The Many Faces of Jayden

April Fools Day

Oreo cookies: $3.00

Toothpaste:  $2.00

Jessica's facial expression:  PRICELESS

Since last year the kids think that I am a pretty good April Fools jokester.  (I still don't get that because last year was the first time that I ever did a practical joke.  See HERE for last year jokes.)  This year I didn't come up with anything to do to the family until about 2:30 that afternoon when I read what had happened to one of my friends at work.  Now let me just say that I hate wasting a lot of things and I hate to make a big mess, so when I read this practical joke I knew that it would be perfect.  All you need is some oreo cookies and white toothpaste.  You get the picture of what happens next.  When the girls came home from school I overheard them saying that they couldn't believe that I hadn't done a joke on them yet.  I waited paitently until after dinner then I pulled out the Oreo cookies for dessert.  I handed each of them a good cookie and a toothpaste cookie.  Jessica was the first person to eat her toothpaste cookie.  She started nibbling it and kept saying, "Why does my cookie taste like mint?"  Jared was eating a regular cookie and couldn't find anything wrong with his.  It wasn't until he was eating his next cookie that they figured out what was in their cookies.  They all thought that it was so funny that later that night I gave some cookies to the Bickmore kids as well.  Too funny.  If anyone has any great ideas for next year let me know!   

EASTER

Biggest Winners

Saturday, March 27, 2010 the Biggest Winners Competition was held at Summit Park.  This was the big Daddy-Daughter Activity for the 8-11 year old girls and their dads.  I was one of the leaders that was in charge of this activity.  We came up with a basic theme and then the girls got to vote on what activities they wanted to do.  Each dad and daughter team was given a different colored handkerchief.  The Kelms were the red team (team name J.J.J.).  There were several relay races that the teams participated in.  The J.J.J.'s favorite was the donut eating competition! 

I love being a part of the Activity Day program (a program for girls ages 8-11 years old).  I love having 2 little girls in Activity Days with me because it makes me want to make it the best program ever.  My favorite activity of the entire year is always the Father-Daughter activity.  I love seeing the dads with their daughters and seeing how they all interact.  I especially love how each of the dads treat their daughters like princesses...which is what they all are.  

Another Cook in the Kitchen

Over spring break I gave the girls several cooking lessons.  Last week Jessica decided to practice some of the things that she learned and made her first solo meal for the family.  She has made things before like eggs, macaroni and cheese, and etc. but she hasn't made an entire meal without me helping her or telling her what to do.  It was delicious...good job Jessica.  You are becoming quite a good little cook.  In case you are interested I am posting the recipe below. 

Photo taken by Bobtail

Recipe taken from http://www.recipezaar.com/

Beefy Salsa Macaroni and Velveeta Cheese

1 lb ground beef
16 oz salsa
2 cups water
7 oz elbow macaroni
¼ lb Velveeta cheese, cut up

Directions
1. Brown meat in large skillet. Drain.
2. Add salsa and water. Bring to a boil.

3. Stir in macaroni.

4. Reduce heat; cover. Simmer 8-10 minutes, or until macaroni is tender.

5. Stir in Velveeta until melted.

6. Serve.

My Brother, My Best Friend

Tonight for FHE Jared found a few pictures of Jesus Christ coming to the Americas.  When Jayden saw the first picture he said that he wanted to see his brother Jesus.  I wanted to make sure that I understood him correctly so when I asked him about it he again said that Jesus is his brother and his best friend.  This little conversation has made me think about why can't we all feel that strongly about Christ and not question that he is our brother and best friend?  Part of me was so touched by what he said and the other part of me wanted to stand up and shout out YESSSS!!!!  He is actually paying attention in primary and FHE.   

He Lives

Click on the link above so that you can hear other testimonies of Jesus Christ. 

Day at the Zoo

The beginning of March the boys and I met Denise and CJ Dent at the Phoenix zoo. All 3 boys had such a great time playing together and looking at all the animals. Out of all the animals the komodo dragon got the most attention from these 3 boys. They looked at the dragon for the longest time...I bet they were waiting for it to blow out fire or something. The other exciting thing about the zoo was that hopefully Jacob has now learned his lesson about staying near mom. He ended up wandering away from the group and was missing for several minutes before I finally found him. I was just about ready to find a zoo worker and have them sound out the "alarm" when I happened to turn down a path where Jacob was. The tears that I had been holding back finally came loose when I caught sight of Jacob just wandering around looking at all the exhibits. When I ran up to him he gave me the biggest hug possible.  After the tears were done (mine alot; his just a little) he showed some of the neat things that he found along the way. Most of the pictures are from one little spot that he found. All 3 boys loved having their pictures taken with the different animals. I am a little scared about taking the boys back to the zoo, but Jacob keeps telling me that he won't get lost anymore. I guess we'll have to see what happens the next time.