What's been going on.

Well, I'm giving up on the photos for now. So, here's what we've been up to while we're visiting Sacramento.


We spent Saturday night and Sunday with Ryan's mom, Susan and step-father, Farl. I already posted a little about that. On Monday we went to my sister, Ruth's house. We visited with family there and had dinner and Family Home Evening that night. I already posted a little about that too.

On Tuesday, we went to the zoo with Susan and Farl. I have pictures of that and I'll have to post them later. We had fun. It was a little warm, but we were only out during the morning so it wasn't too bad. That afternoon, we headed to my friend, Heather's house in Rocklin. We were there a little early, so Ryan got some prescription sunglasses that he's been wanting. Then we had dinner with Heather, her husband Steve, and her parents Tim and Janet. It was good to visit with them. Steve had to get up early so he went to bed and we went to the hot tub. :thumb:

After staying the night, we went back down to Sacramento and met my parents and younger brothers for lunch at Garbeau's, a dinner theater. They were doing a performance of Cinderella and serving a buffet lunch. It was fun and Cadi really liked it! Later that day, Ryan took a flight up to Vancouver to work Thursday-Saturday. Cadi and I stayed with my sister again and we talked about our trip to Florida later this year.:grin:

Thursday we hung out with most of my family. We made up a list of items for a Scavenger Hunt and headed to the mall in two groups, each with a digital camera to capture the items. We were most of the way through our list of items (things like striped shirt, couple holding hands, someone in uniform, litter, etc.) when some mall security told us we couldn't take pictures of store fronts or items. So, we decided to abandon that quest and head to McKinley park for a new one. We made a new list of things to look for and started out again. It was fun and it was a very close game! The kids got to play on the playground while Esther ate lunch and then we headed over to Fresh Choice for lunch.:lick: We had a fun time! Later, we met up at Ruth's house for homemade pizza for dinner.

Today will be mostly a relaxing day. We are going to just hang out, stamp, watch movies, etc. Cadi and I will head back to Heather's tonight and stay over again. Tomorrow is a big community yard sale in her neighborhood, so we're going to scavenge for deals! I love a bargain!:thumb:

Cadi and I miss Ryan terribly:cry:. But we are enjoying family while we're here and we look forward to seeing him on Sunday morning. We love you Ryan!:kiss:

An update... almost.

I was planning on posting some photos that I took today and yesterday, but I'm at Ruth's house and their computer isn't set up to read my camera. So, you'll have to wait until I can use Debi's computer or someone else's that works.


Ryan is on a plane heading back to Portland, OR now. He has work Thursday-Saturday, then he'll fly back here on Sunday morning. Cadi and I miss him, but we are glad to be able to spend a couple more days with friends and family.

When I get access to my photos, I'll post them...:thumb:

Family Feud

Tonight was Family Night with my family. Ryan taught a lesson on families, based on The Family: A Proclamation to the World. We had a fun competition between the boys and girls answering questions that were directly taken from the proclamation. Girls Won!!!  The boys would point out the the point system was a little wacked, but that's besides the point! :wink:


After the "lesson" we played Family Feud. That was fun! We played twice, each team won once. We also enjoyed cookies that Debi made. :lick:

Families are cool.:thumb:

We are family!

Today is Sibling Appreciation Day...so this is a shout out to my siblings:


:scream: David, Miriam, Ruth, Debi, Joseph, Andrew, and Ben!

:lol: I love you guys!

There's nothing like coming home.

Yesterday we drove down to Sacramento, CA to see our family and friends. Even though I do consider Vancouver, WA my home now and absolutely love it there, it is always nice to come back to my "hometown".


We were able to visit just a little bit with my family and see my cute niece who is growing up so fast!!! Then we came over to Ryan's mom's house where stayed the night last night and will be tonight as well. For dinner, the Grundy's took us out to the Old Spaghetti Factory downtown. I had my favorite, Chicken Fettucini Alfredo.:lick:
We have only been here one day, but are already have a great time. We are looking forward to the next week visiting with even more friends and family. I'll try to keep updating.

Warning

We'll be down in Sacramento starting today(is it really that late?)...and this isn't a warning to Californians to watch out :naughty:! I'm just warning you that I may not be updating my blog as much as I normally do. I'll try to check in as much as I can and I will give a full account when we get back for sure:talker:! We're looking forward to the trip, but I need to get at least a couple of hours sleep so I'm hitting the sack!:sleep:

Ryan didn't celebrate!

Today is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Ryan left for work awhile ago but Acadia is still in bed...hmmm...so I guess they don't celebrate Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day at Intel. :S


It is also Earth Day...be kind to the earth!

And it is National Teach Children to Save Day. Maybe if I get my act together Acadia and I will take the contents of her piggy bank to the bank today to put in her account. Yeah, that sounds good.

So, today is going to be BUSY!!!  We leave for Sacramento in 2 days (!) and I have a lot of work to do! I need to do laundry and clean the house, plus pack, plus get food stuff together for us, AND make sure there is food here for Debi (who cannot come this time). It is also payday so I need to pay bills and go to the bank, store, post office, etc. Not to mention that I have a hundred things that I need to manage for my calling that I'm trying to hand over to my "right-hand gal" to take care of while I'm gone...but I'm a control freak so even though Beckie is MORE than capable, I'm still stressing! Oh yeah, and today Simon (the family dog) is going to the vet for a dental cleaning. That means $300 or there abouts and dropping off/picking up trips, not to mention the "post operation care". I need to make a couple of good dinners today and tomorrow with lots of leftovers to help Debi out with the food situation while I'm gone. And I'm sure there is lots more...oh yeah, like I'm bailing on two different friends (3 if you count the show consultants) that are having candle and tupperware shows today and tomorrow. I'm bailing because of all the stuff I just mentioned, but it makes me feel bad...guilty really! And do you want to know what's the worst part? One of the girls I'm bailing on is the same "right-hand gal" I'm dumping a bunch of work on while I'm gone! Yeah, I'm some friend, right!? Well, it is her calling and she is happy to do it, but still...

So, that's my next two days in a nut shell!

But I have a beef with YOU! Where are my comments? Is it just that Ryan is the ONLY one who ever visits my blog? The other day I posted that dessert thing which specifically requested comments FROM YOU...COME ON! I know this blog is boring, but it's more boring if no one ever comments. Okay I know that Mom and Debi occasionally comment...are you three the ONLY ones to ever visit?

I'm having a pitty party here...any comments?

What a pain!

Poor Acadia woke up at about 2:45 this morning with an earache.:sad: Despite all efforts, she just couldn't get back to sleep and spent most of the night crying in pain. :cry: We gave her pain medicine first, which didn't help much. Then a couple of hours ago I have her some cold medicine realizing that she has a cold and that is probably what is causing it. It has helped, but she still feels it. She has no fever so I don't think it's an infection. I think she'll just have to tough this one out. The big question is whether or not to go to playgroup and dance class today.


In other news...it is Kindergarten Day. Why today? But, alright. Cadi is excited to be going to Kindergarten next year. So happy Kindergarten Day!

It is also Stories Day. I am thinking that Debi should celebrate this today...:naughty: I don't know if I have any good stories to tell right now. My life is too boring to have any good stories to tell and the fact that I haven't really gotten much sleep isn't helping me think of any. Okay, keep that last line in mind and then read this...No laughing!

Once upon a time there was a big, blue frog. I met him one day and thinking he was cute, I decided to keep him. I took him home and took care of him. We spent hours together happily hopping around ponds looking for flies.

Then one day while we were hopping around, the big, blue frog tripped on a twig and fell on his little, blue nose. I felt so bad for him that I picked him up and kissed him right on his bruised little, blue nose. To my surprise, the big, blue frog transformed before my very eyes into a tall, handsome prince.

He told me his story of how an evil witch had placed a spell on him (because he made fun of her food order at McDonald's one day :lol: "May I have an ice cream cone please?") and he had been a big, blue frog ever since. He didn't even know the spell could be broken, he had given in to the fact that he would be a big, blue frog forever. But now he was his tall, handsome self again!

The rest is history! But let me just say..."Ribbit!"

I'm Strawberry Shortcake!

We got this as an e-mail and Ryan told me to post it on my blog. So here it is...


Dessert Personality Test

Which one are you? No cheating. Pick your dessert, then look to see what psychiatrists think about you!

If all of the desserts listed below were sitting in front of you, which would you choose? (Sorry you can only pick one)

Angel food
Brownies
Lemon Meringue
Vanilla with Chocolate Icing
Strawberry Short Cake
Chocolate on Chocolate
Ice Cream
Carrot Cake

NO ... You can't change your mind once you scroll down! So think carefully, what your choice will be!

OK - Now that you've made your choice, this is what research says about you!

Angel food Sweet, loving, cuddly. You love all warm and fuzzy items. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you need an ice cream cone at the end of the day. Others perceive you as being childlike and immature at times

Brownies You are adventurous, love new ideas, are a champion of under dogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempers flare up, you whip out your saber. You are always the oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction. You tend to be very loyal.

Lemon Meringue Smooth, sexy, &articulate with your hands, you are an excellent after-dinner speaker and a good teacher. But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of a diva at times, but you have many friends.

Vanilla with Chocolate Icing Fun-loving, sassy, humorous. Not very grounded in life; very indecisive and lack motivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but you are a practical joker. Others should be cautious in making you mad. However, you are a friend for life.

Strawberry Short Cake Romantic, warm, loving. You care about other people and can be counted on in a pinch. You tend to melt. You can be overly emotional and annoying at times.

Chocolate on Chocolate Sexy, always ready to give and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, and passionate. You have a cold exterior but are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will not settle for anything average in life. Love to laugh.

Ice Cream You like sports, whether it be baseball, football, basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like to participate, but you enjoy watching sports. You don't like to give up the remote control. You tend to be self-centered and high maintenance.

Carrot Cake You are a very fun loving person, who likes to laugh. You are fun to be with. People like to hang out with you. You are a very warm hearted person and a little quirky at times. You have many loyal friends.

Okay, which one are you?

Rambling

Acadia and I just got back from registering for Swimming Lessons.  She starts the week after we get back from Sacramento. Then we'll have to wait until the end of summer to fit another session in. Last year we didn't move until May and by then most of the sessions were already filled (all of the ones we could do) so we didn't get lessons. So this year I showed up within the first 10 minutes of registration! They fill quickly!

We are getting excited about our trip this weekend. Today would normally be Ryan's day off, but instead he's working for Rick (THANK YOU RICK!!!) who will cover for Rye's shift on Saturday.:thumb: I am so excited, but I'm trying not to talk too much about it because Acadia hasn't realized yet how soon it is. I kind of like the fact that she isn't thinking about it. It just cuts down on all the "How many days until we go to Sacramento?" questions...:tape:.

I still have lots to do! And I need to firm up plans for while we're there. I really need to make some phone calls! I guess I should do that today. I'll add it to my To Do List. :lol:

If we lived in Massachusetts still...

Ryan would probably have today as a paid holiday. It's Patriots Day! And we LOVE the Patriots! Both historical and NE football team! It was fun to live where there was so much history to experience. We enjoyed visiting places in Boston, Lexington, etc. where so much of our nation's history took place. And it was great to live in an area that took so much pride in Patriots! :smile:  It was fun living there when the Patriots won their first Super Bowl! And kind of fun to live here when they won their second...I love it when my team is the underdog...AND WINS!!!

BUT, if we were living in Massachusetts still we would NOT be going to California this weekend!!! And I'm glad for that! We just need Debi to get a new job THIS WEEK so she can come too. But even if she doesn't come, we're going...And we're going to have FUN too!  :thumb:

meme from Debi

Debi posted this on her site today, so I thought I'd try it.


1: Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4. Write down what it says.
“travelers or travelers with disabilities.”

2: Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What do you touch first?
The Printer

3: What is the last thing you watched on TV?
Dr. Phil yesterday

4: WITHOUT LOOKING, guess what the time is: 6:30

5: Now look at the clock, what is the actual time? 6:12

6: With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
Cadi asking to watch a movie.

7: When did you last step outside? What were you doing?
The last thing I did today was go to a Discovery Toys show at Sharon Smith's home.

8: Before you came to this website, what did you look at?
Debi's blog

9: What are you wearing?
jeans, lavendar long-sleeved T-shirt

10: Did you dream last night?
I think so, but don't remember.

11: When did you last laugh?
At the Discovery Toys show. I think we were talking about how the husbands would have as much fun with some of the toys as the kids would. :lol:

12: What is on the walls of the room you are in?

• Family photos: Rosers, Grundys, Robarts, plus our family photo and more pictures of Cadi
• A Greg Olsen picture "Denim to Lace" that Acadia gave Ryan for Father's Day last year
• A decorative shelf with a candle, young woman figure, and an Oakland Temple figure
• A decoration my aunt, Lainee made with the names of our family members
• A couple candle sconces
• Our Family Home Evening board, where we put up things that we learn about in FHE

13: Seen anything weird lately?
I am confident I have, but I can't think of anything.

14 (a): What book are you currently reading?
The Book of Mormon and Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant

14 (b): What is the last book you finished?
I recently finished The Book of Mormon in my personal study. Other than the scriptures, I think the most recent book I finished was Return of the King (Lord of the Rings)

15: What is the last film you saw?
At home, I just watched most of Monster's Inc with Cadi. In full, I watched Star Wars: Attack of the Clones last night with Ryan and Debi. In the theaters I think the last film I saw was Return of the King.

16: If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy first?
Black Lacquer Baby Grand Yamaha Disclavier (5'3")

17: Tell me something about you that I don't know:
I'm in love with a big, blue frog (tho, I think some of you already know that)...okay something else...I didn't make my bed today. (Debi, I know you already knew that...okay, just for you...I've decided to go to Sac for Esther's b-day!:thumb:)

18: If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you change?
I don't know. I wish that people weren't abused (in any way), but I think that the question asks for something other than things like that. Oh, I don't care if it's not what the question was looking for...that's my answer!

19: Do you like to dance?
Well, now I like to dance with Ryan for sure! As far as just "fast dancing"...I am no good at it. But I wish I was! I like music and it makes me want to dance, it's just when I try to...I'm so bad that I lose the feeling! I want to learn how to swing and two-step but I don't think Ryan wants to, so...

20: What is the last thing you ate or drank?
Water, pizza, and garlic bread:lick: Debi made dinner...Good job Deb!

21(a): Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
Okay, this is a really hard one...I'm thinking...maybe...Acadia Belle. What do you think?

21 (b): Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?
If Acadia was a boy she would have been Nathaniel Ryan. But I don't think that we'd still go with that if we had a boy now. I don't know what we'd name him. But most likely the middle name would be Ryan.

22: Would you ever consider living abroad?
Not likely, but you never know.

Alright it took way too long to answer all those questions. And while I was doing that, Debi did a bunch of the dishes for me! Aww...Debi! You're so sweet!  Now I need to start some laundry...scratch that...Debi just came out with a load. Well, I guess the least I can do is allow her to do hers first! Cause that's just the kind of person I am...:wink:

So fitting...

Today is Blah Blah Blah Day! :talker: I know you're giggling...what are you trying to say? :lol:


Okay, it's also Husband Appreciation Day! Aww...I love you Ryan!  You work so hard and give so much. I can't imagine life without you! :kiss:

Now I don't quite get this one: Just Pray No (Worldwide Weekend Prayer) I get the Just Pray, but No? Or do they mean Now? Weird...if anyone gets this, please enlighten me.

Okay, so it's also National Sense of Smell Day. Now this could be good or bad. Let's hope the day is full of good smells!:thumb:

Now I've got to run! I'm heading to the cannery this morning and can't be late!

What a day!

Okay, so here are some of today's holidays:


National Stress Awareness Day
National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day
Rekindle Your Romantic Self Day

Let me tell you I am celebrating National Stress Awareness Day! I went to bed with a migraine which has extended it's stay (even after drugs). This morning I had a HUGE mess in the kitchen to clean up thanks to my Dear Hubby's talent of baking, but need to get at least 2 hours sleep, therefore leaving all the dirty dishes for me! Tonight is a Hidden Talent Night at our church and I am bringing my specialty: Spaghetti Diablo, which I still need to make. I am also bringing some scrapbook pages I've done and some stamped art. There's one scrapbook page I need to fix first though. It all wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for this migraine!

Oh, I'm still wearing my pajamas and I'm at work so I guess I'm celebrating that too.

I don't really know what Rekindle Your Romantic Self is, but I just don't see it happening anyway.

So, I'm a little grouchy. Lots to do, little help, and too much pain. Hope your day is better!

I missed it!

Yesterday was "Moment of Laughter" Day! :lol: I am confident I celebrated...I'm thinking of a specific moment...Well, last night we played Crash Team Racing (CTR) on the playstation again. We were trying to let Acadia win so we were playing around trying to find new shortcuts and stuff. We were sometimes racing backwards, trying to make jumps backwards, etc...It made for some good "Moments of Laughter".


Today is the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

On a completely seperate note...I woke up at 3:45 again. This time to get priority seating at an Ice Cream Social in the Garden Grill in Epcot. We'll get to meet Mickey Mouse and some of his friends while we enjoy LARGE ice cream sundaes.:lick:

Today is Tax Day! Did you get yours in? We have already received our Fed and OR tax returns. I need to double check with Ryan regarding our Massachusetts taxes.

Time to go clean the house, take a shower, and have my Visiting Teachers come over. :thumb:

A Jumble of Info

Today is Joseph's birthday! Happy Birthday Joseph!  I can't believe you're 18!!! Okay, I have to say it...I remembember when you were a baby and crying, the one thing that would calm you down was watching Sleeping Beauty.  You loved it when she sang!


Today is also Children's Day! So, be nice to a child...or something. :thumb: And now to show off my new found knowledge, I will post a link to Holidays on the Net so you can check out the "Wacky Holidays" too! It was really hard, but I made the effort and was nice to a child today. Acadia and I went out to the park where I pushed her on the swing and we played ball. Whew, I'm glad that's over with...I don't know how much "nice" I can be in one day! :wink:

Ryan continues to work diligently on our bathroom. He is hooking up the plumbing to the bathtub now. Which means that we have no water right now. And won't for a couple of hours. Let's hope this doesn't turn into the same "couple of hours" it took to replace the toilet. :lol:


Since we are without water, we're thinking that the girls and I will go to Sweet Tomatoes for lunch.:lick: For those of you in Califonia, it is very much like Fresh Choice. An all-you-can-eat salad bar with other things too like pasta, pizza, soup, etc. I'm going for the salad! It is really yummy! And we have a coupon, so it's even better! :thumb:

Hyperlinks

I have (finally) learned a little about HTML so I can make links!:thumb: I learned by using this tutorial. Thanks Mom for sharing it on.


Oh and I also learned how to:

1. make lists
   
   • ordered
   • unordered
   • nested
   • definition
2. make tags
   
   • boldfaced
   • italics
   • underlined

Cool, huh?

Wacky Holidays

Today is "Walk On Your Wild Side" Day! Acadia is honoring that by watching The Lion King 1 1/2. We rented it this weekend and she seems to be enjoying it. :thumb:


It is also "Look Up At the Sky" Day. The sky is BEAUTIFUL today! We are having wonderful weather (yesterday was one of the warmest on record...maybe THE warmest) and we are loving it!

Happy Walk On Your Wild Side and Look Up At the Sky Day! :lol:

Easter Weekend

Well! Our weekend was BUSY!!!


The first thing I did on Saturday was to wake up at 3:45 am to call Walt Disney World to make reservations for Cinderella's Castle. I got through and learned I was a day early! So I went back to bed.

Later that morning I headed out to our church building to watch a broadcast of Sister Hinckley's services. Unfortunately I didn't know that they were being taped to show later. Instead I found a breakfast for non-members in our area. Another ward's missionaries were providing a pancake breakfast and they had over 100 (I think it was something like 160 or 170!) visitors there! They had finished eating when I got there and they were watching a video about Christ, the Atonement, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. Cool. Good job Oakhurst Ward!

So instead I ran to the store to get ready for Easter. Then I remembered Acadia needed shoes to match her new dress, so she, Debi, and I ran to the mall. Then home again to cook and clean! Acadia's job was cleaning the backyard so Easter Bunny could hide eggs there. Then she accepted an invitation to play at a neighbors so I could get more done! The house got a "make-over", kind of a Spring Cleaning thing. Then there was a a lot of food to make. When Ryan got home from work we were just finishing up with the cleaning and a little cooking. Then we made Resurrection Cookies. Acadia went to bed and (Stupid Me!) I stayed up to watch a movie with Ryan.

EARLY Sunday morning (3:45 again!) I called WDW back and got the priority seating at a GREAT time!!! So on Saturday, July 10 @ 8:20 am, we'll be eating breakfast with Cinderella and some of her friends! :thumb: Then I went back to bed!

I rose again early to quickly get ready for when Acadia would be waking up and sure enough as soon as I finished, she was waking. She had fun looking at her basket and searching for eggs. We also ate some resurrection cookies and fresh fruit. Yum!:lick:

Ryan and I ran out to choir practice, then I needed to be at church extra early for a welfare meeting. Church was nice, the choir sounded really good. And when all was said and done, we were back home getting last minute things done in time for a family we invited to come over.

Dinner was nice: Ham, cheesy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, couscous salad, rolls, juice, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. It is so nice to have everything done the night before! We really enjoyed the whole day because everything that could be done was finished before I went to bed on Saturday.

After our friends left, we played a couple games together then hit the sack. I was exhausted! And even dreamt I was exhausted! But I slept well! :sleep:

Today is a new day. Dishes are being done, floors and laundry are next. I think I'll hit a store or two to get clearance prices on some leftover Easter things: egg dying kits, little toys, stickers, etc...

My thoughts are with my mom and extended family in Fort Bragg as today is Gordon's funeral services. Marci told her daughter (2 1/2 year old) yesterday the Daddy was dead. Rachel got mad at her mom because "she knew that Daddy wasn't dead, he was just in the hospital". Marci is trying to decide if she should let Rachel see his body. Tough call. Tough times. Our prayers are with them.

We hope your Easter was "Hoppy" :wink:.

Uncle Gordon

Yesterday my uncle, Gordon passed away after a long battle with cancer. My uncle had a strong testimony of the Savior which he shared with us as a Chirstmas gift shortly after learning he had brain cancer.


My uncle had a beautiful singing voice. I was blessed to accompany him as he sang a special musical number at church during one of our family reunions. So in memory of Uncle Gordon, here are the words of the song he sang:

How Great Thou Art

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy pow'r thru-out the universe displayed;

Chorus:

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!

When thru the woods and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze,

(Chorus)

And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin,

(Chorus)

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim, "My God, how great thou art!"

(Chorus)

Easter Tradition

Okay, so I hesitate to post this because Mom did on her blog...and I don't think anyone visits my blog that doesn't visit Mom's blog...but there are people who have been invited to visit my blog who may someday do so....so here it is...


Resurrection Cookies

The cookies are really delicious, and making them as a family is a great way to experience the Easter message. Read the whole recipe before beginning....try to do it together Saturday night before Easter Sunday.

Preheat the oven to 300º.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup whole pecans
3 egg whites
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vinegar
1 pinch salt

YOU NEED:

mixing bowl
wooden spoon
Bible
zipper baggie
waxed paper
cookie sheet
tape

Place the pecans in zipper baggie and let the children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. read John 19:1-3

Let the children smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. read John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.  read John 10:10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. read Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and to belong to Him. read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 11-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleaned by Jesus. read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by tsp onto waxed paper-covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27: 59-60

Put cookie sheet in the oven. Close the door and turn the oven OFF . Give each child a piece of tape and
have them seal the door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matt 27:65-66

GO TO BED Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were
in despair when the tomb was sealed. read John 16:20 and 22

On Resurrection Morning open the oven and give everyone a cooke! Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection Day, Jesus’ followers were amazed ot find the tomb open and empty. read matt 28:1-9

HE HAS RISEN! HALLELUJAH!

Easter Cookies

Today we went to play group and decorated Easter Cookies! :lick: Acadia ate the ones she decorated. I'm trying to be good :tape:...I figure I'll make it at least long enough for Ryan to see how cute they are, then we'll all share them! Here's a picture of how they turned out...

I love a good holiday!

Woohoo! Today is No Housework Day! :thumb: Now this is the kind of holiday I can really celebrate! (Although I did start the dishwasher this morning before I saw what day it was!:lol:)

Photos from hiking in the gorge.

Yesterday we went hiking in the Columbia River Gorge. This was the first hiking trip of the year that we did as a family. It was fun. We went with another family and the kids all had a great time. We had a picnic lunch afterwards.


Here's a photo of our family with LaTourell Falls (I think I spelled that right) in the background.

Here we are hiking along on the beautiful, lush, green trail.

This is a picture of the upper falls. I really like this waterfall! I love how it takes a turn on the way down.

We love living here in the Northwest. It is just too beautiful for words!

Sister Hinckley

LDS Living News:

Marjorie Pay Hinckley, wife of President Gordon B. Hinckley, passed away at her home at 5:05 p.m. on 6 April 2004. President Hinckley and other family members were with her at the time. She died of causes incident to age. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced later.

Identified by her husband as the lodestar of their family, Marjorie Hinckley gently guided her children with faith, intelligence and humor. Her happiest role in life was that of a supportive wife and mother.

I love President and Sister Hinckley and tonight my prayers are for him and their family.

Coloring Easter Eggs

Last night we colored Easter Eggs...here are some pics...

We had fun and now we have lots of colorful, yummy hard-cooked eggs to eat this week! :lick:

Just for you, Debi!

Today is National Workplace Napping Day! :sleep: So Debi...Go For It!!! :thumb:


It is also National Tomb-Sweeping Day (in Taiwan)...uh, okay...Does my kitchen count? I can sweep that. :lol:

Snippets from Conference

Okay, if you read my Mom's blog, then you'll get this next sentence... Miriam, don't make me ban you!!! :tape:


We just had a WONDERFUL weekend. It was General Conference weekend and we were blessed to hear a prophet of God speak to us. He and other general authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints addressed the members of our church - and the world. Here are some of the notes that I took:

Make the Gospel not just an influence, but a controlling influence in your life. - D. Todd Christoppherson

The Gospel will be more than just an influence in your life, it will be what you are. (When you are truly converted to the Gospel.) - D. Todd Christopperson

Each person must find and finish their own story. - Gail N. Cling (I didn't catch spelling, might have that last name wrong, but I think she is in the Primary Presidency.)

We have trials because Heavenly Father loves us. The purpose of trials is to qualify us to live with Heavenly Father. - Henry B. Eyring

We must not just endure, but endure well. - Henry B. Eyring

Pray before, during, and after our trials. - Henry B. Eyring

The Lord chooses imperfect men to teach the way to perfection. - Thomas S. Monson

"Those lessons learned in the home, last the longest." - Thomas S. Monson

Learning their history unifies a family. - Russell M. Nelson

"Fruit detached from roots cannot long survive." - Russell M. Nelson

"Abide in me" translating "abide" means "stay forever in me". - Jeffrey R. Holland

4 Steps in the quest to gain a testimony of Jesus:

1) Desire to know
2)Study to Learn
3)Live to Merit
4)Pray to receive it

(Along with #3 - live to merit, one who does as He (Jesus) says, knows who He is. - Keith B. McMullin

Debt is a form of bondage - a financial termite. -Joseph B. Wirthlin

Too often spending is governed more by yearning than earning. - Joseph B. Wirthlin

It is better that a plastic credit card perish than a family to dwindle and perish in financial debt. - Joseph B. Wirthlin

Don't put yourself in a spiritual "dead-spot". - James E. Faust

Satan is working overtime to enslave the souls of men. - L. Tom Perry

Family is the part of your life that will continue beyond the grave. -L. Tom Perry

It is all a test. (Earth life) Without sufferings, we cannot be made perfect. Great challenges make great men. -Dennis E. Simmons

Know who you are and what you're supposed to do. - Julie B. Beck

A stable home and family is the safest place and best protection. - Boyd K. Packer

Fear is the opposite of faith. -Boyd K. Packer

We chose good from evil during the war in heaven, why do we sometimes betray that same choice here on earth? - Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

"We are the end-harvest of all that has gone before." - Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

No one had the power to take the Savior's life - He GAVE it! - M. Russell Ballard

If we truly understand the Atonement, we should be seeking out wayward souls. - M. Russell Ballard

Do not let our children's choices weaken our faith. Parents are never failures when they do their best to love and teach their children. - Robert D. Hales

"No family has reached perfection." - Robert D. Hales

"Begin now to create a home they will want to return to." (referencing the parable of the Prodigal Son) - Robert D. Hales

The fall (of Adam and Eve) was not a mistake but part of the Plan of Salvation. It was a necessary step in becoming like our Heavely Father. - Bruce C. Hafen

Christ's plan is developmental - line upon line, precept upon precept. - Bruce C. Hafen

We must give everything to the Lord, our "almost" is not good enough. Afterall, even our "all" is still only "almost" enough - until it is coupled with the Atonement of Christ. - Bruce C. Hafen

If you choose to concentrate on dark things, that's what you'll see. - Richard G. Scott

We can live in happiness amid increasing evil. Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Richard G. Scott (referencing Paul)

May our prayers become expressions of thanks. - President Gordon B. Hinckley

Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket!

Today we were playing Poker. (Just for fun Mom!) We decided to use Debi's M&M's (the speckled Easter Egg ones:lick:) as our "chips". So we were playing and having a grand 'ol time and then...............................................................

OH YEAH BABY!!! That's a Royal Straight Flush!!! Only the highest hand you can hold!!!

Just to put it in perspective, here are some statistics:

Total possible hands in Poker: 2,598,960

Total possible straight flushes: 40

Total possible royal straight flushes: 4

AND I GOT ONE!!! I will never in my life have as good of a hand! I was dealt a four straight flush and picked up the last card. Your chances of picking up that last card is 46-1. heehee

Yeah, and then I went on to win the game! :thumb:

And I swear, we don't usually play Poker at all and have never used "chips", M&M's, or other forms of betting before. Come on, Mom, even you would play for chocolate! Now we are eating the profits! ;)

Girls Night

Last night Debi and I decided to do facials. Ryan said he would do it too! So...

This last one was blurry, but we were having fun, so I'm putting it up anyways. :thumb:

Today is...

Ruth's Birthday!  :)

April Fool's Day!  :)

Lupus Alert Day  :talker:

So, Happy Birthday Ruth! Happy April Fool's Day Everyone! And I love you Miriam! I would alert you, but I think you are already aware...:wink:

Personality Test

I took an on-line personality test, here are my results...


MENTOR
(Submissive Extrovert Abstract Thinker )

Sariah

Like just 6% of the population you are a MENTOR (SEAT). Some would call you the most powerful and influential of all people. Those people are wrong.

The reality is that you DON'T really WANT to impose personal views or beliefs on others. Yet you are extroverted and intelligent, and you like to get involved. So you help others with the pursuit of knowledge.

You're the reason that people say "teachers are also students." You are as much a learner as a master, and this satisfies you.

You won't die a lonely death, but towards the end you'll grow introspective, wondering if your life meant anything. This will last for decades, and you'll die after your spouse. :sad: