{ According to Us }

The day has finally come! Dallin is home from his mission in Zurich Switzerland. He didn't fly in to SLC until about 6:30 p.m. last night. We all waited so patiently (we waited 2 years what's a few hours?).   Here is the "Welcome Home" sign I made (nothing too special). One of my favorite parts was when Dallin was coming from the plane to baggage claim, he took the stairs instead of the escalator because he was so excited to see us. It made me smile :0) My parents are so proud of their missionary. Hot dang, I love this kid! Dallin talking to Dana because they are in a play for their stake so they couldn't go to the airport. We were sad they couldn't be there. We surprised my grandma by showing up at 9:30 p.m. to say hello. She just held Dallin's face in her tiny hands for like 10 mins. She was so excited to see him. She called him a sight for sore eyes. My grandma is so sweet. The best part of it all is that Dallin isn't acting all weird! He is just li...

I usually try my best to keep out of political discussions, because honestly, I think that about 99% of people don't know what they heck they are talking about (me included). However, this is something that I just can't keep to myself. Glenn Beck has come up with something called 'We Surround Them'. I don't really even know what it is, because he is keeping it a secret. But I agree with everything that it talks about. Head on over to www.glennbeck.com to read all about it. The big unveiling is next Friday at 3PM MST on Fox News Channel. I will be watching it, will you?

I am at a loss for words. I was so bored with the show this week I wanted to turn it off! The past two weeks were pretty easy to pick who would go through, but not this week.  Here it goes. Top Girl Lil Rounds I haven't really been a fan but she was one of the best tonight. That isn't saying much. Top Boy Scott MacIntyre *This is not who I think should go through, but this is who will probably go through. In all honesty  Von Smith was probably the best boy. Look at that mouth! Runner Up Felica Barton Where did this girl come from? Who's place did she take? This was that hardest one to pick because most of the contestants were all just okay. I did think that Taylor Vaifanua did better tonight than in Hollywood and in her audition. I secretly hope she goes through. Who should NOT go through to the top 12? Alex Wagner-Truman He drove me nuts. We don't want to leave out this guy... Nathaniel Marshall Meatloaf? Who picks Meatloaf? Only this guy. Does anyone else think that h...

Here is my 2 cents for those of you who care. Top Girl Allison Iraheta I was pleasently suprised by her performance :0) Top Boy Adam Lambert Chris and I have liked him from the first time we heard him sing although he didn't have the best performance tonight. p.s. He has an awesome range. Runner Up Megan Crokrey Yes, I am a little bias because she is from Utah. Her stage presents did bother me a little though. Kris Allen and Mishavonna Henson had good performances though, just not good enough to get through. I was disappointed that Matt Girad didn't do better- I liked him in Hollywood. Worst of the night Jeanine Vailes It was just not good at all. There. Once again, what's your opinion?

My sister Carrie invited Chris and I to St. George last weekend to see the Parade of Homes. We were so excited to go but it snowed and Jeff had to plow up in Park City. Chris and I were so bummed we decided to go this weekend with just the two of us. Some of you might say "Why would you drive 4 and 1/2 hours to stay 2 nights in St. George"? Our answer to this... No Snow! And to eat at our most favorite restaurant-The Painted Pony. Our water came in goblets. Nice touch. Chris's avocado and grapefruit salad My Macaroni and Cheese The BEST cheesecake in the whole world! The pictures don't do it justice.  It was so worth the drive just for this. You will just have to try it to believe us. We also saw the movie Coraline. I was expecting it to be weird... and it was. I am not sure If I would let my kids see it, if I had any kids that is. There is a part were a really well endowed woman is pretty much wearing pasties and a thong. Weird. This was a much needed quick weekend ...

Here's the deal. I hate American Idol, but I have to watch it! Dang It. So this season they are doing 3 groups of 12 and the top girl and top boy go through then the next person with the highest # of votes goes through and then there is a wild card. Not quite sure how the wild card round will work. In my world, this would be the 3 that would advance. Top Boy Danny Gokey (sorry this was the best picture I could find) Top Girl Alexis Grace I didn't 100% love her but there wasn't much to pick from. Runner Up Michael Sarver Some others were okay, but I wasn't really that impressed. I have some major issues though. #1 The microphone- everything about it. The look, the sound. It just stinks. #2 The sound- Something was wrong with the judges mics and they kept putting echoes on every performance. It was driving me nuts! Everything sounded so karaoke. # 3 This girls performance- Casey Charlson. It was absolutely ridiculous! I wanted to throw up. Tell me what you think will ya?

My whole family (except Dallin of course) had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Draper Temple open house. Although we were waiting in line for a few hours, it was a truly beautiful experience as always. My favorite part was of course the Celestial room.  It was simply stunning.  Even though I had a great time, I can't get my mind off of the houses that were around the temple. Here is an example of a house near by.  A bit much don't you think? They are only asking a mere 4,800,000! Don't get me wrong, it is a sight to behold, but good heck! Honestly. Who needs a house with 10,000 square feet, indoor football field and basketball court, gigantic swimming pool, 8 car garage, and 6 bathrooms! No one needs a house like this even if it is "living within your means". p.s. I cut my hair and I mean I cut my hair! I don't have any good pictures yet, but when I do I will show you all.  Have a happy day! :0}