Rake & Bake!

Yesterday, Ray and I needed to split more wood, so we had to put Stephen somewhere nearby. I bundled him up and put his playpen in the driveway close to us so I could watch him. He was happy to have his sippy cup of juice to keep things sweet. Right before I had brought him out to the playpen, one of the friends that I walk with called and said, "how about my husband and I come over and help you split the wood and I'll bring hot dogs and chips and we can cook dinner over your firepit for date night." I was so impressed by this phone call. Totally an answer to prayer. Lifting the logs is a lot of work. Which I love. However, it's really hard to attend to Stephen's needs when I'm behind a machine handing Ray the logs to split. So, her hubby came over and lifted the logs while she and I made up peach cobbler in the dutch oven and got the fire started. The babies played together for a while inside and then we went outside to enjoy the fire. They are such a fun family. Ray thinks the guy who helped him reminds him of Charles. I'll have to find out why. They also brought their dog, Rocky (a blue heeler) to play with Sage and she was so happy to have a new boyfriend in the valley. And, since she's spayed, she's free Willy (oops, sorry William, didn't mean to put you in the doghouse.)

Today, I baked "Grandma's sugar cookies" (aunt Lorna'a recipe).. the BEST! Then, I frosted them with cream cheese frosting. I made them to cheer up a friend and send some to Grandma Lindquist because her favorite cookie is a sugar cookie. Cookies have made it safely to her before, so I'll go for it again. As I was making the frosting, I thought Stephen would really like a beater. So, I gave him his first frosting beater and had to get a photo. He could not get enough in his mouth at a time. He wanted the whole beater to fit, so he kept trying. too funny!

Today was also rake the leaves day (after general conference, of course.) So, Ray took Stephen in the backpack while I made Belgian waffles and bacon for the intermission/halftime of conference. : ) Have to stick with tradition you know. Then after the second session, I went out and helped Ray rake the rest of the leaves. I made a pile to put Stephen and Sage in and will send those photos later tonight or tomorrow. Fall has truly fallen. It was so beautiful. We love it here. Now that the trees leaves have fallen, we can see more mountains around us a little bit more, so that was a welcome surprise.

Over and out for now. I hope you all enjoy conference.

hugs and happiness,
Kary