SCOTTSDALE MORMON PROM

OK....so first 

What is Mormon Prom?
It's a church sponsored Prom for ages 16-18 that complies with For the Strength of Youth standards and conduct.
Is it only for Mormons?
NO!  Anyone is welcome to attend. There are rules and guidelines to follow, but all are welcome.
Are Mormon Proms trying to eliminate school proms?
Not at all.  My son has attended both Mormon Prom and his School Prom for the last two years.  Mormon Prom is an inexpensive, cleaner music, no grinding, stricter dress code event.  While some may choose this over a School Prom others use it as another opportunity to go out with their friends.
What is the cost per couple?
That varies with the prom.  Last year, Colton went to the East Valley dance and that was $10 per couple.  This year, he went to the Scottsdale Prom and it was $40 per couple.  He did feel that it was worth it with yummy treats and great music.
Dress Standards (as listed on the ticket)
Young Women:
Dress should be modest and at least knee length.  Shoulders must be covered (no thin straps or spaghetti straps, no strapless).  Slit in dress should be no higher than the knee.  Back of dress should be well above the bra line.  No midriff and cleavage showing.  No low-cut neck lines.  Any cover-up or jacket used to create sleeves or to cover an open back must not be sheer, and must be worn the entire evening.  No body piercing (other than ears).
Young Men:
Dress pants and tie.  Collared, button-down dress shirts only.  No jeans, t-shirts, radical hair styles (strange colors, mohawks, etc.), ball caps, earrings or body piercing.

Last year, Colton and Emily had dinner out before meeting up for photos and the dance.  This year, Colton had a group of 5 couples and they met at our home for dinner after photos.  I had so much fun making this night special for everyone and working with the Tres Chic theme.  They walked in to see our appetizer table.

 They chose pizza for dinner, so I went a little crazy with an appetizer table!

Here's what was offered.....

Sliced bagettes

 2 kinds of pita chips

Multigrain & Parmesan Cheese

 Veggie Chips

 4 kinds of Hummus

 Olive Tapenade & Tzatziki

 Cucumbers, Red Bell Peppers, Snap Peas

 Red Grapes & Strawberries

 Salmon Dip

 Warm Cheesy Bacon Dip

 Carrots

 Caprese Salad Skewers

 Then they traveled to Paris!

OK, maybe it wasn't Paris, but close enough.

The entree arrived and the men served their dates.

 We ended the meal with Italian Sodas, then it was time to head out to the dance.  The only snag....see the tickets in the lower left hand corner of the photo.  They were forgotten, but quickly retrieved!  I hope they had a great night.  And finally...

the gorgeous couples!

 Colton & Brianna

Ooh-la-la!

NHS & A SPOILED BOY

Life if a whirlwind from mid-April through May, tons of studying & tests at school, wrapping up club events, seminary, PROM season, etc., etc., etc.  It officially hit our home a couple of  weeks ago.  Colton is studying extra hard for finals and AP exams.  Asher is busy finishing the end of track season.  Kyler shocked us all and finished his reading requirements weeks ahead of time! (he's using the extra time and lack of stress to talk WAY TOO MUCH in school......the teacher sent an email!)  Another big event was the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony a week ago Thursday.  Colton was so handsome in his black pants, purple shirt and black tie (I think he needs a silver one and he'll be even more decked out in school colors!)  WAY TO GO, COLTON, we're so proud of you!

I love this photo with Asher in the background.  He was at track and made it in time for cake!  After the ceremony and cake, Colton and Asher took off to Mesa Community College to cheer on the Special Olympics with our ward.  Tony and I, having only one child to feed, let Kyler choose what he wanted - FAT BURGER!  

Spoiled boy!  He was so happy to have us to himself........and to have a delicious shake.  One thing this boy knows - how to get spoiled!  The next week I needed to go to Target and took him after school.  Going to any store is torture to this boy.  After shopping, I treated him to some snacks at the snack bar.  He directed me in the photos he needed.  Love that boy!

Then he looked at me and said,

"Mom, when you took me to the store I thought you crushed my soul, but now you brighten it up in a way."

Classic Kyler!

CINNAMON BUN POPCORN & A COMMERCIAL

HEAVEN!!!!

(ready to eat on the left, ready for the oven on the right)

 Sticky Caramel Corn

Crisp and Ready to Eat!

 But not before you drizzle with Almond Bark......

why don't we have smell-o-vision?!?

It is the yummiest and most addicting treat.  (recipe here)  This batch wasn't made for a friend or church or school.  I made this JUST FOR MY FAMILY!  (apparently I've been accused of not making anything good EVER for my family)  

And now......

Asher's favorite commercial

(he's pretty good at acting it out too)

Hey, it makes him happy.

ENJOY YOUR FRIDAY!

I think this is beautiful and shows how harsh we can be toward ourselves.

 This next video is sadly accurate too......how guys view themselves.

ENJOY YOUR FRIDAY!

*Disclaimer:  I do not think all women view themselves as the women in the above video, but I love the message.  I also do not think all men are like the men in the parody above, I just think it's plain funny!

KYLER COOKS

Monday night and time for Kyler to cook!  His first choice was hot dogs, then he switched it up to pasta.  The final menu was Pasta & Sauce, Homemade French Bread (we're addicted to it!) and Fresh Squeezed Lemonade.  Kyler wasn't happy that I made him stir the simple syrup for the lemonade.  He kept asking me for a chair because his legs were hurting....give me a break!  I love this photo - whenever Kyler concentrates his tongue comes out.  

 This bread is ready for the oven and Kyler gives it a thumbs up.

 LOVE!

 It was a delicious dinner and Tony made shakes for dessert. Then Kyler was busy with homework.

 We finally sent him to bed and he'll finish tomorrow morning.  Thanks for all your work, Kyler!

 I really need some time with my camera.....maybe I'll take a class soon.  Until then, I'll have fun when I can. Tonight I just wanted to see how my new place mats would photograph.  I love them! 

Busy night tomorrow - Cub Scout Pack Meeting and Asher's First Track Meet.  (Asher's night to cook has been moved to Sundays since he's in track and isn't home until dinner.)

I THINK I BIT OFF MORE THAN I CAN CHEW

 Teaching Colton to cook is necessary and since Thursday went so well, I thought that I would start Asher with his own night to cook as well.  

He chose Tuesdays.  Then Kyler wanted to know what night he would be cooking.....could I leave him out - NO.  

Kyler chose Mondays.  While I'm excited to work with the boys one on one, I'm a little nervous about all the extra work I've just added for me.  Thankfully, Kyler chose hot dogs for Monday.  Asher picked STEAK....then I told him that he would work within our budget.  His new choice -  Homemade Take-Out Noodles & Teriyaki Chicken for Tuesday.  Finally, Colton picked Texas Hash for Thursday.  I'm excited to help the boys be successful!  (hope it doesn't end up causing me too much stress)  Here's to a successful week!!!

COLTON COOKS!

Thursday at the House of Steve will henceforth be called COLTON COOKS!  

In a mere fourteen months, this boy will be leaving home and he needs to be prepared.  Cooking is only something that he's occasionally helped with and it's time to get serious.  I asked him last night which day of the week he would like to cook dinner.  Thursday was his quick reply and here we are.  Fortunately for him, the menu was already planned and the meat was thawed.  I present Colton's first meal -
Spaghetti Bake, Homemade French Bread and Carrot Sticks.
(I ended up helping out tonight, but in the future I will only advise from the sidelines.)
He learned to use the vegetable peeler....didn't know he lacked this skill.

 Browning the sausage.

 The drama of spreading the sauce

 What a goof!

 Looking good

 French Bread......our first time making this.

 Cheesy goodness

 SO GOOD!!!!!
The meal was really good and I'm excited for Colton to learn some new skills.

Before dinner, I was feeling a need to use my camera and Kyler was my (not-so-willing) model.  He came out of the house with Roscoe - Roscoe was even less willing to model for me!
 Every dog needs a boy!

 You never know what you'll get with this boy.

 Time for the Steele Girls!  Reagan calling someone on my phone.

 They come over for their daily lollypop.

 Reagan loves her "pop-pop"

 Goofball!

 After dinner, Colton and I ran an errand and came home to the bat signal on the garage door.  It was his answer to Mormon Prom and got two thumbs up from everyone in the family.

 (The bat signal on Colton's wall)
Finally, is anyone else counting down to summer......47 days!