Fruit Pizza Recipe

This dessert is probably the most requested one that my mom has gotten for the past 7 years or however long she's been making it. It is the perfect summer treat. So refreshing (and if you want to convince yourself that it's healthy, go ahead). I'm a fruity kind of gal, so this one tops my list of desserts. Oh, and not to mention a 3rd grader could whip this out no problem.

1 roll of refrigerator sugar cookies (only 1 if it's the giant roll. if not, i usually get 2 small ones)
1 8oz cream cheese
1/3 cup of sugar
1/2 tsp of vanilla
Fruit

Slice the cookie dough and place on pan. Mash together to make the crust.
Bake according to package directions.
Cool.

Mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.
Spread on crust.
Top with your favorite fruit. Some ideas: strawberries, kiwi, mango, grapes, blueberries, mandarin oranges.
Enjoy!! (but I don't have to tell you that)

I have big pores.

I went to the dermatologist the other day. I've always had skin problems - runs in the family. Lucky me. Anyways, lately it's been looking pretty good, but I'm just not satisfied until I have perfectly smooth and silky skin like so many other people I see. I've never had skin that glows. And I want that. So I went to the dermatologist.

Here's what he said.

"You just have big pores. It's in your anatomy. My advice - throw away your magnifying mirror. Nobody can see what you are seeing."

Busted. I didn't even tell him I used a magnifying mirror. He did prescribe me a cream to use, but that's not the point. While this post may seem random to some of you, I walked away learning a good lesson. This lesson is more powerful because it came from my dermatologist. Not my mom, husband, friend, or someone who was trying to make me feel better about myself because they love me. That lesson - WE ARE NOT PERFECT. Our bodies are flawed. All of them. It's a waste of time to obsess over those factors that we can not control. And he's right. Most people do not even notice those things we become so self conscious about. Trust me, I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). And with that brings ALL SORTS of unwanted physical annoyances. But that is life. Because I am not perfect, and you are not perfect. And that's the beautiful thing. None of us are.

Go Go Go Go Go

The last month has been pretty crazy. I feel like even though we live a pretty relaxed life, we have still been on the go nonstop. I'll give you a recap with lots (and lots) of pictures:

 First, Dean and Natalie (or my name that I like for them... "Deatalie") came to visit for a week. Unfortunately both Spencer and I had to work, so we didn't get to go out with them much. Plus the weather was not so great while they were here (sorry about that). But it was fun to see them. And if you didn't know, they are engaged. Will be married Aug 28th. These pics are from the Valley of the Temples.

Two days after Deatalie left, our friends Nathan and Camille came for almost 2 weeks.

We went on a fun hike to Maunawili Falls.

I jumped off the tiny cliff. Spencer jumped off the 40 ft. cliff. And Nathan jumped off the 70 ft. cliff. Scary!

We also went to the PCC.

And lots of boogie boogie boogie boarding!

Ummm, not sure what to say about this picture...

Oh, let's not forget that Spencer turned 32.

Clearly he was very excited about it.

We celebrated with Nate, Camille, and our very large Family Home Evening Group.

2 days after Nate and Camille left, we headed off to Maui for the weekend.

Our purpose for going was to meet up with our friends Dan and LaLona who were there with Dan's family for vacation. We ate at the Hula Grill. Right on the beach. Delicious!

The next day we went to Ioa Valley for a little history tour.

Followed by a trip to Kula to see the oldest standing LDS church built in Hawaii.

We ended the trip with a nice walk on the beach and time in the hot tub while the sun set.

And now we take a short break before the next string of visitors come....