Pudding Painting

I have our paints locked up and rarely get them out because they are such a mess to clean up. This activity was great because the kids just licked up their messes. I gave Izy (my niece) and Nathan a pudding cup and paper during snack time and let them create while they ate:

As you can see, they loved it!

Pass It Along

Pass It Along

Courtesy is catching

like a cough or cold.

Smiles are contagious,

spread by young and old.

Caring is infectious,

saving us from strife.

Manners make a difference

to our way of life.

Kindness opens doors

leading to respect.

Treating someone fairly

always is correct.

Let's create a feeling

of good will toward all.

With concern for others,

we'll be walking tall.

-Janet Collins

Here is a cute way to pass along kindness to your neighbors this Halloween: You've Been Booed. 

We did this the other night (hopefully those that we "booed" aren't reading this post...if so...yep, it was us) and the kids had a great time doing secret acts of kindness. We made these DELICIOUS brownies to go with it that I will share on Friday's Fabulous Food: 

Spreading kindness can be so simple, yet make someone's day...so pass it along!

Interview With My Kids

I wanted to find out if my kids really know who I am...not just as their Mom...so I interviewed them. I asked them some questions about myself and here is what I found out:

• They know what bugs me
• They think that my entire life has been centered around them.
• They think that I became a mother so that I can have kids bug me all day....not true!!
• They know about my secret hiding spot for treats that I don't want to share...I will have to move that.
• They know that I LOVE Eric...very true!
• I need to get out more with my friends so that they can see that I actually have some.
• We need to work on nose picking and nail biting.

It is pretty funny, revealing, sad, and humbling to hear what my kids really think about me.

Travis the Troll

Travis was born with a lot of beautiful, shiny, blond hair that almost looked silver in the right lighting.

That beautiful blond hair is only growing on the top and it is about 5 inches long on the top...perfect for a comb over. Then, when he lays on the back of his head, he wakes up with a tangly mess on the back. Do you remember the Troll dolls back in the 80's with the hair that stuck straight up? After napping, Travis' hair reminds me of that...maybe that's what he should be for Halloween, I will just die it a bright color:

Here is Travis, the Troll:

"Who are you calling a Troll? Just give me a haircut Mom!"

Sorry buddy, you know how I hate giving haircuts and put it off as long as I can.

Perhaps it is time...after Halloween.

Having a Prophet, We Have Everything

I am so grateful to have a living prophet today on the earth. I love President Monson, and I have loved listening to him, as well as the apostles and other leaders, these last two days during General Conference.

President Hinckley said: "How thankful we ought to be, how thankful we are, for a prophet to counsel us in words of divine wisdom as we walk our paths in these complex and difficult times. The solid assurance we carry in our hearts, the conviction that God will make His will known to His children through His recognized servants, is the real basis of our faith and activity. We either have a prophet or we have nothing; and having a prophet, we have everything."

 Amos 3:7 - Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants his prophets.

What a comfort it is to me to know that our prophet, President Monson, is a true prophet. Just as Moses, Noah, Abraham, and all of the other prophets of old, he is the Lord's prophet for us today to lead and direct us. If we follow his counsel and direction, we will have everything in the end!

Mary Higgins Clark

I have been told that I should read Mary Higgins Clark...which I finally did. I am not a big fan of suspense novels, but I really liked her style of writing. I borrowed a book containing three complete novels by Mary Higgins Clark:

Weep No More My Lady: A who-done-it murder mystery like "Clue" that takes place in a spa for the rich and famous.

Stillwatch: A suspense novel about a broadcast journalist, Pat Traymore, and how several unsolved mysteries culminate to solve the big picture.

A Cry In The Night: This was my favorite. It is the story of Jenny who marries the "perfect man" but soon finds out that it was a big mistake.

I really enjoyed reading these and now I can say that I also recommend Mary Higgins Clark...even if suspense isn't your thing, give her a try! For those of you who have read some of her books, what are your favorites??

Anytime Crepes

Growing up, one of my favorite breakfast was "Dutch Pancakes" - a crepe with butter, cinnamon, and sugar rolled up in it. Crepes are so easy to make and they work for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert...it just depends what you fill it with. Here is my Mom's basic crepe recipe and then the twists that I gave it one night for dinner.

Crepe:

• 5 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups flour

Blend in a blender. Heat a frying pan on medium-high heat and spray with nonstick spray. Pour a small amount of the mixture into the hot frying pan  - just enough to cover the bottom of the pan. When edges start coming away from the pan (about 30 seconds) flip and cook for about 15 more seconds.

Breakfast: filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and ham:

Snack: filled with fruit and vanilla pudding:

Dessert: filled with Nutella and strawberries with powdered sugar sprinkled on top:

Enjoy!