Wishes Do Come True!

I made a wish a few posts ago on June 17th. (You might want to read that one to bring it all together.) I was wishing I had a picture of that day when we had our own impromptu concert on our back porch. Well, who knew! I had a copy of a picture. It was in a ziplock bag with alot of other pictures that had been recovered from our family's house fire. Pretty much everything was lost, so it is so awesome that we have some pictures - even if they are a bit damaged from the heat & water.

There I am banging on the "drums." Take a look at those sexy glasses! I am sure all of you that grew up in the 80's and had to have vision correction, have plenty of pics in those babies! Remember how cool the transition glasses were? (At least I thought they were pretty awesome.)

Camping is AWESOME!!

Well last Friday afternoon into Saturday the girls & I went camping with our ward. It was a camping extravaganza! We got up there and chose a camping area away from everyone who was there already. We were warned of certain snorers (I will not name any names here) so that explains the distance - not that we don't like to socialize or anything. Plus it was a good workout up the hill to our area. After we set up our tent, I made our dinner. We were neighbors with another family who also had 2 girls so the kids were having the time of their lives! Just think - dirt, walkie-talkies, flashlights, dirt, dogs, friends, did I mention dirt....what more could one ask for in a camping trip, right?

That night we had a nice fire & everyone came to roast marshmallows & make S'mores. YUMMY! I taught Victoria the fine art of roasting a marshmallow without engulfing it in flames. Christianna really liked the burning part. Seriously, she kept putting on the marshmallow, burning the outside to a crisp, and then giving them to me so she could burn another one. She didn't even like to eat them that way - she just liked to see them burn. Um, pyro? It has me a little worried, I mean fire is fascinating and everything, but it makes you wonder what will come of it later in life. I will keep you posted on that.

That night we snuggled into our sleeping bags and practically froze! I forgot how cold it gets up in the mountains at night. The girls seemed to sleep fine and luckily the bathroom trips down the hill didn't start until 5:30 am...after there was some light outside. I could see my breath! That is how cold it was folks. Next time I will remember the winter fleece or flannel pj's & extra blankets. Brrrrrrrr....

The next morning started early - as I mentioned the early bathroom trips. We were up by 7:30 and got ready for breakfast. Thankfully, a meal that I didn't have to prepare...eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns, & sausage.

Then we got changed and headed for the lake. It was also cold, meaning the water. But of course, the snow melting in the mountains - goes into the lake....it was like putting your hand in a glass of ice cold water. Not that it made any difference to the girls. Their legs were so red from the water temperature, but they really didn't care. We went canoeing too! It was interesting to be the only one paddling. The girls wanted to help - but after Victoria's first try of paddling the opposite way...I had them take a break. We ended up taking a rowing break back at the boat launch & the girls just played in the water. We did another quick trip out again later on and we just had a fabulous time! I did lighten up and let them take turns rowing...I guess I found the patience to teach them how to do it right that time.

Victoria tried a little kayaking and really took to it well. There was a very nice gentleman there who let her try it out - which totally made her day! So there is another "I wish I had..." item for her list.

Christianna couldn't go without injury. That girl is such a klutz! She can trip over her own feet. Pretty much, a day doesn't pass where she isn't injured in some way! It may be hard to see, but she fell in the water on the cement of the boat launch & totally scraped her knees up! She wanted a band aid, but I refused until she was done playing in the water. The one knee now has a pretty nice scab the size of a quarter!

All in all, it was a really fun time. Christianna threw a fit when it was time to head home. She told me that she wanted to live there forever. Oh, a girl after my own heart! It really made me homesick for Pennsylvania & the greenery there.

So, where was Chris? Well, there was a special tactical training Saturday morning that he needed to be at. Bummer huh? We really missed having him there, but that just means that we will need to go on a family camping trip before the summer is over.

Catching Up : Part 2

Continuing the story from last Saturday, after we did the rock wall climbing we decided to just walk around the Gateway. There was some kind of event going on there that day so we went by various booths, and listened to some performing groups. But the highlight of it all for me was the chalk drawings! They were beautiful. They had so many drawn on the road stretching the entire length of the road at the Gateway. Since it is hard to even describe them, I am posting some of my favorites.

This one was so awesome! It was sponsered by an adoption group.

This looks so real! Like you are really looking down into a hole in the sidewalk. There were a few like these throughout the displays. But this was my favorite 3-D one. It was drawn by Steven Platt.

And, this one was just interesting. Plus, the details were amazing!

I hope you enjoyed all those! They definately were more amazing in person, but you get the idea. When I see things like this, it really makes me want to get back into the arts & start drawing again. I have been thinking about it alot lately and even purchased some new materials to do so. Who knows, maybe I will be posting some originals in the near future?

Catching Up - part 1

As alot of you know, we had family visiting for 10 days because of Victoria's baptism. Everyone left Sunday leaving things relatively quiet and a little sad too. While Chris's family was here, we filled our days with fun & sometimes exhausting activities, I fell a bit behind on things that I wanted to share. So for the next couple days, I will try to catch you all up.

So last Saturday was such a busy one - more for me than anyone else. I started my day of with about a solo 2 hour drive south to a little place called Scipio. My best friend was getting re-married and I really wanted to be there. It is kinda fun driving all alone. You can turn up the tunes & sing at the top of your lungs - with no reservations. LOVE THAT! It was a beautiful little ceremony with mainly family members. After the luncheon, I headed back home. I then met up with everyone and we went down to the Gateway mall for the rest of the day. First we went into Dick's sporting goods and climbed the rock wall in there. I didn't this time since I was wearing this cute little outfit, skirts are not the best to climb in for many reasons - so I was the photographer. Shocker, right? So, Uncle David went first, followed by Christianna, Victoria & Chris, and then Grandpa.

Christianna didn't make it up too far, she "claimed" she was scared. But it was her first time - so she did awesome.

Victoria & Chris started at the same time. Victoria made it all the way to the top...Chris didn't - in his defense, he took a more difficult section than Victoria had.

Don't you love the difference between Chris & Victoria here? I thought it was funny since they started at the same time!

Another trip down memory lane...

Tonight I was driving home from a Pampered Chef show and a song came on the radio. Boy, it took me back! The song: "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leopard. I seriously don't even know how old we were when this happened, but we were young. One summer, our Aunt & Uncle & cousins from NY were visiting. My cousin John, my sister Jennie & I decided to put on a performance for the family. We totally lip synced to that song on our back porch! John was the lead singer, Jennie the guitarist, and I was the drummer. We had the most awesome set of drums too! We set up our 2 big garbage cans and went to town! ( I don't think that I was much more than a foot & a half taller than the garbage cans too.) We didn't really know much more than the chorus as we went along, but it is something I think about and can't help but smile. I wish I had a picture from that day.

Fathers

I am normally a day late & a dollar short.....so I didn't want to break tradition. Speaking of tradition, I would like to share a little about the Dads I know & love.

First, my own Dad. I have especially been thinking about stories from my childhood lately & sharing them with my girls. My Dad loves The Fiddler on the Roof - hence the "tradition." I know all those out there who are familiar with it are singing that song in their head right now and those who are not - it is sad to be you. (j/k) You should see him sing and dance to "If I Were a Rich Man." Jennie vaguely mentioned the split pea soup "incident." I will expound. I know that my Dad feels really bad about this, but seriously - it is a great story!! One Saturday afternoon, Jennie & I were eating lunch, well - supposed to be. My Dad had made us split pea soup (aaaccckkkk) and he expected us to eat it too! (the nerve, right?) Anyway, we were told, after we had already refused to eat it, that we could not watch any more cartoons that day until we finished. This is when Saturday was actually a day of cartoons. The best day EVER! Jennie eventually gave in, which was truly out of character for her stubborn self and tried to coax me to follow suit so we could watch cartoons together. I still refused, which was against my normal character - I normally didn't like to rock the boat. I have been referred to as the brown noser of the family. But I just couldn't bring myself to eat it. After a long time of sitting in the kitchen alone, our awesome dog, Ginger, came in to keep me company. Can you say "opportunity?" You guessed it, she helped me finish my lunch. I quickly went in to join them in the living room. I am not sure how long it was, but a little while later, Jennie asked the one thing I didn't want to hear: "What is that stuff on Ginger's nose?" Upon further examination of her snout, the gig was up. I was sent to my room & that was it. Jennie felt bad for giving me up, but she didn't know about my sneakiness. My Dad later felt bad too - when I was older & married. He called me out of the blue to apologize. The only thing he did wrong was make the soup, really. I was the dishonest one who was driven to do badness by the cartoons! I forgot to make sure all the evidence was erased on my cohort, but it was for the best. I learned that I need to be honest and grateful for what I have (there are starving children in Africa after all). So Dad, the punishment was earned. Thank you! There are many more memories about my Dad and as I continue to blog, they will come out. But he is a wonderful Father. I was the tomboy who loved following him around whenever he was home & do the outdoor stuff. He taught me how to catch a ball (with my eyes open), how to drive..started me on a stick-shift...oooh, that's a good story I should share sometime..., how to change the oil & filter in my car, and other stuff. But more importantly, he taught me unconditional love, along with my Mom, and how a person can change with the Lord's help. I love you Dad!

I would also like to say a little about my Father-in-Law...or simply, Dad. I have actually known him for over half of my life - as long as I have known my husband. He is a quiet, soft-spoken man. He has seen me through good and bad times throughout my life - and still loves me as a daughter. (You see, he had 4 sons. I have heard stories about those guys too!) I truly feel like I am his daughter. It is kinda hard to explain it really... He also has a funny story that has become a family tradition in our little band of Fairall's. When Chris & I got married, Dad sang us a song at our reception. Alot went into the intro. for the song...a story about how sometime Chris would come home to an upset wife, wouldn't know what he did and then told him what to do to fix it. He broke into song! "I know you want to leave me, but I refuse to let you go. If I have to beg and plead for your sympathy - I don't mind 'cause you mean that much to me. Ain't to proud to beg you sweet darling...." Seriously, he sang the entire song by the Temptations - dancing included! We were laughing so hard that the tears were flowing. This is a common song in our home & the girls even know it. If you ever want to see our wedding video - I can show you the whole performance!

So there is a little extra special glimpse into the Dads I know and love dearly. Happy Father's Day!

Take me out to the ballgame!

Today we all took a trip to see our Salt Lake Bees play. It was lots of fun - except for the 10 seconds of almost terror when we lost the girls. They were actually following the wrong person in the crowd and turned right instead of left @ the top of the stairs. Whew! Sad to say, that the Bees did not win this one - but it was a great game!
After the game was over, the girls ran around the bases. Something that they love to do!

All in all, it was a night of fun, food, family, food, excitement - did I mention food? (Dad kept checking out all the food that other people around us would be eating. It was hilarious! When he finally decided to eat, he just got pizza. Crazy!) Tonight I was proud of myself - I really didn't get as much junk as usual. Just 1 brat w/ the works & a bag of kettle corn. --I even have alot of the popcorn left for my road trip tomorrow.

The Utah State Capitol

Today the Fairall clan took an educational tour of our capitol. I would say that it was about time too! We have never visited it and we have lived here for 9 years! It's even worse since we are about 10 minutes away... We had a great time! It really was fun. I think everyone should go and take a tour. I took alot of pictures, as usual. It was a truly beautiful building. They have given it a huge remodeling overhaul & are still putting in the finishing touches. Also, for the kiddies - it has the BEST echoing effects!

Things are getting better....

I probably should have posted this one earlier! We have been soo insanely crazy & busy with the family visiting, that I barely have time to check my email once a day! Today Chris & I are heading out for a bike ride in the morning & then we all will be migrating south to spend most of the day in Provo with David, Chris's brother.

Anyways, my last post about motor school was...let's say....written a little on the emotional side...So I thought I would update everyone. Yes, we were dissappointed about him not getting a call to join the motors, but Chris is getting alot better about it. Finally seeing the "bright side" of it. It is quite refreshing actually, I am normally at that point by the next day and it takes him alot longer to come around.

So, there you have it! We are doing well and feeling better. And someday, he may just get the opportunity to join the elite group. Who knows? California is looking alot better right now!

Oh, and by the way.... I am hoping that this isn't the case, but ever since we found out the news, I haven't heard from Mel OR Melesa! What's the deal? You guys avoiding me now???

Victoria's Baptism

Saturday was a very special and wonderful day! Victoria was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She had many friends & family members to celebrate the day with her. Her Grandparents came from Pennsylvania & Cedar City, her uncle came up from Provo, and we had friends come from various places throughout the Salt Lake valley. There was other family members who we missed, but were there in spirit: Aunt Jennie, Uncle Dallas & the kids, Uncle Tom, Aunt Crystal & the girls, Uncle Patrick, Uncle Todd, Uncle Brian & Aunt Catherine. It was such a wonderful morning. Everyone had a part in her baptism and it was wonderful to have that opportunity. I am very grateful that we had support of friends and family and that the spirit was so strong that morning. I hope and pray that it is something Victoria never forgets.

crud...that's really all I can say about it...

Well, it's almost 9 pm on Wed. night. We just found out that Chris will not be taken onto the motor squad at the current time. Frankly, we are rather peeved about it. I guess it's good that he is still on the list - but it's still a bummer. I know he was really looking forward to the parades and all the cool stuff the motors do. I figured I would let you all know - since it was such a huge thing for us, especially for Chris. So, maybe you shouldn't ask him about it for a little while - until the disappointment wears off a little. I, of course, am trying to keep his spirits up and acting like a goof in hopes of a smile here or there....so far I managed it 1 time.

He apologized, in advance, if he is a little moody tonight (which he TOTALLY is.) I told him that he should say it again - the apology - in a low sounding voice, really fast. You know, like the disclaimers on TV... "Honey, I cannot be responsible for my angry actions for the rest of the evening, and possibly the next month due to the lack of my getting on the motor squad." Say it over in your head very quickly in that lower voice...it really makes it fun.

It is nearly here!

Most everyone knows by now that Victoria is getting baptized this Saturday morning. (And if you didn't sorry! You are welcome to attend anyway...) I have been working on cleaning the entire place for family and sewing a dress for Victoria. I thought I would share how the dress turned out. Of course, as we all know - Victoria will make it look even cuter!

He did it!!!

Well, here he is - my hottie bombalattie! I found out today, just before 4 that Chris finished motor school & passed! YAY! He showed up just as church was getting over.

It took him 3 tries and apparently the third time is the charm. But, that doesn't mean he is on the squad - yet. He is technically now on a list. Can you believe that? All that hard work to be on a list - oh well. We are hoping that he is taken on the squad soon, but time will tell. They are hoping to fill a spot soon & another in July. We are so hoping that he gets one of those spots. So, if you guys could help out with that - you know who I am talking to - I would be very grateful!

A goat????

Oh my gosh! The funniest thing happened on the way to dinner tonight! I wish I had a picture of this! ok...I was in the car with 3 other ladies, on our way to meet our hubbies for dinner with those in motor school. We were traveling north on I-15 and traffic was a little heavy in one area. We figured that it was because of the constant state of construction that is taking over Utah highways. But, were we wrong!

As we were crawling down the road, we seriously saw a little goat on the left side of us, running against traffic! He went right by our car and weaved back and forth between cars behind us! No one could get their camera out in time - Mel tried valiantly to get a shot, but was hindered by the small space available through the back window (you've got to love those child proof windows that roll down about half way.. again, that also would have been a great pic - her trying to hang out of it to get a picture of a goat on the loose!)

It was seriously the funniest thing. Then when we reached the location for dinner, we talked with another wife of a motor hopeful. She had also come through that same traffic mess, but what she saw was this: a lady running down the right side of the freeway with a rope in her hands. With our stories together, most of the big picture was there. Clearly this woman lost her little goat & didn't know where to find him....just somewhere on I-15 heading south in the northbound traffic lanes. I guess we'll never know what happened to that little goat, but I sure hope she found him!

Graduations: new & old

Picture 30

Today I attended a police gradutation of one of our friends. He went through post & finished today! It was exciting for all those involved.... It actually brought me back to when Chris graduated. ( I seriously got a little choked up remembering it.) It will be 6 years ago in July - man, it is hard to believe that.

At that time there were 2 graduations, one from State of Utah POST & the other from Salt Lake's in-house academy. He graduated POST in late December - I was HUGE with child. (This is really no exaggeration, trust me.) We were worried that I would have Christianna early & miss out on everything. But all went well and I was there for it. (She came 3 days later.) Then when he graduated the in-house academy in July of the next year & was officially a Salt Lake officer - things became more real. I pinned his badge on and everything. I was so proud. Even now, when he leaves for work every day - I am still so very proud of him!

We are hoping to be able to celebrate another graduation of sorts tomorrow. He has been attending motor school and he has 1 more day left of testing. We are all hoping that he makes it through. A little sidenote....I wasn't sure that I was going to like the new uniform that he would wear as a motor officer, I mean, he is sooo HOT in his regular uniform & also even more when he is in his PLU gear (aka - the riot gear) ... but boy, he does look amazing in the brown motor pants & hooker boots...tssssss hot! --Keep your hands off! He's mine!!

Staples

Thursday - Picture 29

I know I am a bit behind here people - it has been a busy few days. I feel bad too! I have been pretty good with the picture a day until the very end of May!

So - I figure that I will make a quick post & get to the pictures tomorrow....so today's blog is all about staples...and not the metal type variety - I am talking food staples we have here in our family.

Christianna: Mac & Cheese, string cheese, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, apples, bananas, carrots & italian dressing

Victoria: string cheese, milk, peanut butter sandwiches, apples, carrots & bleu cheese or ranch dressing

Chris: Ice Cream (in a bucket), sprinkles, marshmellows, cereal (preferrably the crappy sugary
kind that I will not buy for him)

Nicole: Chocolate of some kind or at least a brownie mix, carrots, apples, water

There you have it! So, if anyone out there takes the girls for a day or so, you know what they like!