I'm a canning lady

I have wanted to learn to can for a long time. Today my mother-in-law taught me. This is my first attempt.

My beautiful peaches.

Project 52

My daughter and I

Need a photographer??

I know lots of people are doing photography these days, and there is a lot of talent out there, but besides my husband, Jenny Kemp Hebert, is incredible. We were songleaders together at East High School (so much better than a cheerleader because our outfits were a hell of a lot better and we did a lot more dancing).
I started seeing Jen's work on Facebook. I decided I wanted to do a family session with Seth, Pipes and I. Seth was totally not into it. How lame. He wouldn't wear coordinated outfits and gel his hair for his girls. Just kidding Seth. This really did turn out to be such a cool experience. We did a mother/daughter session. We went to Albion Basin in Alta, Utah. This is one of my favorite places on Earth.
I thought the photos turned out spectacular. I really had an image of what I wanted in my mind. This often can lead to disappointment. I can't stop crying every time I look at them. (tears of joy)
My mom came over to see the photos yesterday, and as I watched her look at the prints, I could see and sense her days of young motherhood coming back. She looked at her baby holding her baby, and it made me cry. She does this thing where she turns her head to the left then right and says "oh Shannon, they are just wonderful."
Photos are an investment. Not cheap. I can't imagine not investing in something so important though.
This is a tradition that I will continue on with my next daughter.
Thank you so much Jen!
http://www.jenhebertphotography.com/

Need a realtor??

My brother is a real estate agent for Windermere. He is the best. I don't know if anyone has had this experience with agents, but they can be so slimey and pushy. Not Patrick.
He is very educated and so hard working. He has two degrees from the University of Utah. Tons of designations. I'm not really sure what that means, but I think it's a good thing. He is very knowledgeable on all the best areas in Utah. I would use him even if he weren't my brother, and I am very picky who I do business with.
Now is such an incredible time to buy. I don't care what anyone says, houses are still selling.
If your family is growing, or you are just sick to death of your house, make the wise choice of letting Patrick represent you.
http://patrickquinn.mywindermere.com/

Skiing

When my brother and I were kids, every Saturday my mom dropped us off at Foothill Village. We were loaded onto a bus and spent the day in ski school. I can't remember how I felt about it then, but I love to ski now. I don't do it nearly enough, but nonetheless, I think it is a fantastic sport. I love that you are in the fresh air. I think it teaches you to be tough. You have to ignore sometimes unpleasant conditions, and keep going. I know that I can't force Piper to love anything in life, but I want to expose her to as much as I can, and sit back and hope she loves it as well.

So with this said, Piper is turning 2 October 7. My brother is a huge ski person. I called him up and told him that I was thinking of buying Piper skis for her birthday. We went the next day and bought her the whole deal. She wasn't too thrilled.

For now the skis are just sitting in the middle of the living room. She occassionally goes and sits with them and plays with the clips. We'll give it another try once the snow flies.

Project 52

Brigham City

We headed north today, and went back in time. Brigham City is a gem. We love loading up the car and exploring. Utah has so many little towns that are a link to years past.

I hate strip malls, new construction, chain anything, Walmart, etc. Every city and town is beginning to look the same. It's so boring and classless. Is this really what Americans like. That is frightening to me. I'm pretty sure I was born at the wrong time. It is so rare to find old brick buildings, drive in burger joints, small movie theaters, and a real Main Street.

Take a trip up North and you can get a look at some of these old gems. Not to mention the peaches. WOW. As we stood at the fruit stand, the pickers were bringing the boxes to the stand they had just picked. I honestly have never tasted a peach that good. The stands will stay open til mid October. Load your families up and head north. Enjoy a great peach and some history.

Piper's first fairy party

My mom invited Piper and I to our first fairy party. We had never been to a party like this before, and all I can say is I hope we get invited again. It was at this beautiful home in the Millcreek area. It's an annual fundraiser for children. All the children were encouraged to dress as fairies. Piper of course, as every little girl should, had a pair of wings and a tutu just waiting in her closet for an invitation to a fairy party.

There were ribbons and twinkle lights hanging from the trees. They had live harp music. Wonderful food, and of course, children running around in fairy costumes.

Nothing was more beautiful than my Piper girl though.