Christmas Carol

Dallin played the ghost of Jacob Marley in the high school presentation of A Christmas Carol. He was so awesome! The whole play was well done. The set and costumes were very well done. But in all fairness, Dallin was the highlight of the show. He had great lines and impressive stage presence.

Thanksgiving

Marilyn is using her super cool apple peeler/slicer for her delicious apple pie.

Kadi is making praline sweet potatoes.

I brined the turkey this year and it was very juicy.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the kids and Marilyn. It was very low-key and relaxing - my favorite combination. With how crazy our schedules have been, we were looking forward to a stress-free holiday.
For dessert, Tal's second cousin Katrina and her family, came over for pie. It was really nice to visit and get to know them. I know Marilyn really enjoyed telling Katrina about her parents and about Jack and Elaine when they were younger.
The boys played so well with their kids. They were really excited to find out they had cousins at their school.

Volunteerism

If this wasn't so funny, I would be mortified to show anyone the layers of dust in my house. It hasn't always been this way - only for about the last 20 or so years.
I think Eric has volunteered to dust, don't you?

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary

How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockle shells,
And pretty maids all in a row.

I am missing the bells, shells and maids but have the other prime components of a successful garden this year. I had (2) 4x8 raised boxes with amended soil.

• Tomatoes: Early Girl, Sweet 100, and Yellow Cherry. All worth doing again but do higher cages - they went crazy. Try a Yellow Pear and a Roma next year
• Cucumbers: Armenian and lemon cuke. Pass on the lemon next year but the Armenian is a winner! Taller cage on Armenian - huge producer!
• Peas: Did not plant enough and need to trellis better
• Yellow bush beans: Good flavor but go with pole beans to climb next year
• Zucchini: One plant is always enough
• Pumpkin: Find a better place - they take over every inch!
• Strawberry: Not successful this year. Must not have the knack yet.
• Lettuce: Easy, always good
• Spinach: Didn't do well this year
• Radish: Plant further apart, did OK
• Carrots: Still waiting to see if it's worth the effort
• Onions: Started with red and yellow sets, should be good
• Jalapenos: Not terrific, don't bother next year
• Tomatillos: Fruit way too small, not worth it
• Swiss Chard: Plant more than 4 next year. Took too long to get enough to cook for Tal with just 4.
• Green onions: Not worth the effort
• Herbs: I think I am going to use fresh herbs but never do. Don't bother.
• Sunflowers: Did well. Do again for some height and color variety in boxes
• Flowers: Those in between the veggies in the boxes didn't do well but the front planters were great. More petunias next year.

This is the first year I experience squash bugs - nasty little things. I finally Googled an remedy and it worked just fine. Fill a spray bottle mostly with water then add at least 1/4 cup of dish soap. Spray all bugs, babies and eggs like crazy. Do it in the morning of evening when bees aren't out. Repeat each day for 2-3 and they should be dead. They winter over so make sure you get them really good before putting your garden to bed.

The little boys had fun helping with planting, weeding, watering and picking. The real thrill was counting the number of treasures brought in and then hiding the cherry tomatoes from Dallin. Dallin has not lost his love affair with tomatoes. Last night around 10 PM, he went out to the garden with his head lamp for light and picked a bowl-full of cherry and lemon cherry tomatoes. He's a funny kid.

Birthday Boy

Yes, I only ever have Christmas wrapping paper.

Another year older and wiser, too. Happy birthday to you!
Eric was very excited for #9. He is getting so grown up. These are the highlights of what his favorites are right now:

• Loves to read - especially Captain Underpants
• Legos: He has moved out of Ninjago and now loves Star Wars and Alien Conquest
• BeyBlades: Spinning tops that "battle" each other
• Writes comics and illustrate them. Right now they are about a team of Yeti hunters
• Favorite TV shows: Sonic the Hedgehog, Power Rangers Samurai, Pair of Kings
• Favorite Cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch
•  Loves to stay up late when he is supposed to be sleeping
• Is giving his Primary teacher a hard time because he only wants to sit by Kaylie
• Finished his Wolf badge for Cub Scouts the last weekend possible
• Loves to pick out a dessert recipe and help make it
• Loves raw carrots, Red Delicious apples and pea pods
• Watches over Spencer on the bus, at school and in the neighborhood - no one messes with Spencer (except Eric)
• Loves to tell people about his cancer and talk about his diagnosis and treatment
• Hates immunization shots (to the point of giant baby tantrum) but doesn't mind blood draws
• Still needs to wear glasses but can't seem to leave them on
• Gets up every morning to his own alarm clock and gets ready for school by himself
• Wildly fluctuates between annoying Dallin & Kadi on purpose then wanting to do nice things for them
• Prays everyday for Taylor on his mission and for Grandma to sell her house and move here

He asked for cold cereal for his birthday dinner: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Frosted Flakes and Apple Jacks. For the cake he wanted Buttermilk Pie.
He had some friends over for a party that weekend. They played at our house then we went to the pool at the Rec Center. Everyone had a great time.

Kadi and friend Emily are photo-bombing!

Happy Dance

I think I was more excited for school to start this year than all my kids combined. Since Spencer starts 1st grade this year, all my kiddos are in school for the whole day - the WHOLE day! Imagine the peace, the quiet, the mounds of homework I can complete uninterrupted by my precious and endearing offspring!

Senior Year

1st grade

3rd grade

Sophmore year

Dinner Appointment

Tonight we had the privilege of feeding the Elders. It has been a long time since we have been able to have Elders over for dinner. When we lived in AZ, we had them over all the time. They always played with the kids and were fun to have around. I'm sure we fit into some of their stories of watching TV or a movie when they weren't supposed to but we like to remember it as "fellowshipping".
Tal made breakfast for dinner - french toast, sausage, eggs and orange juice. He said since he signed us up, he would make dinner. How can I argue with that? (I'm married to such a great guy.)
Our house was pretty empty, though. The only kids home are Eric and Spencer. Kadi is in Loa and Dallin at Boot Camp.
The Elders made a great impression on the little boys. Eric was especially sensitive to their message and told them how he wants to be a missionary in the Philippines. I'm not sure why he has chosen that spot but they told him what an adventure it will be and how many people are waiting to hear the gospel.
I had the Elders give me their mom's email addresses so I could send them a note and a picture. Several Idaho moms have done that for me so it was my chance to give a little back. I'm not sure we will get them back anytime soon. There are only 4 sets that cover the 5 stakes in and around Vernal. They said they usually eat with members but there are several area restaurants where they can eat free: Golden Corral, Gandolfo's, McDonald's, and a couple others. But we told them if they ever have a cancellation or no-show they are welcome to come over. It may just be grilled cheese or macaroni but we'd love to feed them anytime.

First Letter From Boot Camp

I thought I would share parts of Dallin's first letter home form Basic Combat Training. He is at Ft. Jackson in South Carolina for 10 weeks for Army National Guard. When he first got there, he started with a cold that he hasn't been able to shake yet. We get a phone call at the end of Week 4 and Week 8. Can't wait!

Hey Mom & Dad -
I'm writing to you on my second fire guard shift at 2:00 AM, sitting next to my post, with arms hurting from so many pushups. Pretty crazy, huh? We got our rifles today and I feel great! We were shown how to strip it down to every last part and how to properly clean every individual piece. So when they are not threatening to kill you (no really, they do threaten to kill you! Like break your neck, crush your skull, etc) you are cleaning your rifle and fixing your living space like a madman. But even though I feel great, I'm fairly certain that I have infected five more people in my platoon with the cough and sniffles I STILL have. Even after 4 days, they refuse to die down! It kind of stinks but it hasn't even impeded my ability to learn one bit!

We have three Drill Sergeants (sergeant is a sucky word) named L, M, and P. I actually really like them! They are all still in their 20's and unlike the older geezers they connect with us. DS M.'s favorite phrases to use are "doggone", "hoooooly shiz" and "it would behoove you". So far he is my favorite. Something funny about my platoon is that there are 60 people in it and all of them are 17-21 (22 of them are 17!). In total, there are 413 people in this basic, and 112 are 17 (another 84 are 18 and another 62 are 19)! We have actually broke the record for the youngest basic training ever! Oh yeah, the reason I took two shifts this morning is because if I did, I wouldn't have to do it for a whole week. A week off of fireguard is a huge deal! I was the only one that wanted to, though.

.....

Write me back! Love you! Dallin
P.S. This is cool paper, Kadi is gay, the end.

Nutella, Welcome to the Family

I think Tal looks a little guilty.

Nutella has officially become a part of our family. When we run out, it's tragic! I just bought a large bottle and had successfully hidden it until Kadi found it. It won't last long now - especially with a new bunch of bananas that I brought home today.
Kadi and I discovered it make a delicious quesadilla. Spread on half a tortilla, marshmallow cream on the other half, fold over and heat in the microwave until warm. Mmmmm....

Basic Training

Today I sent my son off to Army National Guard Basic Combat Training. It's hard to believe I have one son on a mission and another son at Boot Camp.

We are so proud of him. He has talked about being a soldier since he was little so we have had plenty of time to get used to the idea. It's just unreal that the time has already come. He is still a little young. He will come back from 10 weeks in South Carolina and enter his senior year at high school. After graduation, he will train for his career and it's only after that point that he is available for active duty. THAT will be another challenge for me to survive!
I am comfortable in his decision and we fully support him. Not that it won't be hard - like letting him out the door this afternoon for Basic - but I am reassured that the Lord will care for him.

Please keep him in your prayers and I will send out his address when we get it. He can get cards but no treats or care packages.

Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's Day! Tal made my favorite breakfast of french toast and bacon. He even brought me homemade Orange Julius while I was still in bed that was delicious. I had some leftover Coconut Syrup that I made last week and that was absolutely perfect on the french toast.
Then we went to church, on-time, with all the kids. We even got to sit in the padded rows and not the folding chairs. It was great!
The kids all had something sweet for me - flower plants, hand-prints, candy, and cards. The ward gave the mom's a strawberry plant and Tal got me a great gift card and a digital frame that I have been wanting.

We had friends over to play games after dinner although we are still mourning the loss (move) of the Wood family.

We were able to visit with Taylor on Skype for a while. It was great to see him and hear his voice. He is doing very well and has a great companion. The families in his wards seem to take good care of the missionaries.
I am so proud of him and his service to the Lord. He is working hard and learning a lot. We have encouraged him to remember that the Lord didn't ask him to become a cookie-cutter replication of the image of a missionary but instead learn to serve Him and follow His way as who you are - or really a better version of yourself. Everyone has different talents and abilities, different personalities and senses of humor. It takes all kinds to reach the souls waiting to hear the gospel message and Taylor has some unique gifts that he is blessed with and through the Lord, he will be able to share the spirit and touch hearts.

I am so thankful to be the mother of these children. I am also grateful to have a supportive and encouraging husband to work through this parenting challenge with.

Mint Fudge

Dallin made some mint fudge this weekend. It was a huge hit - even Tal (who doesn't love mint) and Dallin (who doesn't love chocolate) really enjoyed this fudge. We used Christine's easy fudge recipe. It didn't set very firm but good enough to cut into pieces that held their shape.

Chocolate Mint Fudge
3 cups Andes Mint baking chips
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
Dash of salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Line 8x8 pan with wax paper. 
Melt chips in microwave. Chocolate burns easily. Be sure to stir every 30-45 seconds and cook just until melted. 
Stir in milk and microwave for 1 more minute. 
Stir well and add vanilla. 
Pour into pan. Let set at room temperature or put in the fridge for 15 minutes if you can't wait!
Once it's set, pull out by the wax paper and cut into squares. 

AAS in the Bag!

I thought I would never get through this last math class. All I can say is that whomever it was that told me Statistics was easier than Algebra needs their head examined! For certain, the two hardest classes for my Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree were the math classes. But they are over with now!
I ended up with a B- in Statistics by some miracle of chance. My professor must have really liked my extra credit to get me over the 79% on my final exam. Thank you!
I am graduating from Salt Lake Community College with high honors. I am not walking for this one but I will when I finish my Bachelor's at UVU.
I've done almost every class on-line. Some are much harder than others but it was the only realistic option for me. My advice to anyone considering it is this:
Do NOT take Algebra, Statistics, or Anatomy & Physiology on-line. Find a classroom with a living, breathing teacher and you will be much happier! (Unless you are my brother-in-law with a genius memory.)

I get to tick off another goal for this year and for my life goals. Whoo-hoo!

4 Less Teeth

My poor sweet Kadi had her wisdom teeth out on Friday. It didn't take long and the doc said everything went well. I have some really choice video of her anesthesia stupor (think blackmail material) and she did post one on her Facebook that is hilarious!
Our darling friend Kirsten brought her Jamba Juice frozen mixes that are yummy! You can get them at the store here - I had no idea! Kadi didn't know what we were talking about when we were so excited over Jamba since she has never had one. The frozen version did not disappoint. I added some vanilla ice cream to the Mango flavor I made her today and it was sweet deliciousness in a cup. Thank you, Kirsten!

Kadi says she looks like a chipmunk but I think she's cute as the dickens.

Kadi recovering from anesthesia funnies:

The dentist office smells like hell. You know, where Satan lives and where they make brownies.

Drugs are disgusting. I'm a good, white, Mormon, pioneer-like girl.

You talk to me like you know me. You don't know my life. I want an alligator.

Whales just run people over all the time. They're like, "Yo, human, get outta my way or I'll run you over."

Ghastly Ganache

Tonight I made this Chocolate Mousse Crunch Cake from my Our Best Bites Cookbook and it was delish! It's devil's food cake, chocolate mousse, Heath bits and topped with a dark chocolate ganache. MMMMM ..... I had trouble though with the Ganache. I have never made it before because it always looked hard and I don't usually cook with heavy cream (my irrational fear of too much fat in my fattening recipes).
I heated, stirred, and heated some more according to the recipe and this is what happened:

Can you believe how much butter fat came up out of the separated ganache? That looks neither appealing nor decadent. A ganache failure! But never fear, I am not one to end a potentially delicious dessert on a frosting flop. I melted another cup of 60% cocoa Ghiradelli chips and then whipped in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt and spread it on top. It didn't have the flair and beauty of the ganache but it gave the top a nice firm crust of dark chocolately goodness - a great compliment to the sweet, smooth mousse middle.

And because of such dessert decadences - my middle looks like a moose.

Ghastly Ganache

Blogging bust. I just finished a clever little post about this dessert experience, hit my backspace to delete a word and lost the whole post. This is what I have to say now:

Cake good.

Ganache bad.

The end.

Panini Perfection

Tal made these amazing sandwiches the other day. We even had to have friends over so they could try it out - they were THAT good.
Tal uses our George Foreman grill for several different dishes. I think it's his favorite kitchen tool. Since we don't have a panini press, he used the George for these mouth-watering, delectable sandwiches.

He starts french bread rolls, slices them carefully open then slathers some cream cheese mixed with just a little horseradish on each side. Then he gently layers meat and cheese, adds tomato, red onion and bacon. The meat and cheese combinations include pastrami and provolone, roast beef and cheddar or black forest ham and creamy havarti. He then butters the roll on the outside and then gingerly places them upon the George. Once they start to heat up, he then encrusts them with a slice of cheese on the outside of the roll. It's a tricky process that he has perfected. Each sandwich comes out with a delicate crust of cheese and rich cheesy-meaty goodness on the inside. Low in fat they ain't!

For our guests he devised a plan to mass produce. He took a loaf of french bread and sliced it in half so it would fit on the grill. Then he cut the top out in a V shape and scooped out some of the breading inside. He loaded the inside with all the goodies, buttered the outside and when the time was just right, crusted the outside with cheese. It was heaven in a french loaf!

I have decided that this is my new, best, favorite sandwich ever - even better than Baggins in Tucson!

Stop It!

Click to open BitsyCreations

I found this great FREE printable on Pinterest last night. I love Pres. Uchtdorf and his witty one-liners. His message is always so clear and easy to follow. Just stop it! Wonderful advice for me to take to heart.

Fighting Brothers

Spencer -
"When I'm a teenager, I'll kick your butt to smithereens. I can totally kick your butt a thousand times. I'll exercise every night and my soft punch will really hurt. I'll be so strong, I can take that right out of your hands."

Eric -
"If mom will make me the banana hair conditioning, I will have beefy muscles and break through walls."

They were fighting over who was strongest. Eric learned at school about hair conditioner made of smashed bananas that will make your hair grow really long and also make your muscles grow "beefy". I must have missed that in the core curriculum in elementary school.

When I Grow Up

Eric has made it known that he now intends to be a Prophet when he grows up. He's not sure if he will do anything else, but Prophet is certain. I tried to explain that they all had regular jobs and supported their families. He said he'll have to think about it. His only concern is that his name is too short. He couldn't think of any prophets that had such a short name but I told him it would all work out fine.

He reminds me alot of Dallin when he was younger. Dallin was always worrying about specifics like that. He spent a lot of time being upset about property taxes and car insurance when he was Eric's age. (Now he is irritated about social security and income taxes coming out of his paychecks.)

Slice of Heaven

Dad: What do you want for dinner?
Eric: Let's have tacos.
Spencer: Because tacos are a little slice of heaven.
Eric: Yea - in a tortilla.

A New Guardsman

Dallin enlisted yesterday in the Army National Guard. He will go to Basic Training in South Carolina in June. He scored a 90 on his ASVAB - which is pretty dang good. A good score gives him options on his job.
As most of you know, this is no surprise. Dallin has been wanting to be in the military since he was a little kid. Both Tal and I feel really good about his decision and we are so proud of him.
He has no intention of being a weekend warrior. Once he graduates from high school next year, he will learn his career and wants to go full-time. One nice thing about starting this young is that his time commitment starts now even though he can't be called up yet. He still has the option of serving a mission, if he chooses to go once he's 19.

He has military service on every side of his family tree (Petty, Cooper, Ehlers and Black). It's a proud tradition that he will carry on.

He will start weekend drills next week. He is pretty excited. I took this pic when he came home from his physical, testing and swearing in. He had to make sure all his new gear fit just right. Isn't he handsome!

Things I Actually Make Off Pinterest

While I can spend an untold amount of time looking through fabulous ideas on Pinterest, I have to be reasonable. I made a deal with myself that I have to actually make or do some of the things I find on Pinterest to justify my illicit browsing habit!
(Pinterest is an on-line bulletin board. You can see what your friends or the public are "pinning" to their boards.)

Tonight I made Cinnamon Streusal Coffee Cake from the Baker Chic. It was YUM! (If you haven't discovered Greek yogurt yet, you can substitute sour cream.) I will make it again and here are my notes:
"Did not vary recipe except to simplify dirty dishes. Use a gallon ziploc bag to mix crumb topping and another for brown sugar filling. Use a glass 2 cup measuring cup for the milk and Greek yogurt. Pour in your 1 1/4 cup milk and then add yogurt or sour cream to the 2 cup mark. Whisk in that cup before adding to batter. Simple and fabulous! Tal said to make it again." 

I recently made the Coconut Caramel Cake from Jamie Cooks It Up and that was a keeper, too. The frosting is similar to Coconut Pecan Frosting that goes on a German Chocolate Cake but without the nuts. Notes for that:
"Frosting is DELISH! Poked holes on top before pouring frosting on so that it can seep in a little. Cake a little dry so watch cooking time."

Here is another tip I used yesterday when I brought a prescription home for Eric (he has strep AND a cold). You use a Sharpie and write the date and time for each scheduled dose on the bottle. Then check it off as you go. I am always second guessing myself on whether or not I missed a dose. Click here for the site and pics.  (Original credit is not given and it's just a pic but you get the idea.)

Heinrich Ehlers

Tal was given a copy of this picture from John Ehlers, Herman Ehlers' son. (Herman is Arnold's 1st cousin. John is Jack's second cousin. Herman and Arnold share the same grandfather, the one in the picture.)
This is just a photo of the copy so it's not great. The man is Johann Karsten Heinrich Ehlers (Jack's Great Grandfather) in front of this house in Germany with 2 unknown women. The side of the house has the family crest painted on it and then the address:
Heinrich Ehlers
Malermeister
Zelf 956

Malermeister means master painter in German. We all think the house is pretty upscale so he must have been successful. We imagine one of the women to be his wife (Christine Maria) and perhaps the other woman is his only daughter (Louise Marie) or maybe a servant. His boots and beard are pretty cool. Maybe someone can research the crest and we can discover our blue blood lines.

There are a whole mess of Ehlers' that come down through this line that live in Utah. Tal found John and they had a great visit last month.

I'm happy to send the .jpeg if you are interested.

Anniversary of Our First Date

Tal and I met and started dating 23 years ago this month. I can't believe it's been that many years but in the same breath, it feels like we've always been together.

I am very grateful that the Lord saw fit to guide us towards each other and help us find our way. It hasn't always been easy but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

He is my best friend and closest confidant. He makes me laugh everyday - sometimes I'm laughing with him and sometimes I'm laughing at him but both count!

I am forever grateful that he brings the Priesthood and blessings of the temple into our home.

He takes good care of our family and is a wonderful father. He is a hard-worker and is dedicated to his family. I love and respect him so much. 

Derby

Our ward did a family pinewood derby this week. Since Eric did so well at the Cub Scout Derby, several boys (and dads) were excited for the opportunity to humble the Ehlers' men a little.
Sorry to say, no humility was handed out this week. Tal's car took first place overall and Eric's took 4th. Eric would have done a little better if they hadn't had Tal and Eric race against each other for their first heat. We were a little surprised that Eric's car did so well since he has played with it many times since his Derby last November.


They had a great turnout for the event - lots of families and I think there were 24 cars entered. They had one category that was traditional rules and a modified category.

S-O-L-D

It's true! Our home in Loa is sold. The people who bought it are the same people who sold it to us. Kurt and Tanya just had to have it back after missing it for 7 1/2 years.
SEE IT HERE
It was a wonderful home that we enjoyed for a long time. I am sad to see it go but I know we need to be in Vernal now.

This home saw a lot of milestones in our lives:

Birth of Spencer, started preschool

Eric's cancer (from diagnosis to end of treatment), starting school

Kadi graduated elementary school, finished middle school, became the chicken whisperer, had her own dog

Dallin's first job, learned to drive, played baseball

Taylor's first job, learned to drive, graduated high school, moved away from home, went to jail, got his mission call - twice.

Juli started and ended Aspen job, got EMT, CNA, started college

Tal started real estate business, EMT, Fire Fighter, Search & Rescue, Public Information Officer, Special Function Officer

And many birthdays, holidays, parties, family dinners, card nights, drive-in movies on the side of the house, sleep overs, house guests, thousands of loads of laundry, at least 2,700 loads of dishes, and more than 8,000 meals.

40 By 41

To commemorate the big 4-0, I am inspired by Ginger's idea of creating a list of goals to accomplish before a big birthday. Since all mine will be big from here on out, I ambitiously found 40 things to do before I turn 41.
I am retaining the right to substitute a different goal if by chance the one I set is no longer appealing.

1. Finish my Associates Degree
2. Lose 40 pounds
3. Enter 24 blog posts
4. Print blog for journal for a past year
5. Attend the temple 12 times
6. Bring a family name to the temple and do their work
7. Finish and print my Tastebook
8. Read the Book of Mormon
9. Make Crème Brulee
10. Become a Red Cross Volunteer to help with shelters and family case work DONE: Finished training March '12
11. Donate blood
12. Write a killer resume
13. Find 6 new bean recipes that my family likes
14. Find 6 new veggie recipes that my family likes
15. Find 6 new meatless dinner recipes that my family likes Fulfil a photo request in my area for Find A Grave.com
16. Learn to play Suduko
17. Earn a Bachelor's Degree
18. Learn to make a good steak
19. Compile the 2011 Girls Weekend on a photo DVD
20. Go on a hike (it's been YEARS since I've been on a hike)
21. Learn Photo Shop enough to print a great pic of each kid and Tal & I
22. Get Christmas cards out by the first week of December
23. Send a thank you note to someone from my past who made a difference
24. Get (last year's) school pages done for each kid's scrapbook
25. Have a container garden at the rental house this summer
26. Speak in public or teach a class
27. Make something homemade for a Christmas gift (non-food)
28. Reread a favorite series
29. Read The Undaunted
30. Wear a scarf as part of a cute outfit
31. Sell something online  Read 36 books
32. Make homemade vanilla
33. Cook a childhood recipe that I have never made before (mine or Tal's)
34. Make pecan logs
35. Organize a progressive dinner
36. Contact someone with my same name
37. See something on stage (theater, ballet, musical, concert)
38. Read a book before I see the movie DONE: Hunger Games
39. Climb an indoor rock wall
40. Test drive a new car I really like

Wendy's Frosty

Today is Spencer's 6th birthday. He has been sick with the stomach flu for 2 days now. He caught it from Eric, who was only down 24 hours, then Kadi had it for a day, Spencer is on day 2 and Dallin came home from school today after throwing up during 3rd hour. Tal is out of town for the week for a training so I have been on my own to clean up puke off the floor and nurse a houseful of sick kids. Thankfully, Dallin and Kadi are really great helpers even when vomit is involved and I have not yet been stricken. (A tender mercy, thank you!)
Since Spencer hasn't lost his lunch since last night, I got him a junior Frosty when we were out taking Kadi to her ortho evaluation. (I wasn't about to reschedule it, sorry waiting room parents, I tried to keep Spencer in a corner.) Here is our conversation:

S: I wonder what Frosty throw-up looks like?
M: I don't know. I've never seen Frosty throw-up.
S: Mom, I think we are going to find out!

Luckily, we did not need to find that out today. I am thinking that I would be OK if I never had to find out what Frosty throw-up looks like!

He is feeling better today and I think he may be able to keep down some birthday dinner and cake. He wants Parmesan noodles (from a box, not the yummy Alfredo I make) and grilled cheese sandwiches. I love easy birthday requests! For cake, he always asks for Spice Cake. Funny kid - he fell in love with it one year when I made it for Grandma Marilyn's birthday and now he and Eric say it's their favorite. I am still looking for the perfect recipe, so today I tried No-Fail Applesauce Spice Cake. My first clue should have been the implied guarantee. Yep - it flopped. It is still edible but that perfect spice cake recipe still eludes me!