We have decided to make 2010 the year of improvements. I know we are a month behind on making new year's resolutions, but we have received the inspiration and motivation we need to make some changes around here.
First! We were
inspired by a story we saw on the news about a lady who plans her families meals for a year.s That way she know exactly what is coming and can prepare for it. She knows exactly how to shop the sales at the grocery store because she knows the exact amounts of everything she needs. We are going to try it out. We wrote down the meals that everyone likes and side dishes to go with most of them. We will put them in order and rotate through. I am gathering all the recipes for these meals and putting them all in one place so when it is time to cook I have everything in one place!! I am also going through all the food magazine we have to find some additional recipes and copying them into my new recipe notebook. I am pretty excited about this new plan! Figuring out what to have is half the battle, so we're already partial winners in that sense!
Second! Being inspired by a Martha Stewart magazine to try a new project, I have completed my first scarf. Needle felting is a lot of fun!! I can't wait to make another scarf for me (Jason claimed this one) and one for Paisley. I'm really excited to think of other fun needle felting projects I can do!
Third! Our fifth Sunday lesson was all about the family finance section of
providentliving.org. We have decided to crack down and make a better attempt at budgeting. Our current budget is sad and needs a makeover. This also relates to our first project of planning our meals ahead of time.
We are really excited to crunch some numbers and figure out a better system!
Fourth! Fixing things!! Our water softener hasn't work in about 2 years (shocking it lasted that long, can you tell how old this thing is?? hint: older than me!)) The water here is HARD!!! We all are very dried out thanks to our hard water. We were preparing ourselves to have to buy a new one, but the wonderful repair man came today and was able to fix it!! That really made our budget happy! We look forward to losing the itchy feeling that came from our super hard water.
There are a few other projects we have going on and perhaps they will be a different post. We look forward to improving ourselves and our household. It feel refreshing to make improvements!! We know we are behind but welcome 2010 we can't wait for more of you to come!!
So Jessica Day threw another epic fiesta, this time - instead of Seinfeld and Friends as inspiration, we harnessed the power of John Wayne, Woody (the rootinest tootinest cowboy in the wiiiild wild west of course) and Jessie (his female counterpart.) And here are the results:
Happy Birthday to the best mom, grandma and great grandma ever. We love you!! Hope you are having a great day. Happy Birthday to Haylee too!!
Our friend Megan (Stevenson) married Jason (brother of Troy) Card this morning.
Recipes and demonstrations were given for Crescent Rolls, Orange Rolls,
The best part, according to some, was that all were available for unlimited testing at the end of class.
It's that long looked forward to time of year - the Chinese New Year and the celebration put on by the Mountain View Ward.
As always, the food was good and plentiful.
The entertainment was... well... entertaining.
This was 4 months after I met this cute boy. (Our ward had a winter snowball dance) What a stud muffin! I love love love him!
Of course I would have taken a picture with that cute boy Robbie but I am also glad I took a picture with this lady! Who knew we would actually be related some day! Plus look how fun we are. Just thought I would share!
Dear Fam, I recommend you update to Firefox 3.6. Click the above and follow the prompts. It may take about 45 seconds. (To Bad - Macs N/A )
Elizabeth after she helped me make Red Velvet Cupcakes for Valentines Day.
Matching at church for Valentines.
I love these kids.
Dallin's parents surprised him and came to Portland for the weekend. We had a wonderful visit and one of the highlights was visiting the Pittock Mansion. (Mom and Dad you would love it.)
You college Cornwalls may be particularly interested in this -
Monday night we spent family home evening visiting with the Hoopes because Taylor had arrived home that afternoon. We enjoyed Elder Hoopes' company again this morning when he spoke to the seminary classes. He did an awesome job, has a very interesting accent, and a testimony to match his enthusiasm for life. Glad you are home safe Taylor!!
There are a few other projects we have going on and perhaps they will be a different post. We look forward to improving ourselves and our household. It feel refreshing to make improvements!! We know we are behind but welcome 2010 we can't wait for more of you to come!!
Living in this little or not so little belly is an adorable baby.
Who was very sleepy when we first took a peek into its little home.
Still very sleepy.
It was early in the morning so we are a little sleepy but we were very excited.
He got this very cute Red Sox onesie from Grandma and Grandpa Zeller!
We of course went shopping with a purpose after wards. This of course was very fun!
