I love this soundtrack!

1.Silence - Delerium
2.Party's Just Begun - Nelly Furtado
3.Policeman Skank - Audioweb
4.Rock the Casbah - Solar Twins
5.Damaged - Plumb
6.Fingers - Joi & Jorio (original mix)
7.Contradictive - Tricky/DJ Muggs
8.Leave It Alone - Moist
9.Naxalite - Asian Dub Foundation
10.Even While I'm Sleeping - Leonardo's Bride
11.Bangkok - Brother Sun, Sister Moon (Thai Version)
12.The Wind - PJ Harvey
13.Deliver Me - Sarah Brightman
14.The Arrest / Darlene Goes Home - David Newman

Unfortunately, I couldn't find all of it on iTunes, but I did find some of my favorites. I used to have the CD, but who knows what happened to it...

More October Fun.

I haven't posted in a while because we've had a lot going on. Our blog isn't the only thing that's been neglected, so I'm doing this while I take a break from cleaning the house. We've had a pretty good week. I've been a slacker with taking pictures too, so I'll post those later (when I get them from Stephanie).

We went to our ward Halloween party the other night, and that was fun. Hayden dressed as a Dalmation Puppy, and Torrin was a Penguin. Hayden LOVED playing the games (fishing, donut on a string, beanbag toss, decorating cookies, etc), but his favorite part was "dancing in a line with the kids." He was so tired from running around, and HOT from that costume, that his cheeks were red. (Sorry, no pictures yet).

Stephanie was visiting from Vancouver, so she was able to go with us to the Pumpkin Patch on Saturday. (I did take some pictures, but can't find my camera. Go figure.) Allen's brother, Shawn, and my mom went with us too. Hayden got to ride on a pony, which he really enjoyed. (You know, one of those ones where they walk around in a circle). Near the end he asked, "Where are we going? Who's driving this thing?" We got a laugh out of that. The boys also enjoyed feeding the goats and seeing some other animals. We got to watch a little pig race, which was fun too.

The Pumpkin Patch was out in Buckley, but it was worth the drive. I decided that I want to live in Buckley "when I grow up." :) Not because of the pumpkin patch, but because it's beautiful out there. You almost forget that Seattle/Tacoma are just down the hill. I wonder how long before "the sprawl" hits it, though.

Good times.

1. Dead rats in the walls = HUGE flies and a very stinky house (at least the flies are gone now, though). Thank goodness for the 5 for $5 Renuzit cones that Allen found for us to place all over the house. (Please, no one come visit until this is taken care of--unless you like the smell of decomposing rat. It's really bad.)

2. Clogged kitchen sink = very difficult to cook or do dishes. (Allen is out now trying to find a "snake" to fix that problem).

3. PSE Crew Workers replacing a pole outside our house tomorrow = No power ALL day long. Guess we'll be at my parents' tomorrow. (They're in Hawaii--I wish I were there!)

Allen got the results of his written test for Seattle PD. He ranked 6th out of 75 who passed the test, and scored a 96%. Not bad. Not that it really matters, but I find it interesting that even with doing that well on the PAT and written tests, it didn't work out. Oh well. Their loss.

We're still trying to figure out where to go next. We're starting to feel like maybe Heavenly Father doesn't want Allen doing shift work (nursing, police, etc). (I prefer bankers hours myself--with holidays, weekends, etc off). We're thinking maybe teaching or computers, but it's only been a few days of thinking it over, so it could go any way at this point. Either one of those options means more schooling, but that's ok. We don't mind that so much.

Back to the drawing board... Again.

Well, Allen had his oral board interview yesterday, and I guess he didn't have what they were looking for. Generally, interviewing is one of his strong points, so we're a bit confused. (And most of his answers seemed good to me). Either way, I'm proud of Allen for working so hard to train for the PAT test. The only explanation we have is that it's not what Heavenly Father wants for us. I just wish I knew what it was that He wants us to do. It would be nice if He would just send a message in a bottle or something. ;)

So, it's back to trying to figure out where to go from here. We're not sure if that means continuing to pursue law enforcement, finding a job elsewhere, or going back to school. Wherever we end up, we are blessed to know that we have two wonderful boys, a roof over our heads, and that Allen still has his job (even if it isn't where he wants to stay forever).

Excuse me, while I brag about my husband.

After a day of anxiously waiting, waiting, and waiting to hear the news from Allen, I finally got a call. He passed the written test this morning, so was qualified to take the Physical Ability Test this afternoon. Not only did he pass the PAT test, but he maxed out in all of the categories. He did his 300-meter sprint in 49 seconds (max was 56)! His 1.5 mile run in 11:48 minutes (max was 13:35), and maxed out in the sit-ups (38) and push-ups (35). We're proud of him (as always). Now he has his Oral Board Interview tomorrow. Wish us luck.

ETA: By "max" I mean for maximum points.

Photo Tag

I took this idea from a *friend, who took it from a friend. ;) The idea is to go into your pictures and choose the 4th photo in the 4th folder. Then post it. I won't be tagging anyone. I just thought it would be fun.

Allen, Erich (my ex-BIL), Jay (my BIL), Chris (my brother).

This is a picture of the first annual Williams Men's Backpacking Trip. Technically, only one of these men is a Williams. Every year they head up to the mountains (with my dad) for some male bonding. They always have some fun and amazing pictures to show when they get home. Allen's brother, Shawn, has now been "adopted" into my family, so he goes with them now too. I'll have to post more of these pictures when I get them onto my computer.

It's fitting that the picture would be of Allen. Right now he is testing for Seattle Police, and I'm very anxious to hear anything from him. If he passes the written test, he'll stay for the physical agility test. Then they'll call him back tomorrow for oral boards. I'll keep you updated on how that goes.

(*Celeste, your energy bill must have been HIGH!)

Happy Birthday Little Brother

Today TW turned 1 year old. It's so hard to believe that our little baby isn't a baby anymore. On Sunday we celebrated with my family. Here are some pictures from our little party.

He really wasn't that thrilled about opening presents.

And of course, here's the cake again. (Don't look too close).

At first he didn't trust us and wouldn't eat the cake. Then he took a big piece and started sucking on it. Finally, he figured out that it was worth eating.

Courtney and Grandpa washed him up afterwards.

And here's the big boy.

Cheeseburger Soup

Doesn't sound very good, nor is it very healthy, but it was sure good. We had this a few weeks ago. I didn't have celery, so I left that out. I also used beef broth and egg noodles instead of chicken broth and potatoes. I'm making it again tonight, but will be using celery and potatoes. This recipe is even good reheated the next day.

CHEESEBURGER SOUP

Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
3/4 cup shredded carrot
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon dried parsley
3 cupschicken broth
4 cups potatoes, cubed
1/4 cup flour
2 cups cheddar cheese, cubed
1 1/2 cups milk
4 tablespoons butter or margarine

Directions
1. In a large pot, brown ground beef and onion.
2. Add broth, celery, carrots, parsley and potatoes.
3. Bring to a boil, and then simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in flour.
5. Add the milk, stirring until thick & smooth.
6. Gradually add milk mixture to the soup, stirring constantly.
7. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
8. Stir in cheese; continue to stir until cheese is melted then serve.
9. Do not boil.

ETA: Ok, so I made it with the potatoes/celery tonight. I think I prefer the egg noodles. Either way it was good, though. (I had to add a bunch of salt too).

Conference

I love being able to listen to and watch conference at home via the internet. Here are some of the things we did today during this morning's session of conference:

I worked on TW's Birthday Cake.

TW took a little nap on the couch.

Mooch watched a show.

And of course, Allen wouldn't let me take a picture of him, but he was on the computer. We are celebrating Little Brother's Birthday tonight with my parents. I can't believe he'll be 1 year old on Thursday. My baby isn't a baby anymore. I will have more pictures to post of that later, along with some pictures of our camping trip at the coast in September. I just need to load them onto my computer.

Allen

I saw this on a friend's blog and thought it was fun. So, since I haven't posted much lately, I thought I'd do this.

1. Where did you meet? I was on a date with a guy I had never met (from the Singles' Ward). We went to a potluck before our "real" date (free dinner lol), and Allen happened to be there. He was trying to flirt with me, but I was on a date with this other guy (though I was definitely interested).

2. How long did you date before you were married? 4 1/2 months, 4 1/2 months, & 4 1/2 months. haha (We had a couple break ups in there).

3. How long have you been married? 4 1/2 years (I'm sensing a theme here).

4. What does he do that surprises you? He brings me little treats often, but that's not really a surprise. Every once in a while he'll just take the kids and let me go out and take a break, and I'll come home to a clean house!

5. What is your favorite feature about him? His blue eyes and broad shoulders.

6. What is your favorite quality about him? He is very patient and easy-going. He doesn't stress about things that are out of his control and just takes things as they come.

7. What is his nickname for you? Hmmm. I don't think he has one. Sometimes he calls me Sweetie, but every once in a while he'll throw something random out there--like Love Muffin (usually when someone else is around to hear).

8. What is his favorite color? It changes. Usually blue, sometimes brown.

9. What is his favorite food? Salsa. He eats it on everything, but probably wouldn't admit that it's his favorite food. (Not sure that's really considered a food anyway--Maybe that just says something about my cooking).

10. What is his favorite sport? Football.

11. Who said I love you first? I did.

12. When and where was your first kiss? November 11, 2002. At Ocean Shores. I remember the date because it was Veterans' Day.

13. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Play board games, watch movies. Sometimes we play the computer together (Online games). Sheesh. We sound boring, don't we?

14. How many kids and what ages? 2 boys. Big Brother is 3 years old, and Little Brother will be 1 year old on the 9th.

15. Does he have any hidden talents? He has a lot of "hidden" talents. He has an amazing ability to remember facts. (Don't play him in trivia games if you want to win). He has a natural ability to lead people, which sometimes works in his favor, and sometimes it doesn't. People are always drawn to him. He has random people talking to him EVERYWHERE we go, and kids always stare at him and follow him around.

16. How old is he? 33

17. What kind of music does he like? He's not really into music. In fact, he rarely listens to it in the car--he just listens to sports radio. But if I had to pic one genre of music, I'd say 80's rock.

18. What do you admire about him? He is an amazing dad, and so patient when it comes to the boys. He is very charismatic, well-read, and intelligent, and has inspired me to read more.

19. What is his favorite past time? Reading.

20. Is he going to read this? Probably.