I didn't take a single picture today! It was a fun and full day. Filled with all sorts of things I could have and probably should have taken pictures of. We started off with the Monticello parade. We met up with Rick and Josi there and then again after lunch when we had a really nice visit that turned into an impromptu dinner with hopes of more in the future. Then we had friends over to watch the fireworks. We have an amazing view of the football field from our back yard. I have never been so close the fireworks before. WOW!!! So now were off to bed! We hope everyone had as nice of a day as we did!

I bought a box of plums from bountiful baskets Saturday. My thinking was that Aspen, Linden and I all really like them. What I wasn't thinking was that we would all be eating the MANY apricots that are around as we'll as some really yummy sales on raspberries, strawberries and blueberries that brought so much fruit into our house these bast few weeks. (This is not a complaining post. I LOVE this kind of problem!) the result is that although we have been steadily eating our plums, this morning found me with very ripe fruit that needed to be dealt with or tossed. So this morning has been cool (a different post could tell about the crazy powerful thunder storm that sounded like it was going on in my attic!) so jam mankind morning it was!

Have you ever made plum jam? I haven't. I don't even remember if I've even tried it! This batch is tart and almost tastes like cranberry sauce. Hmmm. I wonder how it would go with turkey or pork loin?!

Lately Linden has loved putting socks on. This morning he put on 8 of them. On each foot!

35 lbs if apricots. And more to go on Monday!

Peanut butter play dough.
1 c peanut butter
2 c powdered sugar
1/4 c honey
Mix (I used a blender!) and enjoy!

It's half toy, half snack.

Popcorn popping on the apricot tree...

Book Review (in no particular order)!

Hi people! This is Aspen to tell you all my favorite books/authors (in no particular order)!

The Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage 
I loved this series!!!! This series is pretty new. The last book in the series, Fyre, was published this year.It is a fantasy sort of thing with wizards, dragons, and a super fun plot. Something you would like if you like Harry Potter, which brings me to....

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling 
Need I explain? Filled with magic and adventure!!!

The Missing Children series by Margaret Peterson Haddix 
Basically, Jonah (13) and Chip(13) get a letter saying: YOU ARE ONE OF THE MISSING. They find out that SPOILER ALERT they are really missing children in history! You can watch the little preview video that I found on goodreads. This series is not finished though! Still really good.

Wendy Mass's books 
She has three really good books I've been able to get my hands on: 11 Birthdays, Finally, and 13 Gifts. These are about turning 11,12, and 13. They carry the characters into the next book which makes it interesting in a good way! Also, she wrote a book called The Candymakers  that is a must read!!!!

Blue Balliet's series 
It starts with The Calder Game. It is about pentominoes, conclusions, and the great Alexander Calder. Really good series especially if you enjoy Calder's art!

The Nancy Drew series 
Not as high-leveled as Harry Potter but still fun! Fun Fact: The Nancy Drews were written by ghost writers under the name Carolyn Keene.

Andrew Clements's books 
I really liked these when I was younger but now they don't seem to have that much of a plot. that doesn't mean that they are bad books, but they are written for 8-10 year olds. Same with...
Jerry Spinelli's books 

Well, there you have it! Tell me if you know any good books!

Footprints in the Sand

The past 24 hours I have strongly felt the truth expressed in the famous poem Footprints in the Sand. Never has sickness hit our family so suddenly and so intensely (Don't worry. Nothing life threatening. 71% of our family hit with stomach virus, including both of us parents). I am thankful for the priesthood, and for the privilege of giving blessings of healing by its power.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,
"I love you, child, and would never leave you.
The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."

-Mary Stevenson
(Blue text not in original.)