We Are Almost Homeowners!!!

We have put in an offer for our dream house (pictured above) and the owner approved the offer. This is a "short sale" which means that the seller's lending bank has final approval on the offer (as they are absorbing a loss in the loan-basically a forclosure), so it may be a while until we seal the deal. But for now we are in escrow. The house is amazing, with lots of tile, space and style. The backyard is fully landscaped and has a covered patio with vines and gardens, and it is just down the street from Mom and Dad on Renfro. We are so excited and hope you all will hope and pray that this pans out for us.

Better Pictures of Painting!

Crock Pottin'

So yesterday I used my crock pot for the first time!!! We are trying to save extra money for a house soon and have been pinchin' pennies anywhere possible. Mom suggested I use the crock pot more often because it will allow us to eat home more, even with our very different and hectic schedules. I made herbed chicken and potatoes in a cream sauce; sort of turned into a stew. I had to half the recipe, but being blonde I forgot to half the cooking time as well; so it was a little mushy. But it was still quite tasty and we have leftovers for lunch today. I am excited to try another attempt tomorrow and I think I will do pulled pork. But I am hoping that you all will submit any good recipes you have in your back pocket. We need easy, tasty and cheap! THANKS!

P.S. I also spent the last 2 days painting the cutest bathroom in a "Curious George Bubbles" motif-soooo cute-and this weekend am doing a little boys room in a "Vintage Baseball" theme. I will post pics as soon as I can borrow a camera.

Christopher Picasso

I thought you all out there should know that not only is Chris kind, a very talented musician, good at Wii Bowling, and an awesome train conductor... he is also a very creative artist. Many of you would probably be surprised to know that he has been a closet painter since I have known him. It is just so funny because every once in a while when the mood strikes, without any word or planning, he will just whip out some paints and make a painting in like 30 minutes. (He earned his own painting supplies for Valentines Day because during his last creative episode my brushes were "somehow" destroyed-see my previous post:)) His work is in the contemporary abstract style, and he often uses uncommon material and tools. This painting he did yeserday was made with a knife and a medicine dropper, and is oil on canvas. I thought I would show off for him because I think it's pretty cool. I just love my quirky guy. To quote "Shrek", he is an onion; so many layers.

The Rossettos are Sort of Boring

I haven't blogged lately because I don't really feel we have a lot of noteworthy news. Plus we have been busy the last couple of weeks working, visiting the hospital, house hunting and spending time with Mom and Dad, Sarah, Ashton and Alvie. I would post pictures of Jackson and Brothers' newest tricks and developments, but I don't think anyone cares quite as much as we do about our "kids". But I love reading about all of our nieces and nephews and other family on the different blogs! We are so glad that Abby is doing better, and that Jake has some new hope for treating his scoriasis (sp?). As I read all your blogs I am in awe of how faithful, talented, motivated and inspirational you all are. I miss you all so much! But it has been so fun being able to visit with Ashton and Alva lately- and not to brag, but I am pretty sure I am Alvie's favorite new person! He is the cutest little guy and is soooo good that it almost convinces Chris and I that we could manage a baby right now. I will sign off with one funny anecdote:

DO NOT EVER PLAN A BAKING GIRLS ACTIVITY DAY!

Yesterday I had 14 girls, ages 8-11, in my tiny apartment making cookie mix jars and baking cookies as a service project for our neighbors. This was one of those Activity Day ideas that I got off an LDS member's site. I thought it sounded so cute and fun. Well, the person who suggested it is either superwoman or she lied because it did not go as easily as described! I feel so bad for whoever gets those mix-jars and tries to bake "cookies" with whatever is inside-the girls were being supervised, but somehow each jar looked COMPLETELY different! It was a lot of fun for the girls and they loved eating the flat, crumbly cookies they baked themselves. I, on the other hand, was left sweaty and disheveled, with a GIGANTIC mess to clean up. If we had a digital camera I would have taken a picture to back this up. So, for any of you Activity Day Leaders- take it from me and skip this one!