Humble Loaf of Bread

ChopStix Commercial

2009-05-12T11:05:00.003-06:00

This was taken on April 1st. Clark and I weren't planning on being in the commercial until the morning of. Jonathan was starting to think that there might not be enough people coming to make the restaurant look full. Then he was getting a bit nervous that it was only going to be older couples (who his John & Gary had invited). He then asked me to call my sisters and come for lunch just in case. It was just too short of notice for them. He did get to work and there were only a few couples there. No children and young families. He called me and asked me to come quick. I only had about a 20 min. notice and it takes 17 min. to get to Lethbridge. So, I started calling a few friends here in town, but nobody was answering. I ran to the school for Clark. His teachers were looking a bit anxious at first because I came running in and asked if I could take him. I soon realized what it must look like for them and quickly explained that we need to be in a commercial by 10 a.m. They all laughed and asked if they could all come. One of the teachers has a daughter in the class and I asked if I could borrow her (as my own beautiful tv daughter, hee, hee). So we burned into town and had just missed the start of the commercial with the pan of the restaurant. Oh well, or so I thought.

We were visiting with Jonathan and his dad by the food and then ordered ourselves some since we didn't need to be in the commercial anymore. Just as we made our way to the end of the line by the cashier, the director said, "now this is our next shot". It felt like a bit of a gut punch, and then turned quickly into hard to control giggles. As you will see at the end of the commercial if you watch fast. It is only 15 seconds.

When I got home, I had a few messages from my friends asking if it was an April Fool's joke! It was pretty funny and a fun morning for us. The next day at Clark's school, all the girls swarmed me and said that they want to be in the commercial next time. Maybe next April Fool's day girls!

A bit busy?!!!

2009-03-23T20:21:00.005-06:00

Well, not quite as busy as my sister, but I got a small taste of what it might be like to have 4 kids. The night Keri went into labor I had her three girls sleep over. Later, I got the call that she was heading to the hospital. My mom & my sister (who's a nurse) were both out of town which made Keri's husband a bit nervous because they had always done "that" with her, while he just loved her and held her hand for their previous three babies. I was very excited but that made me a little nervous too because I hadn't ever done "that" role either (lived away for 10 yrs). Fortunately, everything went wonderful. Low key, laid back, ; ) hee, hee, no seriously, she didn't break a sweat and was all checked in minutes before midnight and the two sweet babes arrived at 3:30 a.m. It was a pleasant experienced for all involved, even Keri. She said she'd do it again! ; )

We then jetted off to Texas a few days later and she brought them home while we were away. Then my brother and his wife had their sweet little angel on St. Patrick's day, the day we were flying home. He arrived safely but not too excited to eat and they kept him in the NICU for a week. I am just starting to get pictures of him & trying to match everyone's schedules is hard.

Two days after our trip to TX, I shot my first wedding of 2009. It was beautiful and a great time. It always makes me so nervous and excited at the same time that my stomach hurts. Excited anxiety, I call it. Since then, I haven't had a chance to sit still. There are newborns everywhere. They smell so yummy! I can't wait to post their sweetness soon on my photography blog & website. Not to mention families and grads already too! I am having so much fun. However, on a shoot yesterday a shotgun went off twice!!! OK, we were trespassing. I will elaborate on that story next post.

My final big new is I finally have my own internet!!! I have loved my laptop and the convenience and warmth that it gives to me. Going to my mom's or my father in law's driveway (only late at night or just to quickly check email) was nice and welcoming, BUT there is nothing like surfing in your p.j.'s, bra-less and on your own couch, in case you fall asleep during your surf. I think that is what is happening right now as my fingers are getting slower and my almost over the top, yet, out of my cave, description of internet access in my own home, is getting a little over done. Maybe I should just stick to uploading pictures and keeping my word at a minimum (or at least post in daylight hours).

Nice start or what?

2009-02-09T13:25:00.003-07:00

OK, why is this difficult for me? I enjoy blogs and trying to journal our life a bit, because it all happens so fast and I'm a bit forgetful. AHA! That is the reason, maybe, because I forget, duh!

I'm still going to play catch up a bit, since Jan & Feb are months of cabin fever and a little slow in the excitement department. However, we did celebrate a lot of birthdays in our family in January, 20 between Jonathan's family & mine and one of our little friends, Alivia who just turned 6 and recently moved to Australia. We only have 10 this month of Feb. That be a lot of cake!!!

Holy New Year!!!

2009-01-24T03:40:00.007-07:00

Family Reunion @ Aspen Grove, Utah

Seattle in June

Boston in May

Umm... I hope y'all didn't notice that almost a whole year has slipped by on this poor neglected blog. (I just found a draft saved from August, maybe I was trying) I have quite a few reasons, but still embarrassed that it did happen. Always room for resolutions. So ringing out the old, this is a bit of what we did since our last post. ; ) Happy New Year & the very best in 2009!!!

When It Rains, We Shop!

2008-04-08T13:01:00.008-06:00

Clark & I traveled with my in.laws to visit family in Oregon. We were gone for seven days and during those days it snowed, hailed, rained, and was sunny & gorgeous! From what I know, OR is really not that big into snow, in fact, this time of year is usually quite pleasant and very picture-esque. The blossoms on the trees were gorgeous, sometimes they were hard to see through the huge snow flakes. I was very excited to go to the tulip festival and play around. When we arrived it was snowing. I thought for sure my pics would be from inside the car, lame but proof we were there. Then as we were heading out of the grounds the sun came out. We all got out and let the kids run around while I headed into the field. I was pretty bummed as you can see, that the tulips weren't opening because of the cold front. My only trooper tulips were these red and yellow ones. How fun are they to be in line with the cute windmill too?! I'll be sure to go middle-end April next time. That is some flower power! Speaking of power, we got our shopping in with all that gloomy weather, ok, we would have done so anyway. Lindy (sis.in.law) took us up to Portland and we shopped fast and hard. Ah, all those stores, so little time! We managed our faves, of course.

all tulips out there, rain rain go away!

Sunday we drove out to the coast. It was cold and raining/snowing when we left Salem. Jonah (bro.in.law) kept teasing how it would be a "drive by shoot" for me. Not again, I thought. As we came around the corner for our first coastal view, the sun was shining and everybody was out. It was gorgeous! I love the ocean, how could it not be. It was Clark's first time seeing the ocean. He thought it was cool, but seemed to like the beach and all it's findings better. He looked for crabs, driftwood, seaweed, etc. and wouldn't do seashell patrol. Then he got his feet all soaked as the tide started coming in and caught him by surprise. He loved that! Then all the kids were doing it! I loved how he got right to work in this pic. He is always working. I have lots more pics but they need to be converted. These are the pics he took to preschool for show and tell. We had a great time and appreciated Lindy & Jonah's hospitality and their darling early birds (for me, anyway). I will post some more pics later.

A "herd", "school", "group", what have you, of sea lions just across the cove from us. They look dead, but we did see a few of them moving around and swimming in the water.

Man Rituals

2008-04-06T13:16:00.007-06:00

I'm all for the "Man Rituals" ~testosterone in the air, sweaty men in tight pants, roughin' each other up on the fields or the courts, but when it comes to my man drawing blood or keeling over in pain from receiving a slapshot to his manhood, well my opinion changes completely. His first incident was the slapshot. He said he has never felt that kind of pain ever. He was on the ground for about five minutes. One guy said his eyes were rolling in the back of his head. He laid in the snow for about 10 minutes afterward, he needed the numbing, and still got up to play.
Last Thursday, he was being, probably, over aggressive (for his age, hee, hee) and him and another guy were going to fast and hard and straight into the net, totally NOT of their own accord. He came into the house with his hands covered in blood and said jokingly, "you should see the other guy". I then grabbed the camera to really zoom in to see the gash. We were uncertain if he needed stitches and since we live in Canada now, we were more than happy to get a professional opinion. However, Jonathan didn't want to go right then, he wanted to finish the game. While at the hospital to get his glue and bandage, he ran into a friend from high school and they laughed, compared scars and reminisced their days of intense floor hockey and after school fights. Good times for them (if only they were sweaty or in tight pants, ok, I'll leave that to the professionals as well) Jonathan is protesting wearing a helmet but will give in, because IT always happens in threes, and I think his teeth are next. He is faithfully wearing a cup, and I asked him from across the backyard during his game, "Honey, are you wearing protection?" The guys had a chuckle from that and I believe many have heeded the warning. The game must go on, no matter the scar or the age.

neighbor hood sport court in Bikman's backyard. pic was taken last summer, obviously. we are still quite brown up here.

the perfect blog?! no such thing!

2008-04-06T13:13:00.001-06:00

Ya right!
I only titled it that way because I have been talking with people and hearing their opinions of blogs vs. facebook, yada yadas... "I don't have the time", "it's too much work", and one friend said she couldn't keep up with all the clever & creative posts and updates that she had come across, to feel that her blog would even be interesting. I said, WHATEVER, just have at it. I love reading the different personalities and thoughts and "excuses" of the slow-to-update-ers. LOVE IT! I still think this is more fun and I appreciate all the creative juice out there, sometimes it can get stifled with all the hats women wear these days. Keep it up or get one started! BLOG POWER!

My Beautiful Niece Lily Megan is here!!!

2008-02-26T22:51:00.004-07:00

This beautiful, & just over (if that) 12 hours old, baby girl is my niece! Look at those big eyes! She belongs to Mason & Megan. She arrived safely this morning at 4:44 a.m. weighing in at 8 lbs. I can't remember her length because my proud papa bro rang us within the hour after she was born to tell of their wonderful news. We are so excited she is here & can't wait to meet her next week! I "borrowed" these darling pics from TJ. Thanks for being a great aunt! Yay!!!

http://anecaphotography.blogspot.com/

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-02-08T11:59:00.001-07:00

No Excuses, but can I still give ya a few?

2008-02-08T01:45:00.001-07:00

I really don't have any excuses on why the state of my blog is what it is. However, I will still try to give ya some. As the saying goes, golden streets to "you know where", or something like that?!

Since the happily welcome and overwhelming response to the pumpkin patch photo booth (excuse#1) , I have literally been consumed by my camera, computer and stiff arm, neck & back. I have drank way to much dark liquid and have gone through an alarming amount of concealer for those under eye black circles. I regretfully didn't send out Christmas cards, I still want to because they will be travel brouchures to entice y'all to head up North. Maybe they will arrive with Hoppy Easter wishes or if I'm lucky, St. Patrick's Day. I was going to send our love for Valentine's Day, but cupid has got me in the bud (that is full of chocolate, I must say) once again and has rose colored my sweet intentions and now it is just 6 days away. The Canadian post could never be trusted with that kind of time sensitive material. Hence, my frequent trips to Babb, MT (#2).

We celebrated Clark's 5th birthday (#3) on 12.6.07 with a fun miniature golf & pizza party. We combined Clark's celebration with my brother, Colton's 19th b.day party (Dec. 5) because on our planned adults only (meaning no kids, of course!) evening night out, my mom unknowingly ate a nut and had a severe reaction that almost took her from us (#4). She is highly allergic to nuts, and has always been quite careful. This little culprit was hidden by homemade Christmas chocolate, how was she to know? She ended up in the hospital over night, because the first three doses of epy stuff wore off and it came back. Scary, scary stuff. Not fun, but she is a trooper and the next day she was Christmas shopping & partying with us all at Clark's party. That's my girl!

We had parties (hosted the ChopStix employee party, too) and deliveries (#5) , mostly of photos, but gifts as well. I also was asked to take the pix of the primary children at our ward Christmas party (#6). Wowzers, there are a lot of children out there. Hee, hee. It was really fun. I love kids.

We also had Jonathan's sister Jessica, husband Alma & their little guy, Alma Cooper with us, as well as his brother Jami, wife Pam & their little guy Danai, for a few weeks over the holidays.(#7) We had fun together and loved to hear the little guys pitter patter as they ran through the house. Clark was such a good big brother. They all played so great together. Not to mention, Jonathan's baby sis, Molly, came home for a bit & we always rip it up, well, at least we stay up too late & have fun (#8). She is always a breath of crisp fresh air. That's my girl!

During the holidays, even Christmas Eve day I was able to squeeze in a family session that was so fun! I love the holidays and the togetherness of it all! It must be documented and I was glad to help! (but I'm also using that as an excuse #9, it's all good!)

Then new year's came and we partied like it was 1999! Really, I had to pull my husband home at 4:45 a.m., & he is usually the party pooper! He found a new love, Guitar Hero, or was it Rob & Braelyn? The last of the die hards. Then I think we slept for about two days (#10), because it is however, 2008!!!

Thank goodness I read the vampire series by Stephanie Meyer BEFORE Christmas (#11, #12, & #13). They were so fun. I hosted book club for December (#14) and I believe we (Stephanie & I, hee, hee) hooked a lot of women onto that fast, love struck, dangerous, & captivating ride. Did I mention there was a chocolate fountain at book club, too? Ya, it pays to read!

The year has started out as fast as the previous year disappeared. We celebrated 20 birthdays in January (#15), it's a good thing they all don't live here in Canada. That's a lot of cake, people. All were family members except for our sweet Alivia (5 years old!) who lives in Idaho, & who knows, maybe one day she will be part of our family. ; ) Happy days to all of you!

One of our main attractions this month has been my totally awesome brother's Missionary Marathon! The second weekend of Jan. he had his farewell (#16). We started it with attending the temple with him. Always good. Adults only dinner that evening. Always Good. Sunday he spoke & that was fun because not only did we get to hear his fantastic talk about prayer, my sister Mandy & her hubbie, Gary also spoke. When Mandy & Gary bought my parents house this past summer, part of the "deal" was that Colton came with the house. (my parents are in the process of building a house & are currently dwelling in a two bedroom apartment, Colton was relieved to stay) They all sat together & it was even more fun to see my dad sitting up there too, as High Councilman for their ward. It was like an old fashioned farewell. They wouldn't let me sing my solo for the musical # though. HA! That's a knee slapper, just so you know. My mom & I worked for way too many hours searching, scanning & preparing a slideshow (#17) for Colton's "farewell dinner" (#18). Since she lives in such a small space, her only option to have all her children together was to set up eats at the jr. high school gym. When we get together for dinners, my aunt Sally & uncle Shane & their kids, Stetson, Lexi & Dillon & of course grandma Dorothea are always included. That makes 23 of us. Colton also invited his girlfriend & her family, some cousins, uncle Jim & aunt Barb, his two friends that came home from school & their families. Needless to say, it was a full on farewell, Old School Style with over 56 served, & served well, I might add! Thanks mom & everyone who helped!

Two weekends later we had my niece Emma's b.day & baptism. (#19) My sister Keri sent her two girls, Ivy & Abby, from Edmonton to share in her special day. We went bowling & later to the baptism. It was a fun & fast weekend that ended with Megan's maternity photo session. She is due on 2.20.08. We are so excited for her & Mason! Hurry baby & get here.

The next week to follow was chillin' with Colton (#20) & last minute missionary shopping. We had lot of fun, almost like an extended Christmas holiday just with less people. My parents took him Sunday to Utah so he could report to the MTC as of Wednesday, 2.6.08. What a whirlwind, yet divine month we have shared together. He is going to be an awesome missionary in the Georgia, Atlanta mission. I can't wait for his pix, especially of how warm & green they will look! I can feel them now. We love you Colton & we are always praying & cheering for you!

We are already 8 days into this cute little month & it is going to be a big one. With Mason & Megan's baby coming, the snow blizzards & freezin' temps, ChopStix menu changing (after all, I am quality control, I'll have to eat there a lot, excuse #21) & 8 booked photo sessions, a trip to Edmonton somewhere in there, the month will disappear. My only hope to keep it real & remembered is this blog, & trying to keep it current. (#22)

I know my excuses were adding up, & probably most inexcusable. I know my life isn't much different from all the wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, working & stay at home working moms, but really, my thoughts & intentions are good. We love & miss our dear friends & family. Happy Everything to Everybody!!!

How lucky am I? 2X that's how lucky!

2008-02-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

So I have been tagged by my friend Julie, which gives you a chance to learn something new about me.

The rules are:A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.

B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.

C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1. Whenever something really upsets me, for example: an irresponsible crime leaving innocent people, especially children, harmed or worse, or some government regulation that is again an irresponsible crime to innocents, I have this almost uncontrolable urge to start a picket line, or write the editor, and I go over and over things in my head and all the 'awesomeness' I can unleash in rebutle to the situation. Most of the time if it is unleashed it falls upon my husbands (most of the time) deaf ears while he is tuned into sports center. I think that is called all talk & no action.

2. Don't tell, but one of my guilty pleasures is taking walks in late summer evenings just at dusk, the sun has set and the sky is turning dark, and everyone's curtains are still open! Not that I'm a peeping tom, I don't stop, I just kind of glance as I pass by, checking out how others spend their hot, lazy nights, what they watch on t.v. or surf on the net. How they decorate their homes is my favorite. It is just an innocent curiousity, really. People fascinate me. Maybe I should people watch in a public place in daylight. ; )

3. For only playing it about 6 times, I rock at Guitar Hero Wii. Almost all of the music that I've played with it I am very much aquainted with from my younger years and some still current. It's pretty funny when people find that out about me, a little heavy metal & grunge, they would never have guessed it.

4. A newly formed habit over the last 10 months has been going to my mom & dad's whenever I want! Now I only live 12 minutes from them instead of 12 hours, like it has been for the past 10.5 years! That is a habit I definitely don't want to break. (my sister is right around the corner too!)

5. I love camping. Getting dirty & early morning tent smells when it gets way to hot and it's not even 7 a.m. However, I will NEVER turn down a hotel room, with two queen beds, lots of down pillows & down comforters (my fave is Holiday Inn Express), a miny fridge, a remote to watch t.v. in bed & a phone in the lue!

6. I'm always the one with the camera, trying to savor the moment, record the memory, all in the sake of posterity purposes, as I tell those who don't like having their pic taken. (Of course with every intention to scrap it all up in a cute album.) I have finally started to share that with everyone, not just my photo box that keeps piling up. That is why I started Silver Slides. Back in November 2006, I started by doing slideshows with clients' photos for their upcoming special events. Then for Christmas I got a sweet little powershot camera and most of 2007 spent time seeking out the unusual in the usual (I call them my magazine shots) Then I found my Nikon at Thanksgiving and it was an instant love connection. Now Silver Slides Photography is keeping me very busy. I still love the slideshows and it is a thank you gift to all those that let me in their lives for that short time. I love people, and helping them smile & capturing their sparkle makes me feel great. Sharing the joy with others that that one smile or look from a loved one can bring, goes a long way. Priceless.

Thanks for reading abit/alot about me. I now shall tag Susannah, Cindy, Jessica, Emily, TJ, & Jenna

I've always wanted to be tagged!

2008-02-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

I really didn't know how or why the tagging thing happens but I am excited about it because it has finally brought me back from the blogger zombie zone. I was certain I'd never let that happen but life (mostly Silver Slides) got a little bit more attention, sometimes even more than my hubby. : ( I excited to get this started and then share almost a whole "Loaf of Bread" with y'all. Here goes!

Two names I go by:
1. mom (most of the time there is a hey! infront of it)
2. Shan ~ same goes for me Cindi, Shanna is just to long sometimes. I like it too, it's also my mom's middle name & it's welsh, where my gma is from

Two things I'm wearing right now:
1. my hair 1/2 up in my best friend's (from high school) native beaded barrett
2. my 'love is love hoodie' (GAP)-shout out to all those who have it & purchased on clearance!

Two of my favorite things to do:
1. photography & sharing it via emailing, websites, scrapbooking, slideshows & cards!
2. visit my husband at work whenever I want

Two things I want very badly at the moment:
1. pedicure
2. my girls to do it with

Two favorite pets I have had/have:
1. Zoobie- mixed pointer & dalmation, hyper but a beauty, had during the college days
2. Bubbles- little ankle biter from childhood

Two things I did last night:
1. cuddled with Clark as he fell asleep
2. edited some darling pix til 1:30 a.m.

Two things I ate today:
1. garlic toast & 3 meatballs at YW/YM mystery dinner
2. bretton crackers, cream cheese & jalepeno jelly~delicious!

Two people I last talked to:
1. Tami, who I always enjoy, can't get enough of and learn so much from!
2. Jonathan, to ask him what I did last night.

Two longest car rides:
1. From Val's house in Orem to the SLC airport. Description: 4 door jetta, 6 passengers, 2 to the airport & 4 headed for Canada. However, I had been to the Downeast Sale the day before. Need I say more girls? You DownEast frequenters know what that's all about. I had a step stool and metal bucket under my legs, my overnight bag between me and the door (which they had to shut after I got in) & another stool on my lap with one corner digging in, I could bearly wiggle my toes let alone re-adjust me or anything on me. I've never been so happy to see someone dropped off at the airport before. ; )
2. Canada to Utah with my in-laws. Wait! Before you think awful things, they will attest the same. Instead of the normal 11-12 hr drive, it took us 18 hrs, because we were pulling a trailer with furniture on it & the tarp over it kept ripping & coming undone, etc. We stopped often. I very much enjoyed the company, however.

Two Favorite Holidays:
1. Christmas
2. July 1st ~Canada day, it kind of starts off summer because school gets out the last week of June & then it's a big party with lots of family reunions, bbqs, waterskiing, parades & fireworks (it's also the first day I ever hung out with Jonathan, again, fireworks)

Two favorite beverages:
1. a tall icy glass of my dad's water, it's distilled
2. you all know me to well to not mention the black liquid

I tag Emily, Tami, & Caylee

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!! (U.S. & CDN)

2007-11-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful it is finally here! I was thankful for our Canadian celebration last month just a few days after our "truck in the house" incident. We have plenty to be thankful for. Then the photo pumpkin patch had an overwhelming response which has left me thanking many families for the great time and great pictures. The month just really flew by & I'm still trying to catch up with everything. We have also had visitors that we were thankful to see and we have been the visitees (does that work?) We traveled to Kalispell, MT one weekend, then cruised to Great Falls, MT for the day with a friend for preview Christmas shopping. A couple of days later, ventured down to Provo, UT, so the boys could go to the BYU football game, and Clark & I could visit and "play" with our friends. (hee, hee, Amanda & Val "play"-terrible, I know) We are thankful to them for letting us stay and visit and for all their hospitality and friendship. Three days after returning from Utah, Clark and I jumped in with my mom and headed to Edmonton to visit Keri and her girls and help Mason & Megan move into their new home. We were glad to help but some banking glitch didn't allow them to move in on the days we were there, our backs were thankful, so we were off to the rollercoasters and shopping at the world's biggest mall ~ West Edmonton Mall (is it still the biggest?) Four days after our return from up north, my mom, Mandy, Keri and myself headed down to Great Falls, MT, for the biggest shopping day of the year!

We were having dinner at the Golden Corral on Thanksgiving evening, and out the window we see a tour bus pull up. Keri joked that it would be funny if it were full of women coming to shop, due to our gitty anticipation of the next day. Before long, the restaurant started filling up with women! We were laughing and couldn't believe it, so I headed towards them to get the scoop. They were indeed, part of a three bus tour, signed up for Black Friday. They came from St. Albert, AB (just north of Edmonton, making it a 9 hour bus ride), women of all ages and ready to shop! They had a package deal and were making the most of it.

We saw people from Raymond and area all over the place. It was so fun. I was thankful to spend time with my mom & sisters. It was definitely a memorable tradition that we have started. We shopped for 20 hours on about 4 hours of sleep. We were to excited to sleep and up at 4 a.m. in the line at Target. Thankfully, Mandy & my mom ran to ShopKo which opened at 5 a.m. and got MP3's for $20. We all got portable DVD's at Target for $84, my mom scored camcorders for $69 & a camera for $120 and we all got digital frames for $50 (reg. $200). DVD's started at $3.98 and I think I now have a small library. We had so much fun and our feet and backs were thankful once we finally let them rest.

At Target we were wrapped up in sleeping bags with the temp. being -7 degrees Celcius for an hour and 40 minutes waiting for the doors to open. We were 20th in line and once the doors finally did open we were swarmed. The girl behind me kept saying, "ah, I'm getting trampled", I also had a lady keep pushing me in my back and I finally turned to the 55+ yr. old and yelled, "lady, quit pushing!". I then giggled right after. The Target employees were yelling out not to run. Mandy was speed walking while I was cheering her on from behind, "Go, Mandy Go!"and she hit the electronics very first in search of the guitar hero for the wii. There were only six and they didn't carry one for the wii. She would have been totally triumphant in her shopping excursion that day had it been for the absent guitar. There is always Canada, Mandy, hold strong.

We had a great time as our coughs became more pronounced with phlegm. We were packed to the roof in Mandy's expedition. Thankfully, my dad came down to purchase water heaters for their house and his truck gave us a lot more cargo room. We can't thank him enough for feeding us before we left Great Falls, and also even more thankful he filled up the gas tank, since we were all tapped out. He didn't make us return any of our purchased to get gas money to drive back home. ; ) We were thankful that there was not a line at the border and a special thanks to our border officer who quickly gave us our GST charge and off we went.

I am almost caught up on my sleep, my toes are defrosted and my voice has come back just this morning. It was awesome!!! A Thanksgiving I won't forget and I'm so thankful my Christmas shopping is done and did I mention, that it is all wrapped too!!! Who wouldn't be thankful for that!

Happy Shopping & Happy Holidays!!!

Black Friday!

2007-11-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

These are my favorites from the front page of the Great Falls Tribune. Good stuff!

"We actually had a really great day yesterday, with the most sales of any Wal-Mart in Montana," Lerud said. "Thank the Canadians."

"I'm in the military, but I thought this was a little rough," he said.

Retailers coaxed consumers out of bed early with deep discounts on everything from apparel to electronics. Canadians, armed with a strong dollar, made up a sizeable portion of the mix.

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-10-14T00:29:00.001-06:00

Silver Slides Is Open For Business

2007-10-11T22:25:00.000-06:00

I am so excited! Silver Slides Photography is officially open for business. I have had two sessions now(that weren't my fabulous and patient nieces & nephews & of course my bestest guinea pig, my son) all of who have given me hours of goodness & fun with great shots, to boot! I had an expectant mother session and she was so fun and great to work with and had her baby boy three days afterwards! Good timing mom! I also took pix of my aunt & uncle and their three kids. Their kids are 9, 11, & 13, so they weren't so keen on seeing their parents kissing. They thought I was a bit korny, and oh, note to self, siblings that age don't like to touch each other very much, if at all. I hope it won't be overkill but I will be sharing a few with you here until I get my website going. I am going to set up a photog blog a.s.a.p. so y'all can get sneak peaks of sessions and tell me what you honestly think! Off to shoot!

Hungry Horse

2007-10-11T22:17:00.000-06:00

I just thought this would make a fun vibrant picture. We went to Kalispell, MT, on Canadian Thanksgiving/Columbus (US) Day. It was such a gorgeous drive down there and a beauitfully overcasted day. I couldn't wait to take our time and stop along the curvy mountain road getting great pictures on the way back home the following day. Well, not thinking it would be absolutely gorgeous, weather wise, I didn't take any pictures of fall, except of this guy. It was just too bright for the array of greens, golds, & reds of fall to do it any justice. At least it's in the memory bank.

Crime Scene

2007-10-04T21:07:00.000-06:00

Not recommended to start your day off this way.
http://www.canada.com/globaltv/lethbridge/video/index.html
Click on Oct. 2 for Jonathan's on camera interview and Oct. 3 for Gary's on camera interview.
http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/article_8400.php for Oct. 2 info and
http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/article_8414.php for Oct. 3 interviews with me & Jonathan and the woman who had her jeep taken from her. Even Clark is quoted.
I also took pictures of it all. See them at www.picasaweb.google.com/divinediva10/CrimeScene.

This Was All In One Day

2007-09-18T23:45:00.001-06:00

Youth Conference

2007-09-09T21:00:00.000-06:00

As high as we go! Happy Valley!

We stopped just as the tree line ended. A lot of kids went right over the top. Serious Elevation!

Living on the edge!

This hike is in Waterton and it is awesome. I'm sure the pix won't do it justice. We had our stake youth conference and about 90 people hiked for five hours! Everyone did so great. Especially me! Hiking with youth really does something for the ego, being the leader you have to push them as far as they will go, even if you've never been yourself. We were all self empowered and felt almost as majestic as the mountains. The pix are posted as we went up and up. Starting bottom left was the meadow that we came to after 2 1/2 hours of hiking. Just under the two small glaciers is where we had our lunch. Then up from that is climbing higher still. Middle right pic is the edge of the tree line and then it has two huge switchbacks and the kids went over the top at the left peak in the picture. Once there you over look 5 lakes. I'll get that picture next time we go. I showed it to Jonathan and it is on our to do list. Even Clark wants to go. Maybe in a year or two because it is long and hard and somebody might have to carry me instead of him. Middle left is as far as our group went. Which is totally awesome. We got some great views. We are just on top of the tree line. We saw a couple of mountain goats doing some serious mountain climbing. Top left is looking a bit to our right looking out at all of God's magnificent creations. Sure our/my bodies hurt this morning but it is a once in a lifetime experience. Come visit and we can do it again!

Silver Slides

2007-09-07T01:30:00.001-06:00

Prize Winning Float!

2007-08-28T15:16:00.001-06:00

This has been one of my favorite projects this summer. It is a very light and portable float that when assembled on the car it is 15 feet high! I was driving it back after our first parade and came to an intersection and looked up and noticed the power lines were about a foot higher than the top of the sticks. Cool stuff.

I had lots of help once my vision was in gear. Once it was constructed I still had no idea how it would attach to the car and be secure in case the Southern Alberta wind decided to make itself known. My parents have a wonderful neighbor aka: MacGuyver and he attached the sticks on a 1 X 4 and used straps and ropes and in no time flat it was attatched and secure. I was so very grateful for his expertise and even his shop to store it in overnight.
We have now completed 6 parades in Southern Alberta.

The last parade was Lethbridge and it drew a crowd of over 67,000! Great advertising! I can't wait for the Santa Claus Parade in November in Fort Macleod. It is an electric parade and it will be fun to light it up.

Special thanks goes out to Jonathan, my mom, Tami, Bam, Larissa, pomp pom fluffing team: Sheila, Jessica, Colton & Jami, Dianne & Lindsay for glue rescue, Ty Hancock aka: MacGuyver, Gary for being my supportive parade partner, John & Judy with their grandkids who throw candy so well & Clark being my right hand helper. What a fun summer we've had!

ChopStix Family

2007-08-17T14:30:00.000-06:00

ChopStix is a family restaurant and we were there to prove it. A few of my siblings are moving and this was the last night we would all be together until Christmas, however, Jonathan wasn't able to come to us so we all went to him. It was just after closing time and since there wasn't any natural light outside we gathered in front of the bowl and chop sticks and were yelling "ChopStix!" instead of "Cheese!". The picture is very fitting as my family members are frequent quests. Like me, it is 'quality control'. Hee, hee. Yummy!

Home Slice!!!

2007-08-17T11:14:00.000-06:00

We are finally in our own beds after a week in Waterton, then a week to Orem & St. George, Utah, and then back up to Waterton for almost another full week. We have had so much fun and it was wonderful seeing everyone, but as you all know, there is nothing else like your own bed to get you fully rested and back to reality.

Summer has been a Slice!!!

2007-08-17T10:08:00.000-06:00

Summer has been a Slice!!!
We have had so much fun and can't believe there is only two weeks left until September 1st!!!