Tuesday, June 22, 2010

How to Get Candle Wax out of the Carpet

Just follow these simple steps!

1. Light a candle and keep it burning for hours
2. Try to blow out the candle and accidentally make it fall off the computer desk
3. Scream from pain of hot wax ALL OVER your hands,legs,face, etc...
4. Rush to the sink to cool off said wax
5. Carry candle that has fallen over to the sink so it stops dripping everywhere
6. Survey the damage
7. Moment of silence
8. Wonder how in the world you are going to get this green candle out of the carpet, off the desk,off appliances etc..
9. Have husband and wife scrape off ridiculous amounts of wax into garbage can
10. Let husband google "How to get wax out of carpet" for solutions
11. Read about how paper bags and warm irons do wonders
12. Miraculously find oodles of paper bags that wife has been storing
13. Spend 3 hours ironing the carpet with paper bags
14. Survey the damage- barely noticeable now
15. Iron over a few missed spots
16. Now Husband and Wife can be so relieved, excited, overjoyed, and exhausted because the candle wax came out!
17. Throw out candle waxed clothes that will never be the same again
18. Go to bed, smelling like Cucumber Melons
19. Wake up the next morning and smell Cucumber Melons everywhere!
20. Discuss how candles will never burn in our house ever again

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day!

Hong Kong
Brianna's Graduation dinner- dubbed the "Just in case" dinner Arizona
Catalina Island California


Tys and I have much to be grateful for when it comes to fathers. Not only have ours been the greatest examples of unselfishness, giving, loving, caring, forgiving, motivating, and supportive people, they have also been the best Dads anyone could ask for.

We love you Dad Craig and Dad Mike. Thank you for everything you do for us. We love you!
Love,
B&T

Leaving Primary



***Be Warned....mention of crying and touching experiences written below***

Today was our last day in the Tempe Ward. We sat in primary with the new teachers to show them the ropes. The kids were good in primary and we loved the lesson, "The Lord Helps His Missionaries" that we taught today. The kids payed attention and participated too! There were laughs and good questions shared. We told the children this was our last Sunday, that we would be moving and that they now had new teachers....The Smiths. (seriously...same last name. I think they did it on purpose to lessen the confusion for the kids!)

After class was over we hugged each child and took a group photo. As the parents picked up their children, we said goodbye to each one. It was a very sweet moment for Tyson and me.

Not even 5 minutes later, one of our Primary boys came back- sobbing uncontrollably. He was ushered by one of the Primary Presidency leaders and I asked her what had happened. She said, "He is sad that you are moving." I broke down and burst into tears. I hugged that little boy so tight! What a sweetheart. I cried as I told him how wonderful he is, what a great child he is and how he is so helpful. His mom came back for him and he left - Both of us still crying.

When I turned around, one of our Primary girls was writing on the chalk board. As I wiped away my tears I read, "bye Brother and Sister Smith" with a frowning face beside it. Crying began again. These children have the most amazing hearts. They are such great examples to me of innocence and pure love. Tyson and I have learned so much from these little 6-8 year olds. I love being in Primary and I love our primary children!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Scottsdale Contemporary Art Museum




We enjoyed our free admission into the Scottsdale Contemporary Art Museum on Saturday morning (thanks Tempe Public Library!). We saw "interesting", breathtaking, and thought provoking art.

After one exhibit, we went into the Childrens' section and drew animals. We thought the museum would benefit from our art so we left it on the wall for others to admire!

If you haven't been to the Scottsdale Performing Art center, Library, or Contemporary museum area yet- you should go! They have the most beautiful fountains and lawns where you can enjoy a picnic (like we did) under the shade. What a great way to spend our Saturday morning!

Tyson Seacrest

"Taylor Swift" singing "You Belong with Me"
Meet your host of American Idol, Tyson Seacrest!
Tyson helped out with our niece, Amanda's, 12th birthday "American Idol" party.
He dressed like Ryan Seacrest and asked questions as the guests came up to the "stage" to perform their song. The girls had a great time and Tyson enjoyed it too! What a creative birthday party!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Totaled


I know most of you already know but I can't get it off my mind! I was in an accident on Tuesday night and totaled my car.
Swerving to miss a dining room chair in the middle lane of the freeway I lost control and slammed into the cement median.
It's sad but I can't be grateful enough that I am alive and walked away from everything with just some aches and pains and bruises.
I still can't believe that no one hit me and I didn't hit anyone. It is truly a miracle.

I am grateful for life and grateful for Tyson (my Knight in Shining Armor) who came to my aid quickly!

This picture was taken from the tow lot. The back of the car has damages as well ( I bounced off the median, hit the back of my car and ended up sideways in the middle lanes of the freeway)

I am grateful for Insurance companies (Health and Car) It is so worth it to have both of them! You never know when you will need them. I know so many younger couples that don't have Health insurance . Too big of a risk for me!

I am grateful to be here. Living life. And loving life!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Tonto National Bridge








Minus me- I took the picture!









This was such a great hike! We all worked together to get through the hard parts of the hike- helping the little ones cross the water and over the big boulders. I kept thinking to myself how wonderful family is. Everyone is so willing to help one other. Each helping hand brings safety to those who are in need. I loved being apart of this experience.

The natural bridge was so beautiful! It's crazy to think about how long it took a little stream to create such a big whole in the earth.

May 31st (Memorial Day) was the perfect day to go. I think we went on the last "cool" day of the summer. The first week of June has been 100+ degree weather already!

Bring on the hot hot hot summer!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Geneva-Switzerland



My little sister, Mackenzie, received her call last night to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Geneva Switzerland mission! She will be speaking French and some of her mission takes in parts of France as well.

We are so excited for her. It was so fun to be gathered as a family last night through Skype, Gmail-chat, iChat, and phone conferences (Big family spread all over the U.S.A!)

Mackenzie will be a great missionary! We love you Kenzie!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Sushi with the Dopps

I think this was the Albacore Roll
Asaka and Brittan amidst the sushi rolls! The roll on the far left was a favorite for Tys and me.
Pro-ness all the way with his chopsticks
Asaka had to show me how to eat the Tempura Shrimp Head


Tyson and I had the best Sushi experience recently. We got together with one of our favorite ASU couples, the Dopps, and headed out for some great Sushi.
Asaka is well versed in Sushi and taught Tyson and me the in's and out's of eating the good stuff.
We loved the Eel, yellow tail, shrimp tempura, crab, albacore, and so much more!
And yes- that is a picture of me eating a Tempura Shrimp Head. Tyson ate it too! Not so bad...
The chopsticks are a little bit of a challenge for me but I will practice!
Thanks for an awesome night Mr. and Mrs. Dopp!
(Brittan is one of Tyson's best college friends. Both Tyson and I met him last year while we were dating. Asaka is a blast! She is from Japan and so incredibly nice! They have appeared on our blog before- see Pop Shop-)