What's been going on at our house?

I really do feel bad about the lack of posts lately. So much has happened-and yet...nothing has really happened.

Tae got stomach flu a week and a half ago. It was our first throw-up experience with her. It was awful. She got sick twice before we put her to bed. We had an emergency bath and changing of her bedding before we went to bed. She woke up choking on and coughing up phlegm 4 times during the night. When I called my boss the next morning to let him know I was staying home with her, I had reached the point of desperation. I said, "Scott, you're a dad that has been through this. What do I do?!" 5 minutes later, his wife called me. We were finally able to get her to hold down Pedialyte.

We had a RS retreat up at the Heber Valley Girls Camp. It was a one-night campout thing. My parents were going to baby-sit because Jon had been asked to come as one of the Priesthood leaders. Unfortunately, that fell at the tail end of Tae's 24-hour flu. Jon stayed home with her and I went up for a few hours. Other than the snow on the ground and the freezing cold wind, it was rather enjoyable. Secretly I was glad I had to go home. I'm not sure I ever would have gotten warm enough to actually fall asleep.

Last weekend was the ASCE-YMF BBQ. Lot of acronyms, I know. American Society of Civil Engineers-Younger Member Forum. It is the professional organization for Civil Engineers under the age of 35. There was actually a huge turnout. We ate dinner, carved pumpkins, fed ducks, chased Taelyn, and missed the officer elections (we were feeding ducks). Kind of sad considering I was running for Treasurer. All positions were uncontested-so it wasn't too big a deal.

That is about it. OH! Except for the fact that it has been 1 whole month since Taelyn has bit someone at daycare! Sad as it may be, I feel like it is Christmas every time I go to pick her up and there isn't a slip telling me she bit someone. It's like it has been Christmas for a whole month! In her defense, she never used to bite...until she was bitten first. Hopefully we are passed that phase...and hopefully I didn't just jinx it.

What's been going on in our ward?

There are two things that I really want to blog about.

The first is the family that taught the last RS cooking class. They are from Micronesia. The daughter served a mission in England, so she serves as a translator. I think I have figured out the family relations there, but am not really sure how to explain it. The mom and dad have two married daughters and a single son. I believe their nephew lives with them, as well as the brother of their son-in-law. Anyway, the reason I post about this family is because we attended the baptism of their nephew's wife (they had gotten married earlier that same day). It was so sweet and simple. The talks were in their native language and the daughter translated. The following day the nephew's wife was confirmed. Because it was fast and testimony meeting, several of the family members then bore their testimonies. We heard from the father, the girl that had just been baptized, one of the son-in-laws (both son-in-laws are new members), and the daughter that serves as the translator. It was one of the more spiritual meetings that I have attended lately. Maybe it was partly because Taelyn was good and I was able to listen. Either way, this family is amazing and it has been fun to watch them grow.

The second thing is that we now have Sister Missionaries! It was amazing to be able to go out with them to an appointment. It reminded me of how long it has been since I was in their shoes. They are both amazing and work so well together. One is a recent convert from Michigan who is finishing up her mission. The other is from Kentucky and is just starting hers. They spoke in Sacrament Meeting yesterday and did an amazing job. Once again, Taelyn was good and I was able to listen.

It was nice to have two incredible meetings in a row. It was even nicer that I got to listen to them both. I had honestly gotten to the point where I was wondering if I would ever be able to feel the Spirit in a meeting again. I never realized just how hard it is to have a toddler at church.

RS Cooking Class 6

I just realized that I have still not posted classes 3-5. I've fallen behind and let my blog go! In an attempt to remedy that, let me post this. It was last night and I actually have the 'recipe' still in my purse.

The recipe is for Tapioca Cake, a traditional Micronesian dessert. We were all a little confused when the women (mother and daughter) teaching weren't sure on the cooking temperature or time. They explained (the daughter translated) that they make it in the community 'oven' that the men made with stones. I can totally understand how converting the recipe from the traditional method was a little difficult. This dessert was a hit and everyone in attendance enjoyed it. I highly recommend trying it sometime.

Tapioca Cake
1 bag Frozen Grated Cassava (They couldn't find a Micronesian store, but they found this at the Asian market around the corner. This is the tapioca-that they usually grate and make from scratch)
1/2 cup water
1/2 can condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup cream cheese frosting (they used Pillsbury brand. Strawberry frosting is also often used)
1 cup coconut milk
Start with the Cassava in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Add one ingredient at a time and stir until creamy before adding next ingredient *. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes in a metal cake pan.

*If you double the recipe, add sugar to taste (up to 1 cup)

Nursing Covers--$32 off

I just got an email about this blog.

If you need a baby gift, or want to get a nursing cover for yourself, I highly recommend checking it out. I bought the gift set (regularly $45.85), which is on sale for $37. With the $32 off code, I paid $5 plus $8.95 shipping. Not bad.

I'm actually excited to see what else this blog has to offer. Anything subtitled A place to learn, practice, and brag about freebies, saving money, & deals! is totally worth checking out.

Our Trip to the Zoo

We took Tae to the zoo on Saturday. I loved living close enough that when she got tired after an hour and a half, we could leave. There was no need to stay to make the trip worth the drive or the $$. Anyway, we saw all the babies (tiger, elephant and giraffe). So cute! Last we hit the carousel. That and the baby elephant were Taelyn's favorite. Other than Taelyn being in a Mommy mood, we had a great time. Thanks to Jon for taking the pictures while I was busy carrying Taelyn.

I don't have time to arrange the pictures, so I apologize for the following picture dump.

I kind of feel like a jerk...

During lunch, Jenni, Darla and I went to the gym here at work. When we finished, Darla and I went to the cafeteria to grab some food.

I got a taco salad ($4.55). I gave the teller a $10 and asked if she could give me the change in ones. She looked at me funny and handed me 45 cents. I pointed out that I had handed her a $10. She proceeds to count out 4 dollar bills for me. When she stopped, I politely informed her that she owed me another dollar. She gave me this totally confused look. So I counted it out for her. $4.55 + 0.45 = $5. I needed $5 more to get $10. I still got the confused look. I explained again, and then the lady behind me chimed in and said that I was correct. The teller, still looking confused, slowly pulled out another dollar bill. I had to explain it again before she would give it to me. It this point I'm thinking how glad I was that that was over. Then the lady behind me informed me that I owed the teller $4. WHAT?! So then I explained it to them both again. When they both gave me a confused look, I blurted out "I'm an engineer. Don't argue with me."

CRAP! DID I REALLY SAY THAT?

I made a hasty retreat.

Family Reunions

Jon & I had 3 Family Reunions over Labor Day Weekend. We only made it to two. I made sure to pack my camera and an extra set of batteries. Wouldn't you know that both sets were dead. I think my camera hates me.

I did manage to get a few pictures from the first reunion though. It was at the Heber Valley Girl's Camp. I am old enough that the camp was after my day. They have awesome facilities up there. Beautiful location and great weather.

Tae loved playing with her cousins. She didn't care for the sand box. Tae thought she was as big as they all are. She wanted to follow them everywhere they went. I did lose her once while we were there. It was the worst minute and a half of my life.

We Eat It Raw 'Round Here

'Tis That Time of Year Again

With General Conference often comes mission reunions. At a glance, it looks like most of them are on the evening of October 2nd. Shouldn't surprise me that Jon's and my reunions are at the exact same time.

Dear Papa, Gramma and Aunt Taryn, thanks for the bike.

It is my favorite toy and I play with it all the time. Sometimes I want to play with it so much that I run away while Ma is trying to put my diaper on. I still haven't figured out why Ma was mad and Da couldn't quit laughing. Can you talk to them about that?