Congratulations Cassidy!

Cassidy was chosen as Student of the Month for her class! Her teacher mentioned many great things about Cassidy including that she is a wonderful student, very conscientious, always prepared, and works hard. She also said she is a good friend, and is always true to herself-- she is happy to be Cassidy and doesnt try to become a label or what others might think is cool. Way to go Cass!

Happy Birthday Robert

7 years ago Robert came into the world! He decided to prolong his entrance and took his sweet time. Later we found that his cord was extra long and was wrapped many times around his body , neck, and ankle. The long slow labor made it possible for him to enter this life safely without a C-section for Mom. Robert loves to create and imagine. He is beginning to love to read. He is loving first grade and loving being a big brother. We can't imagine life without him! Here he is with his birthday cake, and his new birthday bike. Happy Birthday Robert.

The Dreaded Pink Eye

Benjamin has pink eye! Trying to keep it from infecting the rest of us is an adventure to say the least. Dwight is leaping out from behind corners brandishing disinfecting wipes, I am washing sheets and pillow cases, and Benjamin is chasing the girls shouting that he is going to wipe his eyes on them.The little cherub always keeps us on our toes......

Jocelyn

Life would be so dull without Joey. She is our little firecracker- she has a zest for life, she is full of opinions, and she isn't afraid to share them! Joey loves to cook and is planning a brilliant career as a TV chef. Here is Joey receiving a Student of the Month award, showing off a nice sized beet, and ensuring we know what the whites of her eyes look like.

Cassidy!

None of these posts have featured my dear Cassidy yet. Here she is! Isnt she cute? Cassidy was a rather grumpy baby and toddler. Her nickname was Cassaneezer Scrooge. At some point though, everything changed-- she is now a sunny, positive person who looks at life as an adventure. She is a loving sister, and is so helpful with the little ones. She is creative, spontaneous, and always has a great idea! She also has a strong stomach-- she was the only one brave enough to dip the dead, bloated fish out of the tank, and she is who we call when there is a spider stalking us. Thank goodness for Cassidy!

Utahns do what?

When I first moved to Utah from The Motherland, I was shocked for many reasons. To name a few:

1. Did you know that Utahns must use unique and special ways to ask one another on dates? Things like filling balloons with whipped cream that you have to pop to find out who asked you, or breaking into someone's room, destroying it, and leaving the invitation on top of the rubble, are common. I had a confusing conversation with my new roommates--

"Wow! Your boyfriend is SOOO CUTE!"
"I know!! hee hee hee giggle giggle giggle"
"How did he ask you on your first date?"
"huh?"
**speaking slower this time so I will understand**-- "How. did. he. ask. you. on. your. first. date?"
"He called me on the phone and said -- Would you like to go out this weekend? "
** the sound of crickets chirping..**
"Huh??"

2. Did you know the One True Way to eat french fries is to dip them in a concoction called Fry sauce? Did you know Fry sauce is made from mixing mayo and ketchup? Confused and horrified? I was too.

3. Did you know you no longer have to be embarrassed if you shop at the thrift store? You can go down with your date, spend $5 on vintage attire then paint the town! Thumbs up on this one!

4. Did you know concrete can be warm?! There is a thing called The Sun here that warms the ground. You can come in contact with cement on your bare feet and not get frostbitten!

5. My favorite Utah custom! Did you know-- it is a BLAST to sit your hind end on a block of ice and send yourself sliding down a hill? I know-- it sounds ridiculous-- but you can go really fast, its super fun, and you dont have to go hide in the car and drink hot chocolate every 15 minutes!

6. Did you know-- it can be warm and dark at the same time? The Sun goes down at night in the summer! Its still warm though, and there are no mosquitoes-- you can sit outside and watch the sunset sans jacket and bug dope. Downside-- you have to bring a lantern when you go camping.

Little Boy Blue

Benjamin enjoys an otter pop on a hot day -- as most kids do. He also enjoys seeing what color his tongue has turned. He does NOT enjoy throwing his wrapper away, or washing his hands afterward. Oh well. Can't have it all!

A Bathing Beauty

So much more fun to bathe a baby when they are able to sit up and don't spend their time trying to slip between your fingers! Here is Susanna at 7 months old showing off her sassy grin.

Fun With Food Storage

YES silly pumpkinhead, you CAN have fun with food storage! I enjoy storing and using wheat. I enjoy storing and using beans of all kinds. I enjoy canning my own fruits. But-- none of that would be worthwhile at all if I didnt also store and use the VERY MOST IMPORTANT FOOD of all-- 20 lbs of chocolate chips. Eat your hearts out. This is a picture taken after I had a blast doing some food storage shopping with my Mother in Law. We are a party in Mom jeans and whole wheat!

In which I want to share a picture, but can't come up with a clever title

Rachel was born just a few months ago... wasn't she?? A cute, pink, bundle of joy with big blue eyes and one "elf ear". She was just a tiny scrap of potential back then. Now she is a rather grown up package of potential, talent, and fun! Here she is on her way to a movie with some girlfriends.

Curiosity killed the cat

Sometimes small boys are overcome with curiosity. When a small boy is confronted with his older sister's razor just sitting there what can he do but explore its usefulness a bit?