The best reason to buy an iphone

This has actually sparked some interest in me. It looks awesome!

http://gizmodo.com/5062569/windows-mobile-running-on-an-iphone

SHOPPING!!!

Unfortunately for Joe, we braved the outlet mall today. I generally attack The Children's Place with mom, but..... I have to say, I think we did very well. We purchased 11 pairs of pants, 6 shirts, 2 pair of p.j.s, 6 pair of socks, a robe, and a belt for.... $125. While Joe does not comprehend what a truly amazing deal this is, I think most of the rest of you can look past the sticker shock and see how really cool I am! I am so proud. We also went to Costco. That is always fun until you have to pay for it. It was a really fun day, but now I think I shall sleep for the next few days.... HA.

For those of you I haven't been able to speak with, an update. Joe has his surgery to remove all those extra intestines (he is special!) scheduled for December 19. While this does not allow him to come to the reunion, it does keep him from having to take 2 weeks of his vacation time next year. Yeah for vacation time! The kids and I will still be attending. No, I am not leaving him unattended, (how cruel do you think I am?). Yes, he will probably still be in the hospital on Chloe's birthday. What do you do.... cake in the hospital! Yes, he can eat it.

I met with my doctor on Thursday and he wants to fix me almost as much as I do. He has requested two tests. One to check my pancreas (apparently similar symptoms), and an hour long picture taking of my kidneys. This test will show how much work each of the kidneys are doing. If the left kidney is less than 20% he will probably be willing to remove it. Otherwise..... we won't go there.

Other than that, life is super! Even with that, life is super. I was reading this week of a new drug being introduced to elementary school kids. It is a mix of heroin and something else. Anyway, they made it look and taste similar to pop rocks candy. They give it out, kid eats it all and either overdoses and dies, or is addicted. People are calling in bomb threats to schools everywhere. One elementary school evacuated only to have snipers placed on the roof ready for them. Why do I tell you this? To say hurray for home school. I too think we have come to a time when we must return our focus to our homes. We better control the environment, teachings, and overall standards. To Marquie who attends public school, you are a true shining example of Christ to those stuck in this crazy world. Be strong!

Happy Happy happy! Love you all!

I'm the Winner

While I had no intentions of visiting mom and dad before March here I find myself, so I just have to gloat that I am the first to visit!  Yippee!  

It is a lovely house with plenty of space for the boys to play.  It has been a delightful visit so far and I'm looking for it to continue.  Now I just need to find a way to do something fun.  Somehow they landed themselves 1 hr from DC and 2 hr from the temple with no hope of public transit.  Hmmm. . . we may need to rethink this.  I would still like to go to the zoo and the temple and see some fun things . . . maybe tomorrow or Thursday or if I'm really patient I'll wait until this weekend.  I think it is time to start planning and I promise to take some fun pics!  I haven't heard from anyone in awhile.  I hope you are all doing well even if you all seem to be sick.  We're praying for you!

HOMECOMING

Yes, everyone, homecoming was amAZING!!!!!!!! I just thought I would share some of it with you. Aren't they pretty flowers? I sure think so!!!!! :D It was SUCH a lovely weekend!!!

Sacrilege

I did a bad thing; a very bad thing.  I modified the German pancake recipe and eliminated almost 30 points from the recipe.  Yes, I think in points; is there a problem?  The plus side?  They were STILL delicious.  I was quite afraid about the potential results, but I held on for dear life and said a little prayer that our Saturday night breakfast wouldn't be ruined.  On the contrary, it was delicious, and quite a hit with the boys at their first German Pancake experience.  Here's what we had (and yes, Dad, you can still eat these):

• 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
  
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp.? salt (whatever the recipe says)
• 3 eggs
• 6 egg whites

Make it as usual.  When you cut it into 8, they are 4 points each (instead of the 8 they used to be!)  I dare you to try them.  They still rose high, they still sunk back down, and they were still eggy and delicious.  I enjoyed them plain, as is my long-standing favorite way to devour them.  Having not had them for so long, I couldn't tell any difference at all.  They were a little less yellow, but the flavor was right on for me.

By the way, why do we call them German pancakes?  And from whence did they come into our family?  I must know!

now for my pictures

we worked really hard for this picture! these 2 are WAcky-Tacky Day
lovely, isn't it?
Decade Day above!!! 80's!!! It wasn't amazing, but I tried!
above: 3 friends! haha
You all are going to think i'm crazy, but I had so much fun with this! It was homecoming week, so of course all sorts of crazy things happen....:D

moms pics

see? she's doin' it!!!!!!!!
AH! in our yard! that white thing, that's our front porch!
somewhere down the road. :D