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.

Happy Birthday MOM!

Today is my mom's birthday and I feel very blessed to have her as my mom. She is such a great mom and friend. I only had 1 photo on this computer and it was one from Christmas. Regardless...my mom is the best. I sure am thankful for her and all she does for me. She is way to kind and did I mention that her grandchildren LOVE her?!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Perri St. Clair Call has arrived!

Today Perri officially joined the family. She arrived a little before 10:30 am and weighed in at 8 pounds 6 oz. She was 20 3/4 inches long. She's got tons of dark hair and we believe that at least one dimple has been spotted. I guess time will tell on that one.


I was lucky to make it to the hospital, with the kids and the grandpas just minutes after she arrived. I got to see her in all her newness and freshness.


I even got to hold her for a bit, after she was cleaned up. I love holding babies, but there is something really special and great about holding a baby fresh from heaven.



It was especially sweet seeing how excited Jack and Brooklyn were to have a new baby sister. The whole way to the hospital, Jack can't talking about how excited he was. I guess 9 months is a long time to wait to meet your sister. I can already tell that Brooklyn is going to be a great little helper.





From a family of 4 to a family of 5!

A night @ Aunt Emily's House

So this summer has been SUPER HOT! One night while Brooklyn was over we decided that since it was my night to water (and we only have 1...since we are in stage 2 water restrictions) that Brooklyn might as well take advantage and run through the sprinklers. She had never done it before and she had a blast. It reminded me of summers in NM @ Grandma Call's. I didn't make her strip down to her undies, like Grandma did.




I couldn't make have Brooklyn over without a little education...so we did a science experiment. We took a jumbo, TEXAS sized marshmallow and put it in the microwave. She loved it, but was worried about us not eating it. She thought that was too wasteful.


Fun summer times!

A trip to Omaha means a quick trip to Winter's Quarters

So work sent me to Nebraska and dad sent me to Winter's Quarters. I am so glad that he did...because it was truly an amazing experience. I only had about an hour before I had to be at the airport and luckily the airport is only 13 minutes from Winter Quarters. What a special spirit is here. I was just sad that I didn't bring my camera, so these pictures are from my iPhone. I went through the museum.




I spent a little time walking around the cemetery. It breaks my heart that our pioneer ancestors call that their final resting place and yet most of them don't have markers on their graves.









I got to go on the temple grounds. The temple was closed, but I still felt such a special spirit there.





I am so thankful for our pioneer heritage and those men and women that sacrificed for the gospel.

Come, come, ye saints, no toil nor labor fear;
But with joy wend your way.
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
Tis better far for us to strive
Our useless cares from us to drive;
Do this, and joy your hearts will swell -
All is well! All is well!
And should we die before our journey's through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the Saints their rest obtain,
Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell-
All is well! All is well!

Happy Father's Dad, to OUR dad!

I have such a great dad. He is always there for us and we know that no matter what we do, he is our #1 fan. He is always supportive in everything we do. The grandkids adore him and always want to play with him. He is good to lay on the floor and play trains or cars with the boys. Shoot at cups with the dart guns with the kids or let the girls style his hair in a game of beauty parlor. We sure are glad that you are our dad. Love ya!

Happy Birthday Joel!

Happy Birthday Buddy! I only have pictures from this winter of Joel...but I thought I would share them anyway. I hope that you have a great birthday! We are sure glad that you are part of our family. I know we tease about you bring the "crop failure," but really we are glad to have you. You make us laugh and sometimes cry (when you wrestle too rough)...but we love you anyway. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Sea World with the Nieces and Nephews

We had a blast at Sea World when the Brights came into town. I didn't take lots of pictures, but I thought I would post the few I did take. Our day got started with a bang...by feeding the dolphins. The kids really loved it and I have to say that it was really cool. They got really close.
We saw shows, ate food, and rode rides. Jack and Bowen were hilarious on the pirate ship ride. Right before we went down the steep incline, Jack and Bowen grabbed on to Stephen's hand. Jack laughed the whole way down and Bowen...like me, closed his eyes the whole way down. Regardless, we had a great time.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I've got the greatest mother in the world! She's not just a mom, but a best friend who is always there for you. I don't have any pictures on my computer, but I'm going to hunt some down and post them later. I sure love her and can't imagine having anyone different as my mom. Hope it's a great day for ya mom!

The Official Royal Wedding Tea Party

I don't know if it's because we lived in England and have always loved Princess Diana or because I remember watching the Royal Wedding of 1981, like it was yesterday, or because I am a girl and there is just something magical about being a Princess...but I have been all about the Royal Wedding this year. I was telling Brooklyn all about when my friend invited Ros and I over in 1981 to watch Princess Di and Prince Charles get married. Our friends had a a tea party. It was so much fun. As I told Brooklyn about this, she thought a tea party sounded like a grand idea. I decided that I would have her over, after school on Friday and we would have tea, crumpets, biscuits, and cucumber sandwiches. Jack was so excited about it and really wanted to come (even though we all told him it would be boring and that it was pretty much a girl thing). Brooklyn and I decided we couldn't leave him out of the "Rolo Wedding" or "Tea and Trumpets!" (to quote Jack.)

The Spread...Apple Herb Tea, Crumpets (cream & jam), cucumber sandwiches, strawberries, and bicuits (HobNobs).



The making of our crowns! We decorated crowns while we watched the processional into West Minster Abby.



Posing with the TV, after we have finished our crowns.

Here are Princess Brooklyn and Prince Jack enjoying an afternoon tea, while watching the Royal wedding in the background. It was especially great because Jack and Brooklyn both tried to talk like they were English...very proper. At one time Jack said, "Pass the strawberries mate!" When I asked him about it, he said..."Isn't that what they say?"




After tea we watched the processional out of the cathedral and on to Buckingham Palace. Jack decided that he wanted to be one of the soliders (like Prince William and Harry). Brooklyn decided that she needed to wear a white dress (luckily I had a white skirt I could rig around her).



Jack decided he wanted to go outside and play and was on his way out the door until he heard Brooklyn say, "Oh, they just kissed!" Jack came running back into the room and said, "Ah man, I missed it. Put it back, so I can see them kiss." He then came and watched a replay of the 1st kiss and then enjoyed the 2nd kiss. At one point he turned to Brooklyn and said, "Do you want me to kiss you?" Brooklyn just busted out laughing.

Needless to say, watching the Royal Wedding with these two was much more fun then it was watching it at 3 am this morning. Yes I did set my alarm and I did watch. I couldn't miss it. The 2nd time with Brooklyn and Jack was just as exciting!

I can't have a post about the Royal Wedding without mentioning the hats! Yes, Brooklyn loved pointing out the ones she loved and the ones she didn't! Jack had to get in on it too. As Princess Beatrice came on screen, he yelled, "Oh that's my faborite!" What do you think? (Hint...Beatrice is the one in the neutral color!)