Senior Prom

I can hardly believe it, my "baby" just attended his Senior Prom! (He'll kill me for that one!)

Sean and all his friends gathered here before the big dance and I got to take a few pictures before they took off. They are such a great group of kids. Sean has been friends with most of them since elementary school. It's so hard for me to believe that they will all be graduating in a couple of months.

They had a great time. For their day activity they went to the local thrift store (DI) and purchased outfits for their dates which they HAD to wear to their activity, (ice skating followed by ice blocking!) Unfortunately, Sean didn't have a camera so I don't have pictures of everyone's outfit. But I did get one of Sean!

Then they came back and got ready for dinner and the dance. Following the dance they went to "Flips". (It's a local gymnastics gym.) They had a great time!
I think I am as sad as Sean that this is the LAST high school dance. We've been doing high school dances since 1994...I can't believe it's all coming to and end!

8 Years Ago..

Around this time 8 years ago, we were off to the airport to pick up Bryan, who was returning from his 2 year mission in Brazil. When I look at these pictures, it just doesn't seem that long ago. I remember this day so clearly! We were all so nervous and so excited! ( I think Bre might have been the most nervous!) Time flies! Now Bry and Bre have beautiful son, and Bryan will be graduating from NYU in May! They have accomplished a lot in the last 8 years and we are incredibly proud of them both!
Here are just a few of my favorite memories of that special day!
No explanation needed...

We took this picture the day Bryan left FOR BrazilCompare it to this one on the day he came home! Look at their faces! That says it all!
This is one of my favorite pictures of Bry and Bre. (Does she look a little flushed?)

I guess it won't be long until we do this again. Within a few months Sean will be old enough to leave on a mission. He's not sure when he will put his papers in. He might turn them in this summer, or he might go to school for a semester first. This just doesn't seem possible!
Time really does fly...unless you're the mother of a missionary!

Nick's Favorite Cookies!

If you are a chocolate lover, these cookies are for you. These have been my kids favorites since they were little...especially Nick! They are also one of my most requested recipes. I hope you like them too!

Chocolate Mint Chip Cookie

1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup butter
1-1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. peppermint extract (less if you use peppermint oil)
2 1/2 cups flour (a little more if you are at a high altitude)
12 ounces chocolate chips (You can use semisweet or milk chocolate)

Cream butter butter, sugar and eggs together for 2 minutes. Add cocoa, salt, soda and mint and mix till blended. Gradually add flour. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for about 8-9 minutes. Be sure not to over bake these!

If you can't bake these right away, roll them into 8" to 10" long rolls. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze. Then when it's time to bake them just thaw (if frozen) slice and bake!(I'm going to blackmail Nick with this one!)