yummy, Yummy, YUMMY Brownies!

I've got to confess. I love brownies, but I really don't like homemade brownies. They always end up tasting too flour-y. I like to stick with Betty Crocker. When Cali posted her favorite brownie recipe, I believed that they would be good, but I wasn't expecting too much, since they're homemade. Oh my goodness. These brownies are delicious! I know we're not supposed to taste the batter (especially when pregnant) because of the raw eggs, but I did...and I didn't let Ethan help me scrape the bowl. So here's the recipe. Try them out; it'll make you happy.

Eliza's Blessing

Eliza will be blessed this Sunday. Sacrament meeting starts at 10:30. After church we will have a baked potato/chili bar at our house. Mom is bringing Chili and steamed broccoli. We've got the potatoes, bacon bits and what ever else doesn't get taken.

If you'd like to bring something, here's the list:

shredded cheese
sour cream
chopped green onions
olives
whatever else you like on potatoes or chili

apple juice
cookies
brownies
ice cream

Hope to see you there!

Disneyland

Here's a cool article on msn.com
http://cityguides.msn.com/citylife/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5317443&GT1=10269

It's all about the old disneyland attractions. it's really good. go check it out. has awesome pictures!

Happy Birthday to Everybody!

We'll host the next fast Sunday meal and celebrate Nate's, Christina's, Michael's and Marian's birthdays. Mom is going to make chili and we'll provide homemade scones, an ice cream bar (with homemade fudge, carmel and strawberry sauce -Kim, I need the recipe for your freezer jam - and lots of other yummy things), cake, plates, cups, and utensils. We'll also take care of anything that doesn't get signed up for.

Other items needed:
shredded cheese
lettuce
olives
tomatoes
sour cream
guacamole
salsa
drinks
anything else?

See ya there!

Happy Homecoming

Eliza Marin Johnson
August 9th 7:21 P.M.

The kids were so excited to see her! Derek gives her kisses, blows on her tummy and gives her blankets. He doesn't like to share her with the other kids!

Signups for the Taco Bar Dinner this Sunday...

We will provide:

-flour tortillas
-cheese
-2 lbs. taco meat
-2 cans refried beans
-salsa
-hot sauce
-cilantro
-ranch dressing (for taco salads)
-corn on the cob
-ice water

We still need:

-more taco meat
-possibly more beans
-tortilla chips/hard shells if you like them (we don't)
-onions, tomatoes, olives, lettuce
-Nathan's guacamole
-anything else you want to bring...games, dessert?

Let me know what you plan to bring! Thank you!

Taco Bar is the Winner!

Vote for your favorite!

Fast Sunday Dinners

Hi Everyone! We are missing seeing everyone at Mom's and Dad's house on Sundays. It seems that everyone shows up at different times and our kids have no one to play with when we go! So, we have decided to start holding the Fast Sunday dinners that we have always talked about starting. We will be having them at our house every Fast Sunday unless someone volunteers to have it at their home sometime. We will begin on August 5th at 4:30 p.m. at our new home: 5310 Cleveland Lane. We will update you soon on what we're making so you can have an idea of what you'd like to bring. We hope to see you all here!

Shredded Beef

I was buying ground beef at Winco today when I saw that the shredded beef was much cheaper. It was for tacos, and I thought of the great shredded beef at Mexican restaurants, so I bought it. It was horrible. Almost every bite had to be spit out because of hard fat or other gucky pieces of meat. I bought 3 1/2 pounds, used only 1 pound of it and tossed the rest. Buy ground beef!

Washington State

I got this email forwarded to me and I thought it was funny.

God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the Archangel, found
Him, resting on the seventh day. He inquired of God. "Where have you
Been?"

God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction, and proudly pointed downwards
Through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."

Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?"

"It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put Life on it. I'm going to
Call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance."

"Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused.

God explained, pointing to different parts of earth. "For example,
Northern Europe will be a place of great opportunit y and wealth, while
Southern Europe is going to be poor.

Over there I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a
Continent of black people Balance in all things," God continued
Pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot, while
This one will be very cold and covered in ice."

The Archangel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land area and
Said, "What's that one?"

"Ah," said God, That's Washington State, the most glorious place on
Earth There are beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes, forests,
Hills, plains, and coulees. The people from Washington State are going
To be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to
Be found traveling the world. They will be extremely sociable,
Hardworking, high achieving, and they will be known throughout the world
As diplomats, and carriers of peace."

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then proclaimed, "What
About balance, God? You said there would be balance."

God smiled, "There is another Washington...

.....................wait until you see the idiots I put there!"

Here's some pictures of our stay

I wish I would have taken more, I didn't take very much. We had a great time hanging out with everybody!

Emma's Birthday Party

Emma is turning seven! Please join us at our neighborhood park, this Friday, at 7:00. BYOC: Bring your own chair.

What Do Ya Think?

Carrie and I have been talking about starting a family blog to use instead of the web site.

On a blog you can post pictures, videos, share news and soon be able to conduct polls. New features are being added all the time.

Click on the comment link below and tell us what you think. It is really quick an easy to set up an account or you can comment anonymously and just sign your name in the comment. If you think this would be a good idea, please let me know your e-mail address so I can add you to the author list and you can create posts.

On the right side of this blog there are links to individual family member blogs.