Family Photos

My friend Merrilee has an amazing sense of style. If you haven't checked out her blog, go now, because there is always much to enjoy (and be sure to check out her illustration work as well). I'm amazed by these family photos that her talented sister, Lorajean, took of her family. And by the way, she sewed her own dress the day before the photo shoot. I'm telling you, this girl is overflowing with talent.
Speaking of talent, let me get on my soap box for a moment. One thing I've observed is that talent is certainly not enough. Hard work and drive will take you so much further than talent. I've seen some of the most "talented" people fail repeatedly because they just couldn't stick to it. I've also seen less "talented" people achieve great success because of hard work and perseverance and drive. I hate to hear people say things like, "I have no talents" or "I wish I was that talented." But guess what! Talent isn't even half the equation. You can do just as much if you work hard at it and stay focused (of course proper training helps too). It's like when people say, "I'd give anything to be able to play the piano like that," as if the pianist just sat down one day and was able to play amazing music. If you would give anything, then give the thousands of hours of practice that pianist did and you will be able to play like him. I had a professor who once said that for every 100 sketches/paintings you do, you will have maybe 10 good ones if you are lucky. I've often heard people say "I wish I could draw," but the reason they can't is because they quit trying in 5th grade. If you want to be good at something, you have to do it again and again and again until you get it. And of course I know this applies to myself as much as anyone. So let's go out there and work hard, practice much, and cultivate new (or existing) talents! Pin It

Ryan's Big Spill (Caution: graphic images)

About two weeks ago we had a great sunny warm weekend that was perfect for a long bike ride. Ryan went with friend Jake to do about 110 miles around Utah Lake and back home again. At about mile 80 he got a little hungry and instead of stopping to get food out of his pack, he decided to just reach back while riding to try and get it out. Going about 25-30 mph he lost his balance with the reaching and hit the pavement, head/helmet first. And that's why you wear a helmet folks. The helmet was split and the arm and hip were hurting, but after a little rest he got back on his bike and rode a few more miles. Jake took another look at his arm and decided to call his wife to rescue them and get Ryan to the hospital.

Picture #1: the elbow in the hospital. This just doesn't look right. X-rays showed the end of his bone (the forearm) broke clean off and would need surgery to be pinned back on.

Picture #2-3: four days after the accident the bruising was getting good. This is the day before surgery. Inside of the arm and a shot from behind (of the arm).Picture# 4-5: a week after the surgery, the bruising continues. The first one is a close-up of the side of Ryan's leg (side of the thigh) which still has a swollen lump on it. The second one is the inside of the arm again. The flash washed it out a bit, but honestly, I didn't even know that skin could turn that color. It's the deepest solid purple-black I've ever seen.

Picture #6: the (future) scar & stitches from the surgery, about 6 inches long.

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Naomi Aspen Roma

On December 31 my sister, Jen, gave birth to little Naomi. Jen's husband, Ivan, is Italian and has thick black hair. My kids don't have even a chance of being born with this much hair! Isn't she precious?

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Rediscovering Utah

For the Independence Day weekend, Ryan and I went camping with some friends up American Fork Canyon, in a different area than we'd been before. It was absolutely beautiful. We rode the 4-wheeler up to the back side of Snowbird ski resort (Mineral Basin) and unfortunately I didn't have my camera. So we came back the next day for a ride on the mountain bikes. And oh my, am I out of shape! Very sad, yes, but I did get some photos of the beautiful area, that I just have to share.

We had to share the road/trail. :)

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More family pics

Here are just a few more family photos from the wedding weekend.
First, my uncle Chan and my dad (brothers) catching up.


Next, my sister Tanya's girl, Alyssa, found my pretty bronze colored (shiny) shoes, and had to give them a go. She even managed to take a few steps in them, something many grown women couldn't do.


And finally, some more of that adorable baby Sam (my sister Patti's newborn). He was born 5 lbs 9 oz, and still is tiny. Check out those spindly legs!


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Wedding Weekend

Here are some photos from the wedding weekend. Starting with Friday night, I had a pedicure party at my house so we could all have dianty toenails for the special day. But mostly an excuse to see all my loved ones who are in town (to see them on more than just wedding day).

First is my sister Jen, with her boy Ashton, who wanted in on the fun. Daddy was not amused.

Next is cousin Allie's girl Emma sharing her bows with sister Becky's youngest, Anna, who isn't quite sure what's going on. By the way, the bows are handmade by Allie, and they are fabulous.

Moving on to the wedding day, we have a shadowy photo of me with Ryan, who is oh so photogenic, right? And both of us in need of a haircut I think.

Let's not forget the reason for all this happiness! Congratulations Peter and Tiffany Hinman!

By the time the reception rolled around, it had been a long day.But after Peter had gotten so festive with car decorations for all of our weddings, it was time to repay the favor. Aside from the pinata, the car was filled with ballooned shopping bags, rubber slugs and worms, pool float noodles, and windows were markered all over (with car safe window markers), etc. Peter thought that parking his own car in his garage at home would keep it safe, but he was wrong. We got it too. (Sorry, no pictures of that one).

I have to mention though, the original idea for the car prank, that all of us were too exhausted to execute (but all wish we could have). The boys were planning to buy some sheets of drywall and build an actual wall around the car. It was a fun idea, too bad it didn't happen.

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