This is not a post about Harry Potter

Or maybe it is okay?

But I do have pictures, so maybe I will redeem myself for doing a post on Harry Potter.

Cause it's lame to do a Harry Potter Post three weeks after it comes out.

Everybody has been there done that.

It's a fictional character for crying out loud.

You really shouldn't publicly claim how much you love that boy wizard.

That would just be weird and pathetic.

So I will show you a few pictures of our day last Friday and then maybe I won't be such a dork.

Or maybe I will be anyway.

Who knows?

Friday was a good day, a happy day.

The kind of day you just don't want to end.

Nothing extraordinary, just little things all day long that made me smile and turned the ordinary into extraordinary.

I love days like that don't you?

Little K woke up in a chipper mood.

I was getting her dressed and looked in her closet to realize she still has like six summer outfits she has not even worn yet. Shh......don't tell Eric, he thinks I overbuy and maybe I do, but it's so much fun! So we put her in a new outfit just because it made us both happy. Errr.....okay made me happy.

But this is the only picture I have of it, the back. I'm sorry I am sure the suspense is killing you!

And I was wearing a new shirt myself.

Cause I had a date.

To Harry Potter.

That calls for a new shirt.

So I attempted a self portrait, cause I knew you would want to see my new shirt.

Finally after failing miserably at the self portrait.

Ahem......please note above my attempts at a self portrait: a blurry plant, a picture of my babies and room decor. You can kinda make me out in the middle picture see that black blur that's me.

Yup self portraits are crap!!

The best I could do right here.

It wasn't Monday but we had a special date with Granny to McDonald's anyway. A Friday lunch date the boys were ecstatic!

Did you know the Smurfs are back in town.

Well they are.

And we have plans to see them this month.

The boys like the Smurfs and I like Doogie Howser (cause you know he is in that movie).

It's a win win, everybody happy!

Man she's cute.

We went back home where I did some household chores and the kids gave K some wagon rides around the house. She loved it.

My mom was watching the kids for us that night but she didn't get off work until 6. Our show started at 7:15 so we decided to have an early dinner at the car hop. Don't you love car hops and Brigham City is full of them. It was Call's Drive In, the best onion rings I have ever tasted. I go there just for the onion rings.

Man he's cute too.

Loubird is cute as well, but he was hating the camera on Friday.

And every other day.

And here we go!

Have you ever seen a cuter movie theater? Not the greatest picture of it, but it was the Capitol Theater in Brigham City. Old and full of character, only two screens and totally refurbished.

Even the popcorn station is cute, right?

And the only theater I have ever been in that serves caramel, raspberry and cinnamon popcorn along with regular old butter popcorn.

Cinnamon is my favorite.

Okay now for the Harry Potter portion of this post.

Can we just talk for a minute on how much I love those books and the movies of course.

Do you still remember when and where you first read them?

I do.

I was sixteen years old and on a trip with family to Lake Powell.

I spent the first three days devouring The Sorcerer's Stone.

Book 2 I read the following year while on a family vacation to St. George.

Book 3 was immediately afterwards on that same vacation.

Book 4 over the fourth of July weekend the following year. I sat like an idiot in Willard Park completely engrossed in "The Goblet of Fire."

Then I took a break. I got married had a few babies and finally picked up Book 5 and 6 the summer I was pregnant with Luke. I still remember sitting in our front room, with Lance squawking in the swing more than ready to get out and play. Knowing darn well my husband would be home very shortly wanting dinner and yet there I sat unable to tear myself away from those final few chapters.

My mouth hung open in shock when Snape killed Dumbledore. How could he? We trusted him.

I called my mom up to spend a few hours discussing our favorite characters and her whole take on the Snape situation. My first question to her "What do you think about Snape?" Her response "Who is Snape again?" I moaned in frustration and said "oh never mind, I will call someone else." Obviously she was not the one to be talking such important matters with, she can't even remember a main character. So I called up a friend, we discussed for hours our favorite moments, and debated our favorite characters.

I anxiously awaited the final book in July of 2007 along with billions of others around the world.

The day it came out I sat on the couch for hours upon hours two days and two nights to be exact finishing that beloved book. I went to bed at 2 am flopped down beside Eric and said "that was incredible".

And it was.

The best books ever written. I will never love another series like I do Harry Potter.

Book club was amazing that month. I think we spent over three hours discussing Harry Potter. I love finding someone who loves talking about it as much as I do.

Now this is lame and boring I am sure, but maybe one of you will understand how now upon seeing the final movie I feel like I have to say goodbye to my long time beloved friends. I am surely not the only one that falls in love with the characters they are reading. They taught me so much.

Harry is quite possibly the bravest guy around.

Ron the best friend you could ever ask for.

Hermoine showed us it's cool to be smart.

Neville how can you not love him.

Luna love that little dear.

Fred and George always make you laugh.

Sirius, I think that is part I cried the hardest when Harry loses Sirius in book 5.

Dumbledore we all need a mentor like him.

And Snape I think is my favorite character of all time.

I love Snape.

Over a decade I have loved the books and then the movies. Even when reading that last book, I still knew I had four more movies to look forward to.

The end of an era.

I am so sad.

But man it was great while it lasted.

And just look on the bright side.

If I never love another book like Harry Potter, you will never have to endure a painfully boring post again!

Just so you know cause after this rant you are probably wondering.

I love Harry Potter.

But not enough to dress up like a wizard on opening night.

That wasn't me, I swear it!

Lagoon

Over Pioneer Day weekend we decided to head to Lagoon along with my sisters and their families and of course my dear mother.

Eric was skeptical.

He thought it would be hot.

He thought it would be crowded.

He thought we would get home too late for Luke's school day the following morning.

He was wrong about it being too hot, overcast and perfect.

He was wrong about it being crowded, the lines were so short.

He was right about getting home late, we did, but it was so worth it.

I think he would agree.

Oh the anticipation of a day in an amusement park.

Lance excited.

Me excited.

K hating her stroller.

Something about those glowing carousel lights really sets the mood for the day.

The kids know the drill, smile for the moms and you can expect bigger and better treats all day.

Anticipating their first move, the swings or the sky ride?

Look two little cousins in twinner shorts, funny thing their moms had twinner shorts on too. But no picture of that. Our twin minds think alike I guess.

Loubird was more than happy to be little K's riding partner for the day. And little K was more than happy to be out of her stroller for a little while.

I was shocked at Lance this year. He really didn't love the kiddie rides, but wanted the big kid rides. His favorites the dinosaur drop, Puff of course, Flying Aces, sky ride, and the fast roller coaster. I can't remember the name.

When it came our turn for the Flying Aces, it just so worked out that we were short a riding partner. Lance was the only one tall enough out of the kids to ride alone, so he was designated for the job. I had completely forgotten how high up those aces are and was holding onto Elle Bell for dear life, terrified one of us was going to go flying out. Eric who was riding with Luke had a better position to see Lance in his, and he could see he was smiling and loving it. But I spent a whole terrifying ride convinced Lance was scared out of his mind, with a death grip on that ace.

Nope he totally loved it, and wanted to go again.

My baby is growing up.

Speaking of, I tried the Rocket this year. Best ride ever. Have any of you been on that? It is so exhilarating, I thought I would be terrified, but I totally loved it. I went on it three times, once with Eric who didn't love it as much as I did. And twice with Theo who was a fan like me.

Swings another family favorite.

On our way to Pioneer Village to ride the log ride. Another favorite of mine, Lance hated it, was not a fan of getting wet. Luke loved it, and was mad as all get out when I covered his hearing aids to avoid them getting wet. Good thing I did, that boy took the brunt of the down pour right in the face. He laughed his head off, Lance whined about the one drop of water that landed on his t shirt. These boys are night and day.

The Cars, K loved manning that steering wheel.

Cute babies, Loubird took good care of our girl. Making sure she was strapped in tight and sitting down at all times.

Love this picture of Elle Bell and Lincoln Stinkin.

Must stop for snacks along the way.

Ter where are you in this picture?

Luke wanted a blow up bat bad.

It was the game of fast pitch.

Eric winded up, and won.

Then Lance looked devastated because turns out he wants a blow up bat too.

Eric winds up again, and won yet another bat.

Then the other kids decided they must have blow up bats too, between Theo and Eric we walked out of that park that night with 6 blow up bats. Good job boys, the kids were happy.

The boats, everything was smooth sailing until......

Little K got a little bored and tried to give her mother dear a heart attack.

She climbed right out of that thing.

Mister reliable Luke suddenly became unreliable and didn't bother stopping his sister from diving on into the water.

She was close, oh so close.

I have no pictures of this because it was about that time I threw the camera at my sister and went screaming towards the ride.

Thankfully the guy running the ride stopped in mid ride, went out there cinched that belt up tighter and away they went.

It was about that time I needed a large coke.

Yup it was an almost perfect day at Lagoon.

Something about those busy days out in the sun make everyone sleep just a little bit better at night.

Lagoon, it's a must at least once a year!

Texas

Texas..... I am not even sure how describe how fabulous it was. Full of so many moments that made my heart swell up with happiness that I was right there in that very moment. Full of so many moments that made me so immensely grateful that I listened to that little voice that whispered I must go, go to my friend. So many times I counted my blessings for a husband that upon first hearing of my desire to go, started randomly checking flights and airfare. Drawing up schedules of how he might be able to take a week off of work to be with our kids so I could go with no worries, no questions asked. It might sound corny but I know this will always be a week I hold dear and nestled tight inside my heart. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be there......to help in some small way.

My Texas Top Ten:

1. I would be totally lying if I didn't say I loved the flight. I had full intentions of spending the entire flight wrapped up in my new book "The Time Travelers Wife". But thanks to a few new People magazine issues, a horrid Katelynn that had allowed me no sleep the night before I left......resulting in a drooling sleeping Jenny on the plane. And some very humorous high school students sitting directly in front of me, flirting their little brains out. I did not pick up my book for one second on that flight.

Not one second......I know I was shocked too! But I can tell you the life story of a seventeen year old living in Houston Texas, visiting family in Wyoming, along with her brother, stepsister, step mom and her dad who back in the day played college football. I can also tell you the life story of a nineteen year old living in Ogden Utah, his first year of college, were he is hoping to play baseball at the U, shockingly enough his dad played football back in the day as well. I tell you what it was absolute destiny for these two to have meant on this flight from SLC to Houston,

Texas.

Entertaining if nothing else.

2. Oh heavens I love this girl. The night I arrived we went and saw sweet Faye in the hospital. Who was doing fabulously, bouncing all over the place, talking her dad into rides around the halls on a piece of luggage, and taking loads of teasing from her big brother Mitchell. Which by the way would have been top memory of the trip for sure. I just forgot my camera in the car, cause I am an idiot, that way. But it was special, I hadn't dared dream of seeing the little princess in person.

Then us girls minus Faye of course and Nixon went on to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner and some much needed chat time. How I love her.........those wee hours of the night sure our the best time for some good old fashioned late night chats. I can't remember the last time I laughed more and cried more all in the same evening.

3. She introduced me to all kinds of fabulous shops I have never been to before. The Container Store, Forever 21, Charming Charlie.....why can't we get some of these in Utah? I may have went a little overboard in the shopping department, couldn't help it. If you came across blue feather earrings you wouldn't be able to say no either right? Cause I couldn't. If I had been able to figure out how to finagle that lovely clothes hamper from the Container Store that would have come home with me as well. As is I made do with my four new shirts, two new pairs of earrings and a new necklace. Oh and a few items for the kids as well. Happy shopping to me!

4. This just does me in......love notes from a husband to a wife and vise versa.....you have to get creative when you only see each other in passing in the hospital as they swap each other places. Seriously I would say more on this but I cry just thinking about it. And no I didn't read their notes just smiled and took a picture. But I am sure they were beautiful.

5. I loved seeing the house my little friend had turned into a home. But more importantly I loved feeling of the spirit that resided in that home. I have to admit I was a little nervous for this trip, not for the trip in general. But well I was worried I would come home feeling depressed and down on life. Being thrown into their cancer world, I was worried I would be sad the whole week thinking about how unfair life is and what a rotten world we live in.

That could not be farther from the truth. I feel inspired, I feel in awe, I feel so grateful to have spent a week in this home. Witnessing the miracles and joy that resides there on a daily basis. They are okay, they are not moping around being oh so sad. They laugh, they love, they pray, they read their scriptures. It's not all doom and gloom. I needed to know my friend was okay, I needed to know she was carrying on being the same beautiful Stacey I have always known.

Words can't even describe what it means to me to know my friend is okay, life has not beaten her down. She's amazing I tell you what.

6. I totally ventured out of the house, me and these two boys. My little buddies for the week, Nixon and Mitchell. We went to the grocery store and we went to McDonald's multiple times throughout the week. If you know me this is huge. I get lost in my driveway, let alone navigating alone in a strange city......on one way roads. I was immensely proud of myself upon arriving at the grocery store.

7. Ummm......hi.

If this doesn't just melt your heart I don't know what does. I cried yet again when sweet Mitchell walked out of his room one morning wearing his "Wear purple for Faye and her fight against cancer" shirt. The best big brother in the world right there.

8. Oh my little man I am missing you.

There is something about waking up at 2 am with a little baby that stirs your soul. I am forever bonded to this little guy, we cuddled, we rocked and he endured only about a thousand kisses from me. I was so in love with this little guy......you auntie Jenny misses you Nixon!

9. Now this boy, this boy......oh man I love him.

I knew we would get along splendidly when right off the bat he smiled and said "hi aunt Jenny".

A few memories I must remember.

"Jenny you are going to hit that garbage can".

"Wow, I think we finally found a game you are good at."

"Where are the meatballs?"

"It would be better if it was a little more spicy!"

"Jenny can't you stay for another week so we can watch the Phineas and Ferb movie together."

"Does your son like this game?"

"Will you tell Lance and Luke hello for me."

"We need to classify these shirts, classify."

"Please bless dad will make lots of money so we can go to Disneyland."

"You get the snack, I'll get the movie and we can meet in the office."

"We don't need to clean, let's play a game instead."

Oh wow there are so many more, this little guy is one in a million. I had the most fun playing with him for a week, it's a laugh a minute. And for the record I never did hit that garbage can, though he was mighty worried I would.

10. Upon my return home my flight was delayed an hour and a half. Leaving me just enough time to hit Fudrucker's for a cheeseburger, spicy fries, diet coke and a vanilla milkshake. I think I am the only person in the world who cheers upon learning of a flight delay........this was happy news for me!

So much more......I think I have talked Eric's ear off of all of my sweet memories from this trip. It was the opportunity of a lifetime........an inspiring beautiful family, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it even for one week. I am a better person for just being in the presence of the Meldrum family........keep going dears you are half way there!

"Your future is so bright"! (Stace that still brings me to tears.)

Friday Favorites on Thursday

A few recent photo favorites:

Jewelry bokeh, don't you love it!

A few weeks ago in my quest of Spring cleaning, I finished my one and only room so far -- the master closet. As a reward for all of my hard work (hard work meaning the measly few hours I have managed to put in for spring cleaning), I ordered myself the jewelry organizer I have had my eye on for months now. Isn't it gorgeous, and isn't the idiot trying to ruin my picture just that -- an idiot!

Eric decided since I got to have my fun with a jewelry organizer he got to have himself some fun with a new basketball hoop. I don't know that that is necessarily equal in cost, but whatever...... I guess I can agree to that, after all Lance can make a shot like nobodies business. He's quite good. I have even been known to make a shot or two or ten or...... none. I will let you decide.

Keep in mind if you witnessed my bouquet toss at my own wedding that nailed my grandmother right in the head you will know of my athletic abilities.....or lack thereof.

We attended a wedding of my cousin at the Logan LDS temple. The temple grounds are lovely year round, but the fountain is always a kid magnet.

For most kids anyway.

I am not even sure about this picture and what he found so terrifying about a little water.

And this one is cheering for a little water.

My boys are exact opposites in case you couldn't tell or anything.

Just cause she's cute here is a picture of my cousins little girl.

Little K has some serious hair envy right now.

This little sweetheart is two months younger than K and has triple or maybe quadruple the amount of hair.

It's sad K I know.....hair envy is not a fun thing.

I love these two!

What a little man, he's such a good boy this one.

And that one in the middle not so much good in her at the moment.

We pulled out all of the tricks in the book trying to get her to be a good girl at the wedding dinner.

It didn't work, food was thrown, toys were tossed, hair was pulled. She's something right now.

Thought this was so cute sparklers sending the bride and groom off on their honeymoon.

The great thing about July in Utah is it's fireworks season all month long with Pioneer Day on the 24th. The kids are always up for a good firework display put on by Papa Deano.

She totally got caught up on my table eating fake fruit again.

Look at the sorrow and sadness on her face at having done wrong.

Nahhh.......she was just irritated she got caught and mommy took her "toy" away, there is no regret in that face. There never is.

Little K believe it or not I am missing your shenanigans.

Loubird I am missing you!

You too little fella!

By the time this posts we will only be one day away from seeing each other. I can't wait!

Texas has been great, but I have been missing these three sweethearts and their daddy.

I am coming home little loves!

HONEY GET THE HOUSE READY, THAT MEANS DO THE LAUNDRY! (just your friendly reminder!)

Texas report coming soon!