Kate is 9 and and feelin' fine

Kate celebrated her 9th birthday a couple weeks ago. We had a small party with just 2 of her closest friends. She wanted to go swimming so that's what we did.

She got some pretty cool gifts...

This girl has always been picky about her desserts so there was no cake here. She wanted red velvet dessert waffles piled high with ice cream and every single topping you can possibly think of.

This was just the beginning of her birthday weekend. She was super excited for the next day to come because we were going to pick up her gift from mom and dad.

She was just a little bit excited..

the view from my front window pt.2

the view from my front window

Isn't it lovely?

Backyard Camping

Mary Kay...It's not just for grandma's anymore

My mom is selling Mary Kay. She has a goal to go District in the very near future. Of course, her ultimate goal is to get one of those shiny, pink Mary Kay Cadillac's. I am trying to help her with this goal so I am having a Mary Kay party next Thursday, July 26 @ 7:30pm. My mom is offering 40% off all Mary Kay products during the month of July. So, if you like Mary Kay or want to try it or know someone who does you should come to my party. Just email, message, or text me. I would love for you to come and bring a friend.....and so would my mom.

p.s. and if you RSVP you will receive a free travel size Mary Kay product.

"STUD" - ent

Braeden ran track back in the spring. I never got any pictures of him at any of his meets. I got lucky though and a friend of mine snappped these pictures of him and just sent them to me.

I particularly like this one. It suits him well. He totally thinks he's a "STUD"

Never trust a boys instinct

These boys led us the wrong way on our hike in Bella Vista, AR.  We thought for awhile we might be on the show, "I Shouldn't Be Alive."

After following a "path" that wasn't really a path, it finally came to a dead end.  We were hot and frustrated and tired.  As we turned around to go back the way that we had come, Kate said, "Never trust a boys instinct".

I hope she remembers that when she's 16.

Bella Vista, AR

While visiting my Parents in MO last week we took a small road trip down to Bella Vista, AR to do a little bit of hiking.

Braeden spotted this little critter along the way.

Joshua always finds a walking stick 

When you tell a 14 year "NO EXCESSIVE JUMPING" that is exactly what he is going to do.

Lemon Delight Trifle

mmmm....so yummy. We had this dessert yesterday as part of our 4th of July celebrations.

3 1/2 c. cold milk

2 pkg. (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding

1 8oz. pkg cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. butter, softened

1/2 c. powder sugar

1 12oz. tub of cool whip..I actually used more than this

1 pkg (12 to 14oz) lemon cream-filled sandwich cookies, crushed

In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding for 2 minutes or until thickened.  In another bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and powder sugar together.  Gradually stir in pudding until blended.  Set aside 1/4c. whipped topping and crushed cookies for garnish.  Fold remaining cool whip into pudding mixture.  Place half of the remaining cookies in a trifle bowl; top with half of pudding mixture.  Repeat layers.  Garnish with with reserved cool whip and crushed cookies.  Refrigerate until serving.

High Adventure 2012

Braeden experienced high adventure for the first time this year.  His scout troop went to Ponca, Arkansas on the Buffalo River to do some hiking.  They also climbed some vines, did some cliff diving, and explored some caves.  He LOVED it!

Scout Camp 2012