A Young Man Prepared

My "baby" brother left on his mission at the end of October. We are so pleased that he chose to serve. I know he will bless the people of South Africa with his sweet humble spirit.

He was to report to the MTC in South Africa so we got to take him to the airport. As we went to take a family photo with his camera he was taking with him, he realized he forgot the battery to his camera. Luckily Magna is only a few minutes away from the Airport and we were there early. So Dad ran home to get it for him and we were able to stay and spend some extra time with him. We felt those last few minutes were a great gift!

The handsome missionary with some of his biggest fans!

Check out this great tutorial on project wedding. I love Jordan Ferney’s designs and I also love garlands, what a perfect combo! Don't be surprised if you see these at one of my parties soon!

Pom Poms

Love these! What a fun simple project to make and a charming way to adorn a gift. Learn to DIY here.

courtesy of www.domestifluff.com

One of my favorite fall fashions: ruffles

Check out these beautiful T-shirts from the very talented gal at http://www.sayyestohoboken.com/. Usually I am not one to wear t-shirts, but this is a look I can totally get behind. Comfortable, stylish, feminine, romantic and stunning! I love these rather simple details that make it couture.

To DIY click here





To DIY click here

Last Minute trip to NYC

Yes that is right I said NEW YORK CITY!

Preface:
I have 3 foster sisters who were orphaned and came to live with my parents for about a year until their Aunt was ready to have them move to Connecticut to live with her. The girls came from a really rough family life and were not used to any kind of rules. Although they rebelled at first, they all began to thrive under the structure that was provided by my parents. The girls moved to Connecticut and seemed to be doing very well there. They have all had 3.5 or higher GPAs and are very active in Church. (It’s sad to say but they never would have been able to accomplish all this if their parents were still alive)

Anita, the oldest is graduating from High School and Seminary this year and was selected to be one of the main speakers for Seminary Graduation. So her aunt decided she want to surprise her and fly MY WHOLE FAMILY out to Connecticut to help her celebrate. They called us the Sunday before the graduation and asked if there was any way we could come for an “all expenses paid” trip to Connecticut, and get to go to NYC for a day while we were out there. Well twist my arm, that was only the most amazing thing that has ever been offered to us and we just couldn’t pass it up. Needless to say, our trip was fabulous!!!

Although we get to see the girls every summer as they have come out to stay with my family in Utah for the month of July, it was so great to get to see them in their element too.

Life goal #4: Go to New York City - check it off the list

Times Square

Radio City Music Hall

View from the top of the Empire state building at night!

I was amazed at how much we were actually able to see in one day (I didn't want to bore you with all of the pictures) . It was the trip of a life time!

Back in Connecticut we ate amazing food, were impressed by the lush landscape, and basically fell in love with the East coast.

Historic Yale University. Now if only Mason could get into Medical School there...

Us, the girls, and their cousins. Love them all! They are very fortunate to have such generous family!

Gleefully Singing their Praises

It is safe to say that I am IN LOVE with GLEE! Have you seen it? If not, I highly recommend it. Even now as I am thinking about it, I can’t help but smile. It is that good!

My second love right now is hulu. I am rarely around to watch Glee and other great shows in the evening and by the time I want to sit and enjoy a little TV nothing good is on. Hulu is my best friend. It keeps me company when Mason’s busy, keeps me up to date with everything going on, is always available when I am available, and it keeps the content brief and to the point. Perfect!

Lonny Mag

Check out this great new design magazine online from the former editor of Domino (one of the greatest magazines ever!) With so many magazines going out of print these days, I think this may be the wave of the future, and what a good way to start!