The James Family

There's no place like home.

2011-06-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

Sadly our trip has come to an end! We spent a long filled day of traveling yesterday and are suffering the from jet lag. I loved my time in England but I love my own home more. I hope you enjoyed our posts! Soon, when I am not so coma like I will post some highlights from our trip. Nicole

A weekend in Belfast, Ireland

2011-06-13T16:27:00.001-07:00

This is the dock where they finished building Titanic

This is 1/3the height of Titanic

This is me at the peace walls in Belfast covered in grafitti

-

This is the rope bridge that we crossed....

It was a bit windy...don't you think?!

This is Dunluce castle in the background

Still windy...
This is the Giant's causeway, it was amazing!!

Where's Susie?

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Belfast, the rope bridge, the giants causeway

Cambridge continued....

2011-06-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

A view from our flat at 1030pm...

this lab at Cambridge is where they discovered the double helix of DNA... the picture below is the entrance to the labs

Kings College

Kings Church

cool Cambridge street, watch out, there are a ton of bike riders...

inside the Kings Church with a look at the glass and Vaulted ceilings.

The organ in the middle...

the coolest flower I have seen in England...

This was All Saints church, it had William Morris designs, so check out the different patterns on the walls...

Punting...with Edward Cullen

check out this guy's outfit...he fell in.

Our punters...

can't remember this college's name... but it has a building that if you cut it down the center it is a mirror image of itself...

Kings Church

Susie, Nicole and Benae

really random... but look at the middle window, it's got a skeleton in it.

Post boxes...

Off to Belfast tomorrow at 0530 (1030 pm your time)...Not sure how the internet is there so we will blog as much as possible...good night!

My first blog from England on my iPad...

2011-06-10T12:36:00.001-07:00

This is Kings College in Cambridge...

Kings Chapel, the fan vaulted ceiling was amazing...it's not supported in the middle anywhere either!

We went punting too, it's like a gondola ride in the college river...

I will post more later, just trying out the iPad blogger...

Location:Cambridge England

2 Houses in the Country

2011-06-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

Haddon Hall

use for the filming of the new (and all of the old ones) Jane Eyre, also the Princess Bride, Pride and Prejudice, The Other Boelyn Girl, and more movies I'm sure...

this is a Pigeon hut, but they turned it into a church for the new Jane Eyre

the courtyard

the church they used for Jane Eyre when Mr. Rochester and Jane attempt to get married...

This is where the filming for Pride and Prejudice is done...this is the restaurant where Elizabeth sees Mr. Darcy talking to her Aunt and Uncle

where Mr. Darcy sat when Elizabeth was reading a letter from her sister Jane

a really old piano...

this little cottage is used in Jane Eyre

Nicole

Me (duh...)

Caitlin

a view from the back of the house

Pride and Prejudice...where Elizabeth hides from Mr. Darcy

Hardwick Hall (the old house) in ruins...I would love to have bridal or engagement pictures in here!

Hardwick Hall (the new house...built in the 1700s)

surprise! this place was used for some Harry Potter movie stuff...

cool lights inside...

17th century keys used for the doors today!!

Nicole felt elated and wanted to run through the grass a la Sound of Music...

This is the crooked spire in Chesterfield (said to have curved when the devil saw that a virgin bride got married there who wasn't so pure...he thought it was hilarious and caused it to curve because of his laughter- or something like that)

A day at the Castle, watching the changing of the guards...

2011-06-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

Windsor Castle, and the moat (?spelling) around it is below

where the intruders would get hot oil and other crap dropped on their head of they got to this point

the changing of the guards...

the band played really random songs, including the Distance by Bette Midler, an opera song and also (best of all...) the theme song to James Bond

I think this is Prince William in disguise

we were on the front row, the guards were about 5 feet away, I bet this guy has no idea that he is on a blog that belongs to a family from Utah....

after they changed the guard, there was a flock of people waiting to get their picture taken with him, I think he was being punished because all of the other guards were behind gates not dealing with people...

We also went to Warhorse at the London theater, it was amazing!! I actually paid to go to a horse show and didn't even sneeze once!!

The Pemberly Chronicles

2011-06-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Chattsworth which is Pemberly in Pride and Prejudice. IT WAS AWESOME!!!!! This house is so amazing and they let us take pictures inside which was a huge bonus! The only sad thing was the best part of the house was covered in scaffolding and plastic so we couldn't see it :( We did get to see the Duke of Devonshire that lives there! Here are a few of the highlights!

Chattsworth!

We were in the Peak District which is where part of P&P was filmed. I wanted to stand on the edge of a cliff like Elizabeth and this is what we came up with.... I feel like I'm kinda leaning like Michael Jackson in the Smooth Criminal music video.

I was coerced to jump of the rocks by the bystanders.......

Then I found this rock that kinda looked like Pride Rock in the Lion King. The wind wasn't blowing so I had to make some wind action on my own.

A view of the part of Chattsworth they are restoring. This restoration will cost about 14 million pounds!

There was this cool garden with a bunch of flowers.

A lovely walkway from the gardens to the house.

Becoming one with the fountain. I think I would like to be a permanent fixture on this property.

The main walkway past the house.

The main entrance to Pemberly in the movie

This sculpture really makes me scratch my head. It totally looks like this lady has a veil over her face. Nope, it is all stone! I am still amazed at the craftmanship of all the sculptures and wood and stone work.

A view of the library which is where I would spend ALL of my time. There was so many old and cool books.

A sculpture that is featured on P&P.

This is as close as I could get to Mr. Darcy. :(

A cool bridge that we had to cross to get to Chattsworth

A view of the Peak District. (This pic was taken on our bus!)

Tomorrow we are headed to Windsor Castle! Stay tuned!

So, we're back...better appreciate it!!

2011-06-06T16:56:00.000-07:00

Not really hanging out with the queen, but we were in her presence (at least outside her gates...) here's the balcony where the Royal family graces the public with a view. I was thinking today that if I was a member of the Royal family...I'd pop out on this balcony now and then just to see how big of a crowd I could draw. I'm sure the Queen wouldn't like me doing it, but it would be quite entertaining. Just think how many people would sit and wait to be graced by my presence...

Nicole zoomed in really far to get this...

me and Nicole outside the gates. you can see how far away the guard is...

a look at the London Eye, it's amazing how close everything is here...

A look back at the Palace from the Victoria Monument, oh and Nicole booking it up the steps...

A look down the special street leading to Buckingham Palace (I think it's called a mall)

Nicole and Susie (this photo looks much better than the next one...I wish that everyone taking pictures didn't think full body shots are great

See- you can't see us very well, oh well- at least someone was nice enough to take all of our pictures together!(and not steal my camera!)

the locks on the Buckingham palace gates

Ummm, need I say more?

William and Kate wedding stuff is everywhere. I wish that we were here when the Queen is on vacation...they are going to display Kate's wedding dress, tiara, bouquet and the cake, maybe Dahlia needs to pay for my wedding research...

We aren't quite sure what this means, but we saw a top secret concert that we stopped at, then everyone got kicked out by the cops...

Westminster Abbey, where it costs 18 pounds to get in... math problem: 18x1.7= US dollar amount...

Nicole at Westminster Abbey, a little late for the wedding... and no hat!

Who says that Nicole and Caitlin can't find rare things in England... Caitlin spotted this mountain dew that Nicole purchased. one can = 2.5x1.7= american dollars...one expensive drink compared to her beloved 44oz "fountain-dew"

after a wait of 1 1/2 hours, it was well worth it! Really good food! (and free refills!)

Stay tuned for Nicole's day at "Pemberley" from Pride and Prejudice... (Chatsworth)

an explanation...

2011-06-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

Well, since there isn't a lot of action in the comment department, we are boycotting.
love Terri and Nicole

A day in Bath...

2011-06-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

The Jane Austen Centre... This is the famous silhouette that everyone associates with Jane Austen. There is only one sketch of her in existence (a very light drawing with watercolors done by her sister Cassandra)

This is the window in the entrance to the Jane Austen Centre...

This is a copy of one of the letters Jane wrote to her sister Cassandra

Nicole...looks like they are spying on Mr. Darcy (just a guess...)

This is a costume worn by Ann Elliot in Persuasion from the version that we both love...

Nicole, finally has Captain Wentworth by her side. I do have to say that this Captain Wentworth is the most handsome of all the Jane Austen heroes!!

For information purposes...here's how to use a fan, we know you all have wondered how on Earth you could tell someone "follow me" with a fan or " I wish to be acquainted". Well now you'll know! Mom get your fans out, Nicole and I need to practice when we get home!

Now...Just a glimpse of where we are staying. It's so cute! I would love to have a little flat like this (well, probably bigger since I have so much stuff!) Anyway, this place is called Jack's Place and it's so clean, I even feel like I can go bare footed (and that's a big step for me in a "hotel" room!)

LOVE this mirror (shocking, I know!) I've also decided that wallpaper can be really cool...don't worry- I will probably change my mind when I actually have to put it up and my OCD comes out with matching the pattern!

bathroom #1 with a shower...

Upstairs loft bedroom

upstairs bathroom with the cute tub...

fresh flowers! He must have known who was coming!

the sofa in the family/dining/kitchen room

the kitchen

cute little chair in the space between the kitchen and dining area

Tomorrow... back to London after a morning in Bath. Tonight we are watching Britain's Got Talent (dad would be so proud because I can't even stand America's Got Talent) and you all should check out the cutest little "Next Justin Bieber" named Ronan Parke- he's super cute and sings incredibly!

Just forgot to mention something funny one of the student's asked a driver while we were going to stonehenge...she asked him if the gas pedal was on the right since they drove on the wrong side...he answered...Yes- it's England not Mars. Thought it was pretty funny- they must think we are really dumb...she also asked him "how do you say that" to a bunch of street signs and asked what a quid was...his answer to the quid question was "what's a buck?" (a quid is to a pound as a buck is to a dollar)

BATH

2011-06-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

Today we arrived in Bath for a few days! We were able to go to the Roman Baths, the fashion museum, the assembly rooms and the Royal Crescent. Bath is the place that I think I was the most excited to see coming to England because my favorite book is Persuasion by Jane Austen. Part of the book takes place in Bath, needless to say I was excited to get here and see it all in person and pretend that I was Ann Elliot running down the street.

First we started at the Roman Baths. These natural hot springs were believed to have healing powers. They were first discovered by the Romans. Then in the late 1700 early 1800's they were rediscovered and restored, though not quite to their former glory. People would come from all over to "take to the waters" so they could be healed from their illness.

This is the entrance. I love how ornate everything is, even for a bath house.

This is the main bath. It's basically like Lava Hot Springs but in a way cooler location.

The view from this bath. This is Bath Abbey

One of the baths was dedicated to to sending wishes to the Goddess who was in charge of the baths...(I can't remember her name.)

Terri with a view of the main bath behind her.

Next we went to the fashion museum! They had some pretty cool things on display.

This was a dress that Queen Victoria wore after her husband passed away. After his death she only wore black!

This is what I would have worn if I lived in the 1800's. It was the height of fashion during Jane Austen's day.

Here is something a little more modern and perhaps just a tad bit more revealing.... Recognize it? This dress was worn by Jennifer Lopez to the Grammy's I think.

Now to the really good stuff! We went to the Assembly Hall, which is where Persuasion was filmed. For those of you who haven't seen it, here is summary. Ann Elliot is in love with Captain Wentworth and they both happen to be at the same concert. During the concert Ann is translating to her cousin because the music is in italian (I think). Captain Wentworth is sitting behind her and he decides to get up and leave because he is in Bath to get Ann back. She runs after him and tries to stop him from leaving without using so many words (because back then it wasn't proper) And she asks him if the concert is not worth staying for and he says "no, there is nothing worth me staying here for" :( Well, this is the location that this part is filmed in the newer version. Yes, I know I am a bit obsessed! What can I say, I am a hopelessly nerdy romantic!

Now it's off to the Royal Crescent! This is the place where Ann's father lived in Bath.

Ann (me) runs to find Captain Wentworth after he leaves her house.

Ann running through the Royal Crescent to find Captain Wentworth. (please disregard the cars in the background as there would have been none in the 1800's)

Now, I am excited because I have found the Captain and we are getting married! (Insert hot man on my right). Preferably Rupert Penry Jones- Yes, you should google image him, well worth the trouble.

I hope you enjoyed my walk through Bath as Ann Elliot! I know I sure did. I love Bath, it is so old and classic. Can't wait to get out tomorrow and explore more!

Day of leisure!

2011-06-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the British museum and also the Sir John Soane museum. The Soane museum is really cool, it is comprised of there houses that he had bought over a period of time and converted them into one big house. His dog was buried in the courtyard and it's headstone was the inspiration for the famous London phone booth. We weren't allowed to take pictures in the museums. Then we decided to head back to the flat and we took nap. After we rested we decided to head to Picadilly circus to go to eat. Picadilly circus is like the times square in New York. (I will post a pic later.) we ate at Planet Hollywood where I got my picture taken with one of my many British boyfriends, Daniel Craig. Tomorrow we are headed to Bath and that is the place I am most excited for because my favorite book Persuasion takes place there! Hopefully I will see Captain Wentworth! We are also going to go to the Jane Austen centre! I'm super excited!!!!!! We are having a great time here in London and I hope you enjoy reading about our adventures. Comments are always appreciated! Nicole

EDITED...here are some pictures I (Terri) added after Nicole did the post...

the rosetta stone (not the learn a language program)

greek ruins

the statues from above the Parthenon in Athens

the first wheelchair I guess (the nurse in me thought of that first...)

amazing ceiling in the center of the British Museum

The British Museum

Stonehenge, Wilton house and Salisbury Cathedral!!

2011-06-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

Nicole is pointing to the house they used in Sense and Sensibility from the top of the spire at Salisbury Cathedral

me at the top...236ish stairs later...

Nicole and Caitlin at the top

beautiful gardens...

Wilton House gardens

side view of Wilton House

Stonehenge!!

Blenheim Palace, Oxfor

2011-05-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Blenheim Palace where Winston churchill was born and also where he is buried. The house is beautiful but the gardens were my favorite.

The front of the Palace, there was construction on either side of the front door :( so we tried to shoot around it.

Terri and I and the front in the courtyard

One of the beautiful gardens.

If you have seen the Young Victoria then you have seen this. This was where Prince Albert's family lived (in the movie). So I had to walk like the general in the movie.

On the side of the house there is a HUGE grassy area and we decided to rest a while and take in the scenery.

Waiting for the bus at Blenheim to take us to Oxford.

OXFORD

Christ Church

We are so excited to be in Oxford, we can hardly contain their excitement!

Terri loves doors so I made her stand in front of one.

Beautiful view as we walked to the train station

Tomorrow we are headed to Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge!

Stamford and Burghley House...in the rain

2011-05-30T16:32:00.001-07:00

The day started out as a disappointment for the Harry Potter fans all around the world...Platform 9 3/4 has been reduced to fake brick...they are doing construction around the real one. But all of that drama didn't dampen Nicole's Harry Lovin Spirit...she took a run at it anyway!

Love an English sculptured garden... I want to own this house but have someone else do all the cleaning and yardwork. Basically, I want to be rich and have everyone wait on me!

I would fit right in, they also have a great taste in cars-- This is the house used in the Da Vinci code and Pride and Prejudice. It's the greatest Elizabethan house in England

Me and Nicole

artsy fartsy with a dewy spiderweb on the gate...

Susie is singing in the rain- might as well make the best of a rainy day!

more gardens...

white girl can jump! Nicole at Stamford. This road was used in the filming of Pride and Prejudice (hence why Nicole is jumping for joy)

Nicole and I on a bridge in Stamford

Caitlin

What's a trip to London without classic Jane Austen...notice the price.

the street they used in Pride and Prejudice

Tomorrow we are going to Bleinham Palace (if you watch the Young Victoria, parts are filmed there) where the most amazing gardens are, and Oxford to tour the town.

all hail the queen.... London Day 2

2011-05-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

so, look at the following pics and see if you can figure out why the title of this blog is "all hail the queen"...

Trafalgar square

The living wall...it's a living painting of Van Gogh, I thought it was quite unique...

this is the painting that the living wall was designed after

Nicole's first brush with Harry Potter fandom...this street was the inspiration for Diagon Alley (have no clue how to spell it) in Harry Potter...

Here's the Queen- oh, I mean Nicole (totally didn't mean to make her have a crown, but just noticed it when I loaded the photos...)

Just a bit windy...

2nd brush with Harry Potter Histeria....this is the millenial bridge (the one trashed in the beginning of Harry Potter 6) with St. Paul's Cathedral in the background

Nicole says that I never have pictures of me...here's one for ya...

the London Eye

all of us on the London Eye...

views from the top...

the star indicates where Kate and William kissed at Buckingham Palace...

my quick attempt to photoshop without a mouse...

inside view from the London Eye

My attempt at making a cool picture...

Nicole with classic London behind her

the London Eye...glad I'm not in the 1:00 stall (think of the clock hands...) would have been as bad as the ferris wheel at Disneyland. We had to share the "pod" with 5 people who looked like they wanted to be Michael Jackson with rattails, B.O. and boy earrings, needless to say, not our choice of men- luckily the "pod" was well ventilated!

Tomorrow off to Burghley house and Stamford!!

Jet Lag is not our friend!

2011-05-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE ARRIVED! We got here around 6:30 a.m. after a long tedious flight (for me and Caitlin, Terri was in first class). We found our flat and then it was off to visit the V&A museum (Victoria and Albert). Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the V&A doesn't have any artifacts other that a bust of each of them. We did get to see a few cool things while we were there!

These are all horns that were flattened for this project. They are suspended from the ceiling!

Can you believe that women would actually wear this to a dance? Maybe not the best English invention.

They had some things for us to try on!

After we left the museum we saw this:

It was reserved for a wedding. How fun would that be?

Once we got done at the V&A where I experienced my first british scone and cream (which is to die for) we headed back to the flat. I wasn't feeling very well after the jet lag so me and Caitlin stayed at the flat and took a nap while Terri ventured on to Tate Modern museum. She saw a couple of Van Gogh paintings and probable some other freaky stuff because it is a modern art museum. She went to the tower bridge and a couple of other places.

Tomorrow we are going to a couple of antique places and go ride the London Eye! So check back later!

KEEP CALM, CARRY ON!

NOTICE:

2011-05-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

On May 27th Terri and I (Nicole) will be embarking on a journey to the land that created this.....

(David Beckham)

Yes, we are going to ENGLAND!!!!! And this is how I feel about it.......

Like a kid in candy store.

For those of you that know me you know I am serious. For those of you that don't the picture of that little girl describes me perfectly. I have for some time now wished I was British, now I am making that dream a reality! Excitement doesn't cover how I am feeling. We are going to be blogging about it while we are there. So if you would like to see me in an eternal state of bliss stay tuned!

homemade aprons...or at least home decorated

2011-04-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

For Nicole and my Bunko group prizes....my mom and I got creative...

I don't sew very well but I made all of the flowers and gathered the strips to make them frilly- and even sewed the "patchwork" ones together....Watch out Martha!!

Grandpa's funeral 3-16-2011

2011-03-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and Grandma served a mission in Spokane Washington. Grandpa always had a toothpick- the Marceks made sure we had some. We displayed memories of Grandpa...

If I remember right, the sign my Grandpa is holding says "will work for food (may have said will work for Diet Coke though). Grandpa was a plumber, so here's a tool in his memory.

Display table...our Grandparents were such great supporters of all of the grandkids- brought some balls in his memory.

Elise whipped up the "Family is everything" board for the viewing-

LaDawn and Grandpa's birthdays were on the same day. We sort of celebrated my Dad's birthday the night of the viewing, it will be a better one next year!

more family pics and flowers.

another board of memories

we displayed some of our grandpa's favorite treats- Diet Coke (almost every picture has him holding one...) he always asked if you wanted a drink when you would go to his house. M&Ms were also a staple in his diabetic diet. Werthers were always in his pocket- he was diabetic (the excuse that he had to have candy if his blood sugar was low- we all know he just loved to share his candy!)

Nobody can go to church with Grandpa without getting some smarties. I LOVE smarties- guess that came from Grandpa!

Nicole made this for Grandpa from his children. I'm such a great teacher...just kidding- Nicole is very creative and does a great job with flowers!

after a little stress in the making, I think that the casket spray turned out beautifully. I wanted to make sure Grandpa had some beautiful flowers, he always seemed to love the ones that I brought him- so I tried to make it extra special (and huge...)

Elise helped with the ribbons- I didn't want to use the same old ribbon and stickers that everyone does so Elise made these beautiful stickers for the flowers.

This one's from the Grandchildren for our Grandpa. I thought it turned out really well, it has hydrangeas, lilies, tulips, freesia, snapdragons, monstera leaves, ti leaves, varigated pit and some calla lilies. I though it weighed at least 75 pounds but when we took it back to grandmas, we weighed it - only 37 pounds, just a little off-

Matt Mozingo, the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric with my Dad, was the serviceman to present the flag to Grandma before the playing of taps.

All of the sons had white rose boutineers, the daughters and Grandma had white long stem roses and the grandsons had a green rose boutineer and the granddaughters had a pink long stemmed rose

Grandma and the Bishop

the view looking west from Grandpa's gravesite

the view looking East from Grandpa's gravesite

Grandpa James- we miss you already

2011-03-11T21:47:00.000-08:00

The saying on this card that our grandparents gave out a few years ago is definitely how they felt. To my Grandma and Grandpa, family and friends were really the greatest gifts of all. Our Father and Grandfather passed away this morning surrounded by his family, those who loved him dearly. Grandpa James had been so strong for our family.

Ryan left on his mission and Grandpa became more ill, prompting my mom to tell him that if he didn't hold on until Ryan came home...she'd take matters into her own hands. Ryan returned from his mission in August and was able to spend a few extra precious months with Grandpa before he passed away.

My Mom and Dad have always loved taking care of Grandpa and Grandma, even when Grandpa got lost in Disneyland... My parents learned their generous, caring nature from my Grandparents, both the Flaherty Grandparents and the James Grandparents.

Elise took so much time with helping our Grandparents and was able to spend a lot of time lately with Grandpa- she was the "grandpa-sitter" when Grandma went bowling.

Becky's love for Grandpa showed every time she visited him. "Bec" for short- as Grandma and Grandpa call her. Her boys were always ready to give him a hug and a kiss!

Nicole will drop anything for Grandma and Grandpa- She loves them with all of her heart. Grandpa always called Nicole "Nic" and I think that she may have earned the Nickle Pickle name from Grandpa.

Karly was able to have Grandpa at her wedding, she can always cherish the memories of him being there. Karly...affectionately called "Kar"was always so concerned about how Grandpa was doing and would do anything for him.

"our James Family"

with our Mom and Dad

Grandma and Grandpa James

with the Great grandkids

with the grandkids

We were very fortunate this last fall to have Grandma and Grandpa come with us for our family pictures. We went up to a park in Left Hand Fork and took these fall family pictures. How great to have such good memories and have a perfect picture of our Grandparents.

Memories of "Sundays at Grandmas" (Grandpa never minded that their home was affectionately called "Grandmas house") fill all of our minds. Ever since I can remember, we met every Sunday...tuna sandwiches soon progressed to more favorable meals...

Grandpa had a love for the Gospel and I remember him, more than once, offering to share the Gospel with anyone he cared about. Grandpa held many callings throughout his life and touched many lives.

I will always cherish the memories that I have of my Grandpa. Working at the hospital, and having family frequent the hospital the last few years, whenever Grandpa was in the hospital I always heard how people wanted to take care of him because he was such a cute patient. Don't worry Grandma...they weren't going to steal him away, they just wanted him to be their Grandpa too. I feel very fortunate to have had the time on Earth that I had with my Grandpa and hope that I have made him proud.

We will miss you- Love you!

Dingle, Ireland The Flaherty Motherland

2011-02-20T19:15:00.000-08:00

This is what I always pictured Ireland to be like......misty, green, cold, lots of cliffs

and castles.

The Cliffs of Moher

Scary drop offs!

I told Terri to look for our ancestors, we don't seem to be able to find anything after Hugh Flaherty, but

she didn't have much time for looking, so this was as close as she got, from the car.

O'Flaherty's pub with the family crest.

The Flaherty clan has a reputation for being ferocious.
Of course, so do most old Irish clans!

The main body of the O'Flahertys were from further

north than our part of the family in County Kerry.
My favorite story is that hundreds of years ago when the
Viking raiders were still a problem the Flaherty's were in
competition with the clans around Galway. Supposedly,

there was an invocation over the Galway city gates
that went something like, "From the Vikings and the
Ferocious O'Flahertys may God preserve us!"

A sad note. There was a long winter march some
hundreds of years ago that the Kerry O'Flahertys were
forced to make for some reason and most of some

300 or so died on the journey.

The O'Flaherty clan crest shows a red hand and Viking
longboat and lions. The red hand legend comes from
a mythic time when two brothers were vying to land first
on the island. The first to land would, naturally, win

some prize or have more rights to land or something
grand. Well, one brother saw he was losing the race and
so he drew his sword, chopped off one hand and threw
it on shore so he could be first! All the families that
use the symbol of the red hand claim descent from him.

The O'Sullivan's, our other family name, have a harp
on their crest. Much nicer to think of a clan known for
their love of and skill with music! Especially since the
Dingle area is still known as a center of authentic
Irish music.

Thanks cousin Nancy for the legend!

Terri went inside and asked if she could take a picture in there because her moms last name is Flaherty, The guy behind the bar told her, "Sure. You better take some matches so you can prove you were here.

So he gave her some coasters and some matches with the O'Flaherty name on them. That was pretty fun.

Terri tried to stay here, but it was full.

Maybe someday I will be lucky and get to visit there!! Lucky Terri and Nicole are going to Ireland again in May! They are going to Belfast this time. So maybe next year for St. Patricks day I will put some of them on!

Christmas, A little late!

2011-01-18T21:08:00.000-08:00

The Original James family!

All of the cousins, Minus the husbands/wives of the cousins, my camera died before we could get a shot of them in there too!

Our First Christmas Tree!:)

To Celebrate Dee's semester being finally over, Dee made reservations at The Roof, So we ate Prime Rib, and saw the lights on temple square, Watch out Terri, I take some pretty rad pictures if i do say so myself! there is plenty more where that came from! :)

So since my family hasn't posted an update on the blog since the end of November, and I don't have a blog myself, I figured I would be a guest blogger:) haha I was the one to keep up the blog anyways! :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

2010-11-30T19:50:00.000-08:00

let it snow... if it has to!

2010-11-22T17:36:00.000-08:00

Nicole swears that she didn't dump snow on her head...

In honor of Harry Potter...Nicole is flying off of her shovel instead of a broom.

She looks really bad- in a good way!

If Nicole lived in Alaska-she would be the most styling snow shoveling woman around- by the way, she has a mothman t-shirt, arctic hat, christmas pajama pants and rain chuck taylors- now that's style.

Halloween Party!:)

2010-11-11T22:08:00.000-08:00

So, here are pictures of our Halloween party! The theme was anyone from a movie... There were some pretty dang good costumes if I do say so myself.. Although i didn't get a good picture of Pauly Bleaker and Juno McGuff. DANG IT!!! Sorry Melissa and John! And now without further adieu.......

Pee Wee Herman

The Mad Hatter and we will say that Katie is Tweedle Dee.. not Tweedle Dum:)

Like oh my gosh it's Cher from Clueless!!

I Fell into a burning ring of fire.. "Hi, I'm Johnny Cash" "Hi, I'm June Carter Cash" :)

UMMM..... Lord Justin Voldemort Bieber

Another UMMM.... Pinnochio's evil twin.... Freaky!

Justin Bieber Stopped by and posed for us... with Elisabeth Bennett

"He who shall not be named"

Glenda's The Good Witches:)

The Whole Crew.. Sorry again for not getting a good picture of Melissa and John, Hope you enjoyed our party pictures:)

Our fall pictures

2010-10-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

Our ATTEMPT at family pictures...

our family

Elise, Anthony, Morgan, Abbie and Lauren

Kevin, Becky, Rhett and Quinn

Karly and Dee

all of us

Grandma and Grandpa James

Dee, Ryan, Nicole, Karly, Kevin, Becky, Elise, Anthony and Terri

The moment we have been waiting for..... LONG POST AHEAD!!!

2010-08-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

We had no warning... Ryan's plane landed at 2, so we were expecting maybe like 10 minutes waiting, nope not Ryan it was like two seconds later, he walked around the corner and shocked us all... We didn't even have time to make a video.. Sorry Lori! :) And they aren't in any particular order:)

Quinny is sooooo excited to have Ryan Back:)

"Your married... that's wierd"

"are you kidding me?" (ry's impression of Kevin on the office)

Checking out the shoes....

The whole James Family is back together again!!!!!

The girls put up cups on the overpass on the freeway for Ryan

It is sooo good to FINALLY have him back. He hasn't changed a bit... Literally!

PS thanks to "Missionary Moments by Ashley" for our pics- you're hired! We will totally advertise...Thanks Ash for taking over the camera for me!

SLC International....get ready for the James Family!!

2010-08-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hey-----guess where we are going in about 20 minutes?

We are headed to the airport to pick up RYAN! We are so excited and so proud of his accomplishments as a missionary! We can't wait!

Have you checked out the countdown lately?!

2010-08-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

Just so you all know how excited we are for Friday....we thought we might need to post it!

Ryan will be coming home, landing at the airport at 2pm. We are so excited for him to come home and are really proud of his accomplishments as a missionary!

Ryan speaks on Sunday, August 8th at 11:00 at the church near our house.

Here's a invite if you want to remind yourself...just click on it and print it!

We would love to see you! We are going to have lunch after he speaks at the Hyrum City square. (insert lame quote..."be there or be square" I can just hear Nicole saying how lame I am and that it wasn't really funny!)

If you want to be famous....

2010-07-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

be involved in something that has a prayer in Spanish....and then stand up for a decision that had the best of intentions.

Today Fox 13 and ABC 4 News both interviewed my dad...he's famous! During the Hyrum Patriotic program, the closing prayer was said in Spanish with translation in English. Apparently there are quite a few people who aren't too pleased with it. Someone told my Dad that he should get out of the country...well he doesn't even know Spanish-only speaks redneck-how is he supposed to survive outside of the good old USA-the land of the free where people fought for the freedoms that we enjoy. It's really sad that so many people - who weren't even present for the patriotic program - can be so ignorant and hateful. Thank goodness we all know what a good guy he is! I'm just afraid the paparazzi are going to be chasing us now that he's a superstar...I'm going to have to get him a sweet disguise! My mom is scared that everyone is going to want his body-look out Edward Cullen actor, Paul James is going to give you a run for your money!

The Ogden Temple-before they remodel it...

2010-07-11T01:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't really ever looked closely at the Ogden temple, but a friend wanted a picture for her parents, so I took a few of the "old Ogden temple" before they remodel it. The design is very interesting, all of the windows in the middle section reflect different views while you're looking at it in different angles like a mirror. It's very pretty when you take the time to really look at it. It will be cool to see the difference...

Apparently my parents aren't so good at making Gallbladders...

2010-06-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Poor Karly is joining the ranks of the gallbladder-less children in our family! Becky and Nicole already are skilled at not having the good old bile collector but Karly will be new at it after Thursday!

Too Bad this comic isn't true! Don't we all wish that pain would be beneficial in the end?!

June Birthdays!!

2010-06-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

Morgan is now 13... CRAZY, She is now an official teenager and she will be going to South Cache 8-9 Center in a few months... They grow up so fast!:)

Terri celebrated her birthday this past monday... She is keeping herself CRAZY BUSY with school work and wedding planning... and last but not least... MOMS BDAY

This will be the last birthday that she has to celebrate without RY.... as Ryan says my family is trunkier than i am... Which is completely true cuz home is just so boring without him there and we can't wait till he comes home! (i am sure that once he is home we will want to send him back though:) hahaha)

CLEAR YOUR CALENDARS!!!!

2010-06-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

RYAN IS COMING HOME......AUGUST 6TH!!!!

We are sooooo EXCITED! We can't wait to see him lounging around at home!

New adventure.

2010-05-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

For those of you that know us, we are not very adventurous when it comes to food. We like it simple. We don't like to try new strange things. (When I say we I mean I, I can't speak for Terri but I am sure she feels the same way.) Anyway, this last week a girl I work with asked if I wanted to go to the Indian Oven with her and I was like mmmm no thanks. Then she told me they would be having some entertainment. So I thought why not. So we got a few people together to embark on this new adventure. This is what the entertainment consisted of....

We felt a little scandalous, like maybe we mistook the belly dancing entertainment for, I don't know maybe stripping! Yeah it was a little uncomfortable but very enjoyable to watch the other people putting bills in their waistbands. We had a lot of good laughs and we also saw George W Bush's bizzarro twin! So all in all it was a fun night. Oh and the food was actually pretty good. I probably wouldn't eat there everyday but once in a while it would be good. By the way, OOMPAH (who knows how to spell it-think My Big Fat Greek Wedding) was yelled out quite a few times, our friend Jenni was brave enough to ask the waitress if that was really an Indian word...that would be a no.

The woes of a Jazz fan.

2010-05-08T23:03:00.000-07:00

So, tonight was the first of two home games in the second round of the NBA finals. I was so optimistic that the Jazz would win. I mean we do have the loudest arena in the NBA and arguably the best point guard. But with those two powerful weapons we were not able to pull out the big "W". There were some highlights to the game though, like the time I yelled at the top of my lungs for Kobe to suck it. There is probably no one I hate more in the NBA than him and of course Derek Fisher who is a traitorous little weasel. The rest of the Laker line up is a close second though. Yes, I get a little heated. I can't help it. I am just very passionate about the Jazz. I know that the chances of the Jazz winning this series are slim to none, but I am going to root for the Jazz regardless. This is no fair weather fan! JAZZ FAN FOREVER!!!!! Nicole

Pappa don't preach, or do!

2010-05-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

Introducing the new Bishop of the Hyrum 4th Ward...

Yes, it is true! We always thought he was wicked enough that he would never be called. But I guess the Lord sure showed us!

Here's Ryans new Address...

2010-04-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

For all you who haven't written to Ryan in a
while...now there's no excuse!

Elder Ryan James

10 Cambridge Dr. #3

Georgetown Ohio 45121

Wouldn't you like to be the reason for this happy face?! He loves mail (P.S. the 1st one does look a little creepy, it's just the angle...I'm sure)

Only 4 months left to make up for not writing!

spring brings about changes....

2010-04-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

Ryan got transferred! We have no idea where he's living at the moment but we will update his address as soon as we have it! Now for some exciting news...we are expecting quintuplets! (the only new arrivals in our family this spring will come in the form of beautiful baby birds!)

Well, first of all, thanks to Diane, our neighbor for bringing back some moss from the trees in Georgia, otherwise, this creative bird wouldn't have been able to make a nest in our wreath...

this picture of the eggs is really cute...I was totally afraid that that mamma bird would come and peck my eyes out...I heard a little rustling of feathers and freaked a bit...totally screwing up the photo...

but I got a little more brave...

speaking of brave...look at poor Lauren---

she busted her arm falling off of her scooter! She broke both bones in her forearm so she's going to have a cast that looks like this lovely splint (deja-vu for my when I was in 4th grade!) At least she can get a glitter cast that's waterproof (but I still don't think that they can make a cast that doesn't smell nasty after having a shriveled little arm in it for 6 weeks...)! Nicole, Karly and I all went to Dollartree (the best dollar store around..) and got a load full of goodies for her. Anyway, she did start to feel better shortly after...

and, that's the spring into fun update!

Congratulations are in order!!!!

2010-04-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

The rumors are true! We have finally set free the princess on Super Mario Bros. Wii game! It was a difficult task that sometimes proved to be more that we could bare. After many sleepless nights worrying about the princess she is home safe in the castle. Bowzer will no longer hold her captive. He proved to be a very powerful and sneaky nemesis.

Today we bid Bowzer one final farewell. You fought a good fight, but in the end good always triumphs over evil.

Thank you to all of those who helped us defeat this monster. You were instrumental in helping us bring him to his demise. We could not have done it without you!

A few exciting things...

2010-04-05T00:11:00.000-07:00

So Mom, Dad and Nicole along with Kiara went for a drive...ended up meeting up with Ryan's best friend Jonathan! Dad went to Priesthood session with him, how fun! We miss Ryan and Jonathan. Don't worry, we took a bit of "home" to Jonathan (as suggested by his mom...) Cream of Weber Chocolate Milk chugs! We are really proud of those missionaries!

After the long drive...they ended up at Disneyland. Maggie and I flew and met them Easter morning...

waiting in line for Indiana Jones...

creapy Johnny Depp Mad Hatter hats come with the ugly hair...its ghastly! I tried to have the crazy eyes, and the rest were very "shocked" at the site of themselves...

Oh, and.......I totally got my iPad!!!

It's really RAD! I love apple, they're so smart...

Oh, and Disneyland rides were all shut down for a while due to an earthquake in Mexico...we were watching a parade so we all thought the rumbling was from really loud music. Not to much to worry about. Although Mom and Dad went to the grocery store to prepare...just in case (we are in California...San Andreas Fault line anyone?

Ryan is still in Gallipolis....

2010-03-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

Which makes this almost 10 months being in the exact same apartment... just different companions sometimes :) here are a few pics of Ry... if you will notice august 25 is coming mighty fast... like 4 months! not that we are counting or anything! :)

I Believe this hotdog is called the "homewrecker"

Don't know why he is so excited for a nevada cowgirl plate... but ok:D

awww how cute!

Talk about an outhouse! That is quite the throne...

where to? Ryan the missionary/chauffeur :)

Mr. and Mrs. Dee Downs... and the reception

2010-03-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

Be prepared, this is an extremely long post...enjoy though.

Mr. and Mrs.

Ryan even graced us with his "presence" (sorry Ry, I thought 5'8" looked a lot taller...)

The crowd...

This is the James side supporters...

the James family....

"all" the kids...(no, I didn't have an eyebrow lift. I think everyone should practice their look in a mirror prior to any event, obviously I didn't follow my own instructions) At least there are a few of my sisters making great faces too! Oh, and Ryan's been a bit "handled" if you can't tell but still won't stop teaching...even for Karly's wedding!

All of the "James" Girls...

Karly may look like she's going to give him fishy lips, but this is Karly's attempt at a sad face.

Karly's friends at the temple...

the kissing couple...

Umm, if you can't tell, these two are made for each other, they even have the same mannerisms.

Marilyn...oh, I mean Karly at the temple...

Vintage

The reception at the Riter Mansion...thanks for all the help to all of those sweet people who came to help decorate and made our lives a bit less stressful!

The reception details:

If your name is Dee...my dad will KILL you if you look at this!

2010-03-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

Karly wanted to put a few of these on the blog... Enjoy! By the way, Karly loves comments...hint-hint!

these are some of our favorites

We went to the Bonneville salt flats....who knew that they were covered in water?! We thought that they looked really cool though. By the way, it's one week from today!

Less than 2 weeks to go!

2010-03-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

So, less than 2 weeks to go until Karly and Dee get married! Here's some fun from the bridal shower. She has another one this week given by Dee's family. She got tons of stuff, makes you want to get married for sure!

Karly's friends Kiara and Christina had to be the ones to give Karly the red face...with a cute new top and...

Gigantic granny panties!

Here's the setup for the shower

I hung this over the bar. When I took it off, it took a bit of paint with it. Darn those 3M clips, they attach great! Needless to say, I got better at it...sorry Mom and Dad!

This is the picture Karly picked out for her and Dee. I made it almost black and white but you can still see a bit of color.

Here are the boxes that Nicole, Elise, Becky, Mom and I made for the favors:

the inside view:

We made little wedding cakes (we had higher expectations but it was our first cake ball wedding cake we have ever made...)

We are getting really excited for Karly and Dee, we can't wait to see everyone!

Things to help us pass the time

2010-02-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

Since Ryan has been gone we have had to keep ourselves entertained. So, here are a few of our favorite things (or at least mine...Nicole)

CAUTION: This post may cause profuse drooling. View at your own risk!

Yes, we are addicted to VAMPIRE DIARIES! This is soooo much better than the Twilight movies! Stefan and Damon could be our boyfriends. Way better looking than Edward. MMMM! Delicious! (Notice Damon's arm. These are what we like to call Swayze arms.) If you would like to start watching this it's on the CW on Thursdays.

CHUCK!!! He is a nerd that happens to be a super spy and extremely good looking. He can save your life and your computer! This is on NBC on Mondays.

What can I say about SMALLVILLE? Clark Kent never looked so good! What can I say, we love heroes that are very attractive. What's not to like? This is on the CW on Fridays.

But the thing that has been taking up the most of our time is Karly's wedding. Only because it doesn't include any eye candy for Terri and I. Sorry Dee! But seriously, we (by we I mean Terri) are enjoying planning. Terri and Susie have great ideas and it is fun to see them come to life. It is going to be a beautiful wedding!

Ryan in Gallipolis

2010-02-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

Ryan is still in Galliopolis. It looks like they made another trip to Hillbilly Hotdog. It's sad that Ryan fits in so well there.

I don't really have any words for this.....Strange, weird? Yeah I'm going with strange.

Anyone fancy a boat ride? All we need is water and we are good to go!

Ryan on Christmas morning at Bessie's. She was nice enough to let us send a small package for Ryan to open on Christmas. Because let's be honest, he couldn't wait til Christmas to open the package we sent him.

Got milk?

Here is the famous Mothman monument. (Ryan's not really scared he just looks like it.)

So, as you can see Ryan is still doing well out in the mission field. We did get an e-mail from him on Monday that was kind of sad. It was sent from his mission president and it basically said that as of July 1 the Ohio Cincinnati mission will be dissolved. So depending on where Ryan is for the last transfer of his mission he will be in either the Columbus Ohio mission or the Charleston West Virginia mission. That is pretty much all of the information that he had on the subject though. I think it is kind of sad because that was the first official mission of the church.

Here is Ryan's address for those of you who don't have it and want to write him a letter.(hint hint)

136 1/2 First Avenue #2

Gallipolis, OH 45631

Wedding update!

2010-01-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

So.... wedding planning has been a blast so far! (I don't know if it has been for Terri or the rest of my family but I like it!) The big day is March 12... Soon i know! 45 days to be exact!:) I think we are ready! MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Here is a sneak peak of our engagements that Terri took for us... I LOVE THEM!! :)

The Bridal Faire...is a ton of work!

2010-01-24T00:14:00.000-08:00

So this weekend was the Bridal Faire in Logan...the owner of the Riter Mansion asked me and Susie if we wanted to go in on the decor for the faire and also do some tabletops for the bridal magazine named Bliss. so... here's a sneak peek of what 4 of us did for 12 hours! We had to come up with the ideas, I did the flowers and had some of the decor and along with the others, we went to work. It was like 5 weddings in one day...

I'm going to post them on Dahlia Event Planning blog, but I'm going to adjust the lighting and pick some other pics to post, it may take a few days, but I'm excited! Kind of fun to be in a bridal magazine...

Happy Birthday ELISE!

2010-01-12T22:37:00.000-08:00

Yeah, so I'm a day late, but...oh well. Elise doesn't mind, since she runs on "Elise Standard Time"! Hopefully she doesn't kill me for the last comment but, she knows!

Elise celebrated her "20something-ish" birthday yesterday and hopefully she had a good one!

There are not any really "good" (aka blackmail) pictures of Elise... except one that was recently scanned...(some of us had the teenage years before the invention of digital cameras {a blessing in disguise})

The Lagoon Photo, who doesn't own one of these... and who doesn't think Elise picked the most "skanky" dress in the west?!

Elise is always the party animal, this photo was from one of the Halloween parties that she threw for her girls...someone had to show those kids how it's done! And if anyone can do something, it's ELISE! She owns more power tools than any girl I know (and isn't afraid to use them!).

She can even happily spin on a ride until the little girls want to puke (Lauren wanted to ride the teacups about a thousand times and really, who could say no?!) Elise is ever the adventurer and would do anything for her family!

Elise teaches P.E. at the local Elementary school and loves it. We know that the kids love her, she's actually teaching kids how to "not suck at sports"...she's teaching the basics so they will hopefully have skills for when they play on a team. Elise is the crazy sister we all want to have, who is willing to do anything for anyone and usually takes on too much but always manages to get it done!

Hope you had a great birthday! We all love ya!

Oh Chuck me!

2010-01-12T21:40:00.000-08:00

Just so you know... we, the James family, are pretty much the hugest fans of Chuck. Ryan was one before the mission and was so excited to know it wasn't cancelled. Anyway, if you are wanting to fill your Monday nights with some funny television (after family home evening of course...) make sure you watch! We love the funny quotes and also it has some really great music! Needless to say, "THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT!" My dad is using it in full force...By the way, we really watch Chuck for CHUCK...he's real cute (who doesn't love a hot nerd?!)!

Oh, by the way, Ryan lost his camera charger, so these are the only pictures we can post of him...my dad has sent me 5 of them but I won't post them (it would make us look a little obsessed!)

There are hearts BREAKING wide open all over the world TONIGHT!!

2010-01-06T22:19:00.000-08:00

KARLY AND DEE ARE ENGAGED (FINALLY!)

DEE MADE THE CUTEST VIDEO FOR KARLY AND ASKED HER TO MARRY HIM! DAD KEPT BEGGING ME TO POST THAT HER HAND WAS TIRED....FROM HOLDING UP THAT ROCK SO... HERE IT IS:

Karly would be pissed but I really wanted to post the stupid Beyonce song "Single Ladies" but I couldn't bring myself to pay money for that. You'll just have to listen to it yourself...here's something to get you started...if you like it then you should have put a ring on it...(Nicole's dancing behind me as I type FYI).

PS leave a comment or else.... we're going private!!! This means you, all you blog stalkers...

Ryan's last area

2010-01-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

Just like Joseph Smith... :)

It's The Salt Lake Temple Pumpkin!

A couple of reasons why we KNOW Ryan hasn't changed...

2010-01-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

Still puttin out the vibes for all the single ladies

Still rocks out... or atleast he tries to :)

.... and last but not least.....

hog tying his companion... Isn't He such a nice boy? haha

Merry Christmas to Us!!

2010-01-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

First of all, Nicole has wanted a snuggie these past couple of cold months... But she got something way better than a snuggie..... she got a softie, Rhett and Quinn think that it looks like something Yoda would wear but it keeps her warm when she's reading a book.... so she doesn't care :) Terri felt left out because she didn't get a snuggie :(

We got a Phone call from Ryan! What more can you ask for!

Terri had to work... as usual... but she was able to talk to ryan:)

Nicole gettin her head massaged by Abbie....

Busy December!

2010-01-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

Flaherty Family Christmas party!

James Family Christmas Party!

Hardware Ranch

and A visit from the Halls!

The weather is a little different here than in Arizona :)

Ryan Got Transferred!!

2009-12-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

Well, Ryan has returned to the land of the Mothman!

Yes, he got transferred back to Gallipolis where he served for 3 or 4 transfers. He is very excited to be back there!

Here are some highlights of his last stay in Gallipolis

This was Ryan's redneck Christmas tree. Complete with set of bullet lights.

Hillbilly Hotdog

I believe this was a boy that Ryan had been teaching.

Ryan with Bessie
We are so thankful that she has opened her home to the Elders! Ryan gets the opportunity to spend both Christmas' with her!

Ryan's new address is:

136 1/2 First Avenue #2

Gallipolis, OH 45631

He would love to hear from you and maybe get a Christmas package too!!!!

A night In the Venue

2009-12-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

Nicole and I went down with a few friends to see one of our favorite bands Dashboard Confessional. Being the mean sister that I am, I made everyone go early so we wouldn't have to be in this great big sea of fans...

I think that I was just looking out for everyone involved! Since we were all "of age" we were able to go on the balcony where you have to be 21 for obvious reasons. It was soooo nice not to be smashed by the teenyboppers! Quite entertaining to people watch too! It was all worth it though! Dashboard (really just Chris Carrabba the singer...) was so good, it was an acoustic show, so we know Ry would be really jealous!

Here are a few pictures... don't mind the blurriness. My mom's old camera didn't do the hottest but you get the jist...

Here we are!!

TaDA.....Walker football!

2009-11-29T11:31:00.000-08:00

So...Tanner took one for the team. He got injured and the basket should be removed if you're going to try this at home. Don't tell anyone we told you it was fun...Well maybe just funny!

Thanksgiving!

2009-11-29T09:32:00.001-08:00

This year we went to Grandma James for Thanksgiving and we had a lot of fun!!! Here are some of the highlights.

Ryan stopped by for a visit! We were just as surprised as you. Seriously though someone from his mission did call and mom could hear him in the background. It was kind of a fun surprise

We played some games. We tried a game called Zombie Flux but everyone was too confused. So we settled on Uno Flash. Which I (Nicole) won after a hard fought game.

We had a couple of photo ops. Some were more willing than others

And last but certainly not least we played some football out in the street! Here is a video of what we have dubbed walker football. It is a little dangerous so I would recommend wearing a helmet and some body gear. We are trying to get the video to load.... stay tuned!

{Temple Pictures}

2009-11-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the temple pictures that I have been doing, I have them posted on our blog in different places but I thought that I would post them in one spot :

I am going to be making some for Christmas, I tried to get into the Novemberfest but was unable to, there were already too many others selling temple pictures, soooo... if you want one for anyone let me know and I can have it done in time for Christmas! I can write anything on the photo and can do different styles (some are posted above). I am making a bunch of different sizes so give me a call. One of these days I am going to go on a Temple trip for more of the Northern Utah Temples. Hope you enjoy!

NEW ADDRESS*

2009-11-03T19:21:00.000-08:00

Ryan has been transferred...

Elder James

2885 Macintosh Lane Apt. A

Maineville OH, 45039

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-11-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

So, this year we had the privilege to attend a Disney Clue style Halloween party hosted by our wonderful cousin Melissa! We had a lot of fun! Not to mention the food was delicious and her house looked so cute!

Melissa and John as Cruella and Pongo

Karly and Dee as Snow White and some Creepy Psycho Clown

Nicole as Belle

Terri as Captain Elizabeth Swan

Katie and David as Bo Peep and Woody

Hayley as The Queen of Hearts

Amy as Scar

Maggie as Tiger Lilly

Thanks to Melissa for such a wonderful party! Here's a few pictures of what Melissa did for us!

"Hey Metal Back...

2009-10-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

So, if you're wondering how our dearest Brother is doing and the toll that the mission has taken on his sense of humor, just read the "sweet" LOVING letter to our sister Becky. Becky just had back surgery and has been a little under the weather. I made a pre and post video for Ry to see. This was her reward for putting up with my video making for Ryan.

AND WE QUOTE... STRAIGHT FROM DEAREST RYAN:

Hey metal Back... hahah i hope that you are doing good... i have been doing good now i think i have the black lung from all the dang smokers here! gosh i cant breathe plus my allergies are kicking me in the but! Cough Cough... i think i have the black lung pops, its not very well ventelated down there... hahaha One LooK!? {THINK DERRICK ZOOLANDER} oh i still quote movies yes sir... i think that the vid terri sent me is like the first time in 15 months i have seen you talk haha it so wierd! well i love ya g2g bye!
> get feeling better dont set any metal detectors off... ps look at the plus, if someone kills you and burys you not to deep in the ground, we can find you with a metal detector hahahahaha bye love ya!

Oh, how we miss him, life's a bit more quiet around here... if you can't tell why, read the letter again.

P.S. BECKY...DON'T KILL ME, I DIDN'T PHOTOSHOP THESE, NOR DID I TAKE THEM.

Our Happy Halloween Treat...

2009-10-24T23:37:00.000-07:00

Look how Martha we have become!!!

Kar found this cupcake idea with white chocolate spider webs, so Nicole and I made some carmel apples for Bunko, with the help of Caitlin's carmel spreading expertise. It's super simple, you all should try!

Ode to the PRETTY SISTER (Karly's late birthday blog)

2009-10-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

So, just so you know, we... the James Girls did not forget the youngest Sister's birthday. Karly kindly reminded me that I didn't do the "Ode to the PRETTY SISTER {aka Karly}" for her birthday.

Her face kind of looked like this when I was told, not a mad face but a face that just doesn't look like things went smoothly....

At least I didn't tape her hand to something that would shock her... This is the only way that Karly will play this game by the way. Look at our little sisters keen reaction to a shocking moment:

We had so much fun with Karly's last birthday that it was hard to top that. Hopefully this late post with all these beautiful pictures will try and measure up. This is us at Sacre Coure in Paris...

Our "Pretty Sister" as we have lovingly nicknamed her... Her beauty is ageless...kind of like the Colosseum (I know it's cheesy but you try and make up something to explain the random pictures I found!)

Karly is so beautiful, she could be an Egyptian princess, although this is the closest that she will probably be to a pyramid...

Who else could look this great riding a donkey......

And have the best story of how she got on...

Not too many people have had their butt grabbed by a Donkey King from Greece, on their birthday no less. Kar we hope you had such a wonderful birthday, hopefully it was better than having a Greek man "cop a feel"!

There, enjoy your Ode to the Pretty sister! And don't complain next time...haha. P.S. you'll always be our favorite sister with word vomit.

Update on Ryan

2009-10-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

Well Ryan is still currently in Burlington KY... He is loving mission life, here is Ryan's most recent email:

Hey, another month down, i cant believe it i am on the down hill side it is wierd how fast it is going by. Yesterday was General Conference it was very very good! Elder Holland gave the best talk i have ever heard. Anywho, we have been doing good as a mission we have had about one baptism a month. Each of our goal as a companionship is to have one baptism a month. So we have been working hard, trying for 20 lessons a week keeps you busy thats for sure. We are still working with April and Jamie, April has cancer so it has been hard to get a good meeting with them because they have been out and about a lot trying to keep her mind off of smoking. On the way home from Zone conference we saw a car on the side of the road and two people who looked like they had no idea what they were doing, so I rolled down the window and asked if we could help, surprisingly they said we could. So we pulled off to the side around the corner and another guy had blew out his tire and he had a tone of tools to fix that, so we asked if when he was done he would come and help. Well we went and helped and it was a good thing that we asked the other guy because our tools wouldn’t fit the bolts and he had it, anyways we helped then we started talking about the book of Mormon and The lady wanted to learn about it and said we could come over, sadly they didn’t live in our area, so we just let them go…. KIDDING we sent the referral on to the Lakeside park elders, well after they were leaving 2 cars pulled up behind us and had just got in an accident on the freeway… long story short we got to talking and one of them was a less active member from Missouri or Wisconsin and the other had some Mormon friends he was from Chicago. i pray for you all the time! We are on the Lords Errand we are entitled to the Lords Help!

Elder James

Ryan and basketball??!! thats funny!

WRITE HIM!!!! :) I am sure he would love letters!

Exactly one year ago today...

2009-10-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

We were on a plane to Paris.... :( It's hard to believe how fast time flies!!! It is DEPRESSING!!!

Pretty sure it is time to book another trip!!!

Nobody puts Baby in a corner!

2009-09-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

So, as you probably already know Patrick Swayze has passed away. As little girls we grew up watching Dirty Dancing. I remember the first time I watched it. I thought I was so cool because I got to watch a movie that was PG 13. I never fully appreciated the movie until I was older. I always wanted to be Baby when they danced at the finale. So, I do have a Dirty Dancing game that requires you to re-enact dance moves from the movie. If you would like I can school you in the art of dirty dancing that I learned from a great man and a wonderful teacher, who taught me a lot about myself and the kind of person I want to be..... Mr. Patick Swayze.

Morgan in the field...after the sunday "Minor (no need for extreme) Makeover"

2009-09-13T22:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures that I took of Morgan today, she's practicing for her school pictures.

Here's the edited with damask pattern

the close up glamor shot...

here's the America's Next Top Model shot...

New Pictures of RYAN!!!

2009-09-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

Some Familiar faces... Ryan and his companion went to dinner with some members and ended up eating dinner with the Ward's. We get our corn from them and they come to the Singles ward.. It's a small world, this isn't the first time he has seen people he knows.

Another trip to the zoo.

Ryan in a little town called Rabbit Hash, KY

Morgan has a sports injury already, and she's only 12!

2009-09-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

Morgan is our FAVORITE soccer player on the SC STANGS team. Can't you just see in her eyes how much she loves soccer... and us.

We think that while she was practicing her "moves" as seen below, she may have pulled her "hammy", but she pushed through the pain to make it not only on the team for her age but the OLDER girls team too! Wow, not only does she have sweet moves off the field but on the field as well....

Here's an action shot of MORGAN!! We think she runs just like her mom...(really GIRLY) but oh well, she is a girl. A hot one at that! It's fun to see her playing her guts out, making goals and bending it like Beckham.

Here's Morgan's logo, GOOO STANGS!

Oh, and about the injury... she has a chronic strain of her hamstring, so she's doing some physical therapy and resting for a week and a half, and also doing some wicked stretches to get it strong again. Get well soon Morgs!

"Oh my HECK! I think a freaking BAT just flew in here!"

2009-09-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

So.... if you are going to intrude in our house, watch out! Karly was upstairs the other night and we were putting up all of our fall decorations and all the sudden I hear Karly making a little bit of a fuss. She said that a bat just flew in our house. This must have been on her mind because Ry just sent some pictures of bats in a person's house in Kentucky. Anyway... this is the stance that Karly would take with an intruder...

Nicole would do the same...just ask Amy Marcek (long story involving one crazy night in Rome when a lost man walked into Nicole's hotel room when Amy and her were sleeping and Caitlin and I were watching and episode of Grey's Anatomy next door...needless to say, Nicole would have kicked the crap out of this guy while Amy hid under the covers...)

But, leave it to our BRAVE dad to get rid of the "BAT" that flew into the chandelier and got trapped in the house....

So...needless to say, this monarch scared the CRAP out of our fearless Karly! Watch out butterfly world, if Karly had a gun... you've been warned!

BTW...Karly is making me put a disclaimer on this post that says (and I quote) "you better make sure to tell them that it was night and I didn't see it come in so they don't think I'm stupid". ---Karly, you have the best sayings in the world and I can't wait for Thanksgiving!(haha) Oh, and another thing, I wouldn't have stuck my fingers in a light to get a bat either, I would have gotten dad for a bat too!

FOOTBALL SEASON!!!

2009-09-01T19:52:00.001-07:00

This is a really old picture but as you can tell, we love watching football! Even in the freezing cold weather...
Ryan :)

Little Rhettster coming off the field after a play!
Even though he is playing for Sky View ;) ... We are excited to watch Rhett play! Hopefully He likes it enough to keep playing for Grandpa's sake! We are proud of little Rhettster! And I am sure Uncle Ry would be proud too!

One year down!!!!!

2009-08-21T12:05:00.001-07:00

As you can tell from our countdown, Ryan is officially on the downhill slide! Yesterday was his one year mark out in the mission field! Only 1 more Thanksgiving, Christmas (all the major holidays)!

We love Ryan and are so proud of him and the choice that he made to serve a mission! Ryan is currently serving in Burlington, Kentucky and is loving it! The only thing he wants is letters, so write him!

Ryan's address is:

1736 Tanglewood CT #2

Burlington, KY 41005