Last Maughan Adventure: Oahu, Hawaii

We spent the first week of March in Oahu, Hawaii. It was a busy, enjoyable week. Life has been crazy since a week before then, maybe we'll get to the highlights of this vaca, maybe not (we didn't even post about our 3 week Europe Backpacking trip! Later, we will)

So I have added a slideshow to the sidebar so you can at least see the Saaweeeet Pictures we took of the fun things we enjoyed and did. Take a look. Click on the slideshow to view the picts normal size in Picasa to really see their awesomeness.

Crazy Crazy Life

Not too many posts as of late. Life for Melina and Spencer is crazy busy. We've been asked to help Choreograph one of the dances for the Temple Youth Celebration. It's been good so far, but has taken up a lot of our time. Melina is incredible and could probably take on the world with her pinky if she had to.

It's a good day when

Bassman says:

LIFE IS GREAT
GREAT WIFE
GREAT HOME
GREAT CAT
GREAT JOB

Fab 5

Hawaii. 5 days gone. 481 picts thus far (we love our digital camera!) Here are a couple favs for a sneak peak into our latest journey. Until the end...

On your Mark, Get Set, GO

It was the Pinewood Derby tonight with the Cub Scouts! These little boys love the simple things in life and had a great time whether they won or lost. Spencer and I are over the Wolf Pack, their first intro to Cub Scouts. The Cars! Mine is the orange one, it is way more ugly in person! Spencer went for the win by hollowing his out. (the black stuff on our cars was the wheel grease) Mine won first then Spencer's won, then we didn't end up doing a tie breaker, which is fine b/c I think Spencer would've been disappointed!
Spencer and his group. (the Blonde boy w/the Blue car dominated every round and won Overall 1st place)

Public v. Private v. Car Vinyl

Private Blog v. Public Blog: A lot of people are asking themselves this question and for others' opinions on this, because of how society is now and is headed.
I am not a fan of private blogs, and here are my 2 main reasons:
#1. I can't blogsurf (surf, not stalk) to see and connect with old friends or people from highschool. (It is fun to see what everyone is up to, how they have changed, and their cute new families.) I like to see how different and creative people are, how they inspire others, lot's of people I don't even know.
#2. It is kind of out of my way to have to login to see the blogs (Lazy, sure. To be honest, my private friends' blogs don't get seen as often as my public. I still love you Trish)

If you are worried, then you need to decide what you'd rather do...put all your detailed personal info on your blog or not, or just some.... There ARE crazies out there on the cybersphere, I agree.

However, let's just jump to another topic that has been BUGGIN me for over a year now: what I think is MORE dangerous than public blogs, and I AM VERY OPPOSED to, is all the
VINYL on THE BACK OF THE PARENT'S CARS
-PICTURES (that pretty much tell how many folks are in the fam, whether they are the favored cute stick figures, or the penguins or snowboards, we can read between the lines ladies!)
-LOGOS of your kid's SCHOOLS and/or ACTIVIES
-The specific # on your child's jersey in the sport logo
(I know I know, you are just supporting your child, I know!)
This, to me, is a WAY more scary attraction for all the Crazies out on the STREETS. You drive around all day, running errands here and there w/and w/o your children. The people on the streets/in their cars see you, and your children. No longer do they have to follow you on your errands to find out more about your children...they now know where your child attends school, what activity they favor, AND what # they wear. NOW, all the creep has to do is show up at the school event and zero in on YOUR child. Maybe you are there, maybe you aren't, either way the creep is, and he is watching whether you want it or not.

Now I am definately one who is NOT the worrying type and will take extra precautions because the world is now full of crazies and super unsafe for everyone, especially our children. Maybe I have read too many Grisham and Baldacci books? No, maybe not. Hmmm. just something to think about. Oppose me, that is fine, I won't take any offense!
What do You think?

Someone's OLD is our NEW

Seriously, do we ever stop?! Not for long, and I love it. This time we took these old nighstands we found (matching!) at DI for $15 each. What a steal! With some sanding, priming and painting, we came out on top, with each only costing $30. Can't beat that.

We went to a Valentine's Dance on Saturday night, and boy did we busta move! It's fun to get all gussied up now and then. Spencer rocks, he is such a good sport in letting me teach him some of what I know...then do it in front of everyone who may have been watching! He is such a STUD.

Ok, so we have some really CLEVER Friends!

I know, 2 posts in ONE day! This must be worth it....and it is! Here is a 2nd blog that is TOTALLY Worth reading, even though there is only a couple posts so far. CLICK HERE. You HAVE to read the first two. All you facebook peeps, read on.
MAKE SURE YOU SCROLL DOWN SO YOU DON'T MISS THE FIRST HIGHLIGHTED BLOG!

The Ultimate Vanity...A must read Blog

Tired of all our normal life updates? Wanting a different, fun, genuinely honest everyday thoughts kinda blog? Visit HERE. HELLO! I could not stop reading, and literally enjoyed myself the whole time, and was sad it came to an end (until next time SoJay!). It may help that I know sweet SoJay personally and her spunky, contagious fun personality, but through her posts, you will come to know her too! I am just smiling, girl you made a great start to my day!

"Why The Ultimate Vanity? I can't help feeling there's a bit of vanity involved if I think people want to read my opinions on whatever I might choose to write about--as I've accused other bloggers. On the other hand, I love reading everyone else's blogs and for the most part they seem to be more about keeping everyone up to date on their lives rather than sharing unsolicited opinions.I, however, have no life and endless opinions on a myriad of topics. Hmm."

Love & Adventure in Manti, UT

So Spencer and I passed our 4 year mark on the 13th! He planned a delighful, relaxing getaway to Manti, UT. Yes, you heard that right. To the Yardley Inn & Spa. It was cute, quaint and comfortable. We stayed in the Lavender and Lace room. The night started out at Roy's Pizza, really yum, almost as good as my mom's homemade. Then to the ice cream shop to bust our bellies with that yummy sinful stuff! Then off to the podunk bowling alley, not for bowling, but for pool tables and pinball. Bride Wars came next at the local 2-show theater. Then we hit the sack, ready for "the day." We opened it reading in the plant-filled, relaxing Selarium, then a yummy provided breakfast. Then, we hit the large and in charge jetted tub for some more *relaxation. After getting ready we headed off to the beautiful, old structured Manti Temple. It is/was an amazing experience. We LOVE to see the Temple. After dinner we hit up the bowling alley, where you have to keep your own score! Remembering to count your pins before the second roll was quite a task! After another round of pool, where I finally won, we headed back to *cozy up in our room for the last night. It was romantic, special, and a very needed get-away. I adore you Spencer love, you are perfect for me. Here's to another 4 more happy, adventure filled years!

We decided to end our time-off with some snowshoeing. We did the short, very well traveled trail to Donut Falls. It took an hour, and Spencer got a pretty sweet picture. We had a few little hills we slid down on our bottoms. Watch and see the simple joys of life and laughter.

Winter Festivities...Jealous?

10 hours to build and $70 later...impressed? We are!

Jynx is one lucky & loved kitty.

Lucky for us...He LOVES it!

Ugly Sweater Party

What would it be like without one of these?! This was actually our first one. It was super fun, at our good friends house. Spencer won the UGLIEST SWEATER...take a look, there is nothing more to say!

We had 5 of 7 of Spencer's close friends over for a party...Rock band and Spencer were out of control!

Small Christmas

We took the challenge of our neighbor and from Nov 1 to Dec 24 we read the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) and 3rd Nephi. This is all about Jesus Christ and his life. It was amazing, and we met our goal to have it read by Christmas. Our testimonies of the Savior has grown, and the spirit we have felt, and that has been in our home has been awesome. It made Christmas a lot more meaningful, having our focus on the Savior, rather than what we were giving and receiving.

We enjoyed a small Christmas this year together. The best gift to us was to have 6 days off work and spend every one of them together! All the family parties were done by the 20th, so we were able to relax and enjoy most of Christmas in the comfort of our own home! Our new home was the main present, and we just gave eachother a few small things.

Family Parties

It was fun to get together as a family and see everyone. Thank you everyone for all the wonderful gifts.
Christmas w/Mom Glade. We had the world's best homemade tacos, opened family presents, watched the super cute kids, played with the kitty, and enjoyed each others company.
(We received super awesome snow boots for Melina, Dark Knight DVD & Cute homemade scarf for Spencer, and a surprise picture from Matty to come - sure to be super sa-weet!)

Christmas w/Dad & Kim Glade. Ate lots of food, opened stockings and presents, watched the super cute kids. (received happenings coupon book and gift cards, free food!)
Christmas w/Maughan's. The kid's acted out the nativity story, then went crazy and opened family presents. There was wrapping paper and excited kids everywhere! (received another set of silverware, that makes 16! An electric blanket and cute vinyl pict "We may not have it all together...but together we have it all. The Maughan Family")

Back for Seconds...Scott's Peak

Evergreens. Snowmobiles and paths. Beautiful. Hills are Hard Work. Windy up Top. Super awesome view! GPS tracking to go straight DOWN the mountain instead of using the trail...fun and adventurous! We love these snowshoes.

Winterwonderland Joy

These

+
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Snowshoeing up Little Cottonwood Canyon, Temple Quarry Trail. It was sooo beautiful, peaceful and FUN!

High Esteem

It was love at first sight in that dingy car lot. Shiny BYU blue, 56,000 miles, made for the perfect first car. Born in 2001, she's been low maintenance and is still runnin' great. Happy 100,000 mile mark! GoGirlGo.

Worth It

I got down on all four's today like a kitty to demonstrate to Carla the fish flop/drunken sailor Jynx acted out when I put this cute sweater on him! It was hilarious, we laughed until we cried. You had to be there, it was worth it.

Introducing...JYNX

Early MERRY CHRISTMAS Morning for ME today! Spence was so cute, lighting the fire, Christmas music, and the suspense. He had me get my pj's on and wait in the bedroom. I had no idea what was going on, but know not to ask questions b/c Spencer is just a sweetheart with random cute things. So he came to get me, he covered my ears and eyes and led me to the living room...to uncover the newest part of our family...sweet little JYNX.Spencer finally broke down and did it, he is so thoughful. Jynx is about 3 months old, Orange and Soooo cute, and really smart (he has used his litter box every single time)!and is super funny, I've been laughing all day at the funny things he does. He is Very playful, fun, adventurous, cuddly and has a loud purr. Spence and I had a moment (we cried) b/c of the *sentimental value of the orange kitty. We have taken 30 picts already this morn and night. We are so excited for this little new adventure! I LOVE him so much. It is no longer "just us" anymore. So here's the Scoop: Spencer had thought about this for a while and decided he was gonna do it. He started looking for a male, orange kitten born or yet to be born. He found one in Ogden and Heber, but before having to travel that far he found one at the SLC Animal Shelter! So Spencer found our little guy in cage C57. He had to decide and take him home in 1 week, or the kitty is up for anyone. So Spencer went through the adoption process, had an interview on Monday, and the little guy was neutered on Tuesday morn and ready to be picked up that afternoon to be OUR new kitty. He took the kitty to my mom's house for Carla/Matt to watch him until he was given to me. There was some little "white lies" told to me by Carla, my mom and Spencer the last couple days, and weird things going on that makes perfect sense now! Aren't surprises fun?! So Matt and Carla very quickly got attached to little Jynx and they all decided it would be best to give him to me Now, rather than wait until Christmas when Matt would be devastated to give him up after having him for 2 weeks. Fortunately Spencer didn't have to work until noon today, so he set it all up for this morn! It really did feel like Christmas morning, we played and watched Jynx all morning, not even noticing the time. I didn't get into work until noon either, thank goodness for great employers! THANK YOU Sweet love, and Carla/Matt/Mom! It was such a great, fun, cute surprise, I had no idea! Get ready for some picts.
First S&M Maughan family pict.He ran straight to the fire, and loves Spencer!
*My family got O.J. (Orange Juice) a male, orange kitten when I was 8 yrs old. He quickly became MY kitten. I cared for him and loved him more than anyone. He always slept with me, and was there for me through those ups and downs of young life. He died last summer, right before we were going to bring him to live with us. He was mine for his 17 years of life. I loved him and he was my bestest little friend ever. I cried for a week. So we name our new little kitten Jynx b/c it's like saying the same thing at the same time...Jynx 1234.., but you see the same thing at the same time. This is the last pict I have of my sweet O.J. Rest in Peace "Baby O.J" I'm sure little Jynx learned a lot from you in Heaven before he came here. P.S. This is MY 50TH POST! What a fun topic to celebrate with.

whAt MakEs mE MAD???

DrIvInG!! Tis the season folks, let's try to be safer, smarter, more considerate drivers here, no one wants a bashed up car for Christmas. Just a few thoughts: Head CHECK before you change lanes. Use your blinker. "GOOOooo GooOO" when the light turns green, or there is an opening in the cars, don't be timid here. LEARN how to work the 4-way stops. Get in the lane you want to be in at least 10 seconds before you need to. It is OK if you are not first or second or third in line, you don't need to switch over at the last second and cut us off. SPEED UP when getting on the freeway on-ramp, you are merging into 65 mph! Ladies and Gents, the freeway LEFT LANE is STILL the FAST LANE! Get over if you don't feel like driving 80 mph, bc everyone behind you does WANT to. Make up your mind on the way out, ya gotta share here: If you are turning right, GET on the far right side of the out, going left, PAY ATTENTION and leave room for your righty turners as well as incomers. You MUST drive at least the speed limit, but ya know it is OK to drive at least 3-5-7 over on the main roads, the cop in front of me was....STOP texting/eating/reading/doing your makeup (I did do this, but have changed my ways!) in the car. When getting in the right or left turning lane GET IN THERE, don't linger to take up and slow down both lanes. Lastly, you Don't need to SLOW DOWN to inspect the accident when all the help is already there OR when you see a cop has pulled another car over...they already got someone so take advantage! Any others? What get's you? Hmm...wonder why I don't trust others when driving. **Disclaimer: I know I do some of these, working on that!**