Red Velvet Cake Balls...

Yum yum....not much compares with a little cake batter...

mmmm mmmmm mmmmm good!!!

Parker is not as big on licking the spatula. He actually turns them down until he notices that Paxson will take his as well.

Pax digs anything sweet and yummy. We have very similar tastes.
He is winking in this picture.

They did not turn out as elegant as I envisioned. However, Parker assisted in every single step. So misson accomplished! They both helped in making the red velvet cake. Then Paxson took a little rest while Parker and I kept working. Parker crumbled all the cake, and mixed up the cream cheese frosting, and rolled the balls. He even helped with the dipping. I did reserve a few that I plan to dip myself. But they sure taste yummy. Casey was impressed. Can't wait to share. We are taking some to our neighbors later today.

Check out my melons...

hehehehehehehe.....















isn't it so cute...


Can not wait to eat them. There are five growing and 2 little ones. Never thought I would actually have watermelons. So exciting. We will have some to share with everyone!

Praise be to Him...

So it's time again to praise! I should start by saying I am sorry once again I tried to take care of things on my own and I catered to the devil and let him consume me with stress, worries, what ifs, hows and more. I know from experience time and time again My Savior carries me through all life adventures and always guides me. Being far less than perfect I get impatient and start fretting trying to solve and plan before I really really take time to listen. I am sorry! Once again he has rescued me from the unknown and protected my family! Thank you Father for loving each of us so dearly and consistently forgiving our faults. I am enamoured by your Grace and Power and I am ever so grateful for your guidance, devotion, and pure love. Thank you for taking us as we are and loving our imperfections. Thank you for carrying us through difficult times reminding us that we are not alone. Thank you Father for surprises. Thank you Father for surrounding my family with so many loving Christian role models!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 3:13-14

Weekend Visit...

Making a train ...

The beginning of water spray fights

Parker learning to do a handstand in the water

We had a wonderful visit with Gammer and Gigi. We played, swam, ate, and visited. It was actually a very relaxing weekend for me. I was able to sleep through the entire night two nights in a row since Paxson slept with Gigi. So thanks mom for the catch up on sleep.

On Sunday we started the day with a Father's day brunch at Cracker Barrel with Meme and Dandy and then headed back to our house for cooking out and swimming. We also made double chocolate homemade ice cream to top off the evening. YUM! (Thanks Gigi for leaving your ice cream maker. I have some more recipes to try out when you come back.)

Peace Out...

An amazing family is moving away. It's sad time but life is bringing their family many new exciting adventures. The Meng family is leaving Wichita Falls and invited friends over to say goodbye. A fun time was had by all. A slip n slide, nachos, cupcakes, snow cones and to top the evening off a snowball fight. Thank you Meng family for inviting us over. We can't wait to hear about your new endeavors! Love you and God Bless your family.

Slip n Slide Fun

Cupcake time

After snow cones they made snowballs for the children. So much fun!

Now how many of you can say you have had a snowball fight in June...in Texas?!?

Thank you so much for an amazing time Meng Family

Break Time...

Enjoying some yummy nachos, cupcakes and Bahama Bucks snowcones

And the Garden continues...

watermelon vines....didn't quite know what I was getting myself into... Dadaw told us they would grow 8 9 feet....well I believe they are. :)

cucumber plants

pepper plants

my egg plants...there is one just about ready to pick

The peppers have been wonderful and the cucumbers were fablous. The eggplant will be next! Gammer actually said that they were the best she had ever had....she may be considering a garden herself. JK

My first Garden...

A few peppers from my first "crop". I have always wanted a garden. I think it so fun to just go to your backyard and pick your own fruits and vegetables. When we bought this home I was so excited because there was a perfect spot for a garden. For Mother's Day Casey took me to Smiths (My favorite place to shop I could go on and on about Smiths that is an entire post it's self.). I picked out some peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, watermelon (uh what was I thinking), strawberries(actually Parker's). Originally planned to get squash just not enough room. I will post a pic of my growing garden very soon. I can't believe I have taken a picture. Crazy huh. Well you can certainly tell I am a first time gardener but I am having fun and learning. Already planning next seasons. :)

Sweet banana peppers, Tabasco peppers, spicy banana peppers.

I used them in our chicken and steak fajita dinner. So yummy!

Uncle Brady "trying" to relax a little and float.

Lasted about 2 seconds.

Jumping in...Uncle Brady held in well with all the "catch me, jump with me, throw me, pull me, dive with me,etc". Casey told him if you get tired you have to tell them to give you a little break because they won't slow down. :)

Parker and Kenzlie on the "boat".

Pax jumping to Uncle Brady...which is pretty much what happened the entire time he was over.
So be prepared when you come for a visit you will be doing some catching. Paxson will jump from the bench and swim across the pool. He is getting very brave. Wants to keep up with big brothers. If you try to help him he tells you "get back, go away, I go to the wall." He may very well be out of the life jacket by the end of the season.

Lots of LIFE going on around here. I will try to get back to regular posts soon. In the mean time here are more pics a of our daily swims.

Hope they don't get old but that is what a very large portion of our summer consists of. As I have said before we are definitely an outside family. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I am learning to be creative and get all kinds of "lessons" in while swimming. God Bless, love to all!

Prayers for wisdom, guidance and answers for our family. We have the faith now we are ready for the rest :)

Parker swimming

Parker's swimming just keeps improving! He is swimming from end to end and side to side. He dives down to get dive sticks on his own (I used to have to push him), and he is learning to stop and take breathes in between swims. So now just come on over and see for yourself!

Paxson swimming

More swimming. Paxson is doing so well! Actually we are very impressed. He didn't have much of a desire to get in the water last summer. He has taken off this summer. This may not seem like a big accomplishment to you. But believe me it is. He let go of the side and did it! CONFIDENCE

The video also shows a little of Parker's competitivness. :) So hard ... :)

Meme and Dandy came over for a swim and to celebrate Meme's birthday (a little late). Dandy brought his snorkeling gear to share with Parker.

Swimming on the "boat" as Paxson calls it.

Snorkeling in action...

Lazy Saturday...not

Enjoying a goody bag.

Such a sweet sweet big brother. Parker was looking for candy that Paxson could have. He held up a sucker and said look candy for Paxson. Then took the sucker to Paxson.

Paxson's first time to hit a pinata. he loved it.

Parker hit it pretty good!

After our play date at the park we headed to a birthday party. It's a new friend Maverick that we have met in Henrietta. The boys really had a blast.

We started the day off with a play date with Ella and her sister. Ella was in my class this past year and I have become very good friends with her mommy! Isn't Ella precious! I love their similarities!!! Ella's sister Sara is close to Parker's age so they enjoyed playing together while Ella and Pax took on the the"woody park".