University Parkway

How was NieNie's talk you ask?
I am sure it was wonderful.
And inspirational.
A once in a lifetime experience.
I, sadly, was not in attendance.
I was spending time on the side of University Parkway.
Doing this.

He looks happy- but trust me- we felt more like this.

Ok fine- he still looks kind of happy- but this was before we knew how long we would be there for...
While Justin was posing in front of the van- I was doing this-

 (pushing the kids in the stroller over to the nearby strip mall so we could eat.)
And when I wasn't doing that.
We were eating Mexican food and drinking apple pop.
This was truly authentic Mexican.
It reminded me of the food I ate in Mexico when I went there for the YMCA.
Delicious.
Anyway.
We also had some of this...

It is delicious Apple Pop.
Manzana Lift was my favorite- but this was delicious too.

And when we weren't doing either of those things-
We were here.

Enjoying pure delicious heaven.
Ruby loved the icing.

A little too much.
But who was I to stop her?
I was too busy being anxious and emotionally draining myself.

Which I did pretty well-
If I do say so myself.
If you need a second opinion on that- I am sure Justin would vouch for me.

And while we did those things
Justin set up the mechanic end of things.
And the tow truck was called.
And Clark was called to come rescue us.  (thank goodness for good friends)
And Justin did it all.
Like I said- I was a little preoccupied.
And really- lets face it- Even if I wasn't an emotional wreck that was checking the clock every 5 seconds- I still wouldn't have set any of that up anyway.

We waited for what seemed like A LONG TIME.
I almost had time to go and get my hair cut...
(Which I desperately need to do)
But then the tow truck came.
Justin was already out at the road with Ruby taking the car seats and anything else we may need.
I was back at the cupcake place people and clock watching.
By this time it was already 7:30.
The speech started at 7.
So you can imagine my emotions at that point.
But just when I lost all hope I had of ever hearing NieNie speak....
Justin drove up to the cupcake shops window.
You got it.  The van started.
The tow truck guy gave us some gas.
I would have left that small detail out- if I thought that it was appropriate to let you think that our van just miraculously started.
But if I am being fair to us- we were NOT on empty.
And it WAS a miracle.
At least to us.
We prayed and the van started = a miracle for the Snelldogs.
Though Justin is not convinced that being out of gas was the problem- and therefore neither am I.
We shall see in the next few days or weeks what happens with the van.
Until then- we will keep it topped up.
And hey, we got three free gallons of gas!!

So the van was running.
I gathered up our stuff and Noni and we tried to head out the door.
But then I dropped half of our stuff.
There was a lot of stuff.
So a kind woman came and helped while I tried to quickly fill her in on the story so she could understand why I was carrying a baby and a backpack and a diaper bag and a camera and a cellphone and a package of cupcakes out the door- while my husband sat in a running van.
I think she understood after a little explanation.

I was elated!
We could still make it to a few minutes of NieNie- if we hustled.
But the tow truck guy wanted to be responsible and follow us to a gas station so we could fill up and so he could make sure that the car was still going to run for us...
Those tow truck guys- so responsible.

So we did that.
And I took Ruby to the potty.
The door knob fell off as I was opening the door.
Just one more wonderful detail of the evening.
We left and the van was still running.
Hallelujah!

I still had some hope.
Now if I was lucky NieNie would speak for an hour and a half and I can make it to the last ten minutes.
We got to BYU campus.
Got a little turned around.
Of course.
Made it there.
And then Ruby had to go to the bathroom.
By this point I knew it was over.
There were a ton of people leaving and they were all dressed up nice and a little teary eyed and they all looked enlightened.
I knew it was over.
And we had missed it.
I was sure this was my chance to meet her and hear from her- but alas it was not.
So I took Ruby to the potty. (She didn't really have to go)
Went up a back stairwell (you know, in case she was making a quick getaway out the back and perhaps I could just stop her to say hi and to tell her what an inspiration she has been and what I went through that night just to come and see her and then maybe get a picture with her- just so I could show you all that I met her...you know, the usual.)
Anyway- didn't happen.
She had already made her getaway.
So I got to the ballroom and Justin was there.
(He parked the van while I took Ruby)
He had already scoped out the place for me... no nie.
So I took this picture- just to prove that we tried.

And we were about to leave.
When I spotted Cjane (Courtney).
(Nie's sister who also has a very inspirational and funny blog)
She was talking to some other family members.
And I swear I never would have bothered her- but I had been through so much and I just wanted someone to know the story.
So Justin took the initiative and we went over there.
We had a great conversation where we talked about Nie, and our van issues, and our babies.
She thinks Myers would be a great match for her baby Ever.
I agree.
And we talked about Canada and the Rooftop concert series.
And then- just in case she didn't already think I was crazy- I asked her if we could get a picture with her.
(I know- weird- but I had to)
She graciously agreed.

 (Look at Noni and Ever- they couldn't take their eyes off each other.)

And she gushed over Ruby and how beautiful she is and Myers and how wonderful he is.
And it made me like her even more.
I told her I loved her blog and I think that was about it.
I don't even think I got to tell her that Ever was insanely cute or that I found her inspiring.
I'm pretty sure she gave me a million compliments and I just took them without returning any at all.
That is probably the only thing that I would change about our adventure.
Oh- and I would probably try to be on time for the speech.
But really I was a crazy emotional wreck- I'm just glad I didn't burst out bawling.
I almost did.
I didn't really have a reason to cry- just that everything had come to an end.
All my anxiety and restlessness and waiting and emotions could be over.
And it wasn't all for not.
Justin and I and Ruby and Myers had another Snelldog adventure.
Our van is running for the time being and even though Justin thinks there are deeper problems I am going to pretend that there aren't and that we just ran out of gas.
Our prayers were answered.
And I got to meet CJane.
And she was awesome, and kind and gracious.
I think we could be friends.  If that were even possible.  If she doesn't think I am a crazy stalker who never compliments anyone.
If only she could know the real me...
Maybe I will talk to her about that at the Concert tomorrow. 
We will be there- if I can convince Justin.
Which I think I can.
Courtney said it is going to be even better than the last one.
And the last one was pretty amazing.

So to end this incredibly long post-
That was our night.
I am disappointed about the missed speech but apparently they are going to rebroadcast it.
And on the upside- I got delicious cupcakes, an adventure with my wonderful, patient husband and two beautiful children, and a strengthened testimony that Heavenly Father is mindful of me.  He knows my situation and he helps me.  He has given me some amazing opportunities.  Prayer works.  I know it does.


Oh- and I met Cjane.  And she is as wonderful as her blog portrays her to be.  And I'm not just saying that....

The Lord of The Ring

No- we didn't meet Frodo down here.Though I hear he resides somewhere in the Wasatch Mountains.
Ok- I made that up.
I haven't heard that anywhere.
Ok- I also admit that I know that all of you already knew that.
And I didn't need to clarify.
But I thought it was funny.
Input- anyone?
Anyway- tally ho, onward to the real meat of this post.
As we have already clarified- it is not Frodo but our own dear sweet hobbit- Noni that I am speaking of.
You have to admit that he does have some hobbit-like qualities.
He's small, He's cute, He has a large head in comparison to the rest of his body, he doesn't wear shoes, he is extremely loyal (except when he chooses Justin over me), he loves second breakfasts, and he has hairy toes.
In fact- I didn't realise how hobbit-like he was until I compiled this list...
Well, minus the hairy toes bit.
The last and most hobbit-like quality that he possesses is his uncanny attraction to his teething ring.
He loves that thing.
He has to have it in his hand to sleep now.
No soother for this guy anymore- just a ring in hand is required.
He takes it on our walks, he eats his second breakfasts with it.
If he wakes up in the middle of the night and I put it in his hand he settles right down.
I'm just saying- if there was a ring to rule all babies- it would be this one- and my baby would be the keeper of it.
Though it wouldn't have all those bad qualities about it.
Its just an innocent teething ring.
I swear...
He is such a sweet little hobbit....

I am really excited because....
Nienie is talking soon!
On Thursday in fact.
And we are going.
Kids and all.
Perhaps all of my dreams will come true....
Perhaps I will meet her.
And she can meet my baby- ring and all....
I'm sure she would like him....

Did You See Me?

I was there!
At the conference center...  During the Woman's Broadcast.
Did you see me?

I tried to make myself noticeable...
Luckily if you didn't get to see me- you will have another chance!
Justin and I will be at the Sunday Afternoon session of General Conference.
Now that you have advanced warning- be prepared!
And keep your eyes open!

The session was wonderful!
I was able to be in the same room as President Monson.
Seriously.
It was wonderful.
I feel blessed to have had the opportunity.
I didn't have tickets- and I wasn't sure if I would be able to get in.
But Justin drove me down and we took the chance.
And it paid off!
I walked onto the temple grounds and they were giving out tickets!
And I got floor seats right in the center.
It was amazing and wonderful.
If you didn't get to go to the broadcast you should take the time to listen online.
It was that good!!

I am grateful to be in Utah and to have opportunities like this.

In other news-  KATHY HAD HER BABY!
A little girl- Hannah Jessica Vos.
I have it on good authority that she is super cute and cuddly.
I just hope that she is giving my sister a chance to sleep....

I love her already.....

A Little Warning Would Have Been Nice....

Nobody told me I would find spiders like this down here.

(don't be deceived- that is one honking huge spider.)

I mean if I thought about it I am sure that I could have deduced that there would have been.
We do live in a warmer climate.
But I shouldn't have to think about things like that.
Someone should have just told me.
For future reference could you please prepare me?
Just so I don't freak out in front of the neighbors next time?
It is hard to make friends when that is their first impression of you.
Just a little warning would be nice.
And for those of you who knew that I would face 'arachnids of unusual size' and didn't tell me...
Shame on you.

Oh- and I just found out that NieNie is speaking at BYU on September 30.  I'm going....  and I would love all of you to join me!!!  So grab your passports and COME ON DOWN!!

Recently I picked these fabrics up for really cheap at a local quilt shop- which I am now in love with...  The quilt shop that is- and the fabrics... I am excited to see what they become...  Aren't they beautiful?

And lastly- MY SISTER IS HAVING A BABY TOMORROW!!!  I wish I could be back in Alberta to help her with everything, but alas- a blog shout out will have to do.  We love you- we love your babies and we are very excited to meet the new addition soon.  Just don't let her grow too big before we get there... deal?

Star Struck

Friday was a great day for us.
I searched all over Utah County for some swimsuits- which I eventually found.
Justin went to work.
We all came home and had a nap.
Then we headed out to find the final swimtop that I was looking for
AND...
With much effort- we went to the first installment of THE ROOFTOP CONCERT SERIES...

 (That's Benton Paul- check out his song 'I Only See You'

it's pretty awesome)

It really was a lot of effort-
and we almost didn't go.
But boy- that would have been a HUGE mistake.
It was AWESOME.
We showed up late (because it was so much effort) but we enjoyed every second.
Justin and Ruby danced the night away.

While Noni slept in the ergo and I swayed.
And then Noni woke up.

 (Isn't that face awesome)

And danced in the ergo.
I spent most of the time looking for Cjane, Chup (her husband), and NieNie (of course).
In between the searching we all enjoyed the music and the fresh outdoor provo air.
And then I spotted him.

Chup.
He was there.
(I swear we aren't creepers or stalkers- just inspired by things they have to say- or write)
The concert ended and we took our tired little kiddos toward the car.
And we passed him.
I was excited- and I dare say Justin felt it too.
The excitement.
We walked about 10 steps and then I stopped.
I really wanted to tell him that it was an amazing concert and that we had ALOT of fun.
If it wasn't for Justin I wouldn't have had the guts.
But he started the upward climb towards him.
And we stopped.
And we talked to him.
We told him what a wonderful time we had and how great it was.
He agreed that it was fun and thanked us for coming.
He was really friendly.
And I spotted Cjane and her kids in the car that we were near.
I thought it was a little too creepy to walk up the window and knock on it.
So I didn't.
I'll have another chance...
There is another Rooftop Concert October 1st. 
We'll be there- and this time we will be on time and bring chairs. 
Oh- and I'll meet Cjane.

I'm sure...
It was seriously so fun.

I want to do it again today.

Olympic Fountain

So- to tell you the truth- I have been chasing Shade Clothing around Utah trying to get the best deals possible...
I now have enough swimsuits to last me a lifetime and I couldn't be more excited.
A whole beautiful, wonderful swimsuit for $14.  I couldn't ask for more... really.
Anyway- while on the last excursion we happened upon the Olympic fountain at Gateway Plaza in Salt Lake.
It was worth the trip!
And no need to worry I had no water up the bum incidents like last time.
If you are unfamiliar with that time- be sure to read up on it here.  It was awesome.
We definitely enjoyed this fountain- and will be visiting again soon.
We need to get back there before it gets too cold!

We`ll be back- preferably earlier in the day, before its too cold, and when I have more battery life left in my camera...  I only had enough for these two pictures.
But don`t worry- I`ll get more- I have a lot more shade shopping to do....

We have some fun plans for tomorrow!!  We are going to the Rooftop Concert Series in Provo.
That`s right- its a concert, on a roof, for free!!
It should be fun!
You can check out more of the details here- you know- if you want to join us.....
Maybe I`ll get to meet NieNie... Then all my dreams would come true....
WHAT!  You don`t know nienie?  You don't know English! 
Check her out... very inspirational... very awesome.
I just want to meet her.

Oh- and while we are talking about stuff- Clark and Jayne had their baby- today.  Apparently everything went well- and they will be down here to join us on Monday....

How Are We Doing?

We are often asked 'How are you doing?'
I enjoy this question- so keep it coming- I love to hear from you guys...
I thought it was time; however, that I did a mass blog about our 'doings'
Besides the-
van mirror being busted off. We are doing really well.
I really have no other word to explain that except- busted.
It really was and is.
Before you get the wrong idea-
JUSTIN DID IT.

I had no part in the busting.
Except for the innocent bystander part- if that is counted as a part.
He backed up and didn't realize that there was a pole right beside him....
But no need to worry...
Justin fixed it up with gorrilla tape.
It look almost as it was- see for yourself

I mean besides the minor cracks-
but those are barely noticable right?

We also found out on sunday that we have been going to the wrong ward.
Yup- I mean who would assume that the building right across the street would include our ward.
Only crazy non-Utahns.
Seriously.
There are 3 buildings close to us and we are in the FARTHEST ONE.
There is a building right across the street from us.
Only half of our complex is lucky enough to go there.
The rest of us have to haul our butts ONE WHOLE MILE to church.
Can you believe it?
We are so hard done by out here.
In our defense- we had no internet so Justin just went to the building and asked and was told which ward to go to, we gave our address and everything to the ward clerk on the first sunday and he didn't say anything, and even a member of our bishopric wants us to keep coming to the wrong ward.  He must think we are awesome- or they need the numbers..... hmmm.

We are loving the weather, the targets, the shopping, our apartment, the Cafe Rio (which we went to last night- delish), the time spent together (because we have no TV and only one set of friends so far), and the fun.  We are looking forward to more adventures in the great Utah and only wish that everyone was here to enjoy them with us...


It looks like we may have some room during conference time... any takers???

Two Flour Girls and a Dough Boy

The winds of fate were blowing in my direction today.
Ruby, Noni and I went on a hunt today for a store- which apparently exists- just not where my GPS tells me it exists.
We never did find it- I`ll have to look for it later.
Anyway- while on our fruitless wild goose chase we found this little gem.

Which had apparently already been discovered by none other than TLC.

I don`t know what show or when or what time or any details actually- all I know is that some show with this store involved will be aired on TLC sometime mid september- and we ate there.
Yup- we are pretty much famous.
I brought Justin back a cream puff and a lemon square (delicious) just so he wouldn`t feel left out.
They had a little castle that we ate in and Ruby loved it!  There was also a little kitchen that she could play at- she loved that too.  And I loved that she loved it because it meant that I actually got to eat my meal without chasing her around the restaurant, Noni in arms...
We had a great time there-
And Ruby`s favorite part you ask?
This.

And I don't blame her- it was delicious!

'Broke My Back' Mountain

We barely survived but we did.

We hiked up to the Timpanogos caves.
It took us about 55 minutes to get up there.
I had the privilege of carrying the Noni.

Justin carried the Ruby.

She did walk some of the time but Justin definitely did his fair share of carrying.
We are sore.
More sore than I have ever been.
Every inch of my body hurts- and I expect that it will for a LONG time.
The Savages came along for the torture.
We were all wiped out by the end.
I am telling you that hike is hard.
There was a point where I wasn't sure if Noni and I were going to make it.
But we did.
And we were the first ones to get up there.

 (You can't see him- but he's on my back)
It was a close race.
But we won.
We are that awesome.
I would even go as far as to say that we are unbeatable.
I challenge any mother/25 pound infant combo to a Timpanogos duel.
Bring it.  But please wait until I am healed...  That could take a long time.

Just in case you don't believe that it was hard there is no denying these pictures.

That is true blue- through and through genuine SWEAT.
And to prove that we made it to the top- we have this picture.

We explored the caves and enjoyed every moment of it.
Despite the desperate attempts of the ranger tour guide.
He did all he could to make sure that every aspect of the tour was a downer.
No talking.  No laughing.  No having fun.
His only rules.
He didn't know who he was touring though.
He didn't succeed in his fun squashing.
And I think it annoyed him...

Ruby just discovered the true joy of 'thumbs up'.  She can also jump consistently with two feet!!!  Hooray!!

Here she is jumping up the cave steps.

Isn't that an incredible view?  It was AMAZING!
And for your pure enjoyment.....
Here is our after picture.

ALL the kids fell asleep on the way down.
Ruby even looked up at Justin on our way down and said 'I think I might fall asleep.'
30 seconds later she was.
This is what we all looked like.
Its not pretty- but its honest.
Ruby looks exceptionally happy.  I think its because she didn't have to carry herself up or down that mountain...
It really was a great experience.  I am proud to say we did it.  I DID IT!  I carried that baby and it was awesome.

Boats

Two things-
1. Ruby loves boats.  She loves to play 'boat'.  It is a fun thing for her and she is always pretending that her bed or the couch or a chair or a random anything is a boat.
2. We have no toys- except for Henry and a few essentials.  When you have no toys you need to get creative.
So we did.

And we made these.

I would be lying if I didn't say that I love my boat design.  And Noni loved it too...

Ruby got a little bit lonely so she went and picked up some friends to take along for the ride.  We had to do some adjusting afterward- since she had so much stuff in there she couldn't even fit in herself...

I was so proud of Ruby- she really did well decorating her own box.  We had a lot of fun!

Even Myers got involved!

Maybe a little too involved.  I found a googly eye in his mouth...  I wonder if I will find one staring at me from somewhere less desirable tomorrow....

 And he may need to hone his 'getting out of the boat skills'.  He just couldn't seem to figure it out today.

 

He may not be able to figure out how to get out of a boat but here is a picture of him STANDING.

I can't believe it.  This kid is crazy.

It was a lot of fun seeing Ruby's creative side.  And as I was laying down with her tonight I asked her what her favorite part of the day was- and after some thought she said 'making the boats.'  And that is saying a lot since we also went swimming in our pool today....

And she loves to swim.

Tomorrow on the agenda- Homemade strawberry freezer jam.

It is going to be awesome!

Oh and locating a cheap, working washer and dryer.