Cousins Make the Best Pals

Aedan is Paxton's cousin and they are seriously the cutest thing to watch play together. They are about 11 months apart and are just getting to the stage where they are glued at the hip when they are together. If Pax does something, Aedan copies. If Aedan does something, Pax follows suit. Aedan has been on vacation for the past 2 weeks and Pax has been randomly asking where he is and even looking for him all through the house. I love that he thinks about his cousin out-of-the-blue. Its so fun and Im SO thankful that these two boys get to grow up together.

Mmmmmmmm.....

Made this the other night. Oh yeah, it tastes as amazing as it looks. Just wanted to share since it looks so pretty! 

Paxton's Quilt, FINALLY!

I started making this quilt when Pax was still in my belly, 2 YEARS AGO! Ugh, between moving a million times, sewing machine problems and well, complete laziness, I havent been able to finish it until now. Sorry Pax, I'm glad you still love it and can enjoy it for a little while.

Our 4th of July

This 4th, Jon and I enjoyed a quiet night at home. I made flag jello, homemade potato salad and Jon grilled brawts. It was all very American :) My brother, Michael and his cute little family came over and after dinner we went outside and lit off sparklers and fire crackers. Which, by-the-way, was kinda weird. Selling and lighting fireworks is legal this year for the first time in AZ history. I NEVER thought I would see that. Anyway, enjoy these pics. Im not in any of them because Im in the fat/awkward/uncomfortable stage of pregnancy so I refuse to be photographed.

I just wanted to add how unbelievably thankful I am to have been born a citizen of this amazing country. Thousands of people have risked their lives and even died, trying to become citizens here because this is a land of incredible freedoms. Im saddened to see where this country has gone the last several years. We seem to have taken for granted what freedom means, and why Heavenly Father provided a country where we can live without fear. Settlers moved to this country all those years ago so that they could pray and worship their God in their own ways, without persecution. Sadly, religion is what is being attacked the most today by government and media. Groups want to take "God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance, Christ out of Christmas, and prayer out of the public eye. They say it offends them. This country was founded on the basis of religious freedoms, not suffocation. I am thankful that I have the right to pray when I want, and where I want. That I can acknowledge God in public and private. I am a Latter-Day Saint, a Mormon, a Christian. Heavenly Father and Christ are the center of my life, my marriage and my family. I am eternally grateful to the many who have died and who fight today to preserve that freedom for me. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Craziest Dust Storm Ever!

We had one heck of a storm July 5th. Native Arizonians say this is the biggest one they have ever seen. It certainly comes close in my book. I happened to glance out the window after dinner and thought perhaps the San Tan Mountains were on fire. Jon and I went outside and quickly realized and insane wall of dust was headed towards us, and FAST! We were engulfed in the dust for quite a long time, not being able to see much past the patio from our back window. First, it was a dark sienna color, then an eery white color of dust. News reports said the dust cloud went a mile into the air and covered the entire city of Phoenix and many surrounding areas. It was a crazy, crazy storm.

Made this for Jon

I made this for Jon. Im hoping this will look good on his desk, although we might have to save it for a wall in the house because it has to be kinda big to read the poem. We'll see. Click on it to see it enlarged, the poem makes me tear up.

Our Trip, Take 4!

So we had to stop by the San Diego Temple since we were in the neighborhood. I hadn't been back since my family and I went to the dedication all those years ago. It was fun to walk around with Pax and let him see the flowers and scenery. Not much to talk about on this post, just some cute pictures :)

We put Pax in his pj's for the drive home. It was funny to see him running around in them with his  shoes  and everything.

Pax loves to pick petals off flowers and smell them. I think its adorable.