Red or Blue

She Got in to Both

Someone in our house has to make a decision. She has to pick a side. I am not allowed to tell anyone her business so pretend like you don't know.

On the blue side we have many Alumni Grandma and Grandpa Shumway, Deryl, Isabel, Richard, Kelli, Chris and Lolly. Her Cousin Tyler is attending now and plans to graduate next year.

On the Red side we only have Natalie.

Not even in the running is the Aggies with Grandma and Grandpa Thompson and both her parents.

I think she might need some convincing. Natalie is doing a great job on her side. She gave Nicole and her friend Rachael a tour of U of U. She even convinced her work to pick up the tab for a lunch at the Market Street Grill. Last night while bowling she gave Nicole a U of U t-shirt.

Her one fear is that Grandpa Dale might disown her if she turns down the Y. I don't think we will ever see him in a U of U shirt but I am sure he will understand and still love her no mater where she decides to go.

Please don't get me into to much trouble by telling her I told you about the Big Blue and Red debate.

Feb.25 2011

Today would have been My Brother Davids 39th Birthday. I started to think about him and miss him today. It is hard to believe he has been gone almost ten years. The last ten years of his life he was sick. His birthday was a fun event every year. We went to California every year for his birthday. My family would invite the whole ward and neighborhood over for his Birthday. It would be standing room only in my parents home. It was fun to see everyone from my childhood. I would look forward to his birthday visits every year. The last fun party we had for David was the day of his funeral. After the funeral was over Our Martendale Cousins and my siblings all went bowling. I knew that I wanted to go Bowling again and celebrate his Birthday.

I called My brother and my mother and with my kids we had a party. We went to Jack and Jill and rented two lanes for an hour. It was so much fun. I can't believe how much the little kids love it. I think Derek and Marissa had the most fun.
Dallen Eating candy
Marissa in her signature TuTu. Derek loved giving everyone who got a strike a high five.

The one memorable event of the evening was Grandpa's first throw of the night. unfortunately he didn't let go of the ball. He ended up face down on the floor. He ended up bleeding on his nose just under his glasses. He is going to be alright but his pride is bruised.

I think that today was a perfect way to remember David. We look forward to doing it again next year.

Pinewood Derby

The pinewood Derby is a huge scouting event. Dallen had high expectations of winning again this year. Last year was fun winning. This year we made an awesome car. It looks like the bat mobile. We didn't win many races but he did win for best design.

Hottest Ticket in town

Saturday we were Lucky enough to get four of the hottest tickets in town. We were able to go to the Tabernacle choir Christmas program with David Archuleta. Can I just say he is so cute. He seems like the same humble boy that we first saw on American Idol two years ago.

We knew the concert was very popular and the normal warning of being in your seat 30 minutes early might leave us without a seat. The news recommended at least 45 minutes if not an hour early. They were right it was crazy we were there 1hour and 20 min. early and it was crazy.

It was well worth it. Dallen loved it. We took Courtney and Dallen and rode Trax down. It was a highlight of the Day. It was a memorable day. If you see Dallen asked him about his run in with the law. It is a good story.

Gingerbread men.

Gingerbread Men

I love to eat Gingerbread Men. They are one of my favorite treats this time of year. Last night we decorated gingerbread men for Young Womens and took them to families in the ward. Nicole and I made 12 dozen men. The Young Women were so creative in decorating the cookies. I thought I would share the recipe.

Gingerbread Men

1 cup of shortening

1 cup of sugar

1 egg

1 cup of Molasses

2 tabl. vinegar

5 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2-3 tsp. ginger

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cloves

Mix together then chill for 3 hours. Roll out then cut. bake at 350* for 8-10 min

One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to make candy. Most of it has nuts in it and I don't care for nuts but sometimes I make the caramel without nuts. I was unable to visit the ladies I visiting teach this November so I make some caramel and took it to them. They loved it. Here is the Recipe.

Caramel

2 cups sugar

2 cups white corn syrup

Bring to a boil, let thicken, but not change color, 10-15 minutes.

Meanwhile

Scald 1 1/2 pints whipping cream

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (about 1/2 can)

then add milk mixture 1 Tbls at a time to the sugar/syrup mixture so it continues to boil. Cook to 238* .

Take off the stove and add 1 Tbls vanilla and a shake of salt.

(based on a candy thermometer that boils at 210*)

More photos from our Thanksgiving

Some more Photos from our Thanksgiving Day. I often am amazed when I look at my kids in photo. You forget how attractive they really are.

Marissa was the first one who had enough. When she is done she will not go on any longer. I was surprised to find this photo of just her in the middle of all the family shots. I thought it was at a later time and she was sitting in a chair but that is her Daddy's sweater so she is sitting on his lap.

The boys could go on and on forever. The girls are all done.