Birthday BBQ

Some of our new-found friends, Courtney and Scott, had a surprise birthday BBQ to celebrate Scott's birthday. A great time was had by all with lots of good music, food, and friends. I especially loved the "Pirates of the Caribbean" motif going on, just how a boy's birthday party should be. Thanks to Courtney for inviting us and Happy Birthday to Scott!
Courtney with the birthday boy

Lizzie and Chad enjoying their ice cream sandwich.

FOUR!

Look out LPGA, you may have a new golfer joining your ranks! Over Memorial Day weekend in St. George, we took it to the green and put our golfing skills to the test. It was actually really fun and I had a great time, especially when we don't keep score and I can pick up my ball when I get frustrated. Dave was a little wreckless in the golf cart, but I was a little wreckless at the tee box, so it all evened out.

Tying the knot

Congratulations to Alana and Deboro! Alana is one of my very best friends, and I am so excited for her to marry the man of her dreams. Deboro is an awesome guy and I just couldn't be happier for them. They got engaged last week and have set the date for September 22. I know they're wedding day will be beautiful and only a glimpse of their beautiful life ahead!

Happy Birthday Sarah!

My sister-in-law Sarah's birthday was on Monday, May 28 and I am proud to say that I was there to help celebrate. Sarah is a great addition to our family and I have loved getting to know her better over the past year or so. Sarah is an example to me of creativity, kindness, and integrity. Some of the things I love about her:

• Her ability to create anything, from donald and daisy duck costumes, to more than perfect baby shower sugar cookies, to bulletin boards for her house!
• She is very thoughtful and considerate- she makes sure everyone is included and involved.
• She is easy going and laid back, not letting things get to her.
• She is very strong in the church, has a strong testimony, and shows it by the way she lives her life.
  Happy Birthday Sarah! I hope you have a great year ahead!

In full bloom

Thanks to Emily, the old lady that used to live in our house, we have loads of beautiful rose bushes in our backyard! I love being able to go outside, clip a few off, and bring them into our kitchen. The sight and smell of them bring springtime to life, and I can't help but smile when I see them each day. Let's hope the new sprinklers can keep them thriving!

Can we dig it? Yes we can!

For the past 2 weeks, Dave and Bob(yes, the builder) have been working on installing sprinklers in our yard. We rented an excavator, put a new water line in, had trenches dug, and are now hooking up pipes, valves, boxes, heads, and drip systems. I prefer to stay inside and make lunches and treats for the hard workers outside- I'm much better at that, I'll admit. But I did make it outside to inspect our disgusting old water line that was full of corrosion and rust. I can't believe that's what our water was coming through for us to drink and shower in! Wish us luck on finishing the job- when it's all done, we're going to have everyone over to run through them. So don't forget your swimsuit and towel!

One step at a time

Breast Cancer better look out, because we're on it's tail! It has become a family tradition to run the Race for the Cure each year, and we won't stop until breast cancer is a goner! I love how our parents come and cheer us on as we cross the finish line, then take us out for celebratory breakfast. We all have family members, friends, and even pets who have suffered from this disease, so it really strikes close to home. I am truly inspired each year by all the people running in memory of loved ones and I hope we can conquer this battle, one 5K at a time.

Food Network Junkie

There's only one show that can really turn me into a food network fanatic, and that would be Ace of Cakes. During the half-hour program, I live vicariously through Chef Duff as I watch him and his very artistic staff create the most amazing cakes you'll ever see. Who knew that a little flour, sugar, water, gum paste, and fondant could make such things as a football field, the Washington Monument, owls, tennis balls, and even a Campbell's tomato soup can. If only one day I too could work at Charm City Cakes, that would be a dream come true. If you'd like to catch a glimpse, tune in Thursday nights at 8pm, and for some great pics, check out www.charmcitycakes.com.

Five things you may not know about me

1. At any given time and any given place, I can tell you where the neariest bathroom is located, approximately how long it will take to get there, and I will gladly accompany you there.

2. Whenever I see words on signs, I rearrange the letters in my head to come up with as many different words as possible. This would probably explain why Scrabble and Boggle are two of my all-time favorite games. Anybody up for a challenge? (besides tyler...)

3. Aim Tartar Control is the ONLY toothpaste I can use- all others make the skin on the inside of my mouth slough off (gross, I know).

4. When I was little, I slept in my sister Lori's bed with her every night. Sometimes I would even sneak in there in the middle of the night!

5. I didn't make it into dance company, cheerleading, or nursing school on my first try. The second time is the charm for me! This has made me believe that everyone deserves a second chance, and to never trust first impressions!

Sping is on it's way, time for Ice Cream

We just need to remember that during these last few days of bitter cold weather, spring is just around the corner. I was going to post a picture of me scraping off snow from my car, but it makes me feel so much better posting one of me eating ice cream with no shirt.