Happy Birthday, Dylon!

We celebrated Dylon's second birthday with gifts, cake and chaos. Due to a rainstorm, the party was moved from the park to my home and the kids were darting around like spider monkeys on meth. But it was fun and Ashley made a great chocolate cake.

Doesn't Dylon look happy with his new toys?

In a rare moment of calmness, Kindra, Dylon and Diego surrounded me for a picture. I'm glad none of us actually looked at the camera.

High Fashion

Friday night, Kelsee presented her fashion line from her fashion institute class. Her dresses were very detailed, beautiful and elegant.

Nora, Dalin, Mick, Paige, Sarah and Cassandra were the models for the evening.

Kelsee said, "It was so freaky and hopefully I will do better next year."

(I thought she did GREAT!)

Cassi did all the hairstyles for the fashion show. She's pretty amazing. Plus Laya's a freaking doll!

(Also, thanks to Tom for the pictures!)

Brownie Points

This recipe makes some really good, dark, yummy brownies. Just be careful to not overcook as they can dry out easily. Enjoy!

Great Company Brownies

3/4 pound butter--melted
2 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
1/2 c. cocoa powder
5 eggs
2 cups brown sugar
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
pinch salt
1/2 c. nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 x 13 pan.
Melt butter in a saucepan. Add 1 3/4 c. chocolate chips and stir until melted. Add cocoa to melted mixture and set aside.
In separate bowl, beat eggs and brown sugar. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Mix in butter-chocolate mixture and the remaining 3/4 c. chocolate chips and nuts. (Some nuts and chocolate chips may be saved to sprinkle on top of brownies before baking.)
Spread into a prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.

M-Day 008

Kelsee and Mckenzie brought me breakfast in bed for Mother's Day. It consisted of strawberry crepes with cream, bananas and strawberries with cream, sugar toast (without cream) and a mint chocolate chip milkshake with cream. I am currently operating at a 124% glucose level.

Even Pubert the House Mouse got into the spirit of things and brought me flowers. However, Kelsee said something to Pubert that provoked a terrifying attack.

Luckily, Kelsee survived and came in to tell me good-bye before she left for work.

P.S. Then I went downstairs

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Mom is the best. She's put up with me for. . . well, for many years now. And she still likes me! (Usually.) So here are some of the reasons I love my mom and why I'm so grateful for all she does for me:

1. She taught me to love reading.

2. She forced me to take piano lessons.

3. She went to ALL my dance recitals.

4. She made raisin bars for me, even though no one else liked them.

5. She showed me how to make strawberry jam.

6. She taught me that money does NOT grow on trees.

7. She made homemade bread with warm melted butter.

8. She let me drink Coca-Cola when I was sick.

9. She loves me--even when I screw up.

10.She showed me how to love being a mom.

So thank you, Janet Skipper, for being the best mom in the world! (Your macaroni necklace and pencil holder is in the mail.) LY

Pennsylvania Adventure

During my recent business trip to the happening place of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, I stayed at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem (above) complete with ghosts and a rich tradition of overheated rooms. I had no desire to meet up with one of the resident ghouls but my co-worker, Paul, tried to bait the ghost in order to photograph him/her. No success. Did I mention Paul was crazy?

After surviving the stay at the Amityville Horror Hotel, I spent a couple days seeing the sights in Philadelphia. The picture on the left is a view of Philly from the steps of the art museum. The building on the right is Philadelphia City Hall. The city was beautiful, but the headboard in my room at the Four Sheratons was the most hideous thing I've ever seen. My eyes are still crossed from staring at it.

Ryon's Baby Blessing

Today was Ryon's blessing. We went to Brenton's family's church in Grantsville for the blessing and the kids were very interested (obviously) in having their picture taken. Another baby was blessed and given the name Skye Walker. Cool.

After the blessing, Ashley showed us the house they hope to move into at the end of the month. It's in Grantsville and has a HUGE yard (notice the treehouse in the front tree). They're very excited--especially for the dishwasher!