The Flu Bug Flood!

The flu has come,
It's here to stay.
We really hope
It goes away!

Each poor child
Has had a turn,
With coughing, aches,
And fever burn.

We are prisoners
In our own place,
Walking around,
Masks on our face.

We're trying not
To spread the crud,
And keep at bay
The Flu Bug Flood!

http://www.flufacts.com/know/default.aspx?zip=98075

CREATE...

I was talking to a friend today about how we are so much more drawn to doing things that allow us to create, as opposed to folding mounds of laundry and cleaning sinks (we didn't create those things...unless you say we "created the mess", but then that's not usually true because our children typically do that, which is probably why they do it so well, because it is the deepest desire of the human soul to create!! :)

I love this video presentation using one of my favorite General Conference talks given by Elder Dieter Uchtdorf in October 2008:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLlnq5yY7k

Chocolate Brownie Explosion!

Last night Zachary's Cub Scout Pack had a cake auction to raise money for Cub Scout Camp. We made a Chocolate Brownie Explosion Volcano "Cake"! It turned out really cool! It is 5 layers of homemade fudge brownie with chocolate frosting, hard candy lava exploding out the top, and red vine licorice racing down the sides! The cake was purchased for $61.00!!! That was the second highest bid of the night! The top cake of the night was made by my friend Angie and someone bought it for $85.00!! The boys had a great time and it was a very successful evening :)

FINALLY!!! Our Hawaiian Vacation Photos...

This was our beautiful view from the condo we stayed in, courtesy of Brian's lovely Aunty Penny and Uncle Harry! We really enjoyed visiting with them and loved seeing the beautiful islands of Maui and Kauai! :)

We witnessed some beautiful panoramic views from the top of Haleakala on Maui!

Brian and I love the "Road to Hana" on Maui! We find it very relaxing and we think it is beautiful! It was incredibly windy, and this picture is Brian leaning over a cliff completely held up by the wind!!! DUMB!!! I was not happy at all, but I did get a great picture of his moment of possible death!

Black Sand Beach on Maui....

SCARY!! I really don't like high places, and this was completely out of my comfort zone!!

Our secret falls, that wasn't so secret this time :) There were many people visiting the beautiful location....last time we had this place all to ourselves!

Brian and I went on a guided tour of the gorgeous National Tropical Botanical Gardens on Kauai. We saw some beautiful plants and trees, but my favorite by far, was this amazing tree, that was featured in the movie Jurassic Park. It looks so magical!

We enjoyed some beautiful hikes

in the amazing Waimea Canyon on Kauai :)

Our North Shore drive on Kauai!

Winter Warm-up!

I invited over a few friends for a Hot Cocoa Party (thanks Tiffany for the wonderful idea!!!) Angie took some cute pictures of our dainty cups with personal tags, the awesome hot cocoa maker and dispenser and the yummy candy we stirred into our chocolate numminess! :)

Here are the Hot Cocoa favors I made for each guest....

Zachary receiving an award at school :)

A beautiful snow scene during a hike that Brian took with friends :)

Amelia as our beloved Mary during her Joy School nativity play :)

Christmas 2008

Finally Christmas photos posted...not much, but it's a start!