Fun with Brooklyn and Jack

So there have been a couple of things that I've been able to do with Jack and Brooklyn lately. One day, after school, Jack and Brooklyn came over and we made cupcakes. I didn't get tons of pictures, but I couldn't help myself when I asked Jack to get something for me and he saluted me and said, "Aye, Aye Captain!" I couldn't help but laugh and snap a picture.

Another evening, I went and babysat while Britni went to take some pictures. We decided that it was time to finally use the DQ Blizzard maker that Brooklyn got for Christmas last year. We broke that sucker out and made some blizzards. The ice cream was good, but the toppings that they provided were gross! Here are Brooklyn and Jack cranking out their blizzards.

I have to say that I prefer just going to DQ and buying a blizzard, but they had fun making them.

The last event was just a date with me and Jack. Jack is finally in his big boy briefs all night long. No more pull ups for him. I told him when that day came that I would take him to Build A Bear. Joel was worried that he would pick some girlie bear. You tell me...is Jack all boy or what?
Camo, fireman bear...now that's a bear fit for a man! His name is Blaze and we had a fun time at Build a Bear.

Desperate need for rain!

If you've been watching the national news, you've seen that wildfires are engulfing many parts of Texas. The worse place affected right now is Bastrop. It just so happens that Bastrop is part of our stake. As I was driving to the stake center for a church meeting, Bastrop which is off in the far distance usually seemed very close...because the horizon was covered in a heavy cloud of smoke. Normally the horizon in that area is gorgeous to look at. Instead, it was just a cloud of smoke. I tried snapping a picture to document it, but sadly my phone camera just doesn't do it justice. My heart is breaking for the families that have lost loved ones, homes, and property in one of the prettiest parts of Texas. Our stake has not been unaffected by this tragedy. Last I heard 17 families in the Bastrop ward have lost their homes. One family was getting ready to leave in a couple of months on their mission and they've lost everything. Another family, whom I have worked with 2 of their daughters and mother at camp, also lost their home. One of our counselors in our stake presidency also lost his home. Luckily the church building in Bastrop was unharmed, which is miraculous, because it was surrounded by fire. Texans are resilient and self sufficient people, but prayers for rain and the safety of those brave men and women battling these fires is much needed and greatly appreciated.