Day 1 - Pumpkin Cobbler

So I am really, really bad with computers and while I was trying to make my blog look all fancy I ended up erasing all my links to my friends and family. Getting those back will be a project for another day. Tonight, I have about 19 minutes left of Jan 1st to officially begin my New Years challenge.

I'm sure that you have all watched Julie and Julia by now, or at least you know the story line. Well, I love to cook and I got a new cook book for Christmas, so I have decided to make 1 recipe a day for the entire year from my Worldwide Ward Christmas Cookbook. (By the way, if you would like any recipes mentioned, please refer to this wonderful book.) It is a Christmas cookbook, but many of the recipes can be made anytime. I am excited about this cookbook, because there are recipes from all over the world. Many of the recipes I wouldn't normally try, but I am vowing to try every single one. Even the pickled fish.

Tonight I started with a very safe bet. It is Pumpkin Cobbler. Very easy and very delicious. Something like pumpkin pie with a crumb topping. I tried some while it was still warm, but the recipe said it is better the next morning, which I'm sure is true. I will let you know. This recipe received 4 thumbs up. (Jerry, Mom, Dad, and Me.) The kids didn't try it because they wouldn't eat their dinner. :(

I have been told that I am bound to gain 50 lbs by the end of the year, because the recipes are not exactly the most nutritious. I plan to do just the opposite. My other goal is to lose 35 lbs. I am hoping it won't take a year, though. I'll keep you posted.

Now I'm off to bed because it is very close to Jan 2nd and I need to get a few hours of sleep before Luke wakes up. By the way, Luke is very, very close to crawling. Yeahhhhhh!!!

Blessings

We were able to celebrate a wonderful baby blessing today. It was little Luke's special day, and most of our family and friends were are to be there to celebrate with us. It is great being back in Utah and being able to get together with family so easily. We really packed the house after when we met for breakfast and treats. I am so thankful to all of our family members who came to Luke's blessing and thankful to everyone who helped with the food. We have such a great family!!

Luke looked adorable in his white outfit. I had to add the tie for a little color, though and I think it turned out great. Plus the tie was really great to chew on during church. Luke is a just over 4 months old and growing like crazy. I had fun snapping some new pics of him. Sometimes I think that I can't take pics of him because he cries so much. But he is actually a really happy baby as long as someone is holding/walking him. The pictures today turned out really great!!

I love him sooooo much!! His cheeks are perfect for kissing!!!

I love my family!!!!

One Month Old

Our little Luke is already one month old. I can't believe it!! I waited so long for him to be born, and now the time is flying by. He is such a sweet baby. He is very snuggly. I just want to hold him all day. He would like that a lot, too. I couldn't get very many good pictures, because he kept wiggling. Most of the pics are just a blur. Here are a few that turned out cute.

We all love him so much. We love to smother him with kisses and hugs.

4th of July is here again!!

Can you believe that the 4th of July has already come and gone?! We had another great celebration, although the fireworks were almost rained out. We started our day with the annual Butterfield Park Bike Parade. Check out the bikes!! We even decorated them this year!

Baby Luke slept soundly in his sling. As long as someones holding him he is a happy baby!

Here's our group shot. I wish it was a pic of the whole family!!

We went to our friends, the Bell's, house of a BBQ and fireworks. There was a torrential rain storm that almost rained out the food and fireworks. Thanks to Paul, he saved the food. And the storm cleared just in time for the fireworks. Hurray!!!

Snuggling with my cuties.

School's Out!!!

Dallin had his official last day of kindergarten a couple of weeks ago. I am really bad about keeping up with this stuff. We went to his class for a poetry cafe. He wrote an awesome poem called Spiders! He did a really great job reading it in front of everyone. I was very proud of him!!

Here's a pic of his class!!

Here's one of him with Mrs. Guerin!!

I can't believe that he is almost in first grade. He is growing up so fast!! I love him so much!!

Check out a sneak peak of Luke's newborn pics at: http://annamariephotography.blogspot.com/!

Our New Baby Boy is FINALLY Here!!!!

Here is our new baby, Luke Gunner!!

Luke and Daddy

Friday our baby Luke Gunner was born. He weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. He was smaller than I was expecting, but of course they always feel like 20 lbs when you are carrying them around for 9 months. We were all so excited to finally meet him. The kids want to constantly take turns holding him. He's only five days old, but already very spoiled. He is very hard to resist, though. He smells so good and feels so soft. I love to cuddle with him. I have a hard time letting the kids have a turn holding him.

Josie and Luke at the hospital.

Reece loves her baby brother!!

Just the boys

Luke and Grandma