Children's Museum
Eegees
Warcraft with Uncle Derek
New Moon
Stay up till 2am
Library
Little Caesar's
Spend the night at Derek & Yvonne's
The Lightening Thief
Sleep in
Ice cream cones
Slumber party in Mom's bed
Shooting in the wash
Rootbeer floats
Playing with Cody & Makena
Blue highlights
Tanning
Clean house
Playground
Mesa Temple
Shopping with Erin
Rockband
Spend the night at Trevor & Erin's
Shannon's homecoming/Tyler's farewell
Play pool
Stuck in traffic
Together
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Simple Pleasures...
...are life's treasures.
It's Grandma's new tradition to take one of the kids each Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours of one-on-one time. I love having one taken out of the mix each week and they love the quality time together. Yesterday when Cody came home from Grandma's he said it was "the best day of his life" because she played Sorry! with him and they had root beer floats.
Today, Keeley & Devon were at Aunt Yvonne's so I took the little ones with me to Benson to get out of the house so they wouldn't die of boredom. On the way I was sadly thinking what a lame Spring Break this is, having nothing to do and nowhere to go.
We delivered some candles to the Crawford's, and the kids went against my wishes and piled out of the Suburban when we arrived to play with two little furry, black, barking dogs. It gave Kathleen & I a little chance to chat and then we piled back in and drove to the library. They could care less about the books there, we just go for the fun games on the kids' computer and free movie rentals. When they resisted leaving I offered to drive through the Benson Ice Cream Shop. There we ordered a blue-raspberry dipped cone, a baby vanilla cone, and a hot fudge-caramel-pecan-parfait. You can guess who got what. Then we went to the playground till Cody had to use the restroom which was my ticket back home.
On the way, Cody exclaimed, "Wow, this is all so exciting!" I skeptically asked what was so exciting, for me that was the last adjective I would have picked to describe our afternoon. He enthusiastically replied, "petting the dogs and getting an ice cream cone!" Those two small moments made his day.
I am thankful that Cody helped me realize I don't have to go anywhere far away or do something grand to make a lasting memory or build a stronger relationship. I already knew that I just forget to "do" that.
It's Grandma's new tradition to take one of the kids each Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours of one-on-one time. I love having one taken out of the mix each week and they love the quality time together. Yesterday when Cody came home from Grandma's he said it was "the best day of his life" because she played Sorry! with him and they had root beer floats.
Today, Keeley & Devon were at Aunt Yvonne's so I took the little ones with me to Benson to get out of the house so they wouldn't die of boredom. On the way I was sadly thinking what a lame Spring Break this is, having nothing to do and nowhere to go.
We delivered some candles to the Crawford's, and the kids went against my wishes and piled out of the Suburban when we arrived to play with two little furry, black, barking dogs. It gave Kathleen & I a little chance to chat and then we piled back in and drove to the library. They could care less about the books there, we just go for the fun games on the kids' computer and free movie rentals. When they resisted leaving I offered to drive through the Benson Ice Cream Shop. There we ordered a blue-raspberry dipped cone, a baby vanilla cone, and a hot fudge-caramel-pecan-parfait. You can guess who got what. Then we went to the playground till Cody had to use the restroom which was my ticket back home.
On the way, Cody exclaimed, "Wow, this is all so exciting!" I skeptically asked what was so exciting, for me that was the last adjective I would have picked to describe our afternoon. He enthusiastically replied, "petting the dogs and getting an ice cream cone!" Those two small moments made his day.
I am thankful that Cody helped me realize I don't have to go anywhere far away or do something grand to make a lasting memory or build a stronger relationship. I already knew that I just forget to "do" that.
Together is a wonderful place to be.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Historic Costume Ball
Every year the St. David Heritage Society puts on a ball. Keeley was excited to go this year, it was going to be her first dance. This afternoon Devon decided to tag along with her. He looked very handsome when he added the black cowboy hat and grandpa's bolo tie, sad I didn't get a picture of the finished look. Also, Keeley made a choker out of one of her lockets threaded through some blue ribbon after the picture. It was a very pretty final touch to her costume. 
So this is what happens when I sit in front of a sewing machine for a couple of days instead of my computer. We already had the blue calico print, and she wanted to accent with yellow so I found this damask fabric we both liked. Her favorite part is the large ruffles on the end of the sleeves. We borrowed her great-great-grandmother's wedding petticoat to poof it out. It was the first dress I've ever made.... I guess I did okay... she's happy and that's all that matters. When I dropped her off at the dance, I was impressed to see many fantastic vintage-looking dresses of all the old ladies, I've got some practicing and research to do if she continues to go each year. Sunday, February 7, 2010
Adorably Speaking
Speaking of the cute little things kids say.... I was recently reminded of something Devon said a few months ago in a conversation with Keeley. It was seriously one of the sweetest most precious things I've ever heard come out of his mouth.
Even kids have to have passwords for everything these days, so Keeley was helping Devon get set up with some kind of account on the computer and it came time to decide on a password. She was encouraging using combinations of first name or nickname dot last name hyphen lucky number and other complicated suggestions. Devon finally said "Johnny11" (this isn't really what he said, but you know I can't actually give his password here). Keeley rudely asked why he would chose that for his password (against her brainy suggestions). This is where I would have expected hostility on Devon's part, and a fight to break out, but instead, Devon softly, simply answered, "because he is my best friend, I would never forget that".
Even kids have to have passwords for everything these days, so Keeley was helping Devon get set up with some kind of account on the computer and it came time to decide on a password. She was encouraging using combinations of first name or nickname dot last name hyphen lucky number and other complicated suggestions. Devon finally said "Johnny11" (this isn't really what he said, but you know I can't actually give his password here). Keeley rudely asked why he would chose that for his password (against her brainy suggestions). This is where I would have expected hostility on Devon's part, and a fight to break out, but instead, Devon softly, simply answered, "because he is my best friend, I would never forget that".
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Alayna's Prayers
Alayna brings such a ray of sunshine into our home. Tonight dinner was a little thrown together, and we found ourselves shoving tostados into our mouths before Alayna reminded us to bless it. Her reward was getting to be the one to say our dinner prayer ~ there's typically a fight about who gets to, so often we have 1, 2 or 3 prayers at the dinner table. Tonight it was just her.I help Alayna get started with her prayers then she takes it and runs with it. I love her prayers, they are from her heart and she always says exactly what is important to her. It is so beautiful. I am sad that I haven't written down the precious and adorable things she has said in her prayers, so tonight I decided I better start writing. Tonight wasn't exactly one of her spiritual ones though...
I began, "Dear Heavenly Father," she echoed, "Dear Heavenly Father", I said, "thank you for this food", (and I know this is the last thing I have to say, the most important reason for this prayer has been said and the rest is up to her) "thank you for this food..." she repeats and continues without even a breath to break her train of thought, "...and for the quarters Devon gave me that I peed on in the bathroom, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
It is so hard to maintain reverence in these kind of prayers. Until this moment I had no idea she had urinated on the coins. I'm glad I found out before I stumbled upon them. She is so sincere, she isn't trying to get attention, even though she earns lots of it. I asked the kids what some of the other funny things she has prayed for and they couldn't remember either. A few that came to my mind:
Several weeks ago Alayna was saying our family prayer. I start the phrases for her and she finishes from the heart. So it was "...please bless Daddy... that he doesn't shoot himself". It was a crack up. Not the morbid thought - simply her innocent concern for his safety.
The other Alayna Prayer that comes to mind, was before she was so confident. It was in a phase of all repeats. This prayer though, she threw in a little twist. I started, "Dear Heavenly Father" she repeated, "Dear Heavenly Father", "thank you for this day", "thank you for this day", then I said "we're thankful our cousins came to visit" and unexpectedly she says "mmm hmmm," and I continued, "we're thankful for Grandma and Grandpa", again agreed, "umm hmm". Distracted, I continued, please help us choose the right", again she didn't repeat, simply affirmed, "mmm hmmm". It was so comical I could barely finish the prayer, and it wasn't with a straight face. The poor thing didn't even know why we were all giggling.
Now that I type it, it's not as funny as being there. But I guess at least I have some words to help me recall our sweet memories of my little Alayna.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Chocolate Mousse Fantasy Torte
One of my favorite parts of our annual Trott Family Christmas Party is seeing what Aunt Lisa is going to fix... and I was far from disappointed once again this year! She made this fabulous chocolate dessert and of course didn't miss a detail, don't you love the chocolate Christmas tree standing in the center??? I thought this would be perfect for Valentine's, and just looking at it now is making me think I need to test it out at least once beforehand...BASE
1 package of brownie mix
2 tsp instant coffee granules or crystals (see note at bottom about coffee)
3/4 cup butter
1/4 cup water
1 egg
FILLING
1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 oz unsweetened chocolate
1 tsp instant coffee (see note at bottom)
1 /4 cup water
2 T butter
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted
Heat over to 350. Grease 9 or 10 inch spring form pan. In large bowl combine all base ingredients; beat at medium speed 1 minute. Spread batter in greased pan. Bake for 34-37 minutes or until set. Cool in pan on wire rack for 1 hour. Remove sides of pan and cool completely.
In small saucepan, combine chocolate chips, 1 oz unsweet chocolate, 1 teaspoon coffee, 1/4 cup water and 2 tablespoons butter. Cook over low heat until mixture is smooth, stirring constantly. (I do this in the microwave). Remove from heat and cool 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In small bowl beat whip cream until soft peaks form. Fold warm chocolate mix into whip cream. Using pastry tube fitted with decorative tip, pipe filling mix evenly over cooled base. Or spread filling over base. Drizzle 1/2 oz melted unsweetened chocolate over filling in lattice pattern. Refrigerate at least one hour or until filling is set. Let stand at room temp about 30 minutes before serving.
12 - 16 servings.
Sometimes I omit the coffee and top with fresh raspberries and then drizzle with melted chocolate.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Christmas Letter 2009
Dear Friends & Family,
I hope this letter finds you well. Not much has changed this year but wanted to give you a little summary of our family...
This year Robert worked 3 months at the Grand Canyon and is now in Ft. Bliss, TX. He hates working away from home but we are grateful he still has a job in this tough economy. Thank goodness for cell phones and email so we can stay in close contact while he's away. He continues his schooling with online classes and is doing very well. He loves shooting in his spare time and had a successful elk hunt last month.
I continue to work for a doctor's office from home, doing medical filing online. I love the flexibility of being able to choose my own hours. I'm in my 8th year with Gold Canyon and have a team of 64 demonstrators. It is a busy hobby and social outlet for me. For fun, the last couple of months I've been attending Zumba classes. I didn't know it was exercise or I wouldn't have gone in the first place, but I had so much fun I can't bring myself to missing it. It's more of a party than a workout, an hour of modern & Latin aerobic dancing twice a week.
Keeley (11) is advancing in her piano lessons with Grandma Merrill. She is playing hymns and "The Entertainer" and sounds so beautiful. She started middle school this year and continues maturing into a sweet and thoughtful young lady. She loves babysitting and helping with her young cousins. I asked her what she enjoys besides Taylor Swift, texting and Twilight and she said "that pretty much covers it".
Devon (10) loves playing football with his friends. He also rides quads and goes paint balling for fun. In the spring he was a great baseball player and was chosen for the All Stars team. I asked what he wanted me to say he's been doing all year and he answered, "Rockin' out!" which is indeed the truth as he's been taking guitar lessons for about 8 months and sounds amazing. His favorite songs to play are 21 Guns, Enter Sandman and Crazy Train.
Cody (5) started kindergarten this year. He loves learning and practices writing letters and numbers. His favorite parts of school are getting to use the computer and finger painting with shaving cream. He likes to watch Spongebob Squarepants and play with cars and tractors and our new puppy. He loves games - Checkers, Connect 4, and playing on the computer.
Alayna (3) has been attending a preschool this year. She loves the crafts and friends there. She is a big help to Mommy with cooking and chores, particularly dishes and laundry. She likes to play dollies, Barbies and dress up like a princess. Her favorite color is pink and she makes us all smile daily.
I hope this letter finds you well. Not much has changed this year but wanted to give you a little summary of our family...
This year Robert worked 3 months at the Grand Canyon and is now in Ft. Bliss, TX. He hates working away from home but we are grateful he still has a job in this tough economy. Thank goodness for cell phones and email so we can stay in close contact while he's away. He continues his schooling with online classes and is doing very well. He loves shooting in his spare time and had a successful elk hunt last month.
I continue to work for a doctor's office from home, doing medical filing online. I love the flexibility of being able to choose my own hours. I'm in my 8th year with Gold Canyon and have a team of 64 demonstrators. It is a busy hobby and social outlet for me. For fun, the last couple of months I've been attending Zumba classes. I didn't know it was exercise or I wouldn't have gone in the first place, but I had so much fun I can't bring myself to missing it. It's more of a party than a workout, an hour of modern & Latin aerobic dancing twice a week.
Keeley (11) is advancing in her piano lessons with Grandma Merrill. She is playing hymns and "The Entertainer" and sounds so beautiful. She started middle school this year and continues maturing into a sweet and thoughtful young lady. She loves babysitting and helping with her young cousins. I asked her what she enjoys besides Taylor Swift, texting and Twilight and she said "that pretty much covers it".
Devon (10) loves playing football with his friends. He also rides quads and goes paint balling for fun. In the spring he was a great baseball player and was chosen for the All Stars team. I asked what he wanted me to say he's been doing all year and he answered, "Rockin' out!" which is indeed the truth as he's been taking guitar lessons for about 8 months and sounds amazing. His favorite songs to play are 21 Guns, Enter Sandman and Crazy Train.
Cody (5) started kindergarten this year. He loves learning and practices writing letters and numbers. His favorite parts of school are getting to use the computer and finger painting with shaving cream. He likes to watch Spongebob Squarepants and play with cars and tractors and our new puppy. He loves games - Checkers, Connect 4, and playing on the computer.
Alayna (3) has been attending a preschool this year. She loves the crafts and friends there. She is a big help to Mommy with cooking and chores, particularly dishes and laundry. She likes to play dollies, Barbies and dress up like a princess. Her favorite color is pink and she makes us all smile daily.
Gunny is our new chocolate lab. He is 5 months old and we should have named him "Shredder" since that what he does to everything in our back yard. He loves to play ball and frisbee with the kids and go for weekend walks with Robert.
This month we are trying to center our thoughts upon the Savior through scriptures about His birth, by giving Him a special gift by trying to live the law of love, and listening to sacred Christmas music to help us remember Him. We are so very grateful for our bounteous blessings of health and strength, a beautiful home, having a family, and the love we share. We bear testimony of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer, that He lives and loves us. We hope this Christmas season will be a time of tenderness, peace, and love for all.
Sincerely yours,
The Didion Family
This month we are trying to center our thoughts upon the Savior through scriptures about His birth, by giving Him a special gift by trying to live the law of love, and listening to sacred Christmas music to help us remember Him. We are so very grateful for our bounteous blessings of health and strength, a beautiful home, having a family, and the love we share. We bear testimony of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer, that He lives and loves us. We hope this Christmas season will be a time of tenderness, peace, and love for all.
Sincerely yours,
The Didion Family
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