{on a roll with Rolo's...}

This past weekend we had a little "Back to School" party at our house with some good friends of ours. I feel pretty fortunate to live in such an awesome neighborhood, where I am surrounded by so many great friends--and my kids are pretty happy too I must say. A few weeks ago, I saw this Rolo Pencil idea {here} and thought that our "Back to School" party would be the perfect occasion to make them.

A took a few quick snapshots that night, but I feel bad that I didn't remember to take out my camera at the beginning of the evening, because a few families had already left by the time I remembered. Oh well!




So back to the Rolo pencils. This is such a cute and simple craft to do, and my kids really liked helping me glue the Hershey kisses on the end of each pencil. Each of the kiddos that came got one....that's 15 Rolo pencils!!



The Menu--Mexican Fiesta.

Everyone brought side dishes, and I made these really yummy pulled pork tacos for everyone, served with uncooked tortillas from Costco. I had never bought them before, and have heard people rave about them for years. I think what makes them so good, is that you warm them up right before your about to eat, so they taste fresh! I don't think I will ever buy regular tortillas again after trying these out.

Yum!



I guess as my post title indicates, I have been on a roll with Rolo's. Today I decided to make these Chocolate Caramel Rolo cookies. Sometimes I really get sick of the same old boring cookies that I always make, so I thought these would be a fun change.




My kids approve!

{1st day in the 1st grade}

Hunter had his first day of school last week at his brand new school. I know that every parent probably says the exact same thing...but I can't quite grasp the notion, that I have a kid in the 1st grade.

He was so excited that morning, while getting ready for school, that he actually surprised me a little. I thought that he would have been a little more nervous that 1st day, being that he was starting a brand new school and all. But he couldn't wait to get out the door.



Tanner doesn't start preschool this year until after Labor Day, so he felt really sad that morning when his big brother had to leave him.

Every year, I let my kids pick out their new shoes for the school year. Hunter was beyond excited when I found these DC shoes for him. Not quite sure why he thinks this particular brand of shoes are "so cool" but he was very happy to wear them. Plus he thinks that they make him run ultra fast now.

Since when do 1st graders have lockers??



And off he goes into his classroom.

Thankfully he did turn around right before he went inside and gave me a quick little smile, which made mom happy!


And so it goes, with many more 1st days of school to come.......

{the proposal}

"Proposal"

August 8, 2011

One of the big highlights from our trip to Utah, was that my youngest brother Brady, got engaged to his girlfriend Jess. I don't think that I have ever met two people--who are quite literally, so perfectly matched. When I look at these two little lovebirds, I can't help but get a little misty-eyed--because I know that my brother has truly found the love of his life.

So if I may, set up the scene for you all--the night Brady and Jessica got engaged. He took her on a memory lane scavenger hunt to start off the night, before the big proposal took place. It worked out perfectly for him, because the night he proposed, just so happened to be her birthday as well.

Throughout the entire night, Jessica thought that all of this was for her birthday...little did she know what was to come next. After their trip down memory lane, the clues led them to my parents house, in their backyard where this table was set up, for a very romantic dinner for two.

Jess is a huge Bachelor fan, so this next part of the proposal was pretty dang funny! Steve was kind enough to "volunteer" to be Chris Harrison for the night. So after they were finished eating their dinner, "Chris" had the job of taking the "final rose" down to the table and present it to Brady.

I was trying to be covert and sneaky while I snapped a few photos of the exchange. Steve did a fantastic job playing the role of Chris, and I was shocked that he didn't bust up laughing as he delivered his line.........

And....she said yes!

So sweet

A pic of the ring.



So happy for you both! I can't wait to be there at the wedding in a few short months.

The best part of the night, I must say--was the chocolate cake. Being that it was Jessica's birthday after all, we all got together inside and celebrated this joyous occasion over cake and ice cream.

(I love how Tanner is the one who blew out her candles.)

The End.

{thoughts on turning 31}

August 21, 1980
The day I was born.

I have been writing this blog for almost 4 years now (wow really... 4 years??) And today, as I was contemplating my thoughts on turning 31 this year--it got me thinking! It has been really rewarding to look back, on each of my previous birthdays over the years, and see what changes have taken place in my life. Some of the things I wrote about and documented here, make me laugh and smile inside. (Awe, I was so young back in those days.....)

There is one thing that has always remained constant in my life each year...and that is the amazing group of friends and family that surround me and fill up my life. What an incredible blessing of strength and support you all are to me. As I reflect back on this past year, I wished that I would have spent some time, documenting more of the ups and downs that I/we have experienced together as a family. Because through these hard and trying times, we gain perspective, draw strength, and grow! I forget too easily, the challenges and trials that I/we have overcome over recent times. I have been utterly and truly grateful for the times that I did document those thoughts and feelings I experienced here.

So back to turning 31 years old.....I feel like I have learned many lessons, and have gained great insight and perspective into my own life and the course that it has taken me on. I still have a lot to learn, and I am ok with that. But today, I am filled with a renewed sense of self awareness in every aspect of my life.

My hope for this coming year, is that I get to continue to experience finding my own "Joy within the Journey" as well as finding

love, laughter and happiness with those I love and hold dear!

Happy 31 years of life to me!

In remembrance of years past--here are my birthdays that I posted about....it's kind of funny to read them, along with the comments from you too! :)

{2008}

{2009}

{2010}
and {oh what a decade}

{day at the aquarium}

The last week we were in Utah, my grandma Stewart took us all to the Living Planet Aquarium. We had such a wonderful time seeing all of the different sea creatures, and I know that my boys really enjoyed petting the stingrays and seeing the sharks.

My youngest brother Brady, got engaged to his girlfriend Jessica this past month. So on this day, it was a lot of fun to have her come along with us, and spend the afternoon together. My boys already adore her, and keep asking when she can come and play with them again.




She fits perfectly in our family, and I really enjoyed getting to know her better this trip. I can't wait until I get to come to their wedding this November.

[grandparents and siblings}

Steve and I-- have both been richly blessed, to have such incredible grandparents! If only they knew how much we look up to admire each one of them. They are all such wonderful examples to not only us--but to the many grandchildren and great grandchildren that they have.

{Steve, me and Papa John}

This is probably one of my favorite pictures that was taken while I was in Utah--with my dear grandpa Hunter. Over the 24th of July, we got together in Star Valley, and stayed at my parents' cabin. I got to spend some quality time with many of my cousins and extended family members that I rarely get the chance to see. I feel horrible that I didn't get a picture with my grandma Hunter as well. She is equally as wonderful as my dear Papa John, and I love them both very much. You can't get two more exceptional people than these two are. I could go on and on about how much these two people mean to me, but I would run out of room. Suffice to say, that I love and adore them--more than they could ever know!



{Grandma Stewart and I}

My dear sweet grandma, what a remarkable lady she truly is. She is probably one of the most thoughtful and Christlike people that I know. I have such fond memories of coming to her house as a child, and all of the many wonderful things that we would do together. She is always calling me, to check in and see how I am doing, and it means so much! She is one special lady, and I love her dearly.

{grandpa Stewart and I}

I will always be his little "Stuffins" a nickname that he still calls me to this day. My grandpa has created such a wonderful legacy for his family. I hope that he knows how much his grandchildren and great grandchildren look up to and love him. What an incredible person he is. And nothing puts a smile on my face, like getting a great big hug from him. I love my grandpa.

{grandma Wales-Steve's grandma}

During our stay, we had the chance to spend the afternoon with grandma Wales, and go to Maddox for lunch. It was such a fun day, and I am so grateful for grandma Wales, and the life that she has led. She has been through many challenges throughout her life, but has always remained steadfast and strong. And I know that Steve has a very special place in his heart for grandma Wales. We love you!

{grandpa and grandma Morris}

Being the thoughtful and considerate people that these two people are, they took us all out to Tony's pizza for my (early birthday) celebration. Grandma Morris even made me my favorite lemon cake for my birthday. She really is one of the best cooks that I know, and you will never leave her house hungry that's for sure. We always look forward to the cards and little packages that she sends us. We really enjoy spending time with them at their house, and always feel at home there. Steve truly adores his grandparents, and I know how much he misses them.


The Sibs

{The Morris brothers}

These three brothers crack me up. They are all so different and unique in their own way. Steve is the oldest of the bunch, then comes Scotty and Kyle. They each have such different personalities, but when they get together they always have a great time. I really enjoyed spending time with them as well during this trip. In fact I sacrificed my sleep a few nights in a row (like staying up till 3am--yikes!) hanging out Kyle and Steve watching movies and buying late night fireworks. Good times.

{Brady, me, Erika, Zac}

I think that this trip, more than any other, I was able to spend some quality time with each of my siblings. My youngest brother Brady, even got engaged while we were there, which was so fun to be able to be apart of. I am not going to go on and on about each of them--because I am pretty sure that they all know how much I love them, and how much they mean to me. But I will say, that spending time with each of them over these past few weeks, really made me miss the days that I was just another sister in the Stewart house.


I have updated my blog with pics from our UT trip below, so scroll on down if you want, and I will continue updating.....hopefully!

{hogle zoo}

One of the many fun things we did, while visiting Utah this past month--was taking the boys to the zoo. Hogle Zoo had recently added a Dinosaur exhibit throughout the entire park, so the kids got an added treat that day.

The T-rex was of course their favorite dinosaur to see.

The boys with with my mom and sister.




This lizard gave me the creeps, but my kids were fascinated by it. I love Hunter's smile in this picture.

My mom and I by the peacocks.




It was yet again, another fun day spent with family.

Good thing we all got out in one piece!

{cousins}

While we were in Utah, the kids were able to spend some time playing with their cousins, Carter and Braxton. These four boys get along so well together, and we had a great time playing with them these past few weeks.

One day, we took them all to the AeroSpace Museum to see the planes.

A picture of them "patiently" waiting to get some ice cream cones at the Mercantile shop.

Eating at Tony's pizza in Ogden is always at the top of the list of things to do.

And of course, chasing your cousins' chickens in the backyard is always a good time!

As well as a day spent at the Splash Pad!

I am so happy that our kids get along, and play so well together. Even though we live 1000 miles apart, it really makes you appreciate the time that you do have together.

{a surprise birthday party and fireworks}

Our time here in Utah has been going at lightening speed. I can't believe that our time here is almost over. We have been able to spend some great time with friends and family, and I know my kids have been having a blast.


Last week, I got a huge surprise--and my sister-in-law threw me a totally unexpected (early) birthday party at Fat Cats. I literally was shocked, and it was so much fun. (My birthday isn't until the 21st of this month) so it was really nice to celebrate with everyone while we are in town.

My mom, sister and I.

Food catered from Costa Vida and the Pizza Factory.

My sister-in-law Christie and I.




After dinner, we had full reign over the arcades, bumper cars and bowling.




It was such a fun night, and I know everyone had a great time.
Thanks for making my (early 31st birthday) such a fun and memorable day.

Later that night, after we all had our fill of bowling and bumper cars at Fat Cats--we had a little firework show in front of Steve's parents' house. The Morris brothers mean serious business when it comes to putting on a firework show. Literally lighting off fireworks is like Christmas for these three.

Kyle, Steve and Scotty.

Steve's brother Kyle and his girlfriend Kelsey.

It was a great day!
And the firework display, did not disappoint.
Well done boys.