Utah Edelweiss...

Mountains make my heart sing.  I must have been Maria Von Trapp in another life...or a mountain goat, or something.

And I think my kids have my genes because they like thin air too...

Rissy swung in the hammock until her eye lids were heavy and she almost fell asleep.

Watching the sunrise with superman.

Andy, Katelyn, and I went on an afternoon hike where we spotted a moose.

"These hills are alive"

Tommy prefers to be held, but the hammock is a close second.  We made some great memories at the cabin.  Thanks for the fun stay, Utah family!  "Bless my homeland forever!"

Thank you for the fabulous 31st birthday!

I had a great 31st birthday.  It was a much easier milestone than turning 30 for me. The day of my birthday, John made me this pretty cake, bought me an upgraded version of my Canon Rebel, and my little brother arrived in Houston to help me fly to Utah.

 John stayed home an extra hour in the morning so I could go on a morning walk with James to see the sunrise.  James picked me this flower for my birthday.  

I am lucky to have such a sweet husband and family!

We showed James I mean Jake, (I always get their names mixed up:) some Houston sights.  Then we were off to Utah...

My mom gave me a garden party for my birthday.  It was so nice to see old friends.  I follow most of these gals on facebook and instagram so were able to pick up right where we left off.  It was so fun and I didn't want the evening to end.   

I met these gals at BYU Hawaii over ten years ago.  Where has time gone?!

Thank you Heather and mom for the beautiful table decor and delicious meal!  Having a girls night with some of my favorite people was revitalizing! 

These ladies all have so much style and class and are great mamas.  Thank you gals for getting sitters for the night and coming out!  It was so good to see you all!

 Also, thank you Grandma Witzke, Grandma Carol, Nan, Carla, and Aunt Claudia for the sweet birthday cards.  I appreciate the thoughtful messages so much!
And last but not least, my dad took me for a birthday lunch at Tsunami Sushi.  I am sad I didn't get a picture.  I love spending time with him and it was nice of him to fit me in his busy schedule.
This birthday I felt especially blessed.  XOXO, Jess

Even Steven's

We just returned from a fabulous two week trip to Utah.  My family recently opened up a restaurant called Even Steven's.  For every sandwich purchased they donate a sandwich to a local charity.  So far they have given over 8,000 subs to the needy.  The kids and I flew out the week before John and our first stop from the airport was a breakfast at Even Steven's.  The french toast we had was truly delicious and the reunion with my family was just as sweet.

The restaurant has had a great response from the community.  Here are a couple recent news stories about Even Steven's. 

 http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment2/58294198-223/sandwich-sandwiches-stevens-restaurant.html.csp

New Utah restaurant donates a sandwich to charity for every sandwich purchased | KUTV.com

Frog Days of Summer...

So far this summer has been relatively mild compared to the previous three here in Houston.  But this last week the heat index has been in the triple digits.  So any chance we have to beat the heat we jump on it like a frog on a fly.

All three kids love the pool.  

Pad Thai with me and my guy.  Date night has been more of a priority these days since it has been harder to leave the house.  

Baby Tommy has such a sweet spirit and is generous with his smiles.  

I've been following National Geographic on Instagram.  It makes me itchy for adventure.  So the kids and I sometimes spend the afternoon pretending we are deep in the heart of the Amazon.  

James and I morphed our kitchen into a make believe restaurant to mix it up.

Parks, pools, and play-dates is how we've been spending the early morning hours.  I've found when we get out from nine to noon my kids all take a nice rest in the afternoon so I can take a nap and get a few things done.  

James is growing in every way.  He is a great help to me and is my sweetie pie.  I told him I had to go to the dentist the other day and get a shot and he told me he wanted to go and hold my hand.  It melted my heart.

Even though it is hot I can't get enough of our secret spot.  I feel so blessed to live so close to this private park that makes me feel like I am in the mountains.  

Our friends had an awesome NASCAR birthday party for their son Landon. 

We renewed our membership to the Houston Natural History Museum.  We go to this place or the zoo almost every weekend.  Nowhere else compares for us.  I always leave in awe and blessed by God's creations.  

Don't let this photo confuse you - we all had lots of fun.

An original edition of the Magna Carta is on display at the museum for the summer.  The entire exhibit was so interesting.  It made me glad to be born in this day in age and not a serf under Richard the Lionheart or King John, who signed the Magna Carta.  Even though it is so hot here I am happy to live in Houston.  The museums, the beautiful foliage, and diverse people, make it a great place!