lots of cream cheese frosting & a fish fry

I just can't let one more day pass me by without blogging about this past Saturday!

Besides being the missionary's birthday-

I was asked to make some mini cupcakes for a dinner held for the Stake Relief Society, just before the General Women's Conference broadcast. I was really glad to have a reason to make cupcakes even if the birthday boy was not going to get one.

The didn't ask for any particular flavor...

so I went all fall crazy & came up with these cuties!!

They are pumpkin cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting & YUm they were so good. I had never made them before- it was just an idea in my head- so I tested them out on the blogger moms during our creative Thursday. The blogger moms are great taste testers.

I had procrastinated buying the ingredients until Saturday morning- I had nothing else to do- then had to go to THREE STORES to find canned pumpkin. I was sweatin' it, I tell ya!

But it was worth it since I found this little cutie at the last store's bakery.

BYU won their game- we won't talk about last week's game- that was Bogus.

NoW i have a bunch of BYU cupcake ideas floating around in my head.

Later it was time to go to the dinner/broadcast & realized I didn't have anyone to go with... I knew I would know people there... but I started to feel like a seventh grader without a locker partner... I got up my courage- what a wuss- and went anyway. It was a great conference & yes I found friends- feewwww.

The best part of the day happened seconds after I got home!

I walked in the door & the phone rang-

It was trent

he told me to come outside-

He & Brett had just driven up. They had gone to a pond a few miles from our house & HOORAY- LOOk At that FAce. Ya- HE was walking on air--- but refusing to touch it.
After a day of working in the yard, Brett was such a good sport & took Trent fishing. they have been a couple of times this summer with no luck. Trent had been bugging him to go- that kid has amazing nagging skills- so they headed off & happy day- finally caught one!

During church on Sunday, Trent knew jack was coming so he had his eyes pealed on the chapel doors, jack was running late & trent had the camera in his hands to show jack as soon as he got there. It was so cute. Jack was thrilled for him.

so it was a busy day & hopefully a good one for the missionary

great sunday

Today was such a great Sunday!

Besides our usual Sunday meeting we were thrilled to go to the homecoming talk of Elder Greg Whipple- one of Brian's best friends. Can you believe it? The missionary's friends are starting to come home!! And best of all--- he's next.

Elder Whipple went to the Houston Texas South Mission- I hugged him as hard as I could with tears in my eyes. I pray for these boys everyday. He spent a lot of time helping clean up hurricane Ike last year & sweating in the humidity everyday. It was wonderful to see him & hear his testimony.

These three cuties were there too. Also friends of the missionary. I can't even count how many times these guys came over & played games & ate popcorn &... I loved it. A couple of these girls went with Brian up to his grandparents home in Wyoming. They rode the horses & did the rodeo thing. They are such great girl's, grandma & grandpa ask about them all the time.

In honor of Jack coming home (jack came home to hear Elder Whipple)

I made a fancy Sunday dinner.

Roast beef & gravy with potatoes & carrots.

Rolls, salad & even jello people!

ya-
and cupcakes!

It's nice to have jack home for tonight-
even if he has spent a lot of his time doing his own laundry & sleeping.

It's a hard college life.

But a Great Sunday at home.

first field trip of the year!

Today Kristy & I went with a bunch of fourth graders-

on their first field trip of the year.

We went to the fabulous Farmington Bay Bird Refuge right next to the Great Salt Lake.

It was a beautiful day full of fabulous birds -- I was so excited to take my new camera!! I got a lot of great pictures, but it wasn't until I got back that I realized I didn't get any pictures of the birds ...?

The center equipped all of the kids with their own pair of binoculars. They got to view Shoreline birds in their natural habitat. As the kids exited the bus they were told to be very, very quiet, and not to make any sudden moves as not to upset the birds... they did it- very impressive!

There are Great Blue Herons, Eagles, Pelicans, ducks... all kinds of birds who migrate in & out of this beautiful bird refuge throughout the year.

this is the view back towards our town.

We were lucky to get to walk across the empty flats (they are in the process of building a walkway, then will let the water come back) over to see a frog burrowed in the mud, a muskrat scull, alkaline soil, some pickle weed- crazy fun times!

The lady who gave the tour was very knowledgeable, but did not like talkers... at all. In fact she stopped more than once to tell not ask the adults in the back to stop talking & listen!

I of course have excellent listening skills.

I rarely have a word to say & I am quiet as a mouse,

so there fore she didn't scold me... way maybe once.

This teacher below was fascinating - she was so great at keeping the kids & adult's attention.

She taught us all about interesting things like how birds migrate & adapt to their environments. She had us in this classroom for at least 30 minutes & not one kid stirred.

well, trent did - a little.

I can't believe I have lived near here for 13 years & haven't made it out to this place! I am planning on taking Brett here soon. He is a true bird lover & we have counted over 9 species of birds in our backyard. We have different feeders & enjoy them all year. I even bought him a subscription to Birds & Blooms last year for Christmas!

The best part of this field trip?

There wasn't enough room on the bus for parents... we had to drive separate- YES!

sorry, but a whole bus full of kids = a pulsating headache for hours to come.

Still- I love field trips & think it's great for kids, teachers & parents to get out in nature.

what to do in our town on a friday night

Friday nights are pretty hoppin in our town...

that is if you work at the DQ!

Brett & I mentioned to Trent & the neighbor kid that we were going & -boom- they were out in the car- hiding.

Ha ha- NOT.

Brett had been gone for two nights on business. It felt like a two weeks. When he got home... I had just finished meeting with the webelo scouts (trent acted like a 2 year old beast), had no make up on, a huge zit on my chin & was wearing a lovely pair of sweats, ratty ol' BYU t-shirt & sandals. I'm kind of fancy that way. Lucky for me he over looked all that & took me to dinner (no I didn't change) and shopping where he insisted he buy me a new camera. That guy is a keeper- I tell ya!these are the first pictures taken with my new Nikon D40!!! WOW- it's amazing & I feel like a professional photographer. I've been shooting up a storm & loving it.

I guess the flash was a little bright-

I took about five shots of these two & this was the best they could do.

I'm sure I've mentioned it before- but the local DQ is a mad house on the weekends. The owner- her son was on the same mission as Brian & has been home over a year now- told us at the fabulous scout field trip last month that it's the top performing DQ in the west! I believe it- there is at least 10 cars in line at the drive threw & a full parking lot nearly every night. This night was no exception.

We bought some Star kisses & Dilly bars & headed back home to eat them in the grass & look at the stars. We have had a lot of cool, clear nights with super starry skies. The big dipper & North Star are in plain view just out our front door, its fantastic.

After setting up a blanket in the grass I turned around to see these two.

They were pretty bummed that I wouldn't let them out.

I didn't feel like seeing them get nearly hit by a car or apologizing to some innocent neighbor after they accosted someone. Ya- it had been a long day.

What do you like to do on Friday nights?

Is there a local hot spot in your town?

just a wonderful night

Last night my sweetie & I went downtown to see the symphony.

I bought season tickets to the Entertainment Series & our first concert was amazing!

There is a lot of construction & many changes happening downtown. It seems like it will never be done... I think the whole reconstruction project is supposed to be done in 3 more years. They started before the missionary left. It's going to be great when it's done.

One of my favorite things about Abravenal Hall is the Chihuly glass sculpture in the lobby. Oh, I love this. Salt Lake City is so lucky to have a piece of his art. It is stunning.

I took this photo going up to the second balcony where our seats were.

The show was nothing short of amazing- crazy really- the music combined with the

cirque performers was breathtaking. I took this photo from the symphony website, click on it to find out more about these two strongmen. There were aerialist & jugglers- it was really exciting & fun to hear & see the music combined with the performers, a brilliant idea, really.

It was a fabulous night-

On the way home we saw another show, a show of nature. It started to storm. The lightening was beautiful- and yes the rain- love the rain.

Thanks Brett for indulging me in buying the tickets...

I am thrilled to have them & a hot date to go with!

I've been thinking about this blog a lot & wondering why I do this? do you ever do that? I wonder, really... is this just a journal? am I trying to get attention? why am I not private? I am wondering...

no photos.... but the camera I have wanted to buy is on clearance at target right now for $419. OUCH- with all the big happenings around here in the next couple months- I better not.

The man of the house- trent- mowed the lawn today. I stood out there pointing out all the tufts of grass all over the place that he missed. He doesn't DO straight lines- ever. it's a good thing I am raising kids not grass.

He wanted to mow the grass- because the neighbor kid does it! and gets paid $5 too! He told the neighbor kid's mom that he needed money because he's bankrupt. She let him sweep up grass & gave him $2.

That's better than a couple of summers ago when he asked a different neighbor if he could pull her weeds for money. She said, sure how about $1. He said - how about $1,000. She said- what do you need $1,000 for? he said- I'm trying to get my own apartment.

Or last month when he asked another different neighbor for $100 bill... the neighbor said I don't have $100- trent said- ya you do, I saw it when you opened your wallet. He kindly explained that you have to get a job to have that kind of money. Hmmm. Maybe trent should spend more time inside?

Today I insisted that Hailey go shopping with me for a new pair of shoes. Her shoes are hideous. She loves them. The dogs wouldn't chew on them. I offered any shoes... any price... She wanted slippers- no. teenagers...? kind of reminds me of the time my mom offered me any jeans if I would throw away my beloved holey ones. I didn't take her up on that either. We did settle on a pair of comfy, slipperish, german looking, cloggy things. But- we are going for more soon. Wish me luck!

Last night, much to Trent's excitement- he was... let's put it this way... gassy. He was so thrilled with the outcome of that- that he wanted chloe to come downstairs to hear it. Mom- No- Chloe does not want to hear you pass gas... t- wouldn't it be great if we could call dad & he could hear it? (dad was at Bishopric meeting) Ummm no.

Tonight at dinner T- remember that gas i was passing last night? That was so cool. I told all the kids in my class about it. Mom- what? who did you tell about it???? T- everyone, but I don't think they were listening.

I hope not.

I thought the computer was my friend?

I figured out why my photos won't upload. My computers- both my laptop & my regular computer have decided not to recognize my camera anymore. What? After all these years? Brett can't figure it out. Heaven knows I'm lucky to be doing this at all, considering my computer expertise... so ya- what to do? I feel betrayed & I am taking suggestions.

Yesterday it rained buckets here! I love rainy days- LOVE them. I wish I could upload the picture I took of Trent out in the street with a jacket, umbrella & no shoes on... well maybe?
I went outside to take a picture of him playing in the rain to find out he had been out there with no shoes on & casting Brett's fishing pole in the street. Hmm. lovely. I'm sure the neighbors wonder if we are just burned out because he is the youngest of six, or what?

I finally made dinner after a week of lazy dinners= sandwiches & chicken nuggets. I made Karen's Chicken Noodle Soup- Oh my goodness... the best & easiest chicken noodle soup of all time- you have to try it!

Last night after dinner I called college boy Jack to see how school is going & we visited for a minute. He got rained on too. He said he went from one building to the next & was soaked. He couldn't talk long because it was "family time" aka: family night with his apartment & two others. Gee, that didn't seem to stop him from texting & talking on the phone when he lived at home? smarty pants-

Tonight we find out what part Chloe gets to be in the nutcracker! She is counting down the hours until 7:00 PM. Cutie-

The missionary didn't email yesterday- I hate when he doesn't email... it has only happened two other times in the almost two years he has been gone. I'm not worried- well, I shouldn't be worried right?

Trent can't sleep at night & Hailey can't wake up... what is it with kids & sleep? Trent fights it like he is going to die if he falls asleep. Once he's out he's out but getting there-it's hell- pure hell I tell you! I try not to get mad, I know a big part of his sleep issue is his ADHD meds. but still. It is so hard. We've tried the night time routine, melatonin, prizes, etc. The only thing that works is 10:00 PM and mom laying down by him. It's ridiculous- he's ten now.... 10 stinkin' years old & i have to lay down next to him? I have visions of me laying down next to a 13 year old & it's not pretty.

Yesterday I got two- TWO Christmas projects/gifts done-- ya, that feels good.

my camera won't download edition...

1. for some reason i can't get the photos off my camera... oh the misery~!
2. I am feeling much, much better - thanks to my sweet husband for being so patient with me.
3. Wende's birthday was yesterday- on Friday the blogger mom's took her to dinner & shopping & it was such a blast & i have pictures to prove it.... really I do. Wende is amazing & such a great friend. Happy Birthday Wende. You deserve it. You are a true friend & I love ya.
4. Yesterday was nutcracker tryouts at Chloe's ballet studio.... she made it!!
5. There were 80 girls in her group (by height) and only 40 made it... oh it's tough being a kid. She is all excitement and anticipation waiting for Tuesday evening when she will find out her part at the mandatory parent's meeting. She is hoping/thinking/maybe a lady in waiting..?
6. It is going to be a busy fall between the baby coming, the nutcracker rehearsals, & get this-
the missionary comes home the day after opening night for the nutcracker.
WOW
I am really glad she made it, time will fly by & the baby & the missionary will be here before I know it!

(p.s. I didn't cry during church today. Although I was tempted to skip I didn't even leave early.)

-I will be taking orders for tickets starting next Wednesday if you are interested-

recipe for disaster

what do you get when you add:

1. two weeks of company

2. child left for college- I'm missing him.

3. tough lesson at church on Sunday

4. hurt feelings (long story)

5. cramps

6. tons of work to be done: canning tomatoes- I'm sick to death of them & I haven't even really started-

7. and this book...
BAWLING- bawling-bawling.

I've been pretty much having crying fits all week. I finished this book last Saturday. Cried my eyes out many times. Almost quit many times... but I am glad I stuck with it. My book club met last night & I am relieved it's over. I am proud of myself for finishing it but it was such a tough emotional read for me. I guess everything else hasn't helped either...

what a week- I hope the weekend is better!

Have you read this book?

Did you cry your eyes out?

Do you ever have one of those weeks?

livin' the life

Yesterday I drove down to the land of Cjane & Jill & Nie & Jack the college student.

Right here:

this is where I lived when I lived here...

a long time ago.

Just to the north is where jack lives today.

We went to lunch, shopped for groceries...
he didn't need much


(what's up with my crooked nose & lazy eye... total self esteem buster here, dang)
and I got to check out his apartment for a minute.

It's hard to believe he is all grown up & living on his own.
Right here under the Y.

He is living the dream-

I asked him how it felt to be here at BYU after wanting it for so long. He said- "it's weird." He is a man of many words. He said, "I just want to go on my mission, it's hard to think about school." Well... I guess we need to start on that.

Back home I went-

to drive ballet & make dinner & not get enough done.

just journaling the missionary- no pictures

*Last week we got a letter in the mail from Chile-- very excited I opened it. It was from a girl who Brian taught nearly a year ago. It was 5 pages- front & back (10 pages!) all in Spanish. Brett took it to work & a guy in his office translated that: she wants to come to America & have lots of babies & Elder Messer is her beloved. Oh boy.
*So I gently told him about this in his Monday email & he wrote back that she is a forty something lady who does this to all the missionaries & is slightly mentally ill. Okay.
*Yesterday one of his missionary friends who is home now stopped in for a visit. Sister Crook went to school & was very good friends with Megan- so it was a thrill when she got her mission call to the same place & went into the MTC on the same day. Girls can go on missions when they are 21 & only stay out for 18 months. She took one look at our picture of Brian with his missionary count down calendar & said- he looks like a baby here! He has really grown up. That made my heart stop. Oh my gosh, he is really coming home.
*She told us about Chileans & how they are great people. How it is so cold there in the winter & if you are lucky you have a wood stove to keep you warm. How it is beautiful there & how our missionary picked up the language & accent really fast. How their food is very bland and to send him peanut butter in his next package. His next package is his birthday package. He asked me not to send anything at all, but to save the money for the new things he will need when he gets home. ha! NEVEr- I am sending a package this week!
*She told us that he is a good missionary. That he balances work & fun. That he talked constantly in the MTC about his family, especially his brother... the stud... Jack. I wish Jack could have heard her say that. How he got more mail than anyone (he probably had more siblings?) How he would read each outside of the letter- I wrote "notes from MOM" funny happenings around the house on the back of them- to them all. I can just see him doing that & laughing.
*Having her visit made me realize- I need to make a list of all the questions & things I want to say to him when he gets home. I had a million questions for her & went blank as soon as I saw her. Like: have you really had diarrhea for a year? or were you trying to scare me?

Time seems to be speeding by-

It has been so busy here the past few days that I just haven't had time to sit down & blog. I am happy to say- that things are slowing down... well, maybe?

{Brett's mom & aunt jack}

Wednesday afternoon Brett's Aunt came up to visit. She brought with her- fresh raspberry jam & rising bread dough-- enough to make six loaves! We baked them & she left five with us. It is heavenly! I threw a couple of loaves in the freezer & we have been having the world's best toast & jam everyday since.

Thursday afternoon we went to mom's much anticipated yearly doctor's appointment with her specialist. Much to her relief, it went better than expected.

Friday morning the in laws left. It was hard seeing them go. They had been here almost two weeks & they are getting older. Time is sure moving fast.

Friday morning the blogger moms got together & janae taught us how to make these---

the cutest cupcakes ever! Janae has serious cupcake decorating skills. I loved making these- really, really loved it. It was so much easier than I thought it would be & a lot of fun. I can't wait to try cookie monster!

While driving ballet I bought fabric at a great sale & can't wait to start some Christmas projects.

Saturday we slept in & started the day late. We had to buy a new car--- long story short-- our car is sold & we have a new one. It's exactly the same as the old one- but silver. It was miserable, I hate dealing with cars- the process took 5 hours- five hours on a Saturday... instead of being excited for a new car- I felt deflated about the day being gone. I guess that's what I get for sleeping in.

Saturday night we picked up frozen yogurt, then Ruthie stopped by with the peanut & others. We watched part of the big game- in between kids playing the wii. Hoots & hollers & near tears were shed as our team won!! I thought for sure jack must be crying tears of joy himself while watching it with friends. Soon after the final score Brett got a text from him. One simple sentence: "I love life." What a year to be a freshman at the BYU- now I wish I was the one with season tickets.

Today is Sunday.
I'm trying to figure out how to be a Webelo's leader.
It's getting dark earlier.
I cried during church today.
I hate crying during church.
I have tomatoes flooding my kitchen from the garden.
Max scratched his neck & it has been bleeding. We clean it a couple of times a day & apply niosporin. He is wearing a dog cone on his head & is miserable. He woke us up three times last night. Poor guy.
I'm tired, feel sad & can't figure out why. When I am sad I like to cheer myself up watching this. this cracks me up. It reminds me of Brian & Jack--