11 Weeks

When Byron's Mom was here helping us after Kylene was born, she told Kylene one night that she'd have to tell people, "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful." We think that might become her mantra in life. We're pretty sure she understands the words "pretty" and "beautiful" because when we call her those, she gives us a HUGE smile, clasps both her hands together, brings them to her mouth and turns her head to the side as if to say, "Me? No really, come on. Okay tell me more." :)

Even though I couldn't get Kylene to look at me, I had to post of picture of this outfit. Is this too much or what.

Creme De Carottes

Our ward Relief Society here in Chapel Hill put together a cook book that is AMAZING. My whole menu this week has been based on new recipes from the cookbook. Everyone was supposed to only submit their family's most treasured recipes and write a little something about the history behind the recipe. This recipe is from Jill Austin. This was passed down to her from her Swedish Grandmother. I made it tonight and it was so fantastic, I had to share. I also made a loaf of whole wheat bread to go along and it was a very satisfying winter dinner (well if you can call a 64 degree day winter).

Creme De Carottes

3 TB butter
1-2 lb sliced carrots
1 large onion, sliced
3/4 uncooked rice (not Minute)
1 c. cream
2 qt. chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parsley

Melt butter on medium-low heat, then add onions and cook slowly until golden. Add carrots and saute for several minutes. Add broth and rice. Bring to a boil and then lower heat and simmer for at least an hour. Allow to cool, and then puree either with a hand blender, or in batches in a stand-up blender. Return to pot and warm on low heat. Add cream, correct seasoning with salt and pepper. When serving, it looks lovely with a bit of chopped parsley on top. Serves 6-8. This soup also freezes well.

Kylene's Blessing

Kylene's blessing weekend was a really special time for our family. My sister came Thursday night, my Mom and Dad flew in Friday morning, my sister's husband, Jon, and Byron's parents came Sunday morning. Byron's Mom, Theresa, made Kylene's blessing gown, bonnet, and blanket. The pictures don't do them justice. They are exquisite and I was thrilled to put our beautiful Kylene in them. The blessing Byron gave Kylene was special and beautiful. It was wonderful to see our Dad's and Jon participate in the blessing. Connor was beside himself with joy the whole time our family was here. There was always someone new waiting to shower him with love and attention! We took some (about 75) pictures of Kylene and Connor before church. I've narrowed them down to my favorite.

Dad, Mom, and Kylene

February 1, 2009

Where Can a Kid Be a Kid?

Where else but Chuck E Cheese?!? Connor has come to associate a visit from the Grandparents with a sure fire trip to Chuck E Cheese. We went there on Friday and I was so happy for Connor. He was THRILLED the whole time we were there which was a good 3 hours. He ran from playing games, to coming and having a drink of pop and a bite of pizza, to applauding the Chuck E Cheese band, to repeating the process all over again. My Dad and Connor had a GREAT time together. I think my Dad found joy in being a kid too. :)


When Chuck E Cheese himself made his appearance Connor was in awe. He followed him around wherever he went and we even noticed Chuck E trying to lose Connor at one point. To bad for Mr. Chuck E Cheese, Connor was too smart for him and cut him off at the pass.

Thanks to Nana and Grandpa for another fun outing!

CONNOR, TO THE RESCUE!

My parents got Connor a super cool super hero cape for his birthday. The cape is a reversible Batman cape on one side and Superman on the other. He put it on and went from person to person asking them if they needed help: "Need help Nana? Need help Grandpa?" We had to be quick on our feet to keep coming up with things we needed saving from. He'd run and take care of our problem and then go on to the next person in peril and need of saving.
He's learned all his good super hero work from his Dad, aka "Super Dad". :)

Blessing

A few pictures from Kylene's blessing weekend. These are just a preview of more to come....

Thanks to all who made the effort to come. It's been a really special weekend for our family.