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.