Pampered, Prophets, Puzzles, Party, and Posters

It was a great weekend.

To start with, we ventured up to Logan where my sister-in-law Dani, cosmetology school student extraordinaire, treated me to a day of pampering. She gave me a facial (I've never had one before and it was amazing), a scalp treatment with some special shampoo that should help my hair not to fall out so fast, and a new haircut and color. Thanks Dani, I look good and feel good. You're very sweet to treat me so right. Thanks Lynette and Dave for helping with the kids. I feel a new spring in my step.

Later that night we met up with Eric and Emily and enjoyed a delicious Chinese feast from Mandarin Gardens. I don't think I've had Mandarin Gardens since college. Very tasty. Good company too.



It was also General Conference weekend. I love conference weekend! For one thing, we don't have to go to church. Church is very stressful for us these days, so every once in awhile it's nice to have a tiny break and enjoy church in our PJ's in the comfort of our own home.

I also love to hear council from latter-day prophets. There were some great sermons, as there always is. Notably, Elder Holland (powerful), President Monson (tender), Elder Oaks (precise), and Elder Bednar (very relevant to our particular situation as a family). The only bad thing is that now it's over and it will be six months until we can enjoy it again.


Here are the puzzles Mary Kate and I assembled while listening to conference.



After Conference we headed to Mom and Dad's to celebrate Dad's 60th birthday. What a party it was too. My sister-in-law Laurie, chef extraordinaire, made a delectable feast for all of us to enjoy. You wouldn't believe the amazing, beautiful, and flavorful food we had. Look at this spread....







Just because I like to torture people who are dieting, I will list the menu.....

Pesto and roast chicken club sandwiches
Bacon wrapped cream cheese jalapeno poppers
Deviled eggs
Antipasto platter with pears, a variety of cheeses, and meats
Jalapeno cherry jelly and cream cheese dip with crackers
Bread sticks with garlic butter
Mini Pizzas with cherry tomatoes and blue cheese
Ham and cheese roll ups
Marinated and Kalamata olives
Fresh Pineapple

And if that wasn't enough, Baskin and Robbin's Fudge Nut Cake for dessert.



Hungry yet? If you want some of these recipes, Laurie posts some of her recipes on her food blog, here. Her food is amazing. We keep telling her she should start a catering buisness. Maybe someday she will. Thanks again Laurie for the delicious feast and thanks mom for footing the bill!

Mary Kate was determined to make Grandpa's birthday a proper celebration. She made a huge birthday poster with a space for drawings and sentiments from all the grand kids, and then organized a program in which to present the poster to Grandpa. Mary Kate is fulfilling her duty as oldest grandchild very well.

Check out Emily's mask. She got it at the dollar store and won't take it off for anything.

It was a great weekend. Like I said, the only bad thing about it is that it's over and now it's back to normal life. I think normal life should include facials, spiritual feasts, parties with Laurie's food, and time to do puzzles. Maybe not though, if everyday was like that then maybe these things wouldn't seem that novel anymore.

Anyway, Happy Birthday Dad. I love you.
Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend too!