Before & After

So the man in my life was given a promotion at the fire department this week. He is now the lieutenant on duty for his shift. That means that on a normal day, he'll be an engineer driving the fire engine, but if one of the captains on duty is gone, he will move to that station and be captain there for that shift. He told the guys that if he got the promotion, he'd shave his mustache off. The mustache he's had for 38 years . . . . off. He had guys lining up wanting to take a wack. He came home not looking like himself! We are super proud of him and his promotion! Way to go Kent!!!!

Eclair Cake

Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving yesterday! We had a wonderful meal at my little brother's house, along with some good conversation. I brought greenbean casserole and eclair cake to share. Barbara requested the recipe and suggested I blog it . . . . so here it is! It's a good one to make ahead - maybe the night before so the graham crackers have a chance to soften up a bit ~

Eclair Cake
2 (3 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix (I used 2 cheesecake and 1 white chocolate)
3 cups milk
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (16 ounce) package chocolate graham crackers
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I used 1/4 cup)
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, combine pudding mix and 3 cups milk; mix well. Fold in whipped topping and beat with mixer for 2 minutes.
In a buttered 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the dish.
Spread 1/2 of the pudding mixture over crackers, then top with graham crackers. Spread remaining pudding over crackers; top second pudding layer with another layer of crackers.
To make topping: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1/4 cup milk, cocoa and sugar and allow to boil for 1 minute; remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Mix well and cool.
Pour sauce over graham cracker layer and refrigerate until set; serve.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Yesterday we toured the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple. It is beautiful in it's own way - although a little too "retro" for my tastes. It was very well organized and we were in and out in no time, so we followed it up with lunch at Red Robin. Cam, Amy, Aaron, Tylor, Angie and Payton came with us. After the dedication, we'll gather again to do a session together. (Jamie and Brady, we want you guys to come too!)

Boys and Their Toys

This 4th of July, Kent and I were in the Freedom Festival Parade. We've been in quite a few parades before, driving different fire engine's and having various kids and their friends with us. This year we couldn't talk any of the kids into riding with us ~ a sure sign they have grown up. Anyways, Kent LOVES doing it . . . he's living every little boy's dream, driving a fire engine, and making as much noise as he wants! In typical fireman fashion, he takes pride in his rig and makes sure it's spit shined and in tip top shape before the parade begins. He's the same way at home with our "rigs". He loves his toys!

Mammy ~ The longest 15 seconds

Ah yes - I had my yearly mammogram last week. Patty my "helper" was surprized when I wanted to take her picture. Mr. G was also surprised when I said I was going to post a pic of one of "the girls". To all the ladies in my life - make an appointment and get it done. This makes me laugh out loud ~

Many women are afraid of their first mammogram, but there is no need to worry. By taking a few minutes each day for a week preceding the exam and doing the following exercises, you will be totally prepared for the test! Best of all, these simple exercises can be done at home.
Exercise 1: Open your refrigerator door and insert one breast in the door. Have one of your strongest friends slam the door shut and lean on it for good measure. Hold that position for 15 seconds. Repeat with other breast.
Exercise 2: Visit your garage at 3am when the temperature of the cement floor is just perfect. Remove your clothes and lie comfortably on the floor with one breast wedged under the rear tire of the car. Ask a friend to slowly back up the car until your breast is sufficiently flattened and chilled. Turn over and repeat for the other breast.
Exercise 3: Freeze two metal bookends overnight. Strip to the waist. Invite a stranger into the room. Press the bookends against one of your breasts. Ask the stranger to smash the bookends together as hard as they can. Set an appointment with the stranger to meet next year and do it again.
You are now properly prepared!

How Do You Spell Stress? D-E-N-T-I-S-T

I'll be the first to admitt I have a serious phobia of dentist visits. This has absolutely nothing to do with my dentist who is the greatest dentist in the world. This is strictly something going on in my head, and has been there for years. I think it stems from the first visit back to the dentist after having Cam, my first baby. I had a total of 13 cavities that visit - the first cavities of my life. That is when the phobia started . . . . I went yesterday for the regular cleaning and xrays and recieved great news ~ I love it when Dr Jeppson (or as Aaron likes to call him, "J Slice", "J Dawg", or "Beautiful") says to me, "Things look good!" That's right, no cavities. . . . but plenty of stress.

A Surprise Visit

My days all seem the same . . . . lessons follow by errands or cleaning, then more lessons. Yesterday I had a surprise visit from my brother Ian. He's the one with my mom in the wedding pictures. Ian works as a physical therapist and spends a lot of time in Utah County. Every once in a while he'll stop by for a visit. We talked about lots of things - even blogging! So thanks Ian, for the visit, and for giving me something to blog about!

A Wedding

This past week my oldest son Cameron was married to his long-time love Amy. We knew early on (4 years ago) that they were meant to be together and so were thrilled when this happy day finally arrived! One of the best parts was spending time with family and friends that we don't see often enough.

A Sign of Spring

This morning we were treated to the first bloom of spring. Unfortunately, it was accompanied by a small snowstorm, but that's to be expected this time of year. Can't wait for spring to be here for good!