I read once that most adoptions happen through word of mouth. I thought I would open my mouth and see if I could get the word out.
Meet Zach and Jen. They lived on our street in our old neighborhood. For a few years I really wanted to get to know these two. First of all they had the coolest yard in the neighborhood (which is saying something for .11 lots), next they just seemed to have it together. I did not really get to know them until I got called as Primary President in that ward. Zach and Jen served in the nursery. While many couples clamoured to get out right at their 6 mos. Zach and Jen almost seemed to enjoy it. I was excited for Keaton to have them for teachers the next year. They loved the kids and were not afraid to get silly with them.
November came and we started to move kids into Primary. Zach and Jen sat with them every week. The kids would climb up in Jen's lap and she would hold them like they were her own. It always brought a tear to my eye when I would look at her. I would think that would be how the Savior would hold these little ones if he had been there. The kids KNEW they loved them and they felt comfortable putting their trust in them.
January came and it came time for the kids to stay full-time and these two to get my little Keaton. One night I had a thought which made me realize I couldn't be selfish I would have to do the right thing. There was one boy that was having a TERRIBLE time adjusting to primary. I worried about him and prayed about him. The thought came that Zach and Jen needed to go with him. I was nervous as I approached Jen. I knew they had already served long enough. As I told Jen a tear came to her eye. She had had the same inspiration and was just waiting to be asked. They were the ones who turned the Primary experience around for this little guy.
I would occasionally peek in on those little Sunbeams. They learned the gospel through love. My favorite memory was when I sat in and Zach got on the floor to act out a frog. He didn't care what anyone thought, the kids LOVED Zach. Zach would gently redirect the children and they would listen to him because he was cool.
After all that now to the point..... Jen and I became friends. As Lee and I struggled with infertility and the weeks, months, and years passed and still no baby, I turned to Jen. She was my mentor. She took my whining, my personal questions, and my breakdowns with love and understanding. I am afraid I was more a drain then I ever helped her. I grew to really love Jenny. One night when I was particularly down and Lee was at school she took Keaton and I in her home and just talked to me. I was so sad when we moved that I would no longer be seeing those two weekly.

Jen and Zach have been sealed for 5 years. They would be awesome parents. Please keep your ears open. If you hear of someone who is looking to place a baby. They would not go wrong with these two. They have such a great love for each other and children. Please help spread the word. For more info please see their Blog.

My silly guy

I realized I hadn't posted about Keaton in a long time. He is silly as ever. He tries to anything he can to make you laugh. Last month my cousin Laura got married. Through the whole ceremony he took my face in both of his hands and whispered, "look at me sweetheart, look at me sweetie..." just trying to get me to crack up. He is full of one liners like that.
He has started up Kindermusik again. He LOVES "going to school". We highly recommend it to anyone wanting a good program for their kids. He still insists Mama stay there with him but I am sure a breakthrough is coming soon on that ;)
He also LOVES to tell stories. All day long he talks and talks and talks telling me elaborate stories always 1/2 true and 1/2 imagination. I guess that is how you make any story exciting. He had a pretty good vocabulary since he was one but now I am constantly amazed with the words he has picked up.
He also has become an even bigger help. He sets the table, clears the table, wipes the table, empties trash cans, cleans his room, and cleans the toy room. It is so nice to finally have him help instead of just take ;)
Lately he has had a horrible time falling asleep. He just can't stop talking (my boy) and moving. Lee asks, " who put a quarter in that kid"? We can't imagine life without him now and wonder how did we get so lucky?!?

Wasps

So we are frustrated. We finally have a nice backyard and wonderful porch and we are ran out of town by all the Wasps. Every time we sit down to eat out there we immediately have visitors. We found one nest and got rid of it but it didn't help. I know SOMEONE out there has to know what we can do. We have tried 3 different commercial traps, no luck. Let me know!!!

Microwave Granola

So I guess I am cooking again, after a short hiatus :) Today I made peach jam out of more of the peaches off the neighbors branch in my yard, and microwave granola. Granola is so pricey I needed to figure an option. This was better then store bought, easy and about a 1/3 the price.

Peach Jam (no pricey pectin!!! 1/2 the sugar!!!!)
10 cups crushed peaches
5 cups sugar
3 tsp lemon juice
Mix all together. Let sit for an hour in glass bowl. Bring to boil. Boil for 25 minutes, exactly. Process as usual. How easy is that?!?!

Microwave Granola
(I wish I could remember what blog I got this off of. If you recognize it let me know)
3 cups oats
1/3 cup wheat germ (I used 1/2 cup)
1/3 cup shredded coconut
1/3 cup sesame seeds or flax seeds
1/3 cup chopped nuts (I chopped them pretty fine)
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/3 cup oil, or melted butter or margarine
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup raisins
Place oats in ungreased micro safe dish. Cook in micro full power for 2 1/2 minutes (3 for double batch).
Add wheat germ, coconut, sesame seeds, nuts, br. sugar, and Cinnamon to oats. Stir to blend.
Add oil, honey, and vanilla. Toss to coat. Cook in micro level 7 for 6 minutes stirring 2x (or 3 -3 minutes for double).
Add raisins (or any other dried fruit). Cook on full power 2 minutes (3 for double). Press against dish. Cool. Break in pieces store in airtight container.
The whole time make sure you watch for hot spots. You don't want it to burn. You will be amazed at how yummy and toasty this turns out.

Peach Custard

My peaches are perfect and plentiful right now. I found this recipe on the Pimp my dinner Blog. It is a lot of work for ice cream but WONDERFUL! My Cuisinart ice cream maker only took about 1/2 the mix so I will make the rest tomorrow :)

1 Qt. Milk (I used skim so any should do)

1 1/4 C. Sugar, divided

1/2 tsp. Salt

4 eggs

2 14oz cans of sweetened condensed milk ( I used Fat Free)

3-4 large peaches, peeled and diced

In a large sauce pan, bring milk up to 175 degrees; stir in 1 cup of sugar and salt until dissolved. Whisk eggs separately. Add a small amount of hot milk mixture to the eggs. Return all to the pan, whisking constantly.Cook and stir over low heat until it reaches 160 degrees and coats the back of a metal spoon.Quickly cool by placing the pan in a bowl of ice water for 2 minutes. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and cover with plastic wrap, making sure to press it to the surface of the custard. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.When ready to freeze, mash peaches with the remaining sugar in a small bowl and let it stand for about 30 minutes. Add to the custard mixture and prepare according to your ice cream maker's instructions. When finished allow to harden in the freezer before serving.

Enjoy your moments

I just got back from the funeral of my friends husband. He was only 30 and was quickly taken by cancer. I have reflected a lot about this since his passing last Friday. I have cried many tears, asked many questions, and have had a general feeling of worry for this dear friend.
I am glad I went to the funeral today (does anyone ever think that?). It was good to see the strong support system she has to get her through this. She has a boy Keatons' age, and a one year old. I found strength from HER testimony. She KNOWS she will see him again. She KNOWS that he has work to do on the other side. She KNOWS he will still look after her and the boys just from a different vantage point.
I was crying last night to Lee telling him that really I could handle any trial life gave me with him by my side. I just didn't know how I would handle it if something happened to him. I realized today there are some holes in my faith. I need to refocus on my relationship with my God and Saviour. I need to regather my strength that I get from them. I need to be sure that God forbid I am ever in that situation I can handle it with the grace, faith, and courage that my dear friend Kristy has.
It was interesting that her husband said as he was dying that he truly had lived a great life. He had no regrets. Can we all say that? Be sure tonight you cuddle up to that special one and let them know what they mean to you. Life is fleeting.....