Why we love having a girl!

5. Because watching her put eye shadow on her cheeks is too cute!

4. Because she cordinates her shopping purchases better than I do.

3. Because she's the best mommy to her little dolly.

2. Because a tutu goes with any toy.

and..

1. Because (despite being so stinking sweet and girly) she's not above eating dirt from outside!


We love you Aubrey.

...

More swimming...

Gone swimming...

Some of you may be wondering where we've been. It's been a fun summer and after a small timeout from blogger, we are back! I couldn't get blogger to get our pics up, after 4 times I put it in timeout.

Aubrey is really growing fast. Her mind is grasping many concepts like animal sounds, and copying the words we say (like blueberry and applesauce). It's really cute. She is 16 months now and almost ready for nursery on sundays. We have taken her in a few times and she loves playing with the toys. Her favorite toys are baby dolls. She wraps them in blankets and holds them, giving them little pats on the back - just like we did with her. Sigh. She's so darn cute!

Oh, how I love food blogs...

Here is one thing most people do not know about me. I love food blogs. Love. Them.

I could spend hours reading recipes and drooling over pictures of French Breakfast Puffs, Caramel Walnut Upside-down Banana Cake, Onion Strings, Challah and The Best Chicken Pot Pie.

As I read, I go over the entire process in my mind and practically want to lick the computer screen!! I have tried many things. Whole wheat tortillas, Amazing BBQ Meatballs, Cowboy Beans, cakes, muffins, breads, cookies, soups, etc....it is all so good!

So I thought I would share my top five favorite recipes sites (not in any particular order).

1. www.thepioneerwoman.com/cooking - She is sassy, down-to-earth and cooks a lot of "cowboy food." The photo above is from her site. Thanks PW!

2. http://www.bakerella.com/ - She is an amazing artist with food and quite the cupcake and cake decorator.

3. http://www.smittenkitchen.com/ - I am new to her blog, but amazed by her photography. She uses more "uppity" ingredients and reads "gourmet"...and I love learning from her.

4. http://www.tammysrecipes.com/ - Simple, nourishing and good home-cooked recipes. Plus a few things you wouldn't expect (like homemade pepperoni)

5. www.passionatehomemaking.com/recipe-index - Some new ingredients, but almost all recipes are whole foods, or whole wheat based. Very healthy and the best Tortilla and Pizza dough recipes - ever!

There you have it. Now go devour your own creations.

Also: if you need a laugh, check out http://www.cakewrecks.com/. Some people should leave the decorating to a professional...oh, wait. They were....ouch.

A.

Great Grandparents...

Got a cute picture with Aubrey's Great Grandparents in California. Grandma Marilyn and Grandpa John (Diana's parents). They visited a couple weeks back. Boy did we have fun.

Hint - hint - Grandma Phyll! I know you read this blog and we need an updated pic with you too! :)

Back in the saddle

I just got a new calling at Church last Sunday. I'm the 1st Counselor in the Orangevale Ward Young Women organization. I've served about 4 years in my previous ward and loved it. I am looking forward to getting to know some great girls and having fun with Wednesday night activities again.

Ryan, Aubrey and I are looking forward to a nice vacation in Carlsbad soon. It's a family tradition and I've missed out these past two years. I'm really looking forward to showing Aubrey the beach for the first time. Be on alert for cute waterbaby pics to come!

A.

Hello Kitty BandAid to the rescue!

Being a big girl now, Aubrey has begun collecting bumps and bruises. She got her first scrape on her knee a week ago and was in desperate need of a Hello Kitty BandAid. She's got a Trader Joe's balloon attached to her while she explored a box of BandAids for the first time. Aren't they cute?!

We really wish she was a happier child..