put these in your cookie jar

 My friend Lori made these cookies for me several years ago.  I use the term "cookie" loosely, because they are really more like little cakes.  You honestly have to try one to appreciate how good they are.  

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 c. butter (liquified)

1 c. pumpkin

1 c. sugar

1 egg

1 t. milk

1 t. vanilla

2 c. flour

2 t. baking powder

1 t. baking soda

1 t. cinnamon

Mix these ingredients well and then add...

1 bag chocolate chips and mix

Use large spoon and drop batter onto greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 for 12 minutes (touch and if cookie springs back, they're done)

I triple this recipe and it makes about 6 doz large cookies. 

Happy Halloween Eve!!!

p.s. You'll want a large glass of cold milk to go with these.

i love this mime

Gregg got me a new camera for my birthday, and I cannot seem to put it down.  Sierra modeled her halloween costume for us tonight before going to a party.  She decided to be a mime (she's saving her face make-up for the real deal).  We were all surprised by this decision.  Anyone that knows Sierra knows that the prospect of her being silent for more than thirty seconds in highly unlikely.  But right after announcing her costume choice, she also stated that she was going to be a "rebel" mime, breaking all protocol, and talking as much as she wants. That decision was not a surprise, she is the third child after all, and she and "protocol" have never gotten along very well.

go, go, go

When people ask me what I do, my usually response is, "I'm a 'stay-at-home' mom",  and "grateful for the privilege."  I decided today though, that a more accurate response to that question would be, "I'm a 'stay-in-the car' mom", because, dear friends, that is where I seem to spend most of my time lately.  I wish I had more time to blog, but Gentry has a guitar lesson, and the driver's seat in my Yukon is beckoning (again).

a challenge

For our fhe last night we watched this talk from our church's general conference entitled, "Be Anxiously Engaged."  It was given by Elder Ballard.  I had an opportunity to meet Elder Ballard a few years ago.  As I extended my hand to shake his, he responded with a smile and warm hug. He is an incredibly kind man. After  watching this beautiful message, we decided, as a family, that this coming week we would do something that Elder Ballard suggested. It's a simple challenge, but I believe that sometimes the most amazing things can happen through simple things.  The challenge was this, "In your morning prayer each new day, ask Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of His precious children.  Then go throughout the day with your heart full of faith and love, looking for someone to help." Do you ever just have that happy feeling something good is in store? That's how I feel about this challenge.  I'm confident that Heavenly Father will direct our family to great opportunities this week.  

  Our visit with Sadie this weekend was entirely too short.  But, getting to see her, hug her, and "mom" her for a few days was enough to get me through to thanksgiving.

She loved being home and dropping her off at the airport was rough, but I know she's having experiences that are meaningful and important for her to continue to move forward in her life.  Funny little fact:  Sadie has been 5'2" since she was fifteen. I am 5'4".  When she walked off the plane, we were both shocked to find that we were (literally) seeing eye to eye.  She has grown at least an inch and a half (ok, she'll probably tell you two!) since she left in August....weird!  

a break

A little speed blogging here.....the kids had fall break this week,  so we headed to my in-laws cabin in the mountains near Flagstaff.

And posting these pics is all I have time to do right now, because our oldest child came home from college today for a very short forty-eight hour visit. All four of our kids will sleeping under the same roof tonight, and for two short days, all four quadrants of my heart will feel like they're in the right place again.

sadie

I really need to hit the grocery store right now for my Saturday night run.  But, dang it, I hate grocery shopping.  It's one of my issues.  I don't know why.  Maybe it's just the whole ordeal.  Having to come up with some kind of list. Hitting all the isles. Loading. Unloading. Putting everything away. Seriously one of my most unfavorite tasks.  Solution....stall 20 more minutes and type this blog post.  

I've had lots of people ask how Sadie is doing in college.  My response is usually something like this,

     She is loving the social part, and trying to figure out the academic part!

Gregg and I are hoping, eventually, it will all balance out.
  I thought I'd include a few pics of her experience so far.

BYU vs. Oregon State (Tonight)

BYU Blue foam fight (Sadie is front and center)

Imagine Dragons concert in Salt Lake

LDS general conference last weekend

Sadie will be home in one week.  When I asked her what she wanted me to cook for dinner (she is getting vey tired of dorm food) she  responsed, "Chicken Crescent Roll-Ups".  Funny, I thought it would be steak and mashed potatoes.  And speaking of funny, I hope you enjoy this little video, Ultimate Dog Teaser.  Sadie and I were quoting it tonight.  It's one of our favorite.  I may be easily entertained, but it always makes me laugh.