What is going on...

So, the kids are out of school for the summer.  It is going to be interesting... we'll see if I can maintain my sanity on a daily basis. I do love my children. Motherhood is a lot of work, but it is worth it.

On 5/8 we took our oldest daughter, Cassie, to the Missionary training center in Provo, Utah. She is serving an 18 month full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  We are so proud of her!  She has been called to serve in the Philippines, Iloilo mission and speak the Hiligaynon language, which she is now learning in the MTC. It is a wonderful opportunity for her!

Rachel flew out today on a trip to Washington, D.C. with a group of teenagers and a few chaperones.  It is the Fast Pass/Close up program. They will tour the different sites there. It should be a fun adventure!

There she goes!

Nicki and Emily

Blake

Rachel and her friend Jake

Rachel Turns 17

My sweet little girl had a birthday today... Rachel is 17 years old!
Seriously seems like she was just born.
Rachel is such a sweet daughter; we are very blessed that she is a part of our family.
I am so grateful for Rachel's quiet way of helping with her younger siblings & with the housework without being asked!
She is an excellent student & plays the piano. Often she gets up VERY early to attend the Temple.
I am so proud of her! Happy Birthday!!!

Cooking with Emily

Emily has been "pinning" recipes on Pinterest & we have tried out a few. It has been fun to cook together in the kitchen. Emily is in the seventh grade. She enjoys cooking. Last semester she took a cooking class at school.
Today we made Lasagna Rolls. They were very good! You can find the recipe here: http://www.recipebyphoto.com/lasagna-rolls/
Emily can always be found with her iPod in hand. She likes fashion & is experimenting with hairstyles lately. I think she is outgoing & is energetic when around her friends. We just returned from a vacation to Disneyland. Emily was SO thrilled to visit with the fairies Fawn & Tinkerbell! We waited in line for one hour. Afterward she was so happy she had tears in her eyes...it was sweet.