Caroline's singing I'm Not At All in Love from Pajama Game

Caroline's choir did a Love on Broadway Show at her junior high which consisted of a variety of love songs. Caroline was chosen to sing a solo in one of the songs. We were blown away with her stage presence, voice and confidence. I think we have discovered another talent Caroline has. We are proud of you Caroline--way to go!! This video is has the first part of the song from the first night and the second part of the song from the second. (she did her hair different for each night).

For some reason I could not download it to my blog, but you can watch it here.

Summer Jobs

Caroline and Natalie have restarted the bagel business. They renamed the business, Bibbity Bobbity Bagels. They made samples and fliers and took them around a wealthier neighborhood. They went to about 10 houses. They ended up talking to 5 people and leaving fliers on the other houses. They had one success, but 4 rejections. They hated this and refused to go to any more. John and I were in the car laughing and thinking what a great experience this was for them. We told them this is what Josh does everyday. Which Natalie stated, "I am not going on a mission!" They plan on going around our neighborhood to people they know. They have about 6 returning costumers from when Caroline did the business and hope to get more.

Snow Cone Shack

Jake and Natalie work at the snow cone shack a few times a week. It does not pay well, but they have fun and usually their friends drop by to visit them.

Caroline Varsity #1 doubles!!!

Caroline just finished playing tennis for her junior high. This summer she decided she wanted to try out for the team in the fall. She took a couple of lessons and practiced with her friend, Rachel. Her goal was to make the jv team. She was put as the #1 seed doubles team for varsity with her friend. Yeah!!! They were undefeated during the season playing many 8th and 9th graders. Caroline is a natural and was fun to watch her in action at the net. In region they took third place among the 1st seed varsity double players. Way to go Caroline!!!!

First Day of School!!!

Because we had such fun and busy summer that I have not blogged in a long time. Hopefully I can post some of the highlights in the next few weeks.

The house is getting quieter. Johnny moved into his apartment last week and Josh goes up to BYUI this weekend. The remaining children are excited to all have their own rooms now. ha ha Joseph started 2nd grade, Caroline started 7th grade and now attending the junior high. Jake and Natalie are in High School in 10th and 11th grade. Jake and Natalie even have Chemistry together which will be nice for studying.

Cooling off in the Summer--Locks of Love!

Caroline decided to donate 10 1/2 inches of her hair to Locks of love, and organizations that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair due to medical reasons. I am very proud of her and thinks she looks all grown up with her new hairdo. Good Job Caroline!!!

Happy BIRTHDAY Caroline!!!

Caroline's birthday picnic lunch on the kitchen floor.
Caroline is 12!!!! Wow, my little girl is getting so old. Caroline is so excited to now be in the Young Women's program. She went with Natalie and I a few weeks ago to the Young Women's broadcast. It was so fun to go with both of my girls. We all loved Elder Uchtdorf's talk.

Caroline is such a darling girl and has so many talents and interests. She is always busy baking, singing, dancing, doing a craft or playing with friends. I really appreciate it when she helps me with dinner. It will be exciting to see what new interest or activities she will be involved in the future. Her birthday presents this year demonstrate some of her varied interests.

1. Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking"

2. new ballet shoes and tights

3. piano music to the "Pride and Prejudice" soundtrack

4. Lyrics and piano music to Prince of Egypt "When you believe"

5. clothes

6. gum

7. Animal Crossing Wii game

WE LOVE YOU CAROLINE!!!!!

Winter Recitals/Concerts

The past few weeks have been filled with concerts and recitals. Jake also played in a winter orchestra concert. He did a great job and I feel bad I forgot my camera and did not get a picture.

Caroline singing a solo in her Christmas choir concert. She did great!! She sang a Ghana song with just drums to accompany her.
Natalie and Caroline playing "Let it Snow" duet.
Caroline dancing for the nursing home.

Caroline's Cooking Blog

Caroline has started a cooking blog. This is where she trys and shares recipes. She has always loved to cook and lately I find her reading cookbooks when she goes to bed. She only has 2 posts on it now, but wants to put a new recipe each week. The above picture is of her helping to cook when just a toddler---she always was on the counter as I cooked. Here is the link to her blog.

Modest is Hottest

• Natalie thought up the post title. Hmmmm :)
• Caroline and Natalie are modeling the dresses I bought for 7 dollars on clearance at American Eagle. The only problem was that they were too short. Here is how I refashioned them. On Caroline's dress, I let out the hem and added some eyelet. For Natalie's, I added a 2 1/2 inch trim to the bottom. They both were happy with the results.
• Funny story about Natalie's dress. Natalie wore this to school the other day. While practicing in social dance she notice her partner had a funny look on his face. She followed where his eyes were staring and realized her dress had slipped down past her chest!! (good thing she had a shade t-shirt on). For the test, he told her he would hold it up. hahahaha---I guess I need add some ribbon or straps.

Pumpkin Patch

In search of the perfect pumpkin..........

"Old fashion" Photos

We went up to Grandpa's Bear Lake Farm House for Labor Day weekend. On Sunday we had some time to spare before church and I convinced a few of the children to come outside to take pictures around the property. I put the pictures in Sepia, because the kids had on really random colors. When Joseph saw them in Sepia format, he said, "wait I don't remember being old." I told him, no I made it look that way and he said, "a yeah old fashion like you." ha ha :) I think next time we are up there I will try to do a "real" photo shoot and coordinate the outfits and talk the older boys into participating.

Enrichment Meeting: Mother/Daughter Luau-Camp-out

Every August our ward has a mother-daughter camp out. I never get much sleep but this is one event that we never miss. This year I was in charge of the event and we did a Luau theme. My Samoan friend, Sharon, taught some of the girls traditional Hawaiian dances for an authentic Luau show. It was fabulous!! I did tell Natalie after the performance that she was not allowed to move her hips like that at her school dances. :) Caroline loved playing night games with all the other girls around the property. Natalie loved learning the hula and slap dance. I was thrilled that everything went relatively smoothly. I think we had about 150 people attend. I discovered a yummy roasted marshmallow treat.

Camp fire lemon meringue "pie" treat:

1 Sandie brand shortbread cookie

dollop of lemon curd (buy at store--looks like pudding)

1 roasted marshmallow.

Freezer Stencil T-Shirts

We went up to Al's house last week and did some more stencil T shirts. Caroline just painted with the soft scrub bleach like Natalie did last year. Natalie and Joseph were both done with the freezer paper stencil method. Joseph wants to do another with a drummer. This is fast fun project and a great way to refurbish a T-shirt.

Shadow Mountain Camp by Caroline

I went to Shadow Mountain camp for three days with a friend. It was very fun. I went on a hikes, panned for gold, made s'mores, drank from a spring, did archery, and saw Saturn's rings with a telescope. My favorite thing of all was making new friends.

A Tweeny Bit of Fun

Playing dress up and having tea parties one day......
and learning the Hannah Montana line dance, shopping, and doing nails the next.
Caroline is definitely a tween as she switches back and forth from little girl to big girl activities and interest.  I just wish she would stay my little girl forever!!! 

Happy Birthday Caroline!!!

Caroline wanted me to wait to post her birthday because she wanted to put a picture of her birthday cake that she made at her cake decorating class.  She has been very excited to use fondant and is what gives the cake such a smooth look. 

Things we love about Caroline:

1.   Her voice as she constantly sings around the house

2. Her tasty bagels and treats she bakes for everyone--she is a very talented cook.

3.   She is very smart and understands things easily.

4.  She is a good friend.

5.   She loves to dance.

6.   She makes good choices and an example to those around her.

7.   Her cute fashion sense.

8.  Her bedtime ritual of repeated hugs and kisses.

9.  She a hard worker and good at detailed work.

10.  We love hearing her play the piano and making up songs.

 11. She is very independent and will figure out and try things out on her own.

12.   She gives great manicures, head scratches and back massages.

13.  She is kind and respectful.

AND many many more things make Caroline so special!!!! We love that she is in our family and blesses all of our lives with the her cute personality.  

***The other picture is of the cake she made for Grandpa Wirthlin.  She did a great job on it!!!

5th Grade Wax Museum

Caroline choose Gloria Estefan who is from Florida to dress up as for the wax museum.  The classrooms are full of different famous "wax" people from each of the states.   This is a fun event to attend and learn about all the amazing people from our wonderful country.

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Caroline Cake Tips

For a moist cake:  let cool 5 minutes then wrap in plastic and freeze until you frost.  It will be easier to frost and yummier to eat.  

If you live in high altitude add 1/4 c. flour.

Instead of spraying the pan with PAM mix equal parts crisco, flour, and oil.  This can be stored in the cupboard or refrigerator.  Brush this on the pan sides and bottom and the cake will come right out.  I added 1/4 C of each and saved the rest.

This cake is called a mosaic cake and I made some of the roses and my teacher made some.  I did all the rest.   Roses were hard and I need to practice some more.

by: Caroline

Cup Cake Class

By Caroline

I think cake decorating is very fun.  I made this cake today.  It was fun to make the clowns and do a big cake.  I made these cupcakes on my second class.  They were hard to do, but I like doing the different designs.  Next week I will do cupcakes again.  My family like eating the stuff I make.

Cooking Caroline

Caroline received cake decorating lessons for Christmas.  She was excited to try out the new tips and she decorated our Christmas cake.  She did such a good job--- perhaps she doesn't need the class.:)