Let's Take a Walk...

MEMORY LANE-
This will be fun! I've loved making "I remember" comments on everyone's blogs, so now its my turn to hear all the memories you all have.
Here are the directions: 1. As a comment on my blog, leave one (or two or three) memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! I guess good or bad, but be nice!!!!!!! 2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

My dear, sweet Grandma

My Grandma, Irene Lamping, passed away early Monday morning. She was a wonderful woman whose spirit longed to be set free from the limits of her physical body. While of course this is a grieving time for us, it has also provided some very spiritual moments. Her body has been failing for awhile now, and she had spent pretty much the past month in one hospital or another. On Sunday, she woke up and was conscious enough (quite miraculously) to talk and know who we were. We all were able to go up there and say goodbye, which was such a blessing and has helped give some closure. The spirit was so strong as all of her family was crammed into the ICU room talking with her, knowing how close she was to being with our Heavenly Father again. We started talking about her being able to see her husband again (who died when my mom was little), and I was overcome with the spirit thinking of that joyous reunion. My testimony of eternal families and what happens when we die has been strengthened immensly and I am thankful for the experience. I don't know how people deal with the death of anyone close to them if they do not believe that they will see them again. I am so lucky to have the knowledge that I do, and to know I'll see my grandma again and know she is so much happier where she is!

She was such an amazing example to everyone that knew her. She loved the gospel more than anything and wanted to share it with anyone and everyone! If we could have even a fraction of her desire to do missionary work, we'd be able to do amazing things! She even requested that there be a stack of Book of Mormons at her funeral...she'll never stop! She was always so involved with all of her grandchildren's lives...she was truly interested in us and our well being. She constantly worried about everything, sometimes a bit extreme, but it was only because she cared. She had the ability to love unconditionaly, and showed her love frequently. She always made me feel so beautiful and special. In her eyes, I was flawless, and through them I truly saw my potential. If I was ever having a bad day or was ever feeling down on myself, her inspiring, sincere words would help lift me up. I will always remember the songs she used to sing to me when I was little, our trips to DI to pick out prizes, the treats she would bring whenever she came over, her kisses (she never gave just one at a time), the big candy bars with money inside for Christmas, KFC birthday meals, many a trips to get ice cream cones to give my mom a break, and so many more...I could go on forever. She has touched so many people's lives and I can only hope that I can have such a positive influence for good in my own life. We love you and will miss you Grandma "Bop Bop!"

After 4 seasons, its finally coming here!!

Yes, its true, the So You Think You Can Dance Tour is coming to Utah!! It's about time, I've only waited 3 years for this, each time getting my hopes dashed when Utah wasn't on the tour list. I must be living right this year. I can't even tell you my excitement when I looked online and saw "West Valley City, UT...Sept 23rd"! Anyone else share in my enthusiam for this blessed event??

Also, something else to look forward to....My little brother gets home from his mission in 2 1/2 weeks!! I can't wait! He's never met Travis, so I'm really excited for them to meet and get to know each other.

(And just so there's no confusion, I'm definitely more excited for Michael to get home than for the So You Think You Can Dance Tour, just in case you were wondering)

Some girl time...

I just love these girls! Marci and Buffy (she goes by Liz now, but to call her that would feel like I was calling her by the wrong name) were both in town, which always warrants a girls night! We got Cafe Rio and took it back to Buffy's parents house so that everyone (or Marci and Buffy) could bring their kids. We have so many fun memories at that house most of which include sluffing during high school and breakfast crossaints! Eating, talking, and laughing with a great group of friends...what more could you want!

Here we are...Me, Brydie (with Buffy's daughter Tyler), Kim, Buffy (and her other daughter Kai), Marci (with her son Whit and we found out last night, baby number 2 in her belly!!), Robyn, and Amber. This picture is way too "posy", but you can't do too much when your using the timer :)
Whit and Kai kissing...love it!

4th of July Weekend

Yay for long weekends! We had a great 4th of July weekend bouncing back and forth from my family to Trav's. Most of the weekend was spent with Travis's family because Ryan and Rissa were in town and this was the last time we were going to see them until Christmas because they are moving to Kansas! We better quickly move on from that or else more tears might be shed....
Thursday night we went to the West Jordan Rodeo with Trav's family (I hate to keep on labeling "his" vs "mine" because they're my family too now, but it helps for clarification). I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of Rodeos..I mean I enjoy them, and it was fun to be with family, and Travis loves them, so that's all that matters. Anyway, they're a bit long for me. Below are some pics from that...probably the highlight of the night was my darling nephew Jace! He's so hilarious and always keeps us entertained. He was sitting on my lap during the horse bucking part (have no idea what it's really called) and he turned to me and said "Those cowboys aren't gentleman." I said "what?", he repeated "Those cowboys aren't gentleman", me "Why not?", him "because they bounce up and down too much on the horse." I bust up laughing because what 3 yr old notices something like that, let alone even knows what a gentleman is?!! Apparently, this kid really paid attention when he was being bounced around on an adult's knees singing "This is the way the gentleman rides....." "Tridity trot...Tridity trot.." So funny!

On the 4th, we got up early with my family and went hiking up Bell's Canyon. I love hiking and it was beautiful! Just a quick little hike, but very enjoyable. That afternoon we went back to Trav's parents for a BBQ and fireworks.

Saturday was a very lazy day. We pretty much did nothing...all day! Mid-day we did manage to go running and then spent an hour at the pool, and at like 6 we finally got around to cleaning the house and decided it was about time to get ready for the day. But other than that, we just hung out. At first I had a really hard time...I'm the type that wants to get up early, go to the gym, clean and go, go, go tackling all the things I have in my mental to-do list. So to just wake up, eat breakfast, sit around and watch TV kind of drives me crazy, but as all of you know, marriage is about compromising, and in the end, I thoroughly enjoyed having a lazy day with my husband! It's good to do every once in awhile (emphasis on the "once in awhile" :)

Sunday we went to dinner at Trav's parents again...enjoyed being with the family...and said our goodbyes to Ry, Rissa and the babies. Let's just say that there was a whole lot of crying. Jace kept on saying "Stop crying like that!" We're going to miss them a ton, but this little adventure will be so good for their little family and we're excited for them! It's just too bad its so far away:)


My little sis and I

Travis helping Jace be Superman!
My little bros..Rhett and Austin


Cute mom and dad

Travis making Chance laugh...he must have thought it was funny to be wearing a Kansas City hat.
The Turner's at the Rodeo
"Cheese"
Travis is really excited about taking a picture with me!
Jace sure enjoyed his cotton candy!

What a nice, enjoyable weekend...now its back to work. Boo!

Awesome Food Storage Websites

I have looked into many food storage sites lately but these, in my mind are the best! Maybe it's just because I need some direction, maybe it's because they do all the work for me......ok lets be honest, I am loving these sites because of both reasons. Pretty much I'm lazy, or I don't have the time, take your pick. My friend led me to the following sites and you all should take a look around, because they are fabulous! Thanks Tonii!

http://myfoodstoragedeals.blogspot.com
This one, she does all the research and tells you what to add to your food storage each week based on sales at grocery stores. I cannot believe how cheap she is able to find things!! You have to pay a small fee (like $5 a month is it) and she will send you emails that list a ton of items she has found for smokin deals. For me..totally worth my $1 per week to have all the work done for me! You can also do a 2 week trial thing for free to see if you like it. I'm so excited about this..its not only going to help me with my food storage, but it will save me money on regular groceries too! She's all about planning and making the most of what you buy!

http://everydayfoodstorage.blogspot.com/
This blog is awesome!! It is completely free and she gives TONS of recipes that incorporate your food storage so that you can rotate it through and it doesn't just sit there rotting. She also gives food storage tips and ideas that are great!

Bless these women who are more organized and knowledgable and are willing to share their talents with people like me who are just sitting here not even knowing where to begin! Hope these help some of you also...who knows maybe all of you are on top of this and I'm the only one lost :)