Bo-oooooook!!

Matt's aunt Miney put on a "Witch Niche" party that was FANTASTIC! We were all to come adorned in our best witch garb. I schemed with Katy and Abbie and we came up with an excellent depiction of the Sanderson Sisters. Too fun! The decorations and overall event was awesome! Thank you Miney!

Onto the finals....

Sammi sang "Der Holle Rache" at the semi-finals and made the cut for the finals. I was so proud of her - she has improved so much in her "stage presence" (she's more nervous about talking to people than singing) and we're all having fun sharing these experiences with her. The finals will be November 29th at the Festival of Trees. Good job Sammi!

Broccoli Cheese Chowder

This recipe is from "The Essential Mormon Cookbook" by Julie Badger Jensen. I LOVE this recipe book. Everything is GREAT! Anywho, I had a lot of people ask for this recipe, so here it is!

BROCOLLI CHEESE CHOWDER
2 bunches (about 1 lb) fresh broccoli
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup butter
4 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Cook broccoli just until tender. Do not overcook. (I steam mine for about 8-10minutes). Drain and cut into small pieces; set aside. Saute' chopped onion in the 1/4cup butter until tender; set aside.

In a large saucepan or soup pot prepare a white sauce: melt the 1/2 cup butter over medium heat, then stir in flour until well-blended. Gradually stir in milk, chicken broth, and salt. Stir constantly (this is important! Stir constantly or it will scorch!) until mixture reaches a boil. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, until thickened. Add broccoli and onion. Stir in cheese. Cook briefly over medium heat. Avoid bringing to boil (this will scorch it also).

Serve immediately or keep warm over low heat. Makes 6 to 8 servings. (this serves enough for my whole family with leftovers the next day).

Bon appetite!

L-O-V-E

Sammi performed Nat King Cole's "L-O-V-E" at the preliminaries of a competition here in Boise called "Boise's Got Talent". There were three judges and they "critique" you at the end. Sammi did GREAT and got some wonderful feedback from the judges. She made it to the semi-finals which are on Oct. 15. We're thinking she'll sing the Revenge Aria from the Magic Flute.... in German. Yes, that's right. She sings it in German. She cracks me up.

Eight Months Old!

My baby is growing up WAY too fast. I just want to squeeze his cute little cheeks and kiss him all the time! He says "Ma ma" now and will mimick me saying "hi" to him. (So it sounds like he's saying "hi" - he's so brilliant!) He screams and laughs when I come into his room to get him out of bed, and is SO HAPPY all the time. *sigh* Words can't express how blessed I feel to have this little baby in our family. It's heaven.