It's here!

Yes, it's here...Sean mission call came and he will be serving in the Mexico City West Mission! He leaves February 3rd. He is really excited and is really anxious to learn Spanish. (Most all of his cousins speak Spanish) Jared got his call on the same day and will be serving in Guatemala, he leaves Feb. 10th. He spent last summer in Guatemala and loved it, so he's very excited. We're thrilled for both of them and know they will be excellent missionaries!! Congratulations boys!

Where?

Today was a big day for Sean and his good friend Jared. They have been buddies since they were two years old. They have gone through pre-school, elementary school, Jr. High and High School together. They have kept each other out of trouble for 17 years...so it is only fitting that they should turn there mission papers in together!

I freely admit, I am not ready for this...BUT Sean is!! So now the speculation begins. At dinner tonight we all submitted our guesses as to where he would go. We each got TWO choices. One inside the United States and one outside the United States. Here are the choices!

Sean:

1. The moon

2. Brazil

3. New York

Mom:

1. Germany

2. Boston

Dad:

1. West Virginia

2. Russia

Bryan:

1. Ivory Coast

2. Alabama

BreAnna:

1. New Orleans

2. Philippines

Blake:

1. Russia

2. New York

Nick:

1. Italy

2. Georgia

Chelsea:

1. Italy

2. Tennessee

So, what's your guess?

I'll keep you posted as soon as he gets his call!

Too Much Zucchini?

Do you have a garden? Do you have so much zucchini that you're seeing green? Are you afraid to answer you door for fear your neighbors will be leaving it on your doorstep?

Then you are in luck. This is a good way to use some of it up. This is one of my favorite zucchini recipes...my kids too! It is different than your basic zucchini bread because you add oranges to it. It's yummy! I hope you like it.

Zucchini Orange Bread

Mix together:

3 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Then blend in the following:

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

3 1/2 cups flour

Gradually add:

3/4 cup shredded orange peel

1 - 2 Tlb. orange extract

2 cups finely shredded zucchini

Place in 2 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake about 35 - 40 minutes. (You can also use small loaf pans. It will fill five of them. It will also make about 2 1/2 dozen muffins. They will bake about 20 - 25 minutes) When the bread has cooled about 10 minutes, remove from pans and poke holes in the top of the bread with a fork or toothpick. Cover with Orange Glaze and let cool. It freezes really well, just be sure to wrap it up tight!

Orange Glaze

2 Tlb melted butter

2 - 3 Tlb. orange juice

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Too Cute!

Every time I see baby Steele, I think, "He just can't get any cuter!" BUT THEN HE DOES!

Nobody Does It Better...

When you read the title...you may think "Bond, James Bond." But I am referring to another man of mystery...Larson, Steele Larson! He turned 60 this week and NOBODY does 60 better than Steele! He absolutely amazes even me! He barely looks 40. He bikes, sails, skis and... did he mention that he climbed the Grand Teton! So Happy 60th Steele...nobody does it better!

Happy Birthday Princess Tammy

If this date isn't on your calendar...it should be! Today is Tammy's birthday! (I won't mention which one.) Tammy moved here 17 years ago and brought new meaning to the sentence..."there goes the neighborhood!" It's true, our neighborhood hasn't been the same since her arrival... it's only gotten better! She has definitely brought a bright spot to Briggs Drive and we have learned many things from her... these are just a few of them!

-I've learned that "big hair" will NEVER die.
-I've learned that her "precious feet" aren't precious anymore.
-I've learned that Tammy can even make exercising fun (or at least "do-able")





-I've learned that she has special radar when it comes to finding a public restroom.
-I've learned that NO ONE is faster than Tammy when it comes to using that restroom!






-I've learned that she is always the first one to laugh at herself.
-I've learned that she absolutely adores my grand baby and is anxious to have one of her own. (Lindsey....)
-I've learned that she is the perfect person to pull off a practical joke!
-I've learned that I can tell her anything...
-I've learned that she is a lot less expensive than a psychiatrist!
-I've learned that no matter what is going on in my life, she can always make me smile!

-I've learned that NO ONE can sport a "fanny pack" like Tammy!
-I've learned that I can trust her with anything.
-I've learned that she always has a shoulder for me to cry on.
-I've learned that if she has knee surgery, I have sympathy pains!
-I've learned that there is no greater compliment than when people think we're sisters.
-I've learned that she is the sister I choose for myself!




HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS

Fabulous Fourth!

I love The Fourth of July! It really is a FABULOUS holiday...Yes, it's is a great time to get together with family and friends, have a BBQ and watch fireworks, but more importantly, it is a great reminder of how blessed we are live in this nation and to be able to enjoy the liberties we do. I love seeing the all flags displayed throughout the neighborhood. To me there is nothing more breathtaking than the the American Flag, blowing in the wind with the sun setting behind it. I am grateful to every man and woman who has served our country to defend and protect this precious land...starting with my dad! "Thank you" is NOT enough!

This year Nick and Chelsea had all of the family over to celebrate. It was so much fun! We barbecued, made smores and watched fireworks from their front yard. Thank you Chels and Nick! It was the perfect Fourth. Here are a few photos of the celebration.


Master chef....Nick!
Catlin, Sean, Blake, Jenna

Jenna, Catlin, Chelsea, Grandma and Bre
Bre and baby Steele
Blake and Steele

I know Bry and Bre missed watching the fireworks off the East River from their NYC apartment, but I hope watching fireworks with their families helped some. (It helped us!)
Happy 233 Birthday America!!!