My 1sts' 1st day of 1st grade!

I know many of you out there have been there and done that, but it is a milestone for us. Going to school ALL day (YES!) with the big kids and eating school lunch is a big step for our McKay! Can you believe school has started already though? Ya gotta love year round school, he'll be in for three weeks, then will have a three week break. He was so excited to wear his new school mascot t-shirt, go dragons!
Getting on the bus with the big kids at 8:05 in the morning. Ahhhhh! I am not looking forward to winter.

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Pineapple Basil Smoothie

If you like to try different things, this is a must! My sis introduced this to me, and now I make it all the time. So delicious, and good for you. Did you know that basil is a relative of the mint leaf? Of course basil and pineapple are full of health benefits too.



2 C fresh or canned pineapple
14 fresh basil leaves
3 T agave nectar( honey or stevia work great too)
1 C ice

Here are some interesting facts about basil:

An array of flavonoids exist in basil, which help to protect cells and chromosomes from damage. Studies have shown that two of these flavonoids in particular, orientin and vicenin, are useful in protecting cell structures and chromosomes from damage by radiation and oxygen.

Essential oil of basil has been shown to inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics. This essential oil has been found to inhibit growth of the widespread staphylococcus, enterococcus, pseudomonas, and e. coli bacteria, among others.

Eugenol, which is found in essential oil of basil, provides an anti-inflammatory effect, by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Aspirin and Ibuprofen work by blocking this same enzyme. So, basil can have healing benefits, and provide relief from the symptoms of inflammatory problems, like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Basil is also a good source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent damage to the cells by free radicals. Vitamin A also prevents free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream, preventing the cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels.

Magnesium is also present in basil. This essential mineral helps the heart and blood vessels to relax, improving blood flow. Other nutrients found in basil include iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.

A little R & R

If you have never been to Sun Valley, you need to go. It's only a 4 1/2 hour drive from SLC to the perfect getaway. We were able to get some much needed rest and relaxation. With the help of friends and family we were able to leave the kiddos. It was so nice to have a break. So what do you do in Sun Valley?A little of this....
and a little of that...
some of this...
and some of that.
Our friends who joined us for a couple days. The Clarks.
One of the highlights of the trip was attending a talk by Chief Justice, Sandra Day O'Connor. She addressed the lawyers who were in SV for the Utah Bar. I thought she was a very charismatic, intelligent and genuine person. It was a neat opportunity to listen to such an accomplished woman.

Hangin' out with the cows

My sister and I took our kids to Idaho this weekend! We visited my grandparents in Franklin, then headed to Fairview to see my great aunt's dairy farm. We city gals just loved learning about this country way of life.This is where all the calves are kept. The kids loved trying to pet them.
Within a day or two of being born the calves are taken from their mothers. I really have a hard time with this, but it is necessary. They need to milk the mommas, and the calves are bottle fed. Check out those eyelashes!
All the kids had a turn to feed the calves.
I love this old, rustic barn, it was built in 1920. This dairy has been in their family for a long time, 4 generations!!
These little boys were in heaven, they loved to explore. This is where they keep the pregnant and injured cows, separated from the others.
The kids loved going for a ride on the four wheeler. Behind them you can see the cows lined up waiting for their turn to be milked. They milk them at 2:00 am, then at 2:00 pm. The cows can't wait to be milked, as most of you out there know, it can get uncomfortable!

Fun on the 4th!

I was so excited to finally have some family around for a summer holiday, my sister and her kids came for a visit just in time for the 4th ! We started the day off by heading to the parade in West Jordan. I love to celebrate the 4th of July! I am very grateful and proud to be an American.
I was so excited to have the kids wear their matching t-shirts that I made special for the celebrations.
Four otter pops for a dollar, you can't beat that!


These two little guys are a month apart. They are so cute running around together. It makes me think that it would be fun to have twins someday.
Firework fun was had by all.
I could not believe that Trent was never afraid of the fireworks. He loved the sparklers.
A perfect way to end a fun filled day, a festive jello dessert!

A pink tutu

Madison had her first dance recital on Friday evening. I think a pink tutu is one of the cutest things a little girl can wear. She was so excited to finally have a little makeup on for her performance.I thought her hair turned out pretty cool. I'm all about the french braid these days.
She did well and remembered much of it, until she looked at mommy with the camera. (Those are white flower petals on the stage which the ballerinas sprinkled around themselves.)

A Good Read

One of the many things I want for my children in life is to be kind, respectful, obedient children who love the gospel. A few months ago I felt like I was struggling as a mother in reaching this goal. My mom gave me this book for Mother's Day, and I dove right in! I LOVED IT! It has so many great helps, especially for teens. I have attended a couple of Randal Wright's seminars at BYU's Education Week in the past. I would end up walking away with pages of notes. He is one smart cookie, and I really respect his ideas.

In this book he points out some of the effects of the media and peer pressure on young people and shows how forces at work in our society are undermining and weakening the family. "The media are very powerful tools that can influence people for good or evil," he writes. "But the tools themselves are not the problem. It is how they are being used." Families in Danger presents specific ways in which familes can fortify themselves and learn to live a gospel-centered life in an X-rated world.