This made my day....

So I have been really down lately, depressed I guess you could say. For those of you who really know me, my depression comes and goes. When it arrives, it says, lingers, never to leave. I was sitting at work and I was looking at Melody's blog and she had this picture of me! She had posted it under, some of her favorite summer memories. Me, really, I was apart of her happiness, her experience, her memory? This completely made my day! I thank my Heavenly Father for friends like her, and her simple kindness. A simple picture brought so much happiness, I was amazed.

So in order to bring more happiness, please post a favorite picture or memory you have had with me, recent or past. I guess that I have forgotten all of the good in my life, the simplicity of friends, laughing and family trips. I would really love to hear from you!

NEW JANEY MAC....

Two of my very closest friends, Lynette and Debbie started their own company, Janey Mac. They specialze in high end cards, invitations and unique party packages. Some of the themes include: Baby boy and Girl, Wedding and Celebrations. Please visit their website: http://janeymacpress.com/collections.asp if you are looking for the greatest gift or invitations ever!!! Here are a few of their excellent and personalized invitations. If you are looking for more information, please contact Debbie and Lynette at customerservice@janeymacpress.com, or by telephone at 208-939-6633.

Summer trip to Stanley Lake

This past weekend we had a Beard Family reunion at Stanley Lake. My mom is so great to reserve the exact same camping site for us for the past 10 years or so. It is at the end of the road, the last two, right on the sandy beach overlooking the gorgeous mountains. My mom seriously has the entire week perfectly planned, from fun activities to the yummy food to the clean-up and take down, we sure do love you mom for all of the hard work you put into this!

There were so many of us that it was often chaos, but we always had a good laugh around the campfire at night watching Grant master the art of popping Jiffy Pop popcorn over a fire!!! I got plenty of sun sitting out on the beach all day. It was soo great to come home and shower and wear clean clothes. For those of you who know me and know me well, I hate getting dirty!!!

Rafting down the Payette River

So I have the greatest group of friends who are willing to do just about anything and take on any adventure. There were about 50 of us who took on the Payette River. We met up at the church at 4:45 pm and drove to Banks. We had about 6 large rafts and many eager rafters, just ready to jump right in. We had the best raft and the most fun people: me, Kyle, Sarah, Tyler, Mike, Jessica, Iris, Kyle Butterfield and his girlfriend, one other girl and our guide at the back of the boat. I decided to ride the "bull" which is the very front of the boat, right in front of all the action.

The beginning was slow, but it picked up shortly. With each rapid cam more and more excitement and screaming. We were the "pirate" raft and voted the most "Savage" by all the other boats. We would close in on another raft, jump in and push them all over the edge. We laughed and just had the greatest time telling jokes. We were ruthless in wanting to soak everyone else, and we did just that. There were a few times that the size and strength of the waves knocked me flat on my back an into the raft, like I folded in half!

There was a raft full of about 6 girls and 1 poor guy. One of the heaviest girls in their raft fell out and they had to pull her back in. She was beginning to panic as she floated down the river. As this skinny little guy attempted to pull her in, he began to choke her and he grabbed onto her life jacket and began to pull. She was not going to come easily, he pulled and pulled, and we laughed harder and harder, this was so funny! Finally he got her onto the side of the raft and she was flopping all around trying to get back into the raft, I seriously laughed so hard. When we got out of the river we enjoyed greasy chicken, brownies and watermelon.

Twin Falls roadtrip....

Last night the singles ward planned a trip for all of us to see the new Temple in Twin Falls. We met at the church at 5:00 pm and carpooled down there. Krista and Jessica rode down with me to make the two hour trip. Krista and I laughed the entire way, so funny! We laughed about her and Michell's big tire blow out on the way home from Utah. I could just picture the two of them, sitting on the side of the rode, waiting for someone to rescue them, not your typical girls I would say! So many good memories with Krista, most of which still bring me to tears laughing.

The Temple was gorgeous. This was my very first time taking a tour through a Temple before it is to be dedicated. We had so much fun, especially with a photo shoot with Sarah and Kyle after the tour. Later that night we went to Chilis to eat. We got home at about 12:30 am, I am so so tired today, but it was well worth the trip to Twin Falls to see the Temple.

Summertime in Chicago!!!!

Mindy and I, love her!

Me, Carrie and Mel

Fine dining in Chicago!

Pink hair ROCKS!!!!

This past weekend we packed up and flew to Chicago for Cha Summer in Rosemont. It was me, Kathy, Carrie and Mel that went to represent Chatterbox at the show. I love the girls at the office I work with, so here's to them and the the great memories this show brought. We met up with the Ultra-Pro team and the sales reps from Utah. I also had a chance to hang-out with Matt and Jaime in downtown Chicago. Walking around, souvenir shopping at Walgreens and Wacker Street were the best of times. I love these guys and I am so grateful for their friendships.

My Best Friend's Wedding

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the wedding of my best friend, Eric Pedersen in Kennewick, Washington. Two months ago Eric called me to say that he was getting married June 21, 2008 and that he wanted me to be the best man. I was both shocked and honored with this news.

On Friday I had planned to leave with Eric's brohters Brad and Karl at around 2 pm that afternoon. As I was driving there, Brad called me and told me that Karl had missed his flight into Boise, and that we would not be leaving until 10 pm that night! So I called, Debbie, Eric's mom to tell her of the latest news. So to make a long story short, I decided that I was just going to drive myself to the wedding because I did not want to miss the dinner and festivities Friday night. For thos eof you who know me, I fall asleep easily in cars when traveling, so I was nervouse to drive alone for four hours.

The drive was relaxing, I was able to think and contemplate and to just be alone. Oregon is beautiful, Washington so green. I didn't fall alseep and made it just in time for the dinner later that night. It was Tina's large family of 11 and Eric's small family and I that attended the dinner. It was very simple and refreshing. We had green salad, rolls and pasta. As the best man, I was asked to take ten minutes to tell everyone about Eric and some of the best times of our friendship. I told of the time when I went to take him to the MTC in Provo with his family and of our scouting high adventure when we slept the night on the side of a mountain in our man made contraption.

After the dinner, Eric and I were able to habg-out and remember good ol times from when we were in high school. It was great to laugh again, and ti just be with my best friend! I had forgotten so many of the cray times until Eric would tell a story and take me back so many years ago. I am so thankful for him and his friendship over the years.

I was invited to attend the Temple Sealing at the Columbia River Temple in Kennewick, Washington, it was perhaps one of the most incredible experiences of my life! We had the luncheon at PF Changs, and then drove another two hours to Ellensburg for the reception. We stood in line for two hours and greeted people who came to celebrate with Eric and Tina. To both of them, thank you for allowing me to share in this incredible and unforgettable experience!