Summer Games

We had a blast down in Cedar City this last weekend.  Emily and Savannah both participated in the soccer part of summer games.  Emily's team took a bronze metal in her division.  Savannah's little team played their hearts out, but it was not their year.  Hopefully we'll try again next season.  This is a picture of Emily's team and the opposing team.  Look how much bigger they are than our team!  Does that seem fair?  Well, we held our own.  They only beat us by 1 point - in overtime.  It was the MOST intense game ever.  They did awesome.

Variety Show "2011"

Variety Show "2011"

Variety Show "2011"

Alisha was involved in the variety show at Mountain Crest.  It's a lot like the Carol Burnett show if you remember that one.  She was Flouner in the first one, the second one was about the Emerald City, the third one was called Stepsister's Lament and the last one was her favorite called Ramma Lama.  That was her favorite one.

Our newest family member "Max"

Last Sunday (on my mom's birthday) this is what we woke up to.  He was born between 4:00 and 6:30.  He's so fun to have around and Savannah loves to be with him every minute.

Time Out for Women

I love this program!!  I actually get to be involved and help during the event. 
Click here to watch a Time out for women clip for 2011

Olivia recites the Pledge of Allegiance

Last night I was getting Olivia ready for bed and she just starts reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.  I could not believe that she knew the whole thing!!  Apparently she's been working on it in preschool.  All I can say is WOW.

Gingerbread Cookies

These were so fun to make!!  The dough was really soft and easy to work with.  Surprisingly, the royal icing I used to decorate with did not go rock hard. 

Gingerbread Men

• 1 cup butter   
• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ cup dark molasses
• 1 t. cinnamon
• 1 t. nutmeg
• 1 t. cloves
• 1 t. ginger
• 2 eggs well beaten
• 1 t. white vinegar   
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda    

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. In a large saucepan, cream together the butter, sugar.
2. Add molasses and spices – mix well
3. Stirring constantly bring to a boil.
4. Remove from heat and allow let cool to a lukewarm.
5. Stir in eggs and vinegar.
6. Sift flour with baking soda into molasses mixture to form smooth dough.
7. Chill several hours or overnight.
8. When you are ready to bake roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness.  Cut with a gingerbread cookie cutter.
9. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper 
10. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly brown on the edges. Do not over bake.
11. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet before placing them on a cooling rack.  Let cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting use Royal Icing.

You can cut the recipe in half if you on outline them.

This recipe will yield approximately 3 Cups of Royal Icing.

Ingredients o    3 Tablespoons of Meringue Powder o    1/2 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract o    1/2 Teaspoon of Lemon Juice o    4 Cups of Confectioners' Sugar o    1/2 Cup of Warm Water	Equipment o    Mixer o    Pastry Bag or Plastic Bag

In the bowl of the mixer, whip together the sugar and meringue powder.

Add the vanilla extract and lemon juice.

Add the water. Beat for approximately 5 minutes or until stiff peaks begin to form.

Transfer to a pastry bag.

Savannah and Olivia both received personal messages from Santa ... check these out!!
Olivia (click her name)
Savannah (click her name)

Do you really think she knew what she looked like?

April Fools

I played the best joke on Savannah and Emily for April fools day.  Someone told me to put plastic food in their lunch so I did.  As soon as they got on the bus I ran to the school and gave their teachers their real lunches.  I put a note in their lunches that said "April fools!!  Your teacher has your lunch"  Savannah opened her lunch and started to cry because she didn't read the note first.  Emily said she was a little worried, but was immediately comforted by her teacher.  I felt bad for Savannah, but it was a hoot to hear about her reaction.  We all had a good laugh whe they got home that afternoon.  For dinner that night I served "mock" cupcakes.  I made meatloaf and topped them with mashed potatoes and put them in muffin cups.  I thought they were fun too.

Chores

This is how Alisha and Whitney think that chores are done.  They're supposed to be cleaning out the stalls and pig pen.  Do they look like they're working much?  I think they have the wrong idea.  Work does not mean "go to the barn, sit down on the chair and wait"

Pioneer Days Parade

Alisha and Whitney got the opportunity to go down to Salt Lake with the band and be in the Days of '47 parade. I think the parade is almost 2 miles long. It's on July 24th, so you can imagine how hot it is. They love it and have a great time.

The National Anthem

Alisha got asked to sing the National Anthem for one of the basket ball games last year. I think it's pretty flattering. She did an awesome job.

Halloween 2010

Here's my girls standing out front of our house for Halloween this year. I only had 3 that dressed up this year. Emily was little red riding hood, Savannah was a vampire and Oliva was a fairy. We went to the trunk or treat at the church. Actually Lane had to take them because we had a band competition up at Utah State. We sat in the pouring rain for 2 hours waiting for Mountain Crest to perform. I think I would have rather been trick or treating.