"The Canyon"

Natalie and Alicia....AKA Chip and Dale...Chatter-Chatter-Chatter......

Crackin' Zak and Moon Over Johnny.

Blacksmith fork Canyon is one of those places we read about in fairy tales where boys get lost... and mermaids sunbath on rocks! Its a place where everything from weddings to funerals can take place. You can let your hair down or wear it straight up on your head. Garth Brooks, AC/DC, and Disney music all share our hearts and ears. We have preformed skits, made atrium's for crawdads, filled tents with butterflies, and of course paraded down the river in every way imaginable. Blacksmith Fork Canyon is a remarkable place where you can forget about the troubles of the world for but a moment and bask in the glory of living. Anyone who has been to "the Canyon" knows exactly what I am talking about. I want to say thank you to all of the people who made this place what it is to me because without you it wouldn't be the magical place it is. To Gary Lynn my childhood buddy....for all the stars we counted in the nights sky. To Shaela and all the girls birthday trips and moments only we will ever understand. To A'leese who was the first of my children I shared the canyon with at 10 days old. To the friends I have lost (Shauna and Steve) to the friends I haven't (the rest of the Ropers) the memories of us will always be with me.......and Blacksmith is a big part of those memories. To Jana Jacobson, Janna Stanford, Pam Sanders, Katy Wendell, Kim Howard and all the other friends who have had just a slice of this, my place, I thank you. To my brother Dan and the truth or dare we played. To my sweetheart, John who I feel in love with there...and most of all to all of the children who without you this place would just be another place I say thank you...thank you for letting me be a small part of your magic. Thank you for giving me a taste of the joy you see in the small things that as grown ups we forget make the world worth living. This picture of my sweet niece Cierra captures the peace you all bring to the canyon. I love you "Carmin' Charmin"......thanks for playing word search with me! Thanks to Johnny and Zak who complement each other better than any dynamic duo I have ever seen. I got Johnny back with the dog pile.....I still owe you Zak. I will get you my friend the next time we go to the canyon.....

STATE CHAMPIONS!!!!

Miranda and her softball team won the state championship! Way to go "ROO". She is an amazing player. Not only is she skilled at softball she's an awesome niece. Rooski you are quite a wonderful person. Happy fifteenth Bday (yesterday)...hope all your wishes come true.

The PERFECT shot....

When we were in Layton playing with my mom's camera we decided to do a remote. I was so much fun trying to get it just right. My sisters and mom are the best....I am glad they love me so much. It's nice to know that I have friends I can turn to no matter what.

Dawnell is one of the most giving people I have ever met. Living a life devoted to the service of others. You know when she serves you she definitely will do her best. Shes sassy, honest, and an instigator...which makes her fun!

Stephanie is one of the wittiest most clever people I know. With knowledge beyond the average bear. Her life experiences have made her genuinely tender and strong when necessary.

Karolyn (my mom) has given us all so much. She is one of the greatest people I will ever have the honor of associating with. She has taught us all how to be the most important thing in the world--A MOM-- and she did it with such grace and skill we are all blessed because of her. I just hope I can do as good a job.

"Hot as the blazing desert"

During the last week I went on an adventure to Layton. There I spent some time with my mom and my sisters. The funnest thing we did was play with my moms camera. We decided to be top models ourselves. We chose the theme of being as hot as the blazing desert. I think all and all we knocked the ball out of the park. But the top prize has to go to Karolyn. You go girl. Just viewing the pic's makes me steamy!

OUR FRIEND JANNA

I guess I am in a melancholy mood for some reason today. I was looking at pictures and ran across ed these of Janna. The Stanfords have become such great friends and obviously everyone at this house loves Janna. I just wanted to go on record as saying she is one of a kind! You just don't get better. There isn't to many people you mind seeing first thing in the morning when you've drug yourself to the gym... but Janna is one of them. Thanks for all the BBQ's,games, pep talks, and four wheel adventures. Most of all thanks to you and your amazing family. We love you guys tons and tons.

I can't believe it's been 18 Years!

I can't believe it has been 18 years since John and I got married. I looked at these pictures taken in the last six months and realized life with John has been amazing... I'm just glad we aren't starting to look like each other. Okay, outside of the hair on our chins that is. John is awesome. Quite, tender, compassionate, clever(on occasion), but mostly kind. He never lets me down. I am glad that I have been on this journey with someone as wonderful as John. I couldn't even began to imagine struggling through life without this husband of mine. He has made some of the most unbearable times livable and for that I pay tribute to him, today and everyday. I hope we make it another 18 years! I Love You John! Eternally and a day.

OH TO JOHNNY

Since Johnny has been gone for the last few days, on a fifty mile hike up Kings Peak, things here at home have been VERY quite. Johnny is the wit and magic that keeps us laughing. He is full of mischief and enthusiasm...not to forget teasing and torture. I know we all miss him and his love for life. He brings a lot to our family. In many ways he balances this over female unit of ours...Thank you Heavenly Father for a fantastic kid like Johnny!

Life would SUCK without our pain in the butt brother and son. Nothing is as great as Johnny. WE LOVE YOU JOHNNY!

Hats

Do you ever wonder why we don't wear hats anymore? They are so much fun. Right before Johnny left for his 50 mile adventure we broke out the hats. Of course, Johnny is the one in the paintball mask.

Karrie's Angels? Oh yeah.....Bring it on! Angels never looked so good. These guys aren't messing around.

YOU GO GIRLS!!!!!

YOU LOOK AMAZING!!!!

WOW you look sweet, innocennt, and drop dead georgous. No wonder Sara is on one knee.

Me O Mime?

What? Giving yourself a facial never looked like so much fun... The three of you remind me of the old time mimes. Of course, to be a mime it would mean going without talking. Is that even possible with you guys?

"The pot at the CENTER of the rainbow"

Visiting the Keyes was a real trip to the other side of the rainbow. We honestly found a pot of gold being with them. Thanks so much for taking us to Bridal Veil Falls. Climbing the face of the mountain was a little tricky for the couple of kids that had no shoes... but all in all it was amazing. I now have a goal to become a lot stronger so I can do a lot more!