MV Graduation

Today we headed over to Monte Vista for the high school graduation ceremony. These graduates were my very first 7th grade class at Monte Vista and my first group of students ever. They seriously are the best group of kids; every teacher has said this of them as they moved up from grade to grade. There are so many wonderful guys and gals in this group that as I looked over their senior pics and hugged many of them I was so thankful for the year I had with them. I can't believe that was 6 years ago!

Cassie Burrows

Diane Leininger

Julie Schaffer -

Kailee Wetzel

"...how does your garden grow?"

Very well, thank you.
Our garden is awesome and everything is doing well...no casualties yet.
Our 3 pumpkin plants are staring to flower and are getting big. Hopefully we will have a few to carve this fall.

The corn is getting really tall. Jaron took an ear of corn we bought from the store and tried to pass it off to Avery as one that came from the garden. She, of course, is too intelligent to be fooled by such silliness.

The tomatoes need to be weeded and thinned out as they are spreading too much and since I am the only one who will eat them we really do not need 5 plants.

Family Pic

Friday Favorites

Okay, so I am going off of my friend Kelci's advice to post my favorite things from the week every Friday. Here are my fabulous finds for this week:

1. Homemade granola bars. I am really trying to not buy a lot of pre-packaged products anymore so I discovered this yummy recipe for granola bars. It is great because you can alter any of the "add-ins" to suit your pallate. Here is the link: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Playgroup-Granola-Bars/Detail.aspx?src=etaf

I substituted chocolate chips for the raisins and added 1/4 cup peanut butter. I only cooked them for 25 minutes and they seemed perfect; golden brown on the edges and chewy in the middle!

2. The Goodwill Store. Zariq told me that all Target's stuff goes to the goodwill store when it does not sell so I thought I would check it out. It sure does! Lots of good stuff, but still a little high for the goodwill, I thought. But they are still in package and better than paying full price at Target. They also have a ton of other great finds too such as my "Peanut Shell" baby sling I got for 4$ and sold on ebay for 31$ and my "Hotslings" baby sling I got for 3$ and sold for 20$. Awesome! I also found 2 pairs of jean capris - old navy and gap brand- for 4.99 and 3.99 respectively, but on Wednesdays all clothes are 50% off.
Fact: Goodwill rocks!

3. A strawberry huller. I don't actually own this little gadget, but would really like it. If you have one and love it let me know if it truly works, or if you are feeling especially kind, you can buy one for me. I read about this fun toy in my weight watchers magazine (Thanks Kelci!!) and it is made by oxo.com and is only $5.99. Great for summer, I'm sure.

4. Last, but not least - contacts. I have worn glasses for a year and a half now and it is so nice to not have anything on my face and to wear sunglasses again. I think I am going to try the ones that change your eye color. Love it!

So, there you have it. I bet you can't wait until next Friday now, huh?

A visit with Papa and Grams

Today we had a long overdue visit with Grams and Papa. We had a nice bbq and enjoyed a great time playing games and visiting. Avery had been pretending I was Grams all week so I think she was very excited for their upcoming visit. :)

California Relays

A couple weeks ago I went to Modesto for the day to work at the California Relays as an athletic trainer. The event is held at Modesto Junior College where I first went to college and got my start in athletic training. I was glad to be able to help out and assist Bobby who is the first Certified Athletic Trainer I worked under as a student and who helped me get my start in a career I enjoy. After working with high school athletes, it is nice to go see world class athletes and olympians in action...a nice change of pace.

Two of my interns from SJSU came with me

Jenn Stuczynski - US record holder in pole vault

A love of music

Today we went down to visit my grandparents and Avery had a great time playing the piano, strumming the ukelele, and trying to play the recorder. She also listened to Great Grandpa play the trombone (or attempt to! :). She really has a love for music and really enjoyed listening and clapping along while the singing and playing took place. Riley also joined in the clapping, her new trick of the week!

Last Week's Events

We made a chocolate cake in the dutch oven and this was Avery after her sugar high.

Riley is getting ready to crawl and she is striking a pose!

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day!

These are some of the cards I sent out this year. I really liked how they all turned out!

I can wave!

A clean shave

My dad has, as long as I can remember, had facial hair. Since my mom is in Africa and not here to protest, he decided to shave it all off! He showed up at the house today and scared Avery half to death. It was so sad!! She went out to greet him and ran away. She never once would look at him and cried that she wanted to go to her room. It was so bizarre as Grandpa is probably her favorite person in the world. Riley had no reaction and snuggled up to his soft face without a tear in sight.
Grandpa is supposed to baby sit next Sunday so hopefully Avery will adjust by then. :)

What do you think, Mom??

Where has the time gone?

Riley is growing up so fast! She is still such a happy girl and so easy going. We love it!

Monkey Business

I have a friend at MOPS that is due to have a baby in 2-3 weeks so it was cause to get out the ol' sewing machine and get to work. I have had this chain monkey and banana fabric for a while, but did not have a reason to use it so I put it together with some cordouroy for a cute bag. She is having a baby boy so there are no pink and purples here!

I also whipped together a cute bib and burp cloth for the little guy.

Three cheers for handmade gifts!