- The McCluskey Clan -

Austin James McCluskey's Eagle Court of Honor...

2011-03-03T14:10:00.000-08:00

Just a few photos to share with you of AJ'S Eagle Court of Honor from this past weekend. It was wonderful to see mom & dad, and to visit with Kyle's family again. AJ did a great job, Dad gave a super talk, Mom said the closing prayer, and Sister Stokes (Lori's mom) said the opening prayer. Lori did a fantastic job on the goodies. (you all missed out!) We missed everyone who couldn't attend and look forward to the next McCluskey get together!

State or No State???

2011-01-27T10:49:00.001-08:00

So Tuesday night was Jake's last scheduled regular season game of his senior year. If his team lost...we wouldn't get to go to State, but if they won, we would. So it was a pressured fueled game that was played hard and ended up being 0-0 after the redular 80 minute game. Then came (2) 10 minute over times which it remained 0-0. So we went to Penalty Kicks. Below you will see how the game played out thru the pictures.

Warming up before game began.
they played hard and fought for every ball (most of the time).
This was an opportunity for the other team to score but we kept the ball away from the goal.
So one of our players made a stupid/silly foul and they got a free kick.
They set up to block the ball. Jake is #6 (second from right).

Jake jumped and the ball went off his right leg and they cleared it away.

Down to the last minnutes of the regular game...but we just couldn't score. Jake has so many nice passes to his forward players...it was frustrating that none of them could make something out of them. (Very frustrating for Jake)

So we went to PK (Penalty Kicks). The other team opted to go first (weird usually they choose to go last), but they missed their first two attempts, both by boys Jake has played on Club teams with and against for years. We made our first two. They made their third. Jake was our third kicker.

Setting up for his shot & mentally preparing. He looked the opposite way that he was going to kick to fake the keeper out.....

But the keeper read it right at the last minute & barely got the tips of his fingers on the ball and was able to just clear the bar. You could tell right away that Jake was so upset, he put his heads in his hands and walked back where the team consoled him. This was the first PK he EVER missed! SO SAD!!!!

This is the team running to their keeper and 4th kicker after we made it and won the game.

Celebrating!

STATE here we come. We celebrated at Chili's...Jake's choice. He still was frustrated all thru dinner & really couldn't enjoy the win completely. So the next picture and post should be of Jake with a MOHAWK! After practice today all the team members are getting mohawks to prepare for state. Ohhhh...I don't know why I said yes that he could....I'm regreting it know. Scott says it once in a lifetime and what a memory & story he'll have to share with his kids one day. I just think of SUNDAYS and blessing the sacrament...I wonder if they'll let him?

2010-08-04T10:12:00.001-07:00

ANNOUNCEMENT...

2010-02-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

The Rexburg Idaho Temple is the 125th operating temple in the Church. Announced in late 2003, the Rexburg Idaho Temple was dedicated on February 10, 2008 and is the third temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Idaho. The temple sits on the south end of the Brigham Young University-Idaho campus on the south side of Rexburg. BYU-Idaho had been the only LDS university without a temple adjacent to its campus.

The design of this temple differs from most in that the exterior was designed by a private firm, not the LDS Church's architectural department. This was done because the church wished it to have a fresh new look.

For your Information:

If you haven't already heard...mom & dad received a new calling at the temple and have been in training the past couple of weeks. Dad is now a recorder there and mom assists him in this sacred responsibility. I am excited for them as they grow and learn in this new phase of their temple service. They will not be able to leave as freely as they have in the past for family activities & gatherings...but I know that we will all be patient and understanding as to why. We have all been blessed by their temple service, and that the McCluskey family will continue to be blessed because of their righteousness and unselfish service.

***This would be a terrific FHE topic this month with the kiddos and tolet them know about Papa & Grandee's exciting news.

Valentine's Day Fun!

2010-02-16T12:27:00.001-08:00

Lori asked me to make some sugar cookies for Valentines Day, (Terrific and easy recipe - so ask her for Grandma Webb's Sugar Cookie Recipe some time when you need a great tasting cookie!) and while Kyle & Lori napped (Lori had had a rough night which meant Kyle didn't get much sleep either), I had the kids decorate a couple and then they ate them. Lori had a cute "LIP" cookie cutter that we used. I'm sure they would have looked alot better if she had made them!!! We hope you all had a great day.

A Valentine Day Wish to a Soon to be Daddy....

2010-02-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

Katie & "baby to be"...sent this to Trevor for Valentines Day.

LOOKING GOOD KATIE - Thanks for sharing!

McCluskey Family Update...

2010-02-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

Kyle said he sent everyone a text message saying Lori came home late yesterday afternoon...but I have received a few phone calls and texts from a few of you that wanted an update...so I thought I'd post some pictures of what's going on here & give you the latest update.

So enjoy and please keep Lori, Kyle, and kiddos in your prayers...she still has a long road ahead of her!

All my love - especially tomorrow - XOXO

KENDRA

Delaney on Thursday morning before she headed off to a play date with her friend Lucy. She had her Valentine Day party the day before and was showing me a card a little boy had given her.

Lori about died when she came home from the hospital and saw how I let Chloe get dressed for school! She has her very own style that she is very proud of! Here she is showing off her picture and story of The Tale of Despereaux that she wrote and drew in school.

This is a picture of Delaney running out to the garage when she heard Chloe yell "Mommy's Home!!!!" The kids were all SO EXCITED to see her.

Kyle & AJ unloading bags from the hospital and the supplies they sent home for Lori.

Lori came in the house and visited with the kids. She was glad to get home and see her family. She enjoyed sleeping in her own bed and kyle slept a lot better too!

This is a picture of Baylee & Chloe's Valentine Day party loot. They both had great parties and Baylee even took a special something (treat) over to a SPECIAL SOMEONE and left it with a note on his door step.

UPDATE TODAY: Lori is doing well. She is tired and still in quite a bit of pain. I found out that she has kidney stones in both her kidneys, not just in her left one. It looks like she'll be having them blasted within the next week or two. The gall stones will be the last to be taken care of. She has not run a fever since being home, and her infection is doing better. All the girls attended a Primary Activity Day today and then went for a couple of hours to play with a friend who was here visiting from California. While they were gone over there, Kyle had me take AJ to go see Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief. Tonight a family in their ward brought over In & Out and ate dinner with us and visited for about an hour. The kids are all getting ready for bed now.
The Queen Creek McCluskey's send you their love.

Well Wishes...

2010-02-10T06:46:00.000-08:00

All of our LOVE & PRAYERS are with you Lori & Kyle as you are going through this trial. Lori we all wish you a very speedy recovery and luck through your surgeries! Depend on the Lord and he will comfort you.

MUCH LOVE -The McCluskey Clan

Another McCluskey is on the way...

2010-02-07T17:16:00.001-08:00

...well okay, a Lockhart that is!

Kari & Brett announced today a little girl is on the way - CONGRATS!

McCluskey Family Moments...

2010-02-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

Gubernick Kiddos...

2010-02-05T20:36:00.000-08:00

(L-R) Dallin, Ezra, Sydney

Lockhart Family on Temple Square at Christmas

2010-02-05T20:34:00.000-08:00

(L-R) Logan, Brett, Parker (back), Taylor (front), Alexa (back), Sammy (front), Kari

Tucson Richardson Update!

2009-05-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

Our biggest excitment came on May 20th, when Jessica graduated from Mountain View High School. She ranked #11 in her class of over 500 seniors. We are so proud of her! The white collar that Mariah & Jess have on are for National Honor Society (thank goodness she takes after her dad!)

A BIG thanks to everyone who was able to make it for her graduation. We had fun visiting with everyone and catching up. We know some of you had a long trip getting here and back...and we appreciate you being here on her day.

Scott, Jake & I had a weekend camp out on Mount Lemon. We enjoyed the cooler weather since we are now in the triple digits here. It was beautiful, green, and lush, and the fishing was AMAZING!

I helped with a wedding cake last weekend. It was a beautiful reception!

We also enjoyed as a family attending Jessica's Seminary Graduation on May 16th. It completed a really nice day for her. She, Scott, & Jake attended the Youth Baptism Day at the Mesa Temple in the early afternoon. While Scott was there in the Temple, the Temple President came up and asked him if he could help a family there doing work. After he helped...the father asked Scott if he was related to a McCluskey. He said yes, and told him that he thought he looked familiar. It only took a moment Scott said, because he looked so much like his father, Elliott. It happened to be one of the Monroe boy's. A small world isn't it...and what a beautiful place to be able to see friends, family and catch up! We hope all is well in your worlds and hope to see updates from you all! Kendra & Family

What Is Your Family Up To Lately?

2009-02-08T16:09:00.000-08:00

Have you been geocaching ??????

Been rock climbing anywhere ??????

Seen a good movie you want to share with us ??????

Tried out somewhere new to eat ??????

Been sick in bed ??????

Or just sitting around lately pondering all that is lovely and good in your life ??????

We'd all love to hear what you and your families have been up to lately! Just a few that I know of - Bryce is starting up a business of teeth whitening products (so call and set up your time so you can be one of his first customers and support him!), Scott is off to Mexico again in a few weeks to work with Pygmy Owls (Hopefully NO federallies this time!), Sydney, Gaylene and Konrad have birthday's this month, the Arizona school age kids get a 2 day "Rodeo Break" Holiday here at the end of the month, mom was busy preparing for a RS class this past week, dad was getting over a cold...SO let us know what your up to. We'd all love to know what's going on in your world (even if your just sitting around and pondering!) Need a pick me up this week or just a good laugh...try this link and watch this cute video - it's sure to put a smile on your face! Love to you all:)

Growing Up a McCluskey - Slideshow

2009-01-19T18:15:00.000-08:00

So I put a little slide show together for you all to enjoy. It has a little of everything from High School Photos, Past Christmas Fun, Family Photo Ops, Family Reunion Fun, Growing Up in the Fountain Valley House (Look and see how many times the house changes over the years - from bricks in the kitchen to a hideous striped couch to the totally awesome 80's outfits & hair!)So have fun reminicing and checking out the life of being a McCluskey! Love to you all:)

Tucson Richardson Update...

2009-01-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

So Jessica has been really super busy with all the preparations for the MR. MOUNTAIN VIEW competition she is in charge of. The competition is for Senior boys who are representing a club. They have a "Strike A Pose", "Swimsuit", "Talent", and "Formal Evening Wear" competition. Not only is she basically in charge this year, she was also asked by one of the boys (a good friend of hers) to escort him during the final "Formal Evening Wear" portion, so she is wearing many hats this week. This is such a highlight each year at the school and everyone looks forward to it...so I think she has felt some pressure to live up to the expectation, if not exceed it! It's tomorrow night, but I thought I'd share a couple of pictures with you.

Last Thursday after school, the National Honor Society teacher, Ms. Cote, informed Jessica that each of the boys participating needed to have a black satin sash with "Mr. Mountain View" and the club that they were representing written on it so that each boy could wear it all during this week before the competition to bring up ticket sales.
So at first I panicked since I had a bunch of stuff on my list to do...Primary stuff, and a whole scrapbook I had to get done by Tuesday for a friends son who returned home this week from his mission, and I generally stress when it comes to sewing...not really a talent of mine!
So my wonderful friend Pam, came to my rescue and allowed me to come over and use her serger to sew 15 sashes. These pictures are of Jessica and I cutting the material and preparing it, before I serged it. They turned out pretty nice, and Jessica was happy. I think she'll be really glad after tomorrow night when it's over. I will post pictures this weekend on our family blog for anyone interested. It should be fun...Jessica's friend, Tony, that she's escorting...is dressing up in a Zute Suit, and he wanted her to dress up like a Hollywood glamour girl from the forty's. It should be cute...we'll see though!

Jake caught a hugh fish the other day when he and Scott went fishing together. See more pics and details on our family blog.

Love to you all! Kendra & family

Remembering Nana...

2008-12-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

Remembering Peggy Simmons Nelson Szevery is easy for a lot of us. It is rare to have the type of relationship we had with a grandparent. Now days the generation gap seems to be getting further and further apart, and I'm sure we are grateful for the individual relationships and sweet memories we all have of our "Nana". Coming from a family that has been sealed together, and having knowledge of our Heavenly Fathers plan, gives us comfort in knowing that we WILL see her again one day. But it is normal to mourn, cry and feel a loss now that she is gone. I have had memories flood my heart and head these past few days and have even pulled out my wedding dress and observed the stitching there...as I know it was done with love by Nana and mom. I thought I'd share a few pictures with you, especially so Nana's great grandchildren can see her in ways they haven't before. Remember... We are all better people for knowing and loving her!
October 29th, 1911 - December 9th, 2008

Nana with one of her children.

This is Nana at the store in Oakley, Idaho with Francis & J.J.

I'm grateful for the chance I had to visit and spend time with Nana this summer in Rexburg. That my children could personally know their Great Grandma, and will have stories, memories, and pictures that they can share with their children one day. That a legacy of a great woman will go forward in the hearts and minds of her families future generations. With Love, Kendra.

2008-12-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving as I am sure you all had. Although it was nothing like the old times. I know that our own Thanksgiving's were special in its own way. As time passes it becomes harder to get together as a big family. I find comfort in knowing that there will be a time again and that the memories we have from the past are priceless. We love you all very much and hope that as the Christmas season approaches, that we remember that Christmas is about giving and not receiving and that love we have for each other is everlasting.

DECEMBER NEWSWORTHY EVENTS

2008-12-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

December 1st - Sam's Birthday
December 2nd - Cayden's Birthday
December 5th - Logan's Birthday
December 7th - First Presidency Christmas Devotional Broadcast
December 13th - Twelve Days Before Christmas begins
December 16th - Mom & Dad McCluskey's 41st Wedding Anniversary
December 19th - Cousin Sara Nielson's Sealing - San Diego Temple
December 20th - Sara's reception - Yuma, Az.
December 24th - Christmas Eve
December 25th - Christmas Day
Decemebr 31st - New Years Eve

Cookie & Court of Honor Fun!

2008-11-13T08:23:00.001-08:00

These are a quick and yummy sour cream cookie. It may sound gross, but the sour cream makes them so fluffy! Try them:

1/2 C butter
1 1/2 C brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 C sifted flour
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 C sour cream

Cream butter & sugar well. Add eggs in one at a time. Add vanilla. Sift all dry ingredients together and add alternating with sour cream, to creamed mixture. Drop by teaspoons full onto greased cookie sheet (I used Non- stck foil). Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes. (I did 7 to 8 minutes). Makes approx. 6 doz. So these are great cookies to make for home teaching or visiting teaching treats, because you have enough for everyone!

Frosting:
3 tablespoons butter (softened), add 1 Tblspn. milk and 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Mix well - then add 1 1/2 C powdered sugar. Mix in ( I did this all with a fork) Ice cookies. Let set so frosting can set up. ENJOY!

Scott is the second counselor in the Young Men's presidency and also the Scoutmaster. At last night's court of honor - Jake received his Plumbing merit badge - Scott was going to make some joke about a plumbers crack...but thank goodness, he didn't! He has a few more badges he's trying to complete and trying to narrow down project ideas for his Eagle! (He knows he can't drive without his eagle!) INCENTIVE!!!!

Our Halloween

2008-11-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Halloween. The kids had a parade at school. We carved pumpkins and had our traditional tacos and then went trick or treating. Our last couple of Halloweens have been very cold, and this Halloween we didn't even need our winter coats. It was beautiful. Clear, clean, and gorgeous. We then got dumped on(snowed)the next week. We have had a nice break from soccer. With Alexa in Comp. and Brett coach her team and then the other two (Parker & Tayler) in regular leagues, it has been quite busy. I needed a break that's for sure. Recently I took the younger kids up to temple square to see Anne and Vern who serve a mission up there in the Church History Special Projects Dept. They had the "Reflections" potraits in the Joseph Smith Memorial bldg. They are amazing. If you are not familiar with Reflections, go to this website. http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/reflections_of_christ/2008/03/reflections-sli.html
you will be amazed.
The girls had fun stuffing toilet paper in Logans shirt to make him a football player. Look close you can see that he already has the face for it. I will post later because my girls are home from school. Love to all, K6

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

2008-11-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it's November already. It seems like the months are flying by! The kids are all coming down from their weekend sugar high now that Halloween is over and the costumes put away for another year. It's about this time of the year I get that urge to blow right over Thanksgiving and start decorating for Christmas. Bring on the carols of sweet christmas music, let's start baking goodies that we can take to friends and nibble on, decorating the tree, wrapping presents & drinking eggnog! Okay ... I'll pass on the latter, not really into egg nog!
But really, Christmas decorations have been out in the stores for months now! That means it's time to start dragging out those boxes from the garage and asking your honey for all those "honey do's"! RIGHT???
Well, maybe not just yet! As we start to get pulled into that "commercial snare" of the Holiday's, I hope you'll take the time to slow down, relax, take a deep breath, and share with your family how we can live with a spirit of Thanksgiving and Gratefulness each day. Even Charlie, Snoopie and the gang find things to be grateful for! How hard can it be?
Not hard at all! Just a minute or two of your time to aknowledge what your grateful for.

I was blog hopping the other day and saw this quote - which I loved!

"GRATITUDE UNLOCKS THE FULLNESS OF LIFE. IT TURNS WHAT WE HAVE INTO ENOUGH, AND MORE". Melodie Beatty

In this woman's blog she also shared a list of "20 Little Attitudes of Gratitudes".

I thought this would be an exceptional way for me to start off my November of Thanks! I'll share a few from my list with you...

6. Notice when others do kind things for me, show my gratitude by action or words.

10. Verbalize what I am grateful for when I feel like complaining about life or my circumstances. Always remember that there are less fortunate.

11. Remember to thank Heavenly Father for blessings each day, especially on those day's I feel doubtful.

14. Lift the burden on someone else's shoulders to show them I care and am there for them always.

and...

20. Let my family, immediate and extended, know how grateful I am for each of them and the blessings and examples they are to me in my life.

I am so very grateful for each of you. For the plan of salvation, and knowing that we are an Eternal family. I hope you'll all take a minute and ponder your gratitude list in the upcoming weeks and that your November will be filled with warmth, love, genorsity, and kindness. I hope you'll all take this idea and turn it into a FHE. Make a "Family Gratitude List" and hang it on your fridge where the kids can see it. Have younger ones draw pictures of what they are grateful for. Share these scriptures: D&C 59:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and Moshiah 26:39

I truly am grateful for each of you! And even though I won't be sitting at your table this year eating turkey with you, I am thinking of you, and I'm grateful for the knowledge that we are an Eternal family.
Love and blessings to you all,
Kendra

Gubernick Family Update

2008-10-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. All is well with the Gubernicks. The kids have adjusted really well to CA and love their new school. We are extremely excited to be moving the end of November and look forward to having anyone and everyone who wants to be there over at our house for Turkey. Rocky is very busy with football and I can not wait for it to freaken end. 4 more weeks and that could not come soon enough. I know Gaylene knows exactly what I am talking about, and if coaching 24/7 isn't enough, when we get together for family functions and all they talk about is their running plays and the game from Friday night. All I have to say is Kam and Rocky owe me and Gaylene a big fat date night when this is all over. Well thats about all for now. I am going to attempt to attach some recent pictures of the kids, hope it works.......... Lots of love from the Gubernicks.

Family Memories

2008-10-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

I remember:
the water slide in front of Grandma and Grandpa house in Sacramento.

The sample carpets they also had in there garage. Maybe that is where Mom got the idea for our house on Sandalwood. Oh ya, I forgot that was to cover up the stains on the carpet.

FHE - Kam got the clipboard broke over his head, the glass candle holder falling off the self and cutting his toe open, the beer dad bought for an object lesson, someone always getting sent to their rooms.

Pup n Taco nights

Watching Soaps with Mom

Shooting the Reid's upstairs window with the boys bb gun (sp sorry)

The hedges between our house and the Engstrom's where the boys would find slugs and throw them on us girls.

The many nights tickling Kendras back with a promise of "I will tickle yours next" but she would always fall asleep.

Grandpa's garden, olives, peanut butter cookies and his love taps on grandma's butt.

GG always telling us we had to take naps.

Mary and Carolyn's BA's.

Sue Sue's eggs, and her scary stories when we spent the night.

Uncle Steves uneven mustache and his jokes. I smile everytime I think of him and his jokes.

Nana's awful singing voice. No only was it awful it was LOUD!

Oh my goodness there are to many....

The tower of Babel dad built in the back yard for us.

The swing he hung from the tree in the backyard close to the Schorley's.

The day it broke. ouch!

Herman the turtle.

The ugly hamsters. Someone threw one in the air and it landed on the ground I think?

I will tried to remember more later.

FOOD STORAGE!

2008-10-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how to use your food storage everyday? Check this site out for ideas and wonderful recipes. I promise you'll find something that peeks your interest! She has great ideas up now for Halloween & Fall. Check it out - you won't be sorry.

Make sure to check out her cookie recipes. For all the info....go to www.everydayfoodstorage.blogspot.com

Feeling Nostalgic!

2008-10-24T19:06:00.001-07:00

So I've been feeling so nostalgic lately and remebering some really fun times about growing up in the McCluskey family...and thought I'd share. So read further and see how many you can remember along with me. It will be fun!

- When visiting Grandpa & Grandma McCluskey in Elk Grove, sometimes they or even Aunt Carolyn and Aunt Mary would take us to the church bookstore they owned. That always meant playing with the cash register, lunch of Fish & Chips, dessert from Baskin Robbins, walking down to the Chinese store, and sometimes helping with the name embossing on scriptures. It was always a fun filled day! I think that's where I first fell in love with Jack Weyland books. Last week I went and got some Fish & Chips just as a ode to those wonderful times! I haven't had that in over 25 years...my family ate something else that day for lunch. They thought I was crazy!!!

- How many of you actually remember camping out at Fearthly Park. I think a couple of times we went with Grandpa & Grandma, and another time I remember was when we went with the Olsens.

- How about visiting Ad and Nana. Does anybody remember the fiber optic swan and the dish of ribbon candy that sat on top of their tv??? Anyone...anyone?

- How about the Christmas when mom & dad said all we were getting were stockings. Then when we woke up on Christmas morning, mom had made each of us a stocking that was as big as us!

- Does anyone remember people picketing the front of our house over the water purifyer? I can't remember if it was our house or Bishop Jones'?

- How about mom and dad holding elections outside in our garage?

- Anybody, but Kameron, remember the day mom was throwing a surprise baby shower for Jill Monroe and Kameron was playing football out front. He went to run and catch a pass...and ran right smack into the light pole and cracked his head open. He had to go get stitches!

- How about going over for family night at the Monroe's and swimming. Elliot put bubble bath in the jacuzzi and all the bubbles ran into the pool. We'd go down the slide and land in a pool full of bubbles!

- Anybody remember the Family Fun Center before it got bumper boats??? Do you remember what was there???

Answer: In ground Trampolines.

- Who remembers Bryce's prom and him practicing his kissing techniques in the bathroom, on my beauty school dummy head before he left that night?

- Anybody remember mom working at the HB mall as a Santa's helper. She and Jill Monroe did that at Christmas time I think a couple of times. I think at one point she also wrapped gifts there too to get extra money for Christmas!

- Who remembers the food fight in the kitchen with Julie who stayed with us for awhile(her dad was a cop in LA) - I can't remember her last name. Her mom was a curly red head??? Let me know if you remember it...oh, was it Denise Nielsen? That sounds right doesn't it???

- How about the year mom and dad took us up to a cabin for Christmas and we were able to sled, play games, build snowmen, and drink hot chocolate!

- Anybody remeber the Blue & Gold Spaghetti dinners at HB 3rd ward. Every year Shirley Startup would make her famous ice cream cake. It was always the item that sold for the most money. One year dad bought it because we BEGGED him!!!! I think he payed close to $100.00 for a stupid ice cream cake. I remember sitting around the table and we all had spoons and were eating it after we got home from cleaning up the cultural hall when dad was the cubmaster.

- Anyone remember the player piano and having to be downstairs before the roll was over for scripture study? Do you also remember the hugh flannel board and all the flannel board scripture stories we had?

- Who remembers the when mom & dad came home with a VCR. That thing was HUGH! The vcr and tv were on a stand in the kitchen. We had Sound of music, South Pacific, and My Fair Lady on tape. I can't remember any of the other ones. But I do remember back then each tape was like $80.00 per movie!

- How many Bishops' names do you remember from over the years??? Do not scroll down until you think about it!

Answer: The ones I could remember are - Johannson (my favorite),Startup, Lassig, Fox, & Kinney (after I left for college) Do you remember anyone else??? The only Stake President i ever knew were, Palmer & Borquist.

- Who remembers Kori Hunsingers mom getting struck by lightening while standing on our porch?

- Who remembers the Allenbaus from accross the street. I remember when he and dad would put on these big Fourth of July Block Parties. One year their roof caught fire from an M80.

- Who learned to drive stick shift from Buster Murphy at Mile Square Park????

- How about the smorgasboard, "Villa Sweeden". We went there everytime we had a baby blessing! Those were the best sweedish meatballs!!!!

- Who remembers "Solveign"???? I'm not sure if I'm saying it right. It was alittle town that looked like holland.

Okay...now it's your turn! What are some of the memories you all have! Kendra

Pumpkin Bars Recipe

2008-10-05T17:56:00.000-07:00

These were so easy and very yummy!

First mix in a bowl;
1 Cup Flour
1/4 t. Salt
1 t. Cinnamon
1/2 t. Soda
1/2 t. Baking Powder

In a new bowl mix the wet ingrediants;
2 Eggs
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Oil
1/2 Cup Pumpkin (1 can will make 3 recipes. You can put it in a ziplock & freeze.)

Combine the dry with the wet really well. Add a handful of Chocolate Chips. (I used some semi sweet & milk chocolate. Pour into a 9x13 greased pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or so. Check center with toothpick to make sure it is done in the center. Let cool.

Frosting;
3 oz. Cream Cheese Softened
6 T. Butter Softened
2 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar
1 t. Vanilla
1 t. Milk

I mashed the cream cheese and butter, added the milk and vanilla in. Then slowley worked in the powdered sugar. Let Set Up.

* Just a side note...the frosting was on the sweet side. We like it without the frosting. The chocolate chips give it enough sweetness!
ENJOY!!!!

Come Listen To A Prophets Voice...

2008-10-05T17:35:00.001-07:00

I have personally enjoyed the messages that have been shared this weekend with us by our leaders and Prophet.

Believe it or not...the kids and conference sessions went well. We haven't required them to watch Saturday sessions yet, but Scott & I have it on or tape it (we were gone to Jake's game for the second Sat. session and Jessica went to take the SAT's again...don't know why since she had a terrific score!) But they both sit with us as a family and watch both Sunday sessions. As they get older - it's been nicer. I remember when we first started this...I thought I'd pull all my hair out, what''s left of it! But now they ask questions, know who General Authorties are or stories about them, etc.

This is our dog Zoe. She's a wonderful pet and I personally have become very attached to her. Actually come to think of it...I'm attached to all our pets because I'm the one that feeds them, cares for them, and loves them since my kids don't! (Not Jake's snake or lizard though. I will remind him when they need to eat or have water!) Anyways...back to zoe. She's had a rough time the past few weeks with allergies and shedding/itching. So this picture was taken about 45 minutes after we gave her 2 kids benadrills in a see's raspberry chocolate. She had a few hours of relief! (For all those wondering...the vet said it was okay, although she'd probably be upset to hear we give it in chocolate! And yes...she's still alive!)

Our Usual "In-Between-Conference" omletets & hash browns with all the fixings. We also had cinnamon rolls before the first session and yummy Pumpkin Bars after the last session of conference. We hope you all had a wonderful Conference weekend!

SPIRITUAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT - OCTOBER

2008-09-30T20:57:00.000-07:00

What is my Eternal Potential? To all faithful Saints, He has promised thrones, kingdoms, principalities, glory, immortality, and eternal lives.
What Can Help Me Reach My Potential? God expresses his love for us by providing the guidance we need to progress and reach our potential...He who knows most about us, our potential, and our eternal possibilities has given us divine counsel and commandments in his instruction manuals - the holy scriptures.
Quote: President Henry B Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency said..."The purpose of God's creations and of His giving us life is to allow us to have the learning experience necessary for us to come back to Him, to live with Him in eternal life. That is only possible if we have our natures changed through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, true repentance, and making and keeping the covenants He offers all of His Father's children through His Church".
Ensign Oct. 2002
Scripture: D&C 78:18 - "Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours".
Suggestions: Plan a Family Home Evening, Home Teaching or Visiting Teaching message, or for your own personal studies.

A Summer Wedding - Katie Elizabeth McCluskey (Graves)

2008-09-30T20:41:00.001-07:00

Trevor & Katie Graves make their first appearance as Husband & Wife togther. August 22nd, 2008 - Newport Beach temple

Most of the McCluskey Clan with the Bride and Groom.

The Beautiful Bride!!!

The McCluskey nieces & nephews who were able to make it to California , take a picture with Aunt Katie.

Neices all dressed up and waiting for Aunt Katie!

Bryce & Kevin outside the Newport Beach Temple waiting for the Bride & Groom to make their appearance.

McCluskey Family Reunion - July 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th

2008-09-30T16:45:00.000-07:00