Someone else's trash is my treasure

I have been needing a new dresser for a while. My old dresser is fine. I bought it at IKEA 8 years ago, and it was just starting to get old, and have issues. (maybe it is because I was CRAMMING the drawers full.... whatever!)
So I have been on the hunt for something new. I decided to browse the consignments stores too for treasures. And, guess what..... I found a treasure! I went in and saw a beautiful dresser, but then noticed it had a "hold" tag on it for someone else. (how dare they!) I put my name with the store just in case things changed.... and they did! I got a beautiful, solid, espresso dresser that hardly has a scratch. Score!

I don't really have a good before picture.... but my dresser was light like my bed.



And now.... check it out! New pictures (thanks to Sam Moons!), and gorgeous new dresser! Happiness!!!




Thank you to whoever got rid of this gem so that I can enjoy it! And a BIG thanks to my dad and Matt who helped heft this behemoth up the stairs and into my room! Not an easy task, but worth it!

Just around the riverbend....

Nothing like a fun day down the lazy river with the youth in our ward.

Good times.... some girls don't like getting their pictures taken without makeup on! :)

My crew on my boat. Such cute girls. However they were much more interested in water fights and boys than rowing....Wow. I got my work-out for the day!

How y'all doin' down in Texas?!?

The Aunties decided to go take a trip and see where our cute niece and nephew moved to. Welcome to Texas!
We immediately felt the heat and humidity, kinda like a tropical vacation. The heat didn't bother me too much, but then again, we spent most of our time indoors!
Our first night, we decided on an outing for dinner where the kids could be entertained too.

The food was great at this classy restaurant. A huge salt water fish tank, a view over the water....

That's right.... we ate at the Bass Pro Shop! Welcome to Texas!

There was a mini "beach" out back by the water. Lest you think we have left, you can see the sign in the background. Yep, still in Texas!

A little target practice for the girls. A great after dinner activity!

The best way to beat the heat... Swimming!!!

Love having the waterproof camera to catch cute moments at any time.


One of the great reasons to go for a visit was cute Rini-roo's 4th birthday!
Happy birthday cute girl! It was so fun being in Texas with family who I love so much. It was a fantastic trip. Good food, some great swimming time, and just being with family. Love you guys!

Campin' with the Girls!

Ah, to be 16ish again....
Oh wait! I got to be 16 again at Girls Camp a couple weeks ago!

The outdoors. The great food cooked for you. The ponytails and pigtails. The fun and water fights. Lots of giggling. Late nights and cumulative sleep deprivation.
Yep. That's Girls Camp AND being 16ish again! Lucky me.

So, as usual, it was so great to have my Dad up there too. It is so great to have him there and also to see him being so much fun with all those teen girls that look up to him.


And I had the great experience of having a long time friend be up there too as a cook. We got a chance to hang out a little bit and found out that we are mean kayakers!


And then I also got to relive a little bit of the college days and be a roomie again with my old roomie. Look at us.... we don't look a day older! (or something like that...) So fun to have a good friend that has known me for a very long time, and still finds time to be a good friend inbetween being a great mom to 3 great kids. I loved catching up on the chit-chatting!



Good times! No wonder I love going every year!