Sugar cookie bars

These are delicious. And so dangerous since the recipe makes a jelly roll pan full. Fortunately, they freeze well. Unfortunately, they taste yummy straight from the freezer. I should probably only make these for times when we have other people over to help eat them. :)

Sugar Cookie Bars

1 c. butter, rm. temp

2 c. sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

5 c. flour

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Add vanilla. Combine dry ingredients and add to wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Spread on a greased sheet (13 x 18). Bake 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Frosting

1/2 c. butter, rm. temp.

1/2 c. shortening

1 tsp. vanilla

pinch of salt

4 c. powdered sugar

5 T milk

Combine butter and shortening until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and salt. Add p. sugar gradually, then add milk until smooth and the right consistency.

Swim lessons

Here are a couple of shots of the boys at swimming lessons. I love how goggles change their look! They really did well this year. Thank you Corwins. :)

Justin's note

Justin's translation of his note to me....

"Dear mom, You are the best mom. I love you so much. Love, Justin"

These notes warm my heart and make me smile. :)

The Bag

For those of you that knew I was knitting this bag.... I finally finished it! It only took 1 1/2 years to complete this felted tote. :) Hopefully my next project will be faster, although I think I said that very thing when I started this one!

Working hard

My crew + one worked hard spreading gravel on our driveway. Our neighbor, Travis, loves to do whatever my boys are doing. He even bought carhartts to match them!

We got a lot of looks when we walked into McDonald's with five boys wearing their carhartts! The boys would have enjoyed their icecream treat more if it wasn't for an arrest that was happening right outside the window. It was a good teachable moment, although it did make the boys a little nervous. :)

Johnny Jacob

This guy is so much fun. We asked him what his name is and he told us Johnny Jacob Kuykendall. I guess we have sung that song to him a little too often!

We're Moving!

The Kuykendall family is moving! Our season of uncertainty has come to an end. Surrounded by a lot of prayer, BJ has accepted a call to be senior pastor. September 12th will be our first Sunday at Hoodview Church of God in Woodburn, Oregon.

We are excited about what the Lord has in store for our family and the congregation.Please pray for us during this next transition. I am least excited about packing. We have a lot of stuff...even with me being a thrower-outer! :)

(Thank you Kirsten for taking our family pictures. :)

Aunt Lorena, this post is for you....

Aunt Lorena, I know how much you love to see pictures of your grandson. We had a great time with Big Justin over the 4th of July weekend.As I cooked meals and baked goodies, I realized how many of my recipes are from you. I fixed your spaghetti casserole, poppyseed muffins, and frosted banana bars this weekend. Please keep the recipes coming!

We enjoyed homemade vanilla icecream. The boys always stir their icecream to make "milkshakes." J.R. now copies everything the older boys do. :) Then they have to drink from their bowls using straws. What a mess! J.R.'s face is a mess too!

Our church potluck was moved inside due to the weather and it was still pretty chilly for the parade.
This year Jared, Jesse, and Justin rode in the parade to support a friend of ours who is running for county prosecutor. Go Jonathan Meyer!
After the parade we headed to the Wiley's. The kiddos had fun making this teepee.
I hope you had a happy 4th!

Eleven years

The Clarkston weekend was our anniversary weekend....Eleven years! Last year we celebrated at a Fritzler side wedding, this year a Kuykendall celebration. I guess we picked a busy weekend to get married. :)

BJ, Oh BJ. I love him. We have been through a lot together and grown so much. I truly do love him more now than ever. I have watched him mature as a husband, father, and man of God. I am so happy to have a husband who is willing to take the responsibility for his family and lead us.

The Lord has been so gracious to us by placing people and ministries in our life that have helped/encouraged us along. Here's a list of a few that have been a real blessing.

Created to be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl

Above Rubies magazine

Keepers at Home magazine

For men Only by Michael Pearl

The Pursuit of Godly Seed by Denny Kenaston

Financial Freedom DVDs by Jim Sammons

No Greater Joy Ministry

We certainly have a long way to go, but praise God for what he has done so far. Our prayer is that our children will not only follow in our footsteps, but take it to the next level. To God be the glory!

S'mores with the Freemans

Yeah! The Freemans have been in town the past two weeks! I love having them here. One evening we introduced their girlies to the joys of s'mores. :)

Uncle BJ and Esther roasting a marshmallow to perfection.

I love this shot of Gracie Ann.