Slacking-in the picture department

2 months, 2 truckloads to salvation army, and many garbage bags later - I finally got my house decluttered. What a chore it has been but so nice to have so many things cleaned out. As I would notice the black garbage bags all around my house, holding stuff to give away, I kept thinking when I'm done I need to take a picture of all this. As I was cleaning out the garage and the kids were loading all the bags in the truck to take to the salvation army, I was thinking I need to take a picture of this. But of course I didn't. Maybe I can blame it on my brain or the fact that I am so determined to get stuff done I can't even stop for a second to take a picture.

I have been determined to get stuff done. I finished my baby quilt, which I will post later after it is machine quilted. I made a couple more diaper wipe cases and am trying my hand at bibs.

Richard has taken over where I have slacked (at least in taking pictures underwater). Since Richard started scuba diving he has loved taking pictures underwater. Here is a few pictures from his last dives.



Richard loves taking pictures of the sharks. Although they are only reef sharks, I still would have been nervous.

FREE class

If you've ever wondered how to fix your photos, be creative with your photos, or learn how to digitally scrapbook-Jessica Sprague is great. I highlighted a couple of her magazines awhile ago on my blog. Well, she offers many classes on her website but this particular class is FREE! It is not a scrapbook project but a class about remembering the events in our lives that have no pictures. Registration begins October 20.

Her blog gives more details http://spraguelab.squarespace.com/

btw-she has tons of tutorials on her blog for help in using Photoshop Elements

First week of October

I can't believe it is already October and the first week has flown by.

To start out the week Jordan and Brendan were in the parade for the Maui County Fair. After the parade we headed to the Fair. This was a first for our family. The fair is huge on Maui but the prices were so expensive.

Dylan loved the livestock tent and riding the rides. (check out the cool green bird)

Saturday-Beach Day!

This is how we ended the first week of October.

Richard needed a new haircut, but after 2 big OOPS-this is all that is left of his hair.

I know he will look back on this and just laugh.

BYU Mint Brownies

Just got an email from BYU Alumni Association and they had a link to BYU's famous mint chocolate brownies. I just had to post it.

MAKES ONE 9-BY-13 PAN OF BROWNIES.

PREP AND COOK: 90 min. COOL: 1 hr.

1 c. margarine

1/2 c. cocoa

2 Tbsp. honey

4 eggs

2 c. sugar

1 3/4 c. flour

1/2 Tbsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. chopped walnuts

12 oz. chocolate icing (Use your own icing recipe or purchase some chocolate frosting. You can also search the Internet for chocolate icing recipes.)

MINT ICING

5 Tbsp. margarine

dash of salt

3 Tbsp. milk

1 Tbsp. light corn syrup

2 1/3 c. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. mint extract

1-2 drops green food coloring

1. Melt margarine and mix in cocoa. Allow to cool. Add honey, eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Add nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9-by-13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool.

2. Prepare mint icing: Soften margarine. Add salt, corn syrup, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add mint extract and food coloring. Mix. Add milk gradually until the consistency is a little thinner than cake frosting.

3. Spread mint icing over brownies. Place brownies in the freezer for a short time to stiffen the icing. Remove from the freezer and carefully add a layer of chocolate icing.