I looked out

my window and what did I see?

Definitely not "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree."

Sitting here

on the 29th of April,

in our winter pajamas,

bundled in a throw,

in front of the fire.

Where is Spring?

Hey, who's that

good looking guy on the right? 

I do believe it's Gary introducing the "Keys to Success Program" at the high school today.  It's one more thing he can "check off his list" before the school year ends.  Just working up there for the last week, and seeing how many roles he juggles, makes me appreciate him even more.  I have a hard enough time managing my numerous piles around the house.

We had a fun night

celebrating Natalie's birthday.  I know I'm not in the least bit biased, but I think she has the voice of an angel, along with beauty, personality, and style. 

I even made her a MuMu with owls on it,

because she loves Owls.

(I challenged her to be like Misty and wear it when she's driving

into town while she's wearing a shower cap on her head)

We went to dinner at Pirate's Island for Karaoke again.  Between the four of us, we embarrassed her pretty completely by insisting that she sing more than she wanted to.  But she is so loving and sweet natured that I think she forgave us (especially after I gave her a neck and back rub as a peace offering).  

We feel so blessed to have you as our daughter, Natalie!

Easter

food traditions.

Haystack bird's nests.

HAYSTACKS

Serving Size: 24
3 cup oats
1 cup flaked coconut
12 ounce semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup milk
1 cup sugar

In a large bowl, mix oats coconut, chips, and nuts. In a saucepan, combine margarine, milk and sugar and bring to boiling. Boil about 1 minute. Pour over dry mixture and stir until chips melt. Drop by teaspoons on waxed paper. If needed, let stand in refrigerator.  (At Easter time add jelly beans in the middle)

This very easy bunny cake.  The recipe for this was in a cookbook Gary gave me in 9th grade.  I've been
making every since.

Start with a round 8 inch cake.  Cut it in half.  Put the two halves together.

Cut a little slice out about 1/2 way down one side.

 (See the slice to the right.)

Put the cut out piece on the back for the tail.

Frost all over.

 

Put coconut on if desired.

Add jelly beans for eyes and nose.

Cut ears out of card stock and insert.

 

Be careful, or they'll run away when they realize you

are going to eat them.

But most importantly, add people.

 



We were deciding whether

to go out to dinner tonight or not.  We went out last night, but it has been a long week and an especially hectic day with testing.  Then we read the text from Tiffany saying that Justin had passed the Oregon Bar Exam.  Yeah!  We are so happy for them.  Gary immediately said that we were going out to celebrate, so our decision was made.

After dinner at Cafe Rio and a mandatory Costco stop, I told Gary we were going to go home and watch a movie and snuggle.  We really don't do that often, because we are usually on the computer, doing some project, or falling asleep in the chair (or at least one of us is)   So, when we got home I asked him if he wanted me to put on my Brown MuMu or my Blue MuMu.   He told me to surprise him.

I made them both before my trip to Oregon.  I don't like sleeping in pajamas, and I want something that is modest that I can walk around the house in and even answer the door in.  So my solution is a Mu Mu.   I even made them quite elegant with burnt edge flowers sewn on.

Misty loved them so much that she picked out some fabric for me to make her one (Lydia's only request was that the fabric not be tie dye). 

So, as I'm sitting here in my brown MuMu writing this blog entry, I'm thinking I'll make one for Tiffany in honor of Justin passing the bar!  (Inside joke-- Justin is not a big fan of Tifaany wearing a MuMu)  Ok, maybe I'll send him some orange slice candy, instead.   

I've been using Gary's

office and desk at school to put together all the testing packets for the teachers. 

I can tell he's having somewhat of a hard time with it.  After all, it is his domain, and I am making a mess of it.  But he is sacrificing for the greater good.  And, I'll be out of there tomorrow to get set up in the football building, where I'll be proctoring the tests until May 20.   Otherwise, I'm afraid his anxiety would be greater than it is.

I need to get the pictures from the weekend visit from Tom and Lynn from my phone, and I haven't figured out how to do that yet.  So I'll show those in another entry.  

And on a whole different subject:  Tiffany said that when she was snuggling with Luci tonight that Luci said she had brushed her teeth, and used her mouthwash, "And me no do medicine with Grandma."  Three weeks later, and she is still concerned about it.  What a legacy!  I'll have to make sure I make up for it with lots of candy next time I see her.

I've got some fun

pictures to share, but right now I'm beat.  I started my first day as a testing proctor at the high school today, and then brought the work home so we could get all the English information out tomorrow.  So pictures of cricut cake decorations and family visits later . . .

I have to confess

that I was a little embarrassed when Tom and Lynn came in last night and found me sitting in the middle of this.

 I admit, I have a few too many things going at once. 

Or let's just say, I should clean up from one project before starting another.

(Cutting and glueing materials for key fobs)

Cut out keys, hardware, and note cards

 Experimenting with making a card to hold key fobs.

 Remnants of cutting keys with the cricut machine

 Letting homemade marshmallow fondant dry so I can try out

my Cricut Cake for the first time.

 Finished key fobs that we made with the girls.

I got the instructions from my friend, Wendy, and Tiffany had

the great idea of making and adding the little rag flowers.

Ok, that explains the messes. 

Now I just need to finish them one at a time. 

(But first we're going to breakfast at Magleby's

with Tom and Lynn and Gary and Lynn)

Ahh, it's been far

too short.

Marshall with Grandpa

Quiet Breakfasts

Pedicures and Manicures

(pictures on Gary's phone)

Marshall initiating the newly resurfaced tub

Movie

Watching lots of videos

Family get-together

Time with Marshall

Walks and time on the hammock

Crafts (pictures later)

Karaoke Night at Pirate's Island

 They're going on the circuit with "Nobody"

 

 checking out the "Provo Beach"

Sticky Dinner at Brick Oven

 

 

Marshall ready to drive us home from the creamery.