First Tooth!

Breaking News: Joshua lost his first tooth this week. He has been wiggling it for about three weeks now and it was hanging by a thread, so Travis decided it was time to pull it out.


He was so proud and is already saying his other teeth are loose!

Thanks Sisters!

I just have to say Thank You to my sisters for representing my babies in such a wonderful manner on their blogs. See the following as proof that sisters are so wonderful (and my children really are the funniest!!):

Aunt Mary #1
Aunt Mary #2
Aunt Lorraine

Love Ya!

My Cooking Philosophy:

This is how I approach cooking: a little inspiration, some tweaking, and a lot of luck.
For example, Lorraine and her family were visiting last week, and we had to cook up a casserole for dinner.
Step one: Look through a great cookbook for some ideas.
Step two: See what you have: Chicken, shell pasta, frozen broccoli, and cream of mushroom soup.
Step three: Search personal recipe data base: Broccoli, chicken, and rice? no rice; Tuna noodle casserole? no tuna; Chicken Tetrazzini? no spaghetti.
Jackpot! A new recipe is born: Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole!!

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2-3)
Shell Pasta (8 serving box)
Frozen Broccoli (about 16oz)
Cream of Mushroom Soup (32oz can)
Sour Cream (about 6oz)
Milk (3/4 cup)
Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, divided)
Chili Powder (1 tab)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Cook Pasta on stove, according to package instructions. Cook Chicken in Microwave, cube, and place in casserole dish. Cook Broccoli in Microwave, and place in casserole dish. Add Cream of mushroom soup, milk, some cheese, pasta, chili powder, salt and pepper. Combine ingredients thoroughly (should be thick, not soupy). Sprinkle with remaining cheese, cover and bake at 350 for 30 min.

Enjoy!

What is it?

It's Caleb's 3rd Birthday!!
Joshua gave Caleb the PJ's (a favorite pair he has outgrown).
We decided to make Bug Cupcakes:

How Caleb has grown in just 3 years!
October 2008: 2 years old.

May 2007: 8 months old.

September 2006: Our brand new baby boy.

We love you Caleb!!!

A return Missionary, a Birthday, an Anniversary, and Kindergarten!

What a week it has been! Who would have thought the end of August could be so jam-packed with excitement. I have so much to talk about, I don't even know where to start.
Daniel returned home from serving a Mission in Minnesota. We were so excited to see him. I cannot believe it has been 18 months since he was with us while we blessed Claire. Most of the family came home to see him. Heather, Allen, Eva, Evan and Garin, Lorraine, Jack, Ellen, Jack, and Rose, David, Chelsea, Bentley, and Blake, and William were all here on Sunday to hear him speak in church. We also had a little frozen yogurt pie to celebrate my 26th Birthday. It was so great to see everyone, and the 11 grandchildren had a great time being together.

Thanks for coming to play with us everyone!

I would also like to introduce Mary's fiancé, Luke Mott. My kids just love him!

And Caleb just had to dress up as a clown while everyone was here.

On Monday we took Joshua to meet his Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Sustala! He started school on Wednesday, I and Travis's 6th Anniversary. What a great day he had at school! Mean while, I got a hair cut, and did a little shopping! Thanks to MOM, Daniel, and Mark. Travis and I celebrated on Saturday with dinner and a movie, courtesy of Mary's work :)
This past year seems to have flown by so fast. We have grown so much and learned so much, too. One example of the amazing changes going on here are in my sweet little Claire. She has really become her own little person.