Enter Cookie Season

I, Emily Rae Sellick, am a cookie addict. I would guess the majority of my 'love handles' are due to my love of cookies. We make tons of cookies regardless of the month or season, but once October hits cookies season begins and doesn't end until the 1st of the year. To help encourage your own love handles I will be posting the recipes of those cookies that are baked, eaten and then made again over the next few months. The 1st recipe is a new find and the one I am currently addicted too. My sister-in-law Colleen made these a couple of weekends ago and I haven't been able to get them out of my mind. They are the Neiman Marcus (?) chocolate chip cookie recipe, but they are perfect for larger chocolate chunks like M&M's. My own chocolate chip cookie recipe does best with small chocolate chunks, so I was happy to find a recipe that is denser, yet still soft and works fabulous with those larger chunks-I hereby christen this recipe

Colleen's Chocolate Chunks
















*1 stick of softened butter or margarine
*1 cup brown sugar
*3 Tbs white sugar
*1 egg
*2 tsp vanilla
*2 cps flour (almost)
*1/2 tsp baking powder
*1/2 tsp baking soda
*1/2 tsp salt
*M&M's (or other chocolate chunks and as much as you like)

Mix ingredients and roll into 1 1/2 in. balls and flatten just slightly with fingers. Bake at 375 for 7-9 min. As always, I double every recipe to share or freeze for later. The above recipe is not doubled and a medium bag of M&M's worked good for the double batch. Enjoy as I enjoy!

Buzz Word

fundamental: fun·da·men·tal adj

1.	serving as, or being an essential part of, a foundation or basis; basic; underlying: fundamental principles; the fundamental structure.

2.	of, pertaining to, or affecting the foundation or basis: a fundamental revision.

3.	being an original or primary source: a fundamental idea. Used in a sentence: The presidential candidates used the word 'fundamental' a bazillion times last night during the debates.

A Thing of Beauty

My new favorite girl is our waitress from Johnny Carino's. She was wise enough to see that my sister and I had 'Diet Cherry Coke' written all over our demeanor when we walked in for lunch last week. She kept the Coke flowing and even brought extra. Take a guess which drinks are mine...I may have to frame this and place it amongst my children's portraits.

Banned from Camp-Revised

Revisions in italics and red due to not clearly expressing myself in a proper manner and a stern scolding from an anonymous reader. I consider myself duly spanked. I hope we can become friends in the future. I'm a really nice person, I promise. I have at least 5 people who can vouch for me.

I recently heard this doozy of a statement while attending another ward's sacrament meeting. It was obviously said in innocence, but with nothing preceding the statement and nothing for a follow up explanation, it tickled my twisted funny bone:

"I will miss being in this bishopric. I will especially miss the water fights at girls camp. Maybe I will have to sneak up there next summer."

Anyone for a big, heaping help of creepy? I'm crossing my fingers the bishop (my Dad?! who also had a goodhearted chuckle) took note and gives this fine, flustered brother (flustered because the outgoing bishopric was just released and a WHOLE new bishopric was sustained and he was feeling the emotion of it and feeling a little put on the spot) a calling in the library (comedic license from blog dominator). I'm guessing later that night as he was sitting at home going over the day and his final words, it hit him and it hit him hard what he said(unless his wife beat him to the punch). Hit him hard because he probably recognized how out of place it may have sounded to those of us sitting in the congregation with no background information or knowledge of this certain brother's personality. I can just see him slapping his forehead with realization and embarrassment. I'm sure it kept him up all night wondering how many people caught what he said, talked about it and then later blogged about it...We ALL noticed buddy, every last one of us and we're still laughing at how funny it sounded from the pulpit. We know you are not a molester by any means. Heck! We don't even know you at all. What we do know is that when you are put on the spot to speak you get a little nervous and say things in a funny manner that make people who don't know you laugh at your expense and then those innocent people who are laughing get schooled about laughing at it. While I could make an edict to never laugh again at out of place, absurd statements in an attempt to never judge anyone, I would fall seriously short of any such personal goal. I will therefore continue to laugh away, possibly blog about it with way more background information than necessary and wait for the onslaught of misunderstanding...I think I see a vicious cycle on the way.

The View Down There

Joy of joys...today was our primary program and as the primary chorister I had the BEST seat in the house. I saw it all folks, every last little thing all the parents in the congregation are praying no one else saw:

*At least 3 or 4 kids of the dozens seated on the stand are picking their noses.

*One of the 3 or 4 will always let that yummy finger make it to their mouth.

*I'm happy to report that not once did I see a Sellick child, while they are prone to do it themselves, allow their finger to make the above mentioned journey. Yeah Sellick kids!

Side note: In the middle of the program I stood to lead one of the songs and was flustered, embarrassed, dismayed to find that my tights had slipped down to my knees. Dang those silky unders! Does this mean my tights were too small? I'm sure the lovely family sitting behind me enjoyed my twitches as I tried to get the tights back up into the correct place before the next song came. Maybe the priesthood authority sitting on the stand had the best seat in the house? Did I just say that?

Sounds Like- - -

Interactive blog fun for one and all! Please play along as if you were a 1st grader.

Mark's class has been reading a story about a boy named Sam. In his homework tonight he was assigned to sound out the letters in the line below using the short 'a' vowel sound. I request that you do the same:

A a S a s A s

James and I had great fun having Mark 'practice' this line repeatedly. He still hasn't figured out why we were laughing so hard and why he had to do it more than 1 time.

Voodoo Magic

Alright folks. I really didn't want to like John McCain. I dug my heels in a long time ago. I vowed to support "The Party", but I wasn't going to like it by golly! However, I think he must have a little voodoo replica of me somewhere that he is feeding chocolate to and rubbing its feet. McCain was on Good Morning America this morning and he was more natural then I have ever seen him and quite engaging. While I may not like everything he has done politically, I think I maybe able to support him. Of course I'm not solely going off of personality. He said all the right things, just as politicians are expected (required?) to do. I ask myself, "Voodoo magic?" Or maybe I've been drinking too much of that Sarah Palin kool-aid. He is on Sean Hannity today. I'll listen to see if this spell that has been cast holds true over the radio.

P.S. Sarah Palin kool-aid is very good might I add.

More Family Fun

A few select Neiders converged on Pocatello this weekend. Ever since I was a little girl one of my most favorite things to do was listen to my dad and his brothers and sisters sit around and laugh and tell stories. I was not to be disappointed this weekend. The laughter was abundant and the stories were flying. We even heard some new ones to add to that book I keep bugging my dad to write. The Tyhee Neiders have had more adventures than Indiana Jones could ever dream of having. From sleeping outside ALL summer long on their beds they had pulled outside themselves to swimming in canals with dead cows...we're lucky they have all made it this far. The best part about this bunch though goes beyond the laughter and stories. Their love and loyalty for one another is immense. There has never been anyone smarter, wiser or better than my aunts and uncles (or so my father tells me, just as his mother taught him everyday). As I listened and watched them yesterday I knew there were lessons to be learned....

My dad told this story a couple of times this weekend and it always makes me smile when I hear it:

When my Aunt Andrea got her 1st paycheck (from teaching?) she bought my dad and his brother Mike brand new sets of scriptures. They were the first set of 'quads' published, were quite expensive and she felt it was important for them to have a set. My dad still has his and produced them for Andrea this weekend. How can you not love a sister who put her brothers and the gospel first?

I wish more of the pics in the slide show had my dad in them, but as expected...he was still at church.

B O R I N G

I'm so boring right now even I can't stand myself. I have nothing witty to report or story to share. I'd tell you about the ridiculous Renaissance dress I am sewing for Olivia for Halloween, but those bored to tears tears would come rushing down your faces. Note to self: While Renaissance dresses are totally wicked looking, they are a pain to sew...24 eyelets to lace a cord through instead of a zipper? What was I thinking? Who gave her this Snow Princess idea anyway?

I might consider telling all about 'Breaking Dawn', but even I am finding it laborious to get through. Meyer's story could certainly be tied up neat and tidy in far less pages...yet I'm still reading. Too many loose ends and too many 30 somethings I know and love asking me my opinion about it. They are going to be mighty disappointed when I give it an 'Ehh', which is not to say I hate it, but is more along the lines of 'It was a'right'. There are a few ladies I know with bite marks already crayoled on their necks and lawn chairs purchased to use while they wait for tickets outside the theater for the December release of 'Twilight'. Nothing like a young adult fiction book to make you feel like a young adult again. Can you all hear 'Forever Young' playing in the soundtracks of your minds...'Let's dance in style. Let's dance for awhile. Heaven can wait we're only watching the stars.'

I'd even venture to tell you about James and his 2 stubbed toes that he got this week, but he'd be upset with me. Here's a secret: Mr. I Can Handle Anything can't handle stubbed toes or bonked heads. He likes to redecorate when such nasty owies occur, while I like to laugh like a silly school girl.

There is also the stiff head of hair Nate showed me tonight that I could tell you all about. It was a mystery. Where did his starch like 'do' come from? He was out of the tub, dressed and jammied and incredibly concerned about the condition of his hair. I asked him if he washed his hair (I'll remind you he's 3 and should not be in charge of such matters). He replied that, yes he had washed his hair. Tis a puzzlement. I finally bit the bullet and smooshed my nose in his hair to sniff out the problem. Yes he had washed his hair, but had neglected to rinse his hair. By the time we got to this point in the night I was too tired and he therefor went to bed with a head full of shampoo. I placate myself knowing it wasn't food or poo or candy. No harm. No Foul.

I guess I ramble, because my last few days have been uneventful. Except for poor Joseph Biden asking a wheelchair bound senator from Missouri to stand up, this week has been a bust. We'll try to break a few laws, bones, hearts or other such things over the next few days to have something amazing to report. Of course, if I get bored enough there is always 'Breaking Dawn' to give a full report on. Carrol did you still need to know the ending?

Hello...Hello....Hello...

I *Heart* Burley

So when James and I first came to this place we call home, I'm not a bit shy about the fact that Burley, Idaho was the last place on earth I wanted to be. I don't know why, I didn't know much about this place, I just wanted to be anywhere but here. I approached the move with a "God is guiding our family" attitude and closed my eyes and loaded into the U-haul. Now, I would give anything to stay and raise our family in this humble valley. We were certainly being guided and we have landed in what James and I loving refer to as "God's Country".

One of the parts we have enjoyed and grown to love the most is our ward. Tonight was the annual Harvest Dinner and James and I always drive away wanting to know what we need to do to stay here forever. I've never come across better, salt of the earth, hardworking people than the members of our ward and if James and I could raise our kids to be like the youth of our ward we would be golden.

My kids look forward to this dinner for one reason alone. The kids decorate vegetables from their garden to display. (Our garden happens to be the produce section at Walmart...Shhhh...) Prizes are awarded and they also love seeing what the other kids have done. Unknown to us the theme this year was the Olympics. Mark and Nate showed up with a Star Wars themed display out of a potato, green pepper and squash and Livvy had a bird family out of potatoes. I guess I need to pay better attention while the announcements are being read!

In LOVE

I'm in love with Sarah Palin. If the pollsters need to know whether or not she has energized the Republican party, all they need to do is give me a call...

Loved her delivery-
Love her kids-
Love her husband-
Love her confidence-
Love her credentials-
Love her politics-

Check out this zinger of an article by Ann Coulter.

Are You Sure We're Related?

I'm glad we only have half of these two's genetics floating around in our gene pool.
This last weekend Cody and Natosha thought it would be a 'smart' idea to toilet paper my parent's house. I don't think they took into consideration it wouldn't be my parents cleaning it up, but it would be James and I lettin' the words fly the next morning. Wait! Maybe they DID take it into consideration. Ah ha...I'm glad I'm telling this little tale.

My MIL warned them that because my parent's house was new there was nothing landscaped yet, therefore there was nothing to gently place t.p. on. They decided to persist and taking our 'don't know any better' lil' sis Rainee, wide eyed nephews Brenner and Tresden and their 30 something selves, they headed to the store where they purchased 48 rolls of cheap, hurt your unmentionables toilet paper. I can just see their pleased, Grinch like faces as they headed to their vehicle.

Trying to be discreet, the devilish group parked at the neighbors and inspected their target. They quickly learned my MIL was right----there was nothing to toilet paper. What to do? What to do? They quickly piled back into the car and headed to our unsuspecting brother Courtney's house. Here is where the tale gets not TALL, but true. In the midst of vandalizing Court's house they were surrounded by not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, but 5 police vehicles and told to, "Come out!" in a not too friendly manner. We were later told Rainee yelled to the bandits, "Run! It's the police!" I will remind you, my loyal readers, this is the daughter and sister of 2 previous peace officers. I guess she didn't learn the cops ALWAYS come out on top. After rounding the 5 fools up they were surprised to learn when they were casing the Neider's joint they had parked in front of the Chubbuck Chief of Police's home. Yep, he's my parent's neighbor. There has been a string of burglary's in the area and he and all of his officers were taking extra care to keep a watch on things. Oh the joy as I heard this story recounted! The group quickly dug their hole deep trying to explain to the cops their intentions and how yes, they did know the people living on Nathan St. and did they also know their dad Jim was a Pocatello cop for years and years and their brother James just finished up as an officer? I doubt the cops let them off for these reasons. I'm guessing they simply didn't want to write up a report about the 'cool' aunt and uncle staying up past normal human hours to string toilet paper through trees. Oh the justice of it all.

I had my own Grinchy smile the next day as I noticed a WHOLE lot of cheap toilet paper sitting snuggly in the back of their vehicle. They couldn't unload it on a single one of us...that is punishment enough don't you think?

So Long-Farewell-Auf Wiedersehen-Adieu

The Summer is officially over, so says I. As I type about this last weekend and our experiences my toes are being warmed by an oh so cozy corn bag and I am wrapped in a fleece blanket. I'm freezing my tush off! We were swimming in 80 degree weather on Saturday and drove home tonight in drizzly 50 degree weather. I even ordered hot chocolate with my breakfast this morning. Gotta love the feel of fall in the air. I'm always ready for the change of seasons Idaho has to offer. Although, if Idaho stays true to itself and continues to keep us guessing with the weather, it should be in the 80's by tomorrow. You never know what you're going to get around here in the months of September and October. Our clothes are in limbo...too early to put away summer clothes, but we need the fall and winter clothes available just in case we have days like today. Our drawers are screaming 'Uncle!' and overflowing with the need to have half of their contents packed away until the flowers start blooming again.

As stated earlier, we did go swimming this past Saturday with the Sellick Gang at Downata. Kudos to Cody and Natosha who were up from Las Vegas for getting me into a swimsuit ONE more time before the season was over. Never something I look forward to, I did put it on and was rewarded with a FABULOUS compliment from Natosha. Let's just say my 'assets' are still holding strong (as are Cody's guns). Thanks Tosh. Swimming suit aside, we did have a wonderfully fun time and with the water being super warm, my kids didn't turn blue and were able to swim to their hearts' content. This is a HUGE step forward. We usually fork out a wad of cash to swim and then hear within the first 5 minutes about how cold they are and how they are ready to head home. They even went under the water. Yeah Liv and Mark! I pretty much had Nate hanging on me like a baby monkey for hours on end until I convinced him the stairs was where all the 'cool' kids hang out. He took the bait (sucker) and I got to rest from his 2nd skin presence. I am voting the best moment of the day was watching my father-in-law shoot out of one of the water slides sideways. Holy cow! I'd pay another $30 a day to see that everyday of the week.

The other highlight of the weekend was gathering with the old gang from high school for breakfast and the showering of baby gifts. We were 2 girls short and they were missed, but we had fun picking up where we left off as teenagers. It never fails. We always get way tooooo loud, talk over each other constantly and consistently, yet still manage to understand every thing that is being said. To turn our minds back in time, one night we were being our usual silly selves at Arctic Circle and this very put out lady came over to our table and told us to, "Shut up! Some people are trying to have a nice, quiet, family dinner." We had never coupled Arctic Circle with 'nice' or 'quiet' so we were somewhat perplexed and a bit disrespectful. I'm blushing at the memory. I'm going to rewrite history and state that we apologized and made a hasty, yet ladylike retreat. Anywho-my girlie friend Heather is having a baby girl (her 1st) in December, so we got together to eat, pretend we are pros at something and spoil her with some dang cute stuff.Good weekend, good times, good food, good conversation, good laughs...
...Summer done.