What's Cooking

The girls have really been helping out in the kitchen lately (and on the grill) from family dinners to treats and more. It is so nice to have them at this age when they are both willing and able! The girls have made several things lately including Whoopie Pies (a more healthy version, but still quite tasty), Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps, and all kinds of meals from the grill. Madison is continuing to add to her homemade recipe book. Gabrielle is compiling a recipe book of delicious desserts (go figure!). Both girls are keeping food journals. Here is Gabrielle grilling chicken and pineapple. It was so good! Thanks girls for all your help! It is like having two sous chefs! Bon Appetit!

Cake Kindergarten

I was so lucky to have my very own private lesson on making fondant, covering and decorating cake. At the last enrichment meeting at church, we all drew out a name of a person, then we were to do a service for that person. The person that got my name just happened to be the best cake decorator in our ward, so when she asked, I knew what I wanted her to do for me: teach me how to cover a cake with fondant. She is the best teacher. She was very patient, even when I had to roll out the fondant three times! She did a lot of prep work, too. Her husband was also nice enough to stay with their kids so she could come over and teach me in my own home. It was so much fun to learn. Now I may just be brave enough to do it all by myself. I better get her number on speed dial! Here are the results of our lesson:

Pierced Ears

Both girls got their ears pierced last week. Gabrielle want first, then Madison. This is their new look for back to school!

Do it Yourself Walk

Everyday Madison and Gabrielle like to take the dogs out on a morning walk. One day last week when they were taking Sydney first, Mia was not too happy! She decided to take matters into her own paws. She knows that her leash and harness are kept in a bottom kitchen drawer. She went into the kitchen, jumped up and down until it was opened halfway, then proceeded to dig out her leash and grab her harness with her mouth. It was the funniest thing. She was still not happy until her harness was on and leash attached and she was delivered outside to catch up to the walkers!! So smart!

President Monson goes to Washington

This is from the church website's newsroom dated July 20th:

"President Barack Obama was presented with five large leather-bound volumes today by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that detail his family history going back multiple generations covering hundreds of years. The presentation was made by Church President Thomas S. Monson and Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. They were accompanied by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, who is also a member of the Church.



President Barack Obama meets with (from left) Senator Harry Reid, Joshua DuBois, President Thomas S. Monson and Elder Dallin H. Oaks in the Oval Office.

© Official White House Photograph by Pete Souza

President Monson said: “President Obama’s heritage is rich with examples of leadership, sacrifice and service. We were very pleased to research his family history and are honored to present it to him today.”

Elder Oaks, who oversees the Church’s family history program, said, “The Church has great resources and experience in genealogy work, and we are proud to have researched such a unique and impressive family history.”

“I thank President Monson and Elder Oaks for sharing our religion’s tradition of genealogical research with the president and his family,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. “I am also glad that President Obama and Elder Oaks had an opportunity to discuss their shared passion of the law. Recognizing the president and first lady's deep regard for family, I am honored that our church can have any part in documenting their family history.”

The Church has also presented personal histories to other U.S. presidents, including Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. "

This is from the White House website:
The President issued the following statement after meeting with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and leaders of the LDS Church at the White House today:

"I enjoyed my meeting with President Monson and Elder Oaks. I'm grateful for the genealogical records that they brought with them and am looking forward to reading through the materials with my daughters. It's something our family will treasure for years to come."

David Archuletta

We spent Wednesday evening in Kansas City at the Sprint Center again-- this time the crowd was a little more enthusiastic due to the fact it was for David Archuletta. Our girls were some of the oldest kids there! SO many screaming girls! There was the rare dad or two (including Jared) and a few stray little brothers, but it was mostly moms and daughters. It was a fun night and it was great to see David doing what he does so well-- sing and play the piano. He got to sing many songs from his album, some covers (including "Apologize") and some new songs he had written himself. He is such a talented young man! And what a smile! He was the opening act for Disney's Demi Lovato. We decided to hit the road once she came on. We really just wanted to see David. He was adorable! We also stopped by our new favorite frozen yogurt place in the Power and Light District across the street from the Sprint Center. The girls loved it. And we love spending time with them!

Dutch Oven Dinner

Saturday was out ward Dutch Oven Dinner. Thanks to Tisha, activities queen, for organizing the whole thing! Jared made peach cobbler like my dad has always made. I have looked around and haven't seen the exact same recipe out there. Several people asked so I thought I would just post it here. Enjoy! Note-- this dish is great when there's a chill in the air!

5 Large Cans sliced peaches in heavy syrup
5 Jiffy Cake mixes either yellow or white
1 1/2 cups sugar
Cinnamon
2 sticks butter

Light the coals outside on heavy foil on the concrete. Have enough coals for underneath the cooker as well as some to put on top while the cobbler is cooking.

When the coals are hot, set the Dutch oven on the coals.
Melt the butter in the Dutch oven.
When butter is melted, add the peaches with syrup.
Pour in the sugar, stir a little.

Sprinkle all the cake mix over the top so it is well covered . Put the lid on the cooker placing hot coals on the lid surface.

Cook until done which will be at least 30-40 minutes if your coals are hot. It will be boiling really well and brown on top.

When you serve it, dip down in to get peaches and as you serve it the cake mix topping will mix in with the fruit.