Miss Lisa's Little Book Club

My friend and neighbor, Lisa, is so crazy creative and amazing! Just a few months ago she started My Little Book Club, and lucky me, I get to benefit... well, my children get to benefit. My kids love and adore her and count down the days until they get to go to book club.  Each week she chooses a new theme, new book, and has projects that correspond with the book.  I don't mean she just does a little project... she goes all out. People sometimes find their niche in life, and this is for sure Lisa's niche.  

I just think this is such an amazing idea and am so grateful that my children get to have such good experiences with reading and learning. Thanks Lisa!

Chrissi Richards Photography

Last week one of my dear-life-long friends came into town just to get together with the gals! It's about time Chrissi! You see, we were great friends back in college, worked together, and traveled together.  But, after she got married, she and her hubby moved around quite a bit...like all over the world.  I haven't seen her in almost 10 years, but the second I saw her, and my other dear friends, it's like nothing has ever changed.  Sure we had little kids running around us, but we still had those young 20-something hearts and memories. We didn't skip a beat. I'm so grateful for life-long friends! Chrissi, you amaze me with your happy attitude and constant kindness. Next time you come in town, I so want you to photograph my kids! Pretty please!

In those 10 years, my amazing friend, Chrissi, has become quite the photographer! She also has a darling family of 5 kids! This photo-shoot is with one of her beautiful daughters. Isn't it just darling? If you live in California, you will be super happy to know that she works in the Antelope Valley and Beyond. To see more of her work you can visit her site or blog.

5 for Fighting Concert

One of my best friends LOVES 5 for fighting... 

well, let's say she is a great fan of the band and loves the lead singer! 

She wanted to enjoy another one of their concerts so much 

that she treated our friends to a fantastic girls night out.  What a sweetie!

Aren't girl nights out the best?! 

These pics are not the best. We all forgot our camera's, so these pics come from Stacy's phone.  

At least we had our phones though, since we were able to take a few pics with the band after the concert.  Yup! We are all groupie-mom's out on the town, taking pics with some band! 

Rock on!

Thanks for such an unforgettable night Kath! Love ya'll!

 

The Middle Place

Just finished this book, The Middle Place. Amazing. I know. Since I'm not the "reader" I once was. It is a charming true story about Kelly and her family and their experience as she struggles through cancer. It is funny, poignant, and insightful. There were many moments when I could not believe she wrote what she did ( if you read it, you'll know what I mean). Then there were other moments, I loved what she wrote and how real she was! Overall, I really enjoyed it! She is a very talented writer! I am in awe and admiration for those that are are blessed with the writing talent + creative talent!
I am also in awe at those who have struggled with cancer themselves or have had close family members who have. What a trial! As I read this book, I thought about one of my life-long- friends, one of my "besties," Kathy. She and her family are currently going through this very trial with her mother, Karen (who was like a bonus mom to me through Junior High and High School). They have truly suffered, but have risen to the occasion, and have shown such faith and courage and strength. I love you Kath and Karen and family! I will continue to hope and pray for you on the brutal road to recovery. You're so loved and so amazing!

Star Valley with the Felts Family

It was so good to be with our long-time-friends: the Felts. We all love Star Valley so it is so fun to go together and let the kiddos have lots-o-fun! They had their fill of raspberry picking, "hunting," making forts, and looking for squirrels. We went up Grays Canyon for a great Rhino and 4-wheeling ride. The guys got to do a bit of fishing on the Grays River and then on the Madison River. We had square ice cream cones on our scenic drive to Island park and then they were able to hang-out with us in Island Park for a bit. Fun times! We can't wait for our next vacation with them. Meggan and I have been friends for over 20 years! We've been through a lot together and have had many fun times together. It is sure nice to have life-long friends! Love you Meg! And love your darling family!

Ultra Stay-cation Backyard Campout

We've tried to do a camp-out with our friends for quite sometime now, and it finally happened.....except not in the mountains, but our backyard. Although not much of a "camp-out" activity, we got an inflatable slide and jump house. It was a hit with the kids!

12 Adults & 22 Kids

Boo spoiled us with fresh Salmon from Alaska---Yum!

I love these ladies! I feel so blessed to have such great friends!

The movie "Bedtime Stories" did just the trick to calm the crew down

Not to be left out, Mr. D, of course, joined in the fun and started running an obstacle course race.
Although rain spoiled some of the morning activities, the kids were no about to let it rain-out the party! They would go do their part in the race, freezing all the way, then jump in the hot tub to get warm. It was time to clean the hot tub anyway! :)

There is nothing like exhaustion from fun times!