Four Jingle Bells

We went to the mountains for a picnic and "hike" which really turned into eating in our trunk and not being able to find the hike. But it was still fun for the kids to run around in the mountains and have an adventure.

No, that is not blood....it is Brookey getting a hold of a red marker before we saw her. And to the right....is the culprit who didn't put her markers away! First swim of the year My mom, Michelle and I got together and made a bunch of apricot jam. Makes me want scones! Spencer riding on his super cool motorcycle. He is such a funny guy! Buds My little Brookey brings me such joy. She is such a wonderful blessing in my life. Not temperamental, always happy and fun and loving. Hungry Spencer!! Going to decorate the kids bathroom with cute pictures of them in the bath. I don't say enough about Blake...he is such a great husband and dad. He is always busy fixing something, studying, helping with the kids or doing his church calling. He has such a great and positive attitude and he helps me to remember what is important in life. I love him! Brooke is standing up to everything now and wants to walk so bad. Our ward had a sock hop. The kids loved it and were exhausted after ho...

Since Blake never really looks at the blog (lucky him, gets to see us all the time), I'm going to post his fun Father's Day gift from the kids. My cousin Laurie and I wrestled the kids and got these cute pictures that we're going to frame for dad. I got in a crafty mode a few months ago and tried to make some fabricy bows. Some are better than others, but it was pretty fun anyway. I ran my toe into the side of the wall and ended up with a lovely owie toe that turned blue halfway down my foot. But I survive and the best part is I didn't feel guilty wearing flip flops to church. The lovely lettuce from our garden. We had some spinach too and some zucchini going but the heat kind of took over and our drippers aren't in, so I let it go. Next year, we'll be up to our ears in vegetables!

I have finally reclaimed my house after Brooke being born! What a feeling! In fact, it feels a bit like this sunset....the beginning of a beautiful friendship! Spencer somehow manages to find the only "Darth Vader type" mask in the house! Don't judge me....my neighbor was getting rid of this mirror. It is dented and beat up but it is going to look rockin' soon! I was feeling ambitious yesterday so we read a pancake book, made the recipe in the book (best recipe ever!) and made a pancake craft. Yes, I was exhausted by 1 pm. Stop throwing away your diaper boxes.....instead make these super cute and easy storage boxes. I just painted the sides white and mod podged scrapbook paper on them. My crafty friend Katie had a get together where we made these. On the back, it says Summer. Cuter than cute!

Before I start on my awesome Texas trip, I just had to post some pictures of our new wood floor (6 months old), don't mind the mess. and our garden! It is growing nicely.=) For my tax return prize, I got to go to College Station, Texas and visit my friend Allison and her family. We lived in some apartments in Vegas together and only knew each other for about a year, but it was instant friendship! Here we are at my first Texas BBQ experience. Notice the folding chairs and wax paper plates. It was so yummy! Brooke was permitted to come with me this time. She is such a great baby. So great!! She even slept well and was happy and played with Allison's kids happily. We went on a picnic to where Allison's husband Mike, goes to school at Texas A & M. It was beautiful! I could definitely get used to scenery like this. I have been to Texas once before when Blake was in the military in San Antonio. It is beautiful! I could even stand the humidity if I could live in trees...