Happy Birthday Jimbo

Jim turned 46 today!! Yikes-- I'm sorry to say, but he and I are getting old!! I used to think people in their 40's were ancient!!!

But, we still feel young on the inside. Jim is still young all the way around. He'll be running his first 1/2 marathon this year....

Jim is the best-- in case you didn't know. He is the best son, brother, husband, father, and friend. He would do just about anything for anyone. He works so hard to give his wife and kids everything and anything they could want.

Happy birthday Jimbo! We are all blessed to have you in our lives. (especially me)

Utah State WINNER

 Watch out world!!  Here is the new Utah State Champion Bridge builder!!

Kevin's bridge came first holding up 9497 pounds (which is almost as much as last year's national champion!).  This great honor also got him $200 cash as the grand prize!!

BYU's SAMPE club landed 1st place and 3rd place (Mark- his held 6852 pounds)-- shown here with Kevin.  2nd place's bridge held 8239 pounds in case you were wondering.

Kevin's bridge is made from carbon fiber.  He recently gave us a tour of the lab where he builds these bridges.  It is pretty cool. These bridges are amazingly light too.  Kevin is currently building a new bridge to send to the national competition!!  It would be awesome if he could win that little contest too :)

Congratulations Kevin!!

She's A BeAsT!

I wouldn't want to get in an arm wrestling match with this girl.

However, I feel a little safer with her around ;)

overnight oatmeal

so, I know this isn't our cooking blog...

but I've just found my new love.  OVERNIGHT OATMEAL!!

I made a sample of this last night, ate it this morning. And I'm in LOVE!  This was so, so, so yummy.  I'm a huge fan of oatmeal. But not so much when the weather is warmer... I can't believe how easy this is and how yummy it is. I can't wait to try all the different variations. The cool part is that you can make it however YOU like it.  

I'll be honest... I don't have the chia seeds yet-- so my first run wasn't as healthy as it could have been. I also didn't use greek yogurt, but I just didn't add as much milk.  I simply added 1 tsp of strawberry jam and 1/2 a sliced banana.  Holy goodness.

Here's some links:

Overnight Oats

Overnight Oatmeal

This link has a few links on it that are worth visiting as well.  Now... I must find some chia seeds. They sound pretty incredible.

UPDATE:

Got the chia seeds. You don't even notice them!! They don't taste or 'crunch' so wow-- some serious nutrients are packed into those little babies.  I am SO in love with this oatmeal-- I was even craving it on my home from work today. You've got to try it!

nuf said

pretty much my favorite saying.

we can all be a lot happier if we just wag a little more ;)

Seven Wagdogs, Soon to be Eight!

Conference Sunday with all of my kids = Heaven!

Ah yes. These are my kids. One nice photo, a million crazy ones. Jessica looks great in every photo-- I hope the others don't warp her-- lol.

Seriously. They are so fun to be around.  You never know what will happen next. Cheap entertainment.  Well, they can be mighty expensive... so cheap probably isn't the right word. 

The boys are intently looking at Marissa's Germany book (which is so cool!) and I couldn't resist adding this lovely photo of Andrea.  Hahahaha.  Makes me laugh every time I look at it. :)

A brunette you ask?? Why YES!  That is Jessica. Our lovely daughter/sister-in-law to be.  We are so excited for the big day.... June 23rd.  We love having her in our family. She even puts up with all the craziness!

Birthday Recap

 Turning 15 turned out to be pretty great.

More presents came after the surprise party.  :)

Hooray! She got 'The Hunger Games' necklace she was hoping for!

It's lovely.  A little parachute with a pearl. 

Itunes and money are great, brothers know just what to get.  A hand written book of important things from an older brother was awesome.

Ah yes. A new tennis bag. And a new sports bag (not pictured.)  This completely proves how much Andrea loves sports!! 

Here is the birthday girl reading that important book.

Pink Champagne birthday cake -- this girl is SO smart! Pink Champagne is the only way to go.  Look closely. Even Jacquie got to participate in singing to the birthday girl.  I love technology. :)

Happy Birthday Again Andrea!

My birthday came and went too.  I had a busy day-- a field trip and a swim meet! Then we packed for our spring break trip to Utah.  Being with all 5 of my kids for the weekend was the best birthday present ever.  AND, I was showered with love, cards, and gifts from wonderful friends.  I am very blessed.

March is the best month!