Our Newest Teenager

It's hard to believe that thirteen years ago today McKenzie decided to enter this world five weeks early, weighing a little less then six pounds. Right from the beginning, she amazed us by being such a beautiful and strong baby. As I was driving in the car today, I kept thinking about how fortunate we are to have such an amazing daughter. As we enter into the teenage years, I feel so confident that God is growing McKenzie into the person He wants her to be. He has blessed her with many gifts, including working hard in school, developing many close friendships with lots of different kinds of people, continually sharing her thoughts and feelings with me, and being an athlete. McKenzie always apologizes and takes responsibility for her mistakes. She has learned to overcome her fears of being away from home and is becoming such a confident person. God is helping her to try to not worry about things she can't control (like crooked teeth and thunderstorms!!) and being more gentle and kind with her brother and sister. I love seeing her grow up, and I'm so proud to be her mom.

Take Your Child to Work

Kelsey and Peter were able to spend some special time together on Thursday at "Take Your Child to Work Day." Halton planned a full day of activities for the kids, so they were able to learn about the company. Kelsey drove a bulldozer and scooped up some volleyballs. She almost got to go on a lift that went up 75 feet in the air, but they ran out of time. She had a good time and wants to go back next year. Some good news from Halton is that business is doing better, so they are giving back 10% of some of the employees' income that was cut last year. Peter's group hasn't gotten their 10% back yet, but it is definitely looking more hopeful (sure is better than thinking of more layoffs)!

Time to Update the Blog

So what have the Moores been up to since Easter?? McKenzie has decided to give track a try this season, so she has been going to practice a couple times a week and has had two track meets. We were completely unprepared for the first meet - we didn't realize that we would be there for five hours and only see her run for about 30 seconds!! She did the 100 and the 4 X 100 relay. Her relay team came in first place last week and second place this week. Kelsey has started her softball games and has started doing some pitching. Conner has been enjoying hanging out with friends, skateboarding, and riding his bike. Peter and I each bought bikes last weekend and have taken a couple rides - last night we rode for about 45 minutes. It is much harder than walking, that's for sure. We're also starting to watch the playoffs and hope that Blazers will beat the Suns!

If You Really Like Chocolate...

If you really like chocolate, you have to make these cookies. Today Kelsey was home sick, so I had some extra free time to bake cookies. I cut out this recipe from Food Day a long time ago and I was really craving chocoate, so I decided to make them. Here's the recipe if you want to give them a try...

1 cup white chocolate chips (real white chocolate, not fake)
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup butter (I used 1/2 butter and 1/2 shortening)
2 eggs (at room tempterature)
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Cream together sugars and butter. Mix in eggs and vanilla. In separate bowl combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Mix into batter. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for around 8-10 minutes.

Let them cool for a few minutes, get a big glass of milk, and eat three like I did :)

Easter Weekend

We just returned from a very fun Easter weekend in Lincoln City. There were 35 of us staying in two houses - it was quite a party! Our house was huge - over 4000 square feet with 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, game room, and a big main room. The weather was pretty stormy, but we still managed to get out in between showers. We enjoyed eating lots of great meals and snacks, playing ping pong, pool, air hockey, board games, poker, Apples to Apples, Boggle, etc. The girls had a spa night last night, doing their makeup and hair, and Chelsea painted their nails. We celebrated Annie turning 30 and had a great enchilada and taco dinner. Easter brunch was special with everyone helping get everything ready. All of the kids were amazing and a had a great time spending time together.