Midday Movie

Yesterday afternoon, the kids and I went to city hall to watch their weekly midday movie. We missed the first couple this month due to other conflicts, but we were excited to finally get their. It was simply a projection on the wall of the old gym, and even though it was a classic movie we've all seen a couple dozen times, it was a fun atmosphere with all the other mom's and their kids laying out on the mats with their blankets and pillows. This has been a summer event that the city put together for their boredom busters activities. They had popcorn and capri-sun for the concessions. We also invited a couple friends to go with us. It was fun to have Dennis pop in a couple times throughout the movie as well. I've been really impressed at the things the city has been doing with their recreation programs. They have provided a lot of fun family opportunities. We're also trying to complete the summer reading program. We usually sign up every summer and do lots of reading but just don't seam to keep track of it. We also have Santaquin days to look forward to the end of July. For the third year in a row, we're heading the geocache event and then this year Dennis is also putting together a mountain biking race. We're looking forward to all the fun events this summer.

Susan Wise Bauer

I went with a friend to the UHEA (Utah Home Educators Association) Conference on June 6th. I've never been before and really have no desire to go again. Needless to say I met a unique group of people there. But this year Susan Wise Bauer was the keynote speaker. Susan co-authored a book called The Well Trained Mind. I read this book three years ago and it was this book that helped me set my mind on home school as an option for our family. The things she described about life learning just rang true to me, so much so that I've tried to use her style in our family as well. She was absolutely fabulous! I was so impressed by her as an idividual, as a mom, and as a professional! We even made it on her blog. I was so glad that I went and especially glad that Ronna went with me. I'm not one to venture out to these kinds of things on my own, so I appreciate her going with me. It filled my well and renued by goals and perspective!

Mahonri & Melissa

Today was their day! It was very windy at the temple so pictures were very wind blown, but it was very nice! I loved that they took most of their wedding pictures a couple days before their wedding! They were much better than they would have been, and we didn't have to hang around that long! Yippee!!

Before we left the house for the temple we noticed that Afton's foot had swelled up to about twice it's size. So I gave her some medicine hoping that it would be alright and we left. ( It was a bee sting by the way and it was fine.) My sister in law and my cousin both passed out during the actual ceremony, Khora spilled bright blue punch down the front of her dress about 30 minutes into the reception, Isaac flat out refused to wear his slacks and dress shoes, and Jacob was pushed into the wall and got a nice welt on the side of his head. Oh, the memories!! Granted these kinds of things happen all the time on any given day. You have gotta love em!!

It was so good to be together! I loved seeing my sister and her family, and all my brothers! It wasn't long enough! But congratulations to Melissa and Mahonri! They are a perfect fit that no one could have hand picked better for each other. Best wishes to you two!

Coupon Craze!

So I thought I would try it out and see if its even worth all the hassle. A very energetic girl named Tori came to a Relief Society meeting back in March, and I caught the bug. I bought the extra newspapers for the coupons, printed coupons on-line, organized my coupon storage box and started making my grocery list from smartshopper.com.
I first decided to try out Albertson's since Tori was so gung-ho about it, but my experience there hasn't always been the greatest. I drove to Spanish Fork, got most of my stuff at Macey's my old standby, however I learned that they don't accept printable coupons, hugh let down, since that's mostly what I'm using right now. We did make good time in the store with all the kids helping and I didn't get anything that wasn't on my list. I then went to Alberston's for the "good deals". Well they were either completely out of what I wanted or what I picked didn't "meet the qualifications" for their sale. I walked away pretty frustrated and haven't been back since.
The second week I stuck with Macey's and saved almost $20, but because of the deal for the week they did accept printable coupons this one time. (I didn't save this receipt and forgot to keep track until this week.) I'm still learning.
Last week I decided to put Walmart, our local and much closer option however much I hate it, to the test. With price-matching and coupons I saved almost $33. This week it was almost $22. I'll keep it up for a little while, mostly to get the storage filled and start using it as my store. I love the fact that I can go down stairs to my storage room and get what I need instead of a quick trip to the store. I'll let you know how I feel as time goes on.

Jon Schmidt

Something this good I just have to pass along.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v3d6SFcDys

His music is amazing. We're planning to go to his concert on September 5th at Thanksgiving Point. Anyone want to join us?

Turning 2

My baby is 2 years old! I can hardly believe it! She is so much fun to have around. Some of her favorite things include: Isaac, babies, strawberries, strollers, dogs, anything Afton is playing with at the moment, puzzles, our neighbors the Rundell's or "Grandpa" as she calls them, climbing their tree and playing with the kids around the yard. We sure love you Khora girl!!! Happy Birthday!

My Afton Girl

Afton's Birthday was on Saturday, the day of the Marathon, so it kind of got sidestepped this year. Really what happened as a result is that it's been extended over about 4 days. Saturday night we did come home and ordered pizza and she got to open her presents. Sunday we grilled hamburgers and had cake and ice cream. Yesterday we had a little water party for her with some neighborhood friends. How crazy it can get with 15 kids running around! She had a blast though!

5 Things I love about Afton

1. Her smile, I love taking pictures of her! What a beautiful girl!
2. How she loves to sings all the time
3. The way she likes to make me "choose a hand" for everything!
4. Girl time together! We love painting our fingernails.
5. Her strong will! Even though we come into conflict on this one, she will always be a strong person because of it even when I'm not there!