Happy Birthday Scott!

This is the birthday party I missed Avery's for...

My friend Scott had a birthday October 30th too.
Chris had a little party for him at his house.

We ate cake {carrot cheesecake that is}
Chatted
Had hot chocolate {from the coco motion}
Watched a scary movie {The Haunting in Connecticut}

It was a fun time!
Happy Birthday Scott!

I was getting ready to take pictures of Scott when he blew out the candles...Chris thought it looked like we were just on a really awkward date. It sort of does.

That's better!

Chris loves frosted candles...

Scott and a bunch of girls...where are the boys?!

Happy Birthday Avery!

Friday October 30th was Avery's fifth birthday.

I had a birthday party for a friend that night {call me a bad aunt} so I was not going to make it to her party. Instead I took her to get some Yogurt Stop that afternoon. It was so much fun to spend a little time with just her. She is such a sweetie. I love her so much!

Happy Birthday Aves!

thanks for spending the day with me!

I think I might just make it a tradition to take my nieces and nephews out on a little date for their birthdays. Too fun!

Halloween 2009

I have never been the biggest fan of Halloween. It is maybe my least favorite holiday. But for some reason, every year I feel like I have to go somewhere fun and be something clever. This year a few friends had planned to go to the cabin, mostly to not have to do the Halloween thing. We found out it was our Stake Conference and people decided we should stay home and go to conference.

Here was my dilemma. No costume, and nowhere to go. I found out there was a party at a friends house so that took care of one problem. I wanted to be something way cool, but ended up being a regular witch. I tried to glam it up with some jewelry and make-up so it ended being pretty fun.

First dad and I went to Kristy and Ben's house to catch some of the Utah game and eat some Cafe Rio. All the kids came by too so it was fun to see them.

After that we all got ready, met and my house and headed out to some parties. First we went to Jared Bryson's house. It was fun. Lots of people, steamy cider and lots of well thought out costumes. After that we went to the U to check it out. Not my scene. It was a dance. I don't dance, and I am not eighteen anymore like ninety percent of the people there. We stayed for a bit. Then we left and met some people at Village Inn for a little late night treat.

Overall it ended up being a fun night! Happy Halloween to you all!

{Cherie . KaDee . Me . Liz . Annalyse . Kathryn . Rebecca}

{Me and Liz}

{KaDee . Me . Kathryn}

{Me and Sophie}

{Me and Marcos}

{Me and Carrie}

{a little creepy...}

{Me and Jared}

{Me and Chris...I think he is trying to get released from EQP...}

{Me . Chris . KaDee . Kathryn . Annalyse}

{Chris and KaDee}

{Chris and Mark}

{Me and Mark}

Service

Monday night for FHE we did a service project. We took coats around to people who needed them that have come to America from Iran, Iraq, Nepal and other countries.

I decided that night I need to do more service. It really makes you grateful for what you have. I have so much and I am thankful for it, but I feel like I become so comfortable with my life that I don't really realize what it would be like to go without.

These people we visited have next to nothing. They are so thankful for us giving them an old worn coat because it is the nicest thing they may ever own.

Some darling little boys were helping us find the apartments in one of the complexes that we were assigned. There was a little food truck, like an ice cream truck, but ethnic foods driving around. We thought it was a little bit funny. I offered to buy the boys a treat for helping us out. So I walked over with these three young boys who maybe had not eaten all day, and one named Abdi says to me, 'this is kind of expensive.' I got a little bit nervous for a second because I only had twenty dollars cash. All three of the boys ordered some chip type things with lemon and sauce on them. The total was $4.50. It broke my heart. A treat for $1.50 was 'expensive'.

They loved the treat and were so thankful for it. I want to be more like them. Overjoyed with the simplest things.

Another complex we went to we gave some things to a family and the sweet lady offered juice to us all. We think they only had one or two glasses, and juice is probably a delicacy for them, but they were so happy to get what we gave them and have us there that they were willing to give us all they had. Just to show their gratitude.

I am going to try and find somewhere I can do service on a regular basis. I need that in my life. It is so good to humble me and teach me what is really important in this life.

I am so thankful for this opportunity I had. It was amazing

too many in the car...we were safe though.

me and Brett. So happy to serve!

Utah vs Air Force

Ryann and I went to the Utah game on Saturday. It was fun! It was fun to hang out with Ryann. We do not do that enough since she got married.

It rained just enough at the very beginning to get us wet and cold for the rest of the game, but that's what football season if all about!

After a long rough game and overtime, the Utes actually pulled off a win.

Go Utes!

Thriller

Friday night me, Liz, KaDee and Rebecca went to see Thriller at Kingsbury Hall. It was so much fun! This is something I have always wanted to do but just have not ever gone. I am so glad I did! I loved it! The dances were amazing! Things like this really make me wish I was a dancer.

{We went and had some delicious Market Street before}

{then off to the show}

{I loved the zombies outside}

{I want to be one for Halloween}

wanting to try these

Whisk:

1 1/4 cups cake flour

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

Fold mixture into dry ingredients. Melt some butter in skillet over medium heat; pour in 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Cook pancakes about 3 minutes per side and serve with butter and syrup.

There are a few syrup ideas that can work. A maple with butter and a touch of cinnamon. Or there is a cinnamon cream syrup, that is dreamy with these pumpkin pancakes. Here’s the recipe:

Cinnamon Cream Syrup:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup water

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup evaporated milk

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water and cinnamon. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes; stir in evaporated milk. Serve warm.

Let me know if you want to come over when I try these! I just have got to get done with this semester and then I can actually cook again. {although I will find time before then to try these out} Here's to December 8th. Not sure it can come fast enough...