I think I'm getting the baby bug

I got to take this littly guys picture yesterday and he is so amazingly precious! It almost makes me want to adopt a little baby.....I said almost! Good thing Loren & Jeannie will have a baby soon-I need a baby fix! This was a spur of the moment get it done kind of shoot but we got a few sweet pictures!

BAI Company Dinner

I have to admit Berthusen is not my favorite place for a picnic...usually so damp, dark, and mosquito infested. (Don't mean to sound like a snotty city girl or anything-just not my favorite place) But we had a really great time last night at the BAI company picnic. We estimated that nearly 90 people showed up to eat, play volleyball, football, and ladder golf, and eat fresh raspberries and ice cream. Seriously...I looked around and didn't know half the people there. When did this company get so big? Crazy! But I feel blessed that for the time being my hubby has a job and he feels called to be in the role he is. Refinery work isn't for everyone....I don't think I would survive one day in navy blue coveralls and 80 degree weather...not to mention the hard hat, respirator, and heavy work boots-I would melt!!!! As Frank mentioned, there are a cast of characters to work with as well. But God has a special place for each of us and it feels good when you find your nitch!

Happy Birthday America!

What a week we have had! Raspberry harvest began a week early and we got the call last Saturday night that we would be starting on Monday. I fully figured they would pick a few hours and then realize that we started too early again this year. But no....more pickers to schedule every day this week and now we are at full capacity. Not only did I work many hours this week....Tuesday was the last day of swimming lessons! Horray! Hailey and Micah did great and after this lesson I fully trust that if Micah were to accidentally fall into deep water he could survive! If that isn't a load off a mothers shoulders I don't know what is! Tuesday night was Sadies final test at Cedarwoods Canine School. This was the advanced offlead class that we have been taking the past 12 Tuesday nights. Tensions were tight but Sadie did really well and I was so relieved to hear that we scored a 180 (out of 200). She was named Top Dog in our class....It was a proud moment (I can just hear those of you who have never had a puppy snickering-ah yes....it is rather humorous I know)!

The rest of the week was filled with craziness. I applied to go back to work at my job at church. I don't know if I will even get an interview but several things made me realize that I needed to take this step...why is it that I am always fighting God...I am like a kicking toddler sometimes...what an embarressment!

We were invited to spend the 4th on Camano Island with the Muljat family. Didn't know for sure if we would be able to go since berries are in full swing but bless her heart...Marilyn told me to go and just enjoy the day with my family! Enjoy I did! The weather was really hot and so great here. This is the 2nd year in a row that we have gotten to spend the 4th as a family. What a blessing to be together! We had a great day despite the constant ungliness creaping up in our home called bickering! Tonight these kids are going to be real early!

Troy and Heather have a beautiful home right on the bay. As the tide goes out there is a huge sandy area where the kids can play. As it comes back in the water is really warm and very shallow. We had so much fun together! I made my all time favorite dessert as you can see when you scroll down....Fruit Pizza. Here is the recipe....
Crust: 3/4 C. butter
1 C. Flour
6 T. Powdered Sugar
Pinch of salt
Smoosh this mixture onto a pizza pan and bake at 325 degrees for 12 minutes (a bit less in my case). Let crust cool completely before continuing.
1st Layer: 8 oz. cream cheese
1/4 C. powdered sugar
Spread this on cooled crust
2nd Layer: In sauce pan mix
4 T. sugar
4 tsp. cornstarch
1 C. berry puree
Cook until thick then cool completely. Put over crust and 1st layer.
3rd Layer: Sprinkle fresh berries or other fruit over the 2nd layer.
4th Layer: Just before serving put a dollup of cool whip or whip cream on top of each piece of dessert.
YUMMY! Works great with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries...probably almost any fruit!

This kid is stylin! Seriously...can we get more gaudy? You should see the shoes she tried on a few weeks ago....heaven help us all!

Fun to be with friends for the day!

Nice to spend time together...

I'm liking this warm water!

Can I get sand anywhere else today?

Whee! A tree swing!

What a dear group of friends. Some began in high school, some as neighbors, and others as dear sisters-in-Christ. God has put such wonderful friends in my life and I am so blessed!

Freedom to me is the right to speak out about anything I like without fear of persecution. The freedom to worship the God who created this world, who made me, who loves me, who gives me new life...I want to shout it out! God is so Good!

See...if you hold them like this they can't pinch you...why doesn't anyone trust me here? After all, I grew up doing this from time to time! Maybe it is the crab they don't trust???!!!

Oh Say can you see!

Family Photoshots-Bonus!