Long Live King Luke!

Today was a sad day at the Keeler house. After church, we found that our dog Luke had passed away. We're pretty sure it was just from natural causes even though he was only 3 years old.

Mia cried herself to sleep tonight because "I miss my Lukie". The boys were all very sad also. A lot of crying went on today. I've never been so attached to a pet before. Kirt was very good to me through the whole situation. He dug a grave tonight and we buried Luke in the backyard. He even gave a great memorial service and we said prayers outside around the grave.

We (OK Kirt, because I've been an emotional wreck all day) also took the opportunity to talk to the kids about life and death, the plan of salvation, etc. We had a good discussion and the kids asked lots of questions.

Rest in peace, my sweet baby boy! We will always love you.

Photo Tinks by WiddlyTinks.com

Kids say the cutest things!

Laundry is a pet peeve of mine. I don't mind DOING the laundry, or even folding it and putting it away, (OK, Kirt does that most of the time) but when I am sorting the dirty laundry and I find piles of FOLDED clothes in the kids' hampers, I am LIVID! I also hate it when they wear pajamas one time and put them in the hamper. I lost it a few weeks ago and told the kids they were not allowed to put their pj's in the hamper until they had worn them three times. (And yes, the boys all said, "What if we pee in them?")... But they've all been much better about it.

This morning Mia was eating breakfast and spilled a little egg on her nightgown. (The MAIN reason I don't let my kids get dressed before breakfast. :) After she was done eating, she went running in to get dressed and exclaimed, "I'm putting my nightgown in the hamster because it has egg on it!"

I had to laugh out loud. Moments like those make me SO glad I'm home with my little cuties. :)

First class kid!

Dallin earned his first class scout award last night. Since I wasn't able to be there due to a bad pregnancy day, he pinned the mother's pin on Kirt. Way to go Dal! Dallin's a great kid and we love him so much.

Meatball Madness!

I've only made my mom's killer BBQ meatballs once in my life. I've been craving them for awhile now and they were finally on the cooking schedule! YIPPEE! I quadrupled the recipe since I was cooking for 3 other families (check that out at whatsfourdinner.blogspot.com) but I FORGOT how many meatballs it makes! Holy moly! I was able to feed all four dinner group families, plus three other small families of 2-3 in the ward AND my grandparents. They do take some time to make, but they are SO yummy.

BBQ Meatballs

Make this sauce first and simmer about 20 minutes.
2 cups catsup
2 cups water
3 T. minced onion
4 T. worcestershire sauce
4 T. white vinegar
4 T. sugar

Mix all together to make meatballs:
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
3/4 cups rolled oats
1 cup milk
3 T. minced onion

Roll meat mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls. Roll in flour and place on a tin-foil covered cookie sheet. Broil meatballs on highfor 3 minutes. Turn over. Broil other side for 3 minutes. (This takes the place of browning them and is MUCH faster.) Pour half the sauce in 13x9 casserole dish. Place meatballs in casserole dish. Pour remaining sauce over the top and bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Serve over rice.