Pretty Day!

I got to spend today going to places I've never been before. One of the funnest parts of my job is getting to do some traveling. Today I went to Salmon & Stanley. I've never been to either place & was blown away by how beautiful it was! As pretty as it was, it was a long day filled with a whole lot of driving, so I hope I don't head back to those two towns again anytime soon!










And then I came home to a typical Friday night around here...Josh,Emmett, Cooper & Dawson having one of their all night Halo parties





And I just thought Corrie in her chair was cute..

Homecoming Photo

Josh got his Homecoming photos back today They did a group picture with 6 other couples. I don't know the other couples--the kids are all Sage's friends, but I thought the photo turned out cute!

Busy & Rewarding Sunday

Today was a busy, fun, and rewarding day. Our neighbors son, who pretty much grew up with James, had his missionary farewell today. Wayde will be leaving next Wednesday to go to the Columbus, South Carolina mission. He is so excited! Wayde comes from a large, large family--he is one of 14 kids. Because of the number of people that would be coming to support Wayde, we offered to have the diner for family and friends at our home, because we have more space. We had Wayde's sister's party here too--they are a fun family & we sure enjoy having them! I remember when Wayde's family moved here, he was sort of an awkward, shy 15 year old. It's been fun to watch him grow up and become a confident, prepared young man. Congrats Wayde! I'm way excited for you and very proud of you!!


Today was also Josh's first time blessing the sacrament, as he was ordained a priest last week! He had two very good friends bless with him. I was so proud of him! And Emmett, who turned 16 this past Tuesday, was ordained a priest in his ward today as well. Josh and I left the party so that we could be there for him. Emm asked Josh to stand in for the ordination, which was very cool. And of course, below are two of my three favorite guys in the world!


And, my mom took a quilting class that taught her some new techniques. I benefitted from it, because she had this quilt that she had originally made me about 15 years ago or so. She decided to try out what she learned on my quilt & finished it & gave it to me yesterday! I think it's so, so pretty & was way excited to get it! I just love it. Thanks MOM!

Beautiful Trip

I made a quick trip over to Boise...I left yesterday afternoon and got home last this afternoon. Actually, the trip was mainly so that I could go to McCall for two assignments. I don't get up there very often--I think this is the first time I've been there in almost two years. I had forgotten how pretty it was up there! The fall colors were bright and vivid and I enjoyed the scenery--more than the work! As pretty as it is, I'm glad I don't get up there very often--that is a long, long trip!!

What a day

Yesterday, I went to West Yellowstone for work. I don't think I've been there since I went with my dad before he died. I don't think that cute little town has changed at all since then! It's a very different experience going there than it is to go to Jackson or Sun Valley. W. Yellowstone does not have the tourist appeal or the upscale vibe that either of the other two towns do. It made me remember & think about my trip there with my dad & made me miss him.

I thought this bronze statue was so pretty



I got a little bit excited when I saw these painted buffalo--to go with the painted horses I saw in Logan a couple of months ago. I'm such a dork Jen! I did drive around town, taking pictures of them!

These little guys were hanging on one of the hotels I inspected. I thought they were cute.





The scenery coming out of Yellowstone, back into the valley was so pretty. I had to pull over several times to take photos. It made me feel a little guilty, because honestly, I live in this beauty every day & don't appreciate it near enough.





So after a short side trip to Driggs, I ended up back in Idaho Falls. I spent a lot of the day feeling a little sad & sort of feeling sorry for myself. I was missing my dad & I knew also that I had made someone important to me unhappy with me. So I was very grateful for the opportunity I had to end the day thinking about someone other than myself. Thank you to my dear, dear friend for allowing me the opportunity to provide a small act of service to her sweet little family. I never would have thought that buying two pizzas and a dozen cupcakes could make me feel so much better! Another opportunity to provide a small act of service presented itself to me again today in front of the library. So I find myself wondering, is someone trying to send me a message? Maybe it's time for me to get over myself a little bit and stop spending so danged much time focusing on myself & start serving the wonderful, wonderful people I am lucky enough to have in my life!

Woot! Go Snake River!

So, so excited for the Snake River High School soccer teams!!! Both the guys and the girls teams won districts yesterday, sending both teams to State next week! Josh told me last night that it's the first time in the history of the school that both the guys and girls teams have gone to state the same year! I can't speak for the girls team, but the guys team is an exceptional group of kids who have fun together, work well together, and embody the meaning of the word teamwork. They have worked their butts off this year & so deserve this! I know Josh wishes that he could be out on the field playing, but he is an awesome team motivator and assistant coach! Congrats you guys! I'm excited for you & proud of you!!

The Big Date--Homecoming 2009

Tonight was Josh's big first date! He and his really good friend Kade doubled and took lovely young ladies. We continued the tradition that my mom had for me & my friends and that we did for James, and we had a formal dinner for them here at the house before the dance. It was fun to have them here & to be able to make a fun meal for them! Jen, this should bring back some memories!


The table before dinner

We used my best china, my silver, and these really fun glasses I have that Josh loves! I don't get to use it very often, but it's nights like this that make me grateful that my mom bought my china & silver for me!! And I love, love, love my china pattern! I picked it out for the first time when I was like 10 & this many years later, still think it's gorgeous!

The corsage--Josh & Kade were so cute. They got ready here at the house & as the left to go pick up the girls, Kade turned to me and said, what do I do with this thing? So we had a little lesson in how to put a corsage on a girl's wrist & I got to be their practice arm. It's been a long time since I've worn a corsage--I'd forgotten that it sort of makes you smile to look down & see pretty flowers!

The kids enjoying dinner

Funny Kade!

Mom talking to the kids during dinner





The two couples. Kade, Valeria, Josh & Sage

Josh & Sage

Kade & Valeria

The girls

The guys being very cool

LOVE the boots Sage!!