Wheeler Farm

We had to visit Wheeler Farm while in Salt Lake. I love the grounds and our kids love the geese and other farm animals. I only seemed to manage to take pictures of the geese and pig but they have all farm animals. A fun morning with the girls.

Gardner Village

We took a gander the other day to Gardner Village, located in West Jordan. They had a petting zoo and pony ride. It was both Nora's and Caleb's (Nora's closest cousin on Spencer's side), first time on a pony. They did great and even got into it by saying, "ride on cowgirl/cowboy," while throwing up one of their arms. So very cute. I thought I'd also post the indecent photo below as well. If you can read Nora's lips you'll notice the "cheese" coming out of them. There was also a very cute home decor shop in the village that I wish had their own web site. If you ever are in West Jordan, take a peek in The Village Whites Shoppe. I'm still dreaming about their cake stands.

Pictures, Again?

A family reunion would not be complete without a family picture. It is not that Spencer and I are really into getting family photos done all the time we just happen to be the lucky recipients of generous parents. So, our family headed over to Memory Grove Park in Salt Lake City to take some pictures by this guy. The one picture he has posted on his blog is great you've got to take a look. I'm posting some pictures my sister-in-law, Wendy, took while we were there. These cute babes our the grand kids on Spencer's side. They are all so very cute.

So long...

for a week or so. We are off to visit family in Utah and Idaho. Immediate and extended family reunions, a wedding and fun are awaiting us. Have a wonderful weekend and week. Hopefully, I'll be able to blog from time to time.

Grass Mats

I am determined to be on top of birthday planning for Nora's birthday in August. I thought these grass mats were such a cute idea. Nora asked for a pink princess party. She has never asked for for anything so specific and because of that I really want to throw her the pinkest princess-est party ever. But in all reality if it ends up a little pink with her as a princess I'll be happy and I'm sure she will love it.

You can find the grass mats and some more whimsy here.

Happy Anniversary

Some may say 4 years isn't that long but within the 4 years Spencer and I have been married we have doubled our family size and some may say that is a lot. The years have been amazing. I love being married to Spencer. He makes it very easy for me. I love you Spencer, happy anniversary.

Thrive

I love the look of Thrive food storage. I'm thinking my shelves would look very happy with some of their cans on them. I don't think my wallet would be as happy though. So, for now they are just nice to look at. Have any of you tried their products? I'm curious if they are good.

Got to Stay Getaway

For many practical reasons, when Spencer and I planned out our anniversary getaway this year it ended up being right where we are, Vegas. There are some nice perks living in Sin City and the JW Marriot is one of them. It was our second time back, we stayed there for our first anniversary. We went to another hotel one year out at Lake Las Vegas which was more expensive and was disappointed with the service among other things. So, it was nice to come to a familiar place we knew we would like. Spencer and I both enjoyed the body treatments we got. It was our first time testing out the spa there and I don't think it will be our last. Sorry, we forgot to take pictures.

Go Spa

Spencer and I will be hanging out at the spa tomorrow in celebration of our anniversary on the 23rd. I still have separation issues with my kids so one night away is good enough for me. We will have the kids join up with us Saturday morning for a dip in the pool. Have a great weekend.

Mandy Sutcliffe

I love the feeling I get when I look at these illustrations. Words precious and lovely come to mind. I would love to have some of these prints hanging on the walls of my girls' rooms. Mandy Sutcliffe is a british illustrator. Check out her blog here. You can purchase her work on her site or on Etsy.

{via Sheye Rosemeyer}

Goodbye Arthur

Today, after going to Grandma's for dinner we arrived home to find that our friend Arthur, the goldfish, had passed away. We got him two days ago from Aubrey's party. It was really hard for Nora. After telling me Arthur wasn't moving she began to cry. We just held each other for a long time until Daddy came home. We talked about where Arthur is now and Daddy bought some Chocolate fudge ice cream to soothe the ache a little. We think the talk and ice cream helped. In Nora's prayer tonight she told Heavenly Father that Arthur was dying and asked that Arthur be blessed to live with Him.

The Red Balloon

Nora, received this red balloon from her cousin's birthday party a while ago. My sister who went to go and get the balloons had a choice between balloons that would last between 2-3 days or 7-8 days. She chose the week long balloons. Well, it has been a month now and the balloon is still up in the air as if it were still the first day it received helium. My husband has found this fascinating. The balloon has become his pet science project. No one is allowed to pop the balloon or let it loose or whatever. How long will it stay up?

Yesterday, we had dinner guests over and before they came Spencer, took out a damp cloth and wiped the balloon to take off the dust it had collected. Since then I feel like I should prepare myself to accept this balloon as a part of my furniture. I just don't see it giving up any time soon. I think I should petition the store who sold it, to put a warning up that would let in that some of the balloons may last as long as whenever. Then I would have a date in mind of when this "project" was going to end. Until then, it is fun to see how Spencer has taken a fancy to the red balloon.

Aubrey's First

Here are the many pictures of the much anticipated "water" themed party we threw in honor of Aubrey. It turned out really cute. For dinner we had ham and cheese sandwiches, fruit in a whale watermelon, and veggies for the kids. The adults had homemade fish sticks and Cuban sandwiches. Spencer, made his famous lemonade slushy drink for all. Dessert was homemade cake and homemade ice cream. One cake was for Lauren, Aubrey's cousin, who also is celebrating a birthday soon. She requested a strawberry cake with white frosting. Aubrey's cake was a small sand bucket cake. Both tasted yummy. I didn't do any major decorations because of time but the kids still had fun.

After dinner the kids got into swimsuits and played in Grandma's alligator wading pool and danced around our new octopus sprinkler. Some of the kids participated in the potato sack races which were so funny to watch.

We had a great time. Here are the pictures.















The yummy food and whale watermelon my mother carved for the party.















Cuban sandwiches and homemade fish sticks. Both, were scrumptious.















The gelatin fish bowl. I won't be trying this one again. The gummy fish got really gross after absorbing the moisture from the gelatin.















The real goldfish the kids got to take home with fish food.















The birthday girl livin' it up in the water.






















Lauren, Nora, and Annie with the strawberry cake which might be my best tasting cake yet.

Aubrey with her birthday cake eating it like a champ.

Aubrey

It was only a year ago that she came into my life but it feels like Aubrey has always been a member of my family. They may resemble each other yet Aubrey and her older sister Nora are different in so many ways. Aubrey, stands out in her own way, a good way. Here are some traits and things that set her apart:

• She is small. She is in the 25th percentile for weight and 10th for height.
• She will point to herself and try to say her name. It comes out more like, "Bahbry".
• A few months ago she learned and has mastered going up and down the stairs.
• She prefers adult foods other than baby food. I think it is a texture thing.
• She will obey me when I ask her certain tasks like, "go get your binky," or "throw the ball".
• Like I have mentioned, she loves water. Bathtime, showers, swimming, drinking,etc.
• She will give me loves and will make a cute, "ahhhhh" sound when doing it.
• Yet, she dislikes giving kisses. Spencer and I are working with her on that one.

Spencer, Nora and I, love having Aubrey in our family. Happy birthday baby. I love you.

{pics taken by red rock studios}

Delayed

The writing class I just let you in on was full and I won't be able to start this month like I had hoped but I registered for the class starting up next month. In the meantime, my mother-in-law informed me about free online classes done through BYU.

I am signing up for their general creative writing class which actually ended up being $28 but still is super cheap. It looks like the class offers you four lessons and assignments with comprehension quizzes. On the upside, you have a year to complete your course at your own speed. The only down side I see thus far is that on your assignments you are not critiqued or graded. The quizzes can be graded but the assignments cannot. I know this is a huge down side.

For me, being critiqued is one of the best ways for me to learn. Through constructive criticism and praise is how I can know my weaknesses and strengths. If anything, this class will be my way of discipling myself and will help me get in some writing exercises before the other class.

For those who'd like to continue educating yourself for little or no money, BYU offers a wide variety of online classes for cheap or free. Check it out here.

Capturing Life

While up at our family reunion in Aspen Grove, my parents gave us an early Christmas present and had our family pictures done by Heather Gibb. The pictures I am sharing are some of my favorites.

I am amazed where my life has taken me and feel blessed to be where I am at. Ten years ago I would not have imagined me happily married and a mother of two beautiful girls. Again, I feel so blessed.

Life can take a person many places. In the short time I have been here on Earth, life has taken me many places. Not necessarily destinations you could go to around the world but personal voyages of experience, heartache, joys, and trials. Some voyages I was asked to go on and gained much needed character from accepting the challenge. Others were taken by my own volition sometimes without any thought on where I would end up. Again, I feel so blessed.

Many of you, I am sure, feel as I do that there is a sense of urgency in capturing our lives especially our children. Memory can so easily fade.

Thank you, Heather, for helping us keep our memories and capturing life.

Nervous and Excited

I just registered for an online creative writing class. I have not been in a structured school setting for a few years and it is making me nervous. Good thing the class is online so the fellow classmates and teacher won't see me fidgeting in my chair with anticipation. I am taking the class through this school. I will let you know periodically how it is going.

Water Party

My baby will be turning one this Friday the 11th. One of her favorite things is water. Her favorite time of the day is bath time. I can't help but want to do a water themed party for her. We will be actually keeping it low key with only family but I think I will be trying some of these fun food ideas of Martha's. I also love the color scheme. If only I had more time on my hands. You will soon find out through pictures I take that day, whether or not I got to any of this. Wish me luck.

Independence Day

Most of my family was out of town this past weekend but to our great relief my sister-in-law's parents, were kind enough to take us in. We had a traditional BBQ and the girls went swimming. The best part of the evening though (other than the company), was the dessert. Steph's friend, Chris Herin, who is the pastry chef for the Bouchon in the Venetian, was invited and brought seven scrumptious desserts. You may remember a while back when I posted about our experience at the Bouchon. Needless to say, the desserts hit the spot. A huge thank you to Chris for letting us devour some (there was more than enough dessert for 7 adults and 4 small children), of that hard work. Could we invite Chris to every family function please? There was also homemade ice cream to complement the desserts.























Top: Strawberry shortcake, devilish chocolate cake
Bottom: Dark chocolate brownies, the biggest apple pie you have ever seen

















Chris, with one of his works of art.

















Nora, and her cousin Lauren, poking and having their way with the chocolate cake.

I am Proud

One of my favorite holidays is the fourth of July. It is not one of my favorite holidays because of the yummy food, fireworks or hanging out with family and friends, although, sweet benefits. It is because of the pride and love I feel inside for the reason our country was founded, on freedom.

On many occasion, my eyes have teared up when a patriotic song comes on over the radio or when music plays to the booms of fireworks. I feel so blessed to have been born a citizen of this country. That is why I am sharing the rendition of the signing of the constitution by Howard Chandler Christy and the Declaration of Independence below. To possibly rekindle if needed that feeling of patriotism I feel our nation is losing.

"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

The last line of the Declaration of Independence

For those who would like to rekindle the patriot inside or would just like to learn more about our country for you or your children's sake, visit here.

Have a safe and happy fourth of July everyone.

{pics via charters of freedom and flickr}

Childhood Friend

This will show you the sweet results of being a blogger.

My siblings and I grew up in an awesome neighborhood in Reno, Nevada and had some pretty cool neighbors. Shelley, was one of them. Through blogging, Shelley, was able to find my sister Darleen, who then told me to visit Shelley's blog and see the post she wrote about our family.

Now, Shelley is a part of my blogging family and recently was so kind to come to Camille's funeral. Because of circumstances Shelley was not able to visit with my family at that time but came to Vegas the following weekend and my family and I were able to meet up with her and reminisce on the old times.

Thanks Shelley for taking the time away from family to hang out with us. It was most enjoyable to find out what has happened with the Reno crew of people we once knew.

Hello, Esther

I recently purchased and received my very own Esther Williams swimsuit. It has been so frustrating trying to find bathing suits that are somewhat modest. I love how this line of swimwear has given me another option.

I chose the Classic Shealth in white because it reminded me of something right out of an old 50's black and white movie. I have to mention, it has been one of my favorite fitting bathing suits and I finally feel comfortable walking outside of the swimming pool without covering up with a towel. I'm thinking of getting the same style with black polka dots next.

{pics via retro dress and esther williams}

Sisters, Sisters

It has been fun to see Aubrey and Nora develop a sister relationship. The other day, I secretly followed Aubrey up the stairs to see what mischief she would get into. She will usually end up in the bathroom pulling all the toilet paper off the handle. Well, Nora's door was slightly ajar and to my delight she gently pushed it open, crawled into the room and got really excited while trying to pull herself up the bed. By this time she was squealing and woke up Nora. When their eyes met they just started to giggle with delight. Aubrey, had found her sister. I love how my girls love each other.

{pic by red rock studios}