What I Did Today

I love to can! We live next to an orchard and our wonderful neighbors that own it, are always blessing us with fruit from their trees. We got a sack of apricots the other day and I made 11 jars of jam this morning. I had the bug and decided to go buy more so I could keep making it. I went to a local fruit stand and bought a box of apricots. I only got half of it canned and I'll finish the rest tomorrow.

It's a lot more fun to can when the fruit and veggies are free, but it saves money in the long run - no matter how you do it.

Birthday Celebrations

In the Knowles family, we really know how to spread out a birthday! Talbie already celebrated with my parents on Saturday when they took her out to lunch and to "Color Me Mine". Sunday was exciting for her because she had her interview with the Bishop to graduate from Primary and she gave her favorite scripture as they presented her in Sacrament meeting and gave her her Primary Certificate.

Monday night, for FHE - AND Talbie's birthday we went to the Food Court in the mall and then that little fun center they have there that has games you can play. It was actually a really fun place because on Monday nights you really get your monies worth - and we even got decent prizes with the thousands of tickets we earned.

I love the Food Court because everyone gets what they like and there's no complaining!

Emmie LOVES Bronson and he's such a good sport. You'll rarely see a picture where she not draped all over him - or at least holding his hand.

Maddie actually went to 3 places but who's counting?

Then we were off to the "Fun Center". They have a neat system there and they just put the tokens you would buy - on a card and you swipe it at the games you want to play and it also keeps track of your tickets it too!

Yesterday was the official birthday. Dave and I took Talbie out to lunch and she picked "Red Robin" to eat at. She opened the presents that we gave her...

"American Girl - Hopes and Dream" perfume

And...An official script from the musical "Wicked" signed by Kristen Chenoweth! OK - I don't know how "official" it really is because I found it on ebay for only $20! Talbie has been in love with this musical for a long time now. I was trying to think back to when it all started but I know it's been well over a year that she's had this love for it because it was the theme to her birthday last year (click here)
Then, last night the cute family that lives next door to us - the Myers - came over and gave Talbie this beautiful bouquet of balloons and a card and treat. It was SO SWEET! We love this family and Talbie tends for them a lot so we feel like they are part of the family. Thank you Melissa! You're so thoughtful!!!
We've had a fun couple of days but it's just beginning! Talbie is having a birthday party with her new Beehive class on Friday because Talbie and her friend that lives 2 doors down (and has her exact same birthday :) are new and they are welcoming them in!

Saturday is her friend party - and then Sunday we're having the extended family over for cake and ice cream. Then her birthday will officially end!

Look's Who's 12

It's really crazy how fast time can fly. I remember this picture of Talbie like it was yesterday. We had to wait a long time for Talbie to bless our house but she finally arrived and she's been a joy to us ever since. I think we had to work for those 2 years to get Talbie (after 2 miscarriages and many fertility tests) because Heavenly Father knew what an asset she was going to be to our family and He really wanted us to appreciate her. She is such a joy and peacemaker in our home and we couldn't live without her. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TALBIE!

Great Giveaway!

A while back you will recall that I did "Purse Tag" (CLICK HERE TO REMEMBER)

Well, that darling purse in the post was made by a very talented woman named Lila Tueller. Lila is my parent's neighbor so I've had the privilege of owning a couple of her cute bags. She has a web site and designs SO MANY darling things from purses, shirts, aprons, etc.

Lila is having a great giveaway that I wanted to tell you about. CLICK HERE to enter and check out her great style! Good Luck!!

Friends

Maddie had some "friends" coming over last night that she had met at EFY (guy -friends) - so Dave decided to get one of his hobbies out... cleaning his guns :)

Happy Pioneer Day

Happy Pioneer Day everyone! Below are pictures of the Provo Pioneer Park on 500 West in Provo. These cabins are some of the first built in Provo as the pioneers came to settle the valley. It is believed that one of these cabins is the "Loveless Cabin". My Great Great Great Grandpa - John Loveless (I believe that was his name - or was it James - my mom will know) was one of the first men to come and help settle Provo.

Inside this museum (located next to the cabins) are MANY pioneer artifacts and my mom and took a tour here a couple of years ago and we were amazed at how many "Loveless" possessions have ended up here, donate by family members I'm sure.

I'm very thankful for my pioneer heritage. Dave and I have pioneers and early church members on both sides of our family and I'm thankful for their history and sacrifice. Have a great day everyone!

Happy Brithday Grandma Knowles

We had great birthday party for Dave's mom on Monday night. We held it up at Dave's sister, Marianne's house up at Sundance. It's beautiful up there and so quiet and peaceful. Not to mention the food is always delicious :)Grandma opening her presents from all of us.Dave tied on of the ribbons in her hair and added turkey feather to make her look like an Indian. He's the only one that could get away with this because he's still "her baby :)"

Dave with his mom and sisters (Marianne, Dave, Sandy, Mary (mom), and Lynn)

Some fun pictures of the cousins. This is Abi and Maddie who are inseparable.

Bronson and Ben. I could only get pictures when they were eating because the rest of the time they are up in the mountain playing.

The 2 skinniest girls starting on their second hamburgers

Oops - Abi got a little carried way with the ketchup :)

Emmie giving daddy a kiss.


Isn't family the best?

My Oompa Loompa

It finally arrived! All of the weeks of practice this summer have paid off for Talbie and the opening of the musical, "Willy Wonka - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was yesterday. We all went for opening night and it was SO GOOD. I was so impressed. This was the first time the Hale Center Theater has put on a musical - entirely with kids and they did spectacular job. Talbie loved every minute of it and has confirmed that acting/singing is her niche.

The musical still runs today and tomorrow if any of you are interested in seeing it. It's great entertainment, fun for kids, and only 1 1/2 hr long (including intermission). The price is only $5 so it's a great bargain too.

New Glasses

It's that time of year again where we need to get Talbie's glasses and contacts updated before school starts. The girls and I (minus Emmie who chose to go ride motorcycles with Dave and Bronson in Heber instead of hanging out with us - doing "girly" things) did some school clothes shopping on Saturday and we stopped to get Talbie's glasses ordered. These are the ones she picked out...

JUST KIDDING :) But she did choose the ones below. Aren't they cute? Maddie is also modeling some she wanted but I wasn't willing to pay $68.00 for frames with plain glass in them for her - so she could make a fashion statement. Call me crazy!

Memories

My friend, Suzy posted this on her blog. I really like the idea so do it if you'd like. It will be fun!

Fun if you want to participate

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember.

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see all the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume your playing the game and I will come to your blog and leave one about you.

Bronson's New Bike

Bronson's dream came true and Dave found a dirt bike for him. Dave had been fixing up a motorcycle and he sold it on KSL.com and turned around and bought this one for Bronson. It needed a little work so Dave went through the carburetor and now it runs like a top. Bronson had his maiden voyage tonight as he rode it for the first time. Dave wouldn't let him get out of first gear so he could get the hang of it. They're going up to Heber to ride this weekend at Dave's mom's house in miles of pasture. I'm excited for him.

I grew up riding motorcycles in my grandpa's pastures and it was the funnest time of my life. I had a few "wipeouts" and I have a scar from a burn on the back of my calf that I got when I was 4 or 5, but it builds character.

Dave created quite a problem for himself though because he doesn't have anything to ride since he sold his Harley to my dad last year (even though he wouldn't use that as a dirt bike.) He's saving his pennies in hopes of getting one soon.

Baby Shower

Brittany and I are throwing a baby shower tonight for our friend and I had to share this cute "diaper cake" I made as the center piece. I've seen this done before and I loved it so I tried to attempt it. I have to thank Dave for making metal frames for me because it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I think it turned out cute.

Also - Heather's nursery colors are pink and brown and "Whoppers" worked as a great candy to put in our "diaper candy dish!"

She's Home!

Maddie got home from EFY on Saturday and had a great time at BYU Idaho. She came home with a mountain of laundry that we did on Saturday and she also came home with some great new friends and fun pictures. Here is a sample. From what I can gather, she and her friend, Maddie took 1000 self portraits and lots of pictures with the boys.

We Did It! - Bronson's Room

Bronson's room has been such a MESS! We've lived in our house for over 12 years and his is the only room that hasn't been redone/or painted in that time. And - if you knew Bronson, you'd know why. This boy LOVES to thrash things: toys, walls, furniture, you name it!

Well, I couldn't stand it any longer and we had to remodel. The first thing I did was take 90% of his toys and "stuff" to the DI. He's getting to old for most of the things in his room and the sure sign that he's too old for something, is that starts to destroy it and tear it apart.

This is his room before...
I'm VERY embarrassed to post these next pictures but you have to see them to gain an appreciation for the finished product! Double click on them to see his walls and what he had done to them.
He had a dart board up at one time (big mistake) and I don't think it was ever hit by a dart - only the walls.
You can see a small glimpse of his closet to the side of this picture. That's the only toys he has left and they are the ones he likes, and takes care of - like his Magnetix, Bionicles, etc.

We sold the top bed of his bunk bed yesterday too. I have to give a little plug to KSL Classifieds because every time I post something on there (its free) it's sold within an hour. I did that with his top bunk bed and a cute couple bought it as a toddler bed. I was excited to get rid of it and excited for them because it really had never been used.

OK - brace yourselves for the finished product. Dave and I worked so hard yesterday getting it finished...

Flashback

Everyone had such nice things to say about Talbie's hair. I love it more and more everyday. I thought you'd get a kick out of seeing her the last time she had this same hair cut. This picture was taken 7 years ago at my brother, Cody's wedding. Talbie is front and center. Wasn't she so cute?

Another note about this picture is my beautiful mom. Doesn't she look like the picture of health in this picture? At this time she was suffering from severe headaches and was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few months after this picture was taken. She never lets things stop her and she put this entire wedding on as she suffered great pain. You're a trooper mom and I love you!

(Other side notes - Brittany, Caleen, and I were pregnant with Logan, Ember, and Emmie. Dave hadn't retired from the Sheriff's Department yet and was still working undercover. What a hottie :)

Look How Cute

Talbie decided that since she's starting Jr. High, she needed a new hair do! She has had long hair for years and wanted it short. She had about 8 inches cut off and she had her hair donated to "Locks of Love". I love her sassy new "do" and it's much easier for her to do herself now too!

Thanks Leslie (my cousin) for doing such a great job!!

EFY - Rexburg

Dave and I left on Monday and took Maddie and Maddie to EFY at BYU Idaho. They were so excited to go and have a week all to themselves and to hear the good speakers, go to the fun dances, and hopefully meet some cute boys! (Isn't that what EFY is all about?)

We got them all checked into their room and then we left them alone so they could unpack and get settled.

Dave's cousin Amy lives in Rexburg so we met up with them at their house and went to dinner with her and her husband, Shawn. We had such a good time and I have to tell you that Dave and I fell in love with Rexburg! If we ever move - it would be there.

Dave and I went to the Rexburg temple yesterday and did a session before we left for home. This temple was just dedicated few months ago and it's beautiful - inside and out. There are beautiful murals painted on the walls of the endowment rooms that were painted by Del Parsons. I also just noticed that in the picture above, you can see a couple walking towards the temple. Well, it just so happened that this was the same couple that took our picture (below) after the session. What a coincidence.