Mr and Mrs Warner

Her big day quickly arrived and this baby sister of mine walked down the isle and become Mrs. Warner on Friday night. 

Thursday we actually had a Rehearsal at the Venue and then dinner at Joy Luck. It really was the first time that I had the opportunity to meet all of Tyler's family. And meeting them made me feel even better about the whole thing. Tyler comes from a big family and they seem grounded in the gospel and have Christ Centered lives. They were all very loving and accepting of our family that it made me feel so happy for Chantel.

I spend several hours at the salon getting myself, my mom and my sisters all ready for the ceremony. I love so much how her hair turned out. I found the idea on Instagram and I showed it to her and she was totally onboard with it. It suits her and complimented her dress.

I got ready at the salon and had Jesse pick me up after getting Ryker from school. My friend Bria (who I work next to) actually did my hair and makeup for me. Such a relief because this whole past week has felt extremely overwhelming and it was so nice to have one less thing to worry about. I trust her and she always does an amazing job.

Arrived at The Victorian (in Layton) an hour or so before the ceremony to take some pictures before the sun set. I went up into the brides room to help Chan with any finishing touches she needed.

Tyler still hadn't seen her in her dress yet so we all got to witness "The First Look". It was so sweet when he turned around to see her he just burst into tears. What guy wouldn't? I mean, look at her. She is breath taking.

A few weeks ago when I did her hair and makeup for bridals and as she was leaving the salon in her dress, I felt emotional seeing the whole look together. My friend Bria even said that she got chills when she saw her.

The sisters (missing Alexa who has sadly chosen to be estranged from the family) all dolled up in our bridesmaid dresses.

Sibling Love!!!

All their Nephews and Neice. Haha. It's been awhile since we got these kiddos together. They've sure have grown,

Living in this wedding moment for my sister brought back so many memories and feelings about our own wedding day. And how 11.5 years later I still love this man and forever grateful for how much that love has blossomed into what it is today.

Loved her colors and her whole bridal line.

The ceremony was tender and I got a front row seat as I was up front as the bridal party stood there witnessing them get married. Again Tyler was crying and I could see Chan shaking under her dress. They both were so happy and excited they couldn't contain their emotions.

Afterwards we all went back outside with give hugs and congratulations while the Venue set up the tables and chairs. It was quite chilly but our hearts were warm with love for these two.

When it came to Ryker's turn to hug her, he burst into tears. And they just flowed down his face for a really long time. He wouldn't let go of her and held her so tight. I then began to notice a circle forming around them as everyone was wondering what was happening. And as they witnessed this tender moment, they all started to shed some tears. I had held it together just fine until this moment. Ryker and Chantel have a very close bond ever since he was born. He was so happy for her that it just bubbled over. He's such a sweet kid and this picture clearly depicts that.

Gotta take advantage of a family picture when we are all dressed up.

Welcome to the family Tyler. We are so excited.

I love these boys so much. And I can't help but love them a little bit more when they are all dressed up so handsome and big bright smiles on their faces.

Mike and Heidi actually came up to the ceremony to help with the boys while we were walking down the isle. (Ryker got to walk Grandma Teresa down the isle, which he was so excited about). They stayed for a bit and after awhile they were noticing how miserable Fynn was because how tired he was. So they were so sweet and took him home for us and put him in bed. That way we could just enjoy the rest of the reception. The older 2 boys were having a blast with their cousins and Tyler's younger siblings (which they called their new cousins haha).

The rest of the reception was just perfect. Everything was so great and they had so many people show up. It's nice to see all the love and support from everyone that came. And I loved seeing old faces from the home ward an family members I hadn't seen in awhile.

I thought this moment when the bride and groom danced with their dad and mom. The parents were emtional. This was my parents last child getting married and Tyler was the first to get married in their family. So they had opposite emotions. But all the same happy feelings.

Cutting the cake. Chan tried to shove it in Tyler's face, but he kinda won and got it all over hers. It was funny.

Then the garter toss came and to my surprise Ryker caught it. Haha.

Then that was a wrap. They were on their way to start their lives together.

It was such a beautiful day. I felt overly joyed for them. It was a good day.

A very good day!

Veterens 5k

A few weeks ago the boys came home from school with a paper to get pledges for the upcoming Veterens 5K their school was putting together. The pledges said if they got like $25 in pledges to get a free race entry, $40; Free race entry and Tshirt. $50; Free race entry, Tshirt and Causal Dress day! Then the one who raised the most in each grade got to throw a pie at their teacher. 

Ryker and Cyrus went out 3 nights in a row to get pledges and I was totally shocked how much they got by the end. Ryker ended up with $105 and Cy got $56. And they went out all by themselves through our neighborhood. Door to door. I was so impressed by how brave and confident they were to do that all by themselves. 

So they both got the highest goal. Which they were so excited about. With them having a free race entry I needed to buy a race entry so that I could run it with them. Grandma Heidi wanted to come too, so she bought an entry as well. I was so grateful that she could participate. 

They started the race out with a color guard with the Navy Seals. Super cool. 

Once the race started I loved seeing these Veterans running with the American flag. Felt very patriotic and grateful for our country.

As this event was coming closer Ryker told me that he wanted to run the whole 3 miles. Which he has never done before. He's an active kid and runs alot during his football games. But he's never ran 3 straight miles. But I was confident he could do it and so was he. I love that he has that confidence in himself.

Race started and he and Cy took off. I had to catch up to him. Eventually he slowed down and I told him to keep with me and we could keep the same pace. Cy fell behind but Heidi found him and they ran/walked it together.

There were a few moments during the race that Ryker would speed and and slow down. But I just kept reminding him to stay at the same pace. Near the end he wanted to stop because he felt like he was going to throw up, but I told him we were almost there. That's when he saw the school and he took off. Finishing with a time of 30:25. For his first 5K I was VERY impressed. Not very many adults can run a 10 min paced 5K and finish strong like he did.

I loved being able to run with him. It made me excited for future races together.

Bedroom update

The past few weeks Jesse has been working on the finishing touches on the Master bathroom and other things around the house because we wanted to get the house reappraised. If it appraised for a certain amount over what we owe on it we could drop our PMI(Private Mortgage Insurance) which would save us nearly $200/month. 

We also cleaned the house top to bottom in order to give it a fresh clean feel. By doing that I thought it would be a great opportunity to take some good pictures of the Master Bedroom. Love it all so much. Still so amazed at all the work that Jesse has done. He's talented and remarkable in his work. 

Concrete Countertops

Double Shower heads, Rain head and body sprays.

Bridal shower

I was invited to one of Chantel's bridal showers today. Yup thats right! My baby sister is getting married. In 2 weeks actually. Her and Tyler's engagement is only 6 weeks so it was a bit of a shock when we found out the news. But I'm excited for her. 

I was grateful that I have been able to be a support for her in all this. I have been the only sister around to be here for her. It's also really surreal that I am old enough to have my baby sister get married. I feel like her second mom. Super protective and care for her. So it's a good thing I like Tyler and trust that he'll take care of her.

Also they asked to Rent our basement. So that'll be a great way to start having renters. Helps them out and us. So it's a win win all around.

Halloween Weekend 2016

Halloween came way too fast this year. It felt like October was over in a blink of an eye. But it really could have felt that way due to how much I was trying to accomplish for these Halloween costumes. Friday the 28th was my Due Date of having to get everything done. The boys had their Halloween Parade Friday morning. Then we had our ward Trunk or Treat that night. And much to my surprise I made it happen and got everything done.

As I was getting the boys all ready Friday morning I was getting quite giddy how awesome their costumes came together. They exceeded far beyond my expectations.

After the parade I went to work for a little bit and then came home to cook a quick dinner before we went to the Ward Trunk or Treat. They were serving Hot Dogs and I just didn't really want that. So I scrambled some eggs. Haha.

Anyway we got all dressed up. Unfortunately Jesse was on duty, so we were missing our Wizard.

I love this picture of Ryker and Cyrus. They both took on the rolls so perfectly. Every year the boys ask me what we are going to be as a family for Halloween. And I have had a lot of people ask me how I get everyone on board with it because their kids all want to do their own thing. Which I tend to run into that problem a little bit, so I have to do a little bit of persuading. Ryker was on board with the Wizard of Oz idea but Cy wasn't so sure. Not sure when, but Ryker had seen the movie before so he was excited about it and call dibs on being the Tin Man. So I told Cy that he would be the Scarecrow and he wasn't so sure.

So I rented the Wizard of Oz movie and we watched it together. After that Cyrus was on board with it. Success. Check out how he's holding his finger to his head. He was getting into character along with Ryker.

And cute little Fynnie let me paint his nose for the lion, which just made the whole thing. We later found out that we won best costume from that night. A $10 gift card to Spanky's.

The 29th we went to Mike and Heidi's ward Trunk or Treat. Originally only the boys were going to go, but then I wanted to go because of all the time I put into these costumes I wanted to wear them as much as possible.

Mom and Dad were cute and joined in on our theme and dressed up as the Lollipop Guild.

I was glad to get a picture with our WIZARD!

I think Jesse should wear a Top Hat everyday because I think he looks so handsome in it. Haha.

We had to leave the party a little bit early because Jesse's friend, Dave was taking us out for their birthdays for the 3 year in a row. To Ruth's Chris! So yummy. This dinner is beyond delicious. Worth every penny and calorie.

This morning my mom's new neighborhood was putting together a mini carnival and she asked me to bring the boys up. So I did.

They had little games and treats. It was perfect for the kiddos. They had a blast.

Tonight we hung out with Kris and Keya. We went to the same neighborhood we went last year where this family friend of theirs decorates her garage and hands out tons of candy and toys.

I was happy that the weather was still so nice. It got a little chilly as the sun went down, but I only needed a light sweater. The boys were all warm in their outfits.

Of all the years that I have done this themed Family costumes this year was by far my favorite.

Jesse's Birthday Weekend

Yesterday we started out the celebration of Jesse's 36th birthday. Since we went to Cross E Ranch last month and we still had the wrist bands we were able to bounce back for half price. Plus Kris and Keya had wanted to go before October was over. So they came with us as well. We were loving the fact that it was SO WARM! Almost Hot! It's the end of October and we were all wearing short sleeved shirts. Love it so much! I'll take all the warm weather I can get.

Always fun hanging out with this crew.

And these kiddos just love being together. They had a hay day in the corn pit.

And riding in the tractor train.

This time they had goats just wandering around. And Fynn got a kick of out them. Thankfully they were really tame and were not bothered by Fynn patting him.

After spending a few hours at the Ranch, buying more ground beef, carmel corn and candied nuts, it was time for us to go. I had big plans for the rest of the night for Jesse. He had no idea what I had up my sleeve for the night except the fact that I was taking him to dinner. Can you guess where we went? Mikado of course. Haha. It's still our favorite.

Back in May I was driving to work and I heard that Pentatonix was coming to concert in Utah on Oct 22. And right then and there I knew that's what I wanted to get Jesse for his birthday. I recruited Jesse's parents and siblings to join in on the tickets so we could get good seats.

So if you can imagine how keeping this secret since May has been killing me. I knew he would be so excited and there were so many times that I just wanted to say to him(while we were listenting to one of their songs) "Oh I can't wait until their concert" or "Their concert is going to be so GOOD!" But I had to keep it to myself.

So once we finished dinner, I still hadn't told him what we were doing. Since he was driving I gave him directions to go to Salt Lake. And to give him a clue I turned on a Pentatonix song. After about 30 seconds he asked "Are they in concert tonight?"

"Yes they are!"

He just chuckled. I knew he was happy even though he doesn't show it very well. When we arrived I told him that we were on Row ONE and was shocked!

We sat through the first 2 opening bands and really enjoyed them. Our favorite was "Us is Duo". It's a married couple that sings together. That's it. No backup band. Just their voices and whatever instruments they play themselves. They were AMAZING!!!We are new fans.

When Pentatonix finally came out we were totally giddy. At least I was. It had been so long since I had been to a concert and I was excited to share this opportunity with Jesse. He loves Pentatonix so much. He's the one that actually got me into them. And they did not disappoint! It was a FANTASTIC concert!

To continue the Birthday Celebration we had everyone (both of our families) over tonight for dinner and birthday dessert.

And of course Jesse wanted Pumpkin Pie for his "Birthday Cake". I used 9 candles total to make a set of 3 and 6 for turning 36 years old.

We all love Jesse so very much. I swear he is the one that keeps the peace in the family. He is always the comic relief. He is one that everyone looks up to as an example of how to be. He is always missed when he isn't around. He is the Best!

Happy Birthday Jesse! Love you more than I could ever express.

Wizard of Oz in the Making

Every year for Halloween I have a hard time coming up with a new Family Theme for our costumes. This year I came up with the idea to do the Wizard of Oz. I originally started looking at buying all of the costumes, but was feeling like that would cost too much. So after talking to a client who sews a lot she got me excited about the idea of sewing a Dorothy costume. I went to Joanne's and bought everything I needed and was shocked at how much the total came to. I learned quickly that making your own costume isn't always cheaper.

After having a fire lit under my butt about this I started to wonder what have I gotten myself into? Never before had a purchased pattern and fabric to create something. I almost took everything back, but then there was something that I wanted to prove to myself. So I started on the sewing project. There was a definite learning curve, but a lot of the sewing lessons I took from my Grandma Goodrich when I was young, were all coming back to me.  Decrypting the pattern instructions were quite the challenge. There were a few times that Jesse and I were talking it through until we figured it out.

Over the course of the next few weeks, several late nights and many hours at the sewing machine I finished the Dorothy Costume. It wasn't perfect but for my first time sewing something I am very proud.

The zipper ended up being a little bit crooked. But that's it. So I'll take it. It's just a Halloween costume right?

Now that that was out of the way I could then start on the Tin Man costume. I looked online for some ideas and I just wasn't liking anything that I was finding. I really wanted something that would hold it's shape but still be flexible. It wasn't until I went back to Joanne's and talked to one of the workers there that she gave me the idea of this Foam Interfacing. It is sewable. So that's what I went with and I was finally feeling inspired and knew how to put it together. Even though I was flying by the seat of my pants on this everything I was doing, it was coming together quite nicely.

After the first day of working on it I made this much progress.... 

Ryker was so excited as he stood in as my mannequin that he couldn't sit still.

Once I got it all together I spray painted it Silver.

I didn't get any progress pictures of Cy's scarecrow costume. But his was really simple. Afer purchasing a green men's sweater and brown girl pants from the DI, I cut, sewed and glued the sweater into a jacket. Glued raffia around to look like straw.

I'm borrowing the Lion costume and got everything for The Wizard at the DI as well. So thankfully I only need to work on 3 costumes instead of all 5. Makes things more doable.