I spent the last week in a new training class for my new job.
I started out in one area and was asked to move up. OK!!!
So I have one more week to finish my training. I think I will like
this area.

I started reading Twilight last Sunday after church. I finished reading
Eclipse yesturday. I was addicted. And it the fourth book was out
yet I would still be reading.
(My children want to burn the books. Because I have spent no time with
them, I did feed them.)
I never play the selfish mom card, ever. But this week was wonderful.
I love this set of books. She is a wonderful writer. I have never gotten
sooooo into any thing as moving as this.
LOVED IT!

Today is Emmaly and Trents 6th month anniversary!
Proud parenting moment, yet I feel so jipped. I feel like I am missing out on all of it.

Last Sunday was Fathersday. Carl and I did breakfast together at 6:30am. The first time
we have had breakfast together, with out kids since we have been parents.
Then he opened the package that Emmaly and Trent sent to him. As I sat across the room
from him, I watched him read the darling Fathersday card she made for him. Then he pulled
a wrapped gift out of the styrofoam peanuts. As he unwrapped the gift I saw that it was a frame.
With the photo there was a card addressed to "Grandpa". The frame holds the first photo of
our first grand baby! Thrilled beyond belief!!!!
Yet again so jipped, they are so far away.
I cryed for hours. Then we called, all is good. I just feel so out of their loop. Waaaaaaaaaa

Baby Dear is 11 weeks this week. We are following the growth on line.
The due date is January 3rd, 2009. It will be so exciting!
Not to mention how spoiled Baby Dear will be!!!!

“The safest place and the best protection against moral and spiritual diseases are a stable home and family. This has always been true; it will be true forever.” --Boyd K. Packer

Today is Sara Jessette's 20th Birthday!
It doesn't feel like there have really been 20 years since the day she was born.
She was the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. (And all mine were beautiful!)
I remember details about the night before her birth, I vividly remember the
events of her birth ( I still marvel that I had more after that). I remember the
people who came to see us at the hospital. I remember how big Emmaly all the
sudden was.
How did so much time fly past. I am so afraid of letting the next 20 whiz by.
I can not express how wonderful this child of mine is. So creative, so passionate,
so delightful. I adore her! She is one of my dearest friends!
I have been blessed with the most wonderful children. They are nothing like
I was at any age. This daughter makes me smile. She curls up in my bed late at night
and makes me giggle, I love so many things about her. I remember when the kids
where small I thought "I am so glad they are mine, I could not imagen not having
them with me" and now that they are getting big and older, I am so glad that we
have had the oppertunity to watch them become who they are. I love them each
so very much.
Sara Jessette June 3rd.... She is amazing!

Family Proclamation Cookie

Make these cookies to help your family learn about the different roles of the family,
(from The Family Proclamation).

When the dough is complete…. Remember that this is no ordinary dough.
This is sweet, because the family is sweet when it is blessed by Heavenly Father.
When each person in the family does what they should, our family is Blessed!

This recipe has to have all the right ingredients in order to work....just like a family.
Everyone can help. Everyone can add some chocolate chips and share ways they can serve their family.

Directions:

1 Husband (one stick of butter)1 Wife (one stick of Butter)Blend these two together (marriage)
Crack open: all the blessings of the Priesthood. (One egg)
Next: crack open: all the things that a Father does for the family.
Provides, Protects, Presides the family in love in righteousness. (Add another egg)
Combine: 3/4 cup of Nurturing love by our Mother (white sugar)
Add: 3/4 cup of Gospel teaching by Mother and Father (brown sugar)
Stir in...2-1/4 cups of Faithful, respectful, Obedient, compassionate Children (flour)
Add one teaspoon of repentance (salt)
- one teaspoon of prayer (soda)
- one teaspoon of forgiveness (vanilla)
Mix well, and add 2 cups of unselfish SERVICE! (Chocolate Chips)

Combine all ingredients and drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 9-11minutes.

Since my pantry is full of cereal I thought I would make a batch or two of this
really yummy snack mix. I got the recipe from Jean Harper, then tweaked it!
We LOVE it, feel free to tweak away!!!!

Crunchy Caramel Snack Mix

3 c cocoa puffs 3 c chex cereal (your choice)
2 c golden grahams cereal 1c peanuts (or chow mein noodles)

In medium pan mix together:

1c brown sugar 1/2 c butter 1/4 c light corn syrup

Cook and stir over medium heat till butter melts and mix begins to boil.
Cook with out stirring for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in:

1/4 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp cream of tarter 1/2 tsp vanilla

Por over cereal mix, stirring until all is coated with syrup.
Pour on to large baking sheet. Bake for 30 min at 300 degrees.
Cool Eat Yummmmmmy!!!!!

Today is Emmaly and Trent's 5 month Anniversary!!!
Tomorrow is National Turtle Day........

Our son graduated from 8th grade last night!
It is the third time we have watched one of our children
take the walk from little kid to teen.
And as we watched and listened, and viewed him and all
his great friends I was once again reassured that my kids
are totally AWESOME!!!
It was a very nice program, the best one yet.
And may I just say, my son was the most handsome
young mad there!
We were invited to The Peterson's for an after
graduation bbq. It was delightful! The Peterson's
are Mark's other family. If he were to run away, we would
find him there. (We would probably take him!)
They are a wonderful family, we are very lucky to have
them as part of our sons life. And how many kids do
you know that make thier own elevator music while
on hold.. Kenny Peterson does! We love the kid!

I watched American Idol for the first time last night, it was ok.
I still don't see what all the fuss is about.

I called Emmaly today and thanked her for sending this
WONDERFUL weather down from Idaho.
She is having 40 degree weather and rain. Well she sent
70 degree rain home to us, and we are thrilled!!!

Hope you enjoy National Turtle Day tomorrow!
Hug your kids, take a deep breath, and dive into
Summer Vacation!!!!