Baby Riley

I am a bit behind, since baby Riley arrived yesterday, but I still wanted to share about the shower that we had for her mamma, Amy! Amy is such a dear friend to me and it was so fun getting to shower her with love and help her prepare for her baby girl! Miss Riley is just precious, and we now love her just as much as we do her mommy and daddy!

Sugar & Flour

I have been playing in the flour quite a bit this summer; here are a few recent projects that I have been working on when Sam is outside working in the yard! From birthdays, wedding showers, and gender reveal parties I have had quite the variety lately!!!

Just last week we got to celebrate Ryan's 1st birthday party! He wasn't too much into eating the cake, but he sure had a fun time playing in it!!!

This was my first gender reveal cake and thought it turned out pretty cute!

FYI - It was a BOY

Wedding shower for my sweet bible study leader at church

Happy Mother's Day cake that I made back in May to celebrate my mom and sister-in-law

R-A-I-D-E-R-S '01

Back in June we went to Amarillo to be apart of my 10 year high school reunion. I wasn't really sure what it would be like since Facebook and the internet basically take out any of the "shocker" moments, but we ended up having a great time catching up with friends. 10 years must not be long enough, because as soon as we were all back together, it felt like we never left (except all of the kids running around! I am pretty sure we might have been one of the only couples without kids!). I think from now on I will look forward to these things and treasure these people that played a big role in my life growing up!

Top: Some of the girls from Class of '01 at the luncheon

Bottom: Some of my closest girl friends (then & now) and their hubbies! So blessed that the husbands enjoy each other as much as we do!

Ashley, Megan, Mandy, Berkeley, Jessica, Ashley - too many memories to count with these girls!

I guess I didn't get many pics with the fellas of the class!

BLOOMS

Over the past few years that we have lived in our house Sam has grown to love gardening and frankly anything to do with the yard. Love is actually an understatement because he could be outside 24/7 if he was able. Yes, even in this 100 degree weather we have been experiencing - that doesn't stop him, but only means more water refills! He has worked hard to get the yard where he wants it to be and this year all his hard work has come to fruition and looks amazing!!! He has learned a lot and I know will continue to grow in this new love! Here are a few examples from this Spring and Summer. I can't believe how well things have held strong despite some crazy storms and crazy hot weather, but it all still looks great! We did loose a canopy that we had covering our porch which we were using as shade for many flowers, but other than that things are looking good. We are thinking vegetables next year!!! (All pictures taken by Sam also)

Kwanso Triple Petaled Lilies

We have a lot of these and they multiply ever year -

let us know if you want some, we have plenty to share!

Assorted CalladiumsLantana - this stuff can take over!!!

Elephant ears, red Petunias,and two types of Sweet Potato Vines

One of our many Crapemyrtle trees

Asparagus furn, purple/red Petunias, Sweet Potatoe Vine, Coleus,

and wispies (technical term unknown!)

Hardy Hibiscus

huge blooms that catch my eye every morning

Asparagus fern - aka: Clown Hair!

Grape Vines - recently all the grapes were eaten by birds!

Echinacea -

beautiful flowers that attract lots of butterflies and bees

Pansies from the springTulips

Sam planted ~75 bulbs, so we had quite the showing this spring!!!

Bradford Pear Tree - spring blooms

(down to only two of these after one fell on our house 2 years ago)

Not pictured: beautiful pink Hydrangea (having a hard time in this heat), Tea Rose bush, daisies, various herbs/garlic, Four O'Clocks, Bloodgood Japanese Maple tree, Carolina Jasmine, Snowball Bush (Viburnum), Some Hostas, and many more that I don't know the name of!!!

Happy Birthday America

7 couples + 3 babies + 1 baby to come = life long memories

We went on our annual 4th of July trip to LBJ Lake and once again had a blast!!! Even with 3 nights on an air mattress and 2 showers between us all, we had an amazing time. I have said it before and will say it again, that we have been so blessed with am amazing group of friends to do life with. We could not ask for more!

Cowgirl Birthday Surprise

I have said for years that I wanted to go dancing for my birthday! Well Sam and my amazing girlfriends made that happen this year! I was so surprised when Sam drove up to a country dance hall, and even more surprised when a group of my friends were standing there waiting for me with a brand new pair of boots and a dress in hand! We had the best night taking dance lessons, riding the mechanical bull, and playing some pool. It was truly a Texas-sized & style birthday!!! Thanks to everyone that was apart of making my 28th birthday a memorable one!

Chris, Mel, Kirk, Kortney, Amber, Mandy, Sam, Diana, Michael

Taking on the bull - let's just say the bull won!

Kortney, Melanie, Mandy, Amber, and Diana
Diana taking on the bull

Me and my amazing husband - after dancing he took me to my next surprise to celebrate our 5th anniversary which was the next day. We enjoyed a night at the Ritz Carlton; we had an amazing time!!!

Kortney showing the bull who's boss!!!
Amber having her turn on the bull
The men - Kirk, Michael, Chris, and Sam