Pictures - Courtesy of Trisha

My sister-in-law, Trisha, loves to take pictures. She recently got a new super duper fancy camera and I am lucky enough to benefit from it! Trisha watches MJ on Monday's and Wednesday's, for that I am super lucky too! Well, since she loves to take pictures, and since MJ is so cute (at least I think so), MJ gets to have a photo shoot quite often. These are just some of the pictures she has sent me. This post is mostly for my family that is away since they don't get to see the girls that often, but I figured I could brag about how cute my kids are to everyone!

Since M is at school and with Grandpa, she doesn't get her picture taken as often. Here is one Trisha took while we were at the cabin.

After nearly 10 years...

I have done it. I can't quite believe it myself, but after nearly 10 years, I am leaving Franklin Covey/EDS for a new job! Things have been a bit unpredictable at my work lately and I have had uneasy feelings for quite some time. I had an urge to look around for a job and I applied a few places. Now, when I have done this before throughout the years, the timing didn't feel right and nothing came through. This time was completely different. I looked at a few different web sites and applied. A couple of days after submitting an online application I got a call for an interview. After the first interview, things just kept rolling right along. I ended up having 6 different interviews for 2 different positions, both at The LDS Church. I was happy when the offer came through and I start on September 22nd. It is crazy to think I am no longer working at Franklin Covey for EDS, but it is what is right for my family.

I am sad to leave the people at EDS; I have been fortunate enough to make some incredible friends over the last 10 years. I can't even begin to name every single person who has made an impact in my life, but there are just a few that I have to mention! I was fortunate enough to have a great boss, Joe Haynie. He has given me such great support over the years; thank you Joe. A quick note to Collette...thank you for always listening to me and being there. And Amy, wow...what can I say?! You are a wonderful freind and it is so hard to imagine going through my day without seeing you! We have been through it all and then some! My life has been greatly blessed with you as my friend. I can't wait for our lunches!

Amy and Collette were kind enough to throw a "goodbye bash" for me! They got a cake and invited a bunch of Franklin Covey/EDS folks to come stop by and say hi/bye to me. The cake was cute and I forgot to get a picture before it was cut! It said "we will miss you"...it was very sweet.

So, come Monday, I drive a bit farther to work, no more carpooling with Amy :-(, and start a new adventure. I am grateful for the time I had at Franklin Covey/EDS and for the many opportunites I have had through the years, but most of all I am grateful for the wonderful forever friends I have found while working there!

Here is my new place of employment!

Staley Family "Staycation"

The past 2 years, our family has gone to Jackson Hole/Yellowstone over Labor Day weekend. We started planning the trip this year, but we decided to go a couple of weeks later. We invited Ryan's parents to come with us and the planning was going good. Then we decided it would be best if we stayed closer to home and spent less money. Gas is so expensive and hotels aren't cheap, we just felt it was more "responsible" of us to do something different. So, we went to the Morgan Family Cabin! We had a great time and it worked out so well, that the majority of the Staley's were there! We missed Rob and Amy and kids and Ian, but there will be many more trips (I hope)! So, Thursday night Ryan, the girls and I, Joe, Marilyn, and Jon, BJ, kids and Trisha all headed up to Timberlakes. Michelle and Kelby joined us Friday afternoon. We had a great time playing games, eating, and relaxing. The "boys" went fishing on Friday and the "girls" (plus T) went for a walk. Friday night, we celebrated Kelby's birthday; Michelle made him a birthday cake with the help of M and her cousin M! Uncle Jon wasn't feeling too well before we left, but came anyway. Well, he ended up having appendicitis and early Saturday morning his parents took him to the hospital in Heber and he had an appendectomy. Luckily, everything turned out okay and Uncle Jon was a real trooper. M was pretty worried about him, but we reassured her he would be okay. She spent the day coloring him pictures and writing notes. It was a great time with the Staley Family. We haven't done many vacations since I have been married to Ryan so it was a great time that I hope we can make a tradition!

The girls with Grandma Marilyn and T following behind!

M and her cousin M - too cute girls!

This is M on our walk.

Cousin M on our walk.

Cousin T on our walk...he loved the rocks and dirt!

The guys cleaning the fish - M and M watching!

Happy Birthday, Kelby!

MJ just hanging out at the cabin.

MJ and I went on a walk by ourselves!

Kelby and Michelle were kind enough to take M on a ride!

Ryan and I saw this bull moose when we went for a drive.

The day has come...

Well, the day has come; M went to Kindergarten today! She has been so excited all summer; she could hardly wait! M gets to go to a brand new school; it was just built this year. We took many drives by the school to see its progress and, although it isn't 100% complete, it is ready and safe for the kids. M had her outfit picked out days ago; she and her dad went weeks ago to get her backpack; and she had her assessment last Friday. Of course, mom has been nervous, excited, sad - all of the mix of emotions. This morning came and M got dressed, hair combed, and off we were to take MJ to the babysitter. We then came home to have M catch the bus! She met some of her neighbor friends at the bus stop and off she went. As I was walking back home, I realized she was gone! Don't worry...I went up to the school to see her get in class. Her bus had made it to the school before I could get there and park, but M was waiting outside for her teacher. She got a little nervous because she saw one Kindergarten teacher, but Mrs. Robinson wasn't there...yet. After a few minutes, Mrs. Robinson came out and helped the class line up. This is when M got nervous and very clingy! She didn't want to let go of my hand and wouldn't let me leave. I walked her into the school (so did a bunch of other moms) and when we got to her class she went right in and sat down. I watched her for a few minutes and then it was time for the moms to go. For the record...I was NOT the last mom to leave the school! I went and picked her up after school was over and she came out with a smile on her face. She said she had a great time and is excited to go tomorrow! M said that they read stories, wrote their names - a lot, went over the class rules, made a story book and a raccoon to go with it. When I took her to her grandpa after school she told him that school was "FANTASTICO!" She has now finished her first day of school. I can't believe she is already there. She has asked that I not call her a baby anymore, MJ is the baby and I am a big kid! I kept telling her last night that she was my baby girl and shouldn't be old enough for school, well she is and so far she loves it! Let's hope she continues to love it when it is everyday!


The Outfit!


I am ready!


Glamour Girl!


The BUS!


A bit nervous at this point...walking into the school.


Here is M in class.


AFTER! The first day of Kindergarten was a "piece of cake!"