Swimming lessons!

I had the opportunity to take Miss Brylie to her private swimming lessons today. It was awesome. She has no fear when it comes to water.

This girl brightens my life!!!  I am so lucky!!

~Michelle

This says it so perfectly…

Aw…this says it perfectly….

Doesn’t it?

~Michelle

Happy 4th of July!!

The 4th of July is one my most favorite holidays!!  This year, we opted to have our own fireworks display.  Dad and Shad did an amazing job!!

Aw…what a lovely day!!!

~Michelle

Being polished…

Tonight as I was studying, I came across a quote by Elder Richard G. Scott.

Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit.

As I read it, I felt this indescribable feeling enter my heart and fill my whole body. I sat there for the longest time feeling this amazing peace. I didn’t want to end. I just wanted to relish in the moment and feel the way that I was feeling. I just need to remember that when I am going through a trial and it isn’t because of disobedience…that I am just being polished.

~Michelle

Creepiness!!

I was driving home from my parents’ home a few days ago and something caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. I looked to the left and there were SIX GLOWING EYEBALLS staring at me. CREEPY!!! I was so freaked out that I didn’t want to investigate any more. Hey…it was dark and like I said, CREEPY!

So…today in the light, we chose to investigate. This is what was watching us…

OK…in the light…it is still CREEPY!!  Do you think that this is a tad bit strange?

~Michelle

My mom is talented!

One of the most talented people that I know is my mom. She is simply amazing. She can look at anything and instantly create it. Lately, she has been crocheting this afghan. 

We have been joking about the colors. First of all, why would people even put these colors together? Second of all, did they really think that it would end up pretty? As Mom finished it, we decided that it was so ugly that it is adorable. We think that we have become attached to it.

~Michelle

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake

Oh my goodness!!! I found a new recipe and it is simply delicious!!! It is easy and it turned out fabulous. My mom used to make a recipe similar to this one but we lost somewhere along the line.

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake.

For the cake:

2 cups Brown Sugar

2 cups All-purpose Flour

6 Tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa

4 tsp. Baking Powder

1 tsp. Salt

1 cup Milk

4 Tbsp. Butter, melted

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

For the Fudge Topping:

1 ½ cups Brown Sugar

½ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

3 cups boiling water

Directions: For the cake: Mix together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Stir in milk, melted butter and vanilla until combined. Spread the batter over the bottom of large crockpot.

For the fudge topping: Mix together the brown sugar and cocoa. Sprinkle mixture over the cake batter. Pour the boiling water over the top. DO NOT STIR! Cover and cook on High for 2-2/12 hours.

Cake will be very hot! Turn off heat, and remove lid. Let sit 20-30 minutes before serving, so it’s still warm but won’t burn your mouth.

You will really going to want to add some vanilla ice cream to this too…PROMISE!!

~Michelle