Torch Finger Steaks

1 Lb. Top sirloin steak, cut into 3/4" to 1" cubes. Not any larger.
1 1/2 cups flour
1 Tbsp. Lawry's Season Salt
2 eggs
1 teas. baking powder
3/4 teas. pepper
enough milk to form pancake batter, approx. 1 cup.

Deep fry at 375° until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. We used Albertson's top grade sirloin. 1 Lb. of steak makes a lot of cubes!

First Day of School 2008

Both girls were up, dressed, fed, & ready in about 15 mintues this morning! Needless to say, they were enthusiastic about school starting today. Becca is excited to learn cursive writing and Boise history. Hopefully she'll be able to teach us more about this city we love. Sarah can't wait to have homework, which her teacher says it's for the parents to do and not her. Yea, she was thrilled to announce that. Ah, first grade. I can't wait to watch her advance in her reading.

A Day with Donnie

My good friend, Donnie (Donella) Holden, took all 3 kids out last week. They made their own visors, visited the zoo, had a picnic at the MK Nature Center, then she treated them to milkshakes on the way home. Donnie wanted to give me some time to myself. (I found a swimsuit for our cruise in November!) These are pictures Donnie took on their trip. How can you not love those who serve you so selflessly?? Then tonight she watched Wyatt & Sarah while we took Becca to the Twin Falls Temple Dedication. Donnie loves our kids and they love her too. We're so bless to have her & Kory in our lives.

Winters Reunion

Clint & Tina Sampson (Brandon's sister) came up from Vernal, Utah with their 2 children, Brinley & Trail. They were only able to stay for a few days, but we were able to get together a lot. After family pictures were taken one evening, we met at Read & Angie's (Brandon's sister) home for Trail's 1st birthday party & swimming. Angie had made a little birthday cake for Trail (a "Hunny Pot"), which he thoroughly devoured and/or smeared. It was loads of fun being together.

A visit from friends . . .

Last Sunday our friend Jeanette Smalls (in the green dress) came to visit and brought her sister, Sarah. Jeanette & Shannon were married about the same time we were. We attended the same ward where Jeanette and I served in the Young Women's together. They moved into my mom's ward and Jeanette became good friends with her. So mom came over to visit too.

We've kept in touch these past 10 years. They have 3 boys now and live near Austin, Texas. Jeanette & Sarah are from Ghana, Africa, where their father was over the Church Education System program. Their accent is beautiful to listen to. Sarah told us she translates for General Conference and shared some experiences with us. She just graduated from BYU-Idaho and is headed to Texas to live with Shannon & Jeanette. She was wonderful with our kids, letting them take pictures with her camera and then taking several beautiful pictures of each child. It was wonderful to see them again (Sarah stayed with the Smalls 10 years ago so we'd met before). We only wish they lived closer, but Jeanette said they'd still like to move back to Boise. Shannon's parents live in Nampa. He works for the State of Texas with their disaster relief efforts, coordinating with FEMA. Jeanette is the chairman of the activities committee for their ward and Shannon serves as an emergency / disaster preparedness coordinator.