Pumpkin Time

Last Friday night our ward had a talent show that included a pumpkin dessert contest. Of course, I had to play the piano (as much as I hate to perform I did it anyway) and Tyler played 'Give Said the Little Stream' on his nose whistle (don't ask). Both performances went well but the highlight of the show was Cambria deciding that she needed to dance to every kind of music played. She, of course, stole the show. After the performances, the missionaries (all four of them) were invited to sample all of the pumpkin desserts to decide which one they liked the most. I was very surprised when they announced my pumpkin bars the winner. (The recipe actually came from my mom who got it from Elizabeth Shaver). So, if you find yourself in need of a great pumpkin recipe I would like to share...
Pumpkin Bars
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 cups pumpkin
1 cup oil
1 cups flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together sugar, eggs, pumpkin, and oil. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; blend until smooth. Pour into a greased jellyroll pan and bake for 20 minutes.

Frosting:
3 ounces cream cheese
1 stick butter or margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
Cream all ingredients together until smooth. Spread frosting on cake when completely cool. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

His First Day

Today was the day. He was so excited but nervous at the same time. He wanted to make new friends to play with and to paint. He met the teacher yesterday and saw where he would hang his coat and go to the bathroom. Last night he slept well, but was up early this morning asking if it was time to go yet. Then the time came; we got our shoes and jackets on and drove to the designated place. We got out, he was a bit timid but anxious holding my hand as we walked to the door. I knelt to give him a hug and to reassure him that I would be back to pick him up, and then he grinned big and said "Bye, Mom!". I was totally unprepared and surprised as the tears welled up in my eyes as I turned to go. I was not going to let him see me cry, but I bravely turned for one last good-bye wave and then he went inside. The tears started to roll down my cheeks as I got in the car and continued all the way home. Preschool is a big deal...something I didn't understand (even though I taught preschool and kindergarten) until today. A big deal because suddenly I can't control everything that comes into his life, I can't be there to make sure he's happy and feeling loved, and I can't be there to influence good choices. It's a very different picture coming from the side of a parent. He's my precious baby who is quickly growing up. While Trevor was gone, Cambria asked me four different times "Can I go to school, please?". I think she really missed him, just like I did. He had a great time and even though I surprised myself with tears, I realized that this is something he's ready for and something that will help him grow. Way to go, Trevor!

New Adventures

It's been awhile since I've updated our family news...and we've been busy. Starting the first of September I got my nose stuck in the 'Twilight' series books (enough said) and was quite obsessed with finishing all four in a couple of weeks. (Its a good thing they are a quick read) Of course I couldn't just be...I had to teach Relief Society one Sunday and then do a fireside for the youth in our ward the next Sunday. Between keeping up on the Twilight saga and planning my lessons, I threw food at the kids and let them destroy the house. (Not really that bad, but it was bad enough that Tyler asked when I was going to be finished with THOSE books.) Then Tyler decided to take last week off from work so he could install a new sprinkler system in our yard before we put down new sod. Now my house has little mud trails all over from Trevor going out to "help" dad and then deciding he wants to come in to play with Cambria (and we live in Oregon so of course, it rained). That brings us to today and despite the crazy-ness and kids crawling all over me I totally enjoyed conference. The kids are growing up so fast! Ethan sits up now and throws tantrums when anything is taken away from him, Cambria said the prayer at dinner all by herself (she's not even two yet!!!) and Trevor starts Pre-school on Tuesday. Yep, things are a changin' fast...

And She's Off...

This is a sad week in Salem. Rachael (my sister) left for BYU yesterday with the truck packed to the gills and her room a lonely, empty sight. We went over to feed the cat and water the flowers and Trevor kept saying "Mom, Rachael's gone to college and we won't see her for a very long time." Thanks Trev, for the reminder. She was there crying when I left over 12 years ago and now we (the kids and I) were there crying when she left. The circle of life I suppose.{sigh} Anyway, Good luck Ray...we love you and knock 'em dead! Go Cougars!

5 Months and Counting

It's amazing to me that Ethan is already 5 months old! I feel like I just came home from the hospital wondering how I was going to manage 3 little kids. He is such a great baby other than he won't take a bottle. He smiles all the time, sleeps through the night (most of the time), and isn't demanding at all. Trevor and Cambria entertain him, he's fine sitting in his walker or bouncer and loves to have someone talk to him. (We have great conversations at night; Tyler can hardly get a word in edge-wise). He's a gushy, squishy cute little guy that I can't get enough of on some days. The photo shoot we did with him was fun because he gave us lots of funny faces and smiles. These are some pictures that I like the most...

Scripture according to Trevor

Tonight for FHE we were talking about the story of Nephi building the boat. Trevor was looking at the picture and thinking for awhile and then he said "Nephi was telling all those people to build the boat for Noah so he could go to the zoo to get all the animals". Tyler and I looked at each other and tried not to laugh because he was so happy with himself for figuring it all out on his own. I am grateful tonight to have the purity and innocence of a child as my constant companion because I am reminded what matters most and to try to see things a little differently. Oh yes, we will also be clarifying the story of Nephi building the boat to try and understand what really happened.:)

Trevor's Haircut

Today I decided to be brave and cut Trevor's hair myself. I know many of you are thinking no big deal...but I'm a chicken and a perfectionist (not a good combination when you are trying something new). He was starting to look like an Ewok from Star Wars and I couldn't stand it any more. So we went out in the garage with Tyler's new clippers and scissors and went to work. After much screaming and crying (he doesn't scream and cry when I take him to Great Clips) this is our result. Not bad, huh? There are a couple of spots that I messed up on but I don't think they are super noticeable and Tyler is happy that I saved $10 by doing myself. Oh, and by the way, Tyler survived his week long trip with the Teachers/Priests in our ward. He said the rafting was fun, shooting was a little hairy, and the cave exploration (splunking) was the best of the whole thing. We're all glad he's back safe.