Merlin

We are getting ready for the new episode of Merlin this Sunday night. We have watched this show on NBC since it started earlier this year. It follows the story of Merlin the legendary wizard and King Arthur, and what might have happened if the two had met when they were young. Merlin is just discovering his magical abilities and how to control them. Arthur has just been made crown prince by his father, King Uther. Uther despises all things magic, due to many things in his past, including the death of Arthur's mother. Arthur has to try to keep his abilities a secret while having to use them ALL the time! He is schooled and mentored by the court physician, Gaius. The King's ward, Morgana, is discovering that she has the ability to see the future. Merlin is very witty, charming, and always getting into trouble. This season actually first aired in Britain on the BBC last year. It's available on dvd, but you have to have the special dvd player that only works in Europe. So, you can catch up online if you haven't seen it yet. Our whole family loves the show. We read that the creators goal was to make "three generation television," appealing to audiences young and old alike. They definitely succeeded! It airs on Sunday nights on NBC at 7:00pm. The season finale is next Sunday at 6:00pm!!!

Birthday Celebration

We had fun celebrating Madison's 14th birthday. We decorated with pastel bandanas and butterflies. For dinner we did fondue. We first had the cheese course, with apples, pears, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers and celery, cheese tortellini and french bread cubes. Then Madison opened about half of her presents. We completed dinner with a broth fondue with steak, pork, chicken, potato wedges and baby portabello mushrooms. It was sooo yummy! Madison finished opening the rest of her presents and we brought out her birthday fruit pizza that we made that morning. She decorated the fruit pizza exactly how she wanted-- it was delicious and beautiful. We ended the evening watching a movie together -- Race to Witch Mountain. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Happy Birthday Madison!

Madison turns 14 years old today. Hope you have a great day and a wonderful year to come! You are so special to our family…

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!