Our family's version of Youth Conference

A few months ago, my husband was asked by our Bishop to "head" this year's Youth Conference. In the LDS church, our youth group, kids ages 12-18 attends a "conference" which is usually held in the summer and most of the time it's held somewhere outdoors-y. We usually have a theme and it's main purpose is to give the kids faith building experiences. 

About two weeks ago, after months of preparation, we finally held our Youth Conference. It was an overnight camping trip at Lake Isabelle, which is about 2 hours away from the Springs. It was a beautiful place and here are some photos from our trip....(note: There are about 30 in our group but because I want to keep their identities private, you're only going to see my family in the photos)

We got to the camp site on a Friday afternoon and when I woke up on Saturday morning, I was so inspired by this road, the sun shining in the background and just the quiet, peaceful feeling of being one with nature. 

Friday afternoon, we took the group on a hike up a mine shaft. We barely made it to the shaft before the rain poured on us. We stayed inside the shafts for a good 30 minutes before the rain stopped. That night we also played a fun Volleyball game between the girls and the boys. We had skits and smores. Then ended our night with a spiritual meeting around the campfire.

The following day we headed out to the lake. Some kids paddled in the water in canoes and kayaks while others tried their hand in fishing. We didn't have luck in the fishing department though.

We heard of this one natural slide near the lake and we had one youth with us that have been there before. So after lunch, we followed her lead and went on a mile hike to this natural water slide. Almost everyone who hiked did the slide. Even my husband and son. I for one was not a fan of cold water so I opted to stay on the sidelines and photograph everyone going down the slide instead. 

It was definitely a fun filled two days. We were happy to have been a part of this great event and I was so surprised that even my kids enjoyed their time at Youth Conference. These are memories that I hope they'll cherish for a long time.

Till next time,
Grace

Pirate's Cove Summer 2013 Visit

So last year we discovered a fun water park in Colorado. It's not as big as the famous "Water World" and it's not that pricey either. It was just the right size for us. At the end of May this year, I got an email from Pirate's Cove letting me know of their admission deals. I couldn't pass it up so we purchased one. I was so excited about the deal that I shared the link to one of our good friends and she purchased a pass for her family as well. 

Our Summer turned out to be quite busy so we had a hard time finding the right Saturday that would work for both our families so we can go together. Good thing we had August 10th open for both of us and so we penciled it in. I was worried that mother nature won't let us enjoy this day but thankfully she cooperated and we had a sunny day to enjoy our time at the water park. Because water and camera don't mesh well, I had very little time to capture the day, but here is a glimpse of our fun filled trip to Pirate's Cove...

We got their quite early (it was my fault for not checking the time better) but it was a good thing as we were one of the first ones to walk in the park and we secured a good spot, under the shade, for our stuff. While in the line to wait, we got everyone lathered up with sunscreen so the kids could just "dive" in the water as soon as we got in. It was a great move because the wait made the kids even more anxious to start playing in the water. 

 We feel so blessed to have found a family that have the same age kids as ours. Nobody was bored and each had a "buddy" to hang out with. :)

Mitch is always so kind to offer to photograph me. It's not anything "fancy" but the fact that I can be included in our photo memories makes me happy. Oh and that big bucket behind me dumps water every so often. The kids loved that part. 

Here are our dear friends.... The S family

And a pic of our family....as I looked at this picture, the first thing that popped into my head is how fast my children are growing. Marcus is almost as tall as me and he's still in Elementary!

and the kiddos after a day of swimming and fun.

We only go here once a year but it's always a blast. Pirate's Cove...see you next year!

Till next time,
Grace

More July events revisited...

I know that it is already August but I can't help myself in doing one last post about July family stories. I always say "it's better late than never." 

In July, I finally finished the "academic start" program for Brigham Young University, which is also called the Pathways program. Our facilitators were kind enough to host a small graduation party at their house and they even gave us certificates. It was a great way to end the school year. 

What's next for me? I'm going to continue the online program this fall, taking two classes that will go towards my degree to be a teacher. Let's cross our fingers I can do this!

I can't believe my babies are growing up. They are at the age where they can go on "sleepovers." Where did the time go? In July my kids were invited to their first sleepover. It was with a good friend that has a boy and a girl that is the same age as my kids. Marcus and Maddie were super excited about this and it was nice to have some quiet time with hubby. Mitch and I got to have a peaceful dinner, we went for a walk and then watched one of the movies that we borrowed from the library. Things were so smooth until it was time to sleep. It was weird that I didn't get to tuck the kids in their own beds. I have to admit, this mama didn't sleep quite well as I thought about my babies. :(

In the morning, when I picked them up, I asked them if they missed me. They said "yeah" but you can tell that they had a blast at their friends house and they weren't really thinking about us, their folks. I'm already hurting at the thought of future goodbyes with these two as they go off in their own journeys, ie missions and college. 

Even though there were some plants that didn't make it alive, my garden was mostly fruitful this year. Recently I was able to harvest some zucchinis, red potatoes and turnips. This was my first year to grow potatoes and zucchinis. I'm excited at the many things I can make with the zucchini.

And finally, our local library put on their annual Summer party to end their reading program. The kids and I attended this outdoor event and the above collage is a glimpse of what the kids got to do. We saw the helicopter but, like last year, Marcus was not interested in going in it because of the long line. They did get to try the firefighter's gurney (sp?). Plus we got to win some more coupons from local food places. We feel so blessed to have fun events like this to attend to in the area.

So there you have it. A quick run through of July events. Now our heads need to focus on getting ready for another school year. I can't believe it's in less than two weeks. Aaccckkk!

Thanks for stopping by.

Till next time,
Grace

Birthday celebration recap

July came through like a whirlwind. There are so many things that we've captured and yet so little time to recap. But I'm going to try with revisiting birthday celebrations for me and my son. 

Dinner at Tucano's 

So Marcus and my birthday are just three days apart. Because of that, July is always filled with celebrations. This year we tried the Brazilian buffet called Tucano's. I've heard so many good things about this place from my local friends and they even gave me a tip that if I signed up for their birthday club, I can get my meal for free. I did just that a week before our birthdays and we got our postcards in the mail not long after that. The great thing about having two family members share a birthday month, we get to have two meals free. Super! 

The food was delicious and the "experience" of some one cutting scrumptious meats and grilled pineapple right at our table was fun. They even sang a Brazilian birthday song for Marcus. He was super thrilled about that "experience."

My last note on Tucano's...because it's an all you can eat meat place, make sure you make room for it. We had a very light breakfast that day and had a small, light dinner afterwards as well. The calories that we consumed during our meal at Tucano's sure filled our intake for that day, and maybe a few more for the next day. 

My Birthday

My birthday fell on a Sunday this year. We went to church and did all the normal Sabbath day things that we do. The only difference....I didn't have to lift a finger at home. My dear husband and kids did all the cooking and prepping of food plus the dishes. I did however, make my cake (the day before) because I knew that that's something I cannot fully entrust to hubby. I had a homemade pound cake with cut up strawberries and drizzled with caramel sauce. 

Marcus Birthday Party

Our dear boy turned 10 this year. In the past, July seemed to be extra busy for me (I don't know why?) and I never get around to making a fondant covered cake for him. I owed him big time, so I thought this year was the year that I made amends. We not only gave him his fondant covered cake, but we even threw him a small party. In the beginning asked him what he wanted his cake to look like. At first he was telling me all of this outrageous sounding cake ideas.My eyes were big and my heart was beating fast, as I felt overwhelmed with his request. So while he wasn't with me, I took a peek at Pinterest for 'easy' cake ideas. I found  a Lego themed cake to be more up my alley, so I presented my idea to him. Thankfully he was on board and that's when our party planning started. After a few more browsing hours at Pinterest, we were able to get game, treat bag and decoration ideas pinned down. Another major challenge we had for this party was that it had to be on the "cheap". Thank goodness for an over abundance supply of paper and crafting supplies, we were able to make it happen with just a few change under our budget. Whew to that! 

The party went off without a hitch. Marcus was surrounded by a few of his good friends and was entertained by friends and new toys. 

So there you have it, another year and celebration recorded in the book, or rather in this day and age, in the blog. 

Till next time,

Grace

Paper Beach Bag with Sunkissed Collection

I am amazed at the many things we can create with paper. The possibilities are endless. Since it’s the summer month, I decided to push the envelope a little and try to create a beach bag from paper. I’ve sewn bags before so I used that experience to put this project together.  I made a few changes since the paper cannot be turned over after stitching and at the end, I found that nothing is impossible with paper and a dose of the right inspiration.

Instructions:

1. Cut a 3” wide strip from 12x12 paper. Score the two long ends on the ½” marks and fold. Repeat the process on another strip.

2. Sew the strips on two 12x12 sheets of identical papers.  To connect all strips, sew a stitch on the last fold and then adhere the edge to the paper. *Since this is paper and cannot be turned over to its right side so you will create the look of sewn edges without actually sewing the last strip to the bag.

3. Cut another 3” wide strip and score the long ends on the ½” marks. Add adhesive to the folded parts and adhere on the bottom of the bag. Add a die cut border on the front side of the bag.

4. Cut 4 1 ½” strips from 12x12 paper.  Score the one of the strips on the ½” mark, fold and overlap two together. Connect the strips with some machine stitch. Repeat the same process on the other two strips to create handles.

5. Round corners of the handles and place on the top center of the bag. Attach some big buttons on both ends with embroidery floss.

6. Decorate the front of the bag with paper, flowers and stickers.

*This bag is for decorative purposes only. Using it near or in water will damage the bag.

 Here are some close up look at the finished project..

Summer Lovin’ Paper Beach Bag

Size: 12 x 22”

Products Used:

Sunkissed (#2057 Sassy Swimmers; #2061 Pretty Swimsuit;  #2065 Tickled with sunshine; #2033 Label Stickers; #2036 Die cut borders)

Other Supplies:

Flowers, Buttons, Embroidery Floss, Photo Corners, Thread, Sewing machine, Corner Rounder punch, Adhesive

Have a fantastic day,

Grace

Lake Isabelle and Pueblo River Walk

It's been a great summer of exploring for our family. One of the places we recently visited was Lake Isabelle. It's about 1 1/2 hours drive southwest from Colorado Springs. The lake was surrounded by some beautiful hills and mountains. We visited this place on a Saturday and you can tell that it's a famous lake for fishing because of all the people around the lake that had fishing poles in their hands. The people fishing were of all different ages. We even saw a kid, about 10-12 years old, catch a fish. It was a neat experience. Here are some of my favorites from that excursion...

When we got there, we decided to do a hike. We weren't sure how far or how long the hike was so we never got to see the end. While hiking, we found out from other hikers that the trail led to an old mining cave. Mitch was pretty interested in that, unfortunately we never made it to the end of the trail. We will definitely have to go back and do that hike soon. After that, we decided to explore the lake. While at the lake, it rained on us. It was pouring hard for about 30-40 minutes. We ate our lunch in the back of our truck till the rained stop. After walked around the lake. I found it interesting how many different angles someone can photograph Lake Isabelle. I was stopping often because the Lake seemed different with every step I made. 

Pueblo River Walk

After the lake, on the way home, we stopped by Pueblo (city south of Colorado Springs). I've always heard of the "Pueblo River Walk" and have always wanted to see it for myself. The river walk was built in the middle of downtown Pueblo. The water that runs through this water way is the Arkansas river. I love the paved walk way and the beautiful scenery. We took pictures by the river, the many different sculptures surrounding the river walk and even some ducks. 

It was a long day of exploring and sight seeing. We feel so blessed to have some many neat things to see and do around Colorado. It makes living here an exciting outdoor experience! 

Till next time,

Grace

Exploring Colorado with Friends

One of the things we've come to really appreciate are good friends. Since we don't have family living by us, we've come to rely a lot on friends. That's why we are so blessed to have met the S family. They live near us and have kids that are about the same age as ours. Here are some photos of our latest excursions with our dear friends. 

Miniature Golf

The kids participated in the reading program of our local library. For their first prize, they got some coupons to use at different establishments in the area. One of those coupons was a free 18-hole game of miniature golf. At first, my kids were just hitting the ball with their clubs as much as they want. I guess I forgot that they don't do golfing often and I had to remind them of the "rules" of the game. After constant reinforcement, they learned to share and wait for their turns. I was not prepared for the heat though and my kids were mad at me for not bringing waters.The kids learned their golf lessons while I learned to always be prepared!

Hike to Seven Bridges

We didn't have any plans for Fourth of July and so we were very excited when our friends invited us to go hiking. Mitch and the kids have been to this hike before but this was my first time. It was a fairly easy hike. There's no major hills and we were walking under the shade of trees so it wasn't too hot. The kids got wet in the river and they even tried some Yucca leaves. Our friends brought their dog and my kids just loved every minute of it. They tired the dog by playing catch with her. Fun stuff! 

What about you? What are your favorite activities with friends? 

Till next time,

Grace

Family stories...much needed recap

If I thought June was flying by way too fast, July is trying to change that. My family and I have been doing and going, and my camera was present during all those times. The good thing...many moments captured and will be ready to scrapbooking soon. The bad thing....there are so many,  that it's hard to post them on the blog. Here's my attempt to capture three events from June...

Craft camp was a blast! I had a great group of kids this year. I held it at a local church and we had plenty of room to spread out. I created themes for each day and the kids seemed to have enjoyed that. I had a good friend assist me through out the week and I couldn't have done it with out her. I also had some fantastic families. Everyone was so supportive of craft camp and the opportunities for discovery it brings to each participant. It took out a lot of my energy and brain power BUT at the end of the week, it's the hugs and smiles of the kids and family saying goodbye to me that made it all worth it. It hasn't even been a month and my mind is already starting to plan out next year's camp details. 

The last Friday of June, we attended the annual dinner and baseball game hosted by our local Realtor. It's the only time in the year that we watch our local Skysox team at Security Service Field. The kids enjoyed the game zone while Mitch chatted with his old friend Tracy. We usually stay for the whole game and watch the fireworks at the end of the game, but we were leaving bright and early for Utah the following day so we opted to make an early exit. 

My husband has a childhood friend and unfortunately we found out that his friend's mother lost her battle to cancer in early June. The funeral was set for the last Saturday of June. We debated if we should go with him to Utah for the services and at the end, we decided that it's best to come as a family and support our friends as a group. It was a very quick road trip leaving early Saturday and coming back late Sunday. We got to stay at my husband's Aunt's house in Mt. Pleasant. Our friend's mom was a big motorcyclist and her ashes were placed in a fancy wood box covered with his leather motorcycle jacket during the funeral services. They even had a motorcycle caravan from the funeral home to the family's home in Manti. After the funeral, we stopped by a local malt shop. It peeked my interest since you don't see malts being offered by restaurants that much anymore. They only had chocolate ice cream as a base for the malts and that affected the overall taste of our orders. It was still good though,just a bit messy! Before we left Manti, we stopped by the temple and took some photos. Next time, I'll like to actually go inside. 

So that's how we ended June. I hope to catch up on July's events sooner than later. 

Until then,have a great rest of the week. 

Till next time,

Grace

Father's day 2013 recap

I know this is a bit late, but like the old saying goes... "it's better late than never!" 

Our Father's day festivities started the day before Sunday. Since our family tries to keep the Sabbath day holy, all of our eating out or shopping are done on Saturdays. To celebrate our "father", we had lunch at a Mexican restaurant called "Acero's" that Mitch heard great reviews of from his co-workers. I didn't bring my camera (I was too lazy to lug the big camera along) so I captured the memories through my Ipod's camera. 

Here's a collage of how our Father's day lunch looked like...

Calories were definitely thrown out the door during this meal. Mitch ordered a combination plate of Enchilada and burrito while I chose sopes with salad on top. We were debating if we should get the kids' children plates but Marcus seem to be having a more "adult" like appetite so we ended up getting him a three taco plate. Maddie got a kid's plate of quesadillas. Everyone got rice and beans with their orders and Marcus, surprisingly, really liked the rice. 

On Father's day I was inspired to make a Lemon coconut cake from scratch with cream cheese frosting.  You can really tell the difference between a cake from scratch from a boxed one. They are more fluffy and full of flavor. I took a picture of my finished cake compared to the one in the cookbook. Of course mine is amateur looking but it still tasted good. :)

We also got Mitch a box of See's candies (his favorite) and lots of hugs and kisses. That was how we celebrated Father's day at our home. How did yours turn out?

Till next time,

Grace

Patsy's candy store excursion

One of the things the family and I wanted to do this Summer is to explore our city a bit more. It's only been  a little over a year since we've moved here and we feel like there's still a lot more places to see, do and experience. 

I've heard that there was a candy store in town that is apparently comparable to See's candies. I also learned that between the months of May and September, they allow store tours for free. I thought that would be something that the kids would enjoy so on a Thursday afternoon, I drove me and the children to Patsy's candy store to see how their candies were made and of course, to get a little sampling of it. *wink*

Here are some photos of our candy factory adventure...

The tours were set at a certain time of the day. One in the morning and another one in the afternoon. I was a little worried when we came into the store a few minutes after the set time for the afternoon tour. I thought that we were so late that we wouldn't be able to go on the tour. Luckily there was a big crowd for that time slot so they ended up dividing the tourists into two groups and we made it to the later group just in time. 

All tour participants were asked to wear a hair net. Marcus didn't want to wear his, but the tour guide/candy lady told him that he can't go in the factory without the hair net, and my boy obeyed. 

Unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos during the tour. I was not able to capture all of the neat machines that made taffy, caramel, popcorn and chocolate. I would have to say that it was a surprisingly interesting tour. The history of the place was fascinating. All the machines were built between 1940-70, and all of them are still in operation. Amazing. 

The only thing I would do differently next time is to call ahead to see what they are making that day. Unfortunately, the old taffy and caramel production line was not being used on the day that we came. Apparently, not all machines/stations are in operation during this time since it's not the store's busy season. I would have liked to see those big taffy pull machines at work while there. 

After the tour, we got to have a sample of the taffy and some caramel popcorn. It was delicious that we couldn't just leave after that. We ended up wandering the front store a little bit longer to see all of the chocolates and candies packaged and ready to eat. 

Look at all of these handmade chocolates and truffles....

They even have "artisan" ones. We learned (through the tour) that the store contracts an artist that paints the chocolate eggs during Easter time. That sounds very impressive. 

The price of their chocolates are a bit high. We ended up purchasing four small caramel candies and one toffee bar that cost us $3. That doesn't sound too much but I don't think our chocolate even weighed over 2 ounces. Definitely a splurge, but it was worth it. The candies were very tasty!

So that's our latest excursion. Hope you enjoyed our little review of the Patsy's candy store and tour. If you are local or planning to be in town and is looking for a tasty and educational tour of a candy factory, this is a must see. :)

Till next time,
Grace