Hello Seattle

A couple weeks ago, My family journeyed over to Seattle for the weekend. My sister Stephanie and her family were visiting the North from Rexburg, and we were able to gather in one location at the same time. I had been getting to know and getting very close to my (then) friend Ryan Rios from Libby. We were able to work our the car arrangements so he and I were together. The drive over to Issaquah was awesome. He and I really had and opportunity to talk some things out and get to know each other on a deeper level. We spent nearly the whole day driving, and I couldn't say it wasn't amazing:) I received a call in Ellensburg from mom saying my nephew David had left his "bear" he sleeps with at my parents house in Sandpoint. She asked for Ryan and I to keep our eye peeled for another bear so he would sleep peacefully. Being that we were about 20 minutes ahead of mom and dad's rig, Ryan and I decided to go to Bell Square in Bellevue and 'Build-A-Bear' for David. Boy was that adventurous. They have you pick the animal you want to stuff. Then you go over to these huge machines and somebody puts stuffing in the bear and sews it up. We put a little heart on the inside the beats, it's so cute. Then you go to a station and wash and scrub the bear (a bath) to get all the fuzzes off him. Then you go through the wardrobe department

After meeting up with Mom, Dad, Stephanie and Andrew, we headed out to Port Angelas, Washington for Aunt Glenda's wedding reception. It was Ryans first time on a ferry so that was a lot of fun.

Ryan and I gave David his build-a-bear which was quickly named Bear Jr. Or Junior Bear. The story was that Bear Jr. was Bears brother, and Bear had to stay at Grandma and Grandpa's.

David (at first) was much more interested in the ferry experience then his new bear... until ...

He spotted the Candy that came in the Easter basket with it.

And then all he cared about was the candy, forget the bear! (until bear is needed later)

We made it to Aunt Glenda's reception fairly late. Since we had to travel from North Idaho, wait for the ferry and traffic and such we didn't exactly make it on time. But when we had arrived there was still food, and she was still in her dress:) You see, Aunt Glenda went to Vegas to get married a few months prior, so it was special for us to be able to attend her reception. We were the only ones on mom's side of the family there:) It was fun to catch up with Aunt Glenda and her daughter Tasha.

Tasha and I are about a year apart in age.

Tasha, Deanna, and Stephanie. (Cousins)

Ryan was handed a baby to watch while Stephanie and I visited with family. He did so well with Hannah. About a half hour later, Hannah Bear was ready to eat and ready to go - so Ryan was put in charge of David playing in the water in the Bathroom. He is so good with kids, it's cute:)

On Sunday, Adam and Brandi and their daughter Adalynn arrived. Hannah didn't waste any time in cuddling with Uncle Adam:)

Uncle Adam is also very good with Children. Adalynn was so tired when she got to Issaquah that she immediately went down for a nap. Sunday afternoon we just spent the time catching up as a family, joking around, and sitting around.

Brandi and Stephanie

Ryan and I

Sunday night mom suggested that Ryan and I get out for awhile. So we got in the car and decided to explore. We ended up at the fish hatchery talking - and decided to walk around for a bit. This is where I received "the first kiss" (which is another blog and another story start to finish all on it's own). We did a couple errands for the family and returned home to the following picture. Andrew met Ryan and I at the door, and said they had something for me to try. They sat me in a chair in the middle of the room with two oreos. They told me I had one minute to wiggle two oreos from my forehead to my mouth. It's no easy task let me tell you what. Such a fun game full of a lot of laughter. I dropped the first oreo, and made the second. I love my family and the fun memories we create when we're all together:)

We spent the next couple days shopping, laughing and having a great old time. Ryan really impressed me with how much he fit into my family. They wouldn't let us get away with saying we were friends. They grilled Ryan and would ask over and over throughout the course of the weekend if we "are dating" or what. Being he is headed to California in a few weeks, we weren't real sure if a long distance relationship was what either of us needed or wanted. In spending time together we both realized you can't stop the course of what is supposed to happen. We couldn't fight the feelings we had...so one the way home, Wednesday March 23rd....It became official:) (which once again, is a blog all on it's own titled "our story" and will be posted soon)

So there you have it, the story of the weekend Ryan met my family:)

Bear and Bear Jr. say SO LONG - and until next time, Good night:)

"To die would be a great adventure"

Daniel Robert Armstrong
(April 8, 1950 - February 27, 2010)

Daniel R. “Dan” Armstrong, 59, passed away peacefully in the log home he built in Cocolalla, Idaho on Saturday, February 27, 2010.

He was born to Delmer and Donna Armstrong on April 8, 1950 in Logan, Utah. His father was head ranger so he grew up in Zion, Yosemite, and Olympic National Parks. There he developed a love for the outdoors and sense of adventure, which he would carry with him all his life.

Dan graduated from high school in Port Angeles, WA and attended the University of Washington. He had many adventures in New Zealand, Australia, and all over the Americas. On April 9, 1977 he married Stacy Claypool. They settled on the family property in North Idaho in 1989 where they logged, built their own house, raised their children, and enjoyed the many wonderful outdoor activities this area offers.

He will be remembered for his undaunted spirit, his wild adventure stories, his dedication, love and support for friends and family, and his ability to make everyone around him laugh.

Dan is survived by his wife Stacy; two children Del and Mariah Armstrong; his mother, Donna; and Brother Randy Armstrong. His father, Delmer, preceded him in death.

Memorial services to celebrate Dan’s life will be conducted at 1:00PM, on Saturday March 6, 2010 at the New Song Bible Church in Sagle, with Pastor Barry Johnson, officiating.

MY Thoughts:

Last week I was so torn on whether or not to attend the memorial service. All these thoughts ran through my head about not being able to go alone, not wanting to make it harder on Del. I had decided to not go...all the way up until 15 minutes prior to the memorial. I stopped into Grandpa's, knowing I couldn't do it alone, to see if he might come along with me. We got to the church a little late, which was perfect. They were just getting ready to start - and that meant Del didn't have to see me there. You know when you become so close to someone that you consider them family...well I guess that's what happend here. Although I was never a part of the Armstrong family, I do love and appreciate Stacy and Dan so much. They taught me lessons I would have never learned otherwise throughout the past few years. I wanted to attend to show love and support to the family - History of drama aside. I didn't expect to say anything, just to show my love and support. Dan was such a great father, friend, and story teller. My most fond memories of him are when I'd show up and he'd be sitting in his chair - reading his newspaper - and listening to the basketball games on the radio. OR when I would be there in the evenings, and he'd be writing a small section of his memoir, or possibly a letter to the editor. He told the most amazing stories, there was never a dull moment the the Armstrongs. He will be dearly missed...

It was the hardest thing to do to sit in the back, all alone as those I used to consider friends all sat together behind the family. I knew it was not my place...But it was hard for me to cope too. Most thought I shouldn't have cared, most didn't expect it to affect me...But it did deeply, and I did it alone. I didn't say a word to the family, but they did see I was there as they walked out of the service. Grandpa and I left immediately so that I wouldn't cause a scene. That day was not about what was going on in the past, but strictly to reflect the adventurous most amazing life I've ever heard about. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to really get to know Dan and converse with him. He lived a life that many will never ever get the opportunity to experience. The Armstrong family are in the my thoughts and prayers and they cope with this great loss!

First [official] Apartment Gathering

Welcome to the party for Matthew Bouse's birthday!

This is me in the kitchen preparing Enchiladas for dinner. Others brought Beans, Jello salad, and juice:)

Everyone arriving. We have way to much fun in the Sandpoint YSA. I truly can call everyone a friend to me. Above is Taylor Rios (Libby) And John Hull (Westmond)

Megan (sunnyside) and I finishing the Jello Salad.

Me, Katie (Libby) and Megan in the kitchen helping with Jello, Enchiladas, and salsa!

Taking a break while the chicken was baking. Others in the background are helping out.

As we were waiting for everyone arrived, everyone took turns playing Rock band.


While the Enchiladas were cooking, we played a couple rounds of scategories. So much fun and so many laughs. This is Rick, Katie and Taylor cheering for the major points their team scored!

These two have to be my two new best friends. This is Rick and Taylor (both from Libby) and I...playing scategories.

After eating Dinner, we gave Matthew his birthday present. This was a shirt we had made for him. It reads, " Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful, hate me 'cause I make UH-mazing Pies". The story behind this is Matthew Bouse makes the best pies I've ever had. & I'm not even a pie fan!!! He makes pies frequently for our YSA activities.

Rashelle (Clark Fork) and I lighting the birthday candles on Matthew's cake.

After the birthday cake, we played a couple rounds of the "what if" games. Also known to the Noble family as Who, What, Where, When, Why.

The purpose of the gathering was a movie night. So the group agreed to watch Sandlot. Rick, Taylor, and Ryan have been talking for a week about pushing my twin beds together and laying there. They finally did it while everyone was watching the movie. A few us sat in the spare room chatting while others watched the movie.

Ryan, Rick, and Taylor (Libby)

Socializing and having so much fun:)

For the party I had made a Banana cream pie in case there wasn't enough cake to go around. But there happened to be the perfect amount of cake. We didn't want to pull out the pie if we didn't have too...knowing there wouldn't be enough for all. So when there was enough cake, rick snuck into the kitchen and brought the pie into the spare room covered in paper towels as to not raise in questions. He is so weird! Hah but so funny! It took two trips, one with the pie, two for milk! haha.

The 5 of us shared the entire pie:)

Ryan could not get enough of the pie, he ended up licking the lid! haha
My Banana cream pie once again - a hit!

We devoured the pie.

We went to breakfast at hoot owl first thing in the morning - Only after watching Thursdays episode of American Idol:) I had so much fun this weekend and am so happy with the YSA. The activities have been so much fun! I honestly love each and every person that comes to the activities, who I otherwise would not have come into contact with. We laugh a lot, we play a lot but all in all, we're grateful for each others company to create lasting memories!

Enjoying the sunshine!

A Thursday out - and - about

Last week the weather was extremely beautiful, so some girls from work and I decided to go for a walk. We weren't sure where to walk - it was between the long bridge and the beach. Being the first walk we'd been on and the windy weather we decided the long bridge was out of the question. Brittnie's son Brayde was all bundled up for the occasion. We stopped to swing on the swings for awhile, Bradye loved the swings:)

This is Brittnie's son Brayde. He's so cute and fun to play with.

The is the view from Sandpoint city beach.

The swimming area at the city beach.

A-rod and I enjoying the sunshine

Stopping by the playground to let Brayde play on the swings. He loves to be outside...He just laughed and laughed and laughed:)

We have way too much fun on our days off:)

After the beach it was still too nice outside to go home. So we pretended to be tourists in our own town. We walked downtown and stopped in some of the shops. Zany Zebra is quite popular here, and we took a few moments to browse around - try things on - laugh - and take pictures.

A-rod, Brittnie, and I at Zany Zebra.

After walking downtown and many laughs shared we loaded up in A-rod's new truck and began heading home. In the truck, Brayde fell asleep. Being that he hadn't had a nap we hated to go straight to the house, we just knew the moment the truck stopped he'd wake up! A-rod suggested we go for a little drive, so we continued up Baldy. We hit some snow, but not much! It was so pretty, we got to witness the sunset, but couldn't stop driving till Brayde woke up. When we did finally stop, it was here at this plow. How awesome is this! I was fortunate enough to hop out and snap a picture. I love it...looks so awesome. Reminds me of something that my brother Matt would own or something. My dad needs one of these:) So awesome.

Being silly:)

Yes I was wearing flip flops. Even though it was high 40's in town...it was pretty chilly up on the mountain though. My toes were purple, but it was fun and worth it!


It was such a fun day. I loved every minute of the fun times we had together and the many laughs and memories.

These are the days....

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. ~E.E. Cummings

I can't even begin to tell anyone how much fun I had this past weekend. OK so here is the beginning of the story with pictures from start to finish. I worked the morning shift at the theater on Friday so that I could attend the YSA dance in Spokane that evening. The plan was to meet up at the Stake Center at 7 pm to carpool to the City. I was fortunate enough to get off work "ON TIME" so that I had some time to get ready for the dance. After meeting up with the rest of the singles from Libby, Bonners Ferry, and Sandpoint! I rode with Megan (which you will see later) and the whole way we jammed out to Blake Lewis [former american Idol contestant] and Backstreet Boys. Of course having the times of our lives. After getting everything organized we met up with last of the stragglers in Athol.

We took this opportunity to take a few snapshots, dance to taylor swift in the parking lot, and eat chicken strips. Meet Rick and Taylor (From Libby, Montana) Taylor is getting ready to go on his mission. He is called to serve in Mexico and reports in May! Rick works at the Libby hospital. Together they really know how to bring laughter to the room.

We FINALLY arrived at the dance - right on time - around 10 pm. We got lost in Spkane due to bad directions and driving by Jake! But Megan and I got there by Megans ingenious idea to pull over and ask the native spokanians for directions.

Thank goodness for Good Directions - and turnip greens!

So at the dance, we immediately brought the life to the party! Rick and Taylor were the first out on the dance floor - and needless to say they really brought the smiles, laughter, and groove to the dance.
On some of the "different" songs we took opportunities to take some photos. Here is the Sandpoint YSA group who attended the dance!

Proof Rick really loves entertaining:)
Playing Brittney Spears with the Fan! haha

Taylor, Arielle, Deanna, Megan and Stacy dancing!

Taylor and Rick - enough said!
(dicky is that a wedding veil? haha)

Time flies by when you're having fun! So the closing prayer was given around midnight, and it's tradition for us to stop at Denny's and fill up before heading back to Sandpoint. We drove to Coeur D'Alene to eat there - all 15 of us - and Denny's was a happening place that late at night. It was astonishing! Most got breakfast, Taylor and I got milkshakes to go with our breakfast. I found a hair in my food. We shared Mozerella sticks:) We were all happy campers.

Taylor, Rick and I deciding what to order.

Arielle, Matt, and I waiting on our food:)

This face pretty much sums up my whole night. I laughed so hard I'm pretty sure my abs were killing me the next morning. And by morning I mean late afternoon Saturday when I finally woke up from a long slumber. We left Denny's at about 3 am and headed back to Sandpoint. Still very much awake, we all came back to my apartment for games, laughter, to look at pictures and talk. What was 3 am quickly turned into 6 am when I was finally able to lay down in bed and sleep the day away!

Oh how we love Rick:)

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. ~E.E. Cummings

Leighs Goodbye Party

Mom got Leigh a cake for her farewell party. We have so much fun at work:)

A visit to the Humane Society

The other day a friend and I went to the human society to play with the new puppies they had advertised on the billboard outside! We had so much fun! Too much fun probably, hence the video!

At least I can chooses them!

Yesterday I went to the Sandpoint Ward...I wanted to write down a few things that the children got up and said. It reminded me of when I was little and would get up the courage to go up to the pulpit. I think it's been a really long time since I've attended a ward where the children took most of the fast and testimony meeting time. It was so adorable to hear them bear witness to what they knew was true. Here are just a few I was able to catch and write down...

"I'm thankful we don't have to do the same things everyday"

" I love my mom. She is sweet. I love to give her kisses"

"I know that Joseph Smith is the Prophet on the earth today"

"I love primary, and I love my primary teacher. Mostly I love the cookies she brings"

"I love my mom, I love my dad, I'm thankful for my sister...I love my mom, and I guess...Today I love my brother too."

"I'm thankful I can choose. That Heavenly father allows me to choose. My mom doesn't let me choose, but today my dad let me pick my outfit. My mom says I don't match but at least I can chooses them!"

What sweet innocent spirits who are learning and growing day by day. In Wenatchee I remember our ward had so many young ones get up every Fast and Testimony meeting and bear their testimonies, but Westmond ward's meetings are predominately adults! I have missed hearing from the children so much! Just thought I would share what I got out of the meeting, that I should be thankful for variety, that I don't have to do the same thing everyday. That I should be grateful I get to make choices. That I should love my brother and sisters everyday, appreciate my mom more, and value the teachings of the gospel! All from little ones not much older than 5 or 6!

Meeting Riley

This last weekend I had the opportunity to meet Riley! Unfortunately at the time (as it's not my news to share) I had no idea that Riley belonged to Carson and Janel! What a wonderful surprise! He is the cutest little baby ever, so precious. I got the chance to see him again today, but he was sleeping so peacefully that I didn't take him out of his car seat afraid of waking him. I'm so excited for this baby boy to grow up with such loving parents, families, and friends to support him through his journey! I love him so much already, he's so precious! Carson and Janel have been through so much and I applaud their strength the must have had throughout the entire process. I truly am grateful I have friends like them!

So without further ado, Friends and Family - meet my nephew Riley Alexander Shadel!