I still feel like I am moving. You know how you feel when you have been driving in the car for a VERY long time and when you stop, you still feel like you are moving? You do? So do I. We went to Santa Barbara then over to Mesa, stopped in Utah and then finally made it back to Rexburg. It was an awesome trip with 80 degree weather, it was heavenly!
It was a ton of fun to be around Spencers family. They are pretty amazing people and I always feel like I need to be doing more to be better. It is done in a way that doesn't make me feel bad, I just always leave them wanting to be a better person. It was so fun to talk with some of the cousins. When they found out that Ethan is almost 2 they would ALWAYS say, "Isn't this such a fun age?" I followed up with a look of wonder and would say no, have you met Ethan? He is a crazy crazy little boy. Our first day back home and he had A LOT of exploring to do. I have to take back my dirty looks and comments about not having fun with Ethan. He is a funny funny little boy. When I am not wanting to velcro him to a wall, I am laughing and wishing that everyone could see how funny he is.
Today he snuck a VERY yummy treat that we got when we visited our friends cafe Sweet Cakes. He came walking into the living room with his hands behind his back. I got up to take whatever it was away and sure enough he started to run away. The funny thing is, he keept his hands behind his back. I laughed when I saw what he was doing and then of course had to grab the camera. I wanted him to run away from me but he was keeping his eyes on me. I knew that if I opened the front door he would bolt and i could get a picture of him from behind. Thankfully, I know him all too well and it worked out great! I am SO sad that he wasn't wearing jeans because the pic is a little confusing but it doesn't matter, it is still going up on the wall in the kitchen!

Last weekend after a quick trip to Meridian, we also went to Provo. Spencer's side of the family meets up for BYU Homecoming every year. We get to see Grandma and Grandpa Ray and about half of his 88 cousins, with their spouses and occasionally a child or 35. It is a fun get together with all of the "graduated from high school" cousins. It gets bigger and bigger every year! We were lucky enough to stay with Jared and Tamara. It was fun and comfy. We love you guys!

One of the highlights was being able to do some work. I was able to snap a few shots of his cousin Jenica and her fiance Josh. I can't wait to post those. I dropped off my beads and supplies to a new BFF and they had a "Time to Bead" party on Saturday. Thanks Lyric for hookin' me up! I also got to see my work up in the new restaurant in Provo. It is called Pizza Pie Cafe. It is a chain from Craigo's in Rexburg. If you have been over to my site, you will be able to see all of the yummy food that they have. I was SO thankful to be on the maintenance faze of my diet while I took all of those. They have really yummy pizza, pasta and salad buffet that is delicious! I also took some candid shots for them and they have them printed all over the restaurant. I am probably the world biggest nerd because it lit an excitement in me that still has me beaming. It wasn't like they are amazing and stunning shots, they are just what I was able to produce. My favorite is the 3 foot by 6 foot canvas that they had printed up. I love it and am so excited to have been able to be a part of their decor.

Thanks to my little brother Kent! You are the best. Thanks for the opportunity and life time supply of pizza. MUAH!

I just had the MOST fabulous weekend in Meridian! I had 4 bead parties, a craft show and 5 photo sessions, it was exhausting and exhillerating! I can't thank my friends enough for being so supportive of me and my family. I don't have words that will do justice to have much I love and adore my Meridian friends. I love you SO much that I am coming back on Thursday. This time is a quickie but don't worry! I will be doing a wedding during the day on Thursday and that evening at Hayley Horning's house we will be doing a bead party! This is a fun time to get together, socialize and poke fun at our OCD friends. If anyone has any questions or requests, get them in now! timetobead3@gmail.com

If fells like we JUST got back from California but it has been a week and a half! With everyone getting so sick, it feels like we are finally getting into the swing of things. Funny thing is, I leave tonight to go to Meridian for 4 days BY MYSELF. You should all start praying for Spencer now.
So, our reason for the trip to CA? Jared married his adorable sweetheart Tamara. I was lucky enough to be able to be their photographer. When I first met Tamara, she walked into a house of 20 people she had NEVER met before, 2 days before her wedding. She was super shy and didn't say much. Well, she is NOT LIKE THAT AT ALL! She is just as funny and crazy as Jared which makes it very easy to fall in love with her. She was so fun to take pics of as a bride. I didn't get any serious bridal shots because it just didn't seem to fit. She isn't very good at not smiling, I love it!
So, here are some of the highlight shots, aren't they adorable together?

As promised, the pictures you have ALL been waiting for. I don't think I would have gotten around to editing these but I kinda have a HUGE crush on my hairdresser Angela. We even stayed in Meridian an extra day so that we could all get fabulous via Angela. Seriously, I love her.
She was brave enough to take on Ethan the heathen. Luckily she just had to get rid of a few whispy hairs and tada, he looks like a little boy now. By the time he was done, I was in NO mood to get an after picture so you will just have to check out my little big boy in the Disneyland pics that I will post soon.

I am alive and kickin'! The kids start school next week and we are all very excited. The schools here are different, K-4. That means that Carson is the second oldest in the school. It feels kinda wierd but we will get used to it. I would just rather be back in Meridian before he attends middle school as a 5th grader.

I wanted to post this pic of my boys. This was a few days before Ethan's first hair cut. Those pics will be posted next.

I have a new project. I know, I know, it is shocking! I am not very busy here in Rexburg and NEED to fill by days full of duties so I have started up a business with my sisters. We have a few examples of what we are making on our new blog (i have the link in my sidebar.)

I am going to be in Meridian this week and my dear sweet friend Hayley is letting me have a Time to Bead party Thursday night at her house. I have sent out emails, if anyone reading this would like to come, I would LOVE to have you. Just leave a comment or email me at timetobead3@gmail.com

It is really happening. We have the most awesome Bishop and ward family. We couldn't do this without everyone's help. Hope to see you there!

Our new family picture! Thanks to Carson and his willingness to push the button and run. My mom needed one for a slide show that she is putting together. If she wouldn't have asked, I doubt that I would have taken the time to put it together. Thanks mom! You are the best!

I also had to get one of Spencer and the kids cause this is all he is getting for Father's Day. Don't you love the simple life?

My newest obession.........

Dresses for Mady! In the last few weeks I have made 5 new things for Mady to wear. Until yesterday, I have used all of the material that I have here at the house. My BIL is getting married in September and their colors are brown and aqua. While using these colors in picking out Carson's suit, I decided that Mady needed a dress to match on his baptism day. So it is a little early and I DON'T have time to be doing this, but who needs sleep? I will sleep after we move.

So, for the dress, I used three ideas from different patterns that I have done lately. I did a peasent top with 4 tiers and ruffle fluff at the bottom so that I could hide the hem. I love how it turned out! I am going to be making matching ones for the other girl cousins. I can't wait to take those pictures!

To all of the Ray cousins:
I have a sneak peak of Tiffany and Tyler's engagement pics on my photography blog.
While I have your attention!!!! I am blocked out of a lot of your blogs, LET ME IN! Please email me an invitation before you make me cry. scrappinskills@gmail.com
LOVE YA!

For the first time ever in life we went camping as a family, just us! It started out rocky but in the end, everyone was happy and enjoyed themselves. We had forgotten that we had a baptism to attend so that turned our trip into one night instead of two. I am SO thankful. That night ended up being SUPER windy and rainy, mama would not have been happy! When we started to set up camp it was really windy and Carson had to chase his tent down. A few poles snapped on the big tent and the kids were pretty sure that they were going to start walking down the yellow brick road. After it settled down we did dutch oven pizza and s'mores. What more could you ask for? I look forward to the days when Ethan is older, it only gets better from here.

I took some exhilarating pics lately. I can't describe them as adorable or precious because they are kinda scary and creepy. I rodents make your skin crawl, you might not want to look at these pics.

We were at a friendly gathering when all of the sudden Spencer and I heard grown women screaming and one of them bolted from where she was standing. As soon as someone said it was a bee I thought, what a bunch of girly girls. Well, I take it back, it was a bat!!!!!!! I wish so badly I could have seen the faces as they warned each other.

The first thing I did was get the camera of course! I snapped a few then moved over for a better angle. When the dang thing flew away it went over to the house and me being a bit of an idiot grabbed a dixie cup from off of the table to catch it. I had the cup on the bat but was too chicken to trap it. My heart stopped beating when it got out and flew in between my legs.

That is when we called in the big guns. Spencer was a trained pest control guy for most of the time we lived in AZ so this kind of think doesn't even phase him. We got a ski glove and a pot and tada! The bat was captured and the City of Meridian was called to come and pick it up.

Can you believe how nasty this guy got with me? I guess this is how the paparazzi feels when they are just trying to get a pic to post on the internet for all to see.

How do you like my new ride? Since I like to tell stories, this is how all of my dreams came true.

A few months ago my beautiful friend, we will call her “Summer”, told me about a truck that she thought would be cool for a family picture. I thought, yep, sounds cool, wish I had one. Fast forward many months of wishing on shooting stars for the most perfect photo prop ever. I dropped my Mady off at “Summer’s” house for co-op. As I leave the neighborhood, I see the truck! I thought that IS an awesome truck. I slow down to admire and wish just once more and guess what! It had a sign in the window $500 obo. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? So, I nearly wet my pants. After a few hours of batting my eyes at Spencer and a phone call to most of my family, (that is just how it works) we were able to make a WONDERFUL deal with the family who owned it and now it is mine. ALL MINE! Until Spencer gets his hands on it and restores it. Right now the poor thing is transgendered, I know, so inappropriate! I think it is a girl and Spencer says it is a boy. Whatever. I think until we figure it out, we will name him/her Trixie the Trannie.

I usually post my client photography on my other blog but I HAD to post this one. Pretty cute right? I think I am going to try to get one of Ethan sitting in this. It will look funny compared to this pic but I think it will be cute if it is displayed alone. I will have to bribe him with some candy but it is all for the greater good right?

Our PSA for the day, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET WHEN RIDING YOUR BIKE. This stink pot has 2 helmets!!!! Was he wearing one when he kissed the concrete? No. Seriously, I don't know whether to smack him or hug him. OK, of course I hugged him.
The really scary thing is, he can't tell us what happened. We are pretty sure that he has a concussion. Our neighbor works with the life flight team at St. Lukes. Lucky for us, we were able to get some free medical advice him. He told me what to look for in case we needed to take him to urgent care. At first I was freaking out because he kept asking me what day it was and if I knew what happened. Over the last few hours he has snapped out of it. I just need to wake him up every few hours to make sure he is OK.
Don't worry, I WILL be posting pics as things start to turn different colors. What kind of a mother would I be if I let this injury go undocumented? Then it would be like it never happened and that would be sad.

Just a friendly reminder since summer is almost here. You can wash and re-use your swim diapers. I can usually get through the whole summer with one package. After your little one wears them you can put them through the wash just remember to let them air dry. If they do the stinkies in them, I am pretty sure that you are out of luck and it is time to take your loss and move on. SMOOCHES!

This is a pic of the trailer that Spencer re-built. It kinda fell apart when we ran off the icy road when me moved here from Arizona. Now it is ready for another move. I am so proud of him! I knew that I needed to marry a man that knew how to "fix" things. He is so creative and I love him for it!
My sweet sweet husband just sacrificed the hot tub for the greater good of the family. He didn't know that I listed it on Craigslist along with the garage sale we had on Saturday. When a lady showed up and said she wanted to look at the hot tub we listed on Craigslist, he wasn't too impressed. He has just finished telling a friend that he will sell EVERYTHING else before the hot tub. Well, the lady liked it and bought it. Thanks for taking one for the team babe.

Liquidation Sale
Tomorrow May 14th 6-9 p.m.
@ my house of course!

I am looking to sale a bunch of my crafts and home decor before we move. We are having a neighborhood garage sale this weekend and had a few of my friends say they were interested in a sneak peak. So here you go! My plan today was to go around the house and get pics of a few of the items that I am selling. This morning my plan was foiled when I fell and sprained my ankle. Stupid fireplace. Anyway, I am going to bit the bullet and get some pics tonight to post.

ALL OF MY TUTUs and HATs will be price reduced for the sale. I can always make more after I move right? My pettiskirts will also be reduced, you lucky lucky friends of mine.

Carson turned 8 last week! It didn't hit me until I saw him at his very first pack meeting in his cub scout uniform. He was so excited. He was dressed and ready two hours before the meeting was to start. Lucky for us, the meeting was the Pinewood Derby. It was so fun to watch all those boys. Carson had a ton of fun. Mady also had a blast with her little girl friends. Watching her with them made my heart hurt because we are leaving. I can't think about it, it makes me woozy.

So, we finally have a final date for Carson's baptism. It is going to be on June 20th. That means will we not be leaving Meridian until the END of June. Don't hold your breath though, things change quickly around here.

Mother's Day came early for me this year. My wall of pictures still have Chirstmas pics up and I NEEDED to have spring/summer pics done. Thanks to a foxy husband and willing children, all of my dreams came true. I am going to enlarge a few of these to display in my booth at the craft fair at Hunter Elementary this Friday. Your opinions are welcomed.

One more chair. I have to quit doing this! Really, Spencer is going to KILL me if I don't quit collecting photo props. We have our tentative/official move date, June 15th! We are starting to rent a house in Rexburg already so we will move about a week after school gets out. I have sessions scheduled this summer and fall so I will be back and forth a few times. We still don't have any bites on our house yet. It boggles my mind. It doesn't necessarily bother me, it just makes me wonder how low the price has to go for this house to be "worth" it. We will see!!!

Look at what I can do! I am super excited about these. I got my hands of 4 of these bad boys. After doing two, I am giving the other two up for adoption. I am happy with what I did, but I am SERIOUSLY behind on the laundry and have got to get started on house packing.

I am just dieing to have a newborn lay in one of these chairs with one of my hats. Any volunteers?

A bit of magic happened last weekend. We were in Rexburg visiting family and looking around for housing. One night we went over to a friends house and long story short, a photo session was scheduled for the next day. This babies mama is Ticia, kinda fell in love with her. I can't wait to post the dress is she making for Mady. Anyway, she had this cool blanket that I loved and I had yarn to match it so a coordinating hat was made. My sis Steph made the letter for baby Magnum, isn't is seriously AWESOME!!!!! It is times like this that helps me through another day. It honestly feels magical to me. We have so much that can bring us down and we do our very best to think of the bright side. Moments like this help bring me back to help me realized how blessed I am to be in the position that I am.