Called to Serve

He was ready. The poor kid had been waiting for nearly 6 months. He had never even missed over a year's worth of mission preps. He listened to Dutch in his car. But even as I watched him leave, tears in his eyes, big smile on his face and luggage in hand, it didn't change the fact that my best little buddy is gone for 2 years!



I was lucky. For three months we played. I decorated his birthday cake just in the way he wanted. He come to my room every morning to wake me up so we could study the Book of Mormon together. We played frisbee golf. I gave him advice. He introduced me to music again after 18 silent months and we'd cruise around and listen in his honda.



We are blessed. Blessed to have a missionary and the blessings that will come into our home because of his service. The people in Belgium will be blessed to have the knowledge of the Great Plan of Happiness. He will be blessed to work hard and grow closer to the Lord. I am blessed for our time together, and to know that families are forever!

I will miss you, but right now that doesn't matter- GO FEED HIS SHEEP!

Ode to Fall

When the weather outside is frightful, I remember the not-too-far-past Fall and the fun we had. It all went by too quickly- but isn't that how it always goes? We take for granted the beauty as we anticipate the next- whatever. So, although I am still dreaming of a White Christmas- I'll honor you, Fall.

The Colors.
The Tastes.
The Smells.
The Magic.













Thanks again Fall. I'll dream of you the whole year long.

Just about a thousand spoon-fulls of sugar...

There's no telling what's about to happen when the Muellers get together for the annual Gingerbread House Competition. Each year we get bigger and more outrageous. Hot glue was out-lawed by Mom this year, but somehow Mike still got his hands on it. Another new addition- we made it a team competition! By the end of the night we had eaten our share of colorful goodies and powdered sugar "glue". We just managed to overcome the sugar buzz to get the construction zone cleaned up. I would say another successful year! Here's just a TASTE of the events...

The Teams and results:



Dan and I went for the European look: A Swiss Chalet and Ski Resort.



Carrie and Pete's three little houses were almost demolished by some huffing and puffing of frosting from Brooke's end of the table...



Brooke and Emma went whimsical with a house for Fairies.



Mom's partner was MIA, but she still managed to pull of the cute & classical.



And Mike & Kaysi out did themselves and made an adorable replica of our house- complete with a picnic table and candy-cane forest!



You can bet that the ideas are already brewing for next year!