Scrap n' Swap

Ok, so I recently joined a few online scrapbooking swaps...basically there are several themes or layout inspirations that everyone divides and signs up for interests online. Yes, it can be addicting, but also very inspirational. I am loving using my "scrap stash" and being inspired to get my memories down on paper.

Here are two of my latest contributions:

Homemade Fire Starters

My brother-in-law Tyson learned how to do these years ago in scouts. In my search to be ever prepared in the event of an emergency, or simply for the convenience of starting a fire to warm the family...my mother-in-law invited me to join her in creating these.



We tested one when we were all done, and it burned for a good 20 min or more on it's own. You could potentially cut these in half and they would give plenty of flame to get a good fire going.

What you need to Create Your Own:
Paper egg carton, dryer lint, candle (for wax), deep pan, large soup or food storage can, deep pot, tongs for dipping in wax

Create a "Double Broiler" by placing your can inside of a pot. Break apart your candle and put in the can to melt your wax.

Collect dryer lint in an old egg carton over time and then pour melted wax over the lint while carton is still in tact. Once cooled, cut apart the individual slots and then dip in the hot wax mixture one at a time. Set on a paper bag to dry and there you have it!

Many thanks to Holly Johnson (http://www.hollyshobbysphoto.blogspot.com/) who took our most recent family photos...we LOVE them!!

Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon

Saturday, August 1st - We ran our first 1/2 marathon! Aubrie trained for several months with some good friends that kept her motivated and inspired to keep going. The training definately paid off, because the race that at one time had seemed so intimidating was easy to run and she enjoyed every step of the way (She is already trying to decide when/where her next one will be and train for speed this time.) Pictured at the finish line are Aubrie with friends (Emily and Juliette) who I trained and completed the race with her.

Landon and Juliette's husband Toby (pictured at the starting line) also ran with us. Unfortunately, Landon who has been very busy with work and church did not train for the race like he should have and ended up walking at 11 miles and with very sore knees. He did cross the finish line and admitted that he could only push through the pain for so long before he could not physically do it (run) anymore. We are so happy to have accomplished this and it was so exciting to cross the Finish Line!

Graduation

Alright, so I have taken a break from updating the blog and feeling really bad about it... so here is a snapshot of our family at Landon's graduation - an event to remember that happened last August 2008.

We are so proud of him - all of the hard work and time finally paid off!!

Hiking in October

We went hiking with some friends to this breathtaking waterfall. We love to spend time outdoors with the family and take advantage of this beautiful place we live. October 2008

Growing So BIG

Just last week, I started to realize that I don't take pictures of my second child nearly as often as I did of my first. She is so cute and growing so quickly...I had to capture the moment so that I wouldn't forget the precious memories. She has the strength, but not the balance to sit up on her own. She loves to try though as you can see with the big smiles!