Nearly a Week Late

Brad and I headed down to the big Magrath Celebrations last weekend and I was excited to show him what I grew up with. It's always a big event and lots of people come back to town for it so there are familiar faces around.

The day starts with a parade at 11:00 (best start time ever) and then there's beef on a bun for dinner. We skipped it as we were still on South Beach. There's also a program in the park and then in the evening there are fireworks. They close the weekend with a massive bonfire and an outdoor dance that is largely attended by high school students.

I think Brad was most impressed with the fireworks. You sit at one end of the football field and they set them off at the other so you're super close. As a result each firework is huge and louder than you've ever heard before. It makes for a unique experience.

Click on the slideshow for pictures and more info about the weekend.

L

Double Booked

There are a few things I look forward to every summer
Softball
Stampede Breakfasts
Time at the lake
and possibly the most important one, the Global Fest Fireworks competition.

I really love fireworks. I love how the sound is so intense you feel it all through your body, I love the way the colors never cease to amaze. Sitting, on a blanket beside friends and family is my perfect summer activity (well okay, so there may have needed to be some softball earlier to really call it perfect). I had planned to link to previous posts where I'd mentioned fireworks but I discovered that there are 10 different entries, far too many to link too.

Today I made a very sad discovery.

Brad and I made our summer plans in January and we're spending a week out at Shushwap lake in August and we've been really looking forward to it, dreaming about it even. Today I realized that our week at the lake happens to also be the week of the fireworks.

Time will tell if the draw of the fireworks is enough to bring us home early from lake paradise.
L

An Entry to Appease My Mother

Curtesy of Denise

1. Do you like blue cheese? In most cases no, but I do love some blue cheese crumbles on a hamburger. I think that's the only exception. One time I thought I'd be adventurous and I invited a bunch of people over for dinner and made steak with gorgonzola butter. About half the group either loved it or hated it, I was in the latter.
2. Have you ever smoked? Nope, not ever
3. Do you own a gun? That seems like such a silly question… I can't imagine anyone thinking I would own a gun.
4. What flavor Kool Aid is your favorite? I'm not really a Kool Aid fan, it's just so sugary and fake. I'd rather have water.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointment? Nah, I'm not really one to stress and the doctor is no exception.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? If they're those really cheap ones then they'd better be around a campfire with a smore to follow, if they're good quality, all meat smokies then this year I've discovered a love like never before.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? I know it's cheesy, but it's also a classic… White Christmas and A Christmas Story hold lots of family memories.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water. I know it's boring but I'm more a water person than a juice person. Although I did just discover this super yummy smoothie juice from Superstore. Too bad it's a little pricey.
9. Can you do push ups? Absolutely not. One time I decided I was sick of my really weak arms so I started doing push-ups at night before bed. I think it only lasted 5 days and then it was the weekend so I took two days off and never restarted.
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding rings. So Sparkly and they represent something important
11. Favorite hobby? Softball. I'm slightly obsessed since it's softball season and I'm on a team. I could play every night, more than one game. That same sentiment is true of Carcassonne, I also freely admit that I have a problem and the Anvik's make great suppliers.
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No. I pride myself on being organized and attentive and I'm a good multi-tasker.
13. What's your weight? You know how people always tell you you'll gain weight after you get married? True in my case… we'll leave the number a mystery.
14. Middle name? Michelle. There's no good story behind it, it's just a name.
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment:I'm glad I won't have to walk home in the rain. Wish there wasn't dishes waiting for me when I get home. Wonder if thae Anviks will play Carcassonne after the Vipers game tonight.
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Apple Juice (free at work) and a real fruit mix of something with mango in it that we buy when we feel rich.
17. Current worry? That we'll lose our next softball game
18. Current hate right now? MarshConnect… I don't want to learn a new system but more than that I don't want to do other's lame work for them.
19. Favorite place to be? Home with Brad, oh, or the Fireworks competition, that's a fave for sure.
20. How did you bring in the New Year? Games with family and friends, it was perfect.
21. Where would you like to go? Disneyland, Hawaii, the lake.
22. Do you own slippers? Almost more pairs than I can count… I've broken myself of that habit though and I don't replace them as they wear out..
23. What color shirt are you wearing right now? Cream with brown flowers.
24. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I've never owned any but I agree with Denise, I think I'd slide around too much. I like how cozy cotton ones are.
25. Can you whistle? Yes
26. Favorite color? Purple
27. Would you be a pirate? Nah, I'm far to high maintenance for that type of lifestyle. And I don't think scurvy would agree with me.
28. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing in the shower, never have. When I lived in the duplex next door to the 4 boys we used to be able to hear them sing in the shower, that was enjoyable.
29. Favorite Girl's Name? I've never been one of those people that picks out names… if I had to choose I'd probably go with Grace, after my grandma. It would take some serious thought though.
30. Favorite boy's name? Same deal as above minus the Grace Part
31. What's in your pocket right now? Girls pockets are just made to look fashionable. You don't actually use them.
32. Last thing that made you laugh? Last night when I ticked Brad, that was fun.
33. Best bed sheets as a child? I don't remember any fancy ones though I'm sure I had them.
34. Worst injury you've ever had? While running down the stairs my ring got caught on the metal plate. 3 stitches later you have my worst injury.
35. Do you love where you live? Yes except for how tiny it is. I love the price, the location and that I share it with Brad.
36. How many TVs do you have in your house? Just one and it's old and crappy. If my in-laws ever buy the new one they're planning on we'll get a free upgrade.
37. Who is your loudest friend? I work with this girl Amera. She's fabulous and fun and silly and beautiful and I love her but she's often very loud.
38. How many dogs do you have? None. And we'll probably keep it that way forever. Everyone in a while I get puppy fever but once I'm actually around dogs I remember that the novelty wears off in about 3 minutes.
39. Does someone have a crush on you? I bet Brad does :)
40. What is your favorite book? Maybe Wicked, or Life of Pi. I don’t know if they're my favorite but I enjoy them.
41. What is your favorite candy? Lindor Chocolates, gummy worms, sour soothers, Swedish berries, pretty much anything that's sugary.
42. Favorite Sports Team? That's a tough one. I watch hockey but only because Brad likes it… we don't have cable so I never get to watch baseball or I'd have a favorite for sure. I guess I would have to say the Flames but only because there's not much else to choose from.
43. What song do you want played at your funeral? I'm terrible at thinking of songs to fit the moment, this would require days of scrolling through my iPod.

Sorry it's not a better post but hopefully it'll be enough for now.
L

Highlights of 2007

1. The best party I've ever thrown. It happened to be New Year’s Eve
2. Bradley – Feb 14 (hand hold), Feb 17 (dating)
3. Dinner / CPO / Ballet with Bradley – January 26
4. Chuck E Cheese Group Date – January 27
5. Candlemas – February 2
6. First Temple Trip with Bradley – February 3
7. Sweethearts Dance (Stake and IRC) – February 9
8. Jane-Almus Eve – February 10
9. Skating in Lake Louise with Brad – February 19
10. Skating at Olympic Oval, double date – February 23
11. Middle Name Pride Day – March 10
12. Engaged! – March 23
13. The Producers – March 27
14. Dracula Ballet in Banff with Kim, Brandy and Jocelyn – April 7
15. Snow Patrol, Mac Hall – April 9
16. Boys Like Girls, The Hush Sound, Mac Hall – April 11
17. Jann Arden, Jubilee – May 17
18. Shuswap with the Wiebe’s – May 19
19. Engagement Party in Magrath – June 16
20. The Wedding! – June 30
21. Puerto Vallarta, Dolphins, Canopy Tour, Coconut ice cream – July 1-7
22. Picnic and Shakespeare in the Park with Ian, Jen and Cora – July 21
23. Mini Golf with Dave, Naomi and Devon – July 25
24. Global Fest Fireworks Competition – August 17, 21, 23
25. Spruce Meadows Horse Jumping – September 7
26. Jimmy Eat World Concert, Mac Hall – October 8
27. Skating at Olympic Plaza, the first of the Season – November 30
28. Baby Porter Forsyth born – December 4
29. 6th Ward Christmas Party (the program was so successful) – December 8th
30. Stake Carol Fest – December 9th
31. Wiebe Caroling Party – December 17
32. Christmas in Spanish Fork, UT – December 21 – 26
33. New Year's Eve at Doug and Lisa's

This year turned out to be pretty life changing, what with the getting married. So many great things happened and I got to do almost all of them with my best friend. I hope your year was just as memorable and that 2008 is everything you want it to be.
L

Remember Remember

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...

Happy Guy Fawks Day everyone!

Unfotunately our celebration must be put on hold, who knew you needed a permit to set off fireworks?
L

Friends & Family Rate

Brad decided a while ago that he’d start doing some DJ’ing, small stuff, mostly weddings, it’s a great way to make a little extra cash. We’ve done a bunch now, all of them for friends of ours so they’ve been given the Friends & Family Rate.

A couple weeks ago Brad got a call from Mindy Moore asking if Brad would DJ the dance for her Aunt’s Wedding. It took some scheduling but we decided it was worth it since for once we could charge his actual price. Mindy told us the location which we promptly forgot.

Jump forward to this past weekend, it was busy. Lots packed in. Friday we needed to help set up for Brad’s cousin’s wedding (Paul) and then rush down to the Fireworks competition. On Saturday while Brad was at work I would go help move his Sister and Brother-in-law. Brad would pick up the DJ equipment after work, swing by the house and pick me up so we could hurry over to the Family Dinner for Paul’s wedding. We’d be at least an hour late but it was the best we could do. After the dinner we’d hurry over to this other wedding and DJ. It was busy but well planned.

Friday was successful; we set up for the wedding and had plenty of time to make it to the fireworks. Saturday the moving went well. My Mother-in-law and I headed over with a carload to drop off and started visiting. I mentioned that Brad and I were going to have to leave Paul’s wedding so we could go DJ this other dance. She asked where it was and I said I wasn’t sure. All I knew was it was for Mindy Moore’s Aunt.

“Uh, Laura... Mindy Moore’s Aunt is marrying Brad's cousin.”

All this time, we never made the connection! Guess we should have written down the location eh? That may have triggered it. Needless to say the Friends & Family Rate was re-instated.
L

Fireworks Part 2

So once again we made the trek over to the fireworks, with our one set of friends in tow...

The first night we went Canada was competing and they did an incredible job, we loved it! The next night was Spain and their's was pretty average, we were unimpressed. Disappointed even. So last night as we headed over I was a little nervous that these ones wouldn't be good either, I was most definitely wrong though, I loved last nights almost as much as Canada. Here are some photos of the night.


And as a special treat I'm adding a video to this post, fun eh?

L

Absent Friends

Brad and I were so excited, from work he got 8 tickets, plus dinner to the fireworks competition, which we love. What a great idea! We were thrilled to invite a bunch of our friends, but who to choose, there were so many options! So the narrowing down started.

We extended our first invite to Naomi and Dave and they were excited, yay, success!
We next called Ian and Jen, the perfect time to hang out with them, only Ian is out of town. Fine, we’ll take just Jenn and Invite Cora to take his place, only Cora has plans.
Fine, we’re 3 down and have lots of time... only now the trouble starts...

Jenn is out of town so Jenn and Nathan are out
Jane is out of town so Jane and Ken are out
Lisa and Brady are still on their honeymoon
Chris and Lynn just moved
Dan is in Idaho
Marissa and Brendan have plans
Lisa and Doug are moving that weekend
Kim and Andrew are going out of town
Julie and David are down in Magrath
Irena has to work
We found Janine who was excited but then had to cancel
And then sadly Dave and Naomi also had to cancel*

We did luck out and Ian became available but here we are, 6 hours before the event and we have 4 remaining tickets... it’s starting to be depressing.

We made a real effort... called more people than we could have imagined necessary... if we missed you I’m sorry, it wasn’t on purpose and if you read this in time then call me, we’d love to have you come! We’re now out of ideas and may have to try to scalp our tickets... it’s a bit of a sad day.
L

*Names are not listed in the order called

Weekend of Fun

Every year Magrath celebrates it's anniversary and my favorite part of it has always been the fireworks. They'd set them off at one end of the football field and we'd lie on the grass at the other. The fireworks go off right above your head and occasionally you'd be lucky enough to be hit by sparks, you're that close!

There are few things I love more than fireworks, so I was thrilled to be able to go to the first night of the Fireworks competition. We were there to see Canada and I'm not sure I could have loved it more. Mom, Dad, Rob and Riley came up and Riley was so cute, he'd clap his hands and proclaim that it was "Awesome". We're lucky enough to have tickets for Tuesday and Thursday as well. While you aren't hit by sparks for these ones they do have the added fun of music, I love the music!

On saturday we went on a Zoo trip, check out the pictures.
It was such a great weekend! I look forward to Tuesday and Thursday.



L

2007

It's official, New Yea'rs Party 2006 was successful!! My Mom had this brilliant idea that I should use mini lights around the house so shesent a ton home with me. Fantastic roommate Janine and I hung mini lights all around the ceiling in the living room / dining room upstairs. We put lights on the baseboard of the wall that leads to the basement, went around the kitchen door, down the stairs and had lights all around the ceiling and the baseboards downstairs too. It looked fantastic! We had icicle lights hanging in front of the window upstairs. There was food and music downstairs as well as up. I forgot to count but I think at midnight we probably had 40 ish people here? I bought noisemakers, those things you blow that unroll (you know what I mean?) and sparklers to light after midnight.Someone brilliant took the liberty of finding a New Year's countdown on line so we could all watch my laptop. Auld Lang Syne played in the background as we lit our sparklers and hugged and wished each other a great New Years... it was pretty magical really :) I finallymade it to bed around 5 am.The next morning was a standard New Year's day... breakfast (with the neighbors) and lots and lots of lounging. A relaxed trip to the mall and a super satisfying nap rounded out the day.

I expected this year to be a bit of a let down, last year I was in London standing by the river Thames watching some of the best fireworks I've ever seen. Sat on plastic wrapped newspaper provided by super thoughful British Men and ate British candy to keep us warm. I held the hand of a British Boy (and we know how I feel about hand holding ;) and shoved through some of the biggest crowds I've ever seen. Got slightly stalked by a super creep on a double decker bus, watched as men from the same bus bounced a parked car out of the way so the bus could make the tight turn. Tried to find a bathroom while everything was closed and froze in the coldest winter in London in years. Of course I would take the cold with me :)

This year somehow managed to stand up next to all that though. I hosted a succesful party where everyone seemed happy. Had an extremely loud countdown. Got nuzzled on the neck and the offer of a kiss. The crowd cheered my name and I blushed. The house looked fantastic, I managed to clear up all three of my dramas so I started the New Years drama free, friends on with all. I got to spend this year with all of my friends. I got to kiss (on the cheek) at midnight and basked in the glow of the ambiance of my mini light lit house.

Not a bad way to start the year
Thanks for helping
Happy New Year to all
L

Whack-a-Mole Champ

"What do you want to do at Stampede?"

It occurred to me on Saturday that I've never played Whack-a-Mole, so that's what I wanted to do at the Stampede. So we find a Whack-a-Mole place and I give the guy my money and then I get a text message, so I whip out the phone, start repsonding and Whack-a-Mole starts!! I WON!!! All these years I've been hiding my light under a bushel, I didn't mean to hide the talent, I'll share it - I promise :) The Whack-a-Mole guy said that's the first time he's seen someone text and play and still win... see Tonia, txting makes me smarter ;) I have this cute green stuffed frog to remind me of my win.

Whack-a-Mole was just one of the memorable experiences. I sat in a helicopter! It was pretty neat. I ate a footlong hotdog smothered in onions and cheese (if you know me then you know that's surprising).

I've come to the conclusion that I need more rodeo in my life... the Chuckwagon races were so much fun! I want to go back! I liked the grandstand show but I loved the fireworks! It was a great way to spend my birthday. The only thing that could have made it better was cake

Thanks for the good times and celebrating my 25th with me Brad.

Thanks to all who wished me a Happy Birthday, love you all
L

Kim, I'm excited to hear about the house and if your offer was accepted

Happy Birthday to Me

I’m 25 today

It feels like a big deal, like a big number, you know?

How did you celebrate your 25th?

Mine will start with Breakfast with some friends. Then I’m going to the Calgary Stampede (now that I live in Calgary it tends to steal my thunder). I’ve never been to the chuckwagon races or the grandstand show, so I’m excited! I’d like to fit a Crave cupcake somewhere in there too but we’ll see if time allows it. Ideally I’ll receive multiple phone calls from all the good friends that are missing today and end the evening with some fireworks.

I’m not sure I’m where I thought I’d be at 25 but life is good.
L