This just in . . . from the blue group

I think we might have a journalist on our hands. 

Yes. These are my kids . . .

So . . . I'm the Mom who's kid comes home with a school picture in which she is wearing someone elses glasses!

She doesn't even wear glasses.

Me.  "You are hilarious!"

Me.  "So, Amanda . . . Where are your school pictures?"

Amanda.  "I told Nila (the school secretary) I didn't want pictures."

Yes.  These are my kids!

I love em'

Landscaping

A little landscaping

Our van turned truck!

 We hauled load after load of rock into our front yard for a little landscaping.  We are not quite done, but it will be nice when it is completed.

One of our eager helpers!

A few more photos from June. . .

Amber took some cute photos of Audrey blowin' kisses

Loved this photo of our oldest and youngest.

Audrey LOVES to listen to Amanda play the piano.  Amanda was taking a break from some fun housecleaning! (wink)

Some of us at convention

 getting a chance to visit with a dear friend we hadn't seen for years

Honor Roll

Good Job Girls!  

Honor roll begins in the fourth grade in our school district, and all three of the girls were included on the list!  Hard work pays off . . . great job.

Here is the list published in our paper this week

Amber circled their names . . .

A few photos . . .

Me.

I'm usually the one taking the photos, so this is a rare shot! 

Our pretty girls.

Amanda's 8th Grade Graduation

Along with her friend, Amanda was a host for the 8th grade graduation.

The theme of the graduation was "Reflections", so the students were asked to write a reflective essay about their time in school thus far.  There were 3 winning essays and Amanda won 1st place.  In the video below she reads the essay to her classmates, parents and administrators for the first time.

(Sorry I did a poor job videoing this!  I should have had it turned the other way . . . oops.)

Great Job Amanda!!!!

Here is what was printed in the Hot Springs Star

Student of the month . . . (drum roll please)

Amanda!

Good Job!  Way to go!  

A glance at our November

A little bit of our Thanksgiving . . .

We spent the day at the Freed's in Rapid City, it was so nice to be with them.  I just love this picture!  Notice Jerry and his company on his lap!  He is so patient and easy going.

Amanda made her famous cheese ball which we always love

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 celery rib
• Sliced apples and assorted crackers

Directions

• In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the cheddar cheese, paprika and cayenne. Shape into a ball; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until firm.
• With a knife, add vertical lines to the cheese ball to resemble a pumpkin; insert a celery rib for the stem. Serve with apples and crackers. Yield: 2-1/2 cups.

Laura and I decided to try injecting the turkey breast with some butter and seasonings and so here is Laura getting ready laughing as we joke about how appropriate this is as she is a nurse!

The cooks . . . having fun working together.

Yummy rolls!  Don't they look fabulous???

The table spread . . .

Here is everybody, Jerry, Alora, Annelise, Amber, Grandma Millie, Jim, Audrey, my empty chair, Amanda, Brandon and ofcourse sweet Ellen was upstairs.

My hilarious 13 year old's take on Thanksgiving:

you may have to click on the picture to be able to read it.