Warren Jr. High Spaghetti dinner

Haley plays the flute in the 8th grade band.  She performed while I worked in the kitchen serving dinners and Russ sat in the audience watching.  This is the big fundraiser for the students to go to Disneyland in the spring.  

Bread

 I started making homemade bread way back when I had only a few children.  I liked the idea of healthy, wholesome, yummy bread filling our tummies, so I didn't mind the work involved to get it.  Fast forward several years to me having my fifth child and all thoughts of making bread flew out the window, along with keeping my house as clean as I would have liked it to be!  I figured the bread from the grocery store was just fine.  About two years ago I started thinking about that homemade bread once again.  There is nothing quite like fresh warm bread out of the oven with butter and honey!! So I bought all of the necessary ingredients and set out to surprise my family with yummy, homemade bread once again. I even grind my own wheat so that the flour is fresh.  I haven't had to buy store bought bread since then.  My children love it when they come home and smell that delicious scent of freshly baked bread.

A new secretary at Ronald Reagan Elementary

Hannah ran for student body class secretary......and she WON!!!!!

Here are the new student body officers along with the Principal, Dr. Irvin.....

A wonderful Saturday...

Russ and I have come to love our Saturday morning spin class.  Sure it means that we have to get up earlier than we would like to, but it is well worth it!! We get to the gym a half hour early to ensure that we get a bike and then we do a few warm up exercises while we wait for class to begin.  The next hour is full of loud music and hard core spinning, sweating  and fun!!  It feels like you're going to die at the 30 minute mark but once you pass the hump it is so invigorating. I really like to push myself, and I love that this class allows for a great challenge. Plus, I love that Russ and I can take the class together!!

Later in the afternoon we planted our winter garden.  One of the benefits of living here in Bakersfield is that we can have a garden year round.  This winter we planted broccoli, snap peas, lettuce, strawberries, cilantro and brussel sprouts. We have never had brussel sprouts before and thought it would be fun to try them. This photo only shows two of our three planter boxes.  We love having raised garden boxes.  We have no weeds and fewer insect problems.

Mom's mini vacation to Utah

This is the beautiful view outside Allison and Tyler's apartment.

Now that I have a grandson I have even more reason to hop on a plane and fly to Utah! Well, that and the fact that I had not yet been to a BYU football game this season.  I had a blast rooming with Connor. I snuggled with him early in the morning while Allison and Tyler enjoyed some much needed rest.   Allison, Emily, Connor and I went to City Creek in Salt Lake and Connor was so good to let us shop while he napped!!!  Such a fun trip, we'll have to do it again sometime.

Emily turns 19!!!!

Emily drove to California so that she could spend her birthday with friends and family.  She requested Sweet Surrender cupcakes, so we indulged!! It was fun having her home for a few days, even though she spent most of her time out and about with her friends! We love you Emily!!!

I'm getting a bit crafty in my old age....

Now that I am a Grandma I decided I had better make a few handmade items for my sweet little grandson.  I made a bunch of burp cloths and a cute little tag blanket for Connor.  Unfortunately I did not take pictures of those items to document my craftiness.  Allison mentioned that she would like a carseat cover, so I told her I would be happy to make one for her.  I looked online and found some instructions and then I just went to town and got it done.  I was so proud of the little handle covers that lined up just right.  It turned out really cute and Allison loved it!