I AM SO SORRY TARA!

To my dear little sister Tara--I AM SO SORRY! You asked me so nicely to make you a Buche de Noel and I did not. But, because you made me want it so badly, I made it after you left! I'm evil, I know. But, I want you to know that I tried that new recipe and it was the best Buche I've ever had and so I will make you one as soon as I can find a way to get it to you. Here's what it looked like: (The secret was in the cocoa--Hershey's now makes Special Dark Cocoa--it makes everything better!! Buy some if you can)

She's Walking!

This should have been posted a long time ago (the video is from Dec 28) but, yes, Eliza walks! She started walking as soon as she got over her double ear infection in December. Funny thing about that though--we know she's getting a new ear infection when she can no longer walk. :) But she's all over now! Trying to keep up with Xander and Ben & I. I just love watching my kids grow up!!

Family Pictures

Here's a shot of our Webster family done by Jared Paulsen. You can see more at: http://www.jaredpaulsenphotography.blogspot.com/ He did a fantastic job--I LOVE the one with all the grandkids on the tractor! Thanks Jared!!

One of those sounds...

I heard the worst sound the other day...it was the sound of Xander's head hitting my parents tile floor. Yep, it was bound to happen--don't all family gatherings have injuries?? Apparently he was running to Ben and slipped as he was jumping into dad's arms. There was very little blood (odd for a head injury) but a very large bump. After getting him calmed down we tried our best to ice it. Knowing there isn't much we can do, we kept our eye on him. He was doing ok until dinner when he threw up. We called all our nurse/doctor friends and they said to monitor him some more. This morning, he woke up and threw up again SO Ben and Xander got to take a trip to the ER. Diagnosed with a slight concussion --the bump, that was larger than a golf ball, is getting smaller and Xander is getting back to normal. Ben and Xander passed the time in the ER singing Christmas carols and were home within an hour and a half of dropping Eliza & I at my folks. I can't imagine the pain that my little boy was in--he's doing his best though to enjoy his cousins who he loves so dearly and we are trying our best to let him do so. I can't say that I haven't been extra protective though... :)

Eliza's New Favorite

Eliza is quite the dog lover. While visiting Ben's folks anyone became Eliza's best friend if they took her to see the dogs. She still goes to our sliding door and barks. Maybe someday Missie Moo!

The Polar Express

Christmas Pageant

Ben's family has always read the Luke 2 Christmas story at their annual Webster Christmas party. As they read through they've sing Christmas songs (Silent Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem, etc) to go along with what is currently happening in the story. Last year (since the kids are getting older) they decided to start having the kids also act it out. Xander got to be Joseph this year and he took his job VERY seriously. Mary was played by Rowan. This was the only shot I caught with my camera before switching to Dad Websters SLR. :)

Christmas at the Ranch

We visited the annual Glendale Christmas at the Ranch again this year and had a fantastic time. In fact, I (Wendy) even got a massage while Ben played with the kids--FANTASTIC! We decorated gingerbread men, played in the snow and won candy playing games. Good times were had by all!

I'm gonna miss this!

Yes, it is true, I am going to miss my toothless wonder!
It's just so cute when she gets that big grin on her face!

Jingle Bell Hike to Santa

One thing I will definitely miss about Glendale, AZ (there aren't many) are all the activities that the city puts on!! There are constantly things going on around here-it's fantastic! Yesterday was the "Jingle Bell Hike to Santa." We wanted to go last year but it was rained out so were really excited for it this year. Since it is finals week though, Ben wasn't able to go (ok, he actually had a final at 8 am that (Sat) morning--EWW!) but we were able to get our friends the Smiths to join us. The actual hike to Santa was only 2/3 mile but Beth & I estimated we probably did closer to a mile with the walk from our parking spot. Anyways, it was a beautiful morning and we climbed up a great rocky path and found Santa at the top. The path was all rock so I backpacked Eliza and Xander did all the walking on his own! All of the kids were given a bracelet or necklace with jingle bells to jingle on their hike--I think that that was Eliza's favorite part! The kids were so excited the whole time and SO well behaved--especially considering it was a 45- minute wait once we hiked up.
When Xander finally got his turn on Santa's lap, he was asked, "What do you want for Christmas?" Xander looked at him and said, "a candy cane." And Santa said, "is that all? Do you want any toys?" And Xander said, "Just a candy cane." So, Santa handed him his candy cane! And boy, what a happy boy he was!! Especially since Mommy let him eat it right away! Ahhh, the simple things in life!!!

Christmas Cookie Exchange

I randomly decided to do a Christmas Cookie Exchange this year. I LOVE baking during the holidays but in our tiny kitchen, I get really discouraged. So, I decided to get everyone involved. I invited lots of friends and asked them to bring about 2 dozen of their favorite holiday cookie/treat. I even was able to get our complex to let us use their clubhouse so we could have more space! (And I didn't have to clean my house!!! haha) The evening turned out FANTASTIC--we had quite the assortment of treats and everyone went home with more than we should have!! :) I will definitely do this again!!!!!


The kids enjoyed the party too because we turned on "The Polar Express". They were so distracted that they didn't realize that there were hundreds of cookies right behind them!!! :)

It's Christmas Time!

When we arrived home from San Diego, I had a sudden realization that if I did not decorate for Christmas quickly, we would not decorate for Christmas. I mentioned this to Ben and he lovingly reminded me that his finals started that week and that he would be unavailable. So, Xander and I went to work! Xander was such a great helper--especially with the tree. We received a fake Christmas tree from Ben's brother's in-laws when we moved and so Xander organized the limbs by their letter so that I could assemble the tree. Here are some shots of my favorite big boy helper:

Tag Along

Need I say more?? This is our little "Monkey" or at least what I see every time I look down.

Thanksgiving 2008

What a whirlwind weekend! We drove to San Diego for Thanksgiving again this year--so fun! (Not the drive, but the being there) The best part about it was getting to see our newest little niece--Lainey Grace! She's such a sweet baby and did not mind being passed around too much! (Or grabbed by her overexcited cousins!!)

Thanksgiving itself was DELICIOUS! I made Webster rolls and was in charge of pie crust. The rolls and the crust turned out fantastic. Too bad that the person who made the pumpkin filling forgot the sugar!!! The day was not ruined though--once we figured it out, I scooped out all the pumpkin filling and stirred in some powdered sugar (someone suggested powdered because the granulated sugar would be too grainy) and a little honey...and it turned out ok. The pies were edible and disappeared shortly thereafter. We had a lot of fun with Kayley's in-laws, the Krages and their kids and dog, Wrinkles. And they were so gracious and let us stay at their house again!

A definite shining moment was when Uncle Jake arrived from Michigan (he was there with Tara for Thanksgiving). Xander was a little unsure why Uncle Jake wasn't with Nana & Grumpy but he flew in on Friday and when he woke Xander up from his nap (YEAH! He took a nap!!) it was quite the reunion. Through very groggy eyes Xander said, "It's...it's Uncle Jake! It's Uncle Jake!!" And flew into his arms and wouldn't let go for awhile. A very emotional mommy (ok, tired more like it since Eliza did not figure out how to switch time zones and we were up at 5 AM every day--or maybe it was because she was on the verge of the double ear infection she is now fighting??) got a little teary to see how excited her son was--I never realized that someone so young could actually miss people--but Xander sure does!!

Some other activities while there included: a trip to Balboa Park--what a beautiful place! We even got to go to the model train museum. Ben & I got away on a date and hung out with Nicci & Steve (Nicci and I are friends from High School) and we went to the BEST Italian restaurant. We knew it was going to be good when the waiters & everyone there spoke Italian. :) I also ran away and finally went and bought a new pair of pants!!! YEAH!! I also got to see another good friend, Sandy, for lunch on Saturday...we got back all the way to 6th grade!! Fun Times!!

Lainey was blessed on Saturday evening--a beautiful blessing given by her father and then we left Sunday morning. Xander summed it up best as we were leaving:

Xander: "Dad, I forgot something."
Ben: "What did you forget?"
Xander: "Something"
Ben: "Xander, do you want to turn around and stay with Aunt Kayley longer?"
Xander: "Yes, Dad. I don't want to go back to my small house."

All in good time buddy!!! :) Happy Thanksgiving to all & May you enjoy this holiday season!

Phoenix Zoo--Daddy's First Trip!

IWFC organized a trip to the Zoo today and Daddy was able to come!! YEAH! It was the perfect day for a zoo trip--the weather was awesome. In fact, we've never seen so much of the zoo or the animals be so activie--it was great! We only snapped one picture--and here it is. Yes, our trip was on game day and so we were sporting our true blue colors (look at the hats). We joined some friends to watch the game later that day and I can't say we were too sad that we missed the end due to a school activity.

4 years ago today--It's Official

4 Years ago today was the most beautiful day in Oakland, California. Of course I am biased but it was a perfectly clear November day and from the top of the LDS Temple you could see all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge! There was a light but pleasant breeze and the temperature was just right. Just look at our pictures & you will see!!

Ben & I drove to the temple holding hands (what a faux pas!!) while my parents drove. We got all settled in the temple and were joined by lots of our family & friends. We got married!! YEAH! We had a reception that night and then we left for the Thanksgiving break. (We were in our senior year at BYU--not much time to party!!)...our real Honeymoon has been on hold BUT will take place in May 2009 after graduation!! YAHOO!

4 years later, 2 kids, lots of moves and no settling yet we are happier and more in love than ever. Ben is my strength, my best friend, my lover, my studly defender and so much more. Even when I have hard days, he knows how to bring a smile to my face. He has a song for everything or makes one up if he can't think of one. He treats me better than I ever think I deserve. He's everything I've ever wanted & so much more. I love growing up & old with you Ben--I love always and in all ways!! XOXOX Happy Anniversary!!!

I've Been Tagged

I love you T-- :)

8 Shows I like to watch (Ok, I watch TV once or twice a week but here's what I check up on)
1. Biggest Loser
2. Numbers
3. House
4. Price is Right
5. Law & Order: SVU
6. the News
7. CSI
8. 11th Hour

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Balcony Bistro
2. Rice Express
3. Elephant Bar
4. La Bou
5. Lenny's Burgers
6. My Brother Vinny's
7. Visconti's
8. Costa Vida/ Cafe Rio, etc

8 Things I Did Yesterday
1. Swam at the gym
2. Made Sourdough French Toast
3. Cleaned kitchen & living room
4. Read the Ensign (Conference Edition)
5. Went to Enrichment (church) dinner for woman
6. Visited Becky & Colton
7. Read Stories
8. Took a walk w/ the kiddos

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To
1. My anniversary tomorrow
2. Thanksgiving w/ my sis & her new baby!!
3. Ben's finals to be over for the trimester
4. Finding out where Intel is sending us!
5. Christmas in Folsom
6. Graduation in May!!
7. Trip to the Canary Islands in May!!
8. Leaving our tiny apartment!!!!!!!

8 Things On My Wishlist
1. a sewing machine & lessons on how to use it
2. new clothes since I've lost all the weight I gained with Xander & Eliza--yes, I'm back to my pre-baby weight!! YAHOO!
3. A good book & time to read it!
4. Time with my hubbie
5. a yard for my kids to play in
6. a drive way or garage that I can park my car in
7. a better memory
8. time with some old friends!!

HAPPY #3 XANDER!

This is only the beginning of birthday celebrations for our little "goofy". And I'll let the pictures talk for now--I'll write about it later...ENJOY! (His actual b-day is on Monday).

Clothes

I'm a clothes hoard. I'll admit it. But this has been a sad week in my closet. My favorite pair of jeans (ok, they were bought in 2002), my favorite khaki pants (given to me by my roommate before she left on her mission in 2002) and my favorite flip flops (bought in 2001) have all gone the way of the garbage can. I've been to several different stores to find replacements--and can't find anything. Does anyone need a job as a personal shopper?? If so, I'll hire you! Or if you really love me, sign me up for one of those "Make-over Mommy" or "I can't believe you still wear that!" shows. :)

Time Out for Couples

For our anniversary present, the Websters sent us to "Time Out for Couples." It is an evening (sans enfants) put on by Deseret Book where couples go to "hear messages about strengthening families and marriages." Ben & I actually met a couple of our friends there and we had a great time. Here are some of the things I learned (or re-learned) that are important for our marriage.

1. Express gratitude each day
2. Prayer is a window into your spouses heart--pray aloud with your spouse daily; The single most important thing you can do for your marriage is pray together morning & night.
3. Be willing to be humble
4. Make your spouses happiness more important that your own
5. Embrace your differences and use them to compliment and create the perfect package/team
6. Lower your expectations
7. Receive unconditionally
8. How you deal with your spouses imperfections will greatly affect your marriage

The speakers (Mark Mabry, Richard & Kathleen Walker, Douglas Brinley) were awesome and Peter Brinholt did several musical performances. The best part of the night (hands down) was when we won a $50 gift card to Deseret Book! YAHOO for us!!!

Also, for any of you Arizona people out there--why aren't there any creamery's or ice cream parlors around? (Like a Leatherby's?? Even Cold Stone??) We really wanted to go out to ice cream afterwards and could NOT find anything! It was really sad when we ended up at Jack in the Box for one of their "hand" scooped milkshakes....

Ahh, but THANK YOU Mom & Dad Webster for the gift...it was truly refreshing!

Holy Yum Batman!!

A few weeks ago an old college buddy of mine wrote about a dinner that she said was "Holy Yum Batman." The dinner? Well, she made it in a pumpkin. For those who know me well--know that I love trying new things and a good challenge in the kitchen and since she had posted the recipe I thought I'd try it...and it really was "Holy Yum Batman!" Ben and I are so excited to beef up this recipe--here's a shot of dinner and our little Eliza who ate pumpkin after pumpkin after pumpkin (yup, you serve the pumpkin, like squash, with the dish).

Eliza is such a good eater--she is still toothless but enjoys exactly what we are eating--she does NOT like too much baby food. She's devoured dishes such as: Sweet & Sour meatballs, Tuna Casserole, Chicken Pot Pie, Potato Soup, Pumpkin dinner, Oatmeal w/ apples & raisins--and of course her favorites: bread & cheese. :) I wish Xander were such a good eater!

Not everyone should vote...

I'm so sick of hearing the media push 'everyone' to vote. No, I'm not suggesting that we institute a poll test of any kind to decide who can and can't vote--rather I'm suggesting that people only vote who do so responsibly. We already encourage people to drink responsibly, drive responsibly, parent responsibly, etc. etc...so why not only encourage people to vote who do so responsibly? Should you vote for a bond when you don't know what a bond is? Should you vote for a proposition when you know no more about it than its title? No...no...no. But we only hear the cries for people to go out and vote, nothing about casting an informed vote. If you cast an informed vote that counteracts mine, that's fine--it's my responsibility to persuade you otherwise. But if your vote is based on a 30 second sound bite you saw/heard on MTV or SNL or even Rush Limbaugh...that's irresponsible and makes a mockery of the entire process. The scam is that the outlets who push 'everyone' to vote know perfectly well that they're encouraging uniformed people to go and do their bidding...not what's best for society. Voting may be a right, but it is also a responsibility. Uniformed voting, at the end of the day, is as dangerous as a drunken stupor, as reckless driving, and as child neglect. The individual impact may not be as visible, but the impact on society will be as great or greater over time. So, if you're going to cast a vote--do so responsibly.

Jack

Here's is our little "Jack". No, we didn't make him in time for Halloween (it's becoming a tradition!!). This time though I waited because 'J' week was the week after Halloween, so I just waited until then. :) Xander had lots of fun cutting up the pumpkin--and Ben and I, who have never used the cheat sheets before, were amazed at how easy pumpkin carving can be!

Halloween Activities

Halloween was a crazy holiday down here in the 95 deg weather! Phew! We had lots of parties to attend (I know, it stinks to be so loved) between IWFC, church and friends but we had lots of fun and collected LOTS of candy. And I know candy isn’t good for you BUT I am grateful that everyone gave Xander so much candy this year! BECAUSE we decided it was time to really focus on the potty training. Thus far in his life, we’ve let him call the shots but he’ll be three this month and so it’s time to get serious. So, I’d like to announce that he has been in underwear for a week and is doing VERY well! YEAH! (Who wouldn’t if they got to pick candy out of a pumpkin every time they went to the toilet??!) Anyways, we also had lots of fun dressing up: Xander as our little Thomas the Tank Engine and Eliza as her Pebbles & Prisoner. I don’t have the pictures of her as a prisoner—that being her night costume as it was too hot to wear during the day—because I used a friends camera but I’ll add them when I get them. I am also grateful for the invention of EBAY since I’m not very crafty and I won the Thomas costume!! And I’ll have to give a shot out to Mrs. Opie from the Folsom Sea Otters who made Eliza’s costume for me in 2001…and as promised, I’ve added the picture of me in the same costume…Blah! Don’t be blinded by the white stomach…all right??

Tolmachoff Farms

Thanks Katie & Spencer for inviting us! We had a great time at the Farms on Halloween--despite the 100+ degree weather! The farm had lots to offer but the winning favorite was definitely the box that was filled with corn--the kids loved rolling around in it! It was hilarious! We tried out the mini maze and had duck races and let the kids just run around--oh to have space! Seriously though--great fun and great friends were made!

My Political Musings....

In recent discussion with several people I have finally found my political voice so, since this is my blog, please excuse this digression from our regular family pictures and stories.

On the way home from his leadership retreat Ben was discussing politics with a fellow classmate. His (the students) question was, “When there is much more pressing issues at hand, why do we have to be fighting the marriage definition fight again?” Ben replied, “I agree. In these times, there are more pressing issues. Therefore, the status quo should continue. But since it is not, we must fight for what we believe in.”

Here are some of the many reasons why I am voting for Proposition 8:

-I believe marriage is ordained of God. (Hear me out). Marriage was a religious institution. I would rather government get out of the marrying business, stop the tax breaks for married people, and let marriage be a religious institution again than have it redefined to meet the needs of a minority.

-Proposition 8 is not about “RIGHTS” it is about “PRIVILEGES”. Marriage is not a RIGHT. It is a PRIVILEGE. Everyone has the opportunity to marry—Prop 8 will not take away that right. It will only uphold certain standards of WHO you can marry. It is a slippery slope once we start redefining words. (Anyone remember reading the book, 1984??)

-Proposition 8 is on the ballot AGAIN (remember 2000 and Prop 22 a proposition that passed 2 to 1?) because the CA Supreme Court found that the Constitution must allow homosexuals to marry. My friend Robert put it best: “The Court simply felt that their personal preferences were superior to the democratic process and ruled for a "right" that they made up out of whole cloth. Back away for a second from the specifics of this case. Try to forget that this question is and has been a hot button issue all over the country. This ultimately comes down to who makes the rules in this country. Do the people through their elected legislators (and in some areas like California the direct Proposition process) make the laws? Or do 9 people sitting behind closed doors (or really 5 since that is all that is needed for a majority) get to make up any rule that they feel is appropriate? If a majority of the Supreme Court ruled tomorrow that they found an emanation from a penumbra of the Constitution that required taxes to be 75%, would you still think that this was a good way to make laws? What if they decided that parents would not be permitted to raise their children, and that the State would be taking every child away form their parents? Sound ridiculous? Yes actually, it does look ridiculous form where we are today. No judge could possibly be that far divorced from reality. Did that emanation of a penumbra business a second ago sound silly to you? Unfortunately I am not totally making that up. Those were approximately the words used by the US Supreme Court 25 years ago to invalidate the will of the people and legalize abortion all across the country. Again, back away from the specifics of Roe v. Wade. It doesn't matter whether you support abortion or not. The important question is whether or not you think that judges can decide that their personal preferences should be the law. Maybe you think that abortions should be unlimited and that any two people should be allowed to marry and have their relationship approved of by everyone. I will never say that your political opinions are invalid, you are free to have them. But should your opinions be forced upon everyone, regardless of how laws are supposed to be made? If Roe v. Wade or the more recent California decision regarding gay marriage were never taken up by the courts, and the proper processes were followed to legalize abortion and gay marriage through the legislatures, I would not be so upset. I still wouldn't agree with them, as is my right to having my own opinion, but if they were the legitimate law of the land, I would see them exactly that way, as legitimate. But since, as happened, a few men and women in black robes came and said "We know that these positions would never be supported by the people, so we are going to make them into law anyway," I will fight them as long as there is breath in my body. We cannot have unelected judges dictate the law to us. Even if you agree with the ends, think about the precedent that is being set. The courts five, ten, or a hundred years from now may not agree with you, or the majority of the voters in our democracy. The merits or problems with abortion and homosexual marriage and every other important issue should be decided through the democratic process. The courts have a role that is very valuable. They prevent the democratic process from being abused. But if the judiciary continually abuses their authority and usurps the legislature, everyone loses. You may not feel like you have lost yet, especially if recent decisions have gone you way, but just wait until your rights are trampled upon by the courts. Who will be there to defend you then? Whether your support or oppose gay marriage, I hope you will join me in opposing judicial tyranny. The Courts need to be firmly told that, while they have a valuable place in our political process, abuse of their power will not be tolerated. This will not be the end of the fight but rather the beginning. We have a long way to go to fix our system, but I believe that it is one worth saving.”

Now, this Presidential election has also been very difficult for me as I (once again) feel like I have Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum to choose from. But as I understand that either a Democrat or a Republican will most likely win, I am forced to choose between what I feel is the “lesser of two evils” than who I really would want as President of this country that I love. Here are some of my thoughts:

-I cannot support a man who has come out against the Constitution. I believe the constitution was an inspired document. (see: The Divinely Inspired Constitution, by Dallin Oaks @ www.lds.org).

-I cannot support a man who believes in the redistribution of wealth. I believe that there are times when people need help getting back on their feet BUT our current system already allows for people to live off of this “help”. And I know why—who wouldn’t want $430 a month for groceries for a family of 4? That’s a lot of money and we can buy the best of the best foods.

-I cannot support a man who so fully supports abortion. I absolutely agree that there are times when abortion should be considered—abortion should be upheld as in Roe v. Wade, I am not calling for it to be overturned. However, with more than 40 million abortions performed per year (Maria Cheng, “Abortion Just as Common in Nations Where It’s Illegal”, Salt Lake Tribune, Oct 12, 2007) it is obvious that it is used for more than needs but instead as a form of birth control. Which I do not agree with.

-I cannot support those who believe in bigger government. I am tired of politicians—it is a career—it is their life. (ok, both candidates fall into this category of being career politicians but at least one wants a little less government)

-I would vote for the first person to say, “Enough with the campaigning…I’m going to take the MILLIONS of dollars I would have wasted on it and give it the poor or to help the current economy.”

-The Economy? Guess what, it’s part of the ebbs & flows of life. When Ben & I got married, everyone said, “BUY, BUY, BUY.” We didn’t have the money to buy a home but they told us to take out an interest only loan—we didn’t. A lot of people did. That was their choice. I, personally, am glad they did it because they messed the housing market up so bad that we will be able to afford a home when Ben starts work next year. So, thank you! Is there a plan to fix it? Absolutely, but I do not think it is in socializing medicine or adding more government fix-it programs.Personally, I’m in love with MBA’s—find someone who knows something about business and I bet they could fix it faster and more efficiently than almost any politician…oh wait, dare I say it, we should have had a Mitt Romney-type??

oKaY! I’m sorry but I felt the need to vent. I know we may all have differences of opinions…and that is what is so great about this country! So please know that I don’t care who you are voting for, I would love to hear why, and I wish the next President the best of luck, and I still love all of YOU!

Dinner Guests!

We had so much fun with Kaoru & Shin...They are Xander's new best friends. Ben and I like 'em all right too :) --Kaoru is actually working with me & the International Women's & Families Club as the treasurer (don't think I've mentioned it before--it's a club that I'm the 'president' of--fancy title eh?) and Shin and Ben were on Student Government together. So, we thought it would be fun to have this cool couple over. Now Xander loves looking for Japan on the map (his shower curtain is a world map) and asks when they are going to come over again. Ben ended up cooking dinner (Chicken with Sour Cream Curry Sauce with Golden Fruit Chutney, Baked Zucchini, Diced Baked Potatoes and Homemade Ice Cream) and it turned out delicious! The Otara's were so excited about the homemade ice cream...unfortunately, the ice cream didn't harden so it was more like a milkshake. I guess we will have to try again another time!! The best part, aside from learning more about Japan and our friends, was when Xander wouldn't eat and so Kaoru and Shin started cheering him on...he thought it was so great that he ate his whole dinner:

Thanks for coming over Kaoru and Shin--we can't wait to come and visit in Japan some day!! If you speak Japanese you can read more about the dinner on their website...check out the "Otara Family" under the Thunderbird Friends link. :)

This came in the mail today...

On the inside it said, "Couldn't resist! Definitely a Kodak moment! Love, All those sitting in the east church foyer! ;)"

opinions needed

So, those who know me well know that I love to cook and have people enjoy it. Well, I'm kinda stumped today...we've invited our Japanese friends over for dinner on Sunday and I have NO IdEa what to cook...If you have an idea...PLEASE SHARE!!

UPDATE: We are making Chicken with Curry Sauce, Golden Fruit Chutney, Sauteed Veggies, Rolls and Homemade ice cream...here goes!

The Phoenix Zoo

Xander w/ the Giraffe (it's G week), the turtles, & swinging with Kaleb

Eliza & I, On the train: Kaleb, Xander, Kaden, Jonah

What a fun day we had on Monday at the zoo! Thank you Smiths for inviting us! This is the 3rd time we've been to the Phoenix Zoo but it was the first time when it was cooler than 90 degrees outside...and boy it made such a difference! Xander was so excited to go to the zoo that when he came into my room (I was half asleep) and I asked him if he wanted to go-- he ran to his room, striped down, and came back to my room in the buff with a diaper, a shirt and shorts. The zoo has so much to offer--lions, tigers, rhinos, reptiles, a petting zoo, monkeys, birds and even a Zoo train that we, or course, had to ride on! There is also a water park and a regular park for kids to play at, lots of picnic areas and just lots of fun. I guess that's why it's ranked as one of the best 5 zoos in America!!