It's that time of year!

Since I'm strictly prohibited from posting pictures on facebook, I certainly didn't mention there were other places I could put them.

Friends

This is what happens when you aren't a child and you aren't a teenager - just that middle schooler wanting to trick-or-treat but not old enough to go out to the all night parties.   I actually had to talk Rachel into a party because she didn't know what she wanted to do since we're not keen on Sunday trick-or-treating  and I'm totally not keen about the older kids parties.   She got to have five of her nicest friends to come to a party and sleep-over.

They actually slept

It is cold and flu season and I found myself fighting a cold for the past two days and maybe I regretted a little bit having screaming, running around the house -kids, for the night instead of a quiet book or watching TV...........

After breakfast

But it was totally worth it and so much fun!

Worm and dirt - Yummy! Courtsey of Alyssa

You are only a kid once and I love having my last kid being a kid!

Pomegranates

Pomegranates... just the name renders up images of soccer, fall, Thanksgiving around the corner!  Regg brought us over a few with his fresh fruit run today, yummy raspberries, strawberries and some pomegranates.
In past years when we came home from soccer games on Saturdays, a man would always be on the corner selling his pomegranates until his three trees fruit was gone.  We would try to get there early because they were big and delicious.  He wasn't there last year and the store bought are not as ripe, big, or sweet.
Rebekah and Rachel were at the table tonight dicussing the merits of the best way to harvest the seeds.  Rebekah preferrs the more rapid approach while Rachel likes to pull out each seed without squirts or pop outs.  Rebekah scooped up a spoonful with a "Uh huh, but look who's eating them now?!"  Rachel said she would enjoy each one.  Being the last child, Rachel has learned how to protect her own and when her dad came in the room she put her hand up and said a firm, "No." before he could get a word out.  While we are all laughing she picks up her cup in one hand and the plate with peelings in the other to throw them out.  Not leaving even a chance of pickings for anyone!  She enjoyed ever one.

Donna elopes and I get praise!

New chapter in my sister's life

 On October 9 my sister Donna and Parley Estes got married.  They have known each other for quite a while and thought about marriage for many months, then his brother planned to get married on the 8th and when they saw all the family traveling from Texas to Utah they thought why not join them?
So after the reception they announced they were getting married tomorrow and everyone who wanted to stay could see them get married.  Luckily for our side of the family we had three days more notice.
On Wednesday when I heard there would be punch and cake I talked it over with Laura and asked why people would think of sweet things first and wasn't there something else that could be served that would be more exciting and delicious.  Yes, and
Boy did she come through for me!
Chicken and Cashew Croissant Sandwiches and a Spinach Artichoke Dip  (I'll post both recipes in just a bit - you'll probably want to use them sometime!)

So on Thursday I ran over to Costco and Winco and got ingredients and Rachel, Rebekah and I set out early Friday morning, got there in the late afternoon and then helped set the reception and fell in bed that night.  Got up early Saturday to see Donna and Parley married, had lunch with Nate who had come down on Friday from Rexburg and Andrew who came by bus from Provo that morning, and Rachel and Rebekah who were already with me.  Then that night we helped finish setting up the reception and enjoyed meeting with family and friends - the kids had fun decorating the couples car with whipped cream, oreos, balloons etc.
When I got to the kitchen, it was obvious that others thought the same as I as there were fruit baskets, nuts, rolls and other food to go with the punch and cake.
 In the clean up and reflection process I got numerous complements on the sandwiches and especially the dip - Thanks Laura! - quite a few family members wanted the recipe.

Victorian theme

Sisters helping Donna get ready

Just about there!

Life is good and here's to the new couple!