Spanish Fark Ro-de-o

Smelly animals, skinny tight Wranglers, cowboy hats, plate size belt buckles, country humor, city jokes, dogs, flies, ropes, poop, $6 bottles of refreshing liquid, flannel shirts, boots, spurs, chaps. These all describe what you will find at your basic rodeo. This was a new experince for me. I think I might have gone once with my good friend Stasha Atkin, but I don't recall a whole lot. The first six years of my life consisted of this lifestyle, but once we moved from the small town of Heber, to the city life of St. George, it all stopped. I have no memory of horse riding with Grandpa Jones, or walking the fields in Heber, or feeding any such farm animal. I'm sorta glad I never had to live with this stuff. Now, hold on. I know some of you have jumped outta your chair and are now shaking your fist at me. I realize that if I had grown up in this sort of a community, I would love and appreciate it just as much as I enjoy the life I have lived. But I just don't think I could put up with the smell and the dirt!

Anyway, to move away from that discussion.... My dear friend BFF Becca organized this lovely night out for us. (if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have any socialization in my life. Thank goodness she takes the initiative!) My cousin Brittany came along, as well as Luca. We had a grand time sittin' in the stands marveling at the reality of a cowboy's dream. I just didn't understand it all. But I'm sure it is all very important and meaningful to someone.... :)

I didn't really take any pictures. Here's one of us girls, and then the one below is of the "mutton bustin'". I had never seeen such a thing! It was darn cute, and I told Tena she should sign Preston up! She said, "Sure, when he's 25." And no. I didn't find me a hot cowboy...

**Goosebumps!!!**

Holy crap.... I am just overcome with excitement!!! I would love to attend this blessed event with my dear Sisters... Hopefully I can round up a few :) Here's a summary of the story line, Enjoy!!
(P.S. I read a few reviews, and they have assured us its not like the movie RM or The Singles Ward, but more along the atmosphere and feeling of The Other Side of Heaven. Sweeeet!!!!)

"A wide-eyed sister missionary arrives in Austria to begin her 18-month-long mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Despite having to make a few cultural adjustments, Sister Taylor (Erin Chambers) meets every challenge with optimism. Her enthusiasm to share the Gospel makes her indomitable, until she finds herself with an abrasive companion whom she doesn't understand and doesn't particularly like. This challenge, along with the ordinary vicissitudes of missionary life begin to wear on her, and thus in the process of sharing the Gospel, Sister Taylor finds herself gaining a better understanding of its key precepts: faith, repentance, forgiveness, and charity." Written by Excel Entertainment

"Rachel Taylor (Erin Chambers) comes to Austria to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She begins her journey with high ideals and low language skills. Through her challenges with the culture, the cuisine, and a companion from another place, she is able to find meaning behind the very beliefs she has set forth to share. The Errand of Angels is a moving experience of a young woman's spiritual journey in the picturesque country of Austria. From happiness to sadness to anger to peace, with enough awkwardness along the way to keep us laughing, the film explores Rachel's growth as she finds love for those less lovable and learns the true purpose of her mission."

I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Watch the trailer. Click on the picture on the left side of my blog. I don't know how to put it ON my blog, but I figured out how to link the website to the picture!

Family Band

Rock Band with the Cousins!! Wahoo!!!!!

Hanging with the Jones Clan

Well, here we are, finally! We soon found and realized a few things. As you know our family, we boisterously make our arrival known wherever we go! :) As we walked over to the group of cousins, aunts and uncles, we felt... a little out of place. Now looking back I think they were probably wetting themselves as they saw Michael emerge from the vehicle. Ha! We figured it had been at least 8 or so years since we had seen most of these people, (not including our quick stop just before our missions) and everyone was speechless to seen Uncle Dean-o in the flesh! It was nice to chat it up with good family. Everyone has at least two offspring, none of which we had met before. Craziness!! We are kind of the in-between generation cause Papa Dean-o was a late starter in the kid department. All of our first cousins are married and have kids. Besides all that we had a fun time visiting and catching up with everyone. It was nice to see Dad interact with the fam and share in some good memories! Kinzee even got a ride on Big Al's motorcycle :)

Happy 85th Birthday Grandpa Jones!!

The paper plates

After about an hour of driving, back tracking and a little off roading, we came upon this sign. At first glance it said, Jones- I swear it did... So we followed it for another hour, hour and a half, before we decided to turn around and go back to Heber to hang at the hotel. We pass by the sign and decide to jump out and check out the situation. Maybe it had gotten turned around or something.... that's when we realized what it said. Oh man did heads start to roll! JAMES???? So then we were really back on the road to Heber. As we headed back down the dusty trail we came upon another paper plate...

This is what we were looking for!! So, hours after we told everyone we would be arriving, we sheepishly arrived sharing of our adventure. Grandpa Jones was a bit worried, and had been sitting down at the Lake for 3 hours! He's so sweet.

Our 2 1/2 hr "scenery" trip in the mtns

So here is our venture up the Heber mountains to find the Jones Reunion. The fam left us paper plates to lead us to the hidden campsite, but we weren't able to find any plates for almost 3 hours..... At first we were having fun, laughing and bonding, taking potty breaks amoungst the trees; but soon the tables turned and the word "pissed" started coming out!

Sisters

Here is a moment that can't really be explained in words. It's one of those times when you had to be there... ya know? Just know a good time was had by all present in the car :)

It's official!

The offical change over occured July 1, 2008. Whenever someone asks where I am attending school, my answer comes out like a "stuttering Stanley"! (because of that movie, I have never been able to watch a scary/horror movie ever again!) It's awkward to refer to it as UVU. It comes out sounding, UVSsss, er, uh, uvU! As the cousins say, special education... And as of 7:00 p.m. this evening I am register for my 4th Semester... only 37 more to go. (not really, but it sure feels like it...)

Memories...

Here's how it works:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember, good or bad but be nice please! ;) And make it a good one, I'm in need of some good laughs!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments. Come on all my blog followers... I want to post something about you, let's see this on your blog!!!

...and we don't even mind the rain...

Today President and Sister Fugal reported for their service in the OEM. I was SO dreading it. (but not to see them! my fellow misimerries) Scared out of my mind. My sweet friend Chanda Rose accompanied me. We arrived after an hour detour, thanks to Map Quest... We arrived at the church, and sat there. And sat there. We couldn't move. Evidently, we are both nervous pee-ers... and we were full of butterflies. We trudged out of the grandma ride and into the church. I was scared out of my mind as to who we would see first off. Despite the detour of Map Quest, we still arrived a half hour early. We merged into the chapel and scoped the place out. Not many missionaries just yet. We quickly found a seat, and prepared for the show. Two by two, and some by threes, everyone started arriving. It was all very exciting and nerve racking. The meeting began and the awaited moment came. It was like I was transported back in time, it was as if we were back at a Zone Conference. My heart swelled with joy and love and sadness all at the same time, it was fantastic. When President stood, he invited all of us RM's to come to the stand and we sang the blessed mission song. I cried! It was so overwelmingly beautiful. Chanda Rose and I estimated 100-150 of us standing there, united together by our service and by the goodness of the Gospel. Afterwards, we headed to the Fugal's home for some lunch and to visit. The nerves came back fast and furious. I was now going to have to socialize! Oh man... It turned out to be the most fabulous afternoon ever, minus my scrunched up toes that had been stuffed into my sisters' shoes... I was trying to look sophisticated in high heels, bad idea. Anyway, I chatted it up so very much with my fabulous friends from the mish. I just loved it. Everyone was married or engaged, and three sisters prego. Kind of depressing, but not at the same time. It was so good to catch up with everyone. Good times. Unfortunately, I did not bring my camera along... so I've attached some fun ones from the mish.

To finish or not to finish...

Reading. It's my preferred past time. I love the opportunity to escape into someone elses life, experience things I will probably never experience, meet one of a kind people, and most importantly, forget about myself and this life that is mine. It's the most incredible, unexplainable experience. I'm not sure how to explain it. I had a good conversation with BFF Becca about this very topic. We have found ourselves taking on the feelings and thoughts of the main character. I can smell what she smells, tastes what she tastes, hears what she hears, thinks what she thinks. I am her and she is me. The writing just flows through me, every page turn leaves me wanting more and more. I stay awake late into the night, hoping for the first kiss, or the runaway to be found, or the mystery man to be unveiled. But as I ease on through the book, a deep fear begins to form in the back of my mind. I don't want it to end! When it does, I feel as if I've lost my best friend, as if someone close to me has died. It's awful. I find myself rushing to the end, but then pulling back and slowing it down for the last chapter.... Reading is a bitter sweet experience. Despite the ups and downs of it, reading will forever be my favorite past time.

Borrowed post from Tena about our FAB weekend!!

I couldn't explain it any better. She did such an AMAZING job describing the ins and outs of our weekend, I just had to use it! Thanks T!! :)


"What an amazing fun weekend we had these are a few of the highlights. Everything from Alan giving in and buying a remote control car. Rocking out and playing all sorts of games on the Wii. Bowling the old fashion way at Dixie Bowl. $ 2.00 socks, and realizing that some places STILL ONLY EXCEPT CASH! Trying to plan a Trip that is still not planned! A drunk man on the roof of the neighbor’s house with police blocking off the street and people being carried away on stretchers into ambulances (sorry no pictures. I was too scared to do so). Finding enjoyment looking at Southern Utah arrest pictures’ online. (I know it's sick and wrong finding enjoyment and entertainment from others misery and pain. However, it's Very Addictive!) The drunk on the roof was why we were on the website, but to be honest I usually go there daily. A Personality test that reviled BLUE RED,and Nothing Could be Worse! (But truly it was already known....) I had taken it back in nursing school and thought maybe now it would be different?? Not so. Starting to read a book that apparently everyone else in the world has, and hopefully being able to finished it in this life time. Chats about Texas and what a not so good situation it has become! A mystery text message of one seeking someone HOT! Realizations that finding ones true LOVE is Not a Painless Experience and finding strength to move on can be very hard. A possible visit to Texas to kick someones butt might be on a lot of people’s agenda. Thinking about adopting some teenage girls to help out with Preston! Discussions about work and wonderful family and relationship dynamics! It's Oh so very complicated!
What a blast! We also had Great Food and Oh so Good Conversation! Lots of Red Soda for a small little one (which ended up in a not so pleasant getting tooth brushing event!) Also, a Fantastic 7 layer dip! But My Favorite thing is how much Preston loves the Jones family! He feels right at home there but so does Alan and I. Can we do it all over next week?"

Bowling with Dad??

Yes, it is true. He came bowling! But not until after comtemplating it for many hours.... geez... My good friend T came for the wild adventure as well. Sorry Maddi, we'll have to go again with you!

4th of July Celebration

I was able to rush home for a few days of celebration with the fam! This year we teamed up the Heward familia. We were excited to see Preston's reaction to the fireworks, but, uh, he was a bit of a scardy cat seeking comfort on dad's lap. :) But we all enjoyed ourselves muchly! And cousin Aryn was able to visit for the week and helped Kinzee organize and set off the show.

Unca Tom!

Uncle Tom and the attack of the wild and ferocious, or rather, the desperately hungry puppies! They can hear the crinkle of a wrapper miles away. You got somethin', they gonna beg and whine till they get it!

Knee Slapping Hilarious!!

All he wants is to hold her hand. How sweet is that?!?!

Warped Tour

I know many of you have been anxiously waiting for this magnificent post of my freakish weekend with the sisters at Warped Tour. Well, hold on to your seats! Just to let you know, this will be a longer post. I am posting the pictures individually so you can get the full effect! Also, I was a total nerd and took notes while I was there... well, I couldn't pass up a perfectly good opportunity for a blog post! I was thoroughly made fun of by the sisters and the brother, feel free to do the same. Now, I know what you are thinking. Monica? Monica Jones? Monica DEE Jones? Yes, I really did attend this lovely event. But in my defense, I had no idea what I was getting into. All I heard was on opportunity to hang with my super cool sisters for a whole day. As you come along for my adventure, you'll find the geekyness that is me, but hopefully have a somewhat enjoyable time, and a few laughs!

We applied SPF 5o, took a few deep breaths, and headed to the gate. First of all, it took us forever to make it through the entrance gate! We had to walk like ten miles after paying $5 for "good parking", well, it actually was good parking and it wasn't really ten miles. Anyway, I thought it was ridiculous how we were weaved all around the fair grounds before we actually made it to the entrance. The security guards, rather the old men in yellow t-shirts that said security- who couldn't have ran ten steps without having to stop to take a breather, let alone take down a dangerous punk rocker teenager, welcomed us at the entrance checking for sharp objects and water bottles. We weren't allowed to bring in any sort of liquid, or any sort of pointed object (ei. pens, pencils, etc). Dear sweet Mallory had brought in her purse and was asked to pull out all pens and other sharp objects. She searched it herself, reporting she had none. He let us through, no biggie. Lo and behold, Mallory had a pen!!! Naughty naughty..... She had hidden it from view. Thankfully she had it so I could take my sweet notes :) I had to hide every time, with fear, that we would be spotted and kicked out! Thankfully we weren't. Later, we found a fingernail file... oh man... if only we had been seen with it, we could have been police escorted out, or something... Mallory could have stabbed someone on the eye with it! (there were a few people I wouldn't have minded stabbing...) Hmmm, that doesn't sound so good. I really didn't want to stab them, ya know...

Anyway, as we entered the fair grounds, I was immediately assaulted with the fact and realization of just how old and naive I am. All 5 of my senses were on mass overload. I saw more skin than ever before, I smelled and tasted (not tasted tasted...! tasted through my smelling, geez) more drug residue than ever before, I heard the F word more than ever before, and hadn't felt the burning of the sun, such as we did, for a long while. As we were driving to the event, the sisters were preparing me for the choicest I was about to have to make. They helped me decide what I would do when I was passed a doobie, would I take the hit, or say pass...? I was so scared! Then we met up with brother. Him and Mallory taught me how to appropriately snort some, I don't know the slang for drugs..., inconspicuously :) Good memories!

This picture above here, was my first taste of the tour. My brother called his singing, the Death Scream. It was awful! I don't understand how anyone can stand listening to that crap. Mallory called commented, "It doesn't lift your soul, it kills it!" It just made me feel awful inside. So we moved on, in search of the brother. (also, notice the sweet mohawk in the center of this picture! That was the best part of the day. I didn't care about the bands, I just wanted to sit and people gawk! Some people should never leave their house...) Check out the blue mohawk below:

We met up with the brother. He calls himself, The Sexy Beast. He looks like a beast alright... I hadn't seen him in a while. He is HUGE! He is also so very proud of his long flowing hair :) The following pictures are of Mallory putting it up in a ponytail for him. And yes, he did come prepared, and brought his own hair band (I asked).

He looks like a gorilla!

Here is our lunch. A shared teriyaki chicken sandwich that cost $6.47!! It was ridiculous.

Crowd surfing... Oh my, I was quite surprised that we didn't witness a death during this event. When the bands were on stage, people found it amusing (names are withheld) to chuck, and I mean CHUCK, water bottles, Gatorade bottles, shoes, anything they could find right down into the middle of the crowd. I'm sure someone received a few goose eggs, if not a concussion. The same candor was used when people wanted to crowd surf. They would get chucked out into the crowd. It was hilarious because the bands kept encouraging us to crowd surf, but the security guards had another opinion. They immediately jumped up to grab the crowd surfers and pull them down. What a sight...

Here are the twins in mid rock out! Check out the sweet flowing hair of the brother :)

There are a few things I would like to point out in this picture above. First, here is one of the many refreshing liquid stands selling water and Gatorade. Remember the single chicken sandwich for $6.47? And that they made up dump out all liquid beverages at the entrance gate? Well, here you could buy a 20 ounce water bottle or Gatorade for $3.00. Insane. That's all i got to say. The second point of interest. As you look far into the distance, you might notice a raised platform full of police and security guards. What could they possibly do from that point of interest... Yell at us? What if a fight broke out? The picture below shows a close up :)

This final photograph, is the climax and point of this occasion. Between the Trees. THE band. We had to wait 4.5 hours to see them. They actually are really good. I thought Mallory might pass out from excitement! So, that's it. That's Warped Tour from a sweet, innocent, and very sheltered Mormon girl :) From being out in the sun all day, I received a nasty case of dehydration. Which ended with a sack full of throw up as we sped up Parley's Canyon to see the Cousins. Sorry sisters...