SINGING IN THE RAIN

I had been praying for rain and cooler temps...prayers were answered and then some.  I have loved the cooler temps, but the flooding has been crazy.  My heart go out to those affected.  Rick came home from work Friday a we decided to venture out to see what was happening.  We came across road closures and roads that looked like rivers.  Rick drives a 4 Runner which sets up high or we would not have driven through the water.
It started like this...
and ended like this...

Here is the YMCA off 249 where Ike plays a lot of his sports.

Here is Cypresswood going towards the temple.

Here is Cypress Creek it runs right next to Temple.

President Hinckley had them  stop working on the Temple and redo the elevation so it was much higher. Inspiration, I think so.

4th of July Antics

Was fun to get together with family and friends last evening.  With more of the fam moving down to Texas our relatively small gatherings have grown into large ones.  When we moved down here in 2000,  I was sure that I would never see my family again.  Therefore in buying a home I wasn't to concern about the layout of it.  The dinning room was boxed off the kitchen making it terribly uncomfortable for LARGE groups. Even though the family room and kitchen are open concept, I have a tiny kitchen. My daughters floor plan is ideal for large groups having her dinning room located in a large open foyer area they can fit another table beside the dinning room one. Bri and Jarod are always so willing to host, which makes it a lot more comfortable for everyone.

Cousins love to get together...

The set up

The food was very patriotic in presentation. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the fixings. Star shaped watermelon, patio salad, and colorful serving dishes added much to the festivities. Forgot to get pictures of Bri's darling friend Annie Texas sheet cake. Got pictures of what was left of the A teams trifle, my Martha Stewart confetti bars, and the A teams cookies for dessert.

The fun! Poppers, sparklers, Roman candles, fountains, and Grand Finally filled the night sky.

So thankful to live a such a blessed nation. Surrounded with those I love, and those that have sacrificed their very lives for the freedoms I have to enjoy. God bless this great nation and those that have made it possible. 

Seaside by the Seashore

After much deliberation, hubby decided we could accept Jarod's and Brianne's offer to go to Seaside, Florida for a week.  I was hesitant at first, but then warmed up to the idea. I'm so glad I did, we had a great time. Jarod found a darling beach rental for us in a quaint community.  The house had 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a great open kitchen-dinning room layout.  Outside shower and screened in porch an added bonus.  We left for the 10 hour drive,  plus 2,  for bad traffic and pit-stops.  We got there late the first night and unloaded and went to bed. The rest of the week was full of fun and good times. We enjoyed cooking meals, late night games of  Phase 10, and due to the fact Rick and Jarod were  working, Internet access.

Beach house

Back porch

Loved the kitchen

Our bedroom

The beach was beautiful, I could have stayed on it forever.  The walk down four flights of steep stairs, with full arms, and usually a toddler in hand was challenging. The view of the ocean helped as a  distraction. We enjoyed every minute of it.

Papa and Ike

Rick, Brianne, and boys.

The Stewart's

Jakie loved the sand.

Papa and Jakie

Ike loved the water!

Donuts for breakfast.

The area was full of colorful houses and buildings.




 Raspberry, Lime, and Orange Sherbet




Even the Hotels were colorful!  Bad picture...took it in car.





Cutest Post Office ever...




My dream house





love this...


Check out the cute weather vanes...

 Beach entrances...

Last of all, the beautiful sunsets...

We will be back.  We had so much fun. What a wonderful place to relax and spend time with family. I (WE) loved it!