Do I look like a charity case or What?!

This morning as I was entering the grocery store with all of my kids (Carson is on track break) a lady handed me the above letter and money in an envelope saying "Here. You look like you have your hands full." I didn't know what it was, thought it was maybe bounce-back coupons or something of the like, so I said "Thanks" and took it. In case you can't read the letter from the picture, it says:
"Before you spend any money give $1.00 away to someone in need.
See if I am not God TRY ME!!
give and much shall be given. give ME 10% off the top of what you need.
And I will five you more than what your ask. TALK TO ME!
I Love You
Jesus
Trust in me! As I trust in you!
Please ask me into your heart."
And then it has an address of His servant I can write to if I need someone to talk to.

Let me set the scene a little better by stating that I got up and cleaned this morning; dishes, changed bed sheets, laundry, picked up from the weekend, etc. Then when Kate woke up from her morning nap, I knew we were out of formula so I just packed everyone up and went to the store. No, I had not showered or put any make-up on. But did I really look that bad? I know this lady had good intentions, so at least I can give the money to the bishop and know that it will be put to good use.
One more question: Do you think the lady still would have given this to me if my jacket had been unzipped so she could see the BYU t-shirt I had on?

Valentines

Here's some fun things we did last week to spread the LOVE. Above are what the boys took to their class valentines parties. I printed them here off Kodak's website. (There are some other really fun things to print off there, too.) I originally had this great idea of making oreo pops with the boys to use these with, but then there were heart suckers at WINCO for cheap and that was just so much easier.
Decorating sugar cookies with friends.

No Fuss Fabulous had this idea that I stole. The boys enjoyed making them with me and we wrapped them up pretty for their teachers.

Eclair Cake

Cameron's birthday was January 22nd and this was the cake he requested. Its a Powell family favorite so I decided to give it a try. It was super easy and very tasty. The picture shows the one piece left from the 9x13 cake pan. Here is his mom's recipe:

Graham Crackers
1 pkg (5.6 oz) vanilla instant pudding
2 cups milk
1 tub (9.5 oz) cool whip
1 can fudge pre-made frosting

Mix the pudding with the milk according to package directions. Stir in the cool whip.
In a 9x13 pan, layer graham crackers (cut to size to fill bottom), pudding mixture, crackers, pudding, crackers. Top with entire can of frosting. Refrigerate overnight.

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For those of you that need an excuse to give your kids a hug, read this blog. I came across it last night and feel such sadness for this family. Their baby passed away a couple of days ago from cancer. At a visit to the doctor just over 2 weeks ago to make sure her ear infections had cleared, the parents mentioned that she had experienced some unexplained black eyes and that her belly seemed hard. She looks to be just a little older than my baby Kate, so I've spent a lot of time today holding and hugging my baby.