tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71456779952475041342024-02-07T03:14:49.730-08:00The Ranchers blogNews from our little plot of paradise, 7 miles from civilization.wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-75012296859837703832009-11-06T14:36:00.001-08:002009-11-06T14:39:27.228-08:00Halloween 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfWqepZm2j4ozhOROdO3Odvf1dTPq3W1lqHJq1ss5roV2tM6v2fIqNfjybs557PqpY_UPuX_CYGMGHzEmCHWywau1410JpY6SjjH3IGIRc12Oet4yktkyOeyXcDVdCL1qztu76M8C4HI/s1600-h/023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfWqepZm2j4ozhOROdO3Odvf1dTPq3W1lqHJq1ss5roV2tM6v2fIqNfjybs557PqpY_UPuX_CYGMGHzEmCHWywau1410JpY6SjjH3IGIRc12Oet4yktkyOeyXcDVdCL1qztu76M8C4HI/s400/023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401123788385623442" border="0" /></a>wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-272084883113953772009-06-02T13:02:00.001-07:002009-06-02T14:45:44.284-07:00You're Invited to a Good Old-Fashioned Birthday Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPC0TqqdlhWXPyFmaG3V6cDqp1Pzng0B_xDOvu7UM58vy0Df6vWexxPAd6v0MjdOiUeq1q9sayDpMvDZUBrgjRQs3_YJzQ9h2CL8gga-9N5Pcw6xg0tR4xtjpTTRO8R97UD7G5ei48lw/s1600-h/053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPC0TqqdlhWXPyFmaG3V6cDqp1Pzng0B_xDOvu7UM58vy0Df6vWexxPAd6v0MjdOiUeq1q9sayDpMvDZUBrgjRQs3_YJzQ9h2CL8gga-9N5Pcw6xg0tR4xtjpTTRO8R97UD7G5ei48lw/s400/053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342842792285666338" border="0" /></a><br />For Tess' 5th birthday she wanted a "pink party". When we started making the guest list I realized that more than half of the kids that she wanted to invite were boys. What little boy wants to come dressed in his party dress to a party devoted to all things "girly"? So, after much persuasion, I convinced Tess that we needed to plan something fun for all. We decided a good old-fashioned birthday party was the way to go.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsSSTJx6-awi681__O0dtroMLhke5S2atD6cayad3itK9AwoT9etlqH_cdFimuP4xPSxQHzcEl7TnLK7zTibqdnrxxEvMTZ3JOiHQLQdVxIE9SLDVgCFjIrPTtS7olvFbWXJtH0KZt8U/s1600-h/P1010429.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsSSTJx6-awi681__O0dtroMLhke5S2atD6cayad3itK9AwoT9etlqH_cdFimuP4xPSxQHzcEl7TnLK7zTibqdnrxxEvMTZ3JOiHQLQdVxIE9SLDVgCFjIrPTtS7olvFbWXJtH0KZt8U/s400/P1010429.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342824445765518994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvzy8Z2Q5hlNZKG4l_NIDbX5NasNn4wV2j6IQ8fs0qyDJ35IqB6w5xRw-Jm9ED3K5QPSo5L7vtzujY347hRnJ049_bqqA3JvVwKY1mU5ExG7lA26GLnCyA0dIPkbIx_KCB7qC8VDaTvM/s1600-h/028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvzy8Z2Q5hlNZKG4l_NIDbX5NasNn4wV2j6IQ8fs0qyDJ35IqB6w5xRw-Jm9ED3K5QPSo5L7vtzujY347hRnJ049_bqqA3JvVwKY1mU5ExG7lA26GLnCyA0dIPkbIx_KCB7qC8VDaTvM/s400/028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342840639889584002" border="0" /></a><br />When the kids arrived. We met them at the door with party hats. They played with the Thomas Train with Grandma Connie while waiting for the party to begin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Jkr1dEgKtKuPJN5__RBb-CQsQrKh8yj9UIvVYDLdDsCheMFVHsjqkj0DYp7EdALQ7xFUT1YXkchmIYd2phM9ieGklvM6aSYgW8v8YqC29XHQzoHE70PQNjq31NlSKVsnSSpxHVt4-1c/s1600-h/P1010435.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Jkr1dEgKtKuPJN5__RBb-CQsQrKh8yj9UIvVYDLdDsCheMFVHsjqkj0DYp7EdALQ7xFUT1YXkchmIYd2phM9ieGklvM6aSYgW8v8YqC29XHQzoHE70PQNjq31NlSKVsnSSpxHVt4-1c/s400/P1010435.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342824455820296706" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjfPiJpRXrvj0skHm9LrJ0ZugzBOPUXEbN36jiNJmxUPOr4TTfV2vH7zmCoXQns3_QB7kCTgxKTwCl-ceOTN52p3WOdGOwfIUg1wo1NhAA-qrh_JYq8jh_92tgtGt3_zntArBQaSmWZU/s1600-h/P1010436.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjfPiJpRXrvj0skHm9LrJ0ZugzBOPUXEbN36jiNJmxUPOr4TTfV2vH7zmCoXQns3_QB7kCTgxKTwCl-ceOTN52p3WOdGOwfIUg1wo1NhAA-qrh_JYq8jh_92tgtGt3_zntArBQaSmWZU/s400/P1010436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342824457652974690" border="0" /></a><br />Our first game of the day was Pin the Tail on the Donkey. What could be more traditional than that? I picked up a fancy 99 cent version at the party store. It may indeed be the same version that we played at my 5th birthday party.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxta8rfHl58I8lIR4P4YkJeVoUNLpxyjdn7f1jHBB3LVt_vMMnsapB8Xxqy5j3uduukhXBVsXK6s1RTtpPSJZUps6neJzeKLtLwDdIWrLKtrPhmG7q8jtyi3yNf8j4PTbkR94-P0A2A9s/s1600-h/P1010438.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxta8rfHl58I8lIR4P4YkJeVoUNLpxyjdn7f1jHBB3LVt_vMMnsapB8Xxqy5j3uduukhXBVsXK6s1RTtpPSJZUps6neJzeKLtLwDdIWrLKtrPhmG7q8jtyi3yNf8j4PTbkR94-P0A2A9s/s400/P1010438.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342833310538416962" border="0" /></a><br />Next we read one of Tess' favorite stories, "Little Red Riding Hood". As you can tell by the picture of cousins, Lucy and Cade, the children were captivated. Could it be the part of the story where the wolf eats Little Red in one gulp or the part where the woodsman uses a knife to slice into the belly of the wolf to free Little Red and her Grandma? I just don't know.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeSDf6AT7BdIaYckvuj8zvp5rL0i7RhpAxFox_g_lUojC3_7XFXdlStIskmIfBz35Z8qUTlhnmESKJjZMI9KhaHyTd1Dgtt7Xvs8wRTbtvriwJtmJasurdSI5amII4FMTbvF_HW2UKL0/s1600-h/P1010459.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeSDf6AT7BdIaYckvuj8zvp5rL0i7RhpAxFox_g_lUojC3_7XFXdlStIskmIfBz35Z8qUTlhnmESKJjZMI9KhaHyTd1Dgtt7Xvs8wRTbtvriwJtmJasurdSI5amII4FMTbvF_HW2UKL0/s400/P1010459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342833314730011474" border="0" /></a><br />After reading the story, we gave each child their own "basket of goodies" to deliver to Grandma's house. Grandma Sherrie and Grandma Connie were great stand-ins. The baskets were lined with gingham material and contained a pb&j cut into the shape of a flower, a couple of carrot sticks and apple slices. They washed everything down with a bottle of Orange Crush in a glass bottle with a straw.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad3EcvoB3EIZxSYFLGXvVBHJtrt0KjdkpKXukK1dBiCTr3ieHo8GhyFJJpbUhAVt33I1S2Q1K91NHDZS0XJI27W3yFVn1U3QbcSrwtO8Ev4WJSv8CsF3ZAf4wlLWoGyrxuic4wOFvGec/s1600-h/P1010467.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad3EcvoB3EIZxSYFLGXvVBHJtrt0KjdkpKXukK1dBiCTr3ieHo8GhyFJJpbUhAVt33I1S2Q1K91NHDZS0XJI27W3yFVn1U3QbcSrwtO8Ev4WJSv8CsF3ZAf4wlLWoGyrxuic4wOFvGec/s400/P1010467.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342833320129757842" border="0" /></a>After lunch it started to drizzle, so we headed inside for a jolly game of "Button Button, who's got the Button?" and a cake walk. Then the kids headed back outside to sing to the birthday girl and eat cupcakes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2O595xIamVDq4cmYQu8OyDyfx4fQLekrwPIf0_eTpkD92Pj4yBb651x9DJksbG5UXSBsedQ9rmww1mau1Zdwec44RItVJ9Lp4uqoD5pTIYbbEt8i3C_3kJPX23GlyHOjgiG1dsqD8_tk/s1600-h/P1010473.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2O595xIamVDq4cmYQu8OyDyfx4fQLekrwPIf0_eTpkD92Pj4yBb651x9DJksbG5UXSBsedQ9rmww1mau1Zdwec44RItVJ9Lp4uqoD5pTIYbbEt8i3C_3kJPX23GlyHOjgiG1dsqD8_tk/s400/P1010473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342839596018996162" border="0" /></a><br />Tess loved all of her presents. Especially, the fluffy skirt that twirls, from Aubrey and the press-on nails from Aunt Shanel. We were picking fake nails out of the carpet for a week!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpDGdchOqTr3oxmoSERw44qX59WyPgWtYf6WvC6-UYxwmOzeDVCdY43RCLZdnm-aBAIrZ32esXSCNcyTpGtwVZOo3xqy_tYUuUbZ6SS94D8YxFwKgLwGqdzUyKtF_Rn5k1jdnrsIoYiw/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpDGdchOqTr3oxmoSERw44qX59WyPgWtYf6WvC6-UYxwmOzeDVCdY43RCLZdnm-aBAIrZ32esXSCNcyTpGtwVZOo3xqy_tYUuUbZ6SS94D8YxFwKgLwGqdzUyKtF_Rn5k1jdnrsIoYiw/s400/027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342839963378227938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_ibvYtve01fDcswae3knROFcvMIIFi1PxGNn53XToNTy8HlHtya_aQ57m4LHq4EYt3eqq4N-6YIjO_uUbxIkwJPTF4lpHYC-Hb1b5DKTDUwEaJTXXZbfuO0AEIIYoblxlmhNAjVPh7Q/s1600-h/P1010434.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_ibvYtve01fDcswae3knROFcvMIIFi1PxGNn53XToNTy8HlHtya_aQ57m4LHq4EYt3eqq4N-6YIjO_uUbxIkwJPTF4lpHYC-Hb1b5DKTDUwEaJTXXZbfuO0AEIIYoblxlmhNAjVPh7Q/s400/P1010434.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342824448946543426" border="0" /></a><br />For parting gifts, we gave each little girl a "Little Golden Book" with a retro cover. We recently discovered these books at my doctor's office and Tess loves them. They also received a lollipop, button candy, pixie stick, and Mary Jane taffy. All the old-fashioned candy was purchased at Cracker Barrel. I made each little girl a flower clippy from retro fabric.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckIku61RlUIT0qIdnuh8L3Jm9Mt-_nBG1WU47QiOPiAL33dEMxxQlHWyC25rRfHq-M7lRcGAV2qRknDcyU27I3mGzDcnYuHs5XWDiL0VavqWQrQhu8JS-0t_clvmUSyolZml9R9XZZZk/s1600-h/054.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckIku61RlUIT0qIdnuh8L3Jm9Mt-_nBG1WU47QiOPiAL33dEMxxQlHWyC25rRfHq-M7lRcGAV2qRknDcyU27I3mGzDcnYuHs5XWDiL0VavqWQrQhu8JS-0t_clvmUSyolZml9R9XZZZk/s400/054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342839611201601586" border="0" /></a><br />The boys left with a lollipop, slinky and candy. I wanted to add a retro matchbox car but I couldn't find any.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIihFqptm31tYTmpgGQ5n3GuPn-jPUVQUSgypf1h2P3TgFYcqgMgST1EidTNB4zSeV8SlG8e3Vx4wZsESoChhVLfNxCVtpbUMPvoMbSpR6-JOMMrJOX42bfg3wIaGhP3S9xvgrLio7HFI/s1600-h/055.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIihFqptm31tYTmpgGQ5n3GuPn-jPUVQUSgypf1h2P3TgFYcqgMgST1EidTNB4zSeV8SlG8e3Vx4wZsESoChhVLfNxCVtpbUMPvoMbSpR6-JOMMrJOX42bfg3wIaGhP3S9xvgrLio7HFI/s400/055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342839614770784386" border="0" /></a>While waiting for parents to arrive, we lined the kids up in two teams and played a rompous game of "Red Rover". They seemed to have a ball.<br /><br />Aunt Shenise called all week leading up to the party with fabulous ideas like renting a pony and renting a cotton candy machine. But, when it came down to it, the kids had a blast with the simple party games that we planned.<br /><br />Thanks to Aunt Shanel, Grandma Sherrie, Grandma Shirley and Grandma Connie for all their help.wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-78995128910983526332009-06-02T10:09:00.001-07:002009-06-02T11:47:43.546-07:00Happy Birthday Tessa Boo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0_9hgOVBX40LZmCKCThYDy0kJolc7MGpPhu5uf9zjOXzV5XwWSvG1ko9JmspCPr9YLPVJEAHruEYR4dgrkFYi-doy0bMe7FLBXVpCia6YDRxwBiur-W5oj74EmTMT8FZVumqmpLxbnA/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0_9hgOVBX40LZmCKCThYDy0kJolc7MGpPhu5uf9zjOXzV5XwWSvG1ko9JmspCPr9YLPVJEAHruEYR4dgrkFYi-doy0bMe7FLBXVpCia6YDRxwBiur-W5oj74EmTMT8FZVumqmpLxbnA/s400/011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342794366067785554" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Who knew that the little girl, who arrived to this world weighing a scrawny 5 pounds, 5 ounces would become such a big 5-year old girl. A girl who brings such delight to all who know her, especially her parents.<br /><br />Maybe it's the way she bewitches us with those dreamy sky-blue eyes or the way she lightens our spirits with her mega-watt smile. But whatever it is, she holds an uncanny ability to charm her way out of every situation. How else would she be able to have fruit roll-ups for breakfast followed by a healthy dose of "Sponge-Bob" for dessert. She definitely gets away with things that Mitchell and Rylee only dreamed of.<br /><br />Here is some things you may not have known about Tess.<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Her favorite color is purple. It used to be pink, but that was so last year.</span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Her favorite food is spaghetti. Replacing last year's favorite, mac and cheese.</span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Her favorite board game is Trouble.</span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Her favorite thing to play is dress-ups. She is almost always dancing around the house in character, either as a princess or a queen. Just the other night she paraded into the family room in full garb, pointed her finger at Aunt Marion and said, "You may do my hair!" Then turned to her cousin John and said, "You may rub my stinky feet!"<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Her favorite story is anything I dream up that has a beautiful little princess that is running away from an evil step-mother, giant, monster, or wild animal. She loves the story of Red Riding Hood, even though it meant she slept in my bed for two nights after hearing it.<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Her favorite movie is a musical production of "Daniel in the Lion's Den".<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">When she grows up she would like to be a "cute" ballerina. Just like her Aunt Jen.</span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">When asked what her dream bedroom would look like it included one pink wall and the other one rainbow. I hope for her sake that rainbows make a come-back because she would be in heaven. Remember Pamela's at Cottonwood mall, she would have loved that store.</span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Her favorite breakfast food is oatmeal or Cream of Wheat. I have to cook up a double batch just to keep her satisfied.<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Her favorite candy is old-fashioned lollipops.<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">She loves to watch me get my blood drawn. I think she may be a "closet phlebotomist"<br /></span></span></li></ul>Happy, happy birthday Tess! I love you!<br /><br />For Tess' Birthday I made her spaghetti and meatballs. She donned the official "Birthday Hat" and ate on the official "You are special Today" plate. She had to wait for Saturday for the real fun and games to begin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMx_CZCSTjAt0kLdMdxT5skQRGG4C5f87NAmn-Vk8HF_bkFLLaBNUm3-F8veuTPWHan4rOuhIVuDBZjIevkj-QJMNyA5VzMT4rcSzV-eiHGt70zM1ss5ZjQSg9cPniZZVTa_2fjCmLo8/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMx_CZCSTjAt0kLdMdxT5skQRGG4C5f87NAmn-Vk8HF_bkFLLaBNUm3-F8veuTPWHan4rOuhIVuDBZjIevkj-QJMNyA5VzMT4rcSzV-eiHGt70zM1ss5ZjQSg9cPniZZVTa_2fjCmLo8/s200/013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342799770307662770" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjcad6Y0yFM8dHT_ktRLCPEfwj70deBpKsqrHYdjembSXnjmDzqGwwAPM2m8Zhpl6ocpCp5tKMeQTUqNzAURy4MNrmQst5tokk8iaT1XnFL0yPW36wRKz9LchWUjA_4CpIhfYDkFK1F0/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjcad6Y0yFM8dHT_ktRLCPEfwj70deBpKsqrHYdjembSXnjmDzqGwwAPM2m8Zhpl6ocpCp5tKMeQTUqNzAURy4MNrmQst5tokk8iaT1XnFL0yPW36wRKz9LchWUjA_4CpIhfYDkFK1F0/s200/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342799756689381634" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2ispf3Qg8OSRApn1Tp0Q6f4wqEPtQ5geD7mr0asFKWNqvboXQg72w9RmwOmoeOJER6jXOcu0oqvszw6c2EA48Hs1RQLsYMI2D2TQTamATtMmAtx4R-Kc2jxSuUbQdN2UB9PhZZh78_Y/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2ispf3Qg8OSRApn1Tp0Q6f4wqEPtQ5geD7mr0asFKWNqvboXQg72w9RmwOmoeOJER6jXOcu0oqvszw6c2EA48Hs1RQLsYMI2D2TQTamATtMmAtx4R-Kc2jxSuUbQdN2UB9PhZZh78_Y/s200/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342800626033878402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QK5hiAjUfSUP2Bju4AhMzKTJ9N3AC1QRMZGugBZz5r9V0_t1pt_WOnapDRJnuP5qLM9-sTaakvcsvk4LqcFX2asxXSJetnB16R8-ZO0sHYyiMdPwvMbnQlZNBcg4_1NU97fisi1Vz9w/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QK5hiAjUfSUP2Bju4AhMzKTJ9N3AC1QRMZGugBZz5r9V0_t1pt_WOnapDRJnuP5qLM9-sTaakvcsvk4LqcFX2asxXSJetnB16R8-ZO0sHYyiMdPwvMbnQlZNBcg4_1NU97fisi1Vz9w/s200/017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342800638285455794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMylNodV7Lvskd2mpRTFI_VifVQ2_Fa9j-FJUDxPBD4VjZi_FtE9Po4d5-BMEoPfY5MAr54HB3KCRVw5I97Uzf7eZu05jTfalF2uBAd_nrUpGMBW-_KeWUQ7EVX-hUNhQHzMJj0xsAhA/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMylNodV7Lvskd2mpRTFI_VifVQ2_Fa9j-FJUDxPBD4VjZi_FtE9Po4d5-BMEoPfY5MAr54HB3KCRVw5I97Uzf7eZu05jTfalF2uBAd_nrUpGMBW-_KeWUQ7EVX-hUNhQHzMJj0xsAhA/s200/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342799754586095122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdd5U9eWcEU6RCgOujgi8obR5ooKStj8s5fDfpiqYbiM76MqFyNXWq1vfs3SkN2rF8FDAkltulEJvSN_4OBcq4LmfRXPdt_K8l8ra4sGaQfd8bFtok1GikXI2yvIDAnUAKqGkpNcSVDd8/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdd5U9eWcEU6RCgOujgi8obR5ooKStj8s5fDfpiqYbiM76MqFyNXWq1vfs3SkN2rF8FDAkltulEJvSN_4OBcq4LmfRXPdt_K8l8ra4sGaQfd8bFtok1GikXI2yvIDAnUAKqGkpNcSVDd8/s200/014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342800622237759314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday dinner she said, "leftovers!" What a sweet little girl. Then I asked her what kind of cake she wanted and she said, "white and pink cake with chocolate, pink, and blue decorations." Not complicated at all!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpViqeWMsmQMfS-ZY_Th3GuTJ2yeXj1kAjaEfPy-j68TyRcrbynhbzAbtyWPSNepTnzTF1mbW5FxKGhr8lnwQNp0TnB6QOiVCzGEMy0O09D9ymbef9Nkm-A2x1bv_5VfqBkUZ9VE76bs/s1600-h/018.JPG"><br /></a></div><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></span></div>wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-46862098833842740772009-06-02T09:51:00.000-07:002009-06-02T10:08:20.820-07:00Birthday Suit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1u-WYNLuR-8WqsNTVpp__KBNPjIAOVLi3kr2YwjLw1P88cAIgKObxCis6IXRykgyZdlvTx-jSG6ikWPH_ce3CdrrTgekTd21LJpTduuOEclKsSUMbj0rFe02iWu5Z75aqi-Phz9SUaio/s1600-h/032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1u-WYNLuR-8WqsNTVpp__KBNPjIAOVLi3kr2YwjLw1P88cAIgKObxCis6IXRykgyZdlvTx-jSG6ikWPH_ce3CdrrTgekTd21LJpTduuOEclKsSUMbj0rFe02iWu5Z75aqi-Phz9SUaio/s400/032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342777397928416066" border="0" /></a><br />I was at Walmart, scratching off the items of my birthday party "to-do list", when I came across the pattern for this darling dress. I thought, "My, wouldn't it be fun for Tess to have a new dress for her birthday party tomorrow!" No thought of the 4 beds that needed changing and the towels that needed washing to prepare for the party guests. So, I purchased the pattern and headed to my favorite fabric store, Broadbents (which claims to be the oldest department store in the U.S. and still sells the same merchandise and employs the original mean-old-ladies from the 1850's) to make my fabric selections.<br /><br />Of course I didn't finish the dress until this week so it never made it in the birthday party pics. But, I wanted to show off my darling daughter in the finished product.<br /><br />If you are looking for a super simple sewing project, Simplicity 2711 was a good one. It took about 4 hours start to finish and that was only because my machine was on the fritz.wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-5358863570497609112009-05-12T14:09:00.000-07:002009-05-12T16:03:16.712-07:00Mother's Day 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsJQ1qWEF8AMraZnMWfTD05x1Km4PxTYPii8GQMr8Yq5b9ygP9VVtd29qUe-hUfoFpWubqo22omlZY7Ddn6GIzNWiCEr_M5d-2jSNOFbyNuiCxyp1yK-Lnp1iLCZFVuOv05sbhNK_wxw/s1600-h/Valentinepins-all-done.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsJQ1qWEF8AMraZnMWfTD05x1Km4PxTYPii8GQMr8Yq5b9ygP9VVtd29qUe-hUfoFpWubqo22omlZY7Ddn6GIzNWiCEr_M5d-2jSNOFbyNuiCxyp1yK-Lnp1iLCZFVuOv05sbhNK_wxw/s400/Valentinepins-all-done.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335076897038972738" border="0" /></a><br />They say it takes a village to raise a child. Good thing, because I would hate to rely on my own capabilities to raise fine posterity. It just so happens that about the time I get things figured out, I'm inevitably thrown a mothering curve ball. Who knew parenting could be so complicated?<br /><br />Heavenly Father did! That is why his plan is so perfect. It allows for others to fill in for our shortcomings. Extended families and friends working together for a common goal. Teamwork!<br /><br />I, for one, have been the beneficiary of many of my fellow villagers good works. Our family is fortunate to have the love and support of many good <span style="font-style: italic;">women</span>, in particular. Women, who love and encourage my children the way they would their own. Women, whose strengths happen to be my weaknesses. Phew!<br /><br />I hope my children will always recognize and be grateful for the influence of these "mothers" in their life. I know I will always remember the handful that have shaped my life for the better:<br /><br />My mom has taught me about sacrifice. She went back to school and work when I was a young teenager. She studied late into the night and worked all day to help support our family. She continues to work now, even though I know she would rather be a full-time grandmother.<br /><br />My Aunt Maxine always makes me feel loved. A birthday or holiday never passes without a card from her in the mail. She has continued the tradition with my children.<br /><br />When I was little, she would visit us a few times every year. She always had a secret $20.00 bill stashed away that she claimed my Uncle Ray knew nothing about. She would take us to the mall and let each one of us four kids spend $5.00 on whatever we chose. There was nothing I looked forward to more than her visits. She seemed to love us like her own children.<br /><br />My Nana taught me about charity. She lost both parents when she was a young girl and was raised by her siblings in less than ideal circumstances. Yet, she was the most generous and good-hearted person that I have ever known.<br /><br />When I was a little girl, we would travel her neighborhood, doing favors, delivering goodies and just visiting with all of the "little old-ladies", as she would call them. Even though she was probably older than many of the people she served.<br /><br />My Grandma Velma taught me how to be a matriarch of a family. She loved to gather her extensive family together for Sunday dinners, even though she was a notoriously bad cook. I hated the rainbow colored pork, casseroles made from whatever was hanging around in the fridge, and crystallized grape jelly and peanut butter sandwiches. But, I appreciated her efforts to gather her family. She had a large one. Seven children and thirty-three grandchildren.<br />I'm grateful for all the good times I had with cousins playing in her dress-ups in the back yard and swimming in her cement pool.<br /><br />From Mrs. Timothy, my fifth grade teacher, I learned to recognize my talents. She singled me out and made me feel special. She was always interested in the stories I was writing and what I was drawing. I knew that she believed in me and what I could accomplish.<br /><br />My mother-in-law, Sherrie, has taught me that happiness is a choice. She is lighthearted and fun regardless of her trials. She has loved me like a daughter since the moment I came into her family. I know she sees everything in from an eternal perspective.<br /><br />Grandma Shirley, who is more like another mother to me than a grandma-in-law, has taught me how to love your family deeply. She was a great example to me on how to treat a husband. I'll never forget her phone calls, when I was newly married, checking to see if Reggie was getting fed enough. Because of her prompting, I have learned my way around a kitchen. But, I have also learned that food is a way to show your family that you care.<br /><br />Both Sherrie and Shirley have taught me the value of hard work. They never seem to do anything begrudgingly. I know they love to serve their families because the smiles that are always on their faces.<br /><br />Thank you to all the mothers that have touched my life! I love you!wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-66522456706181109112009-05-12T10:05:00.000-07:002009-05-12T10:19:30.204-07:00Happy Mother's Day!<span style="font-family:arial;">Grandma Sherrie,<br /><br />I love you because you always take such effort just to make someone feel good about themselves. I can always trust that you will be doing some sort of creative thing when I come and visit you. You are always in a good mood and never get annoyed with anyone. I love you!<br /><br />Grandma Connie,<br /><br />I love you because I can always tell that you are trying to make me feel good if I am sad or just trying to do something to make my day (it works too!) I love that you always give me lots of attention and make me feel special.<br /><br />Grandma Bev,<br /><br />No matter what, when I see you I am always in a good mood because you are always in a good mood. You are always one of the first ones to send me a birthday card. I love you!<br /><br />Grandma Shirl-dog,<br /><br />You're always giving me a good laugh. Always calling just to check up on me. Always keeping me company when I'm down in the dumps. Always making the best meals possible when I come and visit. I love you!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Mitchell<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I "Heart" You!!! </span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoQPC_EZ1WbGB0cBKdHvSv8hioBfG0yNMNI2vsKdzB22KtGLXa8ArHHr-MvyNDQjeCkf08stU5GTzJfeuP28EyjUjJQ-7P4bHhHDaiwXZUIPt-fd4vkDagRc3gW6fMeAH-6vG_-_T4-8/s1600-h/1097.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoQPC_EZ1WbGB0cBKdHvSv8hioBfG0yNMNI2vsKdzB22KtGLXa8ArHHr-MvyNDQjeCkf08stU5GTzJfeuP28EyjUjJQ-7P4bHhHDaiwXZUIPt-fd4vkDagRc3gW6fMeAH-6vG_-_T4-8/s320/1097.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334988229826155746" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div>wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-43333090229524235662009-05-07T10:27:00.000-07:002009-05-07T11:20:19.425-07:00Cookie Skillet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uWuCsDi_UWj0NjwchNYZatlRSBhcT4QFBStipN0sNWahCkeZ6X_4FJ-shSQ4uKERcAwCG-vPXPDsoevhiY12YVSaYJm4Ygna1vax1NwkcLcJeQZLW9StRCFhDRGF2TRWxuD-ieB-_DU/s1600-h/%7BBD01E8B8-2CD5-40C7-B29A-A8FE2A32178D%7D_L8SK3-L14SK3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uWuCsDi_UWj0NjwchNYZatlRSBhcT4QFBStipN0sNWahCkeZ6X_4FJ-shSQ4uKERcAwCG-vPXPDsoevhiY12YVSaYJm4Ygna1vax1NwkcLcJeQZLW9StRCFhDRGF2TRWxuD-ieB-_DU/s400/%7BBD01E8B8-2CD5-40C7-B29A-A8FE2A32178D%7D_L8SK3-L14SK3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333147023030926706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Back in the day when I kept a log on the back of my dorm room door that kept track of how often I made it to the gym, I had a deal with myself. If I worked out five days a week for one month then I could treat myself to a Tony Roma's Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet. It's amazing to think that I was that in control of my eating habits. Today, I would probably award myself with a cookie skillet for just about everything. (That's probably why I have gained and lost 500 pounds during my child-bearing years).<br /><br />Anyhow, I loved those things. In fact, they were the only thing I could order on the menu. (Many of you may remember my vegetarian, animal rights, "meat is murder" days?)<br /><br />Tony Roma's discontinued their star menu item a few years later. Maybe that is why they have met their demise and they should consider a cookie skillet comeback. I, however, don't have the patience necessary to await a Tony Roma revival so I sought out a recipe on my own. It is one I saw in a Martha Stewart magazine that prompted me to immediately travel to my local Walmart in search of a 10-inch skillet. <br /><br />Since then I have found many a good desserts can be cooked in a cast iron skillet. So here, at the request of my good friend Bea, is three good ways to use a cast iron skillet.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet, ala Martha Stewart</span><br /></span><br /><div class="ms-col2-recipe-ingredients"> <h2>Ingredients</h2> <p>Serves 8</p> <ul><li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1 teaspoon baking soda</li><li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li>3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened</li><li>1/2 cup sugar</li><li>3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar</li><li>1 large egg</li><li>2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</li><li>1 1/2 cups (about 9 ounces) mixed milk- and semisweet chocolate chips</li><li>2 pints vanilla ice cream</li><li> <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/caramel-sauce-3?lnc=5a79cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005b09a00aRCRD&rsc=recipecontent_food">Caramel Sauce</a> </li></ul> </div> <h2>Directions</h2> <ol><li> <span>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars until mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla; mix until they are fully incorporated. Add flour mixture, and beat until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips. </span> </li><li> <span>Transfer dough to a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, and press to flatten, covering bottom of pan. Bake until edges are brown and top is golden, 40 to 45 minutes. Don't overbake; it will continue to cook a few minutes out of the oven. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, 15 to 20 minutes. Cut into 8 wedges. Serve warm; top each wedge with a scoop of ice cream and some caramel sauce. </span></li></ol><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Tyler's Ultimate Peach Cobbler</span><br /></span><div class="body-text"> <h2>Ingredients</h2> <!--concordance-begin--> <ul><li>8 peaches, peeled and sliced, about 6 to 8 cups</li><li>1/4 cup bourbon (I used 1 teaspoon vanilla)<br /></li><li>3/4 cup sugar, divided, plus more for dusting<br /></li><li>2 tablespoons cornstarch</li><li>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li><li>1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>2 teaspoons baking powder</li><li>1/2 teaspoon kosher salt</li><li>12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons for skillet</li><li>2/3 cup Heavy cream, plus 2-3 T. more for brushing</li></ul> <!--concordance-end--> <h2>Directions</h2> <p> Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. </p><p>In a large bowl add the peaches, bourbon, 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon and mix well to coat the peaches evenly; set aside. </p><p>Prepare the dumplings: Into food processor add the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) butter into small pieces. Add it to the flour mixture and pulse until the mixture looks like wet sand. Mix just until the dough comes together. Don't overwork; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. </p><p>In a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-low heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add the peaches and cook gently until heated through, about 5 minutes. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls over the warm peaches. There can be gaps, the dough will puff up and spread out as it bakes. Brush the top with some heavy cream and sprinkle with some sugar; put it into the oven on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Cook for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is browned and the fruit is bubbling.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">Chocolate Brownie Spoon Bread</span></span><br /></p><div class="item articles"> <h3>Ingredients</h3> <ul><li> 1/2 cup butter,<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span> plus more for skillet </li><li> 4 ounces <a>semisweet chocolate</a>, chopped </li><li> 1/2 cup flour </li><li> 1/2 cup cocoa powder<br /></li><li>1/2 teaspoon baking powder<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></li><li> 1 pinch salt </li><li> 4 eggs<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>, room temperature </li><li> 1 teaspoon vanilla </li><li> 1 cup sugar </li></ul><div class="item articles">Directions <ol><li>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch, well-seasoned cast iron skillet, set aside. </li><li>Place chocolate and butter in a medium heat-proof bowl. Set over a pan of boiling water and whisk together until almost blended. Remove from heat and let cool. Set aside. </li><li>Sift togetther the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Sift again and set aside. </li><li>In another bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla until thick and pale, about 6 minutes. Beat in the sugar until fluffy. Stir in the chocolate mixture. Fold the dry ingredients gently until just combined. </li><li>Pour the batter into prepared skillet. Bake until spoon bread is set but still soft in center, about 40 minutes. (cook less for a more molten center.) Let cool 10 minutes serve warm. Dust with confectioner's sugar to garnish, if desired.</li></ol> </div></div></div>wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-41642226487739958472009-05-07T09:42:00.000-07:002009-05-07T10:24:50.197-07:00R.I.P.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-qE1Kv-vyC1shPPn_NaY5F6nJD4trirH83qdjTpktyBqUZSGe3ctxdYok4InC0iM_ZGRHqdMrD9fLtSoYQnF503CeC9y2zmsdlJYmF2lnydd0976Ta-lskuSrGXPNtqDWjSsTNad8Ug/s1600-h/026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-qE1Kv-vyC1shPPn_NaY5F6nJD4trirH83qdjTpktyBqUZSGe3ctxdYok4InC0iM_ZGRHqdMrD9fLtSoYQnF503CeC9y2zmsdlJYmF2lnydd0976Ta-lskuSrGXPNtqDWjSsTNad8Ug/s400/026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333133579766705970" border="0" /></a><br />Ding dong, the "buggy monster" is dead! At least in the eyes of Rylee, who came home from school the other day, concerned because none of her fellow classmates would believe her tale of a small creature that lives in people's noses waiting to prey on unsuspecting fingers. It is a story told to her by me, her mother, in an attempt to dissuade the disgusting habit of digging for buggers.<br /><br />I did not make up the story. In fact it is one I was told, as a small girl, to explain away my Grandfather Max's missing finger. Later I would learn it was the casualty of a falling bucket of cement on the job site. However, my Grandfather had been quite convincing, as he held up his hand with the missing digit while he told me about the monster that bit his finger off while he picked his nose. It was, he said, the reason that little boys and girls should never stick their perfect, plump little fingers into dark scary places. You never know what's living up there!<br /><br />The story was so apart of me that I did not think twice when passing it along to my trusting little children. It started with Mitchell, who told it to Rylee, who told it to Tess. (Tess has never cared much. She regularly risks danger to avoid the long walk to the bathroom in search of a kleenex. She can also usually be found with finger in nose when coming out of a deep sleep.) But, I was quite surprised when 8 year old Rylee had to ask me why all the kids at school didn't believe her. I never knew she had believed so implicitly. I came clean and tried to explain why Mommy had ever told her such a thing.<br /><br />I tried to explain to her that it wasn't really a lie. Just a tall-tale. A Bryan family myth. A myth, you see, is simply a story that people refer to when they are trying to explain the world around them. It was passed down from one generation to the next to the next by an unconscious process. I had never intended to cause her embarrassment among her classmates. I just didn't want her to pick her nose.<br /><br />In my opinion, it wasn't anything different than the story of George Washington cutting down his father's cherry tree or the story of the first Thanksgiving. In fact, it was a lot tamer than the myth of Mrs. Skuffalump (the haggard, old woman who would arrive to babysit with humped back and warty nose, if the children wouldn't behave themselves). But, that's a whole different story!wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-30150763316280307242009-05-03T20:35:00.000-07:002009-05-03T21:39:29.643-07:00MemoriesI tend to remember the weirdest things. I can remember the essay I wrote on the French Revolution during my AP European final in high school. I can remember the passages from Romeo and Juliet that I memorized for 9th grade English. I even remember people from my college Calculus class, of 500, that I didn't even sit by. Most recently I recognized a boy I had babysat as a teenager. The strange thing was that I hadn't seen him since I moved away from home, he was only four or five. WEIRD!<br /><br />This memory has gotten me in trouble a few times. Like the time I ran into a boy from high school who acted as if he had never seen me before in his life. (Poor Reggie, he was more embarrassed than I was). Too bad, since I remembered specific memories about the two dates we had been on as well as the time we spent as class officers together.<br /><br />The weirdest part of all about my memory is that I can't remember details about a phone conversation I had one hour ago or where I happened to drop my keys when I got back from the new Walmart on Saturday night.<br /><br />Perhaps I am experiencing early onset Alzheimer's. (Last year I could have sworn I was having early onset menopause). Wouldn't it be great to have our 18 year old bodies and 22 year old minds back?<br /><br />Anyway, last month when I was perusing the internet for ideas to magnify my new calling as visiting teaching supervisor, I came across this clever <a href="http://visitingteachingblog.blogspot.com/">visiting teaching blog</a> with great ideas. It had a fabulous idea for assembling a scripture "treasure box" to help your sisters with their scripture study. I immediately began compiling the ingredients. I filled my treasure boxes with scripture marking pencils, scripture mastery cards, laminated "key" words to use in a scripture mastery game, and a list of ideas on how to mark your scriptures.<br /><br />I must confess that the real reason I wanted the scripture treasure box was for my own selfish desires. I remembered a talk I had heard while a student at BYU that said if you memorize a scripture a day eventually you will develop a photographic memory. I did a little research and found that it was Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone that had made that claim. Unfortunately, it takes two years of diligence for it to pay off.<br /><br />So I have decided to experiment upon his words. Only I am aiming for one scripture a week and if that doesn't work I will make it one scripture a month. I'll let you know how it goes!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUPVPXx6QfEmFBblfD1vFfegIhNd0H_hG_0SZ025mmw_cw4fhJmKpz8P5QfT3gAUXPPbq_slaiOKMKWnFb3KAIMGN4suZKia3JTAKkgmdwTBBgQzKmL-RHvlQSxnfNdiSZc6bMJ8o8ts/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUPVPXx6QfEmFBblfD1vFfegIhNd0H_hG_0SZ025mmw_cw4fhJmKpz8P5QfT3gAUXPPbq_slaiOKMKWnFb3KAIMGN4suZKia3JTAKkgmdwTBBgQzKmL-RHvlQSxnfNdiSZc6bMJ8o8ts/s400/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331819770719141522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK97RkK0PrAgToHn7CUqAv6_Q6m3sH6yr0IemqdX_-61-II4OXxIk3dXwab0b4UnFmmejUguzt9OuLYuC38jxsCJl9SMv6v5MAjtmbiCmc5fRIcDjdAWYl67UzsC1x4F0FVqHyGdJEpms/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK97RkK0PrAgToHn7CUqAv6_Q6m3sH6yr0IemqdX_-61-II4OXxIk3dXwab0b4UnFmmejUguzt9OuLYuC38jxsCJl9SMv6v5MAjtmbiCmc5fRIcDjdAWYl67UzsC1x4F0FVqHyGdJEpms/s400/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331819766931922802" border="0" /></a>wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-84164388019364559492009-04-23T15:50:00.000-07:002009-04-23T16:25:03.785-07:00Spring Recital 2009For those of you who couldn't get enough of my children playing their scary piano songs back in October, here is a little something new. <br /><br />Lance, contact me if you want directions on how to download the tunes as ringtones on your phone. JK!<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyHH3C4qZSCeE74psQToxhmhtObarH3rBoAn_qOO_cqvwnfsBcwjTfID1Vs4jWeOPsbE7hQq-K6iW_xOG27Ag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyVhmISG6mpsdEj0y1im--xDJ4akZPiVafPJll7dTQL36ySMAJ_ulsQioA0KQAlXJoxEFmCsnAKBkF-l8Jilg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-3431727193772207302009-04-23T15:30:00.000-07:002009-04-23T15:49:13.474-07:00Spring Showers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaUjRbOJa41twM868lFQ2YICq0Pc_8_OXZvJSon8eEbKcp2uS7UaTTLQ0z4BYtImQBO_zkdIZRRXKQVtApom2TVGytEebcUyxaFkytvGAJ3xImIQK_9Wv_MhAbkTpQD1y3_sVAHKfvyk/s1600-h/035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaUjRbOJa41twM868lFQ2YICq0Pc_8_OXZvJSon8eEbKcp2uS7UaTTLQ0z4BYtImQBO_zkdIZRRXKQVtApom2TVGytEebcUyxaFkytvGAJ3xImIQK_9Wv_MhAbkTpQD1y3_sVAHKfvyk/s400/035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328019259787656882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZvlOm8fkCyxCCqK4pc4DoymW0TG_uVmlT34isArkdNeu_MqBVptAi4hRq2na4dv-9R6dUnZJb65A4U39zNTgxqatsVpQ_Gs9RGyy6YvTtAjWYjzN1uFZvrssZiWQafGXSSB2aFd0KTU/s1600-h/034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZvlOm8fkCyxCCqK4pc4DoymW0TG_uVmlT34isArkdNeu_MqBVptAi4hRq2na4dv-9R6dUnZJb65A4U39zNTgxqatsVpQ_Gs9RGyy6YvTtAjWYjzN1uFZvrssZiWQafGXSSB2aFd0KTU/s400/034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328019253236656834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEBCMWbH7wsTCTpRyIx_hVy9beUDDsCV17HJDOL5k23WfWGQ-WdLpH675XpMXGWDIR1ebvjWHfxcanLheoEOJA4Wt91aK7ReXQQFcSWfRlSfSF9MoIJulxYYhhHpGMEs18fHB9EdTSIA/s1600-h/032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEBCMWbH7wsTCTpRyIx_hVy9beUDDsCV17HJDOL5k23WfWGQ-WdLpH675XpMXGWDIR1ebvjWHfxcanLheoEOJA4Wt91aK7ReXQQFcSWfRlSfSF9MoIJulxYYhhHpGMEs18fHB9EdTSIA/s400/032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328019075649799874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycv-W5ICdWrIptBccaXBaZfGydV19TXobq1rvsRprLlnrclICwKM2BcV438t1Lc27kbLpNkOzDHwqVgD6rjKELej3ivIPd1ADldxNxNeudOkQrFGxvZJQo5z953ngkuxHfpySACwEXMQ/s1600-h/031.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycv-W5ICdWrIptBccaXBaZfGydV19TXobq1rvsRprLlnrclICwKM2BcV438t1Lc27kbLpNkOzDHwqVgD6rjKELej3ivIPd1ADldxNxNeudOkQrFGxvZJQo5z953ngkuxHfpySACwEXMQ/s400/031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328019073342158946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHP0aS89vRWuqGPSwD4k6CLyoxDt-5_UqR5DUo76vdtx7JPSfmn-mX03-5Jkvw750wBNMTemTFbfZbkW6SS4ZNr7D6ytP_uSBfMko4hIlekWg6TDdpKZz6NTDMdSLiALoM4hm79ZKH18/s1600-h/028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHP0aS89vRWuqGPSwD4k6CLyoxDt-5_UqR5DUo76vdtx7JPSfmn-mX03-5Jkvw750wBNMTemTFbfZbkW6SS4ZNr7D6ytP_uSBfMko4hIlekWg6TDdpKZz6NTDMdSLiALoM4hm79ZKH18/s400/028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328019069366238498" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-2-tKmxM39wx3ZVylL8FBVET5OXMozjlBVGoNbGaCEbtjfOxQh5eORdmE9Wl4e6rH0zXI2xKrespL6Z9cBexL2U-htSPdF1fdwya2rgTssEmHR36YkZtkmLq29yH_-tSW1DXNPRj700/s1600-h/025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-2-tKmxM39wx3ZVylL8FBVET5OXMozjlBVGoNbGaCEbtjfOxQh5eORdmE9Wl4e6rH0zXI2xKrespL6Z9cBexL2U-htSPdF1fdwya2rgTssEmHR36YkZtkmLq29yH_-tSW1DXNPRj700/s400/025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328019064993523538" border="0" /></a><br />I thought I would share the photos from the baby shower that I threw for my friend Melinda, who is welcoming boy #4 sometime this month. I thought Spring was the perfect time to use an egg theme.<br /><br />The brunch menu included bruschetta (thinly sliced baguette, brushed with olive oil, toasted, rubbed with raw garlic, topped with slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato, topped with a fresh basil leaf and drizzled with a little balsamic vinaigrette). I also served asparagus wrapped in ham, mini yogurt parfaits and tiny frittatas (Giada's recipe from Food Network). The hit was the homemade sweet rolls with frosting made out of cream, butter, and powdered sugar. Yummy!<br /><br />The favors were made out of shredded phylo dough (purchased by my dear husband at the Greek Market) baked in a muffin tin and then filled with my favorite Cadbury mini-eggs. Walmart had bags of eggs in just the perfect turquoise blue. The saying on the tag was perfect for the Spring occasion. It read,<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:130%;" >A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:130%;" ><br /> -- Eda J. Le Shan</span><br /></div></div>wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-19846586764794026982009-04-23T15:04:00.000-07:002009-04-23T15:24:43.968-07:00Food Storage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX7bw57fttw7U7p2he6vloXQO5WDgy2Ui1L0yLWqDFHzhgnjiHptHBBVsBN3OnDdYegT0Cq9Mlu3trm5NARkeHV4jcwR-8SY0GkWHO0ZpIW78InCIqvipxd-zvITPONnT2xz2F4__S0w/s1600-h/51AJnbu0vzL._SS500_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX7bw57fttw7U7p2he6vloXQO5WDgy2Ui1L0yLWqDFHzhgnjiHptHBBVsBN3OnDdYegT0Cq9Mlu3trm5NARkeHV4jcwR-8SY0GkWHO0ZpIW78InCIqvipxd-zvITPONnT2xz2F4__S0w/s400/51AJnbu0vzL._SS500_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328011786539707554" border="0" /></a><br />For Christmas this year, Santa (Sherrie and Reg) brought our family 72-hour kits and a little bit of food storage. It was the greatest gift we could have received since our pantry looked rather bare. At one point we had a significant amount of wheat and pinto beans awaiting "the big one". However, we left it all behind during our last move. (After 30 trips in the mini-van I just couldn't bring myself to haul those heavy boxes from the basement of the Castle Rock house).<br /><br />The funny thing about it was the 8 jars of Marshmallow Creme that came included. Sherrie said that they were such a good deal she just couldn't pass them up. While organizing the jars in my pantry I just happened to notice that they had a sell by date of March. (I know that I rarely check labels but it was good that I did!) I didn't want any of my marshmallow goodness to go to waste so I immediately started experimenting with recipes using the stuff.<br /><br />Krispie treats, yummy frosting, hostess cupcake copycats, fluffernutter sandwiches and 8 jars of Marshmallow Creme later and I decided that the best recipe award goes to my sister-in-law Kristin, who suggested good old-fashioned fruit dip. Tess loved dipping her strawberries in the cream cheese and marshmallow concoction. I can't believe that I didn't think of it before. <br /><br />Please share if you have any better ideas for using up a half-eaten jar of marshmallow fluff!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-NGSk0YgzPBIfFO3qe9VwbgFaOqToiGiCRjpGoDVFtalBIShoGu2nP8FXVLn0xJVf7yJhRkg2C-KjYuLRj6hvD4k52gAJfINgJlQF8gSefWEsRRhQaEpyE1T3Pc3hq36uMVq4skERAs/s1600-h/062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-NGSk0YgzPBIfFO3qe9VwbgFaOqToiGiCRjpGoDVFtalBIShoGu2nP8FXVLn0xJVf7yJhRkg2C-KjYuLRj6hvD4k52gAJfINgJlQF8gSefWEsRRhQaEpyE1T3Pc3hq36uMVq4skERAs/s320/062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328015878162132962" border="0" /></a>Picture of my homemade hostess cupcakes. The filling was whipping cream and marshmallow cream and the frosting is ganache. Too rich for Reggie!wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-59664541913040735542009-04-23T13:17:00.000-07:002009-04-23T14:23:50.905-07:00Mother Knows Best<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4Obzc0kA7db7VcO7wxsnf01jH7-fqCisXQeya8iXtb-9Flu-7Y61MxwSDCcH0d2bDb4C18bqc3u2O5PbSUhz9Woq3PBC4JSp9iAxrYOj0dhbFazaInIVKrj8L3oNq137gP667Xz7_W8/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4Obzc0kA7db7VcO7wxsnf01jH7-fqCisXQeya8iXtb-9Flu-7Y61MxwSDCcH0d2bDb4C18bqc3u2O5PbSUhz9Woq3PBC4JSp9iAxrYOj0dhbFazaInIVKrj8L3oNq137gP667Xz7_W8/s400/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327984181147331938" border="0" /></a><br />It's true what they say about mothers. They really do know best. You see, my dear mother is wise beyond her years when it comes to dishware. When Reggie and I got married, she insisted that we register for Corelle at the local ZCMI. At the time, the idea seemed preposterous. I had been eating off the same Corelle dishes, adorned with avacado green flowers, that my Great Grandparents had carefully carried across the plains. Or so it seemed. I was bored to death of those dishes and I knew I couldn't bring myself to adding them to my registry. Besides, my Martha Stewartesque sensibilities simply would not allow me to serve my fine cuisine on such a thing (despite the fact that I knew nothing about cooking or fine cuisine at the time). So I decided to be the first girl in our metropolitan area to go against tradition and register at Williams and Sonoma instead (remember when ZCMI had the wedding registry monopoly). <br /><br />Those "White Brasserie" dishes have served me well. They have been the perfect backdrop for many fine affairs. They look equally sophisticated dressed with beef tenderloin or PB and J. Especially paired with my red goblets at Christmas time. But, with three kiddies and one on the way, I have decided to concede. My mother was definately on to something when she gave me that advice 13 years ago. <br /><br />32 trips to Walmart later, and I have finally completed my collection of fine tableware. What makes it so fine is that it is of the "practical", "non-breakable", and below "$3.00/each" variety. Those three qualifications have become ever so important as my family continues to grow. You know, there really is something to be said for a dish that weighs a mere 3-ounces and can be dropped from a second story window without worry (I don't think the Good Housekeeping Institute has validated either claim). <br /><br />I have finally been able to allow my children to empty the dishwasher without disasterous results. This is important since teaching them responsibility is vital in their formidable years. Plus, dish loading/unloading is among my least favorite chores.<br /><br />If only I would have thought to photograph my kitchen cabinets after Mitchell's first try. Sherrie would have been so proud. I didn't adjust or straighten even one skiwompous dish. When summer arrives, I plan on having a training camp to teach the kids housekeeping 101. Or maybe Grandma Connie would like to be a guest instructor. Because when it comes to cleaning and housekeeping, she really does know best!wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-72470993768878840612008-12-04T12:05:00.000-08:002008-12-05T13:46:34.695-08:00Christmas List<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOjmvC92wR-EKzkxCTOKmAHtQKCnc42T726QqNkmFjzhsVd3vmbMTQ0sZTDvb9oQHmI4HsJuiJepE6Ae_mGLNvHgghypn3BncLaL8M_BkEyv4CNKiaSHaF1PEsmxEG8ryfaZX5Gy8YPA/s1600-h/scan0001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOjmvC92wR-EKzkxCTOKmAHtQKCnc42T726QqNkmFjzhsVd3vmbMTQ0sZTDvb9oQHmI4HsJuiJepE6Ae_mGLNvHgghypn3BncLaL8M_BkEyv4CNKiaSHaF1PEsmxEG8ryfaZX5Gy8YPA/s400/scan0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276032475628064402" border="0" /></a>Mitchell, Rylee and Tess have been hard at work composing this year's official Christmas List. You see there will be multiple drafts before the final copy makes its journey to the North Pole. Its a laborious process that requires many sheets of computer paper and an array of crayola markers. Rylee's is the most festive, so far, with her red and green lettering and her full-color illustrations. Thankfully, the doll that pee-pee's in the potty didn't make the final cut.<br /><br />"Christmas listing" is a time-honored tradition that dates back generations. Mr. Crane, my aged 5th grade teacher, told us that he compiled a list from the Sears and Roebuck catalog that was dedicated as toilet paper in the family's two-hole outhouse. I remember my mom buying a JCPenney catalog every Holiday Season. The back section was devoted entirely to toys. Bryan, Chris, Nick and I would wear out that catalog flipping through the pages for days. I think I circled more items than not.<br /><br />My children started working on their lists weeks ago when Grandma Connie delivered the first of the toy catalogs that came with her paper. They slowly went through each page, carefully considering all of their options. Further narrowing things down by seeking reviews on Amazon.com. This family would hate not to be educated about all the toy industry has to offer for 2008.<br /><br />High School Musical and Hannah Montana seem destined to rule this Christmas. How unfortunate for my children that I told Santa to add those to the undeliverable gift list. The list that contains past favorites like Brat dolls and Spongebob action figures. I try to encourage Santa to bring classic gifts like legos, jump-ropes, hoppy taws, and other things that don't require D-batteries. So far it seems to be working.<br /><br />I have compiled a short list of gift ideas. Most of these are things my kids have received in years past and have played with alot. Some of the others are things my kids just might get this year. If they stay off that darn naughty list!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hyper Dash--you set the targets up all over a room or yard and then try to chase them down as instructed by the game. It keeps track of your time so you can race against yourself and your friends. Super good exercise!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QwK6aLcNTfurQ6kkI8oijKIoEASEI7Lw_7vUsaVND0krkN1Dno_yeXHivlJEYoT4jwfY9igYwtwnJON2qMD9UnJ1rNXFrlrNFFABVPXyVcL5E-g_ubrCV1IjQn8uQYmDJyEa1OX-tv0/s1600-h/41+Bd2o9MaL._SL140_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QwK6aLcNTfurQ6kkI8oijKIoEASEI7Lw_7vUsaVND0krkN1Dno_yeXHivlJEYoT4jwfY9igYwtwnJON2qMD9UnJ1rNXFrlrNFFABVPXyVcL5E-g_ubrCV1IjQn8uQYmDJyEa1OX-tv0/s400/41+Bd2o9MaL._SL140_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276043749323191314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ida Perle Alphabet Cards--limited edition prints of her original artwork. Comes with a clothesline and little clothes pins to hang them on the wall. A great way to teach little ones their letters. I found them on <a href="http://mahardrygoods.com/">mahardrygoods.com</a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKESav5HDJb6ISeTr94cQHzac0_XOkaWdJAZBM3KBF349L2Ni8ljPTNnkcqt2vqaspeDqAwQ-PV2qBcplYJwh4hqDHJc9BgT9L6-Amh7OKKue77yOfPdFRM4EmpI1RLZ_Xa4l5y0SXyU/s1600-h/idaA280.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKESav5HDJb6ISeTr94cQHzac0_XOkaWdJAZBM3KBF349L2Ni8ljPTNnkcqt2vqaspeDqAwQ-PV2qBcplYJwh4hqDHJc9BgT9L6-Amh7OKKue77yOfPdFRM4EmpI1RLZ_Xa4l5y0SXyU/s400/idaA280.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276043757810350514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />What kid doesn't love a good coloring book? Grandma Connie gave us some last Christmas that she picked up at Red Balloon Toy Store. You can also find them on Amazon. We always have one of these books in the church bag.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKESav5HDJb6ISeTr94cQHzac0_XOkaWdJAZBM3KBF349L2Ni8ljPTNnkcqt2vqaspeDqAwQ-PV2qBcplYJwh4hqDHJc9BgT9L6-Amh7OKKue77yOfPdFRM4EmpI1RLZ_Xa4l5y0SXyU/s1600-h/idaA280.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0JV2o7UR38pjX54IskjxfJGLbTvDlODBA31_gdbKWMjVCRVFAcIWy2SESxbWv6pdlrIiL4ET8oJ2xnrDXfswBhhgV47gXGF90qVP4VkAR1VAbCfY1fLQL1QzsGZxp7KVgLW-LWLSB8U/s1600-h/61rf6-SPKNL._SL500_AA280_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0JV2o7UR38pjX54IskjxfJGLbTvDlODBA31_gdbKWMjVCRVFAcIWy2SESxbWv6pdlrIiL4ET8oJ2xnrDXfswBhhgV47gXGF90qVP4VkAR1VAbCfY1fLQL1QzsGZxp7KVgLW-LWLSB8U/s400/61rf6-SPKNL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276043760311557570" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Grandma Shirl gave Mitchell a Color Pixter for Christmas about 5 years ago. Since then it has been a family favorite. I can't believe it still works, considering the abuse it has taken.<br />We got ours at Target, but I think you can only get them online now.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebOM0ykhFI-ufmFxflF7flCYQFLEOzkkZtuWn7ldjoZvtkRANmbp632BweyDh51xcHcAnEkMoT2D4gjEKIwDoMK-g0SFoKPUa8t0zlzE35vGUlmqFwrtActOzw4GLkSDMa0RmlsDVHlg/s1600-h/51onb2MZUHL._SL500_AA280_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebOM0ykhFI-ufmFxflF7flCYQFLEOzkkZtuWn7ldjoZvtkRANmbp632BweyDh51xcHcAnEkMoT2D4gjEKIwDoMK-g0SFoKPUa8t0zlzE35vGUlmqFwrtActOzw4GLkSDMa0RmlsDVHlg/s400/51onb2MZUHL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276043753342389474" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Costco had these doodle books a few years ago. You can still find them at book stores and online. It kept Mitchell busy for hours. Each page has simple drawings to get the kid started. No more, "Mom, what should I draw?"<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BUCpBHtTxDmhoU6lEMqLQofZtvb8gg_0SKcwgLgZWc150LhyphenhyphenFoMPnEOS5WDa1i0q17MN67RuTFUe-T7p4xvHEEkgw8wkPnJjRsZ66riK96hCNPENS-roC3ZAZ63pBX1_EGLKiE2_AhQ/s1600-h/51eUcy1ZmSL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BUCpBHtTxDmhoU6lEMqLQofZtvb8gg_0SKcwgLgZWc150LhyphenhyphenFoMPnEOS5WDa1i0q17MN67RuTFUe-T7p4xvHEEkgw8wkPnJjRsZ66riK96hCNPENS-roC3ZAZ63pBX1_EGLKiE2_AhQ/s400/51eUcy1ZmSL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276043754310255954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is the grocery store that Tess got for her birthday. We bought it on sale at Target, but I think you can only order it online now. She still plays with it almost every day. We also have the grocery cart and an extensive collection of wooden food to go with it. It's even fun to pretend that its a flower shop (using my collection of silk flowers) or an ice-cream shop.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbIxveMTKJArb9fxeC4SRWZS2EGSlyTb-xVe1M0ZSV-UTHOFvd3phAXVTqa8flgDlndPHq3S8yFXQRyoMsNTSi57Xm5YmOKK_6Bc8Bqhr3J8ASPZhBNiNhVey0sMLOQF7URUbnfN9Wtk/s1600-h/yhst-28553301169418_2028_69125498.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbIxveMTKJArb9fxeC4SRWZS2EGSlyTb-xVe1M0ZSV-UTHOFvd3phAXVTqa8flgDlndPHq3S8yFXQRyoMsNTSi57Xm5YmOKK_6Bc8Bqhr3J8ASPZhBNiNhVey0sMLOQF7URUbnfN9Wtk/s400/yhst-28553301169418_2028_69125498.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276044442745596578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I found a pattern to make these petitfours out of felt online. I haven't ordered it yet, but I thought it would be a fun project to do with Rylee and then she could give them to her friends for their birthdays. The pattern is available from <a href="http://woolfeltcentral.com/">woolfeltcentral.com<br /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjXvGphN59U-8MUyfidRW7sEzY_iIFnbLVrgXHJ7lJANoMw3Vf4m6pZ5aYXIDKbB6r0LKRiTRVDEUNi8GkxU_M7r8g6orsb4R2tm7wb5fwTZ97vD8_HzIx0r3rdPwYn2keGFa3HdniPE/s1600-h/tea_cakessm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjXvGphN59U-8MUyfidRW7sEzY_iIFnbLVrgXHJ7lJANoMw3Vf4m6pZ5aYXIDKbB6r0LKRiTRVDEUNi8GkxU_M7r8g6orsb4R2tm7wb5fwTZ97vD8_HzIx0r3rdPwYn2keGFa3HdniPE/s400/tea_cakessm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276044439678115682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Every year I check out Restoration Hardware for stocking stuffers. Two years ago we got Tess the cutest set of circus finger puppets from there. They always have retro games and toys. This is something I am giving the kids this year. It is a classic Charades game. They also have pick-up sticks. Available at <a href="http://restorationhardware.com/">restorationhardware.com</a>. The Cracker Barrell restaurants also have really cool vintage inspired toys that make great stocking stuffers or inexpensive friend gifts.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ9EStPslKE3jGrcjFZRUZTYRjW5HR2bK4a1Ci7dxLUqid1z5A0pvlzDOUzX8gR1qSsvIWL4RgvbjJ1YpT-egX0pU5uF6uODtjsSitqd2G_Om6TMH16S1d3NGVEBHVBVVqju4dbdLK0s/s1600-h/sprod006203_SS07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ9EStPslKE3jGrcjFZRUZTYRjW5HR2bK4a1Ci7dxLUqid1z5A0pvlzDOUzX8gR1qSsvIWL4RgvbjJ1YpT-egX0pU5uF6uODtjsSitqd2G_Om6TMH16S1d3NGVEBHVBVVqju4dbdLK0s/s400/sprod006203_SS07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276044433819976706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I thought these pin dolls would make a cute project for Rylee. She is really into making things (I wonder where she gets that from). This is a kit that comes with everything you need. <a href="http://mahardrygoods.com/">mahardrygoods.com</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgrU8vkbpfc-OdbFgT1QW-VT7EDSLoQrQMLrf-vbTEHEB9Jz7rAN2NU4LAj8KFY3WMGRuz7HH2OT4MRvhqK1_DCvqzMutUPz29DTtd8zmQZZbTiJsJMqnXGd0I-8QONKzWhlfhTXWiyw/s1600-h/pindollG280.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgrU8vkbpfc-OdbFgT1QW-VT7EDSLoQrQMLrf-vbTEHEB9Jz7rAN2NU4LAj8KFY3WMGRuz7HH2OT4MRvhqK1_DCvqzMutUPz29DTtd8zmQZZbTiJsJMqnXGd0I-8QONKzWhlfhTXWiyw/s400/pindollG280.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276044430399901970" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I would love for you to share toys that your kids have loved!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-76210696473421668962008-12-02T08:37:00.000-08:002008-12-02T10:41:35.226-08:00Happy Turkey Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaEJ4HDM7fKUXSNQLBbpSfdB7XQOsSZMkbFh0btApMMZTfiOxoTd8clvEe-gcsaYNEMnWkUmKidT-NENyRF0V5OT8Q2B9yjPFpZf04BICrruznFgNszClJM8_sQ8Q0n9L-auX0_ORKF0/s1600-h/thanksgiving+break+2008+036.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaEJ4HDM7fKUXSNQLBbpSfdB7XQOsSZMkbFh0btApMMZTfiOxoTd8clvEe-gcsaYNEMnWkUmKidT-NENyRF0V5OT8Q2B9yjPFpZf04BICrruznFgNszClJM8_sQ8Q0n9L-auX0_ORKF0/s320/thanksgiving+break+2008+036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275263260458176850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eLfBrSGk7sgil4ko3WfGlH3iPCMbhImAiOgZc6q1EGHZd6p0Yzi7TkWCd-XhBg9sILDOc8-_xt1K7wJsW1qSeB6JJpJnWpnziMT3v1eLUP6hgRf4KyRccOzhuOH9-DBJEyFNp5TQ8ww/s1600-h/thanksgiving+break+2008+023.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eLfBrSGk7sgil4ko3WfGlH3iPCMbhImAiOgZc6q1EGHZd6p0Yzi7TkWCd-XhBg9sILDOc8-_xt1K7wJsW1qSeB6JJpJnWpnziMT3v1eLUP6hgRf4KyRccOzhuOH9-DBJEyFNp5TQ8ww/s320/thanksgiving+break+2008+023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275262357789704610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5ajxI339MeoVJIaBJV33xecWMKO8jDi3xLxsrXqYkH0qr0xTJhgXghza9IgE7Q1N3aeIXOPi4YRJUGFR6-46c8YAOfZT4rdWO4c3h6O7Qd-4ZgFRpOzsVh2MSyNymqMHYZApUwB7TqA/s1600-h/thanksgiving+break+2008+032.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5ajxI339MeoVJIaBJV33xecWMKO8jDi3xLxsrXqYkH0qr0xTJhgXghza9IgE7Q1N3aeIXOPi4YRJUGFR6-46c8YAOfZT4rdWO4c3h6O7Qd-4ZgFRpOzsVh2MSyNymqMHYZApUwB7TqA/s320/thanksgiving+break+2008+032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275262375427065922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PPsJ4qs9ip4e6MIbBhHiEI_rMkRQiqdc404co-2pfmFpdJxKNCiau6X4QvqIenEoohsdt11Fz4Ztei77N9dK_4Z-apf2YTL-cLnFGBG4wPpDiq0Ry43fQ9TjWPa7j7rsizIgu_OKjso/s1600-h/thanksgiving+break+2008+038.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PPsJ4qs9ip4e6MIbBhHiEI_rMkRQiqdc404co-2pfmFpdJxKNCiau6X4QvqIenEoohsdt11Fz4Ztei77N9dK_4Z-apf2YTL-cLnFGBG4wPpDiq0Ry43fQ9TjWPa7j7rsizIgu_OKjso/s320/thanksgiving+break+2008+038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275262395291214162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I know, Turkey Day was officially 5 days ago. But, I've been too busy running my household of 11 to mess around on the computer. Marion and the kids made the trek across the country to spend some quality time with their dad, who has been bunking in Mitch's room since he took a new job in town. Marion and the kids will be joining him as soon as they wrap things up on the home front.<br /><br />The cousins had great fun getting reacquainted. Tess and John spent hours running in circles. Spencer and Mitch spent most of their time engrossed in their Wii tournament and Abby and Rylee had fun making jewelry out of yarn. (Abby was such a great sport).<br /><br />On Monday we visited our almamater's bookstore for fudge and sweatshirts and had hamburgers, caffeine-free Coke, and ice-cream at the Creamery on 9th. Wednesday night the boys stayed home with the kiddies while the girls endured the painful eye-rolling scene of Twilight. (Don't you think our favorite book deserved more than a 37 million budget?) On Thursday we gorged ourselves on succulant turkey, marshmallow yams, sourdough stuffing, green bean almondine, gooey pumpkin butter cake and a 2-lb handpicked box of See's chocolates (yummy!). On Saturday we braved the frigid 50-degree weather to see the lights on Temple Square (this heat wave is too good to be true) and had dinner at the Lion House.<br /><br />On Sunday the weary travelers loaded into the rental minivan and headed to the airport. Last report was that they made it home safe and sound with only a few baby Grace meltdowns. Hopefully, John is happy to be back home to his "real" guns and swords. I guess Mitchell's Nerf Blaster just didn't suffice.<br /><br />I am thankful for: holiday breaks to spend time with family, a good husband, healthy children, and my testimony of the Savior. I am also thankful that not one soul in this family had the stomach flu this Thanksgiving!<br /> <br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX286pZWMVK4b0TrcmV7wep88AtwqmECyGvbpEaCbnVHGmNW2VwChcOHTqenhyEryYPYlXTW-0lgqbWOIAQ3o7b8JIb3BWh6gkDdlNdeQXGcGHqILVbv3hEgqGAp3yqApuXAAWEzFXSzI/s1600-h/thanksgiving+break+2008+037.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX286pZWMVK4b0TrcmV7wep88AtwqmECyGvbpEaCbnVHGmNW2VwChcOHTqenhyEryYPYlXTW-0lgqbWOIAQ3o7b8JIb3BWh6gkDdlNdeQXGcGHqILVbv3hEgqGAp3yqApuXAAWEzFXSzI/s320/thanksgiving+break+2008+037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275262384952351442" border="0" /></a>wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-89938108162418772452008-11-16T15:19:00.000-08:002008-11-16T15:47:15.131-08:00Happy birthday babe!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha21Lh7XINPQmHXL9ogsyBbxJrKGS0hSN31gZJUr7A_QiM11prfIbI5sCkh_4Pzw80jw-0qbg-tU8Ol92pfMtsBmM35nT5rO4WozpcflBOcnB4cjrYkIQmZ0pf2v3sTh8Z0PrzPq3mdog/s1600-h/scan0001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha21Lh7XINPQmHXL9ogsyBbxJrKGS0hSN31gZJUr7A_QiM11prfIbI5sCkh_4Pzw80jw-0qbg-tU8Ol92pfMtsBmM35nT5rO4WozpcflBOcnB4cjrYkIQmZ0pf2v3sTh8Z0PrzPq3mdog/s320/scan0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269399991669941314" border="0" /></a>I'll never forget the first time I met Reggie. He was sitting in the kitchen of his King Henry apartment, studying kanji cards. Bachelorhood muck surrounded him on every side (bowls of half-eaten ramen and dirty mismatched dishware awaiting its turn to be washed in the bathtub--but that's another story). I remember thinking that he was the cutest boy that I had ever seen even despite the tufts of hair peeking over his rugby shirt collar. I immediately assumed the worst, that he was too cute to be a nice boy. But, was I wrong.<br /><br />Reggie is one of the nicest boys I know. He not only works harder than any one I know Monday through Friday, but he also spends week nights and weekends faithfully fulfilling his church calling as Young Men's Pres. (even maintaining control after one of his young men threw up in his truck at scout camp this weekend). His children adore him. (I loved that he pulled 7 year old Rylee up on his lap during sacrament meeting today.) And, did I mention that he is hilariously funny (not quite as funny as me, because I'm pretty darn funny). But anyway, Reggie is still the cutest boy that I have ever seen.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Happy Birthday Reggie, I love you!!!!</span></span>wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-59241965491697302012008-11-13T13:09:00.000-08:002008-11-13T15:14:17.053-08:00Book Report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWp0h8PNy1Vo0n_M73r_ip0ILrXTkFwT9mK1KIgn74lQtF0yTjnOqoGIGFlvcvGSd4VofLadIB76DoM3cX07hQ8TeN0U5Jh1Ig5WlS9J7WKNEDWkPdEAPz4UNBl0fxPZWks5iVoaxKCbE/s1600-h/holes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWp0h8PNy1Vo0n_M73r_ip0ILrXTkFwT9mK1KIgn74lQtF0yTjnOqoGIGFlvcvGSd4VofLadIB76DoM3cX07hQ8TeN0U5Jh1Ig5WlS9J7WKNEDWkPdEAPz4UNBl0fxPZWks5iVoaxKCbE/s320/holes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268284414959983842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKrQqUtDYwC2Ggwvbqjq2CfFv9mVcYR-WjxdRJGTfzC-uSFa18i5Q5GVFIy3ahKOvmEidkAkecdQurta8V4sMc5GxFqcUO9R6REO0fDgz3xsDcun5D3Rg31YVVp2z_lqGlozb3QK23HQ/s1600-h/51N9gq24q2L._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDruoi6VI7g89uzQxiIZiWdpa-usxkmAbb3tD1Gcv445EmZoictagn72WEzDDBDUlgjYBO35IVhYENHoxfd7D-FwECmoxQFjxFJGE6v0ATpjxI4aPDPQDY5vkAZdJ-sqSi2BCk0UvVspU/s320/4961111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268277859093719970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqT_5BMLfQi3qTURxSj5-UMgrqKw2U2WCBFKdIj8XpNHC0aey2g8-kWehXAfi9tjUyyZ3_edEuhDzqd1TaFkcfPVh0cU8i6-PUZlghDdU5Ln9dD2DKUjSXYZVPXLqXf_Ni8pDZwvxo6WA/s1600-h/856581b0c8a07c40511ba110._AA240_.L.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqT_5BMLfQi3qTURxSj5-UMgrqKw2U2WCBFKdIj8XpNHC0aey2g8-kWehXAfi9tjUyyZ3_edEuhDzqd1TaFkcfPVh0cU8i6-PUZlghDdU5Ln9dD2DKUjSXYZVPXLqXf_Ni8pDZwvxo6WA/s320/856581b0c8a07c40511ba110._AA240_.L.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268277859282749874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_U7BuEbHDOSZG5Cguy-_3-OQVNyc3ThVnMzH8L5_IFcNOWVLP_bN3lXabXYNopabmKd_9ZD0zRxFAC_ADeH6gmKWvo1oiYlHQjKwGbtZle3tdUPP-CaIrPeWHeaMP8dzP1KPJkuhzOk/s1600-h/5124Z4W9QBL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaRWIaCueS4iW3VclLnV-gq2eFh4XptLdHVY-u9KYvMaz6wFh333IGrpFrH9FcFGRT0vCIF7_u_KFp0nxUSDiyvHXitn-gdmWYHogU8VWpvBcLuKNF7Syqp5QXI_75wHY0qUsWOcbw0w/s320/51E6EJMAYGL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268276111823516866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAxX8NeXn7Lf9dj4tORE1Ip4h5oIBxwmF9UMYF7LzVtEL2clxxLEVgPpZtnq9YLPC8vGtB7xAmqUQtfaQewicu2v2-BuuHTry7ezGeHxx1mu_yNaJLjyBv1cK9n2cgk1Z5uhxrexhWqQ/s1600-h/41xllx2PV2L._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAxX8NeXn7Lf9dj4tORE1Ip4h5oIBxwmF9UMYF7LzVtEL2clxxLEVgPpZtnq9YLPC8vGtB7xAmqUQtfaQewicu2v2-BuuHTry7ezGeHxx1mu_yNaJLjyBv1cK9n2cgk1Z5uhxrexhWqQ/s320/41xllx2PV2L._SL500_AA240_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268276077136872546" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOO8edtmH0pjC63OHEv93iRzca1mx_yavznomjXGrjeTTH9WUy8xWSrnMuAU6d7osaiXvJ6F8uDcC0_C4xYo1qfQiVF5ph3ejWCBHNiq9IIzuuRo0MsUP_Zx2SIgj1y3y2agcBRip81I/s1600-h/5f43c0a398a0a4957f61c110._AA198_.L.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOO8edtmH0pjC63OHEv93iRzca1mx_yavznomjXGrjeTTH9WUy8xWSrnMuAU6d7osaiXvJ6F8uDcC0_C4xYo1qfQiVF5ph3ejWCBHNiq9IIzuuRo0MsUP_Zx2SIgj1y3y2agcBRip81I/s320/5f43c0a398a0a4957f61c110._AA198_.L.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268276073920171474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZYtppA8dcEqpxcaJfAxa8wk9PDgUlUCiuFVRitSFB_iPTH0dKRJiDRUXsuadptXU3PG4KWmkLV5PAqfdLxRL5cbYw-JpyozxCyT45NJhJ2kHr0reqHJw50zEWcfstcrdAH6Nb2PMj0s/s1600-h/9780152051037.gif"></a>It hasn't even been two weeks since Mitch turned in his October book report assignment, a pumpkin, painted in the likeness of Harry Potter. And yet, we have already started constructing a turkey out of paper. It features colorful feathers covered with little known facts about this month's exciting read, "The Cay", by Theodore Taylor. It was a book that I happened to recommend as one of my favorites from my day's at William Penn.<br /><br />Mitchell's feedback was positive. He decided that it was one of the better books that I have encouraged him to read (I was under the impression that every book I've recommended was fabulous).<br /><br />I am trying to instill a love of reading in each of my children. I don't know if it's really working. How can Ramona Quimby compete with Wii games and Spongebob. As for me, however, I have a terrible weakness for printed words on paper: Caldecott award winners, young adult novels, self-help books, coffee table books, cook books, etc. That weakness has manifested itself in the way I spoil my children. I rarely make it out of the Barnes and Noble children's section without a new addition to our (my) library and let's not even talk about book-orders from school.<br /><br />There is nothing I love more than reading to my kids. I often daydream about having an overstuffed chaise lounge chair, placed strategically in front of my bedroom fireplace. A cozy little spot to lose myself in an imaginary world while cuddled up to Mitchell, Rylee, and Tess.<br />I have wanted a quiet place devoted to books ever since I read the biography of President Hinckley. He talked of a small library in his childhood home that put all of the classics at his disposal. I always admired his intelligence and love of literature.<br /><br />In D&C 88:118 it says, "seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom". That scripture is always at the back of my mind when I'm choosing something to read. I want to expose my children to books that inspire them to be better people. (I myself often get sidetracked with books about things like polygamy and vampires--November 21st is almost here).<br /><br />Over the past year, I have received a few requests from friends to share my favorite books on <a href="http://goodreads.com/">goodreads.com</a>. I tried to be faithful about posting good books, but I gave up. Most of the books I read are juvenile in nature, so I decided to compile a list of out family's favorites. Enjoy!wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-20478401809268797312008-11-02T18:05:00.000-08:002008-11-02T19:19:55.737-08:00Simplicity #2880<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVS7B9eUQ-GvFT8dMWRigqbF2oWDX5N3F-YA48ysUk2lho0fOxAhwGX59NSgRc7dGKO7Pn4xlOvnaCVYI-tfI3fk92A6WZP4qmub4jCASGZTK2ENkO6lc8hzYm-gpyGk20RwteCzHTI5I/s1600-h/Fall+2008+039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVS7B9eUQ-GvFT8dMWRigqbF2oWDX5N3F-YA48ysUk2lho0fOxAhwGX59NSgRc7dGKO7Pn4xlOvnaCVYI-tfI3fk92A6WZP4qmub4jCASGZTK2ENkO6lc8hzYm-gpyGk20RwteCzHTI5I/s400/Fall+2008+039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264265752889888018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoOLP7oTn8OgEVs09QynEypgo_rsVo2dLpkpCNQ_aozFtNRRbFZeI2QMTex89iHmpRZH3PKusGwpZ2WBuDZSieFN-jJdYdy2m21Vk9q2V3rdgUHOsBEeDS1SJCDKChBZ-Bjs4WXbpP7w/s1600-h/Fall+2008+034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoOLP7oTn8OgEVs09QynEypgo_rsVo2dLpkpCNQ_aozFtNRRbFZeI2QMTex89iHmpRZH3PKusGwpZ2WBuDZSieFN-jJdYdy2m21Vk9q2V3rdgUHOsBEeDS1SJCDKChBZ-Bjs4WXbpP7w/s400/Fall+2008+034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264265749914901298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEPBrjGEz6QksloFnUQDW5yZa1iAmZbXUQJdn0pQhtebtCVLAhMRKt9V2_JoEW3nDun2hR0KDcfy_-Q4olmNY9gA6VLkqi5HZlxa3_450oEnrUFrDkaBjZ9oETZz22UW3TjsJNbgqTOw/s1600-h/Fall+2008+031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEPBrjGEz6QksloFnUQDW5yZa1iAmZbXUQJdn0pQhtebtCVLAhMRKt9V2_JoEW3nDun2hR0KDcfy_-Q4olmNY9gA6VLkqi5HZlxa3_450oEnrUFrDkaBjZ9oETZz22UW3TjsJNbgqTOw/s400/Fall+2008+031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264265738533512930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2fjYtt51_vLzG8MB1cROo2vCvwhVZreEWWzOypAjhyphenhyphen6jsrEuNCGbc5_R8NUUhBmz9h-OszNTR7Kbs8sxbrOUuOFm8uwZdhFpSk4bgGvBeY38dedbJ4tRKk92uy5DtzH_xSxdwgjuN8Q/s1600-h/Fall+2008+030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2fjYtt51_vLzG8MB1cROo2vCvwhVZreEWWzOypAjhyphenhyphen6jsrEuNCGbc5_R8NUUhBmz9h-OszNTR7Kbs8sxbrOUuOFm8uwZdhFpSk4bgGvBeY38dedbJ4tRKk92uy5DtzH_xSxdwgjuN8Q/s400/Fall+2008+030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264265736234797202" /></a><br /><br /><br />So, I'm still wondering what's "simplistic" about it? Simplicity pattern #2880 that is. Don't you think that if a company is going to market itself as a brand that produces patterns that are "simplistic" that they should prove to be the opposite of complex? Well Simplicity pattern #2880 turned into anything but. <br /><br />(I must warn you that the only way to tell this story right is to tell it in its entirety. Even though I'm usually a woman of few words.)<br /><br />It all started in mid-summer. Right about the time that Manami went home and life on the ranch settled down. Mitch and I started hypothesizing about Halloween costumes. What if we did this? What if you were to wear that? What if we were to spend $80 dollars and multiple sleepless nights putting together the end-all be-all of Elvis costumes? No, the conversation didn't really go like that, but you get the picture. So Mitch and I decided that Elvis would be a really cool costume and since I like the family to have a theme, I decided the girls would be the cutest "Pink Ladies" ever. <br /><br />I knew October would be hectic so I purchased all of my supplies in September so that I could get an early start. The first glitch came in the early stages. The first stage that is. I was trying to layout the pattern pieces on the material in the order that was illustrated so clearly on the pattern instructions. Unfortunately, I couldn't fit all the pieces on my material. <br /><br />In desperation, I phoned Simplicity. After explaining my plight to Robyn, the customer service Rep, she told me that I had purchased a "defective pattern". The way she said it almost convinced me that I had won the grand prize (a tactic, no doubt, used to deflect disgruntled sewers). Her technique worked well enough that it took two more phone calls before I had the nerve to ask for monetary compensation for my trouble. Robyn saved the day by sending me updated instructions and a promise for future reimbursement. I continued with my project.<br /><br />Fast forward three weeks. The kitchen is still a disaster, misplaced straight needles keep turning up in the carpet, Reggie cuts Mitchell's hair (even though we have been growing the Elvis coif for two months) and the costume is still not done. Mrs. Bridge(the teacher who presented me with the coveted Home Economics "Sewer of the Year" award in the 9th grade), would not be proud. So, I decide to stay up all night if necessary, so that I can put the finishing embellishments on the bodice. <br /><br />The next morning, I arise early. Eager to show my handiwork to Mitchell before he leaves for school. I plug in the iron, anxious to put the final press in the white gabardine and red sequined masterpiece. All of a sudden, I feel a slight stickiness under the iron. To my horror, the silver "Shark" has a sudden meltdown and leaves a hole the size of a dime in the mid-section of Elvis' leisure suit. What happens next is also a meltdown of sorts. After composing myself, I realize the belt will hide the hole perfectly. Disaster averted. <br /><br />I will now be renting out Elvis, in order to recoup my cost, if anyone if interested.wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-6550991062248937742008-11-02T16:57:00.000-08:002008-11-02T17:51:07.901-08:00Black Magic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoE1IfoaRYU2oKDtLorlIJv9ypECX_JXYekeFlZGgPp6V5nptqwk6NymSICyP0gclxpein0qlrYw7HfMuVnNR9FqTpyTzWUeX3SEI7wgpJJHT-DNUhNXiNVIF6ew8zvsNTRUW4xAKoraM/s1600-h/038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoE1IfoaRYU2oKDtLorlIJv9ypECX_JXYekeFlZGgPp6V5nptqwk6NymSICyP0gclxpein0qlrYw7HfMuVnNR9FqTpyTzWUeX3SEI7wgpJJHT-DNUhNXiNVIF6ew8zvsNTRUW4xAKoraM/s320/038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264242724355807522" /></a><br /><br /><br />Mitchell and Rylee have spent the last two months perfecting their spooky piano pieces for last week's recital. I was a little nervous in the days leading up to the big event due to flashbacks of my own first recital. I still remember sitting at Tamera's (piano teacher #1) oak upright wondering where in the world was middle "C". I couldn't remember any of the song I had so laboriously memorized. It was all downhill after that. I still get anxiety attacks when I hear piano songs about swans(my recital piece was called "Swans on the Lake"). <br /><br />Anyhow, Mitchell and Rylee did great. Mitch performed "Black Magic" and Rylee entertained us with "Happy Halloween". They both received certificates for completing their first level. I am so proud of all they have accomplished in the last four months. <br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwPXktkHZ11LLAbLTM2wbjfcxlDvGthMudfhhpdgBtabzq40JS3IVTIoSju5SnCy-dHjkjpvFLfGrbgJrIKfw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzRhU6A_S4VNSNG9HH773H5kkvloyaq89SkEGtv0UNCs6N2nTi3RvmfrY3EZgNsvo_32MBvzHEsabcHW_4G' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-29573193420212579442008-10-15T14:41:00.000-07:002008-10-15T16:05:30.832-07:00Fall Break '08<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQ2_N2xpp9kUPRbMz0RxYGJpusVzGDjmTMqJumhtCh7eXAAtE5euwVgu0xrBiU9a48MKSirS7XGQNlvaPA41YXw-RDi_ued1ok5G1H6N-OaW2zd0HtuP-w_HqPBAXAEu2kqCPJyyGOAE/s1600-h/il_430xN.41334884.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQ2_N2xpp9kUPRbMz0RxYGJpusVzGDjmTMqJumhtCh7eXAAtE5euwVgu0xrBiU9a48MKSirS7XGQNlvaPA41YXw-RDi_ued1ok5G1H6N-OaW2zd0HtuP-w_HqPBAXAEu2kqCPJyyGOAE/s320/il_430xN.41334884.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257519554276436866" /></a><br />It's 4:02 pm and Fall Break '08 has officially started. It must be a full moon tonight because the kids are bouncin' off the walls. They are running from room to room leaving destruction in their wake. I just can't bring myself to spoil their fun. I'll give them a minute before "drill sergeant mom" makes them practice the piano and finish their homework. <br /><br />In the meantime, I will go back to stressing over this weekend's impending doom. What, you ask, am I dreading this weekend? Namely, my beautiful, tender hearted, little boy's first hunting trip with his father. <br /><br />I know I don't often share my viewpoints on certain issues with many people outside my immediate circle (children, husband, in-laws, parents, siblings, friends, acquaintances at the grocery store, etc.). But, I have had the occasion to share my disdain for hunting with a few of you. In fact, I think it might have come up sometime during my 1st date with my husband. Anyhow, Reggie is still taking Mitchell on a hunting trip. <br /><br />I tried to explain to Reggie that Mitchell's sweet spirit would be damaged if he repeated his last hunting experience (the time that he had to shoot the deer 3 or 4 times to finish the job)but, he assured me that all would be well. This, coming from the man who likes to start fires with large containers of gasoline. I felt so much better.<br /><br />So, I implore all of you to offer prayers on my behalf, that the two boys that I love most in the world will make it home safe and sound, without a deer carcass in the back of the Ford.<br /><br />By the way, the post about our Japanese exchange student has been successfully translated!wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-9198174538490136052008-10-04T19:32:00.000-07:002008-10-04T20:32:06.270-07:00Minor Imperfections<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9_9S_qP_8Om3jvZ6-nGFtqk129KOwuRRx2qNE6xRkw5HF9hb9h4eDao4L9fs8Jq58E0EkjbllA4msICHFFAus3Hhgj2oydDMUEkWpvakFvNS0TRRi8hV0d47oUjXf5EtzSQbFpdnPLE/s1600-h/036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9_9S_qP_8Om3jvZ6-nGFtqk129KOwuRRx2qNE6xRkw5HF9hb9h4eDao4L9fs8Jq58E0EkjbllA4msICHFFAus3Hhgj2oydDMUEkWpvakFvNS0TRRi8hV0d47oUjXf5EtzSQbFpdnPLE/s320/036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253507406633744530" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="sqq"><span style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">"They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds."</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);"> -Winston Churchill</span><br /><br /></span><span class="sqq">"Mother, when would you say it happened? The day I turned into a perfectionist." When did I set out on my quest to find the perfect donut recipe or the best organic peanut butter? My life has turned into such a stressful search for the "best" way to do everything that I seem to forget what it was like before.<br /><br />I remember the Christmas, when I was 10 years old, when I got the Cabbage Patch doll from Aunt Maxine. It was a bittersweet day, the day that I opened Gussie Toby underneath the Christmas Tree. I had desperately wanted a Cabbage Patch Doll so that, I too, could send in my adoption papers to Xavier Roberts. My happiness, however, was short lived due to the 3 or 4 strands of yarn that sat <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">disheveled</span> on her orange dolly head. I tried to smooth them back into place but it was no use. The doll was defective. I never really loved her the way that a mother should. She was replaced by Sadie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Madie</span> on my 11th birthday.<br /><br />That was so many hair styles ago, and yet I still can't seem to get it together. Today was the first day of Semi-annual General Conference for our church. It was a day to be spiritually fed and replenished. I looked forward to it after a busy week of whipping up another slew of healthy and delicious sack lunches, penning the perfect Primary program, laundering every washable item in my home, etc., etc. Thankfully, one of the main themes that I have taken away from today's talks was a need to simplify our lives.<br /><br />It reminded me of my favorite talk from last fall's General Conference. It was given by Sister Julie B. Beck, the General Relief Society President of our church. She said,<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">"Mothers Who Know Do Less. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children--more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">Mother's Who Know Do Less."</span><br /><br />I don't know what I would do without my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that God loves me and that he has a plan for me. I want my children to know what I know. The best way to teach them is to eliminate the unnecessary and focus on the mandatory. I want to be a mother that "Does Less."<br /></span>wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-45012267797811164362008-10-04T18:23:00.000-07:002008-10-14T11:56:53.563-07:00Konnichi wa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Q9i-f8nWhxTuM2vBcxzDRPv7ry6AMYyWI_44z1VkxK-WpDG5HmEE0LYBTWlCOZTAo58yTpHKcGo5dOxeuuLvP0pDRJGQb0QcMy82tIlrCm4Ly3co9LUzP6HzMvtZTn9BFASiBEUXZoc/s1600-h/040.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Q9i-f8nWhxTuM2vBcxzDRPv7ry6AMYyWI_44z1VkxK-WpDG5HmEE0LYBTWlCOZTAo58yTpHKcGo5dOxeuuLvP0pDRJGQb0QcMy82tIlrCm4Ly3co9LUzP6HzMvtZTn9BFASiBEUXZoc/s320/040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257085529814488498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vyGvACYeektf2E6lgUUNhOnk-PgTh7x5NIpOgDfjdLIkVf2B405C4Rw_R5H-sOSD8tJYGuysw815jY3FJ89Ju1QMcP9KKDAtOQcimViyzUfrji5vN5oJA4pMf0yk68loAeg739aXM0w/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vyGvACYeektf2E6lgUUNhOnk-PgTh7x5NIpOgDfjdLIkVf2B405C4Rw_R5H-sOSD8tJYGuysw815jY3FJ89Ju1QMcP9KKDAtOQcimViyzUfrji5vN5oJA4pMf0yk68loAeg739aXM0w/s320/002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257084940685188754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQxN_tb2hyaVS6uJQ2bA15j0W3I9QKGYzB5qaLbSr-IDSHBc_7bPDU4NTe-siu24mvfKGho7jqta7f8fIXhoQJOg_D22GIkDk3pIkqGFHaUo9GBgfNgRc0TwHFCXsdVS6W5mE9w9eRJ0/s1600-h/038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQxN_tb2hyaVS6uJQ2bA15j0W3I9QKGYzB5qaLbSr-IDSHBc_7bPDU4NTe-siu24mvfKGho7jqta7f8fIXhoQJOg_D22GIkDk3pIkqGFHaUo9GBgfNgRc0TwHFCXsdVS6W5mE9w9eRJ0/s320/038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257084945421584546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiLNGFj-PShM3XV0_qRhViJtnbfI88H231pxYjvl2tUwSDrB2iDTWUkwU56J6izGl_td-K45A3P1UoiQp6D2jF_7LCeby6SYWNnf1OwIPSWQ0IRoUFbXLxE4KN8x89lISwmORks13DBE/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiLNGFj-PShM3XV0_qRhViJtnbfI88H231pxYjvl2tUwSDrB2iDTWUkwU56J6izGl_td-K45A3P1UoiQp6D2jF_7LCeby6SYWNnf1OwIPSWQ0IRoUFbXLxE4KN8x89lISwmORks13DBE/s320/001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257084950117055714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYK26Odk77-HJoFDW3qO62PGP_E-1sK5F5jlGxfIb69gNDw8n4T1vCFFV9PxxWMDznaWPdDfKd3Xr7JnaNf9-WIOmYguqaIs9E_rG4_txm06dYqJ4G22kKjsBK7F-BWT5NuE-SX45LHA/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYK26Odk77-HJoFDW3qO62PGP_E-1sK5F5jlGxfIb69gNDw8n4T1vCFFV9PxxWMDznaWPdDfKd3Xr7JnaNf9-WIOmYguqaIs9E_rG4_txm06dYqJ4G22kKjsBK7F-BWT5NuE-SX45LHA/s320/013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257084952301075842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAi3j-L39AnSIiozwjQzB-c6YdHUE2DmCwqPoliId-vuRCSIuMFHQPU1K-afKiNynaH2NzosIpIIlkPZTSm5_LDXuKqMkgymKdUPAZCLi4HHduKyvE-kSJLDaljq1Wckm1X7s9rIh9swE/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAi3j-L39AnSIiozwjQzB-c6YdHUE2DmCwqPoliId-vuRCSIuMFHQPU1K-afKiNynaH2NzosIpIIlkPZTSm5_LDXuKqMkgymKdUPAZCLi4HHduKyvE-kSJLDaljq1Wckm1X7s9rIh9swE/s320/014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257084958816182850" /></a><br />One of the highlights of this past summer was the arrival of Manami, our foreign exchange student from Japan. Most of you know how I grow strangely attached to pets. It is a trait that has plagued me time and time again (note: I will not accept any more animals from anyone, including the Easter Bunny). Anyhow, I found that hosting a darling girl from Japan to be even worse. Everyone in the family grew unusually connected in such a short time. It is amazing how someone can become part of your family in a mere 2 1/2 weeks.<br /><br />Manami was a delight to have around. She bravely tolerated the probing questions of three small children as well as the vocabulary queries of a Japanese R.M. (Reggie served in the Sendai, Japan mission 14 years ago). We loved hearing about her "crazy" little sister back home and were impressed with her diligent study habits. I think she enjoyed her exposure to everything American. She seemed to like the food I fixed that represented all things deep-fried as well as my "famous" chocolate chip cookies. We even took her to the Harley Davidson store so she could purchase something "American" for her boyfriend's birthday.<br /><br />We packed in as much excitement as possible in those two short weeks, visiting: "This is the Place" state park, Lagoon, Sundance, and several malls (her favorite). However, our favorite memories with Manami would have to be the quiet moments at home playing UNO and eating octopus crackers (we got her back with root beer and sour candy).<br /><br />We made sure she was the last student loaded on the bus the morning she went home. Just a few more stolen moments for Tess to ask questions like, "Manami, that's the moon. Do you have a moon where you live?" As the bus pulled away, we tearfully counted the miles between here and Japan, hoping that our Japanese daughter decides to visit her American family soon!</span>wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-31649279913619026912008-07-10T16:06:00.000-07:002008-07-10T16:59:17.801-07:00Tess' Rendition of "Shoefly Don't Bother Me!"<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='354' height='294' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxhLF5dZP_QOJtMM_DSk3NiV0xAH96eUaNwLpuz2l-7GuDZEG3r9KpCfxl9L7hqE9_IYgiRn8myZeq7th_Fgg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />This has been the strangest summer ever. My poor kiddies don't even remember what a summer wardrobe looks like. Usually by now I have already had the ceremonial retiring of last seasons clothes where I box up what can be handed down to the next kid and take the rest to D.I.. This year, however, I decided that every child would need a drawer full of back-up clothes, like jeans and sweatshirts, for those unexpected days. (Up until a month a go we were still getting snow in the mountains.) <br /><br />With all the confusion, how could I expect Tess to dress herself appropriately for the weather. Unlike Reggie and Mitchell, she isn't up on checking Weather.com every morning for dressing advice. The turtleneck that she chose to wear on this particular day did, however, improve on the witch costume she insisted on wearing the day before. Would you guess that this day was in the mid 90's. <br /><br />Oh what a silly, silly girl!wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-42624270151870525132008-07-09T09:04:00.000-07:002008-07-09T09:36:47.831-07:00"Red, White, and Blue Forever"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorLWJocbRidchHZH7bWqkoI8c64CFeYTEXgQS-C85AtLClUjpmnd3-44EXbVSwjeI_NXc7P9UjjqvMY3dBY8ITSwH-FojFQuKqTB71i5G8TmuaTYS-qcj6ITnub6RqYKMTZQQFQW68tA/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorLWJocbRidchHZH7bWqkoI8c64CFeYTEXgQS-C85AtLClUjpmnd3-44EXbVSwjeI_NXc7P9UjjqvMY3dBY8ITSwH-FojFQuKqTB71i5G8TmuaTYS-qcj6ITnub6RqYKMTZQQFQW68tA/s320/021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221054077393311746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_Xewjbb1YR6miDDvtvwTj7qyta78j6tz1pkYbudK9xFTYneHqogQ5DXGH176jSPUiiSpckFwSH3iP4aG-U_S85JhPQCNTHCvsvtKKvF-IKK4VBsODDl-1kw-TRwMAEldHQ0oec9QiTw/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_Xewjbb1YR6miDDvtvwTj7qyta78j6tz1pkYbudK9xFTYneHqogQ5DXGH176jSPUiiSpckFwSH3iP4aG-U_S85JhPQCNTHCvsvtKKvF-IKK4VBsODDl-1kw-TRwMAEldHQ0oec9QiTw/s320/039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221047705538815874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnSKMhqvF3pN4W-nSi-OI4q0M8kX7TBECFYC2Xc_1iB3nEHICmM_KGeygorKuDG43QcESyGon_6vWtaXIrnqxQgxzCoTrCiKeOhpOZ2Kpn6-0nC76GzlV0skufn2LpQ43IA-KHzUBYck/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnSKMhqvF3pN4W-nSi-OI4q0M8kX7TBECFYC2Xc_1iB3nEHICmM_KGeygorKuDG43QcESyGon_6vWtaXIrnqxQgxzCoTrCiKeOhpOZ2Kpn6-0nC76GzlV0skufn2LpQ43IA-KHzUBYck/s320/037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221047444081288130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBhaFZ66TTGdLpzrPXwlSFxsmBcsCPGcFv4phU8JR-RfOmxKM3umUb8fiKc9a3VRjGN6KzPGHEOTvAzQjC_-K_SmX87hWoHLVBpkwOtFu7ZS0TMMjn_GdlhVgywBqfT5bQmwFfffhAcM/s1600-h/025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBhaFZ66TTGdLpzrPXwlSFxsmBcsCPGcFv4phU8JR-RfOmxKM3umUb8fiKc9a3VRjGN6KzPGHEOTvAzQjC_-K_SmX87hWoHLVBpkwOtFu7ZS0TMMjn_GdlhVgywBqfT5bQmwFfffhAcM/s320/025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221047174808535634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34PLCXUNJM7YUcf5Rq6_gBUl_0Oe8Q0Rqgl7N_IZS1Wl2b9C3yXiv98NnYd5WROEE0hSLfMOmrsOFE-gyAHxRlKBNFJch5b3JuJVWRnn-zt6XqiMgsP3raleiMBZD_vgrcjCLoF2uGVA/s1600-h/019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34PLCXUNJM7YUcf5Rq6_gBUl_0Oe8Q0Rqgl7N_IZS1Wl2b9C3yXiv98NnYd5WROEE0hSLfMOmrsOFE-gyAHxRlKBNFJch5b3JuJVWRnn-zt6XqiMgsP3raleiMBZD_vgrcjCLoF2uGVA/s320/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221046963844916274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />4th of July 2008 was great. We continued our tried and true traditions like homemade ice-cream, bike decorating, and barbecued ribs. But, we also wanted to start a new tradition in our neighborhood. So, Reggie and I sent out 57 invitations to families living in our subdivision and invited them over for breakfast on the 4th of July. We served 120 people: pancakes, fruit, sausage, and bacon. It was a lot of fun, but we wouldn't of been able to pull it off without Sherrie and Reg. The skies were overcast and misty, perfect for a mid-summer party.<br /><br />Later, we spent the afternoon swimming. We finished the day off by heading to Jason and Kristin's for their community bash. The kids played on blow-up slides and ate snow cones, while the adults ate Sherrie's homemade potato salad with chips (we forgot silverware). We watched fireworks from a neighbor's yard, while Jen serenaded us with "Les Miserables" show tunes. Rylee even learned to ride her bike on J's flat cul-de-sac.<br /><br />What an awesome day. I love my family!wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7145677995247504134.post-21459959054641543012008-05-09T17:33:00.000-07:002008-05-09T18:51:52.430-07:00Quilting Bee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KMQZGnnFLtyrTV0h7_cRgu5Ox2_d4Hg_aTIeb9VOmrZ0M9h0govahje4dMsBr-sRhw02H-lHMk7Xrs-w6-Uk5JrUQKaLGDecnmbCQGLhWi9x32TIDmw6H3QxyvgjXzD70DhxDOxUtdY/s1600-h/drunklove.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KMQZGnnFLtyrTV0h7_cRgu5Ox2_d4Hg_aTIeb9VOmrZ0M9h0govahje4dMsBr-sRhw02H-lHMk7Xrs-w6-Uk5JrUQKaLGDecnmbCQGLhWi9x32TIDmw6H3QxyvgjXzD70DhxDOxUtdY/s320/drunklove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198540824217052802" border="0" /></a>Two weeks ago, Reggie and I had the pleasure of attending a birthday party for Patti. While we were waiting for her to arrive I was able to become reacquainted with Rob's Grandma Beth. We had first met her back in the BYU years when Patti and Rob invited us to spend a couple of weekends with his grandparents at their rustic cabin. Beth was an avid quilter, who spent weeks hand quilting blankets for all of the special people in her life. I felt very inspired by her handiwork, but, was too busy at that moment in my life to take up any more hobbies. (I am always telling Reggie that I need to lose a hobby and he needs to gain one.) The first B-day that I had, following my graduation, I asked all those who loved me to contribute to my quilting stand fund. My parents even drove 2 hours North to procure a stand that had received notoriety as the very "best" in quilting equipment.<br /><br />Flash forward to two weeks ago as I sat inquiring Beth as to whether or not she was still quilting away. She told me about the wedding and baby quilts that she so lovingly had made for her family. I also learned about the hundreds of quilts that she had donated to charitable causes around the world. Sadly, I realized that I had never gotten around to really using my "top of the line" quilt stand. I plan on changing that in the near future because I look forward to passing that legacy onto my daughters. Would any of you be interested in joining my "quilting bee"?<br /><br />This quilt above was made by Denyse Schmidt. I love her modern take on a classic art form.wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08615247354622554110noreply@blogger.com4