...breathe...

So much has happened in the last two weeks, and you know what? I don't even think I'll play catch-up with pictures, though for journaling purposes, I'll fill you in. We had our county fair (a mere 1472 pictures)...I think I put in a good 70 hours that week. I saw my kids and husband twice? Maybe three times all week. It was CRAZY! I really enjoyed it, and it was fun, most of the time.

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We followed up the craziness with a relaxing family reunion on Ryan's side...we went to Rigby Lake in weather so cold I didn't have to worry about my children getting lost, run over, or drowning. We all wore sweatshirts, jeans and darn-near wore wool socks. It was so cold for August, whoever brought the crock-pot beans was my favorite person! They warmed my heart. The children's activity was decorating cupcakes...it pretty much babysat Tanner for a good hour. He LOVED it! hmmm....birthday party ideas coming to mind...

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Got a fabulous hair cut...still no pictures of it...I'm sure after the weekend I'll have some. Marci at Defining Line did a GREAT job...I highly recommend her. :) I keep saying it is so short she had to shave my neck...yeah. Be ready for pictures!

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Tanner has woken up dry for over a week. We did have a tiny accident that he didn't quit make it, but I take responsibilty for that one...I didn't have him go potty right before bed. I'm so proud of my baby who is growing up so quickly!!

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I hosted a Pampered Chef Party, which I was fretting over for two weeks, but ended up really enjoying it. I sardine'd 10 people in my gigantic apartment kitchen (sarcasim intended) and we had a riot. It was great, and the response was positive. I have to admit that the best part of the whole shindig, was that our apartment, minus our bedroom where I shoved everything, was spotless!!! Thanks Rachael!

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Santa's workshop called. Christmas is DONE!

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As I type this, it's nearly 1 am, and Ryan crawled inbetween the sheets on HIS side of the bed, and EVERYTHING I put on my side, including the floor, is right where it has been for days. I guess I know where I'm sleeping tonight...Scootch over, hon!

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I will indulge you with some fabulous pictures (not - I have no photoshop to spruce them up right now, as Ryan re-formatted the hard drive...) of what I just finished for our HUGE weekend. Ready? Because I know you'll all want one!

Drumroll.....

This, my friends, has a life expectancy of 25+ years. However, due to the nature of my children, I expect it to last all of 3 minutes in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday...
I must say I'm pretty pleased it turned out as well as it did. I just kinda flew by the seat of my pj pants and went for it. I will admit that the one pictured is my SECOND attempt. The first one is one inch shorter, so when it's folded the crayons kinda mesh in the fold...it will be PERFECT for the broken and chewed-up crayons, though! If you're wanting to make one, they'e SUPER easy and really quick...I just tend to start projects after 11 pm.

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An awesome weekend is waiting on our doorstep, literally. I plan to walk out the door no later than 1 pm...unless of course Ryan's suit is not done at the cleaners by then.


We're headed to my parents for Friday's accomodations, to drop off POUNDS of fresh fruit, and all of our clothes for Sunday's festivities.


Saturday we'll go to Springville to take pictures of my cousin's new arrival...our first newborn shoot...We aren't counting the fake ones Ryan and I attempted with our kids. :) Then we'll proceed to Salt Lake to check out Keith and Tricia's new flat, and FINALLY we'll make our way to the Salt Lake International Airport where we will anxiously await the arrival at approximately 9:30 pm, of my little brother, Elder Crandall - who is returning from his two-year service mission in Phnom Phen, Cambodia!!! ...breathe...

We are all so stinking excited we don't know what to do with ourselves!

We'll probably get home to my parents around 2 in the morning, and then head to church at 9:30 (so we have decent seats) to hear him report about his mission. The poor kid will be awake for a good 22 hours...it's going to be one wild and exciting ride!!!


And who can resist a good ole' traditional family gathering afterwards with food coming out your ears? It's going to be so fun, so awesome, and so sweet to have our ENTIRE family together again!


I think I'm most excited the Reed will get to meet Taylor, as well as Keith's loverly wife, Tricia.


I can't stress how much fun we're going to have!!! I do hope I'll have some great pictures to share with you in a few days. :)