Rats....they're back

This feels like déjà vu. Almost one year ago we had the same problem. This time we just can't figure out where they are coming in from. We have been having issues in the garage and the back yard with both mice and rats, but none inside till now. Luckily we caught them day one, so there isn't much damage... yet.

I am including these for our personal history. Feel free to not look at them, it's gross.

There are lots more, but you get the picture...

Anyways, I was really upset at first but now am more calm. We got rid of them last time, so it should work again. My question for you all is, have you ever had rats or mice in your rental homes and would you continue to live there is it was a repeat problem? What does it take for you to say, "that's it we are outta here?"

Mammoth 2012

Going to Mammoth is like going home. I spent my younger years vacationing there every summer. I have so many memories of playing in the creek, hiking around Horseshoe, fishing camping that sometimes they all blend together. The last two times we have gone I have been able to take Ella. It fills me with joy to see her experience these same things. I love the outdoors and the mountains and love sharing that with Ella. Charles unfortunately has had to work every time we go. Next year though, he will hopefully be there too!

32 weeks, brought to you by Elizabeth.

Ella was so sad to leave. I am guessing she is going to ask me everyday if we can go back. :)

New Cookbook!

This delicious book comes out September first. My friend Elizabeth wrote it and I cant wait to try all of the recipes tucked inside. The best part is that you can buy it before the Fall and Christmas holidays. Now you can amaze all with your candy making skills!

You can check out her personal website here.

Lovin Lindsey Stirling

She has some great music. I also really like the "Lord of The Rings" song. Check it out.

Happy Birthday!

We had a birthday breakfast this morning but the big celebration was Saturday. 27!
Cant believe it :)

I had to put this on in. Ella loves to help me make things and wanted to be a part of the birthday preparations. She did a really good job shaping the rolls.

Flower Girl

The light was perfect last night for me to take these pictures of Ella. She loves to pick flowers...what little girl doesn't?

Daredevil

Ella and I have a bi-morning ritual of going out to the garden, watering and checking on the plants. This morning we gave the tomatoes a long water with the hose on low so it could really soak the soil. It has been pretty hot. Ella loves to stand there in her rain boots and hold the hose. I was moving some pots around (rats don't like change, so I move the planters every so often) and talking to my mom on the phone. We had been out there for about 10 minutes when all of a sudden a HUGE rat shot out of the grass by Ella's feet and ran to a hole in the bricks by the fence. It happened so fast, Ella and I both jumped and then Ella ran to the other side of the lawn. I took the hose and sprayed it into the rat hole, hoping it would deter the rat from coming out anytime soon. I cant believe how gutsy the rat was, hanging out in my garden in broad daylight! I wonder if Ella will be so eager to water in the future...