Welcome Home Frank!

Howard's brother, Frank returned from his mission last Friday.  He served in the Asuncion Paraguay Mission.  I'd never been to a missionary homecoming...it was pretty neat and very exciting!  He served a great mission and we are so proud of him!  Welcome home Frank!!

Here he comes!!

 

Siblings

 His shoes!!

 

And a couple pictures of my adorable nephews...

Brighton

 

and Tristan

Girls Camp!!

I had an amazing time at Girls Camp!! We have the best YW and they are so much fun to be with!! I learned a few things too: how to hear your 'real' laugh, how to play Mexican Horse Race (yes, I was the center of that joke!), and I even learned now to shoot a bow and arrow!

Our camp theme was VIP (very important princesses). I LOVED this theme. Each ward was given a Disney princess and our ward got the best one...Ariel. It was meant to be! Ariel is my favorite! It was so fun to play up the princess theme.

Picture oportunity with our princess, Ariel

And then one with just the leaders...notice our adorable socks!! ;)  I know everyone was jealous!

Archery...I need to do this again!

Our flag...we made Ariel dressing modestly.

All of the first year girls had to wear a princess tutus the first day...they all looked so cute!  (and yes, secretly I was jealous!)

Getting ready for our skit...

Amanda, Sister Maldonado and Lauren

Kyra had a birthday while at camp...we hope even with having to do a hike she had a great day! :)

Gila Valley Temple Open House

Saturday we went to the Gila Valley Open House with the Young Women in our ward.  It was a long way there and back, but was worth it!  It was such a neat experience to go with our lovely young women and to feel the spirit with them in those sacred walls.

Our Young Women

with the leaders

We had a big group of people from our ward come...it was great because we were all together in the tour. 

To learn more about temples click here. 

Saturday Activities

Well, Marek is finally here!!  He made his appearance on April 22nd.  I went over to meet him and enjoyed every second of holding him.  He is so adorable!!!  Congratulations to Suzette and Bryan!!!! 

See what I mean...soooo cute! :)

Saturday afternoon we went 4wheeling with the Wills.  We headed out to Harquahala Peak and headed on up the trail.  It was such a pretty ride.  The wild flowers were in full bloom and were just gorgeous!  We got to the top for a breathtaking view.  It was a bit windy and cold, but that didn't stop our bbq!

Howard's Birthday Celebration(s)

Sunday, we went over to Howard's parent's house for a birthday dinner for Howard.  They had helium balloons as decorations...too fun!

Then on his acutal birthday we went to Pancho's for his birthday dinner!  (its now a tradition)

30 and 1 reasons I love my hubby

(in no particular order):

1. He is constantly telling me how cute I am (who wouldn’t want to hear that??!)
2. He is very level headed
3. He keeps me grounded
4. He is my shoulder to cry on
5. He is a great listener
6. He has the best laugh
7. He’s a cuddler
8. He likes electronics
9. Which means he’ll teach me how to use those electronics
10. He will fix me (or get me) a soda whenever I ask – I may have a problem
11. He makes me a better person
12. He encourages me get out of my comfort zone
13. He tells me when I’m being unreasonable
14. His eyes – they change different colors depending on the color he’s wearing
15. His touch
16. He is willing to do whatever to support us
17. When he gets excited about something, you can’t help but get excited too
18. He brings the priesthood into our home
19. He’s witty
20. He always on my side
21. He’s very supportive and interested in whatever I’m doing
22. He likes to spend time with me
23. He loves Mexican food…my fav too!
24. He was brought up in a wonderful home and I just love his family
25. He’s a saver
26. He is so cute with his nephews…can’t wait to see what kind of father he’ll be
27. He helps me to continue to dream
28. He introduced me into the world of the sand dunes
29. He’ll watch chick flicks with me
30. He loves me!
31. He is my rock and I have no idea what I’d do without him in my life.


Howard, I love you sooo much!

Happy Birthday!!!

Swirl Cookies

Who wouldn't love a pink cookie??? 

Check out this website for full tutorial and recipe. 

I followed the recipe exactly, except I sprinkled some sugar between the vanilla and strawberry layers.  The first time I made them they weren't quite sweet enough...I think adding just that little bit of sugar helped. 

The best thing about these cookies, are they can be made for any holiday...just change up the colors! Seriously, so fun!