Birthing the Ben Banks baby!

In other big news, Jacob and I just got back last week from the filming of a movie he co-produced in St. George called "Ben Banks." He has worked all summer long in pre-production, and I finally joined him for the filming to help with craft (the food) and basically whatever else they needed. We all came back very tired and very proud, I think, of what we had accomplished. And we couldn't have done it without the following:


This amazing woman. She celebrated her birthday during the 3-week shoot and here she is holding my measly little gift to her. Wish it were the world for how much sweat and love she put into working the craft table and keeping me standing some days. This ear-to-ear grin she kept up everyday, 15 hours a day, 6 days a week serving food and cooling drinks in 105 degree heat. I could not have made it without her. I told her I will love her forever for doing this, not like I could ever plan to do anything otherwise. She's our saving grace. We love you, Peg!

Maddi (in the apron) and Parker (in the red-striped shirt in the background) certainly deserve a hearty thank you. Maddi came for a whole week to help with craft. She was a natural! Everyone loved her and she even extended her stay through the weekend because she was such an asset to us all. We ALL missed her when she left to start school at ASU. Parker came and surprised Peggy for her birthday and then came AGAIN the last part of the shoot to help support Peg and Jacob. It meant so much to me that Jacob's parents would make the sacrifice they did to be there for this. It wasn't expected at all, but they just wanted to learn more about Jacob's line of work. I thought that was really admirable. And they certainly got a good taste of it!

Rob and Megan came too! Rob came to help assist Jacob the last Thursday and Megan was able to extend her stay, too through Sunday to help with craft. Rob was made for this kind of work. They were such a tremendous help in more ways than we would've "expected:"

Thanks for the primo parking spot, Meg! Gotta love Utah!

Chris and Kent Rhodes, Jacob's aunt and uncle, graciously housed all these visitors during the shoot, in addition to ALL the food during production as well. Which means we, in essence, completely took over their guest rooms, garage, kitchen & appliances, front room, driveways and various nooks and crannies with all things craft. They are saints. Absolute saints and I'm not overstating it. Sundays were our days off and what did they do? Invite us to dinner at their house, each and every one. God bless those sweet, generous souls. I could never, ever repay them.

And of course, the fabulous crew. This is a pic from the spectacular wrap party, where all of us were smiling pretty big.

Well there's more, lots more, but you'll have to check it out here because I can't post pictures from set. We'll be sure to keep you posted on the movie's submission status in the festival circuit. Go "Ben Banks!"

Ahhh, back to reality. Almost.

As if we hadn't been treated enough by family, Rich and Lo came down to visit with their three kids, too, the Sunday after we wrapped! We were all so, so, so happy to see them. We live the furthest from them so the chance to see them is always a special thing for all of us. We had a mini, early birthday party for Cameron, who turned 5 September 1st. This is her expression after just discovering those are trick candles on her cake. Dog-gone-it, she blew that sucker out! She's persistent!
*There's Uncle Kent in the background on the couch. In all the mayhem I didn't even get a picture with them. They're not really "spotlight" folks, but they certainly deserve to be in my book.


And this little guy was the man of the hour. Jacob and Megan had yet to meet baby Parker who'll turn one next month. And it's unanimous, we all adore him. Yup, Rich and Lo are three for three in the lovable kid department! We are so happy they would take the time to drive down. It is always such a treat to visit with them!

Sound like a whirlwind? It was and it has been and now it's all been recounted. Looking back on all of it I can't help but think how lucky we are. My family was there calling and texting their support on top of letting us use their beautiful car to cart the talent around. Jacob's family was there in person and spirit and we did it! It took an army but we did it! And now I could not be happier to be back at home in my bed, next to my honey, with just the two of us. 'Til the next adventure, eh?