Ratatouille

We went and saw this movie today as a family. It was really cute and lived up to the Pixar standard that we love so much. There were a lot of "laugh outloud" parts. We give it two thumbs up - if you can stand the actual thought of rats in your kitchen.

The cartoon short that they made to play before this movie, also lives up to the Pixar standard. It's called "Lifted" and it's REALLY cute. A "Must See!"

Beauty and the Beast

Last night we went to see "Beauty and the Beast" at the Hale Center Theater for Family Home Evening. I hadn't been to a play there in years and it was the first time for the rest of my family. I am constantly amazed at what a great show they put on considering what a small place it is. We had a wonderful time. It was a dream come true for Talbie who has dreams of being on stage someday. She has been obsessed with the musical "Wicked" lately and has listened to nothing else for weeks. She loved going to the theater last night.

As we were flipping through the program before the show started, Talbie and I noticed that Hale Theater has a acting camp that they do for 2 weeks at a time. Today we signed Talbie up for this camp and she's really excited about it. It starts July 16th for 2 weeks. This will give her a chance to see how she likes it.

My favorite line from "Beauty and the Beast"...

Gaston: "I'm making plans to woo and marry Belle." So hilarious!

Cub Scout Day Camp

This is my little Cub Scout on his way to his first summer Day Camp. He had a great time. He came home with bear tooth necklace he made and a sling shot. Needless to say, he has spent the rest of the afternoon after he got home, shooting rocks with the sling shot and broke 2 of my flower pots!!

Blonde Again!

Maddie had a hair appointment today and this is the finished product. She had her hair colored this winter and had it darkened quite a bit. She went back to blonde and it's cute.

In Trouble!

While Brittany went with the Cub Scouts to Day Camp, I tended Logan and Dallin for her. She was on her way home so I told Logan and Emmie to start cleaning up. After about 5 minutes of silence, I went up to check on them. I couldn't see them anywhere but I could hear them. They were inside this armoir that Emmie has in her room - we keep her dress up clothes in it. I walked up to it and I hear Logan say, "Emmie - let's get out of here before your mom kills us." They had the shock of their lives to see me standing there!

Me Being Crafty

I attended a baby shower the other night and I was trying to think of something to give as a gift. I have been saving jeans for YEARS and I have more than I can count. My goal is to someday make a jean quilt. A year or two ago I came up with an idea like this when Talbie was invited to a birthday party. I wanted to give her friend something that would be unique and something that she would want to keep for awhile. This is what I came up with and I embroider a name on it to personalize it. Just wanted to share!

Swimming Lessons

We began swimming lessons this week. This is a fun summer tradition for the kids to look forward to. Emmie used to be deathly afraid of the water when she was younger. Over the last 2 years she has lost all her fear of swimming (and everything else). She swims like a fish now! Talbie is finally taking off too and becoming braver :). Bronson is really good and I think he'll even be ready for the Swim Team next year!

Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (23/23)

Dave is working at the temple tonight so I have time on my hands. I've been experimenting with my blog and trying to figure different things out. I figured out how to post videos to my blog so I'm sharing one of my favorite clips from my favorite movie of all time! ENJOY!

Pioneer Day Camp

Yesterday Talbie went to the Pioneer Heritage Park and the "This is the Place" monument. All the Activity Day girls went for day camp. They had a great time visiting some of the buildings there and pulling/pushing a handcart, even though it was extremely hot.

I had gone to get my hair cut and when I got home, Maddie told me that her leader had called and said, "We've had some car trouble. All the girls are fine and safe, we'll just be home a little later than planned. Would you have your mom call the girl's moms so they don't worry."

I started calling and as I was, some of the girls were coming home as I was on the phone with their moms. Then I realized that it must have been just the car that Talbie was riding in.

On the way home for Salt Lake, the car that Talbie was in got separated from the other 2 and it had car trouble on the freeway. It was a pretty scary situation for Talbie, I guess. Her leader ith happened to be the only one without a cell phone. They tried to write on a small piece of paper with lip gloss "Help" but it kept blowing off the window. They said a prayer together and soon a nice man stopped to help them. He lived in Lehi but gave them a ride to Orem where they were home safe and sound. Talbie's eyes were red and splotchy when she walked in. I guess she was pretty scared. I really felt badly for her leader though. That is a scary thing to have happen - your car loose power as you're cruising down I-15, but to have 3 terrified little girls to deal with too isn't fun.

All is well and it was good experience for her and one will help her to understand how prayers are answered!

Tape Ball

Bronson is always trying to invent something. I mentioned this before but he doesn't own a single toy that isn't in pieces. This isn't because it came in pieces, but because he has destroyed it by taking it apart to see how it works - or to use the parts to make other "inventions." He was wrapping tape around a marble the other day (don't ask me why) when he came up with the brilliant idea of making "the biggest tape ball ever invented."

I told him he could use the tape (a roll of tape equals about 2 hours of peace from Bronson - priceless!) 4 rolls later - this was the finished product...


Yesterday Dave took him to the dollar store for more tape. They came home with 3 more rolls. He worked on it all day but got a little sloppy and it stopped looking like a ball. He's now turning it into a "flying saucer."

He and Dave just left for more tape. Heaven help us!!

Tacky Prom

On Saturday night Maddie went to her first Stake Dance. The theme was a "Tacky Prom". They got a big kick out of trying on my and Brittany's old dresses to decide which they would choose. Maddie wore a dress that Brittany wore for her 9th grade dance, and her friend, Maddie McClellan wore an old "Gunny Sack Dress" that we used to wear. Luckily my mom has saved every dress we have ever worn. They are now part of her "Dress Up Room" but they are still very accessible.

They had a great time at the dance. There weren't very many people who dressed up but they didn't care. They have more confidence than they can handle so they didn't mind being the center of attention!

Dave's Father's Day

I think Dave had a good Father's Day. He was showered with presents. The kids went to Target and each picked out exactly what they wanted to give him. I think they did pretty well. Maddie gave him a screwdriver set that is "all-in-one". A great gadget for inside the house ;). Talbie gave him a socket wrench set, Bronson gave him a new BBQ cover and some BBQ rub, and Emmie gave him a hammer with pocket knives in it for camping. I gave him a coupon for a massage (not by me!). I made him an appointment for Monday morning and he loved it. It really helps his headaches when he can go to physical therapy and have a massage every once in awhile.

Later that evening we had a BBQ with Brittany and Jared and had my parents over and Dave's mom. It was a fun evening!

Happy Father's Day

I want to wish my wonderful dad a Happy Father's Day. He's been my dad for 38 years and he just keeps getting better and it every day. There's not a problem that comes up in my life that I can't talk to my dad about and there's not a better person I'd rather go to - than him. My dad has taught me MANY things. For example: ALWAYS wash your hands, never leave the house without turning off all the lights (and going to the bathroom! :), SAVE your money (I'm not so good at this one), keep your car clean, keep your room clean, keep EVERYTHING clean, did I mention wash your hands? And he loves us unconditionally!

I love you dad! Happy Father's Day.

PS - I think the above picture was taken when I was 10 or 11 in 1979. It was one of our first "Daddy Daughter Dates" when I was a Merrie Miss (in Primary). No, I didn't grow up in the 50's - that was the theme for the evening!

1000!

I started my blog just 2 months ago. When I did, I posted one of those free counters on it so I could see how many people were reading it. Yesterday the counter hit 1000! That's exciting to me. Thanks to all of you who check in once in awhile to see what the Knowles family is up to. We love you!

Neti Pot

Does anyone know what a "Neti Pot" is? We learned about it from Dr. Oz when he was on Oprah. They had one on the show and asked the audience if anyone new what it was. One lady in the audience knew it was a Neti Pot. They had a volunteer come up so Dr. Oz could demonstrate how it was used.

It looks a little bit like a genie lap. You fill it with salt water and tip your head and then pour it into your nose. It flushes your sinuses as goes in one nostril and out the other.

Dr. Oz said it was for people with allergies, sinus infections, and it has really helped people with chronic sinusitis. This is Emmie.

Emmie has what is known as IGA Deficiency. It's an immune system disorder that can lead to more serious things when she's an adult - but now she basically has chronic sinusitis and always has a stuffy or runny nose.

I researched the Neti Pot on the internet and thanks to Dr. Oz, it is becoming very popular. I was able to go to Walgreens and find one. We have been doing it with her everyday (she still hates it but she's a trooper) and it is really helping her. She has struggled with being able to blow her nose but she is also figuring that out a little bit. Dave has also been doing it and his allergies have gone away! It's been a good thing at our house!

More Jane Austen

I've been a little preoccupied with Jane Austen lately and have been remembering how much I have enjoyed the movies like: "Emma", "Sense and Sensibility", "Pride and Prejudice", etc. I've even started reading "Pride and Prejudice" again. - "I'm always in agony over whether Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy will get together. Read it. I know you'll love it!" (what movie is that from?)

I found this fun website. You answer the questions and it will tell you which Jane Austen heroine you are most alike. I did it twice and it came out the same. I'm an Elinor Dashwood. Which are you? Take the quiz and let me know! Click here for the quiz.

Answer to the movie line is..."You've Got Mail".

Buzzed

Bronson needed a haircut desperately and I wanted to cut it short for the summer. I gave Dave the task and he decided not to put a guard on the clippers when he cut it. He's pretty buzzed and it takes some getting used to. I had to really cake on the sunscreen today when we went swimming because his noggin hasn't seen that much sun since he was a newborn. He's still pretty cute!

Must See!

I came across this on the internet today and I was so surprised because I had never heard of it before. It seems there is a movie that came out called Becoming Jane. It doesn't show that it has come to the US - only England but it definately looks like my kind of show. Who knows though - it may be like that "Miss Potter" movie that I just saw too. I waited and waited for that to come to our theaters but it never did until it came to the dollar movie. I am a huge Jane Austen fan and I'm dying to see this. I will watch and see when it comes out on DVD and have to buy it if all else fails. Other Jane Austen fans out there? Let me know!!

Busy Saturday

We've had a busy Saturday. We started the day with Bronson's baseball game (forgot to take pictures so I'll add them next week). Then we headed to Emmie's game. They have been loving baseball this year - Emmie because it's her first year and she's just happy to be there - and Bronson's liking "coach pitch" instead of T-ball like he's done in the past. The games aren't too bad to watch either because they keep it to an hour, which I appreciate!

After Emmie's T-ball game we went to the Pioneer Museum in Pleasant Grove. Talbie and I had seen it a few weeks ago and she really wanted to go in and see what they had but it was closed for the season. They just opened for the summer. Talbie has really inherited my antiquing gene because we could look at museums all day together. Here are some pictures...



Summerfest is going on right now so Brittany and I went last night and laid out some blankets so we could enjoy the parade. We usually don't do the parade. In fact, I think we have only done it once before. The kids are getting older now and it's easier to do things (and they can all stay up past 7:00 now!) The parade itself was pretty lame but we had the best time watching Dallin (Brittany little boy). He got SO excited over EVERYTHING. We had a great time.

Paper Dolls

We love paper dolls at our house. Maddie and Talbie have been collecting them for years. We started out with the "Little House on the Prairie" set and expanded to "Anne of Green Gables" and "Madeline." I get the Mary Englebreit magazine and it comes with a paper doll set in each book. Talbie and Emmie fight over this.

I found this great website called Wee Wonderfuls. It has a bunch of free patterns and is loaded with fun ideas. Just thought I'd pass it along to you.

Clematis

I have loved doing yard work and that's what we did all day on Monday - just before the rain came. This is a picture of the clematis in our front yard that gets bigger and bigger every year! Our backyard is looking really pretty too. I will take pictures when it dries out. My brother Bret (who used to live next door to us) will appreciate pictures of our trees. They are getting big!

Rainy Days and Bunnies

Last night we had a GIANT rain storm and it's been raining (snowing in the mountains) all day. Before we went to bed, Dave covered the bunnies with a tarp outside so they would stay dry but with all the wind and downpour - they were pretty wet by morning. Luckily, Brittany had an old dog house/kennel that we cleaned out and made a house for the bunnies to get warm and be in the house today. We've had a lot of fun holding them and watching them all day. They are great bunnies and seem to like the kids and being held.

You may notice that we now have 4 bunnies. It was just supposed to be Talbie getting a bunny but Dave took Emmie and Talbie to the pet store together and of course he caved and let Emmie get one. Bronson came home from playing at a friend's house and saw the bunnies and said, "I wanted a bunny!" Dave took him to the pet store and got his.

Later that night Maddie came home and said, "I wanted one!" Oh brother!! So yesterday I went with her and we got a bunny for her. I wonder if I need to get 4 bunny stickers for the back of my car now (see previous blog "window stickers" :)

Bunnies!

The kids have been begging us forever to get a pet. We have Zoey (our dog) but they don't consider her a pet because she's been part of our family as long as Emmie has. Bronson has had lizards in the past but they just die after he gets sick of taking care of them. But, my heart softened after I saw "Miss Potter" and I told Talbie that she "must have a bunny!" Well, that meant that Bronson and Emmie had to get a bunny too.

Dave built a great pen for them outside today and we went to the pet store to pick them out! They are really cute and the store ASSURED us that they were all females. I don't to be overrun with baby bunnies in a few months!

Father and Sons Outing

It was that time of year for Dave and Bronson to have fun camping! They really look forward to this every year. I was glad that I sent the camera with them and that they got some good pictures. I guess they were at a beautiful spot this year up in the Wasatch Mountains. While they were there, Bronson had the opportunity to do his favorite thing - whittle! He loves having a pocket knife and whittling at a stick all day. This year he only came home with one cut on his hand - and it wasn't even that deep. He's getting the hang of it.

Eagle's Nest

While Dave and Bronson were on their way home from the Father and Sons Outing - they came across this eagle's nest. You can see the mama flying above the nest in one of the pictures. That would have been quite a sight to see.

Miss Potter

Dave and Bronson left today for the "Father and Sons Outing" so the girls went out and I decided to go see a movie. For months I have been wanting to see the movie "Miss Potter" but it never came to the theatres in our area. I was pretty disappointed but to my surprise - it started playing today at the dollar movie. We went and I have to say it's one of the best movies I've ever seen.

My girls and I LOVE movies like this. It's in the same class as "Anne of Green Gables." It's the story of Beatrix Potter and it takes place in London during the early 1900's. It's such a touching and inspiring story. We came home and Talbie spent the evening drawing pictures and wanting to water color them. I also got out all our Beatrix Potter books and started reading them to Emmie. Classic! You MUST see it. It comes out on DVD June 19th and it's a "Must Buy!"