Easy going Sunday

You know you had a good calling when you feel a little bit sick when it's over. Today was the first Sunday either of us can remember not having a church duties to work on---minus the weeks of just moving into a ward because it's still a little overwhelming and getting to know people is a full time calling in itself. It was so nice! We slept in (I mean caught up on much need z's) and when Natalie heard us talking in bed came to join us. Here's a few pictures. Hmmm...who wins the Perky Award?





Even though it's nice to have a little hiatus, I MISS OUR FOUR LITTLE SUNBEAMS TREMENDOUSLY! Relief Society was great, but I couldn't help wishing I were singing Primary songs instead. Here are a few of my favorite lines: "Hey, what's that big bump?" (thank goodness I am actually pregnant) and "I hope I get a sister for Christmas!" and after a 15 minute quality (or so we thought) Sharing Time about Joseph Smith the only response to the question what was something good that he did was "Guess what? I like to go pee-pee in the toilet." Three and four year olds are delightful! What I miss the most...having a calling with Jared and getting to spend time each week preparing together and then teaching our little class. Mabye I can sneak him into Relief Society...


Here's our little helper after setting the table by herself.

carrot cookie memoir

My dad's mom is a great lady. She may even be one of the first to read this because she's one of those people that are up to date on all that life has to offer including technology. Not very many people can say their grandma is internet savvy!

Well, this is a memoir about carrot cookies (maybe I should just write an ode). A memoir because it's my own memory and perceptions. As I was making a batch this afternoon, these thoughts came to me. Grandma makes carrot cookies---really good carrot cookies. I first remember them as a freshman in college during a family reunion although I probably had them as a small child. Maybe I was particularly hungry so they tasted especially good, I'm not sure, but they were the best ever. I've since made these cookies countless times never achieving the same perfect sweet goodness. So, here's my theory: grandma has a secret carrot cookie recipe. This is why...grandpa loves these cookies too! One day I walked into grandpa and grandma's kitchen to find grandpa on his hands and knees pulling out a secret stash of carrot cookies hidden behind some canisters in the bottom left hand cupboard next to the fridge. Honestly, he looked a little bummed to have been discovered. I like to think my grandma has a secret recipe just so she can be the only one to make them just right for grandpa. Everyone needs a secret something only they can make for the one they love most.
Here's a picture of a carrot cookie fresh from the oven---I couldn't resist a bite.

And, since this is a multi-generational recipe (grandma getting the recipe from grandpa's mom which makes me wonder if she had her own secret something...) and since it's my theory it's been a little tweaked, I've added my own secret change, too. These cookies are exceptional with a lime glaze.
Here's the recipe for carrot cookies:

Grandma's Carrot Cookies
3/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1 c. carrot cooked and mashed
2 cups flower
2 tsp. baking powder
salt
1/2 cup coconut
Mix ingredients together. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. These cookies do not brown.

Sorry to disappoint you, but you'll have to experiment with the lime glaze part on your own because after all, that's my secret. :)

Being safe around things with wheels

My mom sent Natalie a book about being safe around things with wheels---buses, bikes, roller skates, cars, etc. Very informative and a current favorite (after Alice the Fairy by David Shannon). Anyway, we were reading this book together and she said "Look me! I getting on the bus wear yellow backback." Then she said "Look, there's you! Pushing baby sister!" (We're working on that...) A page later, "Look, there's daddy on motorcyle!" It's actually us, too.
Obviously a lot of good all the information about what to do, or not do, did. Either that or it just didn't stick, because we found her doing this last night!