Temple Christmas lights!!

Last minute on Friday we decided to go see the kick-off of the mesa Temple lights. It's always such a thrill to see them turned on for the first time. I recorded it for those of you who haven't witnessed it for yourselves. Enjoy!

Our Thanksgiving Day!!

We had a great day hiking, eating and hanging out!! Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Chow!!

A whole new world!!!

On Sunday, Brandon was set apart in the new Bishopric of our ward. We are very excited for this new road ahead of us and KNOW that Brandon will be outstanding in his new calling. Some of his young men were not happy about the change. They love him very much. (how could you not?) He still will work the youth, and he gets to learn more about Primary. So much fun. Congrats, babe.

(picture: from left to right, Brian Mills 1st counselor, Bishop Larson, Cutee 2nd couselor, Shane Church Executive Secretary)

Tay's first campout!!

On friday, Brandon and I went to Camp Lo Mia for a Scout Training. It was Brandon's and Tay's first Camp Lo Mia experience. We stayed in a cabin with 4 other couples, needless to say, it was a HORRIBLE night. Tay cried a lot and so she and I ended up in the Tahoe. I was SO grateful when the sun came up. Besides the sleeping arrangements, we had a good time. We got to know the Stake leadership and some couples in the ward. Plus, I got to hang with the spouse. Not too shabby. I took these pics of tay on Saturday and couldn't resist showing them to you all. Peace out.

The Mario Brothers

Ellie has informed me that she has children. Their names are . . . yep, Mario and Luigi. :) Luigi is the oldest, he's 5 and Mario is 3. Luigi goes to school with Parker while Mario goes with Ellie. Mario had a birthday the other day and Parker and Ellie were making cupcakes in her kitchen for him. I get such a kick out of her "pretend" play. I can tell she wants to be big so badly, the silver lining in all if this is that she is eager to help around the house. She eargly unloads the dishwasher, sets the table, helps me cook, does the laundry, washes windows, and feeds taylor. I love having a "little" helper around. We will have to see how long Mario and Luigi stays with us.

So Delicious!!!

I tried a new recipe the other night for Shay and Ty. I found it on Giada's website and actually LOVE it. This recipe isn't really something to make every week, but it's fun for guests and special occasions. I love the butternut squash and the crasins. This is a PERFECT Fall recipe. Enjoy!!

Ingredients

Squash Tortellini:

1 butternut squash, approx. 2 pounds, cubed (3 cups)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons

1 1/2 teaspoon herbs de Provence (mixture of rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil) I just used rosemary and thyme.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 large shallots, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

4 small amaretti cookies, crushed (about 1/3 cup) amaretti cookies is the Italian equivalent of macaroons, I used biscotti

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 package small won ton wrappers

Brown Butter Sauce:

3/4 cup butter

2 tablespoons torn fresh sage leaves

1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped i used pecans

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

To make the tortellini, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. On a foil-lined baking sheet toss together the butternut squash, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper. Bake in the oven until soft and golden, about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a small saute pan over medium heat. Cook the shallots and garlic until lightly golden, about 3 minutes.

In a food processor (or blender), combine the butternut squash mixture, the shallot mixture, and the ricotta cheese and pulse a few times to blend. Add the crushed amaretti cookies, the nutmeg, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pulse until smooth. The tortellini filling can be made one day ahead.

To make the tortellini, lay out 6 won ton skins, keeping the remaining skins inside the package. Place 1 tablespoon of mixture in the middle of each skin. Dip brush or finger in water and wet edges of skin. Gently fold the square wrapper into a triangle, making sure the edges are securely closed and there are no air pockets inside. Dampen the two bottom corners of the longest side of the triangle and gently bring them together, pressing lightly to secure. Place the formed tortellini on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Continue until all the squash mixture is used.

To make the sauce and serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the sage, walnuts, and cranberries and let cook until the butter starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, add salt and pepper.

Stir to combine. Then, gently place the tortellini in the boiling water and gently stir. When they begin to float they are done, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, gently spoon the tortellini onto a serving platter, top with the brown sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.

Help make a difference!!

The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation is selling this shirt as a fundraiser. The graphic is on the front. The cost is $15 each plus shipping, with $10 from each shirt going to the foundation. Some of you have wanted to know what you could do to help with the foundation. This is one thing. If you are interested, email Marianne at marianne@clements6.com with "T-shirt Order" on the subject line with your order and address where you'd like them shipped. All orders are due by November 30. The shirts come in the following sizes: Child--XS, S, M, L, Adult--S, M, L, XL

Happy Halloween!!

WE had a GREAT Halloween!! The kids were so excited to dress up and walk around the neighborhood for FREE candy! Parker, as you can see, was batman and Ellie, at the last minute, wanted to be a witch. We had such fun. Hope everyone had a GREAT NIGHT!!

My trip to Utah and Nan's funeral!

Parker tested for his Blue Belt!

Parker test for his Blue Belt!! He was so ready and very excited to be moving up in the Karate rankings. I unfortunatly missed his test due to a funeral in Utah. I tried to put the video up, but the file was too big. He did excellent and he is getting better all the time. He is a great leader in the class and I look forward to watching him become more confident. Ellie gave him his belt. She loves him so much.

Parker lost another tooth!!!

Parker lost his second tooth!! This time he lost his tooth at school. He told me that he went to the nurses office and he pulled it out himself! What a brave little boy. :) He was reluctant to put his tooth under his pillow that night, because he wanted to show his friends his tooth. I also found out that in his prayers that night he prayed really hard that the tooth fairy wouldn't come and get his tooth. She didn't and he was able to keep it one more day. He was ready to hand over the tooth the next night.