For Hire

2 Light Hangers

*Are willing to decorate your tree, even if it's already been done.
*Promise not to make a peep so nobody will know what they are up to.
*Call quick, their schedule is filling up.

A Recipe Worth Keeping

This last week the boys and I went to my parents ward party. They were doing a chili cookoff and a pie making contest. I was extremely excited to try out my skills from when my Grandma Porter gave me lessons last May. I ended up making a Cranberry Apple Pie and was so pleased that it turned out well! (That's not the actual picture above but it looked something like that.)
Out of about 30-40 pies, I was one of the 4 winners. I was thinking that might be the first time I've won anything! For those of you who've been asking for the recipe, I got it off of www.allrecipes.com. (One of my favorite sites). The only thing I did different was add orange zest to it. It truly is the perfect Thanksgiving pie.

P.S. If you want the crust recipe, email me: porter_jeni@hotmail.com

Lake Tahoe

I have officially been a blogging slacker this summer...and fall. :) I was copying all of our summer pictures to the computer, and wanted to share some fun memories. Lake Tahoe this year was such a fun vacation! We went out with Jeff's family and had a terrific time. We stayed at the very top of the mountain and had a spectacular view spanning the whole valley. Since many of the fam wasn't able to join us this year, we were left with a huge 2 bedroom condo all to ourselves. We were at the top of the hotel and there was an outdoor jacuzzi right next to our room. Can we say spoiled? Thank you Chris for taking such good care of us! The boys loved Lake Tahoe...especially seeing their 2 little cousins, Caden and Logan. We went to Virginia City, had a train ride, picniced by the Lake, and had a splendid Sunday service at the little ward there in Lake Tahoe. Everyone there was so nice. We definitely didn't want to come home.

P.S. If anyone is itching to can, I'm going to be at it this week. Applesauce, Apple butter, and apple slices. Don't you love fall?

Into the Woods...

Summer is drawing to its close and the bright colors of fall are beginning to pierce the mountains. The air is starting to crisp and apple canning time is almost upon us. This summer was unforgettable. Many gatherings, traveling, laughing and enjoying. Our favorites were definitely our back-to-back trips to Tahoe and Brianhead. My kind of trip is a trip into the woods. So, we felt right at home when we arrived at Brianhead. The cabin was breathtaking and the weather "perfect." The kids loved it. They adored searching for squirrels, trails, deer tracks and anything else "Papa Porter" would lead them too. It was so nice to play games all afternoon or simply curl up with a book whenever we chose. It was also so wonderful to be with Jory, hear of his experiences, and appreciate the great outdoors. Here are some memories. Hope to do this trip again soon. Thank you very much Ma and Pops!

A bit of this, A bit of that...

Life has given me few weeks that are as busy as this one. However, I had to clear my head for a few moments and thought I would try to play catch up on my blog. Summer has been crazy this year. I haven't quite figured if it's because life just gets busier the older you get...or if it's this particular summer. Anyways here is a quick glimpse at what we've been up to:

Jam, jam, and more jam. What's a girl not to love about that? I have a passion for canning and enjoy each step of the process immensely. So far this summer I've done rasberry, strawberry and cherry almond. Our peas and beans have been cleaned and frozen, and our corn is about to make its grand arrival. The rest of our garden produce we are hastily eating as it comes.

Home on the range. This is Will and Grant's favorite new movie. When I say favorite, it's gotten to the point where I wake up at night singing the songs out of the movie. Fortunately, they have a 1 movie a day limit and spend the rest of their time outdoors on the slip and slide or our little kiddie pool. They are soaking up every last drop of summer. Will is always by my side helping me with my every day chores. He has become a pro at weeding the flower patch and vaccumming the carpets. All his little brother is interested in is kissing. He smothers every one with great big open mouthed kisses. It's too cute.

Jeff has been running lately with work and school. Thankfully, they are building his new offices right here in Spanish Fork! Yee-haw! Not that the commute was that bad to begin with, but it will be nice to have him close. He has been a gem this summer helping his Grandparents at their place and serving everyone else he's able to. That one has a heart of gold.

So this weekend we take off to Lake Tahoe. We are thrilled! We have been looking forward to this trip for awhile. Jeff's family is headed up and have rooms at a lodge booked. I can't wait to tramp through the woods and see the beauty of Northern California. After that...

JORY COMES HOME!! We are a bit excited to have our little brother come back from El Salvador. He has been serving for 2 years and we can't wait to hug his neck. After his farewell, we head out to BrianHead. I've never been there but heard its gorgeous! My parents rented out a big cabin and we will just relax and let Jory fill us in on his 2 years away. After we get home, its back to another semester in school for Jeff...and onto my favorite time of year: Autumn. I will be sure to take lots of pictures and post them next month some time!! I hope everyone's summer's are going well. Love to all- Jeni

Why I Love Little Boys...

Bryce "Candy"

This past weekend we took off to Bryce Canyon. My sister-in-law Kami's family owns Ruby's down there and are so good to hook us up with great deals and a place to stay. Well...we had a blast! As many times as I'd been down to their place for blessings & baptisms, I had never seen the canyon. I LOVED IT!! You can't deny there is a God when you see this kind of nature surrounding you. We went down with my parents, Mirs & our wonderful friends, Pat, Shala & their little girl, Brynlee.
I had to share some fun pictures from our adventure.



As soon as Grant discovered there was rocks on the ground, he wanted nothing to do with me or my picture taking.



Oww!!! Miranda & Will looking much too old for their ages.



Ma, Pops & Mirs under a gorgeous backdrop.



Need I say more? We honestly couldn't stop gawking...the scenery is stunning! This is us on the Navajo Loop.



Talk about on the edge of the world!



Don't hate us because we're beautiful & white.



Pat & Shala. :) Loads of fun!

Will keeps asking to go back to Bryce "Candy." It was such a fun trip. We'll be back down in 2 weeks for Sadie's baptism. Hope to go down the Navajo Loop again!