The Cammack Family

St. Thomas

2010-06-22T07:53:00.001-07:00

This is pictures from our wonderful 10 year anniversary, St. Thomas trip.

So it all began on June 2 @ around 5:30 my mom shows up at our door. (my mom lives in ID) My response was,"what are you doing here?" I was then told that on Sunday the 6th, Marshall and I will be leaving on a plane to St. Thomas and my mom was here to watch the kids.

My mother-in-law had spoiled me the previous month with a new swim suit and sandals. (which I was so grateful for when I was told where we were going and when!! She's the best!!)

When we arrived at St. Thomas we pick up our rental car, a soft top Jeep, (I love Jeeps!!)

We stayed at a little Villa, we had a beautiful view of the ocean, great pool, and we loved Leah!! Seriously we felt like we were staying with an old friend. We had beach towels, chairs, and a cooler in our room. She also had snorkel gear that we were able to use.

We first went to secret harbor where we went snorkeling for the first time, it wasn't the best snorkeling, but it was a great beach with not very many people. Also, we had my favorite food of the trip there (mahi, mahi sandwhich with pineapple). That is where we also saw the Iguanas, up close and personal.

We then went to Coki Beach, where the water was so clear! It had really good snorkeling, if you could get past the fish coming after you! They feed the fish dog biscits there so the fish think you are going to feed them, after you pass those fish and get over to the rocky area the snorkeling was great.
The next day we took the ferry over to St. John's

We first went to Trunk bay, it has the most wonderful sand (it's like powder). You felt like you were swimming in a large salty pool. They have a really cool snorkel path with information under the water, about the fish, corral, and everything else.

We then went to Annaberg trail. That is where we took a pretty hike to the beach and swam (snorkeled) mostly swimming, the island with the snorkeling was way out there. By the time we got there, we realized if we wanted to make sure we got on the ferry back to St. Thomas that day we better get started swimming back. It was still allot of fun just swimming, walking, and talking.

The next day we took it easy. We bought gifts, but mostly sat around and visited with Leah. I can't believe we didn't take pictures with her. We went out to a local pub, don't worry we didn't drink, but they had the best pizza and view. We then finished our trip watching the flyer's game. It was a wonderful, relaxing trip. It was nice just having time with Marshall. I am forever greatful for a wonderful husband!!

Spagetti casserole changed to spagetti Bake

2010-04-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

For dinner last night I made a family favorite meal only I revamped it to be healthy.
This recipe is made so you can make 1/2 of it for dinner and freeze the other 1/2 for another night. I just used what ever vegetables I had in the fridge. My kids (5, 3, 1)loved it, they both (5 and 3 yr old) wanted seconds, they may have picked out some peppers and mushrooms, maybe I should make them smaller next time :).

Spagetti Bake
cooking spray
1clove of garlic
1/2 package of chopped firm tofu
1 package of fresh spinach
1C sliced red peppers
1C sliced green peppers
1/2C sliced carrots
1/2C sliced mushrooms (even though I'm the only one in my family who eats them)
italian seasoning (I have no idea how much I used, until it looks or tastes right I guess)
1 can of no salt added diced tomatoes
1 package of wheat spagetti (we get ours from Winco in the bulk section, it actually tastes really good)
2C mexican blend shredded cheese (I eye ball it, but because I'm trying to make it healthy I had to limit how much cheese I put on it)

Cook noodles as directed on package. Spray pan with cooking spray let in get a little warm and add garlic and tofu (take out extra water from tofu with paper towels on both sides and press lightly) cook on med. heat for around 3 min., add spinach, peppers and carrots then cover with a lid. Cook another 3 min or until the spinach is getting soft. Add tomatoes and italian seasoning simmer for another 3 min.
Then layer noodles-sauce-cheese 2x
Bake on 350 for 35 min.

Mom's healthy pancakes

2010-04-23T07:24:00.001-07:00

Ok so the family photo I posted did not come in clear. I am having computer issues. I can't seem to get my pictures on the computer, for that matter our dvd player on the computer isn't working either. I know I need to get more computer savy, maybe if I could have peace when I am on the cumputer. Ok enough venting. I actually wanted to say I am going to post a very yummy and health recipe. My whole family loves them. It's pancakes!! Okay so they are now called mom's healthy pancakes. I have revamped them several times and this is as healthy as I can get them.

I must warn you that I make them with just eye balling amounts. I tried to make it a recipe, it's pretty close, but for some reason it always turns out better when I eye ball it.

2C wheat flour
4tsp baking powder (I do a heaping TB)
2TB sugar
1tsp salt (see I just go shake, shake, shake over the bowl)
1/2TB (once againg I shake it in)
2TB powdered milk (if you don't have powdered milk 1C milk 1C water)
1ripe banana (1/2 banana substitutes 1 egg)
1TB vanilla
2C water
Mix and enjoy, well of course after you cook them.
We do still use syrup and butter...one step at a time.

Family Photo

2010-01-13T13:22:00.001-08:00

My Brother took a family photo of us while we were in Idaho. We liked this spot because it has a part of California in Idaho. (the graffiti) We had a wonderful time in Idaho. The kids loved playing in the snow. JT helped grandpa feed the cows and gather eggs. They loved sledding, we would tie the sled onto the four wheeler and make the round out in the feild. Ashtyn did know if she liked it at first, but by the end she didn't want to stop. I think the best part was the fun they had with there cousins. Marshall enjoyed the chopping wood and hanging doors in the barn for my dad (my dad just had shoulder surgery), and I of course enjoyed watching all of the hallmark christmas movie. Really Christmas can't get much better.

2009-12-13T16:19:00.000-08:00

We hope all is well this holliday season! Our year has been full of fun moments and blessings that are too numerous to count. One of our biggest blessings was the addition of Jaxon (March 10th) to our family. He is a bundle of joy who likes to make machine gun noises when mad and eats as much as he can. He has a wonderful smile and loves his brother and sister very much. Ashtyn is now two - almost three and is a very intelligent, adoreable and at times fiesty young lady. Her best friend is her older brother (and vice-versa). She enjoys playing with J.T. in the dirt and with cars but has recently developed a love for princess dresses, kitchen playsets and anything that is the color pink.

J.T. is four - almost five. He loves his brother and sister and is a very nurturing older brother. He'll play just about anything especially in social environments. He loves pre-school and going to Disneyland with our annual passes. His absolute favorite event of the year was his first "mud run" this year in which he did very well. (pictures and comments of the mud run are posted on part of the blog published earlier this year) Leslie and Marshall are doing great and love the house, area and friends that they have made in the past year and a half. Marshall is having fun at his job and has had the opportunity to travel which he enjoys. He has also been attending, and participating in, city council meetings to be more involved in the community and has enjoyed that. He also has enjoyed taking on projects around the house and looks forward to new ones. Leslie has been very busy taking part in a pre-school with a group of mothers that rotate teaching responsibilities throughout the year. She is also busy making custom girl hair bows that are very nice. Her primary products are flowers, but she also does ladybugs, dragonflies, butterflies, and normal bows. She is the only one in the family that gets more excited about trips to Disneyland than J.T.

As said before, we are very grateful for the blessings we have received. We hope all of you have a wonderful holliday season and a happy, healthy 2010!

Marshall, Leslie, JT, Ashtyn and Jaxon

Great books!!

2009-09-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

JT read about half of this book (Go dog go) today. I think it is one of the easiest books for children to get the concept of reading. The book Billy & Milly short & silly is a great one for the concept of rhyming and vision of how words are put together. We just check these both out from the library. I am very excited about finding some great books for the pre-reader, to begin reading. Oh and if you click you can't look inside.

Mud run video!

2009-09-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

Mud run video!!

2009-09-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

The mud run!!

2009-09-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

We all had a great time at the mud run, it was a great experience to see JT's strength and endurance. We had no idea he was this strong. Hope you enjoyed some pictures.

Grandma and Grandpa Cammack Visits

2009-07-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

These are memories of Grandma and Grandpa's visits this year.

We had Grandpa for his birthday, the kids were just as excited as Grandpa.

This is Jaxon's blessing day, our families definitely growing. I remember JT's blessing like it was yesterday.

Jaxon Smiles

2009-07-10T16:43:00.000-07:00

Boy, how fast they grow!!

2009-07-10T16:27:00.000-07:00

So I weed out an area in the yard, and who knew it would be the best thing to keep JT intertained.

Ashtyn is playing with some toys we get from the library lady who comes to our house every other Tuesday. The kids love it, and I love trying to keep everything together.

Jaxon, what can I say this is my favorite time when he lays on his back and talk to you. It no longer happens as much, due to the fact that he rolls all over the place now.

Jaxon Scott Cammack

2009-03-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

Jaxon was born Tuesday March 10 at 11:49 pm

He weighed 8 lbs 10.5 oz 21 inches long.

It was fun not knowing, and yet knowing it was going to be a boy!

Family picture

2009-02-15T15:16:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas we had some family pictures done, so enjoy!!

He's a natural!!

This is tipical, JT gives loves, Ashtyn with her "what are you doing" attitude.

This is the best one without her thumb in her mouth. Isn't see cute!!

Christmas Newsletter 2008

2008-12-21T21:45:00.000-08:00

Well, another year has passed and we have decided to "get with the digital age" and put our christmas newsletter on the web! 2008 has been a year of amazing blessing for our family that still leaves us humbled. This year started with Marshall working as a marketing intern for The Toro Company's consumer irrigation division. He had a lot of fun and if you go to Home Depot and look for the Toro LawnMaster II sprinkler timer, the packaging design was coordinated by him. (he's obviously proud about the project) In April Marshall's internship ended and he got a job with the world's largest GIS (Geographic Information System) software company, ESRI. He is a marketing coordinator for the transportation division which he has really enjoyed.

In April, we were blessed to be able to purchase our first home in Beaumont, California. We absolutely love the house, neighborhood, and community in which we are surrounded. We have also been blessed to have Leslie's sister, Brandie, living with us while she attends Physical Therapy Assistant school at Loma Linda University. The kids love having her around and she is doing very well in her studies. (so far straight A's!!!)

Leslie has been very involved with activities that have helped in the educational development of J.T. and Ashtyn. She, with other moms in the area, has started a "Joy School" that uses the resources of the local library to teach basic concepts to J.T. and three other children his age. The moms rotate teaching weeks and J.T. has loved it! Leslie is also pregnant with our third child and is due March 16th. We chose not to find out the gender of the child, so we will let you know as soon as we do!

J.T. is full of life and love. His favorite activities include: riding his scooter, going to joy school, going to the library (on his scooter, of course), playing with anyone who will play with him, and wrestling with his sister. He is a fantastic older brother and sincerely reminds us that he loves us almost every day. He knows his letters and numbers very well and is always thirsty for knowledge. He can't wait until his time comes to go to school, which won't be for another year and a half as he turns four this February.

Ashtyn will be turning two this January. She has a personality that attracts just about everyone. At times, however, she can be quite feisty and will not hesitate to let you know what she is thinking. She loves "girly" things, especially clothes. Despite her feminine side she has no problem wrestling with J.T. and has a lot of fun rough-housing and playing with cars and trains. She is quite a doll and can easily wrap your heart around her finger. Thanks to her older brother she does pretty well with her letters and numbers as well.

We hope this letter finds you well and want you to know that our best wishes are with you. We are so grateful for the friends and family the Lord has blessed us with. May this holiday season, and the new year, be filled with blessings and joyful memories.

Love,

The Cammacks
Marshall, Leslie, J.T., Ashtyn, and baby #3

Let It Snow!

2008-12-21T21:05:00.000-08:00

Snow in Southern California?!? Yup, as you can see we received a light dusting that actually caused the roads to be slushy. It was a lot of fun and the kids were mad they had to come back inside. Don't worry, though, a few days later it was back up to 67 degrees!

Fun with Family

2008-12-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

It has been great having Grandpa Cammack come and visit us while working in Mexicali (about 2.5 hours from us, just over the Mexico border) J.T. and Ashtyn give him little rest while here because it is time to play!
This is Janelle at thanksgiving wearing the latest bird fashions straight from Thatcher, Idaho. Who needs Paris or New York?
Ashtyn made a new, and probably her only, dog friend, Roxy at Grandma and Grandpa Sharp's house. She spent quite a bit of time feeding Roxy one piece of dog food at a time with a spoon. Talk about pampering your dog!

Uh-Oh!

2008-12-21T20:44:00.000-08:00

What can we say? At least they had fun...while it lasted! Ashtyn is sporting "Apricot Glaze" lipstick, which she obviously thought was hair and body stick. J.T. and Ashtyn also had a lot of fun with Grandma Cammack's package, or rather packaging, as well as every parents worst nightmare to clean in the kitchen... Flour! - Is it possible to ever get it all?

Best Friends

2008-12-21T20:31:00.000-08:00

It has been fun watching J.T. and Ashtyn become such great friends. Aside from making our lives a lot easier, it is fun to see their love for one another grow. We are crossing our fingers that this friendship will continue for A LONG time.

JT dragging Ashtyn

2008-10-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Last night while we were talking with Grandma Cammack on the phone, JT was pulling Ashtyn around on her blanket. So upon her request here is the picture. Both of the kids think it is the funniest thing to do ever.

Halloween Costumes

2008-10-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

This is the kids in their halloween costumes. I ask JT what he wanted to be for halloween and he said a fireman, so he was a fireman again this year, and Ashtyn is a butterfly fairy. The bottom picture is the window that JT and Ashtyn helped decorate. I was very proud of JT he made two spiders, he traced and cut them out, he also cut out the ghosts. Ashtyn helped trace on the cup and hang them in the window.

Pumkin Patch

2008-10-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

This is us at the pumkin patch we had to go the first day it opened! JT looks forward to the pumkin patch all year round. We get to ride the big tracker, see the animals, and of course pick our pumkin.

Grandma & Grandpa Sharps visit

2008-10-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

This is Grandma Sharp playing and enjoying her grandkids!

2008-09-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

2008-09-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

JT's new Friend magazine

2008-09-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

After playing on labor day JT grabbed a string cheese from the frig and sat down on the couch to read his Friend magazine. He has loved having it, we've read almost all of the stories and all the pictures are already colored. This is the first one he has received, so I'm sure we will see much more of this.

2008-09-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

These are pictures from Labor Day. Ashtyn knows she looks so cute

JT is having a blast doing what most 3 year olds do climbing up the slide rather than going down it.

Best calling ever!!

2008-08-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have to say that I have the best calling ever. I teach Relief Society once a month from the Joseph Smith manual. I have the whole month to get inspired about what the lesson is really focusing on. I get to teach from Joseph Smith, my testimony growes from him every month. (If you aren't reading your lessons each week, trust me you should. Just be prepared with a dictionary, Joseph has a big vocabulary for his education. I guess that is what happens when you are educated by God. I did find a word two months ago that wasn't even in my dictionary, maybe if I had one from the 1800's.) Anyway, then the best part is when the spirit takes over all of your study and helps deliver the message from your heart. I love my calling!!

Pictures of JT and Ashtyn

2008-07-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

JT finishing off the brownies for the missionaries. He made them almost by himself.
Ashtyn's first hair cut. I know you are wondering if she has enough hair to cut, so I guess I should say style.
I give her a tooth brush to keep her distracted.

JT loves going outside, his cars and trucks usually follow.

Painting

2008-07-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

Well since we have moved into our new home we have done allot of painting. It has been quit the adventure of getting the right color, taping, priming, and painting, I wonder, will it really ever end. We have now painted JT's room, the hall, the main bathroom, and the kitchen/ family room. We are half done with the living/dining room and still have Ashtyn's and Brandie's room left. We would like to redo the master bedroom and bath, but it will do for quite awhile.
We finally broke down and bought a power roller, when we started to endeavor our living room area, I don't know why we didn't do so in the beginning, man it is so much faster. Here are the before and after on the kitchen.