The place where we all live...

I love the Fourth. I love that my kids love it. Sofia has been asking me daily where we are going to go to eat "hamgaburs" and watch the fireworks. Well we decided to take advantage of the different cities "days" and Aunt Liane, Madalyn, Sofia, Ella and myself went to the neighboring "Taylorsville Dayz" and saw what they had to offer.
We got to pick out our favorite carnival food (Sof picked a hamgabur-shocker!) and look at the rides. Although we didnt ride any, we got to pick out our favorite and put on our list for next week when we hit the West Jordan Days. Ella even got a round of applause from a crowd as she showed no fear and walked up to this "demon" that was at least 12 feet tall with HUGE arms and gave him a hug while other kids stood by and screamed. She liked it so much that with a nervous laugh she went and did it again!! Again, no camera. I know. I suck.
The other day, Liane told me that Madalyn loves ABBA. She knows the entire Mama Mia soundtrack and if a Disney princess song came on, she would probley give you a blank look, but put on Abba's greatest hits- and shes a rockstar. So when Liane told me that Taylorsville Dayz had a tribute to ABBA- we were there!!!
We sat on the lawn and listened to the music and then decided to leave early to miss the crowds before the fireworks came. We found a spot of lawn at a bank not a mile away and camped out there. It was great- until the sprinklers came on. As I was trying to throw-er, gently coax Ella off my lap I turned just as the sprinkler was turning and it hit my face full on!! It was HILARIOUS! Great memories and I am just sad that I did not have a camera to get the event on film....

Next time. And of course there will be a next time. Were planning on visiting as many "City Days" as we can in this place were we all live. So many carnivals-so little time.

Some things never change...

I remember doing this. I remember being up there, on the stage with Ryan and Jennie (Harris) Carter during our Christmas program and that Mom (Grandma) I believe was the one who made the lamb outfit for me....

Fast forward about 30 years....

Thats our Sof in front...the lamb with a blue outfit and a peace sign on her shirt...I just wish I could zoom and crop for you.

I wonder what kind of lamb Sofia's daughter will resemble in another 30 years..

Couponing 101

I guess you could say I'm getting back to my roots as I remember being taken to the store with a coupon and going and getting what we needed. Only looking to my right and my left and seeing my siblings in the checkout lines next to me doing the same thing!

I am now teaching coupon classes to show people how they too can feed a family of four for $150 a month! We have food storage for the first time EVER- and this is while Artyom has been unemployed for the last 10 months. Its been a answer to prayers for us and I'm so excited to tell people about it.

So if youre in the UT area- email me! I not only need the practice, but who can not benefit from actually saving money in today's economy. Its a win-win.

Does'nt get much better than this

So for those of you who know Facebook, you know that when you have a Birthday, you are literally bombarded with Birthday wishes. Its great- but my Blackberry this morning was nearing its memory limit with all the messages. I feel loved!

THEN. Then it was topped by this pic not only being posted on Facebook, but a susprise visit from the Betsy with 2 adorable girls in tow. My girls as a matter of fact. SO CUTE!! They came and susprised me at work with balloons and cards and I could not have been happier. It just does'nt get much better than this! What a way to make a Mama feel special on her Birthday. I'm one lucky girl.