Brad & Holly Shafer Family

A Travel Wish...

2012-01-31T22:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe January is over. Every year the time goes by faster and faster. I really want to slow things down - to sit and relax in a chair on a beach like the one pictured above. To take life at a slower pace and not have every day be a rush from sunrise to sunset trying to get everything done.

Isn't this a gorgeous picture of a Hawaiian sunset? Hawaii is on my list of places to go someday - in fact, it's near the top of my travel wish list. I found Hawaii's Offical Tourism site to help with planning a trip when I finally make it there.

I definitely want to go to Hawaii's Volcano National Park. I've wanted to go here from the first time I saw pictures of this place - to see lava erupting in person. Amazing!

Another thing I plan to do is walk on the beach with Brad - either at sunrise or sunset or maybe both. Just the thought of this is so relaxing. Looking at this picture I can almost smell the ocean and feel the wet sand on my feet. One day I'll make it there.

Sugar Cookie Bars

2012-01-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Sugar Cookies, Mmmmm! I've seen this recipe floating around on Pintrest for the last few months and decided to finally give it a try. I must admit that I didn't think they could be as good as the regular cutout sugar cookies but figured you can't go too wrong with sugar cookies and frosting.

I'm so happy to report that these are delicious - super delicious - and so much easier than the traditional cut-out cookies. They were thick and soft and yummy! I did use my own frosting recipe - the original recipe used cream cheese frosting but I prefer buttercream frosting on sugar cookies. Try these, you'll love them. :)

Source: The Girl Who Ate Everything

SUGAR COOKIE BARS

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
5 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

Directions:
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Add vanilla and mix well. In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, baking soda and stir with a whisk to combine. Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined.
Spread on a greased baking sheet (use a 13 x 18 pan - I greased and then sprayed Pam Baking Spray with Flour on top of the shortening and the cookies didn't stick at all). Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 min, until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean (they won't look done so do the toothpick test). Cool completely and frost.

Frosting:
2 sticks butter, softened
2 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
6-7 cups powdered sugar
4 Tablespoons heavy cream

Beat butter and vanilla until creamy. Add salt. Add 2 cups powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add heavy cream and beat until combined. Add remaining powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition, until you reach desired consistency.

In 2012 I will Achieve...

2012-01-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

I'm a little slow getting my resolutions decided on this year - to be honest, I'm still trying to get all the Christmas decorations put away. Yes, I'm a little behind so far this year. The way I see it though, you can start a resolution any time of the year - not just the first of January. Once you decide to make a change, you should start on it right away - don't wait.

Also, there are so many things to choose from. I found the above picture on Google and loved all the things listed - they're all things I want to either try or do better at. Anyway, for this year, I'm going to still work on some of the goals I set last year so here's what I've decided on:

1. Continue trying to Make a positive impact on someone's life each day. I started this last year and felt the good effects in my own life as I tried to make a positive impact on those around me. I'm still going to work at making my little corner of the world a better place - I've learned it not only benefits others but also me.
2. Take a cooking class - I didn't get around to doing this last year so this year I'm going to do it!
3. Improve my Running time and distance. I set a goal to run a half marathon last year and I did it! This year I've already registered to run in two more half marathons and I want to improve my endurance and time - lots and lots of training ahead of me. : )
4. Take time each week to write down the highlights. This is another goal from last year and I was pretty hit and miss at doing it. I started out alright but as the weeks went by, I let the busyness of life use up my time. I'm going to make a conscious effort to manage my time better and write down life's highlights.

Well that's it for this year. Wish me luck!

Adversity

2012-01-13T19:24:00.001-07:00

I saw this quote on Pinterest today - a great truth! I love President Uchtdorf's perspective on life.

Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken

2012-01-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

It's been so cold this weekend, I thought I'd post a good slow cooker recipe. This chicken dish is so tangy/yummy - it really hits the spot on a cold winter day. You can dish up the cooked chicken as is or shred it for sandwiches or spoon over rice. Any way you serve it, this chicken is delicious. It's a family favorite of ours and I've made it many times for family gatherings too - it's that good and so easy to make.
Source: Allrecipes.com

Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken

Ingredients
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (12 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce
1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1-2 cloves crushed garlic
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Directions
Place chicken in a slow cooker. In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, Italian salad dressing, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour over the chicken. Cover, and cook 3 to 4 hours on High or 6 to 8 hours on Low.

Tips: For best results, use a good quality barbeque sauce - not a cheap one. I like to use Sweet Baby Rays or Famous Daves barbeque sauce. If you shred the chicken for sandwiches, either shred it in the slow cooker or put it back in the slow cooker after shredding to mix in the sauce. You can add more barbeque sauce if needed. Also, if you use low or no fat dressing, add 1-2 tablespoon of olive oil so the chicken won't dry out.

2012 Family Scripture

2012-01-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

"Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.” (D&C 88:124)

2011 Resolutions Recap

2012-01-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be good to review and analyze how I did with last year's resolutions. Some of my goals were easy to remember and work on, some were not. Here's a recap of my 2011 resolutions:

1. Make a positive impact on someone's life each day.
2. Take a cooking class
3. Learn to better control my reactions and not allow the actions of others to dictate how I react and how I feel.
4. Be a more patient and considerate driver.
5. Run in a 10K and then a Half Marathon.
6. Take time each week to write down the highlights.

For #1 - making a positive impact each day - I had a good start, beginning each day with a prayer and conscious decision to do this but as the days passed, the demands of life gradually took the front seat and pushed this farther back in my thoughts. I definitely made progress in making a conscious choice to stay positive so I feel this goal was met (I wouldn't say finished because this goal will be a continual work in progress throughout my life.

For #2 - taking a cooking class - I completely missed this one. I'm going to do it this year though, really! I failed to make the time to find a local class to register for. Cooking/Baking is something I really enjoy (not a surprise to anyone who's browsed my blog) so this year I'll find a class and make the time to go.

For #3 - better control of my reactions - again this one will be a continual work in progress but having made the decision to not let the actions of others dictate how I react and feel made a BIG difference. Deciding ahead of time that I'm in control of how I feel and how I'll react helped me to pause in those difficult moments, think things through and decide how I wanted to respond. Definitely a success.

For #4 - being a more patient and considerate driver - I've made big gains in this area. All I have to do is imagine that a driver who makes me frustrated is a friend or family member or that they're in the middle of their own crisis and I instantly feel more patient with them. This works most of the time and has helped me be a more patient and considerate driver - success for this goal.

For #5 - run in a 10K and then a Half Marathon - well, I kind of skipped the 10K and went straight for the Half Marathon. Not only did I finish it, but I didn't do half bad and have already registered to run in two Half Marathons this year. I'm going to have a lot of fun runs this year.

For #6 - writing down the highlights of each week - I started out okay with this and then completely dropped the ball. This is one I wish I hadn't failed on and I'm recommitting to do better this year. I don't want to forget all the special moments that happen throughout the year and obviously the best way to remember them is to write them down. I think I'll post a reminder note on my mirror.

I'll be thinking about this years goals and posting them during the next week.

A New Year Begins

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, we're at the end of yet another year - my how they pass so quickly. Time really does fly by faster each year. I hear Winston complain about how long it's taking for him to grow up - he can hardly wait until he's old enough to have his own pocket knife and bb gun. I remember feeling this way as a child - that time was crawling by.

As a grownup, I'm so surprised by how quickly the weeks and months fly by. It seems that Winston was born just last year and not more than 5 years ago already. I worry about missing his growing up, which despite his complaints is happening at a rapid rate. There's a lot to be said for seizing the moment and stopping to smell the flowers - don't wait until you're less busy - time doesn't wait for you and you'll miss all those special moments.

I welcome this new year and look forward to all it will bring. I hope there will be more good kind of experiences than difficult ones, but will take all that is to come. I'll try my best to learn and grow and cherish each day. Happy New Year!

The Best Banana Bread

2011-12-31T21:44:00.000-07:00

I have a weakness for good Banana Bread which I inherited from my mother. She has made fabulous Banana Bread for as long as I can remember. I came across a recipe on Pinterest that uses sour cream that sounded so good, I just had to give it a try. I'm sure glad I did - it's fabulous! Of course I had to share it. :)
Source: Your Homebased Mom

Sour Cream Banana Bread

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour bottom only of a loaf pan (or use 3 small loaf pans). In large bowl, beat together sugar and oil. Add eggs, bananas, sour cream and vanilla; blend well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour, baking soda and salt; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes (about 40 minutes for smaller loaf pan) or until toothpick inserted in center comes clean. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely. Wrap tightly and store in refrigerator. Makes 1 loaf.

Christmas Story Advent

2011-12-15T21:24:00.002-07:00

This year I decided to do something a little different to count down the days until Christmas. I got together 24 children Christmas books (some new ones along with favorites we've collected over the years) and wrapped each one separately. Each night we read a few verses relating to the birth of Christ and then let Winston pick a story to open and read for bed time. He's loved this and so have I. I thought I'd share a few of our favorites

The book pictured above "The Sweet Smell of Christmas" was a favorite of mine as a child. All three of my boys have loved it too. How can you not love a story that has yummy scratch and sniff pages?

What would Christmas be without a great nativity story with wonderful pictures and verse.

This is one of the new books I bought this year. It's about a camel named Humphrey who carried the treasures of the three kings and was able to meet and present the Christ child with his own gift - a wonderful and touching story.

This fun and silly alphabet book is Winston's favorite story this year. It's full of darling pictures and a fun verse about a family's Christmas Eve with relatives from A to Z.

What would Christmas be without Phineas and Ferb. This is a fun story about how these boys find the perfect Christmas Tree for their city.

What would Christmas be without this old classic - The Night Before Christmas. We've owned this book since Zack and Bo were little and have read it every year on Christmas Eve - keeping the magic of Christmas alive.

I've so enjoyed our nightly story time. This is a tradition we'll continue each year.

Christmas Egg Souffle

2011-12-14T20:28:00.001-07:00

If you're looking for a great recipe for Christmas morning, I have one for you - Christmas Egg Souffle. I love this stuff! Cheesy eggs with a touch of green chilies - Mmmm!

It's super easy to make and can be baked ahead of time and heated back up (that is if you can wait to dig in). I even make it for dinner sometimes - like tonight. :)

Christmas Egg Souffle

Ingredients:

10 Eggs

2 cups cottage cheese (small curd)

1/2 tsp salt

1 4oz. can chopped green chilis

1/2 cup flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 lb. Monterrey Jack Cheese, grated

1/2 cup melted butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 pan. Beat eggs well. Add cottage cheese, salt, chilis, flour and baking powder and mix well. Stir in grated cheese and melted butter then pour into prepared pan. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Enjoy!

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

I love our Christmas tree. It's a family tradition of ours to get a real tree each year and our tree this year is such a beautiful shape and color. An added plus - it makes our house smell so nice and piney.

Another tradition of ours is buying a special ornament each year for our boys. We started this when Zack and Bo were little and it's been a fun thing each year to add to their collection not to mention I enjoy shopping around for each year's ornament. I love looking at our decorated tree and reminiscing about all the ornaments we've accumulated over the years - it adds to my holiday magic.

Don't get me wrong, I do love to see others theme decorated trees and admire their beauty, but for me our smorgasbord Christmas is the most beautiful of Christmas trees.

For Thanksgiving - Pumpkin Gingerbread

2011-11-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for an amazing pumpkin bread recipe for Thanksgiving dinner, look no further - I have the perfect one to share with you. I'll be taking a plate full of this super yummy bread to our family dinner this year.

It's loaded with spices - especially an abundance of ginger which makes taste buds very, very happy. As an added bonus your house smells fabulous while it's baking. Trust me, this one's a keeper - you'll thank me after taking your first bite. :)

From Allrecipes.com.

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD

Ingredients

3 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2/3 cup water
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
In a large mixing, combine sugar, oil and eggs; beat until smooth. Add water and beat until well blended. Stir in pumpkin, ginger, allspice cinnamon, and clove.
In medium bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and blend just until all ingredients are mixed. Divide batter between prepared pans.
Bake in preheated oven until toothpick comes out clean, about 1 hour.

Tip: I also like to make this in the small loaf pans - you get 8 mini loaves and they only need to bake for 35-38 min.

Dancing Fall Leaves

2011-11-18T23:02:00.003-07:00

I love days like today when the wind is blowing the fallen leaves in swirls across the lawns and roads. The mixed fall colors are beautiful to see as they dance on by in the wind and the dry crinkley sound they make enchants me.

Driving down the road with the leaves swirling and dancing around me brings both feelings of enjoyment and expectation along with a feeling I can't quite explain but am always grateful to experience. - like a fond remembrance Fall days like this are too few and far between.

As the leaves spin and tumble on by, it feels as if the world is restless - anxious for the coming winter season. Fall is on it's way out and winter with it's cold snow will soon be here.

Traditional Pumpkin Pie

2011-11-13T19:25:00.084-07:00

Fall baking is the best! One of my favorites this time of year is pumpkin. I LOVE pumpkin - pies, cookies, cakes, fudge, pancakes, etc... You get the idea. Today, I was craving some pumpkin pie. I have two really good recipes I make every year. The first one I love to make is Pumpkin Streusel Pie which I posted last November.

My other favorite recipe is Traditional Pumpkin Pie. Each year it's hard to choose between these two and I usually end up with a slice of each. I discovered this recipe in a Taste of Home magazine years ago - it's also found here. So for all the other pumpkin lovers out there, here's the recipe. :)

Traditional Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
4 to 6 tablespoons cold water

Filling
6 eggs
1 can (29 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon each ground cloves, nutmeg and ginger
2 cups evaporated milk

Directions
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide pastry in half. On a floured surface, roll out each portion to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Place pastry in plates; trim pastry to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate. Flute edges.

For filling, beat eggs in a large bowl. Add the pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, cloves, nutmeg and ginger; beat just until combined. Gradually stir in milk. Pour into pastry shells.

Bake at 450° for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°; bake 40-45 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool pies on wire racks for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 2 pies (6-8 servings each).

A Tutu

2011-11-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

Last week was our Super Tuesday activity for the women in our ward/neighborhood. Even though I don't have a daughter, I couldn't resist signing up for the class to make a Tutu - I should have granddaughters someday, right?

It turned out darling and was so easy to make. I wanted to share some pictures. Also, I found this website- Just We Moms - which has a great tutorial on how to make these. You can make one that's all the same color or alternates two, three or a rainbow of colors.

Here's a couple of pics of my tutu - they don't do it just though. It's so much cuter in person - the red tulle is sparkly and catches the light as you spin it. I only wish I had a daughter to put it on and watch her dance and spin around in it. I'll just patiently wait for a granddaughter. :)

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

2011-10-31T22:40:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween! It's been such a good weekend - a fun family Halloween party on Saturday and pumpkin carving with our boys on Sunday. To me, Halloween is the kickoff for the holidays.

Even though summer is my favorite season of the year (I'm a warm weather girl) I do love this time of year as well. One of my favorite things to make with the abundant supply of ripe tomatoes is fresh homemade spaghetti sauce.

My mom gave me a basic recipe when Brad and I were first married. Over the years I've modified the original recipe a little bit and this has become a family favorite of ours. I love the way our home smells when I have a pot of this wonderful sauce simmering on the stove.

HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup good extra virgin olive oil

1 lb mild Italian sausage

1/4 cup finely diced onions

6-8 garlic cloves, crushed and diced (to taste)

8-12 ripe tomatoes, diced or pureed in a blender to desired consistency (may also use 2 large cans of crushed tomatoes without flavorings added)

4 Tbs oregano leaves

3 Tbs Basil leaves

2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

additional 1/4 cup good extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

In a large sauce pan, cook diced onions until they're soft. Add crushed garlic and Italian sausage and cook until browned.

Add diced or pureed tomatoes, spices, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for 60-90 minutes stirring occasionaly - this causes a chemical change in the tomatoes and cooks off extra liquid. Stir in remaining olive oil immediately before serving and serve over hot pasta with grated Parmesan cheese. This Garlic Bread Recipe from a previous post goes great with this spaghetti. Mmmm!

I Love this Quote

2011-10-19T23:01:00.002-06:00

I saw this quote on Pinterest - which if you haven't heard of Pinterest yet it's become my new favorite pastime. It's a site that allows you to post favorite web pages, pictures, sayings, recipes, etc - like an online bulletin board - and you can follow the pins from others too. It's full of fun and fabulous things.

Anyway, back to this amazing quote. I'd love to have this hanging in my home - what a great attitude and philosophy to have. I'd never heard of William Arthur Ward before so I googled his name and there's a bunch of information about him out there - he's on of the most quoted American authors of inspirational writing.

He's written a bunch of newspaper and magazine articles, poems and stories. Here's a link to one site listing many other famous quotes by William Arthur Ward and here's another link to his official website. I love his positive and motivating take on life. I thought I'd share a few more quotes of his that I really liked:

Lose yourself in generous service and every day can be a most unusual day, a triumphant day, an abundantly rewarding day!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.

Birthday Pics

2011-10-14T08:00:00.001-06:00

This one is a catch up post. I spent so much time training for the half marathon I ran back in August that I didn't do much posting during the summer months. Winston had his 5th birthday last month - I can't believe he's five already! He's come so far and is growing so fast.

Winston wanted a birthday party so we put one together for him with a few of his friends and his cousins. We did a sports themed party - Brad and I came up with a few games and we had it at the park.

Here's Winston with a couple of his best buddies.

This game was Throw the football through the hoop.

We also had a water balloon race - they had to carry the balloon on a large spoon without dropping it.

Of course, we had a pinata - shaped like a football. :)

The mad scramble for the goodies.

The birthday boy opening his presents.

Mmmm. Birthday cake! (I ate way too much of this.)

Make a wish and blow out the candles. All in all a fun time with family and friends. Our little guy is growing up.

Fall Recipes - Red Hot Cinnamon Cider

2011-10-13T08:00:00.001-06:00

With the weather getting colder - the leaves are changing in the mountains and the local apple orchards are ripening up. They'll be ready soon - don't you just love those first crop fresh picked apples? They're so crisp and juicy. Mmmm!

One of my favorite apple recipes has only two ingredients and is so easy to make - cinnamon apple cider! I got this recipe from a friend - she serves it every year at our cookie exchange party and I always look forward to having a few glasses of this yummy drink. Here's the supper simple and delicious recipe. :)

RED – HOT CINNAMON CIDER

Ingredients:
4 c. (1 qt.) apple cider or juice
¼ c. cinnamon red hot candies

In 1 quart saucepan, combine cider or juice and candies; bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer for 4 minutes or until candies dissolve. Serve hot or cold. If desired, garnish with apple wedge or cinnamon stick stirrer. Yield 8 (1/2 cup) servings.

1st day of Pre-School

2011-09-30T21:17:00.000-06:00

I'm a little late getting these pics posted but better late than never, right? Winston has been waiting anxiously all summer long for his first day of school. He was so excited to finally get to go.

He picked out what he wanted to wear the night before and had it all laid out - ready to put on as soon as he woke up. When it was time to leave he was even telling me to hurry up - a first for him (I'm usually the one telling him to hurry.) I love watching him grow up and seeing him feel so proud. He makes my heart smile. :)

Chex/Graham Mix - a Family Favorite

2011-09-29T21:17:00.001-06:00

This is a recipe I gained/inherited from Brad's mom. It's a favorite of their family - she made it every year for Christmas. It's a favorite of our family too but we make it all the time - it's too good to only have at Christmas time. Another plus - it only takes about 15 minutes to make two cookie sheets full of wonderful deliciousness. Don't you just love an easy and super yummy recipe? Me too! :)

Chex/Graham Mix

Mix together in a large bowl:

1/2 box Rice Chex

1/2 box Golden Grahams

1 1/2 cups shredded, sweetened coconut

1 1/2 cups sliced almonds

In a sauce pan, combine:

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup light Karo syrup

Stir over medium to medium high heat until mixture begins to boil. Bring to a full boil and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla until well mixed. Immediately pour over the cereal mixture and stir until well coated. Spread mixture out on two wax paper covered cookie sheets to cool. Enjoy!

10 Day Challenge - Day Ten

2011-09-10T09:38:00.001-06:00

And last but not least day ten: Ten Secrets

I'd LOVE to be a stay at home mom while Winston is still young.
I wish I could work from home.
I want to go back to school and finish my degree.
I love my boys more than I can say and wouldn't trade them for anything, but I do wish I'd been able to have a daughter or two.
I'm very shy and more often than not feel extremely awkward in social settings. I also wish I had more really close friends but the shyness is always holding me back.
I'm looking forward to having grand children someday. (no rush though!)
I'd love to travel and am looking forward to the day when Brad and I can travel together - just the two of us.
I'm a terrible procrastinator and always have been.
My house is more often a clutterly mess than not.
Sometimes I long to have a day where I could sleep in, lounge around half the day with a good book and spend the other half watching some good chick flicks all by myself.

Well, that's the end. It's been fun to share a little about myself these past 10 days. :)

10 Day Challenge - Day Nine

2011-09-09T11:34:00.000-06:00

Wow, on to day nine already: Nine Loves

Brad - my true love & best friend.
My boys - all three of them!
Being a mom - the most satisfying and enjoyable job/work I've ever done.
Chocolate Fudge ice cream from Baskin Robbins.
Water skiing on a calm, hot day at Lake Powell.
The smell of cottonwood trees in the rain.
A good book.
Fall drives with Brad to see the beautiful leaves.
Our Heavenly Father, my faith and beliefs. I love the hope and peace they bring to my life.

10 Day Challenge - Day Eight

2011-09-08T21:56:00.001-06:00

A harder one today - Eight Fears:

Not being able to fully enjoy Winston's childhood.
I'm very afraid of heights.
I'm also quite claustrophobic.
Losing one of my children.
Losing my health and not being able to be here for my family.
Having financial problems.
This one's irrational but when we go to a movie, I worry about getting lice by sitting in a chair that's been infested. YUCK!
Injury - to me, Brad or one of our boys.

10 Day Challenge - Day Seven

2011-09-07T13:19:00.000-06:00

The days are going by too quickly! Seven Wants:

I really want to be 12 pounds lighter! Sigh!!
I'd love to have more time to read - uninterupted time!
A Dunford Chocolate Donut - Mmmm! (I never do get these because of #1)
A week long vacation to Lake Powell starting tomorrow - wishful thinking!
A pedicure and glitter toes - actually, why stop there. A whole day at the spa getting the works done from head to toe.
More time with my family. :)
To be better organized - my life has gotten too clutery lately and I could use a good spring cleaning!

10 Day Challenge - Day Six

2011-09-06T11:12:00.000-06:00

Day six already: Six Places - in a random order:

Hawaii - I've never been & have always wanted to go.
Lake Powell - One of my favorite vacation places.
The Redwoods and Sequoia National Park - during the summer & again in winter for the Christmas Festival.
Europe - specifically Italy, Germany and Greece - gorgeous countryside and lots of history.
Home - with my family around me. :)
Somewhere in the Caribbean - any island with white sandy beaches and a full service hotel will do.

10 Day Challenge - Day Five

2011-09-05T10:00:00.002-06:00

Five Foods - don't you just love good food?

German Chocolate Cake with that delightful frosting. Mmmm
My mom's crescent rolls - a favorite since childhood
Warm Cinnamon Rolls with lots of cream cheese frosting. Ahhh!
My Mint Chocolate Brownies - one of my all time favorites and I can never eat just one.
Chili's Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie - the hot fudge and caramel drizzled over vanilla ice cream and the cookie is pur bliss for my tastebuds.

Wow, it's hard to stop at just five when I could go on and on and on ...

10 Day Challenge - Day Four

2011-09-04T17:36:00.001-06:00

Four Books:

This one is tougher - I love to read and have many favorites. I'll just pick four- not necessarily my four top favorites.

Pride and Prejudice - This is probably my all time favorite book and I read it once a year.
My Dog Skip - a wonderful compilation of stories
My Antonia - Another favorite I reread every few years
The Help - I'm half way through this book right now and am really enjoying it. Also, it refers to another favorite of mine - To Kill a Mockingbird.

The satisfaction gained from a good book is truly a pleasure.

10 Day You Challenge - Day Three

2011-09-03T12:18:00.004-06:00

Three Films:

How to pick just three when there are so many great ones? Hmmm...

Pride and Prejudice - the BBC one with Collin Firth
Sleepless in Seattle - I love the soundtrack too!
Charade - I love Aubrey! Hepburn and Cary Grant

10 Day Challenge - Day Two

2011-09-02T22:08:00.003-06:00

Now on to day two: Two Songs

For right now, two songs I love listening to are:

In my Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride
A tie between The Way Love Looks and Roll with It, both by Easton Corbin

I guess that's cheating a little since I kind of picked three. :)

P.S. I forgot about a new song by Rodney Atkins -Take A Back Road which I'm really diggin' right now.

10 Day Challenge - Day One

2011-09-01T18:13:00.003-06:00

I saw this on another blog and thought it sounded interesting so I've decided to give it a try - here goes:

Day One - one picture of myself.

This picture of me and my little buddy is from a few weeks ago. A friend of Brad's offered us tickets to a demolition derby. I've never been to one before but have always wanted to. It was a lot of fun - really! We had a great time in spite of a massive thunder storm. I'll post about our adventure another day.

Half Marathon

2011-08-31T20:50:00.002-06:00

About ten weeks ago I had a momentary lapse in judgment and signed up to run in a half marathon. Yikes, what was I thinking! I'd planned on running in a 10K race this year but when I saw this all women's race I thought to myself, "a half marathon isn't much farther than a 10K" and I signed up. Silly me! A half marathon is more than twice as long as a 10K - I really did know this but like I mentioned - a momentary lapse in judgment.

When the reality of what I'd done sunk in, I kind of freaked out for a few minutes but then decided this would be some good motivation to get my sorry self out running regularly again. I figured I could at least get in good enough shape to finish and started getting up at 5:00 am to run before work 4 days a week. On Saturday mornings, I'd go for long runs to build up my distance. (I haven't blogged this whole month because I've spent my extra time trying to get ready for the race.) It was pretty hard at first but within a few weeks I could tell a difference - the running was getting easier.

I'm a pretty slow runner so my goal was to finish in around 2 hours and 45 minutes. I'm happy to say not only did I finish the race, I actually accomplished this goal by finishing in 2 hours and 37 minutes. I did it! It was hard, and there were moments when I wasn't sure I'd be able to do it - I'm so glad I didn't listen to the self doubt and give up.

Brad has been a HUGE support too - encouraging me the whole time, helpimg me get out to run and even going on a few runs with me. He came and ran the last 4.5 miles with me - I'm not sure I would have made it without his encouragement. Crossing the finish line was such a great sense of accomplishment. I plan to keep on running and who knows, maybe I can do another half marathon next year but finish in 2 hours - it's something to work for. :)

Spicy Ranch Dressing - Cafe Rio Style

2011-07-31T18:34:00.003-06:00

I love this dressing! This tangy ranch with a little bite to it is so very yummy - my mouth waters just thinking about it. I've tried several different recipes and ended up compiling a few of them to come up with a version I like best. Hope you enjoy it too!

Spicy Ranch Dressing

1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 package ranch dressing mix - I like Hidden Valley
8 oz. can Salsa Verde
1 clover garlic, minced
1 small jalapeno (seeds removed)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1 tsp kosher salt
1 - 2 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Refrigerate for several hours for the flavors to blend. It can be thinned with extra buttermilk if needed.

Flashback Friday

2011-07-22T20:34:00.002-06:00

Looking back through some old photos I found these cute pics from when Winston was not quite one year old yet on a trip to Lake Powell. Zack was helping him drive the boat. These were taken July 23, 2007 - almost exactly 4 years ago.

I love looking at our family photos and remembering all the fun we've had together and seeing how far Winston has come. I can't believe he'll be 5 this year!

Warm Bellies

2011-07-18T11:12:00.007-06:00

I don't do many product endorsements, but when I find a great product or something really useful I like to pass the information on. Since we spend quite a bit of time on the water, I wanted to find a wetsuit that would be easy to get Winston in and out of. and I foud one!

They're called Warm Belly wetsuits and these suits are made just for kids. You just pull them on and they fasten at the shoulder with velcro straps. Also, they're adjustable so they grow with your child which really helps. I hate spending money to buy a quality product only to have Winston grow out of it after a few months. This will last him for a few years. So, if you're looking for a great wetsuit for your child, you can find them here at the Warm Belly's website.

4th of July Highlights

2011-07-10T19:58:00.000-06:00

We had such a great time this year. Our ward put together a primary parade and then the bishopric made breakfast for them afterwards - pancakes, bacon and eggs with orange Tang to drink. Winston was so excited to decorate his bike - he had a blast riding in the "parade" and wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July.

Here's the proud rider. :)

He was so excited to go I could barely get him to hold still for these pics.

He wasn't quite sure if he should just jump in - it was his first parade.

Off he goes!

After that we headed up to my mom's for the annual 4th barbeque and water games. The grandkids (and now the great-grandkids) look forward to this event every year. Winston hardly ate lunch - he just couldn't wait to get the water fight going. I didn't get a pic of it (because I was the one filling them) but we filled up over 150 water balloons for the water fight - boy did they go fast!

This was my brother Bruce's gun and it was taller than Winston but he managed to make it work.

Winston and Jack had a great time together.

Brad with our "grown-up" boys - it's so great to have them back home!

My mom jumped in to get their pic too!

Jack, Winston and Clay were all on one team fighting against their older cousins.

My beautiful sisters Heidi and Lauri and my beautiful niece Brittany. Lauri's holding little Scott - the youngest grandchild for my mom. It was so fun to hang out with these amazing women. I'm blessed to have them in my family!

Me and my wonderfully awesome mom.

I had to catch this shot with my mom, Bo and Zack. I like that you can see Brad and Bruce in the background.

Jack, Luca and Winston - we finally got them to hold still for about 30 seconds to snap a few pics of them together. They're all within about a year of each other and it's been fun watching them grow up together.

Winston, Jack, Clay and Tucker bouncing and squirting each other - good times!

Winston and Jack having a jumping contest.

All in all it was a great day! I sure love my family!! :)

Teddy, a Boy's Best Friend

2011-06-28T14:59:00.001-06:00

Winston would love to have a little brother. Unfortunately that's not going to happen, so he's come up with an alternative - his teddy bear. If you ask him, "Do you have a little brother?", he'll tell you, "Yes, his name is Teddy."

Teddy's become the little brother Winston wishes for. They do lots of things together - read books, watch TV, build towers with blocks to name a few. I think this is adorable and wanted to catch a few pics of them hanging out.

A few weeks ago when we finally had some nice weather, they sat on our front porch watching the neighbors.

Winston decided to show Teddy some ants in the flower bed.

Here's that big smile I love so much. I'm glad Winston and Teddy "found" each other. They make a great team. :)

Blond Brownies a la Mode

2011-06-27T10:30:00.004-06:00

This is another super yummy family favorite recipe I discovered in an old Taste of Home magazine - it's also located on their website.

These brownies are soooo delicious! They have a rich almost butterscotchie flavor and stay moist for several days. They're fabulous without out the topping and are out of this world with it. The topping's also great by itself on ice cream. Here's the recipe so you can enjoy them to.

Blond Brownies a la Mode

Ingredients:
3/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups packed brown sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups chopped pecans

Maple Cream Sauce:
1 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup evaporated milk
Vanilla ice cream and chopped pecans

Directions:

In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in pecans.

Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. ( I usually have to bake these for 38 minutes. You don't want to under-bake these or they turn out gooey.) Cool on a wire rack.

For the sauce, combine syrup and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in milk. Cut brownies into squares; cut in half if desired.

Place on dessert plates with a scoop of ice cream. Top with sauce; sprinkle with pecans. Yield: 20 servings.

Creamy Black Bean & Corn Salsa

2011-06-26T08:00:00.002-06:00

I received this recipe from one of my co-workers a few years ago - it's become a family favorite or ours. She'd brought this salsa in for a pot luck office party and we all loved it. She was happy to share the recipe with us and I'm happy to now share it with you. Brad and I both love this stuff and another plus - it's easy to prepare.

Creamy Black Bean & Corn Salsa

Ingredients:
2 cans Mexicorn (drain one)
2 cans Black Beans - drained and rinsed
1 container grape tomatoes or 1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped Cilantro
1 cup Ranch Dressing - I like Hidden Valley
1 - 2 Tbsp Hot Sauce - start with one tablespoon and if you like it a little spicy add more
2 tsp lime juice
1/2 tsp salt or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste

Mix all ingredients together and stir well. Chill for a few hours and serve. The longer you chill this, the more the flavors will blend. Serve with corn chips and enjoy! I've even made this without the tomatoes before (didn't have any on hand) and it still tastes great without them. You can also serve this as a side dish salad. It's just a great, versatile dish.

Thinking Back

2011-06-24T18:39:00.001-06:00

I was going through some old pictures taken when Winston was still little. Back then, I didn't have the time to do any blogging so I thought now would be a good time to post some of his cute baby pics.

In these, I'd washed a batch of towels and had brought them in by the TV to fold. I left the room for a minute and when I came back, Zack had put Winston in the basket with the towels. Winston thought it was so funny and sat there all smiles and giggles. Of course I grabbed the camera and snapped a few pics. He was 11 months old in these and such a cutie. That smile still melts my heart! :)

Caramel-Pecan Brownies

2011-06-22T22:41:00.004-06:00

Have you seen these cute, bite size bits of caramel by Kraft? I absolutely love Caramel Bits. They're little balls of caramel ready to use for all your baking ideas and best of all, no wrappers! They're perfect for one of my favorite recipes - Blizzard Party Mix You can find the recipe here.

I also noticed a recipe for Caramel-Pecan Brownies on the back of the package - oh yeah! I love brownies and I love caramel. When they're mixed together, it's pure bliss for my taste-buds. I just had to try these - and Wow! They're so delicious - all caremely and fudgie, Mmmm!!

Here's the recipe from the package so you can give them a try - you'll be glad you did and so will your taste buds! :)

Caramel-Pecan Brownies

Ingredients:

1 pkg. (19 to 23 az.) brownie mix (13x9-inch pan size)

1 pkg. Kraft Caramel Bits

1/3 cup whipping cream

2 cups Pecan halves, divided

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 13x9-inch baking pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan. Generously grease foil. Prepare brownie batter as directed on package and spread half of hte batter into prepared pan. Cover remaining batter and set aside.

Bake for 20-22 minutes or until top is firm to touch. Meanwhile, microwave caramel bits and whipping cream in medium bowl on High for about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until caramel bits begin to melt. Stir until completely melted. Add 1 cup of pecans, mix well. Spread over partially baked brownies; top with remaining brownie batter. (Some caramel may peek through batter.) Sprinkle with remaining pecans.

Bake an additional 25-28 minutes or until top is firm to the touch. Cool completely. Use foil to lift from pan. Cut into squares and serve. Store in covered container at room temperature. Makes 32 servings.

Moments That Matter Most

2011-06-20T12:41:00.000-06:00

I love this message. It's good to remember to slow down and enjoy the things that truly do matter most.

My Daddy is My Favorite Pal

2011-06-19T15:25:00.000-06:00

Happy Father's Day to my amazing husband and my boys most awesomest father. We all love and appreciate you so much!

Today at church, all the kids sang to the dad's. Winston was so excited for this. They've been practicing each Sunday for the last month. They sang, My Daddy is My Favorite Pal and Winston sang as loud as he could. We could clearly hear him over everyone else. He's so proud of his daddy.

Here's a picture of the two of them on our recent trip to Lake Powell. They really are great Pals.

Thank you Brad for being such a GREAT Daddy! :D

Winston's Last Baseball Game

2011-06-18T20:00:00.000-06:00

Winston's ball season went by so quickly. Four of his ten games were rained out - we've had a record breaking rain season this year - but even in spite of the weather, we had a great time watching him play. He really loves baseball and has had so much fun playing. He was a little disappointed to have the season over. Since I posted pics from his 1st game I thought it was fitting to post some from his last too.

Playing first base.

Getting ready for his turn at bat.

Look at him field that ball!

A team photo with their coach. His coach brought them candy filled bats for their last game treat and the boys absolutely loved them.

Here's his last time at bat - watch him slide into first base. I'm already looking forward to next year.

White Chip Oatmeal Cookies

2011-06-15T22:06:00.019-06:00

I tried another cookie recipe and boy am I glad I did. These turned out simply delicious and were so easy to make. Brad is allergic to chocolate so I wanted to find a chip cookie that used vanilla chips instead - this one not only fit the bill but tasted fabulous too. I found the recipe on the Allrecipes website. Hope you enjoy it as much as we all did.

White Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 cups vanilla chips
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease cookie sheets.
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth. Stir in the egg and vanilla. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, stir into the creamed mixture. Finally, stir in the rolled oats, white chocolate chips and pecans. Drop by tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks.

We All Make A Difference

2011-06-04T09:46:00.000-06:00

All babies are special. At birth, they seem to posses a hard to define sense of purpose. Having spent a lot of time in the NICU when Winston was born, I felt this sense of purpose even stronger with the babies being cared for there. It also seemed that a feeling of quiet strength emanated from these brave little ones - but that could have been my own wish to bless them with the strength they needed.

Not long ago I heard the following from another parent who'd also had a baby in the NICU and thought it really captures what I was feeling back when Winston was there. Her NICU nurse told her, "A child who is born with a less than perfect physical body is given a huge spirit and is meant to make a difference in the lives of all those around them."

How true this is! We all have a purpose and a reason for being here. Some have a short turn on Earth and some have a long turn but each person makes a difference no matter how long they're here.

Here's another quote I really liked shared by one of the pediatric surgeons:

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body. Life is to be experienced to the fullest with the goal to power slide across the finish line sideways, throttle wide open, tires spinning and kicking up dirt, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!""

Sugar-Spice Nuts

2011-05-30T06:00:00.001-06:00

This is another one of my favorite recipes. I discovered it many years ago in a Taste of Home magazine - you can find it on their website but here's my version which I've modified a little. I've made these nuts many, many times over the years and it's become a favorite of my family (this was one of my dad's favorite treats) and extended family - not to mention my co-workers. :) They're simple to make and taste divine. Mmmm!!

SUGAR-SPICE NUTS

Ingredients:

¾ c. sugar

3 T. water

1 egg white, lightly beaten

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

¾ tsp salt

½ tsp ground cloves

¼ tsp ground allspice

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

2 ½ c. pecan halves

1 cup whole unblanched almonds (I've changed the ratio of Pecans to Almonds because we like the Pecans more.)

In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients; mix well. Add nuts and stir until coated. Spread evenly in a greased 15-in. by 10-in. by 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 250 degrees for 60 minutes or until golden brown, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet to cool. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 3 ½ cups.

Happy Birthday Dad

2011-05-27T00:41:00.000-06:00

Today is my Dad's third birthday since he passed away. He would have been 80 years old today. I snapped this picture of my parents when we (Brad, Zack, Bo and me) went to visit them on their mission in Nauvoo, Illinois. They were in charge of the Carthage Jail Visitor Center and conducted tours through the jail - the building behind them in this photo is Carthage Jail. We were fortunate enough to have our own personal tour given by my Dad.

I'm so grateful we were able to go spend time with them and share some of their experiences in Nauvoo. I know it's something I'll always remember and so will my boys. We had such a great time! I have so very many wonderful memories of my Dad. He was and is a super Dad.

I still miss him but have come to feel that he's not too far away. I like to think he's become my family's guardian angel and is always there to watch over and help us. Happy Birthday Dad and thank you so much for being such a great Dad!

Soft Gingersnap Cookies with White Chocolate Chips

2011-05-25T22:00:00.001-06:00

I tried this recipe on a whim last week - I just felt like baking something and picked these yummy looking cookies to try. I wasn't disappointed. They are absolutely delicious! My whole family loved them and I hate to admit how many I ate but boy were they worth it. I found the recipe at For the Love of Cooking site. I've added this recipe into our favorite cookies recipes and plan to make them again soon. Yumm!!!

Soft Gingersnap Cookies with White Chocolate Chips

1 cup of butter, softened
1 cup of white sugar (plus some to roll the dough in)
1/2 cup of molasses
2 Tbsp canola oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp fresh nutmeg, grated (I just used ground nutmeg)
2 large egg
3 1/2 - 4 cups of flour (The dough is sticky and I ended up using 4 cups flour to be able to handle it)
2 1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 pkg white chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray.

Beat the butter and sugar together until creamy. Add the molasses, canola oil, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. (Hint: measure the oil into you measuring cup before pouring in the molasses, swirl and pour out then measure the molasses - it will pour right out without sticking.) Beat until mixed. Add the egg and continue to beat until well combined.

Add the baking soda and salt to the flour and mix really well. Slowly add the flour mixture into the molasses mixture until well combined. Add the white chocolate chips and mix into the dough. Scoop the dough into walnut sized balls (it will be very sticky) and roll into some white sugar (I used about 1/4 cup in a cereal bowl). Place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Place into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 3 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool. Enjoy.

The Woman in White

2011-05-24T13:33:00.000-06:00

I love reading old British novels. I thoroughly enjoy getting caught up in the language of them. Some of my favorites are many of the Jane Austen novels (which I love to re-read), The Complete Collection of Sherlock Holmes, Rebecca, The Moonstone and The Scarlet Pimpernel to name a few.

I'm currently reading The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins and I'm really enjoying this book. I'm just over half way through this novel - it's a big one at 617 pages. I've been reading it every chance I get but not rushing through it - I'm savoring this story. It's a mystery involving two sisters and a mysterious woman dressed all in white. I love the main character Marion - she's tough and smart.

If you enjoy mysteries and are looking for a good book to read, I highly recommend this one. Here's a few interesting facts about this book: It's the original murder mystery that started the whole murder mystery genre; and it's never been out of print since its initial publication in 1859.

Well, back to my reading - I'm excited to see how it ends!

Chocolate Mint Brownies

2011-05-22T22:00:00.001-06:00

I've had a few request for this recipe recently and am finally getting around to posting it. I first tasted these several years ago when I helped my neighbor make them to serve as refreshments at a young women's meeting we were in charge of - this is her recipe.

These fantastically, delicious brownies have become one of my all time favorite desserts - they're Winston's and Bo's favorites too - and I make them several times a year (my hips are proof of that!) Did I mention that I LOVE these brownies? :) I wrote this post almost two years ago about how much Winston loves these.

MINT BROWNIES

BROWNIES:
6 Eggs
2 boxes Chewy Brownie Mix (I like the Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix)

Mix as directed, bake in a greased 15-in. by 10-in. by 1-in. baking pan for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool.

MIDDLE MINT LAYER:
4 c. powdered sugar
1 c. butter, softened
2 T. water
1 tsp. peppermint extract
6 drops red or green food coloring (I've even used blue and orange for some baby showers/parties)

Mix and spread on top of the cooled brownies. Don't worry about getting crumbs mixed in with the frosting. You're going to cover it up with the topping.

TOPPING:

2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
¾ c. butter (1 and ½ cubes)
¼ to ½ tsp peppermint extract (I like them better with 1/2 or even a 3/4 tsp of peppermint)

Melt chocolate and butter together in the microwave (start out on high for 1 minute, stir and then repeat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted). Add mint extract in the chocolate. Taste test and add more mint if you like. Spread on top of mint frosting layer and refrigerate until set . . . WAY YUM! (This recipe can easily be halved. Just make in a 9x13 pan instead)

Two Years Post Surgery

2011-05-20T17:28:00.002-06:00

It's hard to believe that two years have passed since that scary, anxiety filled day. Two years of healing and growing and good health. This day was a crossroads for Winston. Almost everything we talk about regarding his health and progress is defined by that day - it's either pre-surgery or post-surgery.

I had no idea that abdominal muscles play such an important role in our health and well being. With strong tummy muscles, Winston can finally eat well and keep his food down (he used to throw up alot!), he can run and jump and climb just like any other kid his age and he doesn't get terribly sick when he catches a cold (no hospital visits for him since his surgery!). His body is now strong all around and it's such an amaziong blessing to have him be so healthy and strong.

This is Winston the day after his surgery two years ago.

And here he is today - happy and healthy! :)

(I couldn't figure out how to rotate these but wanted to post them anyway.)

You ROCK Winston and we love you to Infinity and Beyond! :)

Holly's Fire Roasted Salsa

2011-05-19T19:00:00.000-06:00

I've been experimenting over the last few months with various salsa recipes. There have been several we liked and a few we didn't. I tinkered around with a few of the recipes we liked best and came up with my own version which I absolutely Love! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Holly's Fire Roasted Salsa

Ingredients:

1 - 14.5 oz. can Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes

1 - 14.5 oz. can Stewed Tomatoes

1 - 4 oz. can Green Chilis

1/3 - 1/2 cup cilantro - to taste

1 Jalapeno - seeded and cut into chunks (use 2 if you like it hot or just leave some of the seeds in)

1/3 small white onion cut into chunks (about 1/4 cup diced)

Green tops of 3 green onions

1 1/2 Tbsp Lime Juice

2 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp fresh ground McCormick Garlic Pepper

1 - 2 tsp Kosher salt (to taste)

1 tsp Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipolte seasoning
1/4 tsp sugar

Place all ingredients in either a blender or food processor and pulse to desired consistency. Chill for a few hours so flavors can blend. Enjoy!

Remembering...

2011-05-18T06:00:00.003-06:00

It's coming up on the two year mark for Winston's last repair surgery and I've been thinking a lot about the first two years of his life. I recently joined a couple of Omphalocele support groups (Mothers of Omphaloceles and Babies Born with Omphalocele) to offer my encouragement to others going through the same experience we did with Winston. Reading through their stories, their questions and their fears has brought back all the old feeling and emotions I went through with more force than I'd anticipated.

At the time it was hard for me to express how I was feeling and share what we were going through - I tend to internalize things. I guess now that we're a few years removed from the experience I've been able to put all the worry and heartache behind me and had even somewhat forgotten the anxiety I felt back then. Reading other's questions and sharing my experiences with them has made those feelings (minus the anxiety) resurface and I'm reminded how fragile Winston's life was at one time. He's such a miracle and is so very blessed to have made it through so much already in his young life. I remember that one of his nurses called him our "little trooper". He's always been one tough little guy.

I drove up to the hospital every day while he was in the NICU, would stay there all day and only leave at night to come home to sleep. On these drives, I spent my time praying, thinking and listening to the radio a lot. Something I've meant to write about was what I wanted for Winston. I wanted so much for him to be healthy and to have a normal childhood without restrictions on his activities. I remember there was a Rascal Flats song out at the time called My Wish that really hit home with what I was feeling. To this day, every time I hear this song it reminds me of those drives to and from the hospital and hoping and praying for the best. Here's the lyrics:

"My Wish"

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

This was and still is my wish for him - that his life becomes all that he wants it to be.

This was Winston at 5 weeks old after his 2nd surgery. He was in a lot of pain at the time and I couldn't even hold him to try and comfort him All I could do was sit close by and sing to him

This is Winston at 7 weeks and doing awesome. He looked so peaceful this day I remember just sitting and watching him and feeling so grateful for how far he'd come.

Another angle shows the mirrors the nurses would put in the cribs for the babies to see themselves. Winston loved the mirror and would lay there just studying his face. I think he must have fallen asleep looking at himself.

Mini Lasagna Cups

2011-05-17T06:00:00.009-06:00

These look so yummy and they're cute too! I stumbled across the recipe here on a blog called Kevin and Amanda I found while browsing. I'm really looking forward to giving this recipe a try.

Mini Lasagna Cups

Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb sausage
1 cup spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 cups part skim ricotta cheese
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
24 wonton wrappers
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brown sausage and hamburger in a large skillet over medium high heat and drain. Divide into 4 portions and save or freeze three for another night. Add spaghetti sauce to remaining meat mixture and stir to combine.

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta the salt and pepper and stir to combine.

Coat a 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray, and arrange a wonton wrapper in each cup. Take half the ricotta mixture and divide it among the 12 cups. Top with half of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Place another wonton wrapper over the cheese, and repeat the layers by adding the remaining ricotta cheese, meat sauce, and top with shredded cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the wonton wrappers are golden. Cool in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Makes 12 mini lasagnas or 3 servings.

A Great Bedtime Story

2011-05-16T14:13:00.000-06:00

I know I've mentioned this before, but Winston loves books. This story by Leslie Patricelli is one of his favorites right now. I love her cute pictures and fun story about how one of the puppies overcomes her nightime fear of a monster.

We love her other stories too. You can find The Patterson Puppies and the Midnight Moster Party here on Amazon. Winston gives it his triple request award - he asks me to read it again and again as soon as we finish it. :)

Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

2011-05-15T17:16:00.000-06:00

In honor of National Chocolate Chip Day, here's a favorite "chip" recipe of our family. I found the recipe in a Taste of Home magazine many years ago and have been making these cute and yummy muffins ever since. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

In a large bowl, cream sugar and shortening until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients. Gradually add to creamed mixture; mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each greased or paper-lined mini-muffin cup. Bake at 375° for 10-13 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Yield: about 3 dozen.

The recipe is also located here on their web site.

Mother's Day

2011-05-13T22:05:00.001-06:00

I'm so glad we have a day to celebrate mothers. I try to tell her often how much I love and appreciate her, but it helps to have a special day dedicated to moms. I have such wonderful memories as a child because of my mom - family trips, playing house, reading stories together, dancing around the family room to old 50's music, playing dress-up in her old dresses, baking cookies and pies and just spending time together. My mom taught me so many important lessons. I always knew how much she loved me and I owe all that I am to her love and dedication as a mother. Love you Mom!

This is a pic from a few years ago - I realized while looking through my old photos that I don't have as many pictures as I'd like of just me with my dear mother. I'm usually the one taking the pictures. I'll have to make more of an effort to get some pictures of us together.

Winston and his Grandma on Mother's Day. He sure loves his Grandma!

A Recipe to Try

2011-05-06T15:41:00.000-06:00

I LOVE chocolate so you can imagine how excited I was when I stumbled upon a recipe for Brownie Batter Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes with Outrageously Rich Chocolate Indulgence Frosting. Wow, with a name like that, these must be amazing. I came across this recipe here and I'm so excited to try it out. Now all I need is an excuse to make 3 dozen fabulous, chocolatey cupcakes.

Brownie Batter Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
with Outrageously Rich

Chocolate Indulgence Frosting

BROWNIE BATTER
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup milk
1 (18.25 oz) box devil’s food cake mix

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 mins until well combined. Using a small scoop (about 1.5 tbsp) drop batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze overnight.

CUPCAKES
1 (18.25 oz) box devil’s food cake mix
1 (3.9 oz) pkg Jello instant chocolate fudge pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and line with cupcake liners. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips into a very large bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 mins until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Using a large scoop (about 3 tbsp) drop batter into the cupcake liners, filling about 2/3rds full. Remove brownie batter from freezer and press into the cupcake batter. Bake for 22-28 mins. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

FROSTING
5 sticks butter, softened
8 oz powdered sugar
1.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa)
a pinch of table salt
1.5 cups light corn syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
16 oz milk chocolate chips

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring well every 30 seconds. Allow to cool for 5-10 mins. Combine butter, sugar, cocoa and salt in a food processor and process until smooth, about 30 seconds. Scrape the bowl as needed. Add the corn syrup and vanilla and process until just combined, about 5-10 seconds. Scrape the bowl again, then add the melted chocolate and pulse until smooth and creamy, about 10-15 seconds. You can use a mixer for this too, if you don’t have a food processor, just don’t whip the butter too much! :) Makes & frosts 36 cupcakes.

Mmmm! It's like chocolate Heaven! :)

Funny Four Year Old!

2011-05-06T09:59:00.000-06:00

While showing Brad a "trick" on his bike, Winston told him, "Daddy, Watch and Learn." How funny is that! :)

Thought for the day

2011-05-05T17:30:00.001-06:00

Our choices today will affect where we end up tomorrow. Each choice has a consequence and each consequence, a destination. You should be asking yourself each day if the choices you are making now will take you to where you want to be. We are responsible for who we become.

and another one:

I choose to live by choice, not by chance;
to make changes, not excuses;
to be motivated, not manipulated;
to be useful, not used;
to excel, not compete.
I choose self-esteem, not self-pity.
I choose to listen to the inner voice, not random opinions.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

2011-05-01T22:13:00.003-06:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been 24 years since we took the plunge - 24 wonderful years. Where has the time gone? It doesn't feel like it's been anywhere near that long and yet it's hard to remember my life before we were together.

I love my family so very much. I'm deeply grateful for Brad and the life we share together. We've been blessed with three wonderful boys and I'm full of gratitude for the life we've built together. I'm looking forward to all that the future holds for us. Families really are what life is all about.

A Recipe to Try

2011-04-30T23:57:00.000-06:00

Here's another lemon recipe I found. This one uses frozen lemonade concentrate in the cake mix and a glaze you pour over the cake and in the cream cheese frosting. Mmmm, this sounds delicious! I stumbled across it here. I'm sooo looking forward to trying this one.

Lemonade Cake with

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients
1 Lemon boxed cake mix (I used Duncan Hines)
4 eggs
1 1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 Tbsp Lemonade from concentrate

Glaze
2 Tbsp Lemonade from concentrate
1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp water

Frosting
8 oz block 1/3 less fat cream cheese
1/2 cup room temp butter (1 stick)
3 Tbsp Lemonade from concentrate
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
5 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350° Spray 2 8" round cake pans generously with cooking/baking spray. In mixer beat all your ingredients on low for 30 seconds and then on medium for 2 minutes. Keep the remaining frozen lemonade concentrate in the freezer...you will need it again. Bake according to package directions (I baked for approx 30 minutes) until cake is set and toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in pan...about an hour. Do not remove.

When the cakes are cooled level them off so they are flat on top. Poke holes in cake that wasn't cut using a fork. Make your glaze.

In a medium bowl combine powdered sugar, lemonade and water. Stir until smooth. Pour equally over the top of the cakes..still in the cake pans. Cover and let sit for at least an hour, but overnight is best in refrigerator.

Make your frosting. Cream butter and cream cheese together until combined. With mixer on low add your lemonade and vanilla. Slowly add in your powdered sugar and then beat on medium for 1-2 minutes until smooth.

When ready to frost remove your cakes from the refrigerator. Loosen cake around the edges with a butter knife so they will release easily. Frost as desired.

Easter Pics

2011-04-29T22:55:00.001-06:00

Winston was so excited for Easter this year. I just love his smile. He's at such a fun age right now and I'm so enjoying his excitement and enthusiam. He couldn't wait to color eggs so we did them on Friday night. Of course I forgot to get pictures of him coloring the eggs. He did a great job though and was so careful with them. He didn't want to ruin them by breaking the shells.
Here's a few pics from this years Easter celebration.

Hunting for his colored eggs in our back yard. Found one!

Found another egg in the grass.

Looking around for more.

Brad and Bo hid the eggs and helped him find them all.

"Look Mom, I got a watch in my Easter basket."

He LOVES those little powdered donettes.

You just gotta lick off all that powdery goodness! Mmm. :)

Our Little Ball Player

2011-04-28T23:58:00.001-06:00

Last week was Winston's first baseball game so of course I had to snap a few pics. I can't believe he's already big enough for T-ball. My little boy is growing up too fast!

It was so fun and hilarious to watch these little guys go after the ball. The whole team would run to where the ball was hit and they'd all pile on trying to come up with it so they could be the lucky one to through it back to home.

Winston was the winner this time and was thrilled to have the ball. I love how he sticks out his tongue when he concentrates. He does this all the time.

Here's a video of Winston's first hit.

Hello Sunshine!

2011-04-27T17:34:00.000-06:00

We had such a beautiful sunny morning today. It's probably wishful thinking on my part, but I'm hopiug that by thinking about sunshine, the warm weather might stick around for a little while. Everyone, think SUNSHINE!!! Here's a few pictures of some beautiful sunrises to help. :)

Here's hoping for more sunshine soon!

Goldie the Goldfish

2011-04-26T06:30:00.001-06:00

Winston has a pet goldfish. He acquired this little fish at his cousin Saren's wedding reception back on March 26. He promptly named him Goldie.

We stopped on the way home and bought a fish bowl and some goldfish food thinking this poor fish wouldn't last a week. Winston was so thrilled to have his own fish. I had to keep an eye on him to make sure he didn't terrorize the poor fish too much with his love and enthusiasm.

I'm actually quite surprised this fish has lasted a whole month. Whenever Zack and Bo got a goldfish, it usually only lasted for a week or two before biting the dust - so to speak. I thought this fish would only stay alive long enough for Winston's interest to disolve and then it would go belly up. This fish seems to be thriving. He (or maybe it's a she) is quite lively and I think has even grown some. Winston's interest has definitely faded but Goldie looks like he'll be around for a while.

Here's a few pics of Winston with Goldie the Goldfish.

A Recipe to Try

2011-04-25T11:25:00.001-06:00

This cake looks soooo yummy! I love lemon cake and this cake is not only a lemon cake but also has a lemon filling with lemon butter frosting. Mmmm! It makes my mouth water just thinking about it. I found the recipe here. One of the reviews recommended increasing the filling and frosting by one-half and for the cake, subtituing 1/4 cup of the milk with lemon juice to make it really lemony. I'll post an update once I do have a chance to try it. :)

Lemon Cake with Lemon Filling

& Lemon Butter Frosting

Cake Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter

1 1/4 cups white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk (can sub 1/4 c lemon juice for 1/4 c of milk for extra lemon flavor)
Filling Ingredients:
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
6 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup white sugar
4 egg yolks, beaten
Frosting Ingredients:
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons milk

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 8 inch round pans. Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated.

Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.

To make filling: In medium saucepan, mix together 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Mix in 6 tablespoons butter and 3/4 cup sugar, and bring mixture to boil over medium heat. Boil for one minute, stirring constantly. In small bowl, with a wire whisk, beat egg yolks until smooth. Whisk in a small amount of the hot lemon mixture. Pour the egg mixture into the sauce pan, beating the hot lemon mixture rapidly. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring constantly, 5 minutes, or until thick (not to boil).

Pour mixture into medium bowl. Press plastic wrap onto surface to keep skin from forming as it cools. Cool to room temperature. Refrigerate 3 hours.

To make frosting: In large bowl, beat confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest until smooth. Beat in milk, and increase speed and continue to beat until light and fluffy. (Recommended to increase by one-half and to do a "crumb layer" - frost the cake very lightly and pay no attention to all the crumbs that will fall of fthe cake and mingle in the frosting. Refrigerate for 30 min and finish frosting.)

To assemble: With long serrated knife, split each cake layer in half horizontally, making 4 layers. Place 1 layer, cut side up, on a serving plate. Spread with half of the lemon filling. Top with another layer, and spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Add third layer, and spread with remaining half of the lemon filling. Press on final cake layer, and frost top and sides of cake with remaining frosting. Refrigerate cake until serving time.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T10:40:00.003-06:00

"The Greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master. Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him..... He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today."
♥ I believe this with all my heart! Happy Easter!

“He is our King, our Lord, our Master, the living Christ, who stands on the right hand of His Father. He lives! He lives, resplendent and wonderful, the living Son of the living God. Of this we bear solemn testimony this day of rejoicing, this Easter morning, when we commemorate the miracle of the empty tomb, in the name of Him who rose from the dead, even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen. “ President Gordon B. Hinckley

Here are a few Easter videos I really enjoyed and wanted to share. Happy Easter to all my dear friends and family!!

The real reason we celebrate Easter.

A collection of photos called "Reflections of Christ."

This beautiful song called "His Hands."

This touching performance by Carrie Underwood singing "How Great Thou Art."

Spring Snowman

2011-04-14T22:33:00.000-06:00

When we woke up to snow this past Saturday, I decided to make the most of it and asked Winston if he wanted to make a snowman. Winston jumped at the chance so we got our snow clothes on and headed out.

He started out bombarding me with snowballs and laughing hysterically about it. Then we got to work. He packed snow into his wagon while I rolled the snowball parts for our snowman.

Look at the big smile in this picture - isn't he adorable?

Here's Winston and Snowy, the snowman. He was so proud of our accomplishment and we had lots of fun playing in the late spring snow.

Watch out for the snowball! :)

The snow was really wet - on the verge of melting - and our snowman started to lean shortly after we'd finished making him. Winston and I tried to straighten him a little and we ended up losing the top half.

Winston wasn't happy about that so we decided to rebuild. He wanted to give Snowy II a funny face so he put the eye pieces in crooked.

I couldn't get Winston to give me one last smile before heading in - he was starting to get cold and lose interest (and so was I.) I think this will be the last big snow storm and our last time making snowmen this season (hopefully!)

Another Place to Visit

2011-04-12T04:00:00.009-06:00

Here's another place I'd like to visit. I've always wanted to see the Redwood forest and Sequoia National Park. I'm sure pictures don't do justice to these marvelous trees, how could they? These trees must be magnificent in person. I love the cinnamon color of their bark.

Here's a little trivia: Many of the redwoods are 300+ feet tall. The redwoods are the tallest trees in the world. They're also several thousand years old.

Check out how huge this tree is. More Trivia: The General Sherman Sequoia Tree, while neither the tallest nor the widest tree, is considered the largest living tree in the world because of its volume. It weights approximately 2.7 million pounds and is believed to be around 2,100 years old. Its height is 274.9 feet and its circumference at ground level is 102.6 feet. Isn't that amazing? Here's a few more pictures of these massive and elegant trees.

Look how beautiful these trees are in the snow? Here's my last bit of trivia: Measuring 267.4 feet tall and 107.6 feet around, The General Grant is the earth's third-largest tree. It's called "The Nation's Christmas Tree," and special Yuletide celebrations are held under its snow-laden branches every year.

I'd love to attend a Christmas party among these magnificent trees. It'd give new meaning to the carol "O Christmas Tree." One of these days we'll go for a visit...

Phineas and Ferb

2011-04-08T18:59:00.001-06:00

Winston LOVES Phineas and Ferb on the Disney channel. I have to admit, I do too! It's such a cute show. I love that the two main characters Phineas and Ferb - brothers - are always positive, polite, happy, honest, willing to help, kind to others, smart and inventive.

The premise of the show is the two boys coming up with ideas to do each day of their summer vacation. They also have a pet platypus named Perry who, unknown to them, is a secret agent fighting the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Good entertainment and a great example for my little man at the same time. Gotta love that! :)

Wishing for Warm Weather

2011-04-06T22:59:00.000-06:00

Having had only a handful of warm , sunny days during the last three weeks has left me wishing for warmer weather. My wall calender's picture for April is a beautiful sunny field - I can practically feel the warmth of the sun when I look at it. *Sigh!*

I decided to try and find this picture online to set as the wallpaper on my computer. I wasn't able to track it down but I did find these other beautiful, warmth inducing photos of sunny fields.

Aren't these beautiful? Don't you feel warmer and brighter after looking at them? I sure do. Ahhh!

Snickerdoodle Pie

2011-04-05T22:22:00.001-06:00

What could be better than snickerdoodles and pie? A Snickerdoodle pie! I found it here and made this over the weekend. It turned out absolutely delicious! The flavor was a little more like a cinnamon roll than a snickerdoodle but great nonetheless. Here's the recipe for the other snickerdoodle lovers out there. Yumm!!!

Snickerdoodle Pie

Single crust Pie crust (I used one of the rolled kind you find in the biscuit section of the supermarket) OR make your own..which ever you prefer.

2 Tbsp melted butter
Cinnamon sugar - 2Tbsp. sugar + 2 tsp. cinnamon combined and divided in half

Prepare pie crust. Spray a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray and line with pie crust. Brush 2 Tbsp melted butter over crust and sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Preheat oven to 350°.

Syrup Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
3 Tbsp water
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp light corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla

In saucepan combine butter, brown sugar, water, cinnamon and corn syrup. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil gently for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 tsp. vanilla. Set aside.

Filling Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cream of tarter
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups flour

In mixing bowl beat remaining 1/4 cup butter with mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Beat in granulated sugar, powdered sugar, baking powder, salt, and cream of tartar until well combined. Beat in egg and the other teaspoon of vanilla. Gradually beat in milk until combined. Beat in flour. Spread evenly in crust-lined pie plate.

Slowly pour syrup over the filling in pie plate. Sprinkle top with remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture (1 Tbsp + 1 tsp). Cover edges of pie with foil. Bake pie 20 minutes; carefully remove foil. Bake about 20 minutes more or until top is puffed and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted 2" from edge comes out clean. Do not over cook!

Cream Cheese Glaze
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 to 1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 tsp vanilla

In bowl mix all ingredients together. (You can adjust amounts based on the consistency you prefer)

When pie is cooled drizzle you glaze over the top, or if you prefer leave the glaze off and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Happy Birthday Daddy! Love, Winston

2011-04-02T21:00:00.002-06:00

For Brad's birthday, I took him out to an early dinner on Friday night. Bo watched Winston for us and while we were gone, he helped Winston write a birthday message for Brad using sidewalk chalk. We saw it as soon as we got back - they had written his happy birthday wish right at the front of the driveway so we wouldn't miss it.

Winston was really proud of his handy work. Bo did help him with the spelling but said that Winston wrote most of it himself. I love the drawings of Brad and Winston right in the middle. It's kind of hard to see in the picture but he drew them with big smiles. What great boys we have! :)

Helping his Big Bros.

2011-03-31T21:35:00.002-06:00

Zack and Bo changed the oil in their car this afternoon and Winston "helped". He loves and idolizes his big brothers so much. It was cute to watch them. Zack and Bo were so patient with him and Winston kept counting their tools, "One, two, three, four, five. Look Mom, I have five tools." He was so proud to be helping his brothers and I'm so proud of them for letting him. :)

Winston's 1st Cheeseburger

2011-03-30T10:43:00.000-06:00

Winston finally tried a cheeseburger and he LOVED it! He's such a picky eater - he's never tried a hamburer before - so when he announced to Brad that he wanted to go to Burger King and get a hamburger Brad was pretty skeptical. Winston insisted that he would eat it so Brad decided to give it a try.

When he ordered it, Winston said he wanted ketchup, lettuce, cheese and steak on it. (Ha ha, steak on a hamburger!) Brad handed him his kid's meal and as promised, he took a bite and then said, "Mmmm, I love hamburgers."

Brad didn't notice that they'd put mustard on it too (Winston's always said he hates mustard). After a few bites, Winston said, "Hey, there's mustard on here. It's really good." He ate the whole thing and asked for another one - just like a boy!

Here's picture proof that he ate it - he's really growing up!

Burrito Chicken Enchiladas

2011-03-23T18:41:00.001-06:00

I love Mexican food and am always looking for new recipes to try. I found this recipe here and thought these enchiladas sounded so delicious. I made them Sunday for dinner and they were a huge hit. Zack told me they were the best enchiladas he's ever had and is already asking me when I'll make them again.

I did modify the sauce a little bit because we're not big fans of sweet sauces and added green chilies to the rice - I love the flavor of green chilies! Here's my modified version. They're a little bit of work but well worth the effort so give 'em a try. You can thank me later. :)

Burrito Chicken Enchiladas

Santa Fe Lime Rice

2 TBSP butter
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp fresh crushed garlic
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1 cup rice, either long grain or basmati

2 cups chicken broth
1 small can diced green chilies

Juice of 1/2 lime (approx 1/2 to 3/4 tsp)

Melt butter in a pot and add cumin, salt, garlic and cilantro. Add rice and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes stirring constantly. Add broth, green chilies and lime juice; return to simmer. Turn heat to low, cover and cook about 30 minutes. Set aside.

Chicken

1 pound chicken, cooked and shredded.

You can cook the chicken any way you want. My favorite way is to boil it on the stove: wash and place chicken in pot then fill with enough water to cover. Add 1 bay leaf, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tsp Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp garlic pepper. Bring to boil and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. I have also cooked it in the crockpot for about 3 hours on high, or just cut up one of the already made chickens from Costco.

Sauce

1 8 oz can Salsa Verde

1 package Hidden Valley Ranch Mix

1/3 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro

3/4 cup sour cream

3/4 cup mayo

2 cloves minced garlic

1/2 tsp coarse salt

1 Tbls fresh lime juice

1/4 tsp Tabasco Sauce

Put in a blender and blend away. If it's too thick, add either buttermilk or milk to reach desired consistency. This is very similar to Cafe Rio's Ranch Dressing so you can also use this as a dressing for salads or make extra and serve with the baked enchiladas.

Burritos

6 burrito size tortillas

shredded cheese

1- 15 oz can black beans, drained

rice, recipe above

Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Put rice, beans, chicken and cheese in the tortillas; roll up and place in pan. Pour sauce on top, cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Remove foil, top with more cheese and cook for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream, salsa and chips. Enjoy!

Happy First Day of Spring!

2011-03-20T17:29:00.002-06:00

I'm so happy Spring is officially here. It started out cloudy and rainy today but has turned into a sunny albeit cold and blustery afternoon. I'm really looking forward to the longer, warmer days just ahead and you know what comes after Spring?! Summer!! Hooray!!! Good times are just ahead. :)

Bangs

2011-03-19T09:23:00.000-06:00

Today, I found Winston in the bathroom combing his hair. He was combing it forward and kept combing and combing. He's decided he wants bangs. Despite my assurance that it would take time for his hair to grow longer, he insisted that combing his hair would make it grow faster. I found him in there combing his hair several more times throughout the day. His determination is commendable. I love the way he thinks. :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T16:23:00.002-06:00

Here's a few Irish sayings in honor of today. :)

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go. -- Irish Blessing

As you slide down the banister of life,
May the splinters never point in the wrong direction! -- Irish Saying

Winston's Weekend Getaway

2011-03-13T22:39:00.001-06:00

Winston was watching Sponge Bob Squarepants on Saturday morning when he came and asked me if we could go to the ocean and play at the beach. I tried to explain to him that we live too far away and it's too cold but he kept at it, insisting we go - he has a hard time taking no for an answer.

In one of my more brilliant moments, I said, "why don't we pretend to go to the beach?" and told him he to put on his swim suit while I spread out our towels on the living room floor - I mean our beach. ;) Winston thought it was a great idea and off he went to get his suit.

I pulled out a couple of our beach towels and some beach toys - and we went to the beach. :)

First we played in the waves.
Winston did some cliff jumping into the ocean (our ottoman made a great cliff for him to jump from) and then we lay on our towels to dry off in the sun. Ahhh!

Next, we built a sand castle - a Big one.

After that, we went for a walk on the beach to find seashells.

We found some starfish - just like Patrick Star on Spongebob.

And finally found a treasure trove of seashells. All in all, we had a great time at the beach. I wonder where we'll go next weekend. Maybe the North Pole to visit the polar bears. (I sure love his imagination!)

Happy 4 1/2 Years

2011-03-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

Last week Winston asked if he was four and a half yet. We did the math and realized that he would be four and a half today. I wonder how he knew it was close. What a smart kid he is! Happy half birthday Winston! :)

Avalanche Bark

2011-03-09T22:14:00.001-07:00

My sweet niece Saren is getting married in a few weeks. For her bridal shower given by her darling sisters Brittany and Bridget, I brought a delicious goodie called Avalanche Bark. I got this recipe a few years back from a co-worker who used to work at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. She said this is the recipe they use to make their delicious treat. I had a few requests for the recipe and promised Bridget I'd post it. So Bridget, here's the recipe. Enjoy! :)

AVALANCHE BARK

3 bags plus 3/4 c. white chocolate chips
2 cups creamy peanut butter
6 ¼ cups Rice Crispies cereal
5 cups mini marshmallows
1 bag mini semi sweet chocolate chips (reserve ¼ cup for the top)

In a large bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave starting with 1 minute on high and then at 30 second intervals stirring after each time until melted and smooth. (White chocolate burns very easily so stir well after each time and do not overheat) Stir in peanut butter until well mixed. Pour rice crispies into a larger bowl and stir in the chocolate/peanut butter mixture. Let mixture cool to room temperature and then add the marshmallows and the mini semi sweet chocolate chips and stir until everything is coated. Line a 15 x 10 x 1 inch-baking sheet with wax paper and spread out mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mini chips on top and lightly press into the mixture. Allow to cool for 2 to 3 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes and the cut into pieces. (You can also halve this recipe and use a 9x13 pan, just remember to line the pan with wax paper.)

Winston's New Do

2011-03-08T22:55:00.005-07:00

While I was doing my hair on Saturday, Winston decided to do his hair too. He went into his bathroom and got out his grape scented pomade (his very own that Brad purchased for him at Cookie Cutters) and proceeded to generously apply it to his hair.

He came in to show me and said, "Look Mom, my hair is poky." I told him what a great Mohawk he'd made to which he replied, "It's not a Mohawk, it's my Poky hair - like a stick." Ha ha ha, poky like a stick - what a comedian! I sure love my little guy. :)

National Pancake Week

2011-03-02T15:39:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, it's National Pancake Week. How fun! Afterall, who doesn't love a warm fluffy pancake slathered in butter and syrup? Here are some links to a few yummy looking recipes that I'd like to try out - just click on the name to go to the recipe. Feel free to try them yourself and let me know how they turn out. If you find a good recipe out there, I'd love a copy too. Enjoy!

Maple Pancakes
Pumpkin Pancakes
Fluffy Pancakes
Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes
Barbarella's German Pancakes
Mom's Buttermilk Pancakes
Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes
Best Buttermilk Pancakes

Don't these sound divine? I can almost smell them baking. Mmm!

Welcome March!

2011-03-01T13:58:00.001-07:00

Hooray! I'm so glad that March is here. Spring is just around the corner which means warmer weather and outdoor activities. It also means we're one month closer to summertime - my favorite time of year. So, Welcome March! I'm eagerly looking forward to all the springtime beauty you'll bring.

Thought for the Month

2011-02-25T08:00:00.011-07:00

I have learned that the ability to laugh at everyday family difficulties helps keep life in perspective. If we will learn to laugh and play more with our families, not only will we feel better but so will they. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” says Proverbs 17:22. -Gary K. Palmer

Here are a few of my favorite "smile" pictures of Winston.

New Family Picture - Winston Style

2011-02-24T08:00:00.008-07:00

Winston has been practicing his letters lately - he can't wait to go to school - and is getting really good at some of his letters. He also loves to draw and has quite an imagination. Quite simply, he loves to learn. I hope his enthusium continues when he starts school.

Yesterday he decided to draw a picture of his family on our driveway and write "To Dad and Mom" - look close and you can kind of make it out. He loves to do H for Holly - such a smartie pants. Pretty good for a 4 year old, don't you think? I sure think it (and he) is adorable and I love our new family picture.

Here's one he drew of just me and Brad. I'm the big one and Brad is the smaller one. I like that we're holding hands : )

Hot Robin?

2011-02-23T08:00:00.003-07:00

Winston came home from his baby sitters and promptly announced that he'd had Hot Robin for lunch. Hot Robin? I asked him what it was. He said, "you know, with the curly noodles." I thought about it for a minute and then the light bulb went on - Top Ramen! What a cutie! : )

Garlic Bread - Mmmm!

2011-02-22T14:00:00.005-07:00

I love garlic bread! I love it with pizza, with spagetti, with chicken, with soup - well you get the idea. I could eat it as a meal with just a side salad. I've tried several recipes looking for the best. There are lots of good ones out there, but I finally ended up tinkering around to come up with my own version. Here's my recipe for delicious garlic bread.

GARLIC BREAD

1 loaf french bread, sliced in half length wise

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 Tbsp mayonaise

2 cloves of crushed or minced garlic

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion salt

1/4 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp dried parsley

4 Tbsp shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together until well blended. Spread half the butter mixture on each half of the french bread. Bake for 7 minutes and then turn on the broiler for 2 minutes or until bread begins to golden. Slice and serve while warm.

Variation - you can also top with 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for a cheesy garlic bread.

A Small Luxury

2011-02-21T20:42:00.004-07:00

Doesn't this bed look cozy? I've always had a thing for sleigh beds and this one looks divine. I especially love the quilted headborad.

I'm usually up between 6:00 and 6:30 either to get ready for work or because Winston gets me up - he's almost always awake by 6:45. He'll come right in and say, "Wake up Mom, it's morning. Time to get up. Mom, wake up!" He won't stop until I drag myself out of bed. Some days his wake up routine feels like torture - I never do get to bed at a decent hour and mornings always come way too early for my liking. I'm not really a "morning" person.

Today when Winston came in to wake me up, Brad - most benevolently I might add - got up and somehow talked Winston into letting me gets some more sleep - this never happens. Usually he just persists in trying to get me up and out of bed. I had work off today for President's Day so I was more than happy to take advantage of this unexpected event. I rolled over to the middle of the bed and burrowed back under the covers and promptly went back to sleep. I actually slept in until about 8:45! I can't remember the last time I slept this late.

What a luxury to be able to sleep until my own body clock says it's time to wake up. Brad is the best husband/daddy! Thank you for your thoughtfulness and for entertaining our little guy so I could get some much needed rest.

I love the bedding in this picture - just gorgeous. Don't you just want to jump on this bed and snuggle under the covers? Ahhhh!

A Place to Visit

2011-02-16T06:00:00.004-07:00

I came across this post and thought this place sounded so neat - a beach where rocks are made heart shaped by the ocean. It's in Cambria, California. I'd love to check out this place some day - there's lots to see and do. I think I'd like to stay here. Maybe I can find some heart shaped stones of my own while strolling along the beach. . . some day.

Learning Patience

2011-02-15T18:54:00.009-07:00

"There is an important concept here: patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!" ~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I thought this was such a great message I had to post it.

Valentine's Wish

2011-02-14T06:00:00.003-07:00

I met the love of my life almost 25 years ago (has it really been that long?) We'll be celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary this year. It boggles my mind to think how many years we've been together. I feel like I should be thirty-something not forty-something but that's alright. It's been a wonderful journey getting to this point in my life - full of lots of ups and downs.

Life's about finding joy in the journey and I'm very blessed to have so much goodness in my life. I'm so grateful for Brad, for his love and support and for the life we share together. Thank you Brad for a wonderful 24 years together - here's to the next 24. Happy Valentines Day!

Monkeys at Monkey Island

2011-02-13T06:00:00.010-07:00

I had the day off from work and wanted to do something fun with Winston. We decided to take him and his best buddy Jackson to Monkey Island - one of those indoor places with the big inflatable slides and bouncers. Boy did they have a blast. They ran from one thing to the next hardly stopping for a break - I wish I had that kind of energy. Here's a few highlight pics from our outing.

Superbowl Pics

2011-02-12T09:18:00.002-07:00

We had a great time watching the big game, hanging out together and eating lots of yummy, fattening food. I made way too much food and ate too much of it - Mmmm. I love having an excuse to bake. : ) Brad was especially happy since he's been a Greenbay Packer's fan since he was a boy. By the way, what's a Cheese Head anyway?

Two Years

2011-02-10T23:25:00.002-07:00

I find it hard to believe it's been two years since I lost my father. It still feels like his passing happened only a few months ago, yet at the same time it seems like forever since I last saw him. I miss my father - I'm sure I always will. I do take comfort in knowing there will come a day when we'll be reunited. How wonderful to have this hope. Until then, I have many wonderful memories to think back on and I'll always be grateful for being blessed with such a wonderful father. I love you Dad

I put together a list on our family blog of all the posts various family members have written about my dad. It's comforting (even though it's a little hard at the same time) to look back at our thoughts and feelings during the past two years. Here's a link to this post for anyone who would like to reminisce about Dad.

My Little Super Hero

2011-02-07T17:47:00.004-07:00

It snowed a couple of inches here last night and Winston wanted to help Brad shovel the snow - I love what he decided to wear while braving the cold weather. Warning to all evil snow out there, Super Hero Winston is on the job!

I can just imagine the thoughts floating around his creative, imaginative mind - flying around with his shovel to banish all the snow and fight the bad guys with his super strength. My little Super Hero! He sure brightens my days and brings a smile to my face. I simply love him to pieces! : )