Nothin' like Mama's cooking

Recently we got to feed the Elders dinner. We try and feed them once a month because we like having them in our homes, and we like to give them near-impossible challenges such as: (1) Make sure the lesson somehow relates to pirate kings. or (2) Can you find a way to compare the Atonement to trains and teach our kids about it? Somehow they always rise to the challenge and it is inspiring (and entertaining) to hear what they come up with.

We had a special Elder who helped us to move a few months back so we decided it was time to thank him properly. His companion had already been transferred, but Elder Roberts has been in our ward for several months. We were hanging out on the driveway one afternoon, playing with sidewalk chalk and swatting at mosquitoes when the Elders drove by our house and stopped to talk for a few minutes. I asked them what they wanted for dinner in a few days, and of course they had no preference. So then I asked them what was their favorite recipe from home. Elder Roberts told me it was his mom's Hawaiian Haystacks, and the special Top Secret chocolate cake recipe that has never left the family. 

So then I asked for his mom's phone number so I could get the recipes.  She was happy to oblige, and even gave me the Top Secret chocolate cake recipe!

Here is a picture of the Elders eating dinner. I know 18-20 year old boys can eat. But MAN, did Elder Roberts EAT! We actually had no leftovers of the dinner, but we had some cake left so we sent it home with him. Tanner still hasn't forgiven me for this act of charity, but nevertheless, it was not our cake to keep. And it made someone happy. Thanks for all you do, Elders!

School Kids

School started for us, and it was a BIG deal this year. First off, because I REALLY needed it to happen when it did. Because every day was starting to look like this:

1st School Kid: Tanner

Age: 5

Grade: Kindergarten

This was the First Day of School breakfast. French toast with whipped cream!

Tanner has been so excited to start Kindergarten! He met his teacher at Back to School night (ice cream social), and he has two friends in his class that he already knows.

2nd School Kid: Sam

Age: 3

Grade: Preschool

Sam was so excited to start preschool, he simply could not celebrate with Tanner on his first day because he wanted it to be his first day as well, instead of having to wait 24 WHOLE HOURS for his own First Day celebration. The look on his face says it all as we were getting ready to drive him to his first day of school.

3rd School Kid: Karina!

Age: Is this question relevant? OK, I'm 31.

Grade: Post-Grad

It may not seem like a big deal to many, but I was SOOO excited for my first day to take a class of my choosing! With both kids in school on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, I simply could not pass up the chance to go myself! I am taking a music theory course at the local community college.

4th Kid (Not a school kid): Jason

Age: 33

Grade: Does it matter because he is working hard to support our family! And yes, I forced him to make this face. Because it makes me laugh.