Spencer Family Camping

We had a fun time camping in the Uintahs a few weeks ago with the Spencers at our all time favorite camping spot, Moosehorn Lake. It was a little different with the second generation- Lily couldn't figure out how to stay in her sleeping bag, and woke up cold several times during the night and try to get in bed with Steve and Kerry. Steve woke up in the morning and said he felt like he'd had a giant spider crawling over him all night. We were also on the steepest slant possible and everyone spent the night sliding off their mats and into each other. Oh well, the joys of camping, right?

I actually cried over this one...

Will was eliminated last night from So You Think You Can Dance. Not only was he my absolute, hands-down favorite dancer this year, I also thought he was the one who was going to win!! My heart just broke because I actually vote and I voted for him!

Batman wears tights, which explains the musical theatre

Some people prepare for the The Dark Knight (the new Batman movie starring Christian Bale) by watching Batman Begins. Not me. I prefer some of Christian's earlier work.



This was John's reaction when I made him watch a few minutes.

At the Ranch

Chelsea was nice enough to host a BBQ at her ranch. It was great to be in the beautiful setting and just catch up with friends. We took Sam along to play with Michelle's little boy, Spencer. Sam really enjoyed watching the "big boys" play badminton and frisbee. He'd do his best to keep up, then sit down and watch when he needed a break. He had the funniest and most positive comments, "Way to go, Richard!" or "Oh, man, we missed. Better try again!" Super cute.

Cartwheels, birthdays, and a Hog

The fabulous Thornton fam hosted a birthday party for the July bdays, Kate & Jeff (who are also married, go figure). After the festivities, we enjoyed the summer evening with front lawn gymnastics and rides on Mark & Chelsea's scooter. Good times.

The July birthdays- Jeff and Kate





That's how I roll, I'm pretty hard core.



Kate and Jeff participate in the cartwheel contest



Chelsea (an actual gymnast) shows us how its done during Hands Up, Stands Up



McKenzie and Breea (Dave's girlfriend and her oldest little girl)



Emily (Breea's youngest) shows off her dance moves (doing her choreography and singing every word to the Dixie Chicks' "Let 'er Rip")



Jeff scamming on Mark & Chelsea's romantic photo op



The newlyweds (they just passed the 1 year mark!)



Emily getting tough



Johnny gives Emily a lift

Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog

Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long blog


This is HILARIOUS!! Did you love Doogie Howser? Do you love Joss Whedon (aka creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly)? Do you enjoy a good musical? Do you enjoy a feisty caper every now and then? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you must watch this immediately!!!! Thanks to Elizabeth for the heads up!

Remember...

Senior Trip to Lake Powell


Carolyn's bridal shower


ASUU Assembly


Halloween 2005


Kappa reunion


Hanging out with the ward girls


Mark & Chelsea's wedding


Lindsey started a memory game on her blog, where each person leaves a comment about a memory they have with her. It made me realize that I have a horrible memory and people often remember things that I don't! I think it would be fun to play over here- just post a memory you have of me or of when we first met or something- and it will be funny to see if I can remember it, too! (Usually, I just need a reminder, then it all comes back to me!)

Our "Pool" Party

Catherine, Richard, John and I hosted a backyard BBQ for all the young couples in our ward. My parents (with whom I live) created a pretty awesome kiddie pool in our backyard out of some built-in benches, rebar, 4x4s, and a huge tarp. We wanted to take advantage of the pool, so we invited our friends with little kids to "swim" while we hung out and ate. We had such a great time- thanks to everyone for coming (especially the three new mommies with newborns!)

My Wordle

Thanks to K for this cool idea. Wordle creates a picture from your blog. (Click on the picture to see it larger.)

My Sundays

This is my Sunday school class. In my church, the children's Sunday school "Primary" as in "first". I teach a class of six 6-year-olds. I share this privilege with another teacher and we trade off teaching. I have been their teacher for almost two years now and it's fun to see them grow and mature.

Our class is called CTR 6- which stands for "Choose the Right." Each week, I ask every child to tell me something they did to choose the right. Often, they tell me about playing with their little siblings, helping their parents, or doing something without being asked. I notice much more than what they tell me about the wonderful little people they are.

From left to right:

Emily* is a sweet, proper little girl. She keeps her dress neat and colors her pictures carefully. She has a lot of big brothers that are rough-and-tumble, but she always tries to be kind to them.

Jill is spunky and bright. She is athletic and strong. She has a sibling with special needs and is very attentive and sweet to her.

Adam is the class clown and loves to make everyone laugh. He's also very cuddly. He sits next to me and lays his head on my lap.

Sarah is an articulate, sweet little girl who always wants to tell me stories and answer my questions. She lost her baby brother last year and always tells me that he lives in heaven now.

Jake is big for his age but that doesn't prevent him from being the sweetest older brother. He often asks if his little brother can come to our class, too.

Bryce is an excellent reader and loves to draw. He's always the last to leave class because he takes extra care with his art project. He has two younger siblings with special needs and is kind and helpful at home.

It always adds to my Sunday when I can spend time with these great kids. I learn as much as I teach them every time I prepare a lesson. It's wonderful to have the experience to teach a child and watch as he begins to understand a concept. I began my college career with the intention of being a teacher- I ended up taking a different path in school, but I'm still lucky enough to have teaching as a part of my life.

*names have been changed

Photographers I Love

I've been playing around with my new camera and learning more about photography. I am excited to take a photography class this fall at school and hopefully learn how to use my camera to its fullest potential. These are some incredible photographers that I admire and from whom I am constantly learning.


photo by Bethany Madison

Bethany Madison- A friend from my neighborhood, Bethany just finished her degree in photography from BYU. She's traveled the world to hone her craft and I was honored to have her photograph our temple sealing.

Emily Hawkins- A friend from high school, she photographed my sister's wedding and my wedding when she worked at Silver Pelican Photography (which has a ton of great photographers like Logan and Britta) and she's incredible. You can see some of her work on her personal blog.


Anne Spencer (Annie to me) married my cousin, Tom, and she's a welcome addition to the family. She has a talent for portraiture- check out her series, "The Women of Rock and Ice." She's tough, too- she and Tom met while they were both river guides in Moab.

Nicole Hill, a very talented local photographer, studied at the acclaimed Brooks Institute, photographs for Rubberball, teaches classes, and writes the delightful blog, A Little Sussy.


Adam Barker is a friend from my ward who is a hardcore photographer and skier. He often combines his two loves, capturing some amazing skiing shots in the Utah powder. He has exhibits around Salt Lake City every now and then showcasing his beautiful scenic photographs, so keep your eyes open for his shows!


Anna Wheeler, of Anna Page Photography, divides her time between Utah and Wisconsin. She has a great eye for composition.


Jonathan Canlas is a film photographer and teaches a workshop entitled "Film is Not Dead." You can see his b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l images here.

Kate Benson, another local, creates unique images for every client, yet still retains her special flair.


Rebekah Westover is fun and hip and although I've just recently discovered her work, I love it already!

Paolo Liloc is a "playtographer". He embraces life fully and expresses himself through many mediums, including photography.

First half of summer recap

Playing Rock Band on the Wii with Catherine, Richard, Steve and Lily.



Catching up with friends Heidi, Liz and Chelsea at The Dodo for dinner.
(That's Liz's baby, Peyton, that I'm holding. He is the sweetest little butterball I've ever seen- very content and with a super cute laugh!)



Friends Blake & Amy are here for a few months. They've lived in England, then Chicago, are home for a brief time, then are moving back to England. We had to take the opportunity to catch up with them while they're still on this continent! John, Suzanna, Susie and Brent all met for dinner at Treo.





We ventured out to Holladay park with Catherine and Richard and our nephew Sam for the fireworks show. It was our first time there and we loved the smaller crowd and the live orchestra. I even caught some shots of the fireworks! Sam (age 4) told me that he wasn't afraid of fireworks and he proved it by telling me halfway through the show, "I want to go home and sleep in my bed."

Utah has the WORST voter turnout rate in the nation!!

I read this article today in the Deseret Morning News and although it saddens me, it doesn't surprise me at all. Having worked on campaigns in Utah, I have seen first hand the voter apathy that plagues us! How can Utah, the same state that organized record-breaking volunteer efforts for the Olympics, be so lax in civic involvement?? We can and should do better than this! After enjoying a lovely and patriotic Independence Day in Utah, I find it a shock to my system that my state is taking such a hard-won privilege for granted. I encourage you all (wherever you may be) to make sure that you are registered to vote and so that you are ready to vote. Utah's general election is on November 4th.

We Have a Winner!

The winner of my Pay It Forward giveaway is Yaya's Mom. Congratulations!! Make sure to post a picture of your package when you receive it! Thanks to everyone for participating! And if you can't remember all the blog contests you entered, check back over at Swistle's next week, she'll post a list of all the homeless prizes. She also has a list of FAQs for tricky situations such as "What if I won PIF but I'm already hosting a PIF?"

Incredible SYTYCD numbers!

Kherington & Twitch
An incredible Mia Michaels number. Very emotional and raw!



Jessica & Will
As usual, Will was incredible. I feel like Jessica did really well in this number and I teared up watching her! I was proud of her for getting to that next level!



Katee & Joshua
I'm super impressed with these two, and as always, I love a Mia Michaels piece!