A Little More Cabin Lovin' {Rachel}

After Christmas we headed up to the cabin to hang out with the Slack boys. It was Luke's birthday so our stay even included a little birthday bash! While we where there I learned to snowboard, practiced my french braiding skills, and read 150+ pages in my new favorite book! {Oh, and watched 'Brave' and 'the Odd Life of Timothy Green'. Two of the cutest movies ever!}
I had a great time and as you can see from all the pictures so did the rest of us!
Love,
    Rachel

Christmas Day Events {Rachel}

These past couple days I have decided that Christmas time really IS the most wonderful time of the year. I could go on and on and on with reasons why I love it so much. So I will just stop here and write about Christmas morning. {The most wonderful part of this most wonderful time of the year!}

Christmas Morning:
Reed slept in our room downstairs, this is a little tradition we have, then when I finally got to sleep after waking up every half hour Reed awoke me at 5:51. He said, "Rachel.... Kate... Rachel wake up lets go! It's 5:51 come on, hurry!" I quickly awoke and up the stairs we marched making sure to cover our eyes when we passed the family room.

After mom and dad where awake they pulled out the cameras and started taking 10 thousand pictures, with the brightest flash that has ever been invented! Ok not really, but here it the good part... we walked out into the living room and I got these ginormous butterflys in my tummy! I found just what I had been wanting! Here is what we all found.

Dad: a hitch, {for the suburban... and hopefully a boat!}, power dome, blanket, lots of treats, and a phone case. Dad got a little jipped, like always, I guess. But the problem is he never says what he wants so he gets a bunch of crazy things! :)
Mom: iPhone 5, phone case, fuzzy blanket, purse, lotion, clothes, running shoes, ring, and some more mom things.
Rachel: camera {with a chevron striped strap!}, 5 pairs of shoes, huge pile of clothes, candy, headbands, lotion/body spray, ski jacket, lip gloss, journal, and some jewelry. The camera was my favorite!
Reed: ipod nano, baseball posters, A2000 {baseball mitt}, remote control helicopter, shoes, sweats, a new church suit! {he looks so handsome in it!} .
Kate: 6 pairs of shoes, baby doll clothes, clothes for her, duffel bag, jacket, bike, magnetic white board, office chair {for playing school}, plus more things that she was more than happy with!

Then we went over to the Baxter's for Christmas dinner.

Don't worry, I am working on my photography skills, so I can put this awesome camera to good use! We certainly had a Merry Christmas at this house!
Love,
  Rachel

Christmas Eve Events {Rachel}

I know I know... I talk a lot about traditions, and here is one more for ya'all. Plus some more Christmas Eve-happenings.

On Christmas Eve we have the tradition of making gingerbread houses. This year was no exception! We frosted those baby's up and went to town decorating! I love the decorating part, I think it is so fun to be given the same tools/supplies as someone else, and see that we can make something so different!

My anut and uncle came along with their 2 little girls, so they decorated a village, Kate and I made houses, and Reed made a pretty wicked train.

 Love,

   {a very anxious and exited} 

Rachel

BY.....who? (Jessica)

Alright, a little run down of my weekend so far. Thursday, I didn't go to school, because I was headed to Oregon. That night we stayed in a hotel, and watched the Byu Bowl Game. Oh my gosh. If you didn't watch that, I am sorry. That was down right crazy. 4th quarter was the best...them 6, us 10 and we got up to 23. I loved watching it!

Since we were in a hotel, my dad couldn't scream. He just did lots of shaking us and saying "YES!!" and, "If they don't call that, I'm going to freak out." and, "Oh my gosh, I have to text _______, and tell them what happened." and, "If Cody Hoffman and Kyle Van Noy weren't there....." and, "Kyle please stay one more year at Byu, PLEASE!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33X5mFloEww
Take 4 minutes out of your day to watch this. It's pretty fantastic.

Love, Jessica
P.S. My favorite part is when the coach is included in the tackle. :)

Weekend Party! {Rachel}

I know... I haven't posted for a long time so I figured now would be a good time now that I JUST GOT OUT OF SCHOOL FOR CHRISTMAS BREAK! YAY! You can't even put into words how exited I am for Christmas, and all the good things that come along with this great time of year!

Ok, now that I got all my excitement out I will start my rundown of {a very good} last weekend:
On Friday night I had a Choir Concert then my mom and dad hauled us all up to the Stake Center to help decorate for the big ward party the next day. All I can say is carrots, carrots, and more carrots. Phew you can't even imagine how many of those things I stapled. I know you think I am totally crazy but you will understand when you see the pictures.

Then on Saturday we had breakfast at the ward party cleaned up and headed out on the town at 6:00 to catch a UVU basketball game. We had dinner in one of suites above the court {witch was delicious!} then down to watch a little ball. I had to laugh when I saw one of my really good friends from dance {and PE} at the game!

What can I say, I love busy, fun weekends... and Christmas Break! Ya hoo!
Love,
      Rachel

Let the Traditions Begin! {Rachel}

Last year at this time the Baxter family and my family went to Temple Square. That was the first time I had ever been there {the REAL last time I was too little to remember}. We had so much fun that we decided to do it all over again this year. We left a little after school got out, drove to Sandy, and rode the TRAX to Salt Lake. I love riding the 'train' it makes me feel like I am in a huge city. Although I could never live in a big city and I am not that big of a city girl.

 We walked around Temple Square, and did a little shopping at City Creek. I had a lot of fun and hope to do it all over again next year!
Merry Christmas!
Love,
       Rachel

And, SCORE. (Jessica)

Well, after we hiked up 4 1/2  mountains, crossed 5 freaking lakes, okay fine. 7 creeks. Got our shoes really muddy, had one person throw up, were half way frozen and broke the law a couple of times, we came home with this sucker.

It was a pretty, um, crazy experience. But we did it. And it's a cute tree. I loved to spend time with my family doing something that we would all laugh at later. It was good.

On Tuesday, my family and Rachel's family went up to temple square. We drove up to Sandy and then got on Trax. Once we got to the Salt Lake Temple, the lights were AMAZING. It was the coolest thing ever. Rachel's favorite of all time was this one.

The reflection pool....

       

I can't wait for Christmas!! 

Love, Jessica

                     

Trim the Tree {Rachel}

Sunday night was the night we put up all our Christmas decor and our tree! I love the way it lights up the hole room when you turn on the lights for the first time! Two years ago we got a new {fake} tree as well as new ornaments. In the years past we get a real tree that we go chop down our self's, but it was hard because we didn't have a vehicle to bring it home etc. but a fake tree solved all those problem! {And I personally, like it better because it looks full and pretty with no bare spots.}

 Of course Kate had to put on the 'star' on top! {or in our case the little pokey thing with a bow at the bottom!} Can you guess what ornament is my favorite?
My family and I all had a fun time 'trimming the tree' that night!
Love,
      Rachel

Family Photos {Rachel}

A couple of weeks ago my family {and I} got our pictures taken. The big reason was so that we could have some to put on our Christmas card. They turned out super cute! I had a lot of fun planning all the outfits, and posing on the day of!

I am so lucky to have such a great {and cute} family!

Love,

           Rachel

Thanksgiving pt.2 {Rachel}

Here we go again! This is how the rest of my 5 day break went, on Friday {yes, black Friday} my family and I went up to my cousin's cabin. I love hanging with these cousins, even though their family consists of 6 boys I still have a great time! But, recently they got an addition to their family... a Labradoodle {a Lab, and Poodle mixed} named Rigby! He is the cutest thing I have ever seen! He is super gentle, lazy and nice. Even when my 2 year old cousin was "wrestling" him he just got up, ran away and pretended nothing ever happened. When I would be sitting on the couch he would just jump up and snuggle me! I know, I'm not the biggest dog lover... but Rigby is different.

At the cabin we just well, we are just on vacation! Some of my cousins didn't even change out of their pajamas all day! I love being up there where nobody cares! Oh, and did I mention that every game {board game or card game} I played I won! My 17 year old cousin just said "Oh, well beginners luck I guess!" but I honestly think it was all skill. In fact because I won {or have more skill than him} my other cousin slapped me in the face with his stack of cards! I should have gotten him back, but maybe I will just win him again to show him who is boss!

As I said before, at the cabin we just chill. Below are some photos of us doing just that. And there is also one of my cousin Aiden playing baseball with a snowball maker, and a tennis ball with his shirt off! Oh, I love all {6} of those boys! 

Ya got to love long breaks full of family and fun!

Love,

       Rachel

My Thanksgiving {Rachel}

I don't know about your Thanksgiving, but mine was pretty great. I had a lot of fun, and made a lot of new memories. I told you the game plan in one of my earlier posts, so here is how it all went down.

Wednesday afternoon my cousins came to my house, we ate lunch played a game and just hung out. Oh, and Makayla and I made a Lemon Meringue pie! It looked really pretty, but didn't taste that great. After dinner was when the real party started. We have this tradition, but usually we do it the day after Thanksgiving not the day before. We play games to earn 'cousin cash' then we buy treats with our cash and watch a movie while we eat all of our treats! It is/was way fun, and has always been. But this year my mom added something new. We had to make a movie using a random object she gave to us {Makayla and I got some glasses}, and the word gobble. {Makayla and I where partners, our video is below.} The movie we watched this year was Christmas Oranges it is such a cute movie! It is also very sad, but it has a great story line.

After we woke up, ate breakfast, got all ready we made our way to Pleasant Grove, where we would be having the real feast. When we got there I didn't want to touch the table... it was so pretty and set so perfectly! The food was super yummy! My favorite part was the turkey, and mashed potatoes {It always is!}

After the food we made some crafts, and played some games. Including a game of football, but don't worry I didn't play, just the boys. It was so funny to watch all the dads+the littlest boy vs all the 10 year old boys! Plus, we all danced our little hearts out when we had a Just Dance Wii competition!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

      Rachel

10 Dollars Well Spent {Rachel}

Yesterday Jessica and I went and got our nails done! Jessica babysits a family, and one day the mom felt like she  didn't pay Jessica enough, so she told Jessica she would just do her nails to re-pay her. Then a couple of weeks ago Jessica asked me if I knew what gel nails where. This was my response, "Oh, ya! They are so cool!". Then she asked me if I wanted to go with her. That is what we did yesterday afternoon. I had a lot of fun and hopefully these shiny, cute, sparkly nails of mine stay on for 2+ weeks! {That is why they are different from just regular polish.}

Best 10 dollars ever spent! I was impressed at how good they turned out! Sparkly, and a super shiny top coat... what could be better than that!

Love,
Rachel {who can't stop looking at her nails.}

And so the holidays (almost) begin. (Jessica)

I am also SO excited for the holidays too. I love this time of year.....
On Wednesday I am going to Young Women's at 8:00 AM, then leaving to Pine Valley, St. George. I can't wait! I haven't been with my family for a long period of time for a while, and I can't wait to spend time with them. (P.S.: I want to know who is going BLACK FRIDAY shopping.....)
Anyway, I just went to my cousins bridal shower and I spent a lot of time doing this:

The top is my cousin Kara, she is 9. ( I think.) She is the funniest.

The last 2 are Bo and I. He is the cutest little boy ever! He is so fat and long, and loves to cuddle. I love him.

And they are both going to be there! YES!

Love,  a very excited (for many reasons...) Jessica

PS. What do you do when you are bored before church? I don't know about you but my crazy little siblings do this, if you can't tell, they shoved pillows up their shirts and became fat. Wow. Real mature guys. :)

Holiday Pre-Post {Rachel}

With the holidays just around the corner, I am getting more and more pumped every day. Thanksgiving is just 4 days away, we only have school of 2 days this week, and after Thanksgiving... comes Christmas! Yay! Now can ya see why I am so exited? There is also some more reasons, I will explain later.

For Thanksgiving, well let me start from the very top. On Wednesday at 8:00 am I am going to YW. After that some of my cousins are coming to my mouse for a movie/game night. Then on Thursday {Thanksgiving} I am going to my aunts house for the big feast. I am way exited! {for food and family! :) } Then on Friday morning I am going to my {other} cousins cabin!

Because I am such a great student and have a 4.0 for the first term, our school is awarding all the kids with a 2.0 and higher a movie day! We get to skip 1-5 period(s) and go see Wreck-it-Ralph. In the commercials it looked a little cheesy, but one of my friends saw it and loved it... so we'll see.

I still have more reasons I am so exited today... my new dance studio is almost done! I will be sure to post pictures A.S.A.P. You will be amazed at how good it looks. I am so glad we are moving out of the "old studio" because since school started I have been combined with some other classes and 35 girls don't fit in a room, that size, so good.

I hope everyone else is as exited for this holiday season as I am! Happy Holidays!

Love,
   Rachel
P.S. By 'Happy Holidays' I don't just mean Christmas. In that case I would say 'Merry Christmas'. But, by holidays I mean Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Hanukkah, and what ever other holidays that are celebrated at this time of year. Got it? Thanks, love ya bye.

Blast from the Past {Rachel}

This week at school was spirit week. {One of the many.} Monday was crazy everything day, Tuesday was Career day, Wednesday was ugly sweater day, Thursday was school spirit day {wear green} and Today, Friday, was 80's day! When I told my mom about the special event on Friday she laughed... a lot! And then she said that made her feel old. Later my dad said, "Oh man, what happened to 60's day?" I thought that was kinda funny, the way things change.

My mom went digging in the storage room to find me some 80's clothes. Don't worry, they aren't hers they are just things she bought at D.I. for a Church Activity {Thank goodness!}.  When she pulled out a floral print collard shirt and said, "Holy Cow! In my time I would have died for a shirt like this!" I had to die laughing. {Mind you when she pulled out the pants, and belt she said the exact same thing.}

I got TONS of comments, like... Where did you get those clothes? Your hair is awesome! You are the first on that I have seen that has wore like regular 80's clothes and not work out clothes. And even some of my teachers commented. It was pretty sweet.

We didn't have the bright lipstick on in the picture, so I had to capture it. I know the view up my nostrils isn't so great... but the lipstick was {just for the record it totally finished the look. :)}.

When my mom sent Jessica's mom a picture of my hair and this was her response: "Oh my gosh! Rachel I would have died for that hair!" I had to laugh, because now days we try to flatten our hair, and back then they made it larger than life!

I had a great time today 'mocking our parents' if you will. It was way fun.

Love,
         Rachel
{Who now has her hair tucked safely in a bun.}
P.S. I feel bad for my mom, when I got home I had the biggest head ache in the world from that 80's side pony!

13? Really?

Holy, OLD!! Are you kidding me? 13? That's just crazy to me. I decided this year is going to be great. Because you know how everyone says that, "Wow, now your officialy a teenager!"? And how teenagers are supposed to be the worst people in the whole wide world? Well, I'm not going to be the snotty, bratty, annoying teenager that everyone thinks 12 going on 13 (14, 15, 16) will be.

 

I discovered just one day later, that being a "teenager" is not that bad. :)

 

I came to school with Emily, and found all my friends gathered around my locker. They had gotten it open, shoved multiple balloons in there, presents, and a fabulous Happy Birthday crown!! People rushed over to tell me a happy birthday, and some even sang to me. I was sung to in 3 classes... (which was enough for me.) And my friends made a sign that said "Happy Birthday Jessica!!!"

 My friends are the best! I loved my whole day, and came home to a wonderful family and delisious Cafe Rio food.

I still can't believe I am 13. Holy smokes.

I don't know about you, but this NON annoying teenager is pretty thankful for everything she has! I am super lucky to have the best friends, family and teachers ever. I had the best day ever, thanks to them. I sure do love them. I am soooo lucky.

Thanks Rachel for that b-day post. I love you! You are the bestest friend ever! Thanks for all you do!

Love a teenager, that can't even believe she's a teenager, Jessica.

Birthday Girl! {Rachel}

Happy Birthday Jessica! I just thought I would do a little write up about you/all the great things you have done on your special day. First I just want to say, thanks for being such a good friend to me! You have always been there for me when I need you most. Second thanks for being such a good example to me. You always keep me headed in the right direction. And third did you ever know you where a great listener? On those days when I pour out my hole heart and soul to you (and barley let you talk) you know exactly what to say and most of the time you just listen, and that is all I need!

I hope you have a great day! Thanks again for all you do for me and everyone else!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Love ya lots sis!
     Love,
          Rachel

Girls Night Out {Rachel}

Friday Night Out = Shoe shopping! I got a pair shoes for the beginning of school, and by the 3rd week of school, they where nothing but a little peice of rubber for me to walk on. They had no support, and where as bendy as a peice of paper. I was dissapointed and was looking forward to a new pair ever since then.

Last night I finally got my new pair{s}! Yay! I will give ya the hole snowy story below:
My mom, Jessica and I where on our way out to the free way, right as we got to the on ramp we heard sirens then we looked out at the free way. It was backed up as far as I could see, because there was an accident. It was crazy! My mom said, "Sorry girls, we aren't going shopping today!". I was pretty disappointed {I'm sure Jessica was too.}. Then we went and got Hot Chocolate at the nearest gas station.

After we drank our Hot Coco we went out to a little boutique. There wasn't anything too great so we headed back home. As we passed the free way I noticed that there wasn't barley any traffic on it! Then the outing was back on. Our first stop was at Kohles. I love that place, and they have killer sales and great product. First we looked at the shoes and I spotted a way cute pair of flats, but they weren't in my size, but Jessica was in luck, and now where are hers!

I also got a couple shirts, polka-a-dot tights, and {drum roll...} my new shoes! {Ok, I know I am being a little dramatic about these shoes. But if you have only had 1 pair for the first term of school+, you would understand.}

I was a little scared about the purple shoes, but Jessica and my mom persuaded me that I could pull them off. 

After we had picked throught the hole store we went to eat/shop at the mall. We stopped at Gap, Bhome, and Bath and Body Works {Ask Jessica about her great find at Bath and Body.}. Then home again, home again.

I had a great time! Thanks for a fabulous girls night out, Mom and Jessica!

 Love,
      Rachel

The Day I... {Rachel}

Danced for 8+ hours straight! This past Friday and Saturday I had the opportunity to go to a dance workshop put on by the the NYCDA {New York City Dance Alliance}. As you can imagine dancing {very hard} for 8 hours doesn't feel so good, on the mind and body. But because of Daylight Savings it all worked out in the end.

It was a very special event because I got to take classes from some professional dancers, and experience the real dance world. Because my studio doesn't compete I haden't ever tasted any of that crazyness before. My company will {most likely} never compete, but I hope we get to keep going to these conventions.

I am glad that we don't compete. Most people {companies/studios} have a different philosophy about dance. They love it because they get to show what great dancers they are to the world. I am totally cool with that. But the reason I dance is to share my talent and to spread the joy I have from dancing, and to inspire others. One of my good friends said this to me, "You can't dance for the world and for the Lord at the same time". That is what I mean.

There was lots of great dancers there and I was glad that I got to see first hand what really goes on out side of my little studio. I even got to watch a competition! It was a hole new experience for me, and I'm glad that I could learn lots of new things. I even got to do a real adution!

From my studio there was about 30 girls that went to the workshop. 3 of them where juniors, including me, and the rest where all teens and seniors. That means that all the juniors are in one room, and all the teens and seniors are in another. All the teachers tough at the speed of light, I knew all the steps but I couldn't catch on. Friday was a little overwhelming {Ok, alot!}, in fact Friday night I didn't want to go back on Saturday! But Saturday was lots better, I started catching onto the combos and feeling a little better about myself.

Because it was in Salt Lake me and 3 of my dance friends carpooled. We all know each other really good, and love each other like sisters, because when you spend 12 hours a week with them that's just how it goes. I had to laugh when I came home from dance one night and I found myself texting those girls that I had just seen for 4 hours before! Anyway... on Firday night we got done dancing at 8:30 and we where ready for some fresh air and ice cream. My parents where taking us home and they knew we would be hungry, so we made a late night Cold Stone trip. It was deliscious, and we all had a good time laughing our heads off.

I had a good time last weekend, and learnd LOTS! I hope I will be able to do it again! Thanks NYCDA!

Love,

         Rachel

We've been attacked. (Jessica)

Yesterday, Jolene, Emily and I all wanted to have a girls night. So, last night at about 7:30, we walked down to Emily's house to grab some nail polish remover. We were singing, taking pictures and having a grand old time.

 

We decide to walk down the street to Jolene's house, to get some different nail polish colors. On our way out of our house, Emily hurt her toe. It was bleeding but we didn't figure that out until we got further down the street. We stopped to put a band aid on it. (Emily hurt her other toe earlier and we had extra band aids.) Across the street, there were a group of teenagers gathered around a car. They were yelling, being weird and we shouted somethings at them. My mistake.

 

We round the corner of the block, and I turn around to find a kid (probably 17) on his skateboard going down the opposite road. We were fine. We started talking and everything was fine. Ya, until I turn around and that same kid, is chasing us on his skateboard.

 

Keeping in mind, Emily has 2 hurt toes, we have lots of nail polish/remover in hand, and it's pitch dark out side, and boy did we freak out. He is coming at us faster and faster. We are sprinting faster and faster. He kept saying stuff like, "Come on baby, I just want to talk to you!" & "Stop!".

Oh my gosh. We almost ran into the nearest house (Tanner and Gabe's, my brothers friend. Their dad is a cop.:) because we were so scared!!

 

We were almost crying, we WERE screaming, and you better believe we were sprinting. We got across the street from my house, and decided it was okay to walk.

 

Anyway, we get inside and talk about how scary that was. We never have had to run that fast AWAY from someone for real. I've run really fast, but never away from someone. It was so scary. I'm surprised people didn't hear us screaming.

We paint our nails and then go into my room to talk. (Because that is what girls do.) We are on my bed, just laying there. Emily is looking into my giant mirror, and sees something.

 

There was a flickering light shining through the blinds. I didn't even notice. "Um...Jessica. Jessica, JESSICA!! LOOK AT THAT!" Now, you have to understand that after what just happened, that could be anyone. It is still going and I think that since they heard us scream they ran away. I run over to the door, and Emily and Jolene follow. "MOMMY, DADDY!" Ya, ya, don't make fun of that. I was scared okay? I try opening the door but I can't. Someone was holding the door handle. We were screaming so loud. But, don't worry, it was um...Julie. That was okay though.

 

We book it upstairs run into my parents room, and my dad says, "You're just over reacting." But I would like to point out that WE WERE NOT. He runs outsides and checks, but no one is there. My knees are weak, and all the girls are almost in tears. Great.

 

But, I will have you know, the boys (Ryden, Levi, Bret) were texting us before that. We called them and asked if it was them, because that is not funny. We were so scared.

 

Guess who it was? Them. But good news, I didn't have nightmares, so I'm good. But I am still scared.

Love a very scared (still) Jessica.  P.S. ya, I know that was long, just bare with me.

Speaking of Random...(Jessica)

Don't scream. I know it's been like 390 posts with just Rachel posting, but HEY I've been very busy. So much so, imma 'bout to give you a run down of my day.

5:45: ish I wake up. In my defense, it takes me a while to get out of bed.

7:25: I better be out the door.

7:57: Late bell for 1st period rings.

And then you know we have all of the other periods, blah, blah, BLAH. No one cares.

When I get home it's usually to the fridge, piano, or friends house.

5:30: ish dinner

Then I finish up the homework I have and go to bed at 9:00 ish. I try to go to bed at around 8:30, because let me tell you something. I have been tired. No joke.

 

Anyways, I will get some pictures posted of pumpkin picking, Aunt Melanie's house and Halloween.

But for the preview:

Jolene and I as cowgirls and Emily as a princess.



At the pumpkin patch.


 

Yesterday, I was  threatened to have my face broken (not in school) , a while ago had my thumb slammed in a locker, had 2 pencils thrown at me, got called the "B" word, was paired with kid everyone hates (the rudest and cocky person in Science), and to top it off, was told that I held hands with a kid in school. Yeesh. That is about all I can handle.
All is well in the halls of Junior High. Kinda. :) Don't worry, I'll try harder to keep you posted.

Love, Jessica



What is This? {Rachel}

I know I'm not the only one who has been questioning the master on his choice of weather lately. I mean I was kinda praying for fall weather this last week, but I wanted Fall, not Winter! I like fall because I love to wear boots, scarfs, cute jackets and other fall clothing. I also love the "crispy" air and the hole feeling of Fall time. The other plus is that it's not too hot, but not too cold! Spring and Fall are by far my favorites. (But if you asked me what my favorite season is, in any other season, my answer would be totally different.)

I change my mind about these things all the time, it just depends on what kind of a mood I'm in, I guess. I really didn't think we where going to get snow the week before Halloween, but in fall (mostly in Utah) anything goes. As in any other time of year, the weather changes every 5 minutes here!

This picture was taken when I was just chillin in my sweats (a moment when I liked the weather, for that specific reason). And if you can't tell it is snowing it really is.(I know you can't see it at all, but I'm not lying! And it wasn't really that dark, I photo shopped it up for special affect)

What a great Fall/Winter week!

Love,

             Rachel

My Weekend Job {Rachel}

  Last Wednesday my mom told me that Aunt Melissa needed my help at a show. {She has a business, and she needed me to help her sell stuff. I know I have talked about her stuff before. Click HERE to see her website.} I decided to skip school on Friday and go work for her at Thanksgiving Point, as well as Saturday. I had lots of fun with Makayla, and Aunt Melissa!

At the show there was booths that had caramels, chocolate from England, chevron striped warping paper, homemade soap, adorable jewelry and lots more cute things! Two of my most very favorite things where: {There is links to both of them}
1. The Little Red Hen caramels {Mostly the pretzel flavor}
2. Ascot Royale Chocolates {Mostly the Honey Come flavor}
Our booth was next to the Little Red Hen gals, and I may have had 1 or 2 free samples, ok mabey 6 or 7. But really, you should order the free samples, they are the best things of my life! {Isn't it funny how I loved the booths that had treats at them!}

While our booth wasn's too busy we went up to the Emporium {A gift shop at Thanksgiving Point} and we found a "pick your color" M&M machine. There was TONS of colors of M&M's I had lots of fun choosing my assortment! While we where there Makayla tried on a funny looking hat, and we also played in the old fashioned glasses! I couldn't stop laughing long enough for the picture!

The bottom right is the booth I spent almost 20 hours at!

I had lots of fun playing/goofing off with Makayla and I hope I can do it again! 

Thanks for a great weekend!

Love,

               Rachel

Fall Break {Rachel}

Fall Break.... where do I begin? The first day and a half of Fall Break was pretty uneventful. On Thursday I just hung out with friends and had a grand ol' time. We where planning on going to Richfield on Friday... but because of the weather we decided against it. But at about 8:00 on Friday night my cousins came! They live in Parawan so I don't get to see them very often it was good to have them stay with us for a while!

All 4 of (this family of cousins) my cousins are girls, and some of the most girly girls I know! I had a good time playing with the baby too! But as you can see (look at the middle picture on the bottom) I had a great time with Laney! I love all of those cute girls!

The reason my cousins came is because 2 of my (other) cousins where getting baptized on Saturday. One cousin lives up by Thanksgiving Point, and the other in Riverton. So at 9:00 we went to Halle's, and at 10:00 we went to Heath's. After whe had a crape bar at Heath's house. My oldest cousin (who is 17) got to baptize Heath, who is his little brother. I thought that was so cool that he could/would do that!

After we ate we just hung around... and because my cousin who is closest to me in age (14) went to the BYU game I hung around some of my littler cousins. (see bottom left picture)

After playing with my little baptism buddies I went on a little excursion to Scheels (the giant sports store)! If you haven't been there... you totally should. Especially if you are a sporty person. This is how I would explain it: the biggest Cabelas and Sports Athorty you can find, combined. It is so huge that it has a ferris  wheel, and has any and every sporting thing you would need. They have anything from flavored mouth guards to a 35,000 dollar gun to ferris wheel rides! (I really wanted to ride the ferris wheel, but the line was forever long!) It was crazy! PS you can also get your picture taken by a bear, cougar, and elk!

Do ya see those super cute sweat shirts? I think there is a high possibility I could be betting one of those babies for Christmas! They are so stinkin' cute (and I love under armor)!

That was pretty much the hole run down on Fall Break. Happy Monday!

Love,

          Rachel

Good ol' days {Rachel}

  If you haven't yet met my dad... you wouldn't know this but if you have this should be pretty apparent. He is really sarcastic and will tease you lots! The other night he was reading Kate a Littlest Pet Shop book, about best friends. He decided that the real words in the book where too boring so he jazzed it up a little using his own voice (using his own personality). He started to make up words and oh boy, they where pretty stinkin' hilarious. Some of them where:
    There was a dog with a huge head and a little cat on a teeter totter.
 Dog: Geez! How come I can't go as high as you!
Cat: This is so fun! I am going so high!
    Another one was a Yorkie (dog) with lots of hair and a Siamese cat with super short/not any hair at all.
Cat: Uggg, I can't even brush my hair why did you give me the brush?!
Yorkie: (has a mirror in hand) Why do you get the brush? You don't even have any hair!
 Ok, mabey they wasn't as funny to you as it was to me. But, it was one of those things where you had to be there to see it. Here are some pictures of us laughing our heads off:

The one of Reed ins my favorite!

 I love those good ol' days when you can't help but laugh.

Love,

       Rachel

Celebrate 6 Months {Rachel}

Every 6 months my religion has what we call General Conference. This is where all of the church members tune in/listen to all our general authorities speak and give advice/revaluation. This is a 2 day affair with 4 sessions (2 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday). At the first session on Saturday President Monson announced that our missionaries can go out onto the field at a younger age! Elders and the age of 18 and Sisters at the age of 19! That is super exiting! That means I can go on a mission, go to collage, and get married/have a family before I am 25/24 ish! I was talking to my mom about this interesting change and she brought up that the church will be getting a different type of sister missionary, not the "Oh, I guess I have nothing else to do so I might as well serve a mission" but the "Oh, I really have time for this and it will be a great experience for me" kind of sisters.

Where I was going with this is... for 2 days straight my family (and I) hang our on the couch/in the basement! During this time my mom and I scrapbook so we can keep up with all the pictures we take. This conference she wanted to get though all of 2010 (Ya, we are that far behind...) so she asked me to do mine and Kate's books. I had lots of fun working with her and I also sewed my new pointe shoes!

This is the party on Saturday.

And this is the party on Sunday, with our traditional conference breakfast feast!

My newly sewn pointe shoes!

I love the traditions onf confrence every 6 months!

Love,

        Rachel

Tis' the Season {Rachel}

  Tis' the season of Football! Yay! this is the first year Reed is able to play flag foot ball! He loves it and has made two 98 yard touch downs! He is a freaking speed demon! One day I asked him, "Reed, what is your favorite sport?". For a while he gave me a blank stare then replyed, "What kind of question is that?". Then I rememberd, "Oh, ya what ever sport is in season!".

Go Payson Packers!

I love ya buddy! Good luck!

Love, 

          Rachel

Done and Done. (Jessica)

For any of you who don't know who Allie Condie is, boo you. I just got done reading this book, at I strongly recommend it. (You have to read the first one first, it's called Matched.) It's sort of, kind of, like the hunger games. Only, not as bloody and gross. At all. I love it!

 

Rachel explained our weekend together perfectly. I have pictures, but she got all of the important stuff. :)

I recently browsed on Pinterest, and to my (& my Mom's) delight, I found this.

 

I only laughed really hard for about an hour. :)

 

 

I should probably explain the pictures above. Thanks to Jolene's amazing sister Damaris, I was able to have really cute hair for Young Women's. When I got home I added the bow. This is what she did it with.

                                                       
You can find these at Walmart, they aren't too expensive and certainly make super cute curls/waves!!

With nothing but a boring life,
 Jessica




 

Happy Birthday Sis! {Rachel}

  Kate's 7th birthday was on the 28th! I can't believe that 7 years ago my grandma and grandpa came to my house to tend Reed and I so my mom and dad could go to the hospital! That was when I was 6! I love having a little sister and I love all that she teaches me.
  The other day me and my friend Emily where talking about how our lives are so diffrent because she is the youngest in her family, and I am the oldest! I said, "Emily, you don't know how much you are missing out on being the big sister," her reply was... "Rachel, you don't know how much you miss out on not having an older sister!". She has 2 older sisters who are all moved out and at collage. Every day she begs them to come home and visit her. I said to my mom one day, "Mom, do you think Kate will want me to come home as much as Emily wants Audrey and Kasidy to come home?". She said, "I think she will,".
  I hope I am being as great of a bis sister to Kate as Audrey is to Emily. I love ya lots little sis! Here is some pictures of the big day/party.

This is before I went to school, when she got to open some of her presents!

 This is at her party! We had an owl themed party... it was super cute and fun!

 

top left: Some cute bags I made for the scavenger hunt.

top right: Streamers that I hung above the stairs for a suprise.

bottom left: I hung streamers in our door frame so she had to bust through them to get out!

bottom right: the cute owl cupcakes my mom made for the party. 

This is all the loot she got from her friends. Believe me there was more from family!

(Do ya see the garbage can far right corner? That was from my mom... isn't it funny how a garbage can can make a kid happy?)

  Kate got one of these baby's for her birthday. My aunt sent her those ADORABLE head bands (she makes them)  for her baby's! Aren't they darling?!

I love my little sister! Happy birthday sis!

Love,

          Rachel