Monday, October 13, 2008

Story of the Lost Key






On Sunday I noticed that the spare key that I have on my ring for Todd's car looked like it was going to fall off. Several times I thought to myself- go get some duct tape or something to fix the ring. I ignored the thoughts and went on with the day. The key had broken and had some material covering to keep it together. (see picture) The ring was small and not so strong.


I had picked up my friend Olivia to go to the Stk Center for a ward Primary Program. We met our Presidency and the program was great. Afterward, when we were about to get in the car I looked on my key ring and the blue key was not there! I dug through my purse and then told Olivia that I had to go back inside to look. She stared looking through my purse - which was ok because I know her pretty well - but I said dont let Melanie look!(our president was waiting to see if we found it) I was already embarrassed enough. As I looked in my purse I noticed some of those crazy fake glasses with the moustache and big nose attached. They were Trevor's. Of all the crazy things to find in my purse! She pulled them out and showed them to Melanie and they were both laughing. Only a mom would have crazy plastic glasses along with a wallet, coupons, hair things, gum, makeup, tissues and a few personals, etc etc. I was so embarrassed!!


Then we all inside looking and Melanie found it on the floor in the foyer. I sheepishly said thanks and we were on our way. I tried to explain why the key even looked like that - It would be $75 to replace the key. Anyhow, we all had a good laugh.
Then I went home and duct taped the ring together like I should have in the first place!!

Christen the Chef


Christen's version

Cookbook version

The other day Christen wanted to make a dessert all by herself. Usually, I have to help her but she found a no bake recipe from a fun kids cookbook. We got all of the stuff and she went for it. It turned out great - and very fun and seasonal. We were proud of her and she was proud of herself!!


Graveyard Pudding Dessert


31/2 cups cold milk
2 pkgs chocolate instant pudding.
1 tub cool whip 12 oz
1 pkg crushed oreos.
decorations - candy corn, and pumpkins, assorted rectangle shaped cookies, decorator icing.


Make the pudding and then mix the cool whip in. gently stir n 1/2 of the crushed cookies. spoon into 9x13 pan and sprinkle with the rest of the crushed cookies. Decorate with candy corn, pumpkins and cookies. Refrigerate for an hour. 15 servings

Yummy!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Saying goodbye














It was a sad Friday afternoon as we said goodbye to some of the very best friends we have ever had. Our friends Mark and Lori and kids packed up and left for back east. It just wont be the same without them and seeing their green van around town or meeting up to play or do scouts or go out, Christmas eve play, or have lunch or so many other things. I helped Lori start a blog so those of you interested can check my links. We had them over for dinner Thursday and the kds played Friday. Miss you already! Keep in touch! Brandon was SO SAD today when he was the only Deacon on the bench ready to pass. The other boys came late and there was no Andrew. He was teary eyed and it was really pathetic - poor kid. Finally, Todd got some men to help.

Love the Fall







Our neighborhood was looking so pretty this weekend. We have to enjoy it now because it could start snowing anytime. I hope that we can hold on to it just a little longer!!

New Hair


So, my hair has been driving me nuts for awhile now and my friend Cristen from my ward cut it the other day and gave me layers. I LOVE it! Why didnt I do this earlier?! And my perm is working much better now!! It's a great hair day! Thanks Cristin!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Hard things

Some things in life are just hard to understand. I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ which keeps things in perspective.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Conference

I love it. The older I get the more I appreciate General Conference. I have always listened or watched but now it seems like I am making it more personal to me and my family. You know when people say." Oh that talk was meant just for me. . ." There seemed to be alot of those this weekend. It also helps that my kids will either sit for awhile and listen while they are doing a little project or they know to not bug me if they havre had enough. I love that Todd and Brandon go to the Priesthood session together. Brandon is all about the ice cream afterward too!

Sunday morning we went over to Mark and Lori's with a buinch of people to have a pot luck brunch and watch Conference. They are moving on Saturday and my family and I are SO SAD!! We are happy for them to have the experience of living back east. We will definately be visiting and finally get to see Todd's brother and wife too. We will have to plan it out. Anyhow, we had a nice time - and it was nice for us because we just watch on the internet --which we are greatful for - dont get me wrong. I remember when I lived in Australia we had to wake up at like 2 AM and go down to our little chapel. There was no Tivo or recordings bake then. Wow, how things have changed!!

I love the church website too - http://www.lds.org/ . I was looking up some scriptures and studying some talks for a workshop that we are doing in November and it made it so easy. It has also helped thatr our friend Travis came over and fixed our computer to go MUCH FASTER than it was both for email and internet. IT people are so smart!!

Our Music


The Great Sand Dunes

The Great Sand Dunes
Here we are at the visitors center. Todd and Christen actually climbed pretty far up the dunes. We had fun playing in Medano Creek after we climbed.

Dancing Christen

Dancing Christen
Christen just had a recital with her group and did a great job!

temple fountain

temple fountain
One more of the temple visit. Every kid loves the fountain!

Mt Rushmore

Mt Rushmore

Families are Forever

Families are Forever
for Brooke and Family