Backyard, Banana Bread, and a Calling

A couple weeks ago I was in the backyard and noticed a little green peeking out from under a substantial amount of fallen leaves. So, since the weather has been fairly nice more often than not lately, I decided to get out and find out what was under all those leaves. Having grown up in Arizona and New Mexico, raking leaves was more of a foreign experience to me than I really care to admit at 23 years old. In fact, I don't think I've ever done it! But I actually enjoyed it, it was nice to get out and enjoy the weather and was exciting to uncover the green. I still don't know what it is that's growing, but there are about three or four different plants.

One of them seems like it's getting ready to bloom so maybe then I'll know what it is.

Gigi also loved to have me in the backyard with her. When we first moved in she loved the backyard and wanted to be outside all the time, but I think she got bored with it because she hasn't been as into it. Until I went out with her! She was so funny, super happy just running around and around and throwing her toys at me. Here she is in a still moment.


My latest fascination is my breadmaker. I LOVE it! It took a while for me to get around to using it mostly just because I was so intimidated by the book of an instruction manual. But I had some bananas that were getting brown so I knew it was time to get out the book and the machine and make some banana bread. Once I read everything and did the prep work for the machine (you have to wash everything and let it run once empty) it was so easy! Plus, I found out it can even make jam! I bought some pears to make some jam out of them and I am so excited! I've also decided that I want to make bread a lot more often, it's just so yummy! The banana bread came out really good and moist.
The only thing I would have changed about the recipe is to add walnuts. Still good though, we ate it right up! Or, I ate it up. Allen was upset that he only got a few slices so I got some more bananas and told him I would make more.

Allen got his new calling this week! He was called a week ago and sustained yesterday. He was called as the second counselor in the Sunday School Presidency. Neither of us know what that means he'll actually be doing, but he's excited and I'm so proud of him. I know he'll do a great job and his service will bring blessings to both of us.