Andrew's Baptism

February 14th was a very special day this year - Valentine's Day, Hannah's 2nd Birthday, and Andrew's Baptism Day! Andrew was baptized and confirmed by his dad, Bryan. We had a very nice program of talks and a musical number. Andrew's Papa gave a great talk about the Holy Ghost.

Andrew was able to be baptized on the same day as his best friend, Noah. Those two have done almost everything together these last few years!
The Fam

After the baptism, we enjoyed a dinner of soups, rolls, and cookies. So many friends, family, and ward members came to support Andrew and Noah. We were especially lucky to have Nana and Papa come from Utah! They gave Andrew his very own set of GREEN scriptures and case. (Thanks Mom and Dad!)


We are so proud of you, Andrew! You are knowledgeable about the Gospel, have a testimony, and have truly chosen to follow the Savior in this very important step! We love you!

Pie Day!

Today was the day before Thanksgiving, AKA, Pie Day! This year I did two pumpkin pies (Bryan's very favorite) and one apple pie.


Earlier today, I made Turkey Cookies with the kids. I think they really got a kick out of them. I figured most of the kids would rather eat cookies than pie on Thanksgiving anyway, right?

Yes, the red things are supposed to be the "gobblers" (apparently they are really called SNOODS. I had to Google it), not gushing facial wounds.

This is my little baking buddy, Ruby.

Everyone should have a Ruby to bake with. It's like having my own personal cheerleader. I crack an egg, she shouts, "Wow, Summer!" I beat the egg, she cheers, "Whoa, you're doing great!" She's just so enthusiastic!

The best part of my day today was when she added the last cup of sugar. She turned to me with a huge grin on her face and said,

"Whoa! We're having so much fun today, Summer!"

Fudge vs. Cookies - It's a draw!

A few posts ago, I wrote about the fudge vs. cookies debate, and I have to admit, it was a very close race. I expected fudge to post an annihilating victory via TKO in the first round, however cookies had a couple of well-placed blows early on. Towards the end, it looked like fudge was going to win by decision, but cookies has held its' own round after round. In the end, after subtracting the additional point for Bryan's vote for fudge (only because the computer wouldn't allow Summer to vote after Bryan had already voted), the scores are tied. The final score: Fudge 6, Cookies 6. That being the case, Summer and I have respectfully agreed to disagree on which is better - it was a good fight.

Farewell, Noorlanders!

Last week, we had our friends,the Noorlanders, over for dinner and a Christmas cookie decorating party as our last hoorah before their move. I wasn't sure how we were going to get all those cookies decorated, but as you can see, we had some awesome cookie decorators to help us out!

By the end of the evening, we had several delicious treats to eat and even a few "special" cookies set aside for Santa!

Ralae and I have known each other since junior high, and were good friends all through high school (Go KNIGHTS!) We were in several musicals and plays together and sang in all the high school choirs together. After we both got married, I kind of lost track of her. Imagine my surprise when on my first sunday in Cleveland, I saw Ralae and her family sitting a few rows behind us at church! What a comfort it was to have a friendly familiar face there - like a little piece of home! Ralae has truly been one of those "Tender Mercies" that the Lord sent to help comfort me in a strange new place!

Ralae Rampton and Summer Thompson (9th grade - aren't we cute!)

Since then, we have had the pleasure of doing many fun things with the Noorlanders and getting to know Ralae's husband, Jared, and their two beautiful children, Eric and Shalee. They are such a joy to be around! Eric is so sweet, smart, and polite, and Shalee is the most adorable little firecracker with ten tons of personality!

Today, a moving van will be taking them to a great new job and a beautiful new home in Nebraska! Andrew said, "I wish they didn't have to move! They're our friends!" We are sure going to miss them, but we are so excited for all the new adventures awaiting them! We wish you all the best, Noorlanders!

Fudge for President

Okay, so there's a long story behind it... but the short of it is that Summer and I had a big long arguement (oh, excuse me... Summer's correcting me saying that it wasn't an "arguement" but rather a "discussion" - even if it did almost come to blows) about whether people would prefer receiving fudge or some other Christmas treat. She made the statement that "not EVERYONE likes fudge." I, on the other hand, think "how could you not like fudge?" It's like concentrated happiness in a little block of chocolate. Anyway, we decided to settle the disagreement by posting a poll on our blog - it's over in the right column. As for me, I say vote up if you like fudge. If, on the other hand, you prefer misery and sadness, go ahead and click on the other option. Anyway, we'll tally the votes at the end of the week.

By the way, I do actually realize that not EVERYONE loves fudge, but I would guess that the vast majority would vote for the fudge. Anyway, merry Christmas, and we (well, actually I)hope you get lots of fudge in your stockings - Summer hopes everyone gets cookies!