Chili Cook Off

Chili Cook Off
Wow! pass around the gas X and grab a second helping of some lip smacking, intestinal rumbling chili. We had six different family members and friends share their unique take on a wonderful western dish. When I think of the American West I think of chili around an open fire. Here Jessica is measuring up her secret spices to add to her chili at just the right moment! Jessica had some mouth watering Chili.

Grandma is so excited to make her chili--Bring on the competition! Beware of my sausage chunks, they will be my secret weapon. We had a fun time watching grandma and grandpa create their culinary masterpiece.

Grandpa is a real trooper! Helping Grandma when ever needed. Working with the tomatoes was one of his many jobs throughout the day.

Rich and I made ours in the Dutch Oven. Everything always tastes better when cooked this way! Rich had a fun time playing with his dutch oven. Here is a close up of the secret mixture. We combined about three different secret recipes to pull of our dish. It was good but not as good as Jessica and Grandmas chili.
All the chili dishes were very good.
While the chili was cooking the kids played strange ping pong games.
All had fun and enjoyed lots of good food.Jim and Richie were dumfounded...... the zesty chili over powered them.
Wow Rachel your hot..... I mean the chili is hot.
We invited many of our freinds to share good times and food.
We were excited to have Dan's mom Noreen come and spend some time with us. Can't beat candy corn...... defently one of my favorite candies.
Father and Son share a moment with little Jacob. Three generations of Astins enjoy the evening.After eating about six bowls of chili we had an interesting ice cream eating contest.
Rachel is really enjoying this contest. Jim what big muscles your have.
Richie had a slight challenge working with Lynne. I am surprised Richie was able to pull of a 4.0 this term with the massive brain freeze he experienced!
Ok Jessica you cannot eat the ice cream you are to feed Dan. A good strategy but..... you got caught. OPPS ! Disqualified !!! You guys are so funny.
A big thanks to all who came and shared this evening with us. We hope to have another get together soon. Next time lets celebrate the cookie.

Heather's Homecoming

Mountain View Homecoming 2008

Heather went to Homecoming a few weeks ago with a young gentleman named Paul Schonfeld. Jessica helped with the makeup and cousin Stephanie came up to help with the hair. Dad said, "Heather, to bad Paul will not have a ride like this.

Oh well not everyone can have a Mustang Cobra, OOOchewowa"
After she was all ready to go it became a waiting game. Heather, Stephanie, Jessica, and Daniel sat and waited for and HOUR AND FIFTEEN minutes after he was supposed to pick her up... just waiting for this guy to come and get her.

Now on his defense it wasn't his fault. There were four couples in their group and they took one car, one of the guys decided to sprain his ankle, and one of the girls wasn't ready. After the long wait Paul came to the door and rang the door bell, which doesn't work. Dan pretended that we where not stalking the door and that he heard the imaginary doorbell ring.

They exchanged flowers and ...

Off they went!!

Once they got on their date, they had a wonderful night.

Rachel's Volleyball Season

Last August Rachel moved out and traveled all the way down to Ephraim, Utah to go to Snow College and play volleyball. She loves her teammates and is enjoying playing with them. They come from Hawaii, Arizona, and Utah. She was recruited as a setter, but as the coach told her, she can play all positions well and that she needs to be ready to play all positions on the court. I love to watch her on the court, but I must admit that I love to watch her set the most!!! She is an amazing athlete and brings such a wonderful excitement on the court! We are so proud of her work ethic and positive approach to the game. This attitude will help her be a great coach someday.


She shares an apartment with 5 other girls, and has her own room. She spends most of her time going to class, playing volleyball, thinking of Jimmy, and going to study sessions with her teammates. Throughout her season she will play volleyball in Las Vegas, Idaho, Arizona, Salt Lake City and Colorado. She has been able to come home a couple of times to visit and just hang out with friends and family.We miss her sweet and helpful spirit around the house, but we are so proud of her and excited that she is attaining her goal to go to college and continue playing volleyball. We need people like Rachel in coaching to help young people have a positive experience. Rachel continue to learn as much as you can !!!!

Below Rachel is introduced to the home crowd. Her signature wave will be known around the conference. She really is waving to Jimmy.

Rachel and her team get ready to play some v-ball. Their little pow wow is very loud. I bring ear plugs to protect my precious cochlear reception. Really, I bring ear plugs. They are very loud girls. It is a good thing but when you have the kind of sensory capabilities that I have...... protection is needed.

We went to watch Rachel play Friday and Saturday this weekend. She did an awesome job. Her passing was exemplary !

Rachel and Jordan are ready to pass the ball. They both swing their arms back and forth in preparation to focus on the serve.

Rachel has played all the positions on the volleyball court. This makes her so valuable to her team. Below are some more images we took this weekend. Keep up the good work Rachel commonly known on the Snow campus as Ray Ray.

Enjoy your Volleyball and continue to stay positive and uplifting to your team!!!