Lets go fly a kite.......

I am always looking for things that are free to attend. This weekend I saw that Lincoln City was having their 25th kite festival so I thought that might be fun. It didn't disappoint it was great! Here are a few of my favorites.

These are really alot bigger then they seem.

These octopus kites are 90 feet long and 30 feet wide! It takes 8 people to take them down. They dont look that big do they?

There was a group of guys that all fly their kites together and it was so cool to watch. Each kite had 4 strings attatched and I couldn't believe they didn't get them tangled up.

Here are the guys in that group they were amazing and are world champion kite flyers!

Road trip to the states capital

Its been quite an emotional week.On Monday I found out I lost my job so I have been trying to find something else. Its been a challenge but I am trying not to let it get me down. I was just glad I found out after I went up to see the state capital! I have been trying to find things to do that would be fun and also not cost anything. I thought it would be fun to go visit the state capital. It was really pretty and reminded me of the temple with the big gold statue on top. It was an overcast day so I tried to get some clouds in there for affect! One of my favorite things about the state capital was walk of flags. They also had some beautiful roses. I was glad to have the opportunity to go and see the capital even though we got some wrong directions and went in circles awhile!

Where can I turn for peace?

I have had alot thrown at me all of the sudden and it has been really overwhelming. I dont handle rejection very well and I know that trials make us stronger but its still hard to deal with. I have always enjoyed going to the temple where I can clear my mind and leave everything I struggle with at the door. I went there today and it was just what I needed. Its such a beautiful place just off the freeway back in the trees. The funny thing is you cant hear the traffic at all even though its quite close to the freeway. I am so grateful for this place. I love the quote they have written just as you go in.

"As you enter this place of holiness, cast aside your earthly cares and lay your worrisome burdens at His feet. Here in His house you will find refuge from the tormenting winds of temptation and the withering heat of worldly pressures. As you immerse your soul in His peace, He will wipe away the tears of despair from your eyes. Your heart will be filled from living fountains of pure waters, and as mortality gently fades, you will, for a moment, embrace the riches of eternity."

Any man can be a father, It takes someone special to be a dad.

My dad is such an amazing guy! He is such a hard worker and great example to me. I have always looked up to my dad in all he does. I have gained so much knowledge from his wisdom in so many subjects. Even today he always seems to have the answers I am looking for. He is always telling me to use my common sense and I thank him for that. What a great family I have blessed to be in. Someone once told me I was spoiled to have the parents I do. I always thought that was strange until I have gotten older and know they are so very right! Happy Fathers Day to an amazing dad your the best! I love you for all that you are.

Making Strawberrry Jam!

When my sister was here we decided that we had to be busy 24/7 so we took on making jam! Its a new recipe and it turned out pretty good. Here are a few shots of the process. It must have turned out better then I thought if she is willing to drink it:)

You built that out of sand?

My sister came to visit me from Seattle and we had a great time! I had heard about these sandcastle contests and wanted to go. They were having one in Cannon Beach so we decided to go. The internet put the wrong time on for the judging so we got there too early to see everything done. I felt bad about that but, it was interesting to see the things people could do with a little bit of water and lots of sand! Next year we will know to go alot later and drive down on the beach that was a long walk!

Too talented!

My friend is always making cute things for her kids but this was too cute! She just made up the pattern. I thought it was adorable, I love how talented people are. I thought I would share this for those who can sew and those of us who like to just appreciate the sewing:)

Cookies and Cream Pudding Pops

2 cups milk
1 pkg (4 serving size) vanilla or chocolate flavor instant pudding
1/2 cup thawed cool whip topping
6 oreo cookies (I used 7)
9 3-oz paper cups
9 popsicle sticks
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1. Pour milk into medium bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk for 2 min.
2. Place cookies in resealable plastic bag; crush with rolling pin.
3. Gently stir in whipped topping and crushed cookies into pudding mixture
4. Scoop pudding mixture into cups.
5. Place popsicle sticks into each for a handle and freeze 5 hours or until firm.
6. When ready to eat, place bottom of each cup in medium bowl of warm water for 15 sec. Press bottom of cup firmly to release. (Or if you are impatient, just tear the cup and eat!)
This is a fun and easy summer treat! Its really good too:)

Strawberry anyone?

I have been hearing about this festival that they have in a town just 20 minutes away. They have a 3 day weekend of activities so i thought I would check it out. I went to the parade and it was lots of fun and tons of strawberry attire. I tried not to put in too many pictures, just some of my favorites! The highlight was the strawberry shortcake. They have the record for the largest strawberry shortcake! It has been raining off and on so I didn't get a chance to see all of it since it was covered with a plastic to keep it dry. I did get a sneak peek when the wind picked up:)They give everyone a sample of it and last year they fed 20,000 people! It was really good and just look at the size of that strawberry!

Not much happening in this neck of the woods for now..

Sorry that I haven't been posting much. I haven't really done that much lately that i thought would be interesting enough to blog about. I am going to an event this weekend that I promise will be fun to blog about. I will take lots of pictures so you can try and get the full effect! Thanks to all of you faithful readers i love your blogs! keep up the good work:) Stay tuned for more to come....