Lesson via Cell phone, Eloise, and Four Square

It would take too long to catch up on all I've not written about, and so I jump in with last night's family home evening:

We generally start with a silly song, which lately seems to always be London Bridges.  Levi never tires of it!

 

So then it was on to our lesson, which likened the fortification of the city of Moronihah in Alma 50 (Book of Mormon) to fortifying our homes.  Each child shared some great ideas, and we included our dad over the cell phone.  I was so grateful for the input of each family member, and love that they are getting more and more comfortable with teaching each other and sharing their feelings about important spiritual things.

And Levi's contribution through all of this was to bring canned goods from the pantry and stack them near us!

Onto the treat, Eloise's wonderful cookie recipe.  Eloise is a woman I have never met, who is from Laketown, Utah.  But I think of her when I make these cookies.  Saxton and I made them using m & m's this time:

This picture shows my very ugly cookie sheet-- sorry I didn't stage this better.  Obviously I'm not a pro blogger :)

I like this cookie because it holds its shape and does not spread all over the pan.  It is a substantial cookie with a lower ratio of sugar to flour, so it does not kill your taste buds with uber-sweetness.  It is "bready", rather than "spready".

Here is the recipe:

3 squares margarine (I use butter)
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. brown sugar
2 Eggs
1 1/4 T cold water
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
2 tsp. vanilla
4 c. Flour
As many chocolate chips as desired (or m & m's!)

Cream well in order given.  Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350, until just barely golden.

We'll bring a dozen of these to the Pinewood derby tonight!

For activity, the older three children tried their hardest to educate Nathan and me in the game of 4 square.  I'm afraid that the two of us embarrass the rest of the family frequently with our lack of athleticism!  But it was fun to learn about all of the versions of the game they play at school (Bubble gum!  Black Jack!  Speedies!  etc.)

 I'm sure I looked much like these super intense people while acquiring yet another athletic skill (not at all)...

Nathan's Bubble Gum Bank Play...