The House of Harris

Graduation

2011-04-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hey Family,

I just wanted everyone to know that I'm walking on April 21/22. I was too lazy to send out graduation announcements (and I'm technically not graduating til June).

If you're bored on April 22, you can come down to the Smith Fieldhouse at 11 and heckle me.

Anyways, I'll be going to Texas A&M next year to study petroleum engineering.

I just wanted to let you all know.

Later,
Seth

Suki's Girls

2011-03-10T08:59:00.000-08:00

Hi Harris Family!! So after years of trying to convince her to do it-my Mom FINALLY decided to start selling her darling creations. We made her a blog where she can display her stuff and we are trying to send more business her way. You've seen my Mom's stuff-it's too cute! So if you or someone you know loves all things girly and handmade then send them to my Mom's blog. Thanks everyone!

p.s. Kristina,
Would you mind adding my Mom's blog to the sidebar links? Thanks so much!
www.sukisgirls.blogspot.com

At Last

2011-02-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos that Joel took as he and Jenny traveled through Utah moving all of our stuff to sunny Las Vegas. Ive been meaning to get these to some of you for some time now. Follow the link and Enjoy!

https://picasaweb.google.com/sjaymellor/Feb252011?authkey=Gv1sRgCMCN6ejVmPz_iAE&feat=directlink

They Are Home!!!

2010-11-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

Todd asked if I would post some of the pictures I took on Monday night when Grandma and Grandpa came home. My camera is currently in the shop so these were all taken with my Mom's camera and I didn't have a clue how to work it. So I apologize for the poor quality of some of these but I believe Todd has a video he will be uploading soon.
I think I speak for all of the Utah family when I say that, we are thrilled to have Grandma and Grandpa home! We look forward to enjoying as much time as possible with them before we have to send them back to the Portland Family. Aren't we so lucky to have Grandma & Grandpa in our lives?

Baby Kai

2010-10-20T20:34:00.001-07:00

Until I get my photos and the internet in the same place at the same time, the phone camera photos will have to suffice. What did we do before modern technology. So here you go. More photos and the exciting story of Joel Kai Mellor's birth to come (sometime when it doesn't have to be composed via phone).

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Baby Kai is here!!!!

2010-10-13T22:32:00.001-07:00

Announcing the birth of:

--Baby Kai--
Joel Kai Mellor

8 lbs 8 oz
21 1/2 inches

He was born this evening after over 24 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing!! (I'll let Sarah and Joel give you all the details when they are up to it!)

Proud and exhausted parents Joel and Sarah Mellor

More pictures and info to come as I get it!

Congratulations Joel and Sarah!! We are soooo happy for you!!! He is beautiful!

BYU Graduation

2010-10-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some belated pictures from my August Graduation.

Can you see me?

When I saw this last picture I commented to Bridget, "Wow I look short!" And she kindly reminded me that I was wearing heels. So don't worry Grandma and Grandpa--I haven't grown at all since you saw me last, in fact I may have shrunk.

Richard & Karen's Wedding

2010-10-03T15:26:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from the wedding last weekend. These are just some that Bryce took from his phone (which is why there are more of our kids :) --I'll let Karen post the ones from the photographer when she gets them :) If anyone else has any pictures please post them as well!
Although the rain was a stresser while decorating, the day turned out great!!! The wedding ceremony was beautiful and the rest of the day followed suit. Karen was a gorgeous bride and Richard was just glowing. We are so happy for them and so happy to have Karen join our family! Thanks so much to everyone who came and helped as well. What a great reason to get together with family and friends.

Waiting Outside the Temple

The Happy Couple

The Party
Only a few shots from here, but as you can see behind Jenna, we had the reception on the back lawn/patio of the church building.... I think it turned out beautifully!

As well as the hundreds of cupcakes and other desserts that were served.

And the decorating of the car!

The After Party
(this is a shot for all you Lincoln High Grads :)

Don't worry.... It's a ROOT beer keg stand that Daniel is doing :)

Elder Harris in Brazil

2010-09-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

Alex, is now in the actual field and is beginning to enjoy the mission experience. He has had a rough first few weeks but it is more adjusting to the language and the fact that he is no longer in the MTC. His companion is Elder Gomes from Brazil and speaks no English but Alex says he absolutely loves him and the people of Brazil. He would love to hear from you! His email address is the same but the best way to get letters to him is through the mission home. As you can see he is making friends of all shapes and sizes!

Elder Alexander M. Harris

Missao Ribeirao Preto

Rua Sao Sebastiao, 1003

Centro

Ribeirao Preto-SP

14015-040

Harris.Alexander@myldsmail.net

Brigham Joins the Eagles Nest!

2010-09-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

The Eagle has landed for Brigham. Complete with a live American Bald Eagle and a presentation of a flag flown over Washington DC, Brigham received his Eagle badge a few weeks back. He did the work on his own with little prodding from mom and dad and NO Captain Bly! (West Hills Ward old school humor).

School Days

2010-09-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

Nina actually had two first days of school. The first one was a day for her to go up to school with her parents and meet the teacher and stay for just a short time to get the hang of things. She was nervous, but when it was over she said, "Now I know that kindergarten is not scary at all!"

The next week she got to start again, for real this time. It was a cold, rainy day, but that didn't matter. She was so excited ... couldn't wait for library, computer, music, and of course, recess!

Then it was Satchel's turn. He's going to the same preschool that Nina did, so it's familiar to him. He was really nonchalant about the whole thing. All he wanted to know is when his teacher was going to give him a sucker.

He loves his new backpack. Matt has a bunch of prop backpacks and he let Satchel have one. It's black and white with lightning bolts on it. Pretty cool.

Baby Jude

2010-08-28T05:54:00.000-07:00

Here he is. Our sweet boy is 4 months old! He is a good happy baby, except when confined to his carseat for long periods of time.

Elder Harris has arrived!... at the Brazil MTC.

2010-08-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry to bump precious Nina off the front page but I wanted to let you all know that after only 4 weeks of waiting in the Provo MTC Alex's Visa for Brazil came through! He left SLC via Dallas for the MTC in Brazil on Wednesday the 4'th of August and we received a letter from the MTC President that said our son is safe and sound. His email address is Harris.Alexander@myldsmail.net and his address at the MTC is now:

Elder Alexander M. Harris

Brazil MTC

Rua Padre Antonio D'Angelo 121

Casa Verde

02516-040 Sao Paulo SP

Brazil

He is there until at least September 6'th. Thanks for all your letters and support he said it really helped him get through the long days of Provo.

Toddy.

Nina Speaks

2010-08-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Nina gave a talk in Primary. She was nervous, but all her practice paid off--she did a great job. When we got home from church, she humored me by giving her talk one last time. She was pretty much over it by then, but you can imagine how cute she was up there at the microphone.

And yes, she has lost her two bottom teeth.

Rick & Karen

2010-07-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

This past weekend in Seattle we got to head out to the water front to take some photos of the newly engaged. It thoroughly wore me out, and I've learned that Im not nearly as limber a photographer pregnant. Ah well. :) Here are some sneak peaks.

Please write Elder Alex Harris!

2010-07-18T17:21:00.000-07:00

Please write!

We have received some great letters from Elder Alex Harris in the MTC in Provo while he awaits his Visa. He is doing well and is enjoying his experience but is excited to get to Brazil! If you get a chance please drop him a line either email or letter but he seems to prefer getting snail mail?

Elder Alexander M. Harris

MTC PO Box # 307

Bra-Rib- 0906

2005 North 900 East

Provo Utah 84604-1793

Harris.Alexander@myldsmail.net

Please welcome Brayden Sae-Hwan Wi!!!

2010-07-10T06:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Kristina was having contractions all morning, so she spent the day with me. Around 1 or 2pm the doctor told us to come in. Her contraction was intensifying so they admitted her, then around 6 or so the doctor broke her water. Bryce's point of view (i'm just saying...):
Dr. said "I'll be back in about an hour.
"Kristina: "ugh it hurts so bad!"
doctor: "okay, maybe half in hour"
Kristina: "It hurts so bad!!"
doctor: "okay maybe fifteen minutes"
Kristina: "UUUUUAAAAAAHHHH!!! I'm about to Push!!!"
Doctor: "Okay maybe Now"
Then Plop! Baby pops out!! It's a Boy with his Shmeckle and starts Peeing on Kristina!! Nice!!
Welcome to our Family Brayden!! We Love You!!!

A Fairy Tale Proposal

2010-07-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a prince in the far away land of Bellevue who wanted to marry a princess….In another far away land named Costa Rica lived a princess who one day decided to move to Seattle…

One day they fell in love….

Karen and Richard

After dating for almost a year, the prince charming took the princess on a romantic night out…

The prince and the princes took a ride on a horse-drawn carriage through Seattle after the romantic dinner.

Then they stopped on this magical place at the water front, where they had their first date a long long time ago….

Then the prince took out a gorgeous ring…

And he kneeled and asked the princess: “would you be my wife?”

Then, the princess smiling said to her prince charming: yes my love!

Richard and Karen

Elder Alexander Harris is now on the Clock!

2010-07-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

A bittersweet day as many of you know. Alex entered the MTC today in Provo while he waits for his Brazilian visa to come through. He was very excited to be finally going but today is a tough day for his family even though we know he is in the right place doing the right thing at the right time. We will post his address when we get it. We will appreciate all your prayers on his behalf.

Happy times ahead.

Love to you all,

Toddy.

Brazil 2010

2010-07-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hello Harris Family. I just got back on Saturday from traveling in South America. I spent some time in Brazil in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and my mission area in the Southermost state of Rio Grande do Sul. I also stopped quickly in Argentina and Uruguay. I had a blast, here are some pics.

Hang Gliding in Rio

Sao Paulo from the air. Huge city; worst traffic I've ever seen.

Rio with a Friend from my mission.

Copacabana beach

Rio de Janeiro. The most beutiful city I've ever seen.

My President and I with our Gaucho smiles.

Copacabana Avenue

Watched some soccer at Fifa Fan Fest in Rio on Copacabana beach.

Happy Belated Father's Day

2010-06-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

I was able to come home this last week for Alexis Apostalon's wedding, but flew into town a little early because I love my dad so much and wanted to see him on Father's Day. So of course we pulled out all the stops and got Dad the best Father's Day present of all time: a snuggy.

Every morning Dad sits out at the kitchen table with a blanket draped over him like a snuggy so we though it was time we got him the real thing. I had a friend from school staying with us (Her name is actually Heidi Harris, and she has a brother named Matt, but is of no relation that I know of) and she had the great idea to show our love for our father by customizing the box for him to show him all the many things he can do in his snuggy:

He can take up knitting,

read to underprivileged children,

hold himself as a baby,

or just be a baby

read a book on a plane,

or just hang around and chew the fat with

himself.

Doesn't he look so happy to

have a snuggy?

Happy Father's Day!

More pics

2010-06-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

The Darling Mother

and the

yawning

Baby Boy

It's another Joel!

2010-05-30T18:46:00.000-07:00

Or more specificly Joel Kai. At least that's the plan for now. We had an ultrasound yesterday and it all looks good. We are very excited for our little boy Mellor.

A message from Rachel

2010-05-24T23:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a message for all of you from Rachel.

Also, Rachel had her very first dance recital last weekend. Here is a video and a few pics. I can't believe we've already begun all of that--but she LOVES to dance and it's been fun so far.

4 Weeks Old

2010-05-17T12:46:00.001-07:00

Baby Jude will be a month old on the 19th. We took these pictures this morning.

The kids are delighted any time he's awake. He's just starting to coo and we've had a few smiles. He's a sweet pup.

Hey Jude :D

2010-05-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

This is dedicated to our new cousin Jude

Love Alyssa and Hanna

What I Woke Up To This Week

2010-05-01T16:58:00.001-07:00

Springtime in Utah.

Sweet baby Jude.

Happy kiddos.

And finally we have Matt home! He's been gone filming in Southern Utah since before the baby was born. He came back to be present at the birth, but had to leave the next day. He got home last night, and we were SO happy to see him. He had to go to work today, and we don't know when his next day off will be, but at least he's back working in Salt Lake, so we'll get to see him a few minutes a day. Jude will be two weeks old on Monday. I can't believe it. We go for his check up that day, so we'll so how much he's grown. He's a cute little duffer. Nina and Satchel kiss him and call him precious. So do I.

Meet the newest Harris!

2010-04-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

While the name has yet to be finalized- I thought you all might want to meet the newest version of House of Harris! The finalists for a name are either Jude or Eli. Matt and Symonie are open to votes! Keri and I paid the newest Harris a visit and found him to be quite the upgrade from previous generations! And while Nina loves, "little brother", the current title, Satchel feels the best way to celebrate the blessed arrival is with not one but TWO suckers! Life is good and Symonie is doing great and has her normal happy disposition. And if my calculations are correct, this is Big D and Lady Di's 30'th Grandchild? Vote early and often on the possible last installment of Big D and Lady Di's Grandchild extravaganza!

Snowboarding Fun!

2010-04-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

The day started so promising. Beautiful Day, Payton was doing great, then...

It all went wrong :(

Payton's main concern was when I would be able to play video games again. Dislocated elbow (same elbow I dislocated in college and Lee broke throwing me off the porch). In a cast for 3 weeks, but no surgery needed.

Stephens Baptism

2010-04-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

So on Sat. March 27 Steven was baptized by Elder Ball the missionary who has been teaching him since he came to our home. It was a small crowd but his grandparents, mom and little brothers were able to come. He was confirmed the next day by his grandfather and was ordained a deacon on April 11th by Joel. It has been fun to see him mature and grow in the gospel in the last 6 months!

Meet Tiana!

2010-03-31T09:08:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to do this weeks ago but I'm a slacker. THAT and I was sort of hoping Richard would take the initiative and DO THIS HIMSELF. But I guess he has more important things on his mind. Like the fact that he's GETTING MARRIED!!!! I'm sure most of you already know this but Richard proposed to his girlfriend, Tiana on March 13th. So that means that I am FINALLY getting a sister! Tiana is beautiful, sweet, funny, fabulous with kids, comes from an awesome family, and is just an all around great girl. We are thrilled that Richard found someone so wonderful. She kind of reminds me of ME... JUST KIDDING! So be on the lookout for their wedding announcement, they are getting married on June 8th in the Salt Lake Temple.

Here are some cute pictures of the lovebirds. They look cute together right?
(I had to steal these pictures from Richard's Facebook page. If he had done this himself you probably would have full size pictures to look at. Make sure to give him a hard time about it:)

Gracie Scottish Dancing

2010-03-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

The 3 younger kids take Scottish dancing classes from our neighbor and performed at a ward talent show last week.

Jake & Addie Scottish Dancing

2010-03-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Elder Harris to Brazil!

2010-03-03T09:56:00.000-08:00

Brasil, Brasil!

Elder Alexander Montgomery Harris received his mission call to serve in the Brazil Ribeirao Preto Mission, and will report to the MTC in Sao Paulo Brazil on June 30, 2010! His mission was at one point part of Uncle Lee's mission, and is to the Northwest of Sao Paulo. It is called the "Brazilian California" for its mild climate and landscape similar to the Napa Valley and San Diego minus the coast.

He is very excited and the thought of being able to take his soccer cleats was a huge bonus for Alex. He actually received his call on the 16th of February while I was still at the Olympics in Vancouver so it sat on my desk for 4 days until he came home from school and opened it in front of family and friends at the Montgomery's home with his Dad on the phone. We are so proud of him, not for where he is going but, that he wants to go and is worthy to serve.

Tchao!

It's still early but....

2010-02-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

since I am terrible at keeping secrets.....

Joel and I are growing a baby in my stomach. We thought we'd wait till at least our first anniversary before this happened. But there you go. Que sera, sera as they say in Espanol (which, by the way, I thought was a song about me for a really long time).

We are excited and find consolation in the fact that at least the baby wont be born on our first anniversary. Like some people we know. :)

Lady Di and Big D in the DR (with A)

2010-02-11T19:20:00.000-08:00

We spent four days at a resort. Here's the view of the pool from our balcony.

And here is the courtyard.

And the pool. The hut at the end is a bar built into the pool. Yeah, we had those on my mission too.

Above Lady Di making her way across the deep blue. (Actually, she's making her way to the bar.) After sufficient swimming and drinks, one could relax in the shade by the pool.

Mom likes her swimming. Here's she's squinting at the glare off my bare chest (sorry if someone is reading this while eating).

Here is the bar built into the pool. I never thought I would hear my dad say the words, "Hit me again, Pepe." Dad and Mom would indulge in about 4 pina coladas (non-alocoholic, of course) every day.

Annette quickly became accustomed to the Carib life style.

This is a picture of people who have eaten too much for dinner.

Each afternoon the maids would do some interesting things with the fresh towels.

We toured some caves. I think the highlight of the trip was that after the tour dad tipped the tour guide, and then as Big D. was walking back to the car the tour guide said to me: "He's a nice man. How long have you known him?" I said, "A long time. He's my father." The tour guide was really surprised. "Really? He's your father." Big D is looking pretty young or I'm looking pretty old. (I think the latter.)

The A downtown, checking out produce.

Dad said I wouldn't get in trouble taking a picture in his temple office. His new title is El Jeffe (which I think means "the chief").

I also got a picture of Mom in her office. She was a little stressed after her first day back in the temple after the 2 week break.

It really is a beautiful temple.

But at the end of a long day, Big D still knows how to relax.

The temple at night.

Robert Rocks

2010-02-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

I'm posting this for Lee, who is already counting on retiring based on Robert's ability to fill whole stadiums with his rock and roll act.

Dominican Republic Temple

2010-01-31T19:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a collage of some of the pictures I took of mom and dad's beautiful temple!
It is hard to see some of them in this small format - needless to say it is heaven on earth in more ways than one!

Fun in the Caribe

2010-01-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

A good time has been had in the Caribe with lots of food, fun and sun.

But all good things must come to an end and soon it will be back into the real world.
But memories can never be taken away.

2010-01-13T12:48:00.001-08:00

There is a down side to too much food, fun and sun. As you can see Big D and Lady Di have got to start being careful about too much of a good thing.

Wi Baby #3

2010-01-12T19:58:00.000-08:00

Yep, we're expecting again!!! This baby is due on July 6th (notice the trend we've got going). I've been feeling pretty good and the worst is (hopefully) over so things are going well :) It's been a pretty different pregnancy so far as compared with the girls so my hunch is that it's a boy but I'm still debating whether or not to find out the sex of the baby. We've had it both ways and was really fun to be surprised with Rachel....so we'll see.

Here is one of the first pics of our little baby. This is at about 13 weeks.

53 years and counting

2010-01-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary Big D and Lady Di !!!

I guess it is only fitting that I get to be the only child with them on their 53rd anniversary since I have been the only child who has been there from the very 1st anniversary.

We are so blessed to be here visiting mom and dad at the casa and this evening Joel and I took them to David Crockett's for a steak dinner. The food was good the company better but the entertainment was the best! We old people really know how to party. Stu and A better be ready if they are this wild after only 2 days of closure imagine what the 2nd weekwill bring!

Christmas in Bellevue

2009-12-29T14:58:00.000-08:00

I have not posted in so long I hope I remember how to do it. we had a very nice Christmas at the Mellor Home. Christmas eve is traditionally our sit down dinner and spiritual time. This year it was a smaller group as we were missing Joel and Sarah but we were blessed to have everyone else home and Rick's 'friend' Karen join us as well as the newest member of our family Stephen. After dinner this year instead of just reading the Christmas story we had our own nativity pageant with costumes and all. Mike and Kayla starred as Joseph and Mary and Jenna was a cranky Baby Jesus who ended up being held by one of the shepherds(Kristina). Rachel was the angel! Stephen played a Christmas carol on his clarinet.

On Christmas Morning we had the family plus Andrew and Elissa Wahlquist (Cousin Johnny's daughter) and their 2 kids, plus 6 missionaries join us for Brunch and carols on the chimes. It was fun if not peaceful

It has been a real change to have a 12 yr old boy in the house again. Stephen is a great kid and seems to be adjusting pretty well. He loves to skateboard and is pretty good at it and he loves to hang out with the older boys. Here he is at the skatebowl down the street. He has also enjoyed the snowboarding lessons that Richard has been giving to him and Karen who is from Costa Rica and seems to be enjoying her time in the snow.

Turkey Day 09 Bear Lake!

2009-12-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

I hope this posts ok? I have been having issues with the flip cam. Great time was had by all, I think, at Bear Lake this year. We had 30 for Dinner and Uncle Rich cooked a mean bird! Thanks to all who came and contributed in some way with either food or company! Viva La Nog!

Toddy.

The ultrasound shows . . .

2009-12-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

. . . we're having a BOY! Very definitely. No doubt about it.

Nina was disappointed because she really wanted a sister, but she's already getting used to the idea of being harassed by another brother.

At my first doctor's visit they said the due date was April 25, but the ultrasound showed me a week ahead, due April 16. With the other two kids it was the same way. So, if this delivery is like the others, he'll come around April 18th or 20th.

The ultrasounds now are incredibly clear. A lot has changed in the last few years. We even saw some 3-D images of the baby. He was moving all over the place and kept putting his hands up to his face--so sweet. At one point he had this little concerned look on his face and his eyebrows furrowed just like Satchel's.

And now we can start thinking about names . . .

Scarrrry Halloween Pictures

2009-11-17T19:01:00.000-08:00

We had a pre-halloween snow storm (ugh), so the kids made mom get out all their snow clothes so they could traipse in the inch of snow.

Nina was very excited about Halloween this year. This is the outfit she wore to all her parties and trick-or-treating. At first she was going to be a princess, but then she decided to be a witch.

Symonie: "Nina, why are you standing like that?"

Nina: "Because it looks good."

Satch was less excited about dressing up. After many false tries we put him in black, painted his face and he went as a "scary wobber".

Here they are standing still and not torturing each other. So we had to take a picture. Grandma please note the ever present white bear. At least it used to be white.

And this is the scariest photo of all. Needless to say we couldn't find a costume small enough.

Halloween Shots

2009-11-08T20:46:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone had a nice Halloween--here's a look some of our festivities.

Cute Halloween Girls

In their costumes at Daddy's work

Wearing their dresses I made them to go with some Halloween leggings and bows :)

Pumpkin Carving-

Dad and the girls before dinner.

Stephen carving his pumpkin....he didn't want me to take his picture---but really was having a good time :)

Rick and Karen

Mike, Kayla and Dad

Stephen and Rachel eating dessert

Rick in his Pirate costume

Ward Halloween Party-
If you're not sure---Rachel was a butterfly (princess), Jenna was a ladybug and I was a flower...

Jenna ate most of the night---She'd walk around with some kind of food in her hand and then just plop down on the floor somewhere and start eating....that's my girl :)

Park and Trick-or-Treating

More Delicious Recipes for special occasions

2009-11-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Since our blog is not very active I thought I would post four more absolutely delicious recipes. Be careful, very careful, as these are not for the feint of heart or those who are carefully watching their calorie intake.

This from our great temple missionary couple from Canada. A very moist and chocolate cake without the sweetness of the frosting.

POLKA-DATERS
1 1/2 cups of chopped dates
1 cup water
Cook these until soft, then cool

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 eggs
Beat these together

1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
Add these to the butter mixture

Add dates, 1/2 pkg chocolate chips and 1/2 cup nuts [optional]
Pour into a greased 9X13 pan
Sprinkle rest of chocolate chips and more nuts [optional] on top. Bake at 325 degrees for about 40 minutes.

CARAMEL BARS
3/4 cup margarine
1/3 cup evaporated milk
German Chocolate Cake Mix
Mix, pat 1/2 mixture into a 9X13 greased and floured pan. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes, sprinkle with 1 cup chocolate chips, mixture of 1 lb.bag of carmels melted with 1/2 cup evaporated milk, and 1 cup chopped nuts. Pat on rest of dough. [It will be very sticky, pat on in sections' Bake 15-19 minutes longer.
This is deadly delicious

BLACK BOTTOM COCONUT BARS
For chocolate base:
1/2 cup [1 stick] butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup flour
Preheat oven to 375. Line a 9 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving a slight overhang; butter bottom and sides of foil [not overhang]
Place butter in a large microwave-safe bowl; melt in microwave. Add sugar and salt, whisk to combine. Whisk in egg, then cocoa and flour until smooth. Spred butter in prepared pan. Bake just until sides begin to pull away from edges of pan, 10-15 minutes. Let cool slightly while preparing coconut topping. Keep oven on for topping.

Coconut topping:
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1 package sweetened shredded coconut [7 oz.]

In medium bowl whisk eggs with sugar and vanilla. Gently mix in flour and coconut [except 1/2 -3/4 cup reserved for sprinkling on top.]
Drop mounds of mixture over chocolate base; spread and pat in gently and evenly with moistened fingers. Sprinkle with reserved coconut.

Bake until golden brown - 25-30 minutes. Cool completely in pan. Life cake from pan, peel off foil and cut into bars.

PUMPKIN COOKIES
1/2 cup butter - softened
1 1/2 cups sugar

1 egg
1 cup pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt

Add chocolate chips and nuts if desired

Cream softened butter and sugar. Add egg, pumpkin and vanilla, mix well. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt, mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 oven for 10-12 minutes

FROSTING FOR PUMPKIN COOKIES:
3 Tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons milk
1/3 cup brown sugar

Cook until dissolved. Cool and add "
1 cup powdered sugar [or as much as you like for the desired consistency]
1 Teaspoon vanilla

Spread on cookies - it will be like a glaze.

Be grateful!

2009-10-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

Last week as I was making my way through the Tulsa Airport, I noticed most of the foot traffic was stopped and the majority of people in the terminal were standing at the large windows on the East side of the terminal. So, despite being late for a meeting with the Boise State team, which was in town to play Tulsa, I stopped to see what was so interesting? I am glad I did. If you get the opportunity please rent the film, "Taking Chance", and remember this photo which I took standing alongside other grateful travelers. It was sad, but inspiring at the same time to see the care and honor they give these deserving soldiers making their final trip home. The precision of the honor guard, and the care in which they handle the casket was touching. And what really made it such an moving experience for me was watching all the ground crew, the pilots, baggage handlers and fellow passengers, like myself, who took just a few minutes to pause and pay our respect. All I could think about was some family was coming to the Tulsa Airport this day, and this was how they would have to welcome home their loved one.

Be grateful.

-toddy.

Recipes from the DR

2009-10-05T11:42:00.000-07:00

You should all know that this is recipes from La Republica Dominica not the Doctor.
I have these two recipes that I love and want to share with you. The first is
TACO SOUP
And it is best made the day before you want to serve it.
Brown, cook and drain 1 lb. hamburger and 2 big onions

Mix the following ingredients in a large pan and bring to a boil:
2 can tomato sauce
2 cans black beans
2 can corn [or fresh frozen corn]
1 28 oz. can stewed tomatoes
2 packets taco seasoning
3 1/2 cups water

Add hamburger and onions and simmer for 10-15 minutes, but I sometimes let it simmer for over an hour. Garnish with corn tortilla chips, sour cream, avacado, and shredded cheese.

Note: olives also go good with this as do green chilies. It freezes really well.

The second recipe is a favorite of ours and was given to us by one of our senior missionaries originally from Mexico.

Tinga

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
3 cups finely chopped tomatoes
3 cloves finely chopped garlic
1 cooked whole chicken breast, shredded
1/3 can chipotle peppers

In a small amount of hot oil saute garlic and onion, add tomatoes. It should make a soupy sauce. add the chipotles. Depending on how spicy you want it chopped the chipotles otherwise leave them whole and just mix them in, the flavor will be there. Add the meat. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Serve with white rice, refried beans and avocados.
You can also use pork loin, cooked and shredded. It will even be a bit more flavorful.

The A's Pinky

2009-09-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

If you don't like looking at broken fingers, read no more.

On Monday Annette visited the doctor and they took off the cast and gave her a small splint. During that time I thought it would be memorable to take a picture, complete with the pin still sticking out of the end of her finger.

After they pulled out a few stitches she looked down and got a little light headed. She asked me to distract her, so she could forget about her finger. I said something like, "Have I told you lately how much I love you?" She replied, "you need to do a lot better than that."

So I quickly thought, what is really distracting? What takes your mind off the here and now? Of course, a conversation with one of my brothers! The old flibbing of the flab (as I think Michael used to phrase it).

So I pulled out my cell phone and thought--Lee's at work and usually screens my calls; Matt's either working feverishly on some movie set or taking a nap; Mike's uncharacteristically serious when he's at work; and then Todd, yes Todd is the answer. It's Monday so he'll be home. I called Todd and put him on speaker phone and it worked better than vicodin.

As hoped he was highly entertaining and soon had Annette laughing. He hammered on Notre Dame football, the US Treasury, the skimpy number of little marshmellow bits in his morning bowl of Lucky Charms, etc. It was classic Todd. Thank you Todd.

For those who want to know, the pin stays in Annette's finger for another week. And the odd angle of her finger is to make sure it heals properly. It won't stay that way after the pin comes out.

Kathryn

2009-09-17T14:38:00.001-07:00

Kathryn was kind enough to be my subject so I could test out some new favorite spots I found to take photos in Portland.

2009-09-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

After hours of trying to post these pictures I finally got them up!

Here are some pictures of my dorm at BYUI!

This is my bed and it is probably the most dangerous bed ever. I hit my head almost every time I get up from my desk. It is almost impossible to climb up and down my bed without falling. I have not fallen of the bed yet but just wait it will happen.

Here is my dad trying to connect my computer to the internet... be was unsuccessful but it was a good effort:)

Yep! That's it for now.

Over and out from Rexburg!

The girls get to school

2009-09-11T13:15:00.001-07:00

So the last Big event of the Mellor summer is done. Joel and I dropped our baby off at BYUI. Surprisingly enough I did not cry - which (mom you may remember) is a far different story than when I dropped off Kristina. I don't think this reflects at all on the different personalities of my daughters but on the fact that I am really trying to learn to keep my emotions under control. I will admit to having very lonely feelings without my friend Alyssa but I am so excited for her and this new adventure! I am also glad that my other friends Kristina, Rachel and Jenna live near by :).
It was fun to meet up with Stuart and Hannah and share this adventure with them. When Joel and I left Rexburg on Tuesday afternoon we left both girls with blizzards and smiles after a final trip to Walmart! I was able to take some pictures of Alyssa and her new digs (sorry I did not get any of Hannah's room she said she would post those)

Joel and I were able to get to the beautiful Rexburg temple and we took the girls up for pictures before we left. The field they are in front of is across the street from the temple and is a field of plowed barley. I love barley but apparently in Idaho it is causing some controversy because all of that barley that has been planted (and there is a lot of it!) is being sold to Budwieser for the making of beer.
The temple is gorgeous as it presides over the school and the entire valley. It is very white and vertical and the interior is so bright and beautiful too!

Sorry I have not figured out how to turn my photos :(

The A and Sports Injuries

2009-09-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

As some of you may have heard, Annette has once again sustained a sports injury. She broke her pinky bowling. Well, technically, she was not actually bowling, but picking up a bowling ball. She says it happened because she has such "big guns" and does not know her own strength. She was taking a ball off the rack at the back of the alley, behind the bowling lanes, and she somehow picked it up so fast that she hit the top of her pinky on the bar above the rack. So her pinky was smashed between the bowling ball and the metal bar. I suspect most bowling ball accidents happen because the bowling ball is heavy and gravity pulls it down onto fingers and toes and whatnot. In this case, the weight of the ball and gravity were actually slowing her down, trying to prevent her from whacking her pinky so hard against the metal bar at the top of the rack. But not even gravity could do much to restrain the force of her mighty muscles (yes, it's back to the "big guns" explanation), and so she broke her pinky right at the last joint. The doctor said it's called a DIP fracture, but the term has nothing to do with how she did it. (I'm not making that up; apparently DIP stands for digital interphalangial).

Because the fracture occurred at the joint, it doesn't heal very well without some extra help so on Tuesday she had to have surgery and get some pins put in. Here she is after the surgery.

Her biggest complaint is that the cast (which will be on for four weeks) interferes with the gang signs she likes to throw.

It was out-patient surgery, so she is home, resting reasonably well.

Announcement

2009-08-31T15:31:00.000-07:00

Gracie Kay Harris is getting baptized Sept 12th at 4:00 pm!!! All are invited. *Call "Hamster" (Aimee) for details.

Camping on the WA coast

2009-08-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

Daniel (and someone posing in the background)

Rachel (playing in the sand and staying at least 20 feet from the water at all times)

Kris & Kayla (being adorable while babysitting my camera)

Daniel (posing with the football)

Mike (smiling)

Kayla & Joel & Rick (?)

Jenna (holding mom's hand)

Jenna (loving the ocean almost as much as her uncle Joel)

Kayla & Rachel (enjoying the beach)

Kayla & Jenna (ditto)

Joel (looking northwestern)

Joel (kissing) Me

Joel (watching the sunset)

Joel (watching the sunset with) Me

Plants (bathed by a setting sun)

Daniel (teaching Jenna about sunsets and the green flash of light)

Mama Mellor & Joel & Daniel (looking too cool)

(uncle) Daniel & Rachel

Mama Mellor & Rachel (proof she did actually touch the water)

Rachel (making an adorable face)

Rachel (flying a kite)

Jenna (holding on)

Jenna (really holding on)

Mama Mellor & Jenna & Kris (in the water)

Ditto (ditto)

Rachel (looking annoyed)

Mama Mellor (having fun)

Alyssa (leaping)

Rachel & Kris & Jenna

Daniel (throwing a frisbee)

Jenna (and legs)

And Now Introducing.....Easton Lee Martinez

2009-08-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

Well, Desiree asked me to write a small blog on the Harris family blog about our new addition to the family. So, here it goes.

Weighing in at 9lbs 4 oz and stretching out at 21 and 1/2 inches long. We introduce to each of you our new 3rd baseman. Easton "Manny being Manny" Lee Martinez. The name Easton comes from a long line of wonderful baseball bats and other sports equipment. After many hours of negotiation and due to the trade deadline for names. "Dodger" Lee Martinez was ruled out by Des and Easton it became. Actually, I mentioned it to Des thinking it would never happen, but it worked!!
Anyway, the labor and delivery went very well. So well in fact, the doctor announced to Desiree as she pushed, that she was, "Good birthing stock," and that she was, "allowed to be prego again in six months." I don't remember anything after that. You all must know that in all actuality. Des is the most fun person to be around while giving birth. She thoroughly enjoys it and does an awful good job of producing offspring quite quickly. She also heals super fast. I think she may be a mutant. Plus, she's super hot!! Sorry, I got lost in my mind for a minute.
Anyway, we love you all and hope you enjoy this photo of the Boy. If you would like to see more and hear about Desiree's point of view. Go to kenanddesfamily.blogspot.com

He Made it!!!

2009-08-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to Elder Harris' new Mission Site. I'll also add it as a link with the other blogs so that it can be easily accessed.

Elder Patrick Harris

From what Lisa said there will be regular emails and pictures there to look at! We're so excited that he finally made his way to Korea and is doing well!

Karaoke Time

2009-08-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here is the video of Matt and Nina singing!
Enjoy :)

P-Town

2009-08-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

We had such a great week in Portland!

Highlights for the kids: playing at parks, the Children's museum, the wading pool at Jamison square, watching "Wallace and Gromit" with cousins, and the beach.

Highlights for us: dinner at Le Pigeon (read more about it in Stuart's post here), Matt's "Danny and the Originals" reunion gig, best ever french-fries from the food carts, spending time with family and friends, a trip to Powell's, and the beach.

Here's Matty on drums, rocking us all with a D&O rendition of "Louie Louie." Yes, it's true, I married a rock star. (Photo credit: Menina Harris)

Stuey and the A stopped by to hear Matt play, even though Martha was starving. I don't know if the music did anything to rejuvenate her or not.

Can you spot our little pink cream puff in the wading pool? It was hot that day, so the water was muy popular with the kiddos.

Thanks to Stuart & A for hosting us. We didn't see much of Lee (he had the death flu all week) or Lisa (she was at girls camp). And we just hope Gus the Cat has recovered from the love our children lavished on him.

The Beach

2009-08-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

We went to Cannon Beach twice because it's so close. The first day Martha got to go with us, which made it all the more fun. It was cool and overcast, and of course the water was FREEZING, but the kids loved every minute--even when their lips were blue and they couldn't stop shivering.

Satchel spent what seemed like hours chasing waves, back and forth, back and forth, laughing the whole time.

Martha was the brave (crazy?) one. She was out there in that water up to her shoulders. Aaaah! Just putting my feet in gave me a headache. At one point I thought she might have hypothermia, but she rallied and went back in for more.

Getting buried in the warm sand was one way to get out of the cold!

About 6:00 the tide went out and we were able to walk out to Haystack Rock. There are lots of tidal pools with all kinds of little creatures. Martha maneuvered through them all and actually went out and touched the big rock!

When we got home Stuart had homemade lentil soup and salad for us. The perfect end to our day.

And what a trip it was . . .

2009-08-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

On July 25th we drove up to Seattle for the wedding. It was a beautiful event (as evidenced by Sara's pictures) and it was great to see everyone.

I asked Nina what some of her favorite things about Seattle were. She said, "The fairy costume and the park in the forest." Jennie had the costume in a toy box for Rachel to wear, so Nina squeezed herself into it and wore it almost every minute we were there. She even wore it to a park where the kids (Jennie and Alyssa included) loved climbing the big rocks and swinging.

After the park, the kids were so dirty and sweaty that we dumped them in the tub. Look at that cute Jenna! Nina and Satch hadn't ever been in a tub so big and they didn't want to get out. Nina lounged for quite awhile.

On Monday we took the ferry out to Bainbridge. It was the perfect day for it. Jennie made the ferry ride even more memorable when she started to feed the seagulls. She would hold out some bread above her head and the birds would swoop down to her. Somehow I didn't get a picture, but she had those birds literally eating out of her hand. Rick called her "crazy seagull lady" and pretended he didn't know her, but my family embraced the craziness and tried to feed the birds.

On the ride home, both kids were tuckered out. They did lots of sleeping in their car seats on this trip.

Monday was also Rachel's 3rd birthday, so we went over to the Wi home and had a fun party, complete with Korean tacos. (I hope Kris will post some photos because I don't have any.) Rachel was a darling birthday princess in every sense of the word. And there was karaoke! Matt and Nina did a duet of "I Want to Hold Your Hand." I wasn't there, but Matt said Bryce filmed it so I am waiting for the next YouTube sensation to explode.

The other thing Nina said she loved about our trip to Seattle was "pom-poms." Jennie was Auntie Extraordinaire one night and actually made Nina her own set of pom-poms. Nina was a happy girl. She also loves that Aunt Jennie took her horse riding. That was a first for her and so exciting.

Thanks to all the Mellors for putting us up and for putting up with us. We had a great time!

P.S. Jen, did Ricky ever fix Satchel's handiwork and repair your dining room chair?

Summer Fun

2009-08-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

After the wedding festivities were over we had some time to relax..
Seattle had a stretch of uncommonly hot weather so to cool off and
show off the beautiful NW to Matt and Sym we took a Ferry ride to
Bainbridge Island and enjoyed lunch and some cool breezes

This is Richard and his new 'friend' Sarah :)

Before they left we took Matt and Sym and kids
to the barn to meet Cali. Satchel was not having any
of it but Nina and Rachel and I enjoyed riding together
even though the weather was very hot and the girls
were wearing skirts - which left them with sweaty
horse hair covered legs after the ride - they must be true
equestrians in the making because there were
still smiles all around !

More Wedding pics

2009-07-31T21:36:00.000-07:00

As you can see the bride looked beautiful and so did the room. Her colors were pink and green and the florist did a great job! I have seen a few pics from the professional photographer and they are good too so I will send you a link to see them

Mike & Kayla

2009-07-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

Matt being a good dad

The lovely couple...so sad that I didnt get more pictures that did the dress justice. Kayla looked gorgeous. I just don't like getting in the way of the hired photographers.

The lovely Maid of Honor

Joel and I have way too many pictures like this....and yet I keep posting them

Rachel was in rare form....even for her....I wish I had captured her practically sliding across the floor to pose in a picture with Jenna.

Congrats to the happy couple.

More photos available here

Mike & Kayla

More random pics

2009-07-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

Nina and Addie posing

Payton not watching out for snakes

Scratchel

Matty in search of a big brown with the mighty barbie fishing pole

SQUIRM!

Random Pics

2009-07-16T12:50:00.000-07:00

All the Bear commotion was just too much!

Addie being Addie!

Gracie marched in the Sandy City 4th of July parade with her dance company.

Payton & Aimee on TV talking about Bear sighting

2009-07-16T10:26:00.001-07:00

ksl.com - DWR alarmed at number of bears shot and killed in recent weeks

Shared via AddThis

Joel turns 30

2009-07-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

Friends in P-land

2009-07-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

One of my closest friends, Angie, came to visit Joel and me in Portland a couple of weeks ago and we had a blast walking all over the city with her and her friend Nolan. She loved it. We visited Multnomah Falls, spent some time watching kids breakdancing to old school Michael Jackson on the water front, saw a movie at the Bagdad Theatre, and Angie even kinda cried when she saw the awesome view from the condo.

The RS presidency came over to visit just as they got into town and about convinced Angie to move out here. Seriously, got her some job connections and everything in one little visit. I'm crossing my fingers.

Rachel steals the show

2009-07-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

So....Rachel couldnt wait for Alyssa to come out. In fact, from the moment we arrived she kept yelling Llysa! Congratulations! Ssa! Lations!

People loved it.

2009-07-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

2009-07-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

2009-07-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

Alyssa Graduates

2009-07-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

First she had a birthday...

And then she had a graduation.....

Alyssa had the biggest balloon bouquet out of anyone there. Something to be proud of....

I think Rick is jealous.....

4th of July in B-town

2009-07-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

The Udall-Harrises had a fun and festive 4th. The weather was perfect, we bbq'd some dawgs, I shot off some fireworks, then we headed down the road to a golf course where the city put on a decent fireworks show; and the kiddos didn't cry to boot (woo woo). Here are some photos. Hope everyone had a fun day too.

Big D and Lady Di's Casa in the D.R.!

2009-07-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

We just got back this morning from our family adventure to visit Big D and Lady Di in the D.R.

We had a great time and it was so fun spending time with Mom and Dad. They are doing great but do miss the family. Alex and Drew had the chance to receive their blessings from Patriarch Harris.

I tried to capture a tour of their Casa on video for those of you who may not make it down to see them. Plus its just nice to see them in their environment. Enjoy! More pictures to follow, and of course the classic Big D and Lady Di tales that will live on, and only grow bigger through the years!

Toddy.

So Many wonderful occasions

2009-06-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks with so many exciting happenings at the Mellor Household
2 days after welcoming Daniel home from his mission we celebrated Alyssa's 18th birthday and then her High School graduation. For the first time the graduation was held at school out on the football field and it actually turned out very nice. The best part was that I had my entire family together for the first time in years!!!

On the 25th we celebrated Jenna's 1st birthday with a traditional Korean Party.

Then on Sunday we celebrated Daniel's return and Kristina's 28th birthday!
Daniel reported his mission to the High Council and in Sacrament meeting with an excellent talk and "my girls" Kris, Alyssa, Sarah and Kayla provided the musical number by Singing a BEAUTIFUL rendition of "I know That My Redeemer Lives" needless to say it was not a very dry eye sacrament meeting and I wish that I had a recording to share with you.
After Church we had a get together and Daniel gave us a taste of Brazil with a Churrasco which is a traditional Brasilian bar-b-que. On Sat he even built a LARGE grilling station in the back yard! The only thing that would have made the day better would have been having everyone of you there too! We are so blessed to have family and to love each other!

Daniel at home!

2009-06-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

As you can tell Daniel looks great! It was such a wonderful experience for Joel, Richard and I to be able to go to Brasil and pick him up. We were able to see him perform 2 baptisms and saw each of the areas in which he served and met the people he was close to. The people are warm and friendly and it is such a wonderful experience to feel the spirit even when you don't speak the language!

Pictures of Daniel

2009-06-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

So here are a few of the pictures from Daniel's 'airport' homecoming - Lets see if I have better luck getting them to post than Kristina did - although that would be very weird since she is much 'techyer' than I