Goodbye Nasty Yellow Stains

Okay so I know that I have posted this product before and I just have to post it again. I have never been so impressed with any other product, the results are FANTASIC!

Rob has white collared work shirts that have really taken a hit. I know its only natural that a white shirt on a man is not going to have much of a fighting chance. Its nothing that isn't pretty much a common problem with white shirts. Ya know the yellow that starts to appear on the shirt under the arm pit. That gross yellow stain that no matter how hard you try to get rid of it, its not going anywhere. Okay so I decided that I would use the SA8 All Fabric Bleach (my magic making detergent) to try and see if I could get the yellow stain out of Rob's shirts. I put the shirts in my washing machine on a normal cycle, added my laundry detergent (all), I used my store bought stain remover (shout), and then added 1/4 cup of SA8 All Fabric Bleach. NOTE: No bleach was added to the load of laundry (cause I currently don't have it). I let the water fill up, I let the cycle begin (just a couple times around the tub). I then stopped it so it would allow the shirts to soak, okay I let the shirts soak for probably 8-10 hours. During the soaking time I would close the lid to the machine to allow it to run, just to move the clothes around, when the soaking time was done I just let the cycle continue. When I pulled the shirts from the washing machine I was so excited (hence this post). All the white shirts are spotless and the yellow underarm stain is gone!!! I am a true believer. My sister sells this. She hasn't asked me to advertise this, however I would recommend it to anyone. This stuff is awesome. I think that the box (2.5 lbs) is $13 plus shipping. Completely worth the price.

Here are the shirt photos after the wash, again I didn't think to take photos before. I am going to do some more white shirts so I will take a before for, and then I'll post it here on this post. But I am sure ya pretty much get the picture.

(Goodbye nasty yellow stains)

Emergency Preparedness ID packets

Not sure what has prompted me to pull this stuff together, but back in Kentucky there was an Enrichment activity that was focused on Emergency Preparedness. They handed out a list of information that one would want to keep together. So that in a time of an emergency all the important paperwork would be together and in one place. I took the paper that had the list, but ended up not being able to make it to that night activities, so I am now getting around to doing it. Better late than never I would have to say!...

I thought I would pass on all this important information for people, so here ya'll are. I have also added a couple things to the list, such as a burned CD of all the items scanned onto it.*Some items I don't have just yet, but I am in the starting stages of putting them together.

Emergency Preparedness ID packets:

• Drivers license
• Will
• Living Will
• Life Insurance policy
• Health Insurance cards
• Birth Certificates
• Social Security cards
• Passports
• Financial paperwork
• Living address
• Phone numbers
• Family contact numbers
• Calling card
• Disk of Photos (family, milestones, memories)
• Folder or large envelope
• Large ziplock bag to waterproof everything
• Disk (scanned with all above information)

Hope this is helpful to those who are interested.

Pioneer Day 2008

Welcome back to Utah!!! July 24th is Pioneer Day, and its a state holiday. So most everyone gets a day off from work. Horray! We headed out to the Washington City Pioneer parade, which was a lot of fun. We met up with my brother Troy and his family. They had gone earlier and pick out a great spot for parade watching. The rest of the day pretty much was spent relaxing and catching up on some much needed sleep. We did BBQ a typical holiday dinner of hot dogs and homemade baked fries. Yummy huh! We ended our night with watching the movie 21. Which was pretty entertaining. So all in all it was a fun Utah holiday.

Karlee and her dad waiting for the parade to start.

Here is the happy bunch.

Adorable Alyia was loving the parade as well.

Here is a photo that I just love it definately says it all without needing words to describe the sacrifice these pioneers had to make.

Remember When?

Remember when? Here is a fun little game...Leave a comment on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time, or a long time, anything you remember! Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. On your mark...get set...blog your memories!!

My parents Kitchen Make-Over

So first part of last week, Karlee and I drove over to my parents home in Arizona. Karlee went to grandma and I got right to work. My dad and I worked 3 days, 18 hours a day on painting my parents kitchen cabinets. This kitchen has had a few upgrades and updates throughout the 30+ years that they have lived in their home, but the cabinets were ready for a face lift. I was totally in my element. I love to do things kind of stuff. I guess I am kinda going through withdrawl not having my own home to work on projects, so I definately enjoyed my time. So this is basically what we did. The existing cabinets were a dark walnut stain, we primed and painted them a creamy off white. We put on new rod iron door hardware, which helped to update the look. The difference it made to the whole room was unbelievable. The space of the kitchen was magnified oh probably 5 to 10 times. In about a month to a month and a half they are going to have Rob and my brother Troy come in and lay a new countertop. It will just pull the whole room together - Can't wait! Here are some pictures that we took over the job.

Here is the kitchen before the makeover, but after the doors were off. (sorry mom- I know you're gonna kill me) Infact this is the messiest I have seen your kitchen!

(my dad and I out sanding the cupboard doors. Oh ya it was well over 100º outside on that concrete. Gotta love Arizona!)

(Here we are again, this time inside sanding the cabinets. Don't ya just love our cute masks)

(Here is the kitchen completed, What a world of difference.)

Weekend with family

A couple of weekends ago Rob, Karlee and I went up north. Rob had some appointments for work, so it was a perfect excuse for all of us to head up, and visit family. It started out with the Jenkin's Annual Pool party (my grandparents) at the Cabana Club, their local pool. They have had this pool party for a couple years now, and we have always lived too far to attend so it was really a lot of fun to be able to make it this year. There was lots of family and lots of food. It was fun to get to see so many family and cousins that we just don't get to on a regular basis. Thanks grandma and grandpa for a wonderful time. We are looking forward to next year.

Rob loved getting in the pool for a quick dip .

Me with my neice Sadie

We spent a little bit of time with Matt and Monica (my sister's family). Thanks for making such wonderful accomodations for us. Some of the highlights were: Paige, Trenton and I's Twister game. I can definately feel my age playing with these young flexible kids. Ouch!

Paige showing me up on the Twister game board.

Trenton and Karlee cousin time!!!

We were able to go and visit with Robs family too, however when I went to take pictures of our time with them my camera batteries were dead. So next time we are up there I will have to take double the pictures (not hard for me). We had a really fun time. We went to dinner at a yummy Mexican restaurant, and then back for games. Robs family loves to play a quarter game called 31, and Rob taught everyone Trumph (another fun card game). So there were lots of games going on. Karlee and I crashed pretty early, since I am such the partier. My body just shuts off at 9:00pm. I really wish that I would have gotten some pictures of Holly's kids (Rob's sister) they are just getting so big, and they are so darn cute. Again... next time we are together I will take pictures and oh ya good batteries.

We had a good time with family this weekend. Can't wait to come up again and like we have always said ya'll are welcome here.

Plasma = Paycheck

Okay so I never thought that I would do something like this. . . but I guess desperate times call for desperate measures. . . I heard on the radio while I was out on my morning walk/run about a week ago that you can get $50 a week just by giving plasma. So I remembered the phone #, called it and made my appointment: 6:45 in the morning. First had to do a simple physical, and then I was ready to donate. The whole process was super painless. It was just like giving blood. I was there about 2 hours (1 hour doing the physical -1st timers only and then 1 hour to donate the plasma). I made a quick $25 bucks, and helped save a life. (just another way to look at it) They say you can make $50 a week, cause you can go and donate 2x a week. I have my next appointment scheduled and looking forward to it. You can make an extra $10 if you refer someone else, so I am gonna refer Rob and then we'll make an extra $10 the next time I go. Anyhow... I just thought I would post this for documentation sake. Ya'll are probably reading this and thinking that I have completely hit rock bottom huh. Well hopefully this has at least given ya'll a good laugh.

(This picture is proof that I survived. I don't look great, but hey my appt. was early in the morning and so I just got up and went, now I can take a shower and get ready for the day.)

Two nights of Tuacahn

The past two night we have had so much fun. A couple months ago we purchased tickets to Tuacahn to see Les Misérables and The Sound of Music. We haven't lived close enough to attend in the last couple of years so it was something that we both really wanted to do this summer. My mom and dad go almost every year, and so we decided to go with them. We had great seats (thanks to my mom who never fails always knows the best places to sit to watch theatre productions). Going to things nowadays takes a little more planning with Karlee. And we are so super lucky to have Troy & Segi, and their family who live so close. They were willing to watch Karlee both nights. Thanks Again. The days around here are pretty darn warm, okay HOT! but the nights don't necessarily cool off. So it was comfortable as long as you had some ice water to drink or pour on yourself to cool off.

So Tuesday night we saw the most anticipated performance. Boublil and Schönbergs' Les Misérables. It was absolutely fantastic. Rob said that he thinks it was the best production of Les Misérables that he has seen. Tuacahn is one of only eight theatres in American that has been selected to present local productions of Les Misérables. And Tuacahn was such a beautiful stage to watch this production, with the Southern Utah's gorgeous red rocks. The actors were amazing, the music was spectacular. I think that my favorite character/actor was Jean Valjean, played by Timothy Warmen. He was so captivating, and such an emotional character. Not enough can be said about this production, it was amazing, and is definitely a MUST SEE!

On Wednesday night we saw Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical: The Sound Of Music! This was really good as well. It was just a light hearted production. It was fun to hear all those wonderful songs again. My favorite part of the production was at the end when the Nazi soldiers were walking up and down the theatre steps with their flashlight, you just knew something was gonna happen, and well I won't ruin it for anyone. Lets just say it got pretty exciting.

Photo opportunity with Rob and my dad.

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So fun to have been able to go to Tuacahn and watch two wonderful productions. We would highly recommend coming to Tuacahn during the summer, and enjoying all the wonderful productions.

Already 5 months old!

5 months old. Yesterday July 7th Karlee marked another milestone. We can't believe how lucky and blessed we are to have Karlee in our home and in our family. It has been so fun to watch her grow, we are amazed at really just how fast she is growing. When I took her to her 4mo wellness Dr apt (a week ago) she weighed 13 lbs 11 oz. and was 26 inches long. Her Dr said that she is in good health, and that she is a very happy baby. The Dr also said that by 5 months, Karlee's eye color would be fully developed, well its 5 months and Rob and I still debate on what her actual eye color is. Some days they look blue, some days they look brown, and some days they look green. What we can agree on is that they are definitely deep whatever the color. Anyhow Karlee makes life so much fun. She is such a sweet baby and is full love. Rob and I are pretty bias but we can't believe how perfect she is. Oh yea she has learned a new trick: She can roar! Yep that's right she can roar, Rob has really been working with her on her new trick. She isn't quite at showing off her trick on cue, but she sure does make us laugh when she roars.

(Thank goodness there is a Spell Check feature on this blogging thing. I am a horrible speller, but you would never had known that. Gotta love technology)

Our Freedom is not Free!

Happy 4th of July!!!

Three years ago, today I was in Washington D.C. with my parents on an amazing memorable experience. My parents had planned a 3 week trip out East to visit all the church sites, as well as most all the American History sites. I was extremely fortunate to be able to go with them on this trip. We were in our nations capital for the big 4th of July. We were able to participate (as spectators, of course) in the reading of the declaration of independance, a Red, White, and Blue Parade, and the concert and fireworks on Capital Hill. But of what I remember most was the privilage to go and see all the monuments: Lincoln Monument, Korean War Memorial, World War I & II Memorials, Vietnam Memorial Wall, Jefferson Monument, the Washington Monument, Arlington, and other historical sites. All these grounds are sacred grounds, there is a feeling of reverence that comes over you when you walk onto each of these grounds. Going through all my pictures of this trip has helpe me to remember all the special feelings that I felt while I was there.

Some of my most favorite, and most spritiual experiences were while we were at Arlington, at the tomb of the unknown soldier. The reference that was shown takes your breath away, I was so moved by the gratitude and respect these soldiers have for those who have given their lives for our country. It was truly an amazing experience up there on the hill. Another special moment that I had was while we went to each War Memorial. To walk through these memorials made you proud and grateful to all those who have fought, and continue to fight for our Freedom. In the World War II memorial there is a wall that has been engravened these words: FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. How could you not want to be a better American.

These past couple days I have been touched by the thoughts of our military and the sacrifices that they make for our country. We are so blessed to live in this country where we are able to live by choice. We are not forced to believe a certain way or live a specific way. We are Free because so many men and women have fought for this privilage. I am moved to tears to think of all the families that have paid the ultimate sacrifce of a family member, father, brother, sister, mother. We are so blessed to live in this Land and to have the freedoms we have.

Another Contest...

Rob has done it again. Today at the 4th of July celebrations he participated in a Hot Dog Eating Contest. They had 12 minutes to eat as many hot dog and bun as they could. They could dip them in water, or however they wanted to, as long as they could keep them down. Gross huh! I think there were probably 13 contestants. Just before the contest, Rob got super quiet, he had his game face on. (actually I think that he was super nervous) Rob was able to consume 8 hot dogs in 12 minutes. After the time was up and all was said and done, Rob took 3rd place. He got some pretty good prizes... $10 gift card to what else but the Dogfather (hot dog place), and some other freebies. I told him that he did good for such a contest. He said, "ya, I just really wanted the Trophy..." (honestly). Ya just gotta love Rob and his competitive spirit.

Here is Rob just after they announced his name as a contender. (look at all those hot dogs)

Rob biting into his first hot dog. (yummy)

3 dogs down...making some progress.

Nearing the end...working on hot dog #8

Rob so proud - 3rd place - standing in front of contest sign.

UPDATE: The hot dog contest that Rob was in made the newspaper's front page. So I am adding the picture for documentation. (Rob is down on the end)

Nap Time!

I went into Karlee's room just after her afternoon nap, and she was so happy. I ran back and got my camera to capture the moment. She is such a smily, happy little girl. She loves her naps, and then usually when she is done sleeping you can hear her in her crib just talking to herself. Here are some of the photos that I took: