...crazy find...

This is not just an update on my window boxes, but aren't they looking Fab!  Anyway, back to the subject.  Quinn went out to water the baskets the other day & was startled by a bird flying away.  As he watered & looked a little closer, this is what he found.  

{Avi--not being cooperative...what's new!}

{10 quail eggs... i am a little nervous about watering after they hatch}

I'll keep you posted on these little gems progress!

...make me for the 4th...

I know that not everybody checks my Recipe Blog {which you totally should!}.  But this cake is a must if you are having any 4th of July festivities!  It looks a little intimidating but it really isn't hard.  You could also just ditch the whole piping the frosting thing & be fine!  But trust me it is so yummy & pretty to look at... cause let's be honest-- everybody likes to have the most impressive dish at the party.  Right???

{click image to enlarge... unless you have some bionic sight!}

**feel free to print this recipe card.  It is in 5X7 format, so you can "save image as..." save on your computer or to a disk.  Take or upload to your fav photo developer... I just use Costco for something like this & Voila!  If you have fancy photo paper at home, just disregard that last bit!

...pool party...

okay, so not really a party, just a trip to the pool with friends.  the kids had so much fun playing & just cooling off in the water.  Avi loves the water & just cried when we had to leave.  we will definitely be cooling off at the pool a lot this summer!

{nice & cool}

{splish, splash}

{come on in mommy}

{help--i'm stuck!}

{oh, don't mind...}

{...that isn't our cooler.  this girlie loves food!}

...cold drink anyone?...

I had a few people ask where I found the vending machine.  So, here is my confession-- I love KSL Classifieds!  I check it often, okay constantly, & have bought & sold a lot there.  Here are a few soda machines that are listed right now.  Check it out . You could add one to your garage today.

... water fun...

Becks little friend Brea came over this weekend to play & these 2 had a BlAsT!  Here are just a couple pictures of after they ran through the sprinklers.  I love how Beckham looks at her.  They have been friends since they were born & he truly does LoVe being with her!

{his laugh is totally contagious!}

Happy belated Daddy's Day!!!

To the most amazing, hands on, fun, patient, loving & caring daddy's I know!  Our kids are so lucky to have Quinn as there dad & I am just as luck to have him as my honey!!!  (if I even call him Quinn around Becks, he quickly corrects me & says--"mom, you mean HONEY.")  From splitting the duties with me right down the middle... who am I kidding-- he does way more!  To making sure we have more than we need in all aspects.  As well as taking care of the house, kids, dog, store & everyone else in our circle & beyond.  I am so happy you married me & that you have been willing to work so hard to make our family what it is.  I can honestly say I couldn't LIVE with out you!!!  Thanks for all that you do for us!  

Here is what we got Quinn for Daddy's Day... & if you know Quinn at all, you know it is perfect.  If you ever get thirsty & you're in the neighborhood, don't be afraid to stop by for a drink!

...mOrE CaRniVaL fUn...

Here are a couple pics of my own kids at the carnival.  Beckham loves merry-go-rounds!  Can't wait 'til this weekend-- Strawberry Days!

... my favorite picture from the carnival...

isn't even of either of my kids!  I couldn't help but capture his moment!  The sheer joy on this little boys face is so priceless I can barely take it.  I love carnivals & this pretty much sums up why.  Total Delight!!!!

... just a little peek...

I decided a little bit ago that I don't want to photography professionally.  But, I couldn't help but want to shoot my dear friends babies & grand babies!  These little punks were more like princes.  I also shot there beautiful little polka dot cousin!  I might share a couple of those too!!!  I might not be able to help myself.  For now drool over these eyes!

{meet owen... don't drool on your keyboard}

{ & his little cousin jackson... cheeks you can't help but kiss}

...it might seem silly...

But I don't know what I would do without these things!  It's not like I need them to live, but they make my life so much easier & cleaner.  So here are the "silly" thing I could probably live with out-- but not comfortably!
 

** the first one is my iRobot vacuum.  I got this for Quinn for his B-day last year & it was by far the best gift I have ever bought... well, he hasn't gotten his Father's Day present yet.  Which is AWESOME!!!  Every morning at 9:30 it turns its self on & vacuums.  We have all wood floors & if I didn't have this there is no way I wouldn't have dust bunnies!  Love, love, love it!  They also make a Scuba for mopping that will definitely be my next purchase!

** yes... this is a picture of my garbage can.  But doesn't it look clean!!!  {i actually love the reflection of the tree in the water.  i know i am so weird!}  This is my other "silly" favorite thing.  With a baby still in diapers & grass clipping, my garbage cans get so stinky!  So I found this company that comes and clean & sanitize your cans~ garbage cans the is~ for you.  I love, love, love them too.  They are called Waste Can Washers-- catchy  name!  But seriously they are so great.  Link to them & find out more.

this kid cRaCkS me uP!

Typically I just put Becks funnies on the side, but lately this kid has been so hillarious.  I just couldn't help doing an entire post.  So here are just a little taste of "Beck-ness".

Quinn- "Avi, who gave you a RED juice?"

Becks- "Mommy."

Quinn- "Doesn't she have a brain?"

Becks- "Yeah, she does... but it's in her neck.  Mine is in my head... but mommies brain is in her neck.  I think it's cause she's a girl."

I went to get Beckham out of time out & he had gotten a pair of my heels out of the shoe basket.  When I said to him-- "oh honey, those are for girls."  He looked at me with a little smirk & replied "No mom, these are for boys!!!  Cause they are BLACK... see."

The other day I asked him if he wanted to go to the store with me.  He ever so sweetly touched my arm, with the most tender look in his eyes, comes back with-- "Oh mom.  I love you... but NO, I don't want to go with you."  & he was off playing before I even got through the door.  

my parents project:part 2...

Here is an update on my parents remodel.  I didn't get any pictures of the roof off-- sorry, I was on vacation & they didn't want to wait till I got back.  So now the "putting back together" part has started.  They completely gutted the entire main floor to one huge room before they took the roof off.  Now they have framed out the rooms & done the electrical & plumbing.  They should start sheet rocking next week.  I'll update in a little while.  It's getting EXCITING!

{new addition: the window on the left is new space}

{new roof lines: the window above garage is new}

{ the archway on the right is the new enclosed porch}

{avi on the new porch}

{this is the entry hall... wall on the right is stairs to the basement}

{the view through the dining room}

{standing in the kitchen looking toward the dining room}

{my parents soon to be new bathroom}

...Avi's new DO...

This morning I took Avi to her fiRsT haircut. My cute neighbor Gayle cuts my kids hair & she is go great with them. When we went today Avi was scared to sit in the BIG chair, so Gayle just put her right up on the counter--put on a movie & gave her Smarties. Sounds like Gayle is the smartie. I was a little hesitant to cut off her cute curls, but when she got it done it looked so cute I had totally forgotten about them. I quickly remembered however, when she woke up from her nap & the sweaty side of her head was totally curly again... nothing a little round brush can't fix! Thanks again Gayle!!! Don't know what we'd do without you!

{not to sure about this}

{cute Gayle in her glasses}

{this is a great show!}

{little locks}

{finish product: from the side}

{no more bangs... what do ya think?}

...FlatOut Fantastic!...

So this is my new fav "lighter lifestyle" food.  I hate the word diet!  Probably just because I am not a skinny person, therefore my entire life would have to be a diet!!!!  Anyway-  these are so soft & yummy.  Not to mention my favorite kind~ light spinach flavor-- has only 6 carbs & 90 calories in a whole one.  They are so great for wraps & a lighter veggie pizza.  Pick some up next time you're at the store.  You should be able to find them by the pita.

Avi's new shoes...

This last weekend Avi's favorite auntie went to one of our favorite shops & picked her up these darling new kicks.  They are from this company & I love, love, love them!!!  & I think Avi does too.  Thanks Heaphy!!!

...this weekends project-Done! Next weekends--not even close...

This weekend I got my window boxes planted. It is a little later than normal, but since we went out of town I didn't want to make my sis take care of those too. I think the house & the dog were definitely enough! Anyhoo- they are done. I know they don't look like much now, but by the end of the summer I will be crying that I am going to have to rip them out. They are so beautiful & they are my favorite part of my "landscape". Even though they are not really in the land.

Now for my next project. I don't know how many people know this about me, but I love yard sale!!! I love looking for the potential in things. What was once beautiful that needs a new chance at life. So this weekend, while my mom & I were headed to get our plants, found this beauty at a yard sale. I know that she needs a lot of work-- but she is going to be so amazing when she is finished! Now for the kicker... the entire piece~ $25.00. I know, I couldn't pass it up either. Now I just need to find the right color. I will post paint samples this week and have a vote.