love movies with dancing in it. Really any kind will do. "Beat Street", a little known gem, full of break dancing, but I couldn't help myself and it even made me cry. "Center Stage", couldn't be helped had to see it. "Strictly Ballroom".. nothing further needs to be said on the cult gem, clearly it's a classic.

So naturally when I hear of a delight that has both dancing on one hand AND Antonio Banderas on the other, what can I do but put my hands together and run off immediately to see such a flick.

If you need me look for me tonight at "Take the Lead".