Jay's Birthday

Jay doesn't really like cake that much...so I thought I would do something different this year. Jocelynne and I made fudge brownies. (out of the box) As you can tell she loved helping out.

Then I made some homemade fudge sauce to top the ice cream and brownies...delicious!

Here is the recipe for the homemade fudge sauce:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter, cubbed

1 cup baking cocoa

In a large saucepan, combine cream, sugar and butter. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil, without stirring. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 3 min. Cool for 3 min.

Place cocoa in a heat proof bowl. Whisk hot liquid into cocoa until smooth. WARNING: VERY RICH!

April showers bring May flowers...

I believe it was only a few days ago that I was complaining about the rainy, cloudy and cold weather we were having. Then yesterday it was so nice out! A dear friend stopped by with these beautiful, fragrant lilac blooms and a few other amazing flowers...like this vibrant tulip below. God does bring beauty from the rain.

Since it was so nice out, I decided to started the dreaded job of pulling weeds and getting the soil turned in my little garden. I am ashamed to say I have waited this long and the weeds are out of control now! I couldn't help but think of how long I wait to tend the "weeds" in the garden of my heart, before long they have deep roots and hard to get rid of. Father, please help me to "weed" those nasty thoughts, words and yes...complaining out my heart each day, so I can grow to be more like YOU!

Getaway to the OR Coast!

Last year we took a mini-vacation with the Erlenmeyer family to the Oregon coast. It was fun, but traveling with kids can be tiring. So this year we decided to go without kids.

We did a little eating out at some great seafood resturants. Tidal Raves Seafood Grill was my favorite!

We toured the Yakina Head lighthouse. This picture does not do it justice.

And of course we spent a lot of time at the beach....exploring tide pools with all sorts of amazing creatures....

....watching the sunset as the tide was coming in...

....and last but not least, spending some much needed time together.

It was refreshing, relaxing and so much fun! But we were very excited to come home and see our little girl. This picture was taken by Michele Jansen. She is so good at capturing those timeless expressions in her photography. You can see more of her work at: http://moseslakejansen4.blogspot.com/

Our little guest...

Jocelynne had a little friend over for a few days. I know she enjoyed having a playmate, even though it meant sharing her daddy.

To Have & to Hold

I caught Jocelynne sneaking some mints. :)

Last weekend was Ashley (Jay's sister)& Grants wedding. Here she is walking in with her dad.

Jay's brother, Craig played for the reception. Jocelynne was thrilled to help out.

Jay was an usher. It was a long day for the kids with pictures etc.,but Jay was happy to get to hold his little girl.

Jocelynne is having fun with her cousin, Charisma.

We rented a condo with most of Jay's brothers & sisters. It was fun spending time with family.

Just Because...

Today isn't a special day or anything like that, but this was on my mind, so I didn't want to put it off another day. In one month and six days, Jay and I will have our 4 yr. wedding anniversary. I just wanted to dedicate this post to him and tell him how much I appreciate him. I love him for so many reasons...too many to list all on here. There are a few things that stand out in my mind. So here it goes....Jay, I love that you are so genuine and caring.I love that you show me how special I am to you. I love that you are such a fun & doting father to Jocelynne. I love that you bring out the fun side and help me to not be so serious about everything. I love that you have such a big heart for others and helping others in need. Most of all, I love your heart for God and that you are open to what He wants in your life and our family. So, thank you for marrying me almost 4 years ago. I am blessed to have you.

A Flip-flop Weekend...

It was definitely a weekend to break out the flipflops, enjoy the sunny weather, and just be outside. And thats what we did.

No...where to go, but time to dress up and look pretty.