Aaron

Well he has only been gone for 9 days (which is crazy).  I can't believe it has already been over a week.  I have already gotten a letter.  He is doing great and loving it.  He said his companion talks even less then he does.  I don't know how that is possible.  But it has been good for Aaron because he said it has made him step out of his comfort zone.  I am so proud of him.  He is such a great example to me. 

All the kids two days before Aaron left.

Cute brothers.  Hayden likes to make sure Aaron knows that he is short.

Father and son

Unfortunately Mike couldn't come to drop Aaron off.  It would have been a perfect family picture.

Wild Flowers and a Garden

This year Mike planted a garden.  We don't have much room so it isn't very big.  He planted 4 different kinds of tomatoes and 3 different kinds of peppers.  This poor garden has been through a lot.  First it took forever to get in because  he had to dig out all of the rocks.  There were a million and ten of them.  Second, we couldn't plant very early because the weather thought it was still winter.  Third, once he did get it planted Alice thought it would be necessary to prune down a few of the plants. Fourth, Alice decided once again to rip out four of our pepper plants, oh yeah and eat the only red tomato so far.  Needless to say.  She doesn't go near the garden anymore.  Despite all of these setbacks we are finally getting some peppers and tomatoes coming in.  I am so excited and hope that even though we got a late start we will be able to have home grown vegetables (eventually).

Also along our back fence we planted some wild flowers.  They took awhile to grow anything pretty.  I love the pretty colors that have come out though.  The best part is that they need so little maintenance.

I love having my own yard.

Bear Lake

This weekend we went to Bear Lake with my husband's family.  We had so much fun together.  We went boating, wakeboarding, tubing, rode the water weenie, laid out in the sun, ate tons and tons of junk food.  I got to hold my cute nephew a lot, and play with my adorable niece.  Overall it was perfect!!

The girls

The boys

Me and my sexy hubby

Canyon looking cute (even if he is scowling at me!)

Adorable Bethany

The whole family

Eclectic

Here is a very eclectic post of my thoughts for the day.

We just got back from CA, we had a blast, and enjoyed every minute.  It was so fun being with family.  I don't get to see my cousins as much as we used to and it was great to see them all again.  I got to see my cousin Margot's cute new baby Drew.  He is such a doll.  He is only like three weeks old.  Since Margot lives in Texas we rarely get to see her.  It is incredible to see the dynamic in the family change with such a cute addition.  He is the first grandkid for my aunt and uncle, it is fun to see them so excited.  Here is Hayden holding Drew.

In CA I read a lot.  I read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire.  Incredibly good!! I haven't read a book that good in a long time.  I don't know what it is about a good book that totally affects my life and changes my point of view in the world.  This book really got me thinking about things.  It was such an enjoyable read.  Those of you that know me know that if I love a book, it will definitely be read again.  I love to reread books.  A good book is like a good movie that you have to watch again.  Reading is definitely one of my passions that has been pushed aside as I have grown older.  It is hard to find the time to just sit there and read, and when I do I feel guilty because there are so many other things that I feel I should be doing.  Well all I can say is I am so so so excited about the third book coming out on August 24.  Catching Fire totally leaves you hanging!!

Yesterday was my brother Aaron's farewell.  He is leaving on August 4th for the Phoenix, AZ mission.  I am so proud of him.  He did an amazing job on he talk.  We all know it was amazing to hear Aaron speak that much at once.  I don't think anyone has every heard Aaron say that much ever.  When Aaron was talking, it seemed that everyone was riveted to what he was saying.  He will definitely be a good missionary.  I am excited for Aaron to go on his mission, I know that he will be blessed, as well as our family for supporting him. I will miss him a lot though.  I am grateful to have him as a brother.

Shoes!!!

If you know me at all you know that I love shoes.  I have way too many of them, but it doesn't matter because I want more.  I have been way into gladiator shoes lately, they are so comfy and cute how could you not love them.

Here is my wish list (because I know you were wondering!)

Quilting!!

I have been quilting a lot lately.  It is so much fun.  I really enjoy it.  I made one for my new adorable nephew, Canyon, he is such a doll.  I need to take the pictures off my camera so I can post them.  Hopefully soon!! Here is the last quilt I made though.  I made this one for a good friend.  She had an adorable little girl, Cadence. 

*L*O*V*E*

I Love

Mike (I love this pic "what do you want?")

•  He is the best husband ever
• Listens to me (even when I am whiney, bought me the purse I wanted)
• Treats me like a queen
• Partner in crime
• Love of my life
• We always have fun

 

I Love

 

 

gallon size ziploc bags.  They are so awesome.

• Storing leftovers (and you don't have to wash them!!)
• Great for storing craft projects
• Works better than saran wrap (ie. plates of cookies)
• Keeping fabric organized for projects

I Love

My mom

• It is great how close she lives
• I can call anytime for a recipe or instructions for anything
• We always get to go to lunch
• She is a sharp dresser (great for hand-me-downs)
• Loves me no matter what

I Love

My sewing maching and serger

• Always great for a project
• Works great
• I love how easy they are to operate

I love

The spring

• It always puts me in a good mood
• I thank God for this beautiful earth he has given us
• The end of winter (finally!)