Soooo…did your mama make you take piano lessons?

Or did she force you to play the violin?

Well, my friends—you must trust me when I say,

there are worse things.  I mean she could have put you in a TAP class.

I suppose that kids these days would positively hate it—but back then, other than the fact that it was terrifically UNcool, it was actually—dare I say—

fun.

No kidding…

Yeah…I know. But, here’s the thing—we got to wear shiny, noisy shoes and sticky-outty dresses and be in shows…ok, mostly at rest homes, but still.

We liked it because it was something to do and it was—like I said, pretty fun.

Well, except when Mrs. Ross, the squeeky little tapping dance teacher yelled and screamed at us. That was pretty scary.

The dance number here was called “Pretty Baby” and I’m the blonde “fro-girl” on the right. My sister was too “grown-up” for this number. Naa-naa.

If, by chance you are feeling great sadness and anxiety over that fact that YOU didn’t get to take a tap class–well today’s your lucky day. Yessiree! Now, with the magic of the internet YOU can learn to tap this very minute. Don’t waste another moment–Click HERE. You know you want to.

If, however, you are way too young to know what the heck I’m even talking about,

don’t fret.

It’s likely for the best.

Yeah, a whole lot of kiss’in going on around here…

the chocolate kind.

:]

Start with a couple of simple ingredients: Hershey’s Kisses and Won Ton Wraps (found in the produce section of the grocery store).

Dip your finger in a dish of water and make a water stripe along all four edges of the dough.

Place a “kiss” in the middle of the square…

and pinch the opposite corners together.

Then bring the next tow corners up and pinch them.

Gently seal the side until you have a million cute little packages.

You can get really fancy if you want…or not.

Fry them in hot oil for a few minutes–until they turn golden brown.

Dust with powdered sugar…

and prepare for a very happy evening.

Mwa!!

When Dane was getting ready to leave–for Lithuania…

he was quite determined to take all his precious belongings with him.

Strangely enough, no matter how he rearranged things–these particular gems just wouldn’t fit in the suitcase.

He comes home in a couple of months—at last, at last!

Isn’t he in for a surprise when he sees…

just how grown-up the little gooney-birds have become? Not to mention the sweet pea that he’s never even met!

I’m chanting…

June 10th…June 10th…June 10th…

There is a sadness in our world right now, that somehow seems inappropriate to leave unspoken–and so, I will share it with you–my friends.

“Porter” by Elspeth Young

Our dear friend and neighbor, Susette…

oh, I can hardly say the words…

lost her son–Porter, just 18, in a tragic hiking accident Friday afternoon.

Our hearts ache for the family of this wonderful boy.

Please, please, take a moment to send your thoughts and prayers–that they may find comfort at this very difficult time.

Susette, Mark, Kali, Cooper, Jordan…and Porter–

please know of our love and tears for your sorrow—my sweet friends. We pray that you will feel Heavenly Father’s comforting arms around you all.

So much love,

Launi and family

Did you know that the world’s most amazing gum wrapper chain is 11 miles long? Yeah, it’s true. It would actually take you several hours to walk the length of that thing. That’s just nuts!

Do you remember making gum wrapper chains as a kid? Dang they were cool. Kids used them for bookmarks or wall hangings or even belts, bracelets and rings.

We’ve made them out of regular gum wrappers, Starburst, Life Saver and Mamba wrappers. Obviously, a lot of different things work. If you don’t already know how to make them–I’ll show you step by step.

Everyone needs “mad skills” like this.

Heh…

Cut the wrapper in half, long ways.

Fold up each edge about half way…

then fold in half again to form a long, skinny strip.

Now fold the long strip in half.

Now fold each end in half, to meet in the middle.

It should look about like this.

Now fold a million little “prongs” just like this.

Fit the two prongs of one piece into the slots of the other piece.

Push it all the way through until it can’t go any more.  It should look about like this.

Now take another “V” and slide it through the one you just fit in place…

and on…

and on and on…

Now try one yourself.

If you have any trouble–email me.

I’ll help you.

:]

Happy National Crochet Week!

March 8-14