Good Food or Healthy Food

Balance of Nature has many benefits but one that I can enjoy each day is the food they offer.  I really struggle to eat fruits & vegetable each day along with healthier options.  I have made it a goal to try everything and give it a fair shot.  

Oatmeal, blueberries, and Fiber & Spice

Tasted really good and very filling.

Green Smoothie

I can't remember what is all in it but it tasted good.

Very healthy for sure.

Bean & Rice burrito

in a spinach tortilla

Burrito Bowl

I could only eat half and shared the other half with Ryder.

Surprise!!

Inspiration in the bathroom.

Not sure who left this but it made me smile.

Another one

I love the thought.

Fried Rice

This was good as well. 

Ryder wasn't as impressed with this one.

I love eating healthy food that I don't have to think up or cook each day.  I a trying to implement some healthier eating habits at home as well.  I still have my sweet tooth that aches every day for a little chocolate or candy.  I make it to about 8:00 every night then all I think about is sugar and chocolate.  I win some days and lose a couple of more.  I am definitely a work in process.

Just My Luck!!

It's a beautiful Saturday morning with a whole list of errands that needed to be done.  Ryder needed to add one by going to the bank.  After being gone all week it was great to hang out with him as we ran around town.  He quickly reminded me that in a couple of months he would be driving me around town. First stop the credit union for him to make a deposit.  Oops!! a little late the bank is closed.  A little giggle that it was closed next up is DI.  We come to a stop to make a left hand turn and in slow motion like in the movies we watched as an older lady ran into us head on.  We honked, screamed, and honked again without getting her attention.  I turned to Ryder and said she is going to hit us. BAM!!!  and a smaller crunching sound filled the air.  I checked Ryder and he was fine. Then I checked the lady.  She was completely flustered and not sure what just happened.  Where did we come from and why had she not seen us?  The damage was all ours and my poor car could barely turn into a parking spot with not power steering.

Doesn't look to bad from this angle

Close up looks much worse

Ouch!!

This doesn't look good at all.

A little red paint is all that can be seen on her car.

City fire trucks

I learned that even in a parking lot you need to call the police.

Ryder insisted that we call 911.

However, nobody was injured other than my car.  I called the regular number to see what to do next.

What do you know the fire trucks showed up first. The firemen had to check everyone out and then clean up the toxic mess from the power steering. Next up was the police and making a report.

This whole time I was also on the phone with her insurance company trying to help her complete her report to get the ball rolling.

The white line is how far I moved 

to make the toxic mess with multiple fluids.

Fire fighters went to work cleaning up the mess.

Moved to another spot 

trying to decide how to get it home.

Up he goes onto the tow truck.

Unable to drive him home due to the many leaking fluids drizzling out of the bottom.

This was courtesy of the police officer who waited patiently for the tow truck to show up.

Dave, Ruston, Rylee, and Ryder helped clean out the car. I was afraid that as he pulled on the tow rope that the bumper would come flying off.  It held tight and slowly moved up the ramp.  Dave was so kind to the lady and went and bought water for everyone.  He then asked her to climb into the Hummer to cool off and rest until everything had been completed.

It was a long hot afternoon that started out as a beautiful morning quickly changed in 5 minutes.  Know starts the long process of replacing or repairing.  What an adventure this will be. 

Stay tuned....

 

Utah State Age Group Championships

Long course season has literally flown this summer.  It's time once again for the state championships.  Last year Ryder struggled with his times but what a difference a year makes.  He is growing, learning, and working hard.  Once again I am sidelined at home but Dave has it all under control.  They were off for another 4 day adventure to Kearns. 

Warm ups getting ready to start.

Making the perfect strokes

Courtesy of the swim moms sending this picture.

In the zone!!

Dave was outside cheering him on

Championship Team

Crazy boys!!

Another angle of the group.

Boys Team

Love that they support each other.

14 year old Boys Relay A Team

They had a great time and enjoyed their last age group championships.  Next year they all will move onto senior state.  The other thing that they have in common is they were exhausted.  They had a great meet but they definitely need to refuel and sleep.  Time to head home to relax until next month when short course starts.

Championship meets are a prelim in the morning and a final in the evening.

Event 18    Boys 13-14 100 Meter Free    13th Place    1:02.87

Event 18    Boys 13-14 100 Meter Free - Final     15th Place    1:03.18

Event 38    Boys 13-14 200 Meter Medley Relay    4th Place    2:05.12

Event 52    Boys 13-14 100 Meter Breast     17th Place    1:24.89

Event 66    Boys 13-14 400 Meter Free    6th Place    4:55.85

Event 66    Boys 13-14 400 Meter Free  - Final    8th Place    5:03.71

Event 74    Boys 13-14 200 Meter Relay    5th Place    1:53.37

Event 100    Boys 13-14 400 Meter IM    9th Place    5:44.28

Event 100    Boys 13-14 400 Meter IM - Final    9th Place    5:35.96

Event 106    Boys 13-14 400 Meter Free Relay    2nd Place    4:05.33

Event 112    Boys 13-14 200 Meter Breast    12th Place    3:06.89

Event 112    Boys 13-14 200 Meter Breast    10th Place    3:04.12

Event 120    Boys 13-14 100 Meter Back    17th Place    1:14.62

Event 120    Boys 13-14 100 Meter Back - Final    16th Place    1:15.86

Event 202    Mixed 50 Meter Free 50 Split - 1st Place    29.37

Event 205    Mixed 100 Meter Fly 100 split - 2nd Place 1:16.55

This is a whole lot of events to swim in a short period of time.  We are so proud of him and the hard work he puts into swimming every day.  Now it's time for a break.  Coach Mike told them to stay out of the water for the next 2 weeks and have some fun.  Let's see if he can to do it.

I also promise no pictures or blogs of swim for the next month.

Please Add a Caption

One last glance back to a crazy week and how did we survive it?  What caption could you add to these pictures?

We are melting!!

Run for the shade!

Who knew that artificial turf is so unforgiving?

Strange picture

What does it have to do with anything?

This is the starting of an illustrated American History book.

Maybe someday become a collectors item.

Snack Box??

Rylee's new adventure gathering fun treats to share with others.

We were lucky to be included.  It was yummy!!

The princess sleeps?

Is she dead?

Just taking a breather before the day begins.

Chili?

Cowboy Beans?

Yummy definitely!!

New recipe that I tried.  It tasted good but way too many leftovers.

Fireworks?

Explosions?

Sitting comfortably on the balcony watching the neighborhood blow up.

The look?

What is he looking at?

Setting up a Face Time call with the Hancocks for sacrament meeting.

Oops!! he pressed the wrong buttons.

Hopefully, this week is not as crazy but I won't hold my breath. Or I will definitely passout.

 

Watching Mesmerized

There was a program break before Dustin Lynch would start singing.  I caught the movement out of the corner of my eye and knew something big was coming.

The flag holders

everyone getting into position.

Then it started

and continued

and continued

Almost there

In full glory

What an amazing sight to see.

As it starting wave & ripple as if flying.

We had helped out earlier today at the end of the parade route to gently fold up the extremely heavy flag.  I can't image trying to hold on it while standing in the bleachers. Then trying to make it wave without touching the ground.

It was a great weekend packed full of so many experiences it is hard to express them.  Look forward to 2026 and the dedication of Liberty Village.

Happy 4th of July

Once again we are in full volunteer mode early on Monday morning.  I still don't have any official time off.  They do offer Service Holidays for employees to help out the community. I was able to use my one day to participate in all the activities.  We had signed Ryder up to help us instead he begged to stay with grandma.

Gathering for the parade.

We are going to either pass out oranges or hold the flag.

It's a toss up of which one we do.

Ruston & Rylee

They were supposed to be with us. 

Work calls and they are off with Dixie 4x4.

Last picture before we head out.

The flag is really heavy.

We are off!

Not holding the flag instead

handing oranges out to the crowds along the route.

It's nice and toasty outside with signs of cooling down.  It is still 10 to 15 degrees cooler than last year.  We arrived early found a nice shady spot away from the crowds and waiting for the program to start.  Rylee & Ruston are going to be there due to the wonderful illness called COVID unconfirmed of course since it's a holiday.

Tom Jones

Ending is marathon journey

It has been amazing to watch his social media posts.

Hopefully, he finds time to relax.

School choir

They were all a little overwhelmed

and a little quiet. 

Our seats

Out of the crowds and in the shade.

Grandma found a friend.

Ryder was a little worried when he saw him sit down by her.

He as too far way to interfere.

The smiles and attention was a little fun to watch.

Except from Ryder he was worried and stuck close to her for the rest of the night.

 The crowd was growing as the time got closer to the concert starting time.  Dustin Lynch took the stage.  He sang what sounded like one song for an hour.  It had been a long day I was ready to head home.  Finally convincing everyone it was time as they continued to party down by the stage.  We could catch the fireworks at home on the balcony.

Busy 4th of July Weekend

This weekend will be crammed full of patriotic events.  Being a new employee of Balance of Nature I wasn't sure whether not I could participate.  They were definitely willing to let us volunteer and put us to work. First up was a mandatory practice at the DSU Stadium you can either carry a flag inside the stadium for the pre-show or help unfurl the largest flag ever for another presentation.  

We picked carry the flags.

It is really warm on the football field.

Hopefully, we will all survive.

Saturday morning dawned early as we headed to Hurricane for the ground breaking for the Liberty Village.  This is going to be a place that teaches American History with hands on activities and experiences.  It is a replica of the American Village based in Arkansa.  Tom Jones has been raising awareness and fundraising across the United States. He would be ending is journey this weekend.

Tom Jones 

Heading into the groundbreaking with the flag flying high.

The song American by Neil Diamond blaring from the speakers.

Got a little choked up watching everyone stop and watch.

Glen Beck

We followed him into the tent setup with chairs, treats, and a whole lot of people.  Young, old, locals, and people from out of town.  During the program they asked Glen Beck if he would like to say a few words.  This was not planned but he graciously came up and talked for a few minutes.

Getting ready with all the shovels.

Remote area of Hurricane

The future sight of Liberty Village.

We looked like we had been four wheeling in a whole lot of mud.

Stopping at Tag n Go to get the Hummer washed. If they will take us.

No problem!! your are the second vehicle coming in really muddy.  Where have you been? We told them it's amazing to watch high school kids showing so much interest.

Later in the day we went to the tabernacle for a patriotic display being held in the basement.  Who knew that there was such a big space in the basement.  It was full of various displays all in one spot.  One collector was on hand.  I asked him how he got started collecting. He started by collecting programs, tickets, and other mementoes.  He wouldn't share anymore details than that.  Who knows what my little  collection will look like in the coming years.  Probably not much but it's good to dream.

Darth Vadar

courtesy of Glen Beck

Disney artifacts

courtesy again of Glen Beck

It was a great display with a printing press replica that could have been used to print the Declaration of Independence.

Sunday, the evening of prayer of all faiths gathering together.  This year is was being held in the tabernacle.  We were encouraged to arrive early to find good seats.  We walked in to a small group sitting close to the front.  Listening intently to the collector I talked to yesterday.  We found seats and listened in. 

Glen Beck with an artifact.

We set listening intently.  Glen then took the mic and started talking about his favorite pieces. It was amazing to listen to both of these men talk about history.  It is very important that our history never gets lost but rather shared for younger generations.  

It was now time for the prayer meeting.  The music and speakers were all amazing.  I was feeling very patriotic and proud of the accomplishments that have been made over the years.

We also found out that we walked into a private tour earlier.  There wasn't enough space downstairs to hold everyone.  We are glad that we walked into it since it was the best part of the day.