Baby Steps back to California

- Paperwork has begun in order to fill Robert's current position.

- Paperwork has begun to make Robert an employee of Santa Ana, CA. He'll be an employee of Santa Ana, but stationed in DC for now.

- There has been talk that we may be moving a little earlier than expected...but it's just talk for now.

We'll keep you posted!

By Request - Robert's Chili

For Robert it’s meat, root, peppers, beans, tomatoes, seasoning. Measurements are unknown.

Meat:
Usually a pound of ground beef and a pound of sausage. Sometimes just the cheapest available because meat can be so expensive. This last time he used pork boneless rib but it turned into a pulled-pork. One of his favorite things to do is cutting up all-beef hotdogs into little cubes, then browning them. (He keep most of the grease in the Chili)

Root:
White Onion, Garlic cloves, Leaks. Just brown these up with some olive oil. Sometimes throws in a little sage seasoning while browning.

Peppers:
Your choice. Poblanos are popular right now. Fresh jalapeños are good. Stay away from Habaneros unless you want some extra kick.

Beans:
Dark Kidney Bean, Light Kidney Bean, Black Bean. Garbanzo beans are also an option.

Tomatoes:
Tomato paste is a must for the thickness and taste. Mix with a combination of tomato soup, tomato juice, tomato sauce, puree, even ketchup. He always has diced tomatoes at my request.

Seasoning:
Chili Powder
Cumin
Paprika
Beef Bouillon Cubes (This is important) Or Ramen Seasoning

Additional Seasoning Options:
Cayenne Pepper
Brown Sugar
Molasses
Sweet Baby Rays
Worcester sauce
Horseradish
Wasabi
Rice Vinegar
Onion powder
Garlic salt
Celery salt

SPEECH please!

Bruce used to have a difficult time pronouncing his words correctly. It was very frustrating for him and I felt terrible that every time he said something to someone, the person would look at me for a translation(including Robert). He had a hard time communicating with his teacher and friends at school. Luckily he had a great Kindergarten teacher who was very patient and never made Bruce feel uncomfortable. After quite a process I got him in to a Speech program at his elementary school at the beginning of Kindergarten. The report was: "He distorts the v, sh, ch, th, r, and omits l at the end of words." Well, what a difference a year makes. I just had a meeting with his 1st grade teacher and his Speech teachers and they could not believe what an improvement Bruce has made over last year and especially this summer. The report now is: "Bruce is now able to produce the v, sh, ch, th correctly in sentences and conversational speech." Now all he has to work on is the final l and the r, though the r is considered "age appropriate".
Anyway, we're so proud of Bruce and the progress he's made. He is such a bright kid...and excellent reader, well behaved, top of his class, and VERY social. He'll talk your ear off...AND YOU'LL UNDERSTAND EVERY WORD. :)

Claire's 15 Month Stats

Height: 30 1/2" (50th percentile)

Weight: 22lbs. (35th percentile)
Head: 47 1/2" (75th percentile)

Here you go Robert.
This last pic is Claire eating daddy's chili. Robert is so proud.(a mild batch of course)

Primary Program

Once a year at our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, they have the primary program where children ages 3-11yrs. old sing and do talking parts in sacrament meeting(our main meeting of worship). Today we had our primary program. This is the 3rd primary program that I've been primary president for. The kids did such a great job. I was so proud of how reverent the children were and how they tried their best to sing all of the songs. During the program I had to keep wiping tears from my eyes as I could feel the Spirit so strong. I could feel the love our Heavenly Father has for these children and the faith these children have put in their church leaders and parents to teach them what Heavenly Father would have them know. I am so grateful for the primary organization in our church. It is truly inspired. The world does not expect much out of these young children, but we know that Heavenly Father has prepared a way for them to be righteous examples in this sometimes scary world. I am happy to serve them and love them so much.

Linda's Part:
"Heavenly Father gave us parents to love and care for us."
Bruce's Part:
"I will also be confirmed and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost will guide me and help keep me safe."

Fall In Fairfax

Well, it's that time of year again here in Northern Virginia. Time to put away the flip flops and bring out the socks & shoes, jackets, umbrellas and sweaters. The weather has been in the 40's & 50's all week, with rain. California is looking better and better all the time! Don't get me wrong, I love Fall. It's just the knowledge that Winter follows it that is a downer. :) It is looking beautiful around here with all the changing leaves. I'll try to get some pictures of the beautiful trees if we get a break in the rain. I'm always sad when the leaves all fall to the ground because you lose all the green that is usually surrounding us here. On the upside, I'll be able to see Bruce playing at recess across the street. It's fun to see him from a distance in the days.