Happy Birthday Rhonda

This is my old roommate Rhonda. I hope she has a happy birthday today and knows how wonderful she is! You are beautiful, crazy, happy, spunky and spontaneous.
One of my favorite memories with Rhonda is our road trip from Provo, UT to Spokane, WA. We had about three days to drive a two-day trip to see her aunt and uncle (who were great to us). We ran out of gas in the middle of Montana and hitch-hiked to a gas station. I'll leave out all the ridiculous details (believe me- they were ridiculous). After that I promised never to go on a road trip again with Rhonda. Until I met Kent, then Rhonda and I hopped in the car to road trip it to Vegas so we could see Kent there on his little business trip. Rhonda ended up getting a ticket because Kent wasn't wearing his seatbelt in the backseat. I think Rhonda promised never to go on another road trip with me. All in all, Rhonda and I moved on and still love each other. Happy Birthday Rhonda.

Roasting Marshmallows

After the Pirate Party, we went over the forest on the Martin's property to roast marshmallows. The kids have so much fun playing on the giant rope swings. Isn't this picture just adorable? I am so lucky to have the most beautiful friends.
(left to right: Reagran, Brooke, Becky)
Lillian (Becky's daughter) is getting so big. I just love this picture of her
Izabella is a perfect country girl.
Beautiful mother and daughter
This was Ethan's first time roasting hot dogs or marshmallows (that I can remember).

He did a great job! Although he HATED the taste. He spit it out. Yuck!
Kent makes the best weenie!
See what I mean? haha.

Benjamin's Pirate Party

Ethan's friend, Benjamin (Jory and Kathy's son) had a Pirate Birthday Party yesterday. Oh what fun they had! Benjamin is the pirate in the middle of the picture holding the sword. He is adorable. He has two older sisters and his mommy is expecting a little brother in June. Look at Ethan's face! So funny.
The other boy, Spencer, is looking at him like he is crazy.

I love this picture of Benjamin and his cake. Isn't he the sweetest boy?
This is the second party that Ethan has been to where he got to meet
Captain Jack Sparrow!

Kathy and I made another cake together. She found this in a magazine and wanted to try it. With the extra cake we made two pirate ship cakes in the back. Benjamin was so excited when he came in the kitchen. He said, "That looks like a treasure chest!!!"

What a wonderful morning.

For most of you, this picture will be an insignificant picture of a waffle. To family members this will be one deliciously, beautiful memory. My grandma Faye used to make us waffles with crunchy bacon pieces chopped up into the waffle batter. Friday morning, waffles never sounded so tempting. I made Reagran come over and have some with me. I don't even own a waffle iron so I had to borrow my friend, Brooke's. I was desperate. Brooke, you missed out- raincheck? After a delicious brunch (we got a late start), we watched a Jane Austen movie, "Northanger Abbey." It was wonderful. Thank you Reagran for making my Friday morning perfect. I was able to live the kind of life that Kent thinks I am having everyday while he slaves away at work.

La Linea (The Line)

This is what our book club group read this month. This is a very humbling book. It was amazing to see what these people would have to go through to come from Mexico to the United States. It really hit home when Reagran told us the reason she chose this book for the month. This story was very similar to what her husband had to do to cross the border. Being in a community with a majority of people from Mexico, and some that have made their way here the same way the characters in this book did, helped me to be more compassionate with those that truly want to make a better lives for themselves and their children. There were some interesting points of view and a great discussion, over delicious food, between wonderful friends. This is Becky's last book club before she leaves us and moves to Yakima. We will miss her so much. PLEASE say you'll come see us!!

Ethan vs. Cameron

Yesterday Ethan's soccer team played against his best friend, Cameron's, team. They had so much fun. Brooke (Cameron's mom- my friend) and I laughed at how cute they were being out of the field. Here is an action shot of Ethan and Cameron both going for the ball.
This is Cameron congratulating Ethan on his goal.
Even Papa Gary came to see them play. That was so nice of him to come support them and make them feel special. Everyone knows Dr. Martin- so people were coming up to talk to him from all teams.

I heart Jim Halpert

Okay, I know I just posted a test a couple days ago, but I saw "The Office" quiz on a friends' blog. Being such a die hard fan, I had to see who I matched with. I'll take Jim any day!

Do You Belong in The Office?

My Result: Jim Halpert

You're not the person running around the office with a lampshade on your head (yet), but you've still got a sense of humor (and it's not of the makes-us-cringe variety). Sure, sometimes you're too busy cracking jokes to take care of business, but is that a crime? And you can't deny it — nothing says "HR meeting" like hiding a coworker's notes!

But when you're up against the clock, you'll come through in a pinch, which is why upper management keeps you around. After all, getting serious is always a possibility for you, just not exactly the probability...

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=theofficeogt&c=50652

Happy Birthday Amy

Today is my dear friend, Amy's, birthday. This is a picture of us on one of our favorite rides at Wild Adventures. I have so many fun memories that include Amy. When Ethan and Hayden (her first son) were little, we got season tickets to "Wild Adventures." Who knew what an amazing season that would be?! We would pack lunches and drive 1 1/2 up into Georgia and spend the day at an amusement park with more employees than tourists. We had our own personal ride operator that would follow us from ride to ride. If we weren't at Wild Adventures, we were making adventures of our own. Amy and I actually started a little business together. Although "Eden Originals" didn't last long, it was long enough for us. We had fun being creative and making enough money to buy our chocolate covered peanuts, and our Cherry Cokes (except for the time I didn't have enough money to buy my movie candy so Amy had to get it for me. Oh the lovely days of being a poor dental student!). During our business run, Amy and I both got pregnant with our second children. I think I started out 8 weeks ahead of Amy's due date, then I got pushed back 2 weeks, Amy got pushed up a few weeks, I delivered late, she delivered early... all said and done Ella and Zade are less than a month apart. I love Amy and I am so thankful for all she has taught me about being a good friend. She still lives in Florida and I miss her very much. Happy Birthday Amy!

Welcome Mason Ian Copeland

Today we had a special little nephew born into the Copeland family. Congratulations to Cameron and Anne, who just had a little baby boy this evening. Mason Ian Copeland was born weighing 6 pounds 15 ounces, measuring 20 inches long. Anne and baby are healthy and strong. We are so thankful for such a happy occasion.

Annie's Fashion Revue Project

Annie is in a 4-H group that is having a Fashion Revue this Friday. She made this darling 50's skirt and gets to wear it at the show. For part of the judging, she had to submit a picture of her in her project with her information packet. Here are just a few (there were lots) of my favorites.

Get Well, Greg

This is my brother Greg being baptized, last year, by my Dad for the second time in his life. I am so proud of him and the choices he made that brought him back into the church. His life was full of trials and tribulations, of which he has concluded to seek the Lord and be faithful to his beliefs. After making that decision to turn his life around, he was able to go to Fiji to see my parents on their mission and have my dad bring him back into the fullness of the gospel through baptism. My brother is now facing a physical trial as he suffered a serious eye infection, which led to an ulcer and eventually to no vision in one of his eyes. The doctor tells him as the ulcer heals, it is looking like he will need a cornea transplant before he will be able to see with that eye. My dad asked my family to come together to fast for him to heal well and quickly. In return to this request, Greg said, "I appreciate your prayers. I am a big believer in the prayers of the many can do miracles. And I believe in miracles. I am here, alive and back in the church. That is a pretty nice miracle in and of itself. "
My thoughts and prayers are with my brother at this time. I am so thankful for the love he gives me and the example he is. He's a wonderful man that truly believes in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for families and for the power of prayer. I love you Greg.

Happy Birthday, Erin

Last year we had an 80's party to celebrate Erin's birthday! It was so much fun. I am excited for Erin to move out here to Sunnyside so we can continue these fun "theme parties!" Hurry up Erin!
For Erin's birthday and Kent's graduation last year, we (Kent, me, Brent and Erin) went on a cruise. It was truly the funnest time! Erin and I had so much fun being silly together. Erin is a beautiful person. Happy Birthday Beautiful!!

Movie Mom

This is quite hilarious that this is the movie mom I would be. Just yesterday I was thinking about Maria making the dresses out of curtains- I was actually debating whether to do that same thing! Too funny!

Which Movie Mom Are You?

My Result: The Sound Of Music's Maria Von Trapp

OK, so maybe you never went straight from a convent to motherhood, but it's a safe bet that you encourage and support your family in much the same way that Maria did. Playful and yes, sometimes a little mischievous, you tend to lead by doing, and you always make sure to help your children achieve their goals without actually doing it for them.

You inspire your family because you always find creative ways to make even the most mundane chores or homework problems seem fun and important. And you want others to try to find the beauty in life — whether it's from art, music, books, or adventure. Those are just a few of your favorite things.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=moviemomogt&c=50652

Janae's Baby Shower

Janae's baby shower starts the trend for the next few months of baby showers. Janae has two little boys and is expecting her first little girl. She is so excited to have pink, bows, bracelets, and lace. We had a surprise shower for her last night. Janae wants to use pink and brown for Amalia (baby-to-be)'s nursery. Since my darling friends, in Florida, did my shower in those colors for Ella, I was able to use a lot of those things to decorate.

These are the party favors. We wrapped flower seeds in paper, put a little stamp on them and tied little bows in the corner.
This is a blanket I made for Amalia, with a matching bib.

Go Bluebirds!

Last night was the first soccer game of the season. Kent and Christian are the coaches (one thing you should know about Christian- every time I try to take a picture of him he looks away). Do you like Christian's shirt? Since I am supposed to be assistant coach, he wore my shirt. Kent didn't get one. We'll have to track one down for him.
I had to take a picture of the team in action. They huddled around the ball the entire time. It was so cute!
Annie came to help keep Ella entertained. Thank you! We had a little bag of candy to help keep Ella from running on the field.