Mustache Day

My adorable little hairy people for Mustache Spirit Day at school.

Fresh Pressed Cider...hard to beat

Growing up we used to make apple cider each fall when we went to my Grandma and Grandpa Howe's home.  Such memories!

We were invited by some friends of ours to come make cider at their home on what turned out to be the COLDEST day of the month!!!  Seriously freezing!

 We put all twelve kids to work and before you knew it we were filling up jugs of cider!

The fruits of our labors -- we did 75 jugs of cider.

My fingers were so cold and the battery went dead on the camera that I took very few pictures.  In fact when we were spraying the driveway down to wash off the mess the water instantly froze.  Burr.  I love that the kids now have a greater appreciation for the work that goes into juice!

Lifting Up Those In Need

Our family always participates in the Annual Community Leaf Rake.  The kids usually start off with a few grumbles but it doesn't take long until they are either not working or working and having a good time!

Here they are...not working, but having a good time.

 While some are playing the rest of us are raking bags and bags of leaves.  To be honest, this year wasn't so bad as it never got super cold so much of the leaves are still on the trees. 

Working...a little bit

Tyler's First Stake Dance

What a ladies man!!!!

 Kind of hilarious that Tyler's first stake dance has a Nerd Theme.

Now I just need to teach him some dance moves!

Alex Makes a Splash At The Homecoming Dance

Crazy to think I have a child old enough to go to school dances!

 Alex went with four other of his cross country buddies.

 I love that Alex has surrounded himself with some great friends!

 Alex's date...Kaili

 The kids had a delicious seven course meal prepared at the Pickett home.  They were so gracious to open their home to all these kids!

 Chicken Cordon Bleu

I made his date's corsage.  It can be worn as a hair accessory following the dance.

I will not lie...these are delicious!

Buttermilk Peach Scones with White Chocolate Chips

1-1/3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 t. baking powder
3/4 t. cinnamon
1/8 t salt
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

1 egg, beaten
3 T buttermilk
1/4 t. almond extract
1/4 t. vanilla

1 1/2 cups chopped fresh peaches
7 oz. white chocolate chips

1. In small bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold, cubed butter until resembles coarse crumbs.
2. In a small bowl, combine beaten egg, buttermilk and almond and vanilla extract.
3. Add to dry ingredients, mix until moisten. Fold in chopped peaches and white chocolate chips.
4. Bake 1/4 cup mounds on parchment lined baking sheet
8. Bake at 425 for 10-12 mins or until golden brown

Halloween C.R.A.Z.I.N.E.S.S.

 The kids were super creative in carving their pumpkins this year!

 Delta Stewardess and Delta Pilot 

 I was so excited for Birch to wear his costume to work but he came down with the barfy flu and couldn't show off his awesome outfit.  Next Year!

 Our little cute wicked witch

 Chloe (witch), Nate (Einstein), Coop (soccer player), Alysee (pirate)

The Young Women put on an awesome Ward Halloween Party.  They performed a seriously awesome dance number to Michael Jackson's song, "Thriller."