Draper Utah Temple Open House
Saturday March 8, 2009

Our family took a trip to Salt Lake this weekend so that we could attend the Draper Temple open house. As we walked through we were able to teach Jayce and Alek and show them the beauty of temples.
We had the priveledge to attend the open house with our boys, my mom and dad, Marissa, Jordan, Braden, and baby Rebekah. As we walked through we could feel the spirit as it testified to all of us that the temple is a House of God. We were able to bare testimony to our children about the importance of temple's and how our family can be together forever because of the promises Grant and I made in the temple.

I am so thankful that I had this opportunity to teach my children and show them the importance of temples. I am thankful for temples and the opportunity to go inside.

When I was a child I had the opportunity to go through the Jordan River Temple before it was dedicated. I remember the feelings I had, and hope that my boys will always remember the spirit they felt.

Kids proof green beans!

I know, it's strange to blog about green beans. But I have been trying for years to find a way to make my kids eat green beans! Last night it occured to me that kids eat anything that is masked in cheese. So I got thinking. This is what I came up with.

1 bag frozen green beans (any style)

4 oz velveeta cheese, cut into cubes

1 small can evaporated milk

add it all together in a pan. Stir until cheese is completely melted on low heat and then take it off the burner. Let it sit for a minute to let it thicken a bit, and serve. Don't forget to stir constantly.

You can sprinkle bacon bits on top too if your kids like them.

My kids ate all their beans and then some. It was the first time they have EVER eaten all their beans and then gone back for more.

I give up!!!!!!!!!

This year it was my New Years resolution to give up Pepsi cold turkey. I did really good for about three days. Then I started craving an ice cold Pepsi. I resisted at first, but then I just couldn't do it anymore. So I broke down and stopped at 7-11 and bought a Pepsi then promised myself that it would be last one. I did this little cycle for about two months.
After two months of torturing myself, I decided to give up on giving up. So as I sit here writing this I am sipping on a Pepsi. And ever so happy!On a good note, I have cut down, so I have to give myself credit for that. What can I say? I have to much of my dad in me.

Men break everything!!!

One week before Thanksgiving my car was hit by a drunk driver (or at least that's what the police concluded), the bum didn't stop or even leave a note. We were informed that my car had been hit by a waitress of the resturant we were at. Luckily nobody was hurt and there wasn't much damage. The dork made a few scratches and knocked off the driver side mirror.
After assesing the damage we decided not to claim it on our insurance and fix it ourselves. It has taken me 3 months to find the right mirror for my car and it finally came last week while Grant was in Salt Lake. I was so excited to finally have a drivers side mirror but didn't know how to fix it myself. So I left it in the box all week until Grant got home. It was the first thing I should him when he walked in the door. Grant decided to inspect it to make sure it would fit. Wouldn't you know it as soon as he picked it up (for some reason I can't figure out) he tried to take the mirror out of the housing and BROKE my new mirror. AHHH....I wanted to scream. But being the sweet wife I am I just smiled and said "smoothe move exlax." He smiled and apologized. He's too cute to be mad for to long. Besides he took me to dinner and bought me a new mirror. I guess I can forgive him.

I am just so proud!!!
So Cook family pictures are in just one week. We decided to go with a color scheme. We chose brown's and blue's. As Marissa and I got talking she mentioned that she didn't know what to dress her girls in. I remembered that I had some blue material left over from a recent project and mentioned that we should make dresses for her girls. She liked the idea and this is what we ended up with. They turned out better than I imagined (if I do say so myself) and I can't wait to see the Jordan, Isabelle and Rebekah wear them next week.

Jordan's Isabelle's Rebekah's

Another Vernal Adventure...
We enjoy exploring our new surroundings. We try as often as time and money allow to find new places near Vernal that are different and fun to visit. Our most recent adventure took us to Red Canyon near Flamming Gorge. We ate lunch at the tiny lodge and walked around enjoying the beauty it has to offer.

WEBELOS

February 5 , 2009

Jayce and Alek received their Webelos award at the Blue and Gold Banquet. They worked very hard and we are very proud of them!
We were also very excited that Grandpa Schiess had the opportunity to share the special night with us! It made the night even more memorable.

Valentine's Day Schiess Style!!!

Let the games begin!!! For Valentine's Day we thought a friendly Guitar Hero competition would be fun. So Grant and I spent the afternoon rounding up treats and a few prizes. Then we picked up some pizza and ice cream, and the competition started.


And the winner is..........................................

Here is the 2009 Schiess Family Guitar Hero Champion!!! How do you like the winners hat?
The boys weren't too happy with NOT being No. 1, but they still got prizes. So they were happy with that!

We enjoyed our family competition and hope to continue with our new tradition. Jayce and Alek are so much fun to spend time with. Grant and I treasure the moments we have, and look forward to many more!!