Thanksgiving Dinner

We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving with Reed's family. Three of his sister with their families were able to come. We missed Cindy and her family in NY. Reed's Aunt DeAnn and Uncle Roger also joined us.

The company was fantastic, the food divine and all were satisfied. :)

I hope you had a wonderful time with family and friends during this season of gratitude. :)

Pictures from DeAnn Thank you! :)

{Another} Ms. A Post

Ms. A took a few pictures when we were at Grandpa and Grandma's. On our drive up the mountain, Ms. A wanted to know why the car was so bouncy. I told her that the road wasn't paved and that there were holes in the road that made the car bounce. She instantly wanted to take a picture of the pothole. :) She was looking all over the ground while we were enjoying the beautiful scenery. Ms. A and I finally found a hole worthy of her picture taking skills. She was ecstatic.

She had a fun time taking pictures of Grandpa Allen and the things around their home.

Sweet Pea's Pothole

Grandpa and Grandma's Mountain View

We went to visit Reed's family for Thanksgiving this year. One our first day, Grandpa Allen took us on a tour around their home. They live on a mountain. The morning we left the fog blanketed the valley, river and several hollows below us. It was a bit like I envisioned heaven. Ms. A loved exploring outside. She wanted to walk on the clouds though, so I had to explain to her why that wasn't a good idea. :)

We drove all over the mountain, walked around a few properties and hiked a bit. Reed, Ms. A and Allen hike to the top of Stony Peak. The incline was a bit much for me so I enjoyed the views on a lower part of the mountain. After watching them come down, I knew I made a good choice. They were zig-zagging most of the way down.

Photos from Grandpa Allen. THANK YOU!! :)

A Pleasant Surprise

Ms. A and I went out to feed the birds in our backyard, when I saw these growing on a branch!



Yes, Raspberries!! They were huge and delicious. We ate the seven berries that we found.

I love our berry patch! :)

An Unsual Teaching Moment

Our little angel has some interesting thoughts stirring in her head at times. I wonder what I have said that prompted her observations.

She has been fixated on the leaves falling from the trees. It seems every time we talk about them falling I have to explain to her that the trees and plants need to rest during the winter. That explanation doesn't satisfy her curiosity. She continues to ask why the leaves change colors and fall, so I tell her that they are dying and that there will be new leaves in the springtime. She accepts that to a point, but now she has become fixated on death. Rather morbid and I am trying to explain it to her in a way that won't scare her. We've talked about Jesus dying and how He was resurrected and will live forever.

Today she told me that when she dies her hair will fall out.
Then later on, we were watching Star Wars and someone was killed. She looked at me and said that the man died, but he's with Heavenly Father and that he will live again.

I was grateful that she spoke so matter-of-factly and knew what we believed. I was a bit unsettled that my little girl knows about death, but so grateful for the knowledge that we will live again with Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ died and overcame death through the resurrection, so we could live.

Children's Museum

Last Friday we had our play date with Mr. A at the Children's Museum. Ms. A, Mr. A and Ms. E had a wonderful time at the new Bob the Builder exhibit. Ms. A kept on asking if Bob would talk. She loved driving each of the machines and checking out the other Bob the Builder things. It was great seeing one of her favorite cartoons in person.

After visiting Bob, the kids had to brush the alligators teeth and then we were off to see the rest of the museum. Ms. A and Mr. A had a great time painting their faces. They molded clay, which was fun to see their creations. Ms. A insisted on painting it with a wet paintbrush to 'make it softer' while Mr. A rolled the wooden tool across to make indentations. We move to the theatre where Ms. A dressed up like a butterfly. She sang "The ABC Song" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star". We also visited the digging place, another favorite thing to do. :) After a yummy lunch, we visited the water part of the museum. This was by far their favorite place, even Ms. E got into the fun of that area. After Ms. A had drenched herself and the little duck she was using, we dried off and went home.

Thanks Jen, Mr. A and Ms. E for a wonderful morning!

Ms. A's pictures

We gave Ms. A our old point and shoot camera. She's been having a great time taking pictures. She has a unique sense of a good picture.

Ms. A hopes you enjoy her movie. She chose the heart background. They are "I love you" hearts from Ms. A to you. :)

Dessert Tonight

Reed's former manager from Penang is here for a visit, so Reed invited him over for dinner.

Check out we're having.
I went into sugar overload from trying a taste of the raspberry chocolate ganache and the cheesecake pudding/whipped topping mixture. Would it be bad to start with dessert and eat the lasagna afterwards? :)

And yes it was totally, sinfully delicious! :) And we have leftovers. I'll be paying for this for a while!

Here's the recipe:

Chocolate-Raspberry Cookie Trifle

1 cup milk
1 pkg. white chocolate instant pudding
1 16 oz. container cool whip
1 12 oz. box of Nilla wafers (broken in half)
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 12 oz. jar seedless raspberry jam
1 12 oz. bag frozen raspberries (not in syrup)

For filling, combine milk and pudding mix;whisk until it starts to thicken. Reserve 1/2 cup cool whip and gently fold the remaining cool whip into the pudding mixture. Cover and refrigerate. For ganache, combine chocolate chips, 1/2 cup cool whip and half of the jam and microwave for 40-60 seconds, or until melted. Stir until smooth. Place remaining jam in bowl and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until melted. gently stir in thawed raspberries. Set aside 16 whole cookies for garnish.

To assemble trifle, place 1/3 of the cookies into bottom of the trifle bowl. layer 1/3 of raspberry mixture over cookies. Top with 1/3 of the pudding mixture and 1/3 of ganache. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with a smooth layer of ganache. Place the reserved whole cookies into top of trifle.

Recipe from Pampered Chef

New Kristina Challenge #31

Kristina has posted another wonderful challenge.
I {heart} the colors!

We have a wonderful friend who is undergoing back surgery tomorrow, so the challenge was a perfect inspiration for her card.

Who wouldn't love this little guy?!?

I had a few leftovers, so I made another Christmas card. Not sure if I like it enough to duplicate.

What Have You Done

I saw this on a friend's blog and thought it would be fun.

To participate, just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done.


1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (does on an island count)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (saw it from Empire State Building)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise (on the Nile River)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

Kristina's 29th Color Challenge

Kristina posted another wonderful, yet difficult Color Challenge. I love the colors, just wasn't sure what to do with them. Here are my ideas.


I have Christmas on my mind.
Supplies used:
Stamps: Curly Christmas, Season of Joy, Polka Dots and Paisley
Paper: Pacific Point, Taken with Teal, Elegant Eggplant, and Whisper White
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Elegant Eggplant, Taken with Teal Marker, Elegant Eggplant Marker


My second attempt:
Stamp Set: Friendship Blooms
Paper: Pacific Point, Taken with Teal, Elegant Eggplant, and Whisper White
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Elegant Eggplant, Taken with Teal Marker

Mommy, Tell Me a Story

Ms. A has a tendency of waking up around midnight lately. She is normally inconsolable for about five minutes. My typical way of calming her down is by telling her a story about her. She loves to hear how she was when she was a tiny, little baby. How she learned things. How she did things. It's wonderful to relive those sweet memories. She also adores stories I make up involving "My Little Ponies."

Two nights ago, she woke up and I tried by usual tactics, but they didn't work! I had to try something else. We spoke about how much mommy and daddy love her. we talked about the temple and then Ms. A mentioned she had a picture of the temple in her room. We talked a little about that and she stated she didn't have a picture of Jesus in her room. I quickly grabbed the picture on her bookcase that was out of her sight and told her the story of Jesus blessing the Nephite children.

Last night the same thing happened, inconsolable crying, cuddles. asking if she wanted to her at story about her, ponies or some other thing. Finally she looked at me and asked for a story about Jesus. I told her about my favorite part in The Book of Mormon, Christ's visit to the Nephites. I told her about the best part within that story of Christ blessing the children. She closed her eyes and started to drift off to sleep. When I finished, her eyes popped open and she said, "Tell me another story about Jesus." As she lay down and started to sleep, I told her about the birth of Christ and what a special baby he was, how he grew up and taught the people and he was the same man who blessed those little ones. I told her how much He loves her. It was the perfect mommy, daughter goodnight story/experience.

Stand and Be Counted

I went to a Relief Society Board meeting on Sunday to discuss the needs of the sisters in our ward. Our Relief Society Presidency gave us the theme for next year: "Stand and Be Counted."

As I have thought about those words and the meaning behind them, I have realized even more the necessity to STAND.

STAND for what is TRUE.
STAND for what is RIGHT.
STAND for what is GOOD.
STAND UP for your BELIEFS.

Throughout the scriptures and especially in The Book of Mormon, we read countless experiences where a person or people stand. I love the story of Chief Captain Moroni and his willingness to stand up to the wickedness of his day and to stand for truth. One of my favorite scriptures describing Moroni are found in Alma 48:11-13 and 17

Can you imagine a world filled with people and leaders who had the characteristics of Moroni -

Strong and mighty.
A perfect understanding.
Did not delight in bloodshed.
Found joy in the liberty and freedom of his country and brethren.
Full of thanksgiving to His God.
One who labors exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.
Firm in the faith of Christ.

Surely, "if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto ^aMoroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. " verse 17

I love the scriptures found in Doctrine and Covenants 27:15-16

Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.

Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;

My favorite line in this scripture is "...having done all, that ye may be able to stand." I love the picture that comes to my mind. Having a foundation built upon my Savior and His teachings will give me the strength to stand, no matter what is happening in the world. I know that is true. When the world seems to be falling apart, Jesus Christ is our refuge, our shield, our strength. We need only to stand. Be an example. Be true. Be righteous. Be like our Savior.

Last month we had a lesson in Relief Society from the teachings of Joseph Smith, the prophet. The lesson was entitled Stand Fast through the Storms of Life. Below is my favorite quote.

“Stand fast, ye Saints of God, hold on a little while longer, and the storm of life will be past, and you will be rewarded by that God whose servants you are, and who will duly appreciate all your toils and afflictions for Christ’s sake and the Gospel’s. Your names will be handed down to posterity as Saints of God. (Joseph Smith)

It is my hope and prayer that we each will have the courage and strength to STAND and be Counted. Stand for what is true. Stand for what is right. stand for what is good. Stand up for your beliefs.

Finger {Hand} Painting

I gave Ms. A some finger paints to play with while I was busy doing things. This is what Reed and I found when I came downstairs. She had paint all over the paper, table and sink by the time we finished cleaning up. When I asked if she had fun, she just grinned!

Happy Halloween

I hope everyone had an enjoyable and safe Halloween and that everyone is coming down from their sugar highs. :) We had a wonderful time. Ms. A was a ballerina.

We had a great time at the ward Trunk or Treat the night before. Thanks T and the activity committee for a wonderful evening.

Reed taught her to be a bit louder when she said Trick or treat, so on Halloween she was saying it nice and loud and generally before she knocked on the door. :) She had several comments about how adorable she is. I'm a bit partial, but I had to agree. She and Reed dropped me off at our house after a several homes. I passed out the candy while they went out to finish the neighborhood.

We purchased a few decorations, the prized item was a spider about 8 inches big. I hung it above our doorway. Every time someone knocked on the door the spider would drop and I would hear a shriek of fear or excitement. We had several comments about our spider. :)