Kids look cute in the MORNING

Ever try to take a picture of your cuties after church or school? It never seems to work out. I found that out last easter with a chocolate covered dress after primary! Anyway, it never ceases to amaze me that the school picture people find the best time to take pictures of my kids to be after lunch; when, quite frankly, may be the least cute time of the entire day. Hair is a mess, faces are food covered, and clothes, well- good thing for oxy clean. I guess they get you by forcing you to buy the pictures before they let you see them. I'm a rebel and just don't buy those. I'd rather spend my money on professional pics. Anyway, here are a couple of pre- school shots on picture day I took to appease myself. Kaiden and his toothless grin got a kick out of me trying to get him to smile!

Food storage, industry, and pie...

I made my first trip to the church cannery last week and I must say it was a lot easier and more fun than I thought it would be. We canned some extra apples, so I thought I'd try some and see what I could do with them. After all, the point is to use the products in my food storage. Mainly, I was wondering if it might be possible to make an apple pie- Tony's love only second to pumpkin pie and perhaps me- (that still tasted great) out of those already peeled and sliced apples... So I rehydrated them and made some delicious warm apple juice with cinnamon and sugar out of the water I used for the rehydration (kids loved it). Then on my- yes- store bought crust- I layered the apple slices with cinnamon, sugar, and a little slice butter. Another pie crust over the top, sliced a pattern, brushed with milk, and sprinkled with sugar and baked until golden. How did it turn out? Fabulous! I'm so excited that it was actually good. Easy as brownies, I swear. Kelsey loved helping and I mean it, it really did turn out good!

A special thanks

A shout out to thank everyone who has been so helpful in offering information on how to help our little guy. Today I walked back into the kitchen where Kaiden sits to do his homework and found this. He was reading, had completed his whole homework packet for the week, and was drawing what he felt about the story. The biggest plus? Look at his face! He was doing his HOMEWORK with a smile!!! No tears at all this week with homework. Once he noticed I took his picture he looked up to give us a smile. I can't get over it- homework done, still actually sitting, and a smile to boot.

Aren't they beautiful???

We got our license today! We couldn't be happier and are so excited for the day the little one(s) join our family. It may take years, but we're now ready whenever they are!