Traditional Swim on Memorial Day

Growing up, Memorial Day was the opening of the neighborhood pools. Although the B's pool never closes, we had to celebrate the weekend with a BBQ and a swim.

Taylor & Riley getting ready

Hanging with Mason in my cool floaty

A little sun protection...

Chilling with Dad

Wiped out at the end of the day!

8 (Months) Is Great!

Taylor is 8 months this week! She is doing great - talking, rolling, scooting, eating, laughing, etc. She is a great sleeper - and you know she is tired when she starts sucking her fingers just like she is in the picture. And she sleeps great in her halo sleep sack. She rolls around so much when she sleeps now that this keeps her warm and we don't have to worry about her getting the blanket in her face. And she loves sleeping with her "lambie"!

Here is some great bed head after having a bath the night before - nice...!what a face!

A duck stuck!

Mother's Day

My first official Mother's Day - how blessed am I?!?!?!

Elder Turner Has His Call!

Johnathan has always wanted to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and submitted his application this spring to go. He has been very patiently waiting to get his mission call (assignment). It came in the mail today and we had a fun conference call as he opened his letter stating he is assigned the

Domincan Republic, Santo Domingo East Mission

and will enter the Missionary Training Center (MTC) on September 23, 2009 to study Spanish for 2 months prior to heading to the DR for 2 years. Congratulations, Johnathan! We are so excited for you and very proud!

map courtesy of worldatlas.comLDS Temple in Santo Domingo, DR

Photo courtesy of LDS.org

Sadness & Reflection

I spent 4 very formative years in Boston between undergrad and graduate school. How I love that city and the memories there. The life-long friendships, the growth personally, professionally, spiritually - all greatly influence who I am today. A lot of time was spent at the church I attended in Boston - actually in Cambridge, a few blocks from Harvard Square and across the street from the historical home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This chapel was beautiful inside and out with a New England style architecture and style. Many worship services, lesson and social events happened there. My social life revolved around the singles congregation I attended. This is where my testimony of Christ was strengthened as I observed the many ways others show their love and devotion. photo courtesy of the Boston Globe

Yesterday this beautiful building caught on fire, and unfortunately, while there were services going on. No one was hurt, thankfully, but the building is now a shell. What a heartbreak! As I have received notes from those dear friends, its caused me to reflect on my time there and with them. How blessed I am to have had this time in Boston, for the relationships and experiences. And as with all things, the faith will continue, and actually strengthen as you see that God is in the details and all are safe.

Here is an article, some pictures and a video - you'll see Gordon Low is in this video - he was the bishop of the singles ward when I was there.

Music Appreciation

Taylor loves dancing with her Dad!

Progress

If you have a house built in Texas in the 1980s or 90s, you most likely have a wet bar, (or two!like we do). The dated built in wine rack was never my favorite and so John took it out for me. Luckily it did not mess up the dry wall.
I also didn't care for the rust wall color so we went with Caliente (Pottery Barn Summer 2009 colors) to tie in some of the red accents we have used in the living room. John painted and hung the floating shelves. Thanks, Sweetheart!
We are also working on the yard still....we have been busy!

Orange tree topiary

Our garden - Tomato & Basil plants in EarthBoxes - my neighbor loves them, Hopefully they will help us!

A Few News...

Taylor is wearing the sweetest dress that KelleyAnne found at an antique store and her daughter Hope and granddaughters have worn. Isn't it beautiful?! The handwork and detail is precious!

My second tooth!

My new hairstyle