Our Praying Mantis Visitor

After school the other day Wyatt wanted to ride the "Gator" so I had the girls sit on the front porch with me to do homework. We were there for about 15 minutes before we noticed this praying mantis on the side of the house. Becca asked if she could take some pictures and share it at school next week. It stayed at our front door the rest of the evening and was even there when the girls left for school the next morning.

First Grade Artwork

Sarah brought this page home yesterday. She'd worked on it at school and was very proud of it. I had her translate the words for me: "My mom likes to make bread. My father likes to draw. My sister likes to ride on a horse. My brother is dumb and he burps." (Click the picture to see it better.) Oh, first grade!! I love this being a mom stuff . . .

10th anniversary

Sept 5th was our 10th anniversary. My dear mother watched our kids while we went to dinner then did some window-shopping. Mom sent flowers & a card and Brandon brought flowers home. He said, "I figure if I don't bring flowers home, I'll be in big trouble." We had a great evening talking about the past 10 years and what it's brought to us. We dreamed of the next 10 years and the joys awaiting us. Becca will be heading to college, Sarah will be dating, and Wyatt will be nearing his time to start driver's education classes. We treasure our children and love to hear them laugh and watch them learn. We're very blessed!

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.