Washington

welcome to Omak, Washington. On friday morning mom and dad and I traveled the 4 hours to Okanogan to go to Melanie Mills baby shower. Baby Parker Eden will be born soon now, and we wanted to show our love and support for her baby girl. The shower was great. I think they said they counted 38 people there which was really good. Melanie looked so happy! I hadn't seen her since Alaska, but I'm so glad I had to opportunity to go spend sometime back where my story began. Jeremy and Morgan had asked that we go and take pictures of the house on Sandflat road. (I think that's what it was called) the whole way there mom and dad were trying to point out things and memories of Omak, but unfortunately I was so young I don't remember much about it. In fact the baby shower was a little bit daunting as I couldn't remember anyone there except Shawna Law. I'll get to that in a minute.

Carson Mills Aka: my first kiss. We grew up together! Man I missed this kid, it was good catching up with him from the good old days.

I volunteered to write down the gifts and who they were from.

This is Melanie's overflowing gift table. It took like 2 hours to open them!

Growing up Lori was like a 2ND mother. Our families have been great friends over the years, and Lori is one women to really look up too. She has such a positive personality and always wants to see the best of everyone. Something I could really learn to do.

At the shower everyone kept telling me they hadn't seen me since my classic sombrero act. I remember doing a Christmas talent show performance with Stephanie where we beat on some drums and sang some silly song. But I don't remember these people, so it was awkward to hear how much "I've grown up!"

Sunday morning we got up at 5am to drive to Wenatchee. Ricky's ward was at 9am and we knew the roads would be a little snowy. Luckily, the roads were really good, and we got there with 15 minutes to spare. Ricky gave a really good talk. Also on the roster for that morning was sister Wengreen, and lynsie white. It was a very good sacrament meeting. Afterwards we went over to Dicks house to visit and have dinner. Dick prepared a Ham and potatoes for dinner and then we took pictures. They are to follow. I stayed at Brittney's house and mom and dad stayed at the Felty's. Sorry it's so short but American Idol is on and I don't really have the attention span to blog.

When it was time to leave Ricky didn't want to let me go. He held on with all his might. Note: I'm in a dress. Noah and Landon helped try to "rescue" me.

Noah is growing up so much also. He's now 13 in the 7th grade. He lives with Allen and Erin in Moses Lake. I remember when he was a little boy when Stephanie would babysit him.

Uncle Ricky and Landon

Cousinly Love!

I love you Ricky, and will miss you terribly. best of luck on your mission. I have no doubt you'll make the best missionary Ventura, California has ever seen!

Cause I'm a country girl?

YEA NOT SO MUCH!

Well the day was a little bit crazy. It started out fine, all the way up until work. We seemed to be really busy and it was a Tuesday night. . . we had a couple of false brain wraps and a few projector alarms. Nothing major though :D Then, when I was down checking on the crew, I noticed this huge group come in all at once. They began raising their voices and causing a commotion. What they were demanding and threatening was to let 12 of them into the movie for free. Apparently they had called into our automated system and were given the wrong show times. So they showed up to a movie, and we weren't open. They threatened that if we didn't give them the managers name and number AND let them in for free they were going to cause a huge ruckus in town, and write the news paper everyday with letters to the editor about how terrible our business is. Little do they know a recent charged Sex offender named Jewels wrote about the same thing 3 years ago, and it hasn't changed our business. To deal with such abusive ladies, we would rather loose their business than let 12 in for free. Had they approached us nicely and asked rather than yelled and demanded we might have been able to to accommodate some type of compensation....Well they ended up deciding to PAY for the movie after calling mom and telling her she was a stupid stupid business woman. When they came out of the theater the floor boy noticed a wine bottle courtesy of our new 12 friends. This would explain their radical and belligerent behavior.

Next, I clocked off at the theater around 11:45. As I headed around Bottle Bay road I got into some sketchy, hard to pass by areas. You see, it snowed all morning here in Sandpoint, then quickly turned to rain. I noticed the plow hadn't been by but figured the more I got away from the open the better the roads would get. When I got the first hill, I got stuck. Oh dear, I was so tired, and just wanted to get home. I must have attempted it 10 times before finally making it to the top....There was so much slush and a sheet of ice underneath. As I continued my route I realized it was only getting worse? I couldn't even get traction on flat ground, imagine attempting a slight incline. Finally when I got to where I wrecked 3 winters ago...I called mom and dad. They said they were almost to Cocolalla and would be there shortly. Knowing they'd be coming around Bottle Bay I decided to get out, put on my flashers, and break in my chains. (Note: they've never been used) I used everything in my trunk that I though I never would. A) chains B) pliers C) flashlight D) pocket knife E) screw driver. After about 10 minutes the chains were on and ready to go. I was so sick of attempting this small hill. I must have tried at least 25 times, and that's not even exaggerating. I had been in that very spot for an hour before making the decision to put my chains on. I made it up the hill, and slowly but surely continued my journey home. I really can't emphasise enough how bad they actually were. Now some might think to yourselves "well she's just not experienced in those conditions" and you're right! But, let's put it this way... It took Dad longer to come around the Bottle Bay road behind me, then it did for him to come from Coeur D'Alene, to the Bottle Bay Road. I finally got to our driveway at 2:20 am. Exhausted I took off my chains and mom and dad pulled up behind me soon. I was soaking wet, and ready for bed. What a night.

My chains...It was dark and cold getting down on the ground. But - luckily I had my sweatshirt and Carhartt in my trunk, so I didn't have to get my good coat all nasty.

But the lessons I had learned was, had I not hung out with Carson and Del when we've gone on drives, gotten stuck, and had to get out...I wouldn't have been able to make it home. I think I used everything I've observed them do in my eventful drive home. Everything except 4-wheel drive of course... I was pretty wide open and sideways on most hills...until I put my chains on...then it was a slow creep to the top. Dad was so impressed I made it home, mom even said he had a couple of close calls coming home in 4-wheel drive. I don't know but I felt relieved to finally be home, and get in bed. So no I'm not a country girl, but I just kept thinking of Del's ring-back tone that says:

Cause I'm a country boy

Got a 4-wheel drive

climb in my bed

I'll take you for a ride

up city streets

down country roads

I can take you where you need to go

Cause I'm a country boy

Well....my song would be a little more like:

Cause I'm a country girl

Got a 2 wheel drive

climb in my neon

I'll take you for a ride

up the hills

we will fish tail

I will try to get you where you need to go

cause I'm a country girl (with a neon)

Anyways I wouldn't have made it home if i hadn't been out riding with the guys. Thanks boys :D

Winter Escape

I was asking Dad today why we didn't plan our cruise in January...or even February. We established that right after christmas would've been the perfect time to go. We are so sick of the snow. It's freezing cold and I'm ready for a winter escape. So everyone, here's where Dad, Mom and I will be in just 3 months! boy can we hardly wait!

Picture it....us tanning on the beach

yep there we are...can you see us? Wait dad might be snorkling!

aww the sweet escape!

Happy New Years [2009]

Welcome-2009

On Wednesday [new years eve] I asked dad to get up early with me and go into Coeur D'Alene for some grocery shopping. Being that he only had that one day to redeem our Safeway gas pump rewards he agreed. We left the house around 9am, after shoveling and plowing a bit. After a quick stop to empty the stuffed truck bed of garbage we were on our way. We could see bits of blue sky in areas, which was good news for my traveling friends. I had asked Kaynie, (coming from Ephrata) to call me when she left home at 8am. Around 10:30am I realized I hadn't heard from her so I decided to call. She told me she completely forgot and was so sorry. Dad and I went to Costco to A. test samples. B. get necessary new years eve party foods. We had a lot of fun pushing our full cart through the crowded isles. Who would've thought that Costco could be SO BUSY! After Costco, Mom had suggested that we stop by the AT&T store to look for a new mobile for dad. We found a couple he liked and stood for about an hour taking pictures, texting and trying out the features on each phone. I think without me he would've been so lost. He probably would have settled for the cheap plastic one he was looking for online. But I showed him that the touch screen response was too slow, the keys were very small, and the camera had poor quality. We moved on to the Samsung Eternity which is a touch phone but is so neat. I think dad would really love having it because it's also a digital camera combined. With his recent blogging phase I'm sure he'd appreciate that specific feature. On our way home I found out that my friends were just minutes behind us. I helped dad unload the food, and gas cans and came inside to realize that mom had spent all morning picking up the house for my friends arrival. I was so grateful for that, I don't think she realized how much i appreciated that small act of kindness. Kaynie and Nicole came down the driveway and I was so excited. I haven't seen them since October, and boy has it been a long wait. I gave them huge hugs then took them upstairs to drop their bags. After showing them the two rooms, I heard someone else coming up the stairs. It was none other than KIARA! I was so excited. She's been telling me for weeks she was going to have to work, but little did I know she was just going to surprise me. Kaynie never called me at 8am because she had to leave early to pick up Kiara from the Spokane Airport. OH BOY! What a surprise. I knew it'd be a great few days together, but with this addition to the partying group it could only make it more exciting! After playing a few rounds of Guitar Hero on my Wii we made our way to the theater to see the Owen Wilson and Jennifer Anniston movie called Marley and Me. It was all around a great flick. Alyssa Herzinger met us there, and it's been awhile since I had the opportunity to see her also. Alyssa, Kiara and I balled at the end of the movie, but it was so feel good that I loved it. After that we came home to munch on our finger foods and ring in the new year. Dad had rewinded Dick Clark's Rockin New Years eve to watch it and forgot he could fast forward. We ended up counting down the new year about 3 minutes into 2009! Oh, how memorable! Here are a few pictures of New Years eve. I will be posting another from our bowling and snow adventures as soon as Kiara posts them on Facebook and I get to copy them to my computer! Happy New Year everybody, from a Snowy North Idaho.

Kaynie, Alyssa, Nicole, Me, Kiara

Kiara on drums, Kaynie rocking the vocals, and Nicole testing the waters on guitar!

I would've have missed this smile way too much had I not seen her this week. I'm so happy she surprised me. It was the most wonderful surprise anyone has ever given me!

A toast to a new year!

Dubs :D

When we were in Alaska we frequently made stops at this small store called Myers that had soft serve ice cream. It was like $2.25 for a small cone. I kept telling all my friends that back home we had the best soft serve and it was half the price and twice as large as what we got in Alaska. Well I finally had to opportunity to show them. Last night we went to Dubs for dinner. We enjoyed small cones - and burgers. They loved it, and they loved the good deal too. Dubs is seriously the best, nothing could replace a true small town dubs experience :D

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

I'm so mad, i think i've posted this entry like 7 times but my computer is in the worsed condition. I don't know what happed but I think I have too many virus protection systems and they are cancelling eachother out - therefore leaving my computer infected with these little viruses. I'm not sure though. Mom has spent a lot of time working on it which I really appreciate and I think it soon will be up and running again. Anyways, now that it's 2 weeks after christmas I figured I should get on mom and dad's computer to post it before posting a new years entry! Here's Christmas 2008 :D

Santa left me a BLACK BARBIE! haha this was the joke of the night on Christmas Eve, I found it in the stocking box, and santa thought it'd be funny to put it in my stocking!

WII WII! I was so excited when I saw I got my Wii. I could hardly wait to play it. Andrew, Adam and I spent all christmas afternoon and evening playing my games.

Mom got a new range and an overhead microwave...some much needed improvements to the kitchen.


Look who else got a a wii! He'e lauging at me of course because now we both have one! Lucky us, Merry Christmas dad!

I had me wii all set up and ready to play prior to opening presents.

My nephew is the cutest thing in the world. In fact, Stephanie and Andrew got mom this moose that sings "grandma got ran over by a reindeer" while rocking in a chair. David loved to push the button, sit in front of it, move back-and-forth in rocking motions, and at the end repeate BEE-BA-DA-DA" which to him means Merry Christmas!

Grandpa playing with David's piano. He only would play with grandpa though. He'd take it from whoever handed it to him and stand at Grandpa's feet and rub his tummy in a sign language motion and say "peese"

Adam couldn't resist testing the "waters". unfortunatly, he's smart and didn't want chance it. So he just road up and down the bay.

Babysitter Deanna was keeping mischeiveious David busy while mommy and daddy were busy in the kitchen working on Grandma's christmas present.

The finished project! Merry Christmas mom!

Christmas Time!

At the theater we decorated for christmas. I was out of commission when they did all the lights and everything but I did get to go in and see it. They did it Friday night. Adam and Brandi happened to be up that evening, so we all went in the see the movie Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. I slept through most all of it due to pain - but it was nice to get out of the house for once in a few days. The theater looks so festive. The boys unscrewed all the overhead light bulbs except 3 so the lobby is compeletly illuminated solely by lights. It so pretty I've never enjoyed working so much. The decorations really add to the seasons mood.

This is my stocking! Aren't they cute, mom and I found them at the Dollar Store!

The giant decorations hanging from the ceiling are amazing!

Wouldn't you just feel "in the christmas spirit" If you walked in here?

Tabitha, Autumn and I.

My high school friend Autumn. She's been a real blessing through this new "single" situation of mine. She's the only one I know that still resides here in Sandpoint, and boy has she been a great friend through it all. So far she's been a really AWESOME addition to the theater. She picked things up so quickly and it's really nice to have somone dependable. I think she'll be a great supervisor, and i'm excited mom took my recommendation! I'm excited to spend the next few months hanging out with Autumn! :)

Pros and Cons

These are a few pros and cons for working at the movie theater. Luckily I'll only be there till April. I like working at the movie theater, I like being a supervisor, but here's the advantages and disadvantages of working under your mom!

PROS:

• scheduling
• she knows when i'm really sick and can't work.
• something familiar to come back to
• never have to learn new things
• same job, same people

CONS:

• always talk about work
• can't really request a raise (no matter how much you deserve it) without be accused of favortism.
• people think your always a spy.
• since i've been there too long i seem to open my mouth when learning new things.
• Late hours means bad roads
• always having to train and re-train.
• not being able to get the same time off as mom usually

The End of This Chapter

I know many have been wondering, what exactly is the story with Deanna's love life? Well I'm here now to answer all those questions. I wouldn't be writing this so soon if it weren't for One:Bodie crying at the door because mom and dad just left, Two: I had gotten a good nights sleep, Three: All I want to do right this second is text him and I know I can't/shouldn't. Ok so here is the story (mainly because I just need to get it out.)

I had wanted to see people all weekend. I was so bored at home all by myself...I really wanted to see Del and Carson but everytime I asked them to do something, they were busy working on Del's bike. Finally last night they said they wanted to come over and watch the rest of Adams videos he let us borrow, but they had to go to town to pick up Carsons' Girlfriend. When they got here, Del asked how I was - How I was feeling, and if "i was surviving" Well he wouldn't exactly know because I couldn't really talk on the phone. When we would text I thought he wanted nothing to do with me, and I hadn't really seen him much. So no he didn't know I am still in a lot of pain, i'm still very weak, can't talk, and can hardly eat. But instead of spilling all that out, I just simply said yes...Yes I am surviving.

We watched a snowmobile movie, and I though Janel (carsons girlfriend) Was bored the whole time. I'm not sure if she's the type to just have casual relaxing get togethers but i'm sure in time we'll find out. Del sat on the floor for the first movie, and the second all 4 of us on the couch. Although we were really crammed on the couch for the 2nd movie, it felt as though Del and I were miles apart...Even emotionally. My head hurt so bad, and I was too tired I think from going back to work too soon, So all I wanted to do was sleep. I kept nodding off and to my luck that video we watched last was VERY SHORT! I went to take my pain pills, Followed by Del to get some water. We stood in the kitchen, and I asked him a few simple questions that needed to be clearified. "have you been avoiding me..." -no, "Are you distancing yourself" -I'm not trying too. "is it over." -Seems so, nothing has been working. I watched him get 2 big tears in his eyes and they turned red. Eventhough they didn't stream down his face, I could see the saddness in his eyes. It's hard to say goodbye to something you didn't want to have to let go. We have had so many memories over the passed 2 years, almost to be exact. Seeing him tear-up I couldn't handle it and I started crying. Stepping aside, as to make a scene. He came to comfort me, but I knew it would only make it worse, if this is how it was going to be, I had to handle it on my own. In fact before he showed up, I had told mom and dad my feelings, I had explained the them that I can't live this lie anymore...I knew it was never going to work, I just needed help ending it. It was so hard to talk in the kitchen with Carson, Janel, Mom and Dad sitting about 15 feet from us, and we just needed to have a short, simple conversation about: What now.

Del and I headed upstairs so I could lay down my Watermelon head. He sat at the end of my bed, and we talked about our christmas presents, what breaking up means to us, and to cancel previous plans we had made together. He was upstairs for about a half hour when he kindly took down my hot compresses (Washclothes for my jaw) for mom to bring back up when they left. Since mom and Carson were so enthused by StormWatchers he just brought them back up, said he was sorry and went to leave. I told him "Del, don't appologize for how you feel. It didn't work, we tried and that's that. We can't change whats not meant to be, and for that, we just have to greatful for what we did have." He nodded and walked down the stairs. Every part of me begged him and wanted him to come back and just sit and talk with me. I wanted to know so many things, like when he was going to start dating, what he was going to do next....If he had already started making decisions....I wanted to know it all, but I knew inside that it's not right, and to say goodbye - truely means saying goodbye.

Del returned upstairs one last time. I wanted one last kiss, but never got one. It didn't feel right to bring it up. Del and my anniversary is Dec. 22nd. And that is the day that marks our very first kiss. We broke up June 7th, exactly 6 months for last night. I can't say that I regret anything about Del and Me. We had a lot of great times, and he helped me grow and figure out alot. Had it not been for him the passed couple months I truely don't think I would have had to courage myself to realize and accept that I need to go back to school. Eventhough, I feel that he is the reason I left in the first place. So, we began with a kiss on the cheek, as he left town to go to california and it has ended with a kiss on my forehead, as he left my room for the last time. I cried quite a bit. It was so hard letting me go, thinking about all the things I truely adore about him, and things I never ever dreamed of letting go. Everything I had wanted to do with him, and things I hadn't had the chance of accomplishing yet. He'll always have a special place in my heart, and I have no doubt we won't still have a special friendship - but that my friends is where it ends.

Now, It will be a long hard road I think to compeletly get over this. What's next you may ask ? Well Tell all your friends, Deanna is single and ready to mingle. haha ok not quite that, but still. Please be paitent. Please realize that if you call, and i'm hanging out with Del, this doesnt mean i'm weak and gave in. IT'S OVER, and we are just friends. No more holding hands, cuddling, kissing....no more. I don't want to hear any suggestions on how to get over him, I don't want to anyone to bad mouth or trash talk Del. He is the most wonderful person in the world. I'm so delighted I had him in my life for so long. I wish him the best, and can only cross my fingers that the family will still be good friends with him. In fact the first thing he said stephanie was "Am I still invited to Bear Lake?" haha we'll see how I feel at that point in time, but I hope the family can accept that this is a huge step. I'm willing to make my boyfriend, my best friend...and let it end there. This is the end of a great chapter in my life, now it's time to head to school in April and start a new one. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers...

Thank you! I love you all.

Del-

I have some letters I'd like to give you. Please don't say sorry for what happend. We both went away and came back 2 different people like we've said all along. We both have different goals in life. We're headed 2 opposite directions. I appreciate the comfort and love you've given to me, and hope that someday you too find someone who offers you love and happiness. I have no doubt we'll look back in years to come, and be greatful we made this move. It is what was destined to happen. I love you for all the memories we shared, and all the good times we had together. I'm always here for you if you need anything. Please don't ever hesitate to call upon me if your stuck in a rut, although my neon might have trouble pulling your truck out. haha kidding but seriously, I'll still kick your trash in my neon anyday. & once again don't hate me, cause if you do "that just means i'm special". -Good times my friend, many.... many good times.

Love always,

Deanna

[THE END.]

The Decision

I think I have told most - but i've come upon a decision.

I'm going back to school in April (after my cruise of course.) We'll have to see how that works out. I plan to Major in either Child Development, or early childhood education with a minor in Culinary arts. I'm excited to have finally made a choice, and feel very good about it. It's set in stone. I plan to probably live at the ridge for the Summer semester, and possible move to snowview for Fall. We'll see how it all works out. Thanks all for your support and prayers. Love you!

Without Wisdom?

OK, I know everyone has this question on their mind...."however did little baby Deanna survive the surgery....?" Truth be told I am a baby, and I almost didn't make it. You see, Wednesday morning I woke up and realized I had cramps. My goodness, I'm sure you're wondering why I would ever tell you this. Well you see - I have to be the only girl in the world that would have her wisdom teeth removed the same day that her little visitor decided to come. Boy O' Boy though do I go through tremendous amounts of pain when it comes, so I already wasn't in a good mood. I couldn't take any pain pills, and considering I couldn't eat after Midnight the night before, I was also running on an empty stomach. Never good. We had to get gas so we were 7 minutes late to the appointment. I walked in and all the ladies were standing around in their surgical suites, goggles, etc... I signed over my life, and then took my X-Ray. Mom came into the briefing with me to get the low down on the risks and precautions. After that they led me to a room, strapped me in a chair and started poking my arm everywhere. Since I was dizzy to begin with all the confusion and hustle and bustle didn't help. Before they started prodding at my fragile arm I felt nauseous, I thought I was going to throw up, then they poked me 5 times....I don't remember much just that they kept putting this crap up my nose to get me to come too. Calling my name and running around saying "we're loosing her...." they were lowering the chair, then a second later they'd raise it. I remember asking for mom, and they said no. Then I'd ask for dad and they said no... I had no clue what was going on. Finally they got the IV in, and I got the most expensive nap of my life. It was like $1355 or something like that. Thank goodness for insurance. I don't remember a thing. Besides waking up and them shoving gauze in my mouth. I asked for mom, they said no. I asked for dad, and guess what...they said no. I started FREAKING OUT....they wouldn't let me see my parents, how dare them! I don't really remember but Mom said that the nurse or whatever you'd call them, said i was experiencing a mild case of shock. I could hardly walk. They got me to the car, and I laid down in the back seat. I don't remember much about the trip home...I told mom the story of the surgery, and I remember we came up on an accident that we went around on a bumpy road that hurt really bad. When we got home mom said Del would be coming over around 6-7. Apparently right when I got out of surgery I was asking for him, and crying? I don't recall but mom called him and told him I was asking for him. He said he could come visit me..... Now let me tell you about what I do remember.

We got home and mom changed my gauze and I laid in bed. She spoon fed me Jello which was hard to eat. I hadn't figured out yet how to swallow without feeling. I was so numb and everything tingled. Del got here, and sat at the side of my bed. Considering I was tired and I couldn't talk he didn't stay long...Just long enough to show me his concern and care. After he left I remember falling asleep watching a movie. I don't recall turning it off. The next thing I knew I opened my eyes, and was throwing up...in my bed. I reached for a plastic bag attempting to holler for dad (who was talking on the phone to Stephanie downstairs) but i was already done. Dad helped me get cleaned up and I went downstairs to be closer to someone...who could help me. I ate a popsicle, and threw up. I drank apple juice and threw it up, and then I drank ginger ale and surprise, surprise I threw it up. I threw up a grand total of 4 times. Mom and Dad were pretty concerned so they called the Emergency hot-line and we got ahold of the dentist. He said that I couldn't keep anything down because while being numb I swallowed too much blood without realizing. SICK!!!! I immediately stopped swallowing anything and just started letting it drool out of my mouth onto a towel, now that must have been a gross sight I'm sure. The doc said I couldn't have anything to eat/drink/or even med's until my stomach had settled and got all the bad fluids out. After a couple hours I felt much much better and drank some Ginger Ale. Following that, I went to bed. (Note: I threw up everything I'd eaten so I was running on empty again.) When mom came to bed, she stopped in the room, rubbed my head and sang me to sleep. I haven't had too much pain, just very very uncomfortable.



[the one on the left is the one that cause the most pain. Bottom left]

Today I was a lot better. I'm really swollan on the Left side. The Surgeon had said that this side might be worse because the tooth was very odd shaped, inset in my bone more - so they had to dig it out, and it is HUGE. I slept pretty much the WHOLE day, until Del came over at 6. He sat on the bed and watched a snowmobile video. I tried staying awake, it was pretty eventful. Dad brought me a chopped Popsicle to eat since I hadn't had any fluids for awhile. After the video was over Del left to get home, and let me rest.




All in all I've learned: Don't swallow blood, Pain killers work, Throwing up is worse when you have gauze in your mouth and you can't open your throat, Mom and Dad are the best, and I'm going back to school in the spring. There you have it folks...My wisdom teeth horror story.

My awful attempt at a smile, but can't you see nothing but joy and happiness being forced to lay in bed all day hahahaha.

A Perfect Thanksgiving Weekend!

Last tuesday I flew to Rexburg to spend the holiday weekend with Stephanie, Andrew and David. Although, it wasn't just us that were planned to spend it together, also to join us were Curt and Jen and Adam and Brandi. My flight out of Boise was an hour delayed which made my layover 5 hours. After almost finishing my book, and watching a movie I was exhausted and really really bored. On wednesday I hung out with Stephanie in the office. She stayed down there till about 2 when we then went upstairs to do some baking. We knew the other siblings would arrive around 6 pm so this gave us the opportunity to get a jump-start on the Thanksgiving feast. We completed : Coconut bread, 2 Banana cream pies, 2 Pumkin pies, Deviled Eggs, and Carrot Supreme. When Adam, Curt and their wives showed up, Cache and David immediately began playing with one another. It was so cute. Now as they Nephews are growing older they are learning things like "sharing" saying "please and thank you." and much....much more. It was facinating to see how much growth there has been in the two of them since I saw them last together in July.

David Playing in his tub of balls :)

David sharing his bucket with Cousin Cache.

Really he just liked throwing them out of the tub, so that Cache would come behind him and put them back in. Haha.


Happy Cache and Aunt Deanna on Thanksgiving Day.

The table is set, and we're ready to eat. On the menu : Turkey, Stuffing, Rolls and Jam, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Deviled Eggs, Carrot supreme, Pickels, Cranberry Sause, and MARINELLI'S Courtesy of Jen and Curt:)
(Doesn't it all just look so good!)

Thanksgiving evening while Stephanie and Andrew were in the Blackfoot, Adam & Brandi, Curt and Jen decided to go for a drive to see the new remodels around campus, and also to see improvements and changes in and around rexburg. After turning out of the ridge parking lot this is the site we got to enjoy. Rexburg truely does have the best sunsets. Especially with the Temple right there. We couldn't resist the opportunity of stopping to snap a picture.

Friday it was black friday. Stephanie and I got up with Curt & Jen to go to walmart and try to catch those hot doorbuster items. Unfortunatly we missed out on what we initially came for (or so we thought) But thanks to Jen's watchful eye, it was found just laying in the middle of the isle somewhere. Someone must have decided they didn't need it and just set it down. What a relief! After Walmart Jen, Stephanie and I walked around Porters. I have always loved to go in there and see all the neat craft ideas. I can't wait to have my own home and family to start decorating with/around. Following Porters, we went to pick up all the others at Stephanies' to head to Rexburg Motorsports. It wasn't as busy as last year as I recall the parking lot as stephanie and I headed to Idaho falls, but they also weren't running as good of deals. We all drove our own cars into Idaho falls where we went to Shopko, Target, Walmart (a second time) and then back home. WHAT A DAY! That night we went over to Scuba Steves for dinner. It was awfully nice of him and Emily to invite all 8 of us over for dinner. It was pleasant to visit with great friends! Steve and Emily are the sweetest couple. Their daughters are the most adorable things ever, and they really do know how to host guests.

Saturday morning us girls went to get Pedicures at the beauty school. This here is my foot being messaged by a "senior student"


The 4 of us:)

The end result. From bottom to the left : Stephanie, Me, Brandi, Jen

Saturday night Stephanie wanted to take us out to a place called Mountain River Ranch. It was a dinner show where you went on a sleigh ride. Unfortunatly for us, it was more of a carriage ride (which was still awesome) because there was no snow. When checking in, Stephanie said that the Hansens were ready to get their hand stamped, but what actually turns out is for the night, we were the ...

Yep that's right we were the Huntsmans. After Checking in the Sleigh Ride came to pick us up. We were the first group to go, and we got front row seating. After a little contest to see what tables would line up to eat first, we grabbed our plates and enjoyed : Chicken, Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls, and Stuffing. It was so filling. For desert it was like this strawberry or maybe raspberry cheescake, i'm not sure what kind but it was really really good! Proceeding dinner was the show, a group of 3 boys ; 2 guitar players and a fiddler. Man the 16 year old fiddler was pretty amazing and really fun to watch. They played the Devil went down to Georgia, and man can I say, He really knew how to play! During the show the owner asked stephanie to get up with david and have him ring the bells during the christmas music portion. David loved it, and Cache quickly came over with Curt to join in on the noisy fun! I tried getting a picture of it but since they were shaking the bells in it turned out a little blurry.

David and Cache really Loved the music. They'd dance, and laugh and play. It was really neat to see them being so good!

At the end of the show the owner asked me....YES ME....out of like 150 people to join him on the stage. He asked me if i'd ever done any magic and I said NO! haha, he then asked me to tie a knot at the end of two scarves, so that they were secure together. After testing the knot he asked for my trust and slid them down the top of my shirt. He said "I bet your parents are out there really nervous right now," to which i responded, "no worse, my brothers!" haha the crowed laughed quiet a bit. After a few jokes here and there, he asked me to take one end of one scarf, and he'd take the other, and we'd pull in opposit directions. The result....

MY BRA! ....haha just kidding, but it was a really funny joke, and everyone laughed really hard. Of course he had to pick "ME" to come up. It was a lot of fun, and i'm glad i had the opportunity to participate. I can't thanks Stephanie and Andrew enough for the family experience at Mountain River Ranch. It was a good time, and a great way to wrap up the perfect weekend. Thanks you two!

Here are the two largest horses that Moutain River Ranch owns. AREN'T THEY HUGE! I know, they are the prettiest things ever!

To wrap up the weekend, we had a family game of ROCKBAND! The boys were so intense. As you can see Curt is on Bass, Matt on Drums, Me on Vocals (I was terrible) and Adam rocking out on the guitar. We did switch it up a bit, i got boo'd off stage on drums once. haha, it was a good time. The boys kept making comments to the picture taker (stephanie) "hey, how does it feel to say that you are sleeping with a member of the band" - when andrew was playing Bass. Haha overall a very fun weekend with my siblings. It was nice to have another setting to get together at besides mom and dad's place. We're all growing up!!!!