Keri's Birthday Party

What A Day! Keri is now 11 years old. To celebrate the big day she invited over 35 of her friends to her party. We played games, opened presents, and had cake. Then Keri gave each of her friends a blanket. Most of them chose to cut or tie the ends. It was so fun to see how creative they got. Wish I had taken more photos. But it was all I could do to keep up with these energetic girls. Wow!

Keri had also asked everyone to bring a donation to the LDS Church Orphanage instead of bringing a birthday gift for her. When the party was over we went through all the donations and organized everything. She filled up her box and then some. I was so amazed at how her friends gave so freely. It will be neat to take her to the Humanitarian Center to drop her box off.

Photo Story

One of our assignments for this week was to take 5-7 photos that tell a story. So here is my story or should I say Keri's story from Saturday. Only photos, no words...

Photo 101

O.K. So I've been taking a photography class this month so that I can learn how to use my camera better. I usually just take all my photos in "Auto". But these past few weeks have been so informative. Just wanted to share some of my favorite ones of the month. Please don't critique these too much. I'm still learning. There is much I need to master. BUT--none of them were taken with "Auto".

This next photo is what's called "Panning". Notice how the background is blurred. But my subject is in focus. And he's moving...

Slow shutter speed...

Slower shutter speed...

Slowest shutter speed...

Fast shutter speed...

We Got Lost!

We got lost today in the Cornbelly's Corn Maze! I didn't think it would be that difficult to find our way through the maze. So I was excited to venture out into the unknown with the kids. But once we got there and got going we found ourselves just walking around in circles not knowing where the heck we were.
At certain locations there were signs that gave you numbers you could text into your cell phone to get a clue or help you find your way. Guess who left her cell phone in the car? Yep! ME! :)

With no cell phone and no maze map it was quite difficult!
The only thing we had was a list of questions you answered at each check point. There were four choices for each question. Answer it wrong and you got lost. HELLO?

What made matters worse was that Keri was sick. She didn't seem that bad when we left. But after about 1/2 hour she was done. And to top it all off she had to go to the bathroom. Just my luck!??!!!

We did the best we could to find our way...


But in the end we didn't finish the maze. We got lost. I didn't know where the heck I was. Keri had to go to the bathroom, etc. etc. etc.
When the kids told Mark about the corn maze and how we couldn't figure it out he just laughed. Then he proceeded to rub it in that he would have been a pro. YEAH RIGHT!?!!??
FYI: Come prepared! Print off a maze map. Bring your cell phone. And don't forget to go to the bathroom before you head out into the maze!

Traveling with Pomegranates

I just started reading Sue Monk Kidd's new book. (She's the one that wrote The Secret Life of Bees.) What a beautiful memoir of a mother-daughter relationship. In this book Sue is remarkably honest and real. Her words have inspired me to take a look at the relationship I have with my own daughter...

I wanted to share some pictures of Keri that I took on Saturday!

This next one is my favorite. If you look close enough you will see me in her eyes. I am sitting on the grass taking her picture...

Are You Ready For Some Chili?

O.K. A couple people have been asking me for my chili recipe. I thought now would be a great time to share since the weather is getting colder. Hope you enjoy...

COOPER'S CHILI
2 lbs ground beef, browned and cooked
1 can tomatoe soup
1 chopped onion
2 cans petite diced tomatoes
1/2 can light red kidney beans, undrained
2 packets HOT Chili seasoning (McCormick)
2 cups water
1 tsp. oregano leaves
dash of garlic salt
Optional:
1 (7oz.) can diced green chilies, undrained
couple shakes of Tabasco sauce

Cook in skillet. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. (This helps hold the flavor of all the spices in.) After that you can transfer to a crockpot and let cook on very low the rest of the day. Watch to see if the chili becomes too thick. If it does just add a touch of water to preferred consistency.


This goes great topped with cheese, sour cream, etc. Also you might like to crumble some cornbread on top.

This recipe is not for whimps!! It will be HOT and SPICY!!
Let me know what you think!!!
Enjoy!!!
I also have an awesome potatoe soup recipe. Let me know if you want it...

Photo Shoot

A couple days ago Keri and her cheer squad met at the American Fork Ampitheatre to get some team photos.
During the photo shoot I handed my camera over to Brooke, Keri's coach. This next pic is my favorite one she took. Not bad for an action shot, uh?

Here are a couple more of my favs...