Merry Christmas!

Christmas 2011 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas, we sure did!

FOR THE LOVE…

My family will know right away with from the title of this post that what’s coming can’t be good. I noticed yesterday that the front of Max’s hair looked weird, I thought he had just slept on it funny and it was tweaked. Upon closer inspection, he had cut it!

Really?

Yes, really and it gets better… Tonight the boys were suppose to be cleaning the play room, but were (and still are) having a hard time getting it done. I called them down for a little pep talk. Max walks out and I about died! It was horrible! (I was laughing though, it as hard not too.) To make it worse, Sam didn’t think it was a good idea to come tell me. AUGH! I had to shave him bald, like almost Bic bald. These pictures aren’t great, they were taken with my phone, but you’ll get the jist of it. My other camera is on the fritz. Not that a different camera would help him look better at this point! Thank goodness I just made him a beanie (that he has lost and we must now find asap)… he’s going to need it!

Sickness…

I’ve come down with something… crochetivitis. It has taken over my life and I LOVE IT! I’ve been making dish clothes, scarfs, headbands and today I made a slipper. (I’ll make the other one tonight so we have a complete pair.)

Evelyn asked for slippers for Christmas and I thought they would be a great thing for the boys to get her. They went looking on Monday, but Rick couldn’t find any that he liked. He looked again @ Target last night, but I think things were pretty picked over. I told him I would look @ Kohl’s on Monday. Then it came to me… I can crochet her some! And so the madness continues…

Working Woman…

Evelyn has a job. It isn’t consistent, but she’s earning her own money.

If you live close and need a pair of shoes shined, drop them by!

$4 a pair.

Pumpkin Cranberry Yeast Bread…

Last year I made a variation of this kind of bread. It was labor intensive and I didn’t like how the loaves turned out, but I did like the flavor. This year I searched again for a Pumpkin Cranberry Yeast Bread, but couldn’t find one. I found cranberry bread and pumpkin bread, but not the 2 together. So I took pieces from several recipes and made my own. This isn’t a sweet bread. It makes great toast and is perfect for turkey sandwiches. Let me know what you think if you try it!

Pumpkin Cranberry Yeast Bread

· 1 1/2 c. fresh or frozen cranberries, large ones cut in half and small ones left whole

· 1/3 c. brown sugar

· 2 T. molasses

· 1 c. warm water

· 1 1/2 T. instant yeast

· 1 1/2 c. pumpkin puree

· 2 T. vegetable oil

· 2 t. salt

· 1 t. cinnamon

· 1/2 t. ginger

· 1/2 t. nutmeg

· 1/8 t. ground cloves

· 4 c. whole wheat flour

· 2 1/2 c. all purpose flour

1. In bowl of mixer, combine the cranberries, brown sugar and molasses. Let stand for 1 hour.

2. Add warm water, yeast, pumpkin, oil, salt cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Mix briefly to combine with paddle attachment for mixer. Add 4 cups of flour, mix until a sticky dough has formed. Switch to dough hook. Add remaining flour. Let knead for 6-8 minutes on low. Transfer dough to a well oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl and let dough rise until double in bulk, about 1 hour.

3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide in half. Press each piece into a rectangle about 1 inch thick and no longer then 9 inches. With the long side of the dough facing you, roll the dough firmly into a cylinder, pressing down to make sure the dough sticks to itself. Be sure and pinch all seams closed. Place the loaves in 2 well oiled 9 x 5-inch loaf pans and press down gently so the dough touches all four sides of the pan. Place in a cold oven, turning temperature to 200, bake for 25 minutes. When time is up, do not open the oven and turn temperature to 350 and bake 35 minutes more. When done, turn out of pans promptly to cool on wire racks.

Happy Birthday!

Today is my sisters birthday. She doesn’t like her birthday or for anyone to even know it’s her birthday…. NOT! She has always loved her birthday and when she was younger wanted everyone to know it was coming up.

She is such an example to me of patients and thoughtfulness. I couldn’t ask for a better sister, she is my favorite one after all.

So this is for you KK! Hope you have a great day!

The End of an Era…

You’re probably going to laugh, but today I shed a tear for a chair. This wasn’t just any chair, it was the greatest chair. Great for reading, feeding, rocking, photo shooting, snuggling with Susu, and listening to tunes, among other things. It was the last piece to the first real set of furniture we bought, we sold the other pieces before moving. It was really too big for the corner of our piano/living room, so I decided it was time for it to find a new home. It was also in the spot we put the Christmas tree in and was really hard to get into our bedroom during Christmas tree season. I think most of all for me, it represented babies. It was my favorite place to sit and nurse our babies in. I know we are done having babies at our house, but seeing that chair leave was harder then I thought it would be. I know it went to the right home though, a family expecting their first baby in a couple of months. A girl… very fitting. I hope they love the chair as much as we have.

Growing Pains…

Thursday afternoon as I sat in Evelyn’s room helping her with a writing assignment, something hit me. A growing pain of sorts. No one told me that mom’s had them. I remember having them as a kid… life was so rough. (Or so I thought at times. Who didn’t think that a time or 2 while young?) This one was different. Until that moment I never thought what it was like for my parents to watch us grow up. She looked so grown up sitting there. My heart actually hurt a little. I can tell you I have a wide range of emotions about it. On one hand it is amazing to see my children learning and progressing, becoming independent. On the other had it is scary to see them learning and progressing, becoming independent. I just hope what we are teaching them will be enough, that the choices they make will reflect what they know.

Happy Birthday Hubs!

Just wanted to wish the Hubs a very Happy Birthday! He works so hard to provide for us & we are very grateful.

HaPpY hAlLoWeEn!

Looking Back…

As this month of October draws to an end, I looked back at my first 31 for 21 last post. I have a new love bug to add to the cause, Mr. B!

Since W, and then M were born I feel such a connection to kids with Down Syndrome. I had a nice little chat with a woman in Costco awhile back, telling her about W & M. Her daughter is in high school. A sweet young lady from our old ward won the title of Prom Queen last year, she just happens to have DS. I love hearing stories like that, of acceptance and understanding.

If you have never frequented my sister’s blog, you should. Get to know her kids and their stories. If your kids wonder what a child with Down Syndrome is like, read this post. It might help them, or you, understand.

Above anything, they are just like you and me, accept they have a free ticket. Lets hope we can follow THEIR example of love and compassion so we can enjoy the ride.

Nessun Dorma

As Sisters in Zion / We'll Bring the World His Truth (Army of Helaman)

When Rick’s cousins son left on his mission a few months ago, the youth in their ward sang this during sacrament meeting. They have a HUGE youth program in their ward. She told us that when their bishop got put in he thought he would have around 50 leave on missions while he was serving as bishop. As they were all going up to the stand to sing, I thought this must be a stake youth choir. It was incredible to see and gives me goose bumps now listening to it.

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal

For breakfast this morning Evelyn and I had

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal.

It’s creamy and fluffy and OH so good! We topped it was milk, pumpkin seeds and craisins. I used some of my favorite yogurt in it too. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Also, if you’ve never been to the blog where I found the recipe, you should really check it out.

Sanctify Yourselves…

Beautiful Heartbreak…

New Favorite…

Have you jumped on the Greek yogurt bandwagon? If not, you should really give this one a try.

Top it with fruit or granola and it’s a really yummy breakfast or snack. Vanilla Honey is my favorite.

Schooled…

Last night we played Ticket to Ride as a family. It was the first time Evelyn played on her own.

She beat us both!

Beating me isn’t saying much, but the fact that she beat her dad is. You should hear her evil laugh…

Spiced Plum Freezer Jam…

• 8 cups plums, peeled and finely diced
• 2 cups water
• 3 1/3 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup Ball Instant Fruit Pectin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom

Bring fruit and water to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool slightly, then mashed with potato masher. Mix together sugar, pectin and spices. Add to fruit and stir for 3 minutes. Ladle into jars, twist on lids and let stand for 30 minutes or until thickened. Serve immediately, refrigerate up to three weeks or freeze up to one year. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream…

Today is a friends birthday, so I thought I would whip up some cupcakes for her. I wanted to do something pumpkin & went to Allrecipes.com to do a little research. After I found what looked like a good recipe, I went to my boards on Pinterest (looking for something else), & low and behold I already had a pumpkin cupcake recipe pinned. I ended up using that recipe with a couple of changes.

Pumpkin Cupcakes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside.  In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cardamom; set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the pumpkin and eggs. Beat on medium speed until well combined.  Add sugar, mixing well. Add dry ingredients until just combined, then add coconut oil. Mix on medium high speed for 3 minutes.

Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake until tops spring back when touched, and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely.

Cinnamon Vanilla Buttercream

• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 1  tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoon cinnamon
• 6-8 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk

With an electric mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add sugar and vanilla. Beat, on low speed to combine. Add milk if needed to reach desired consistency.

Whoo, whoo…

Evelyn received a sewing kit from my parents for her birthday. In the kit was everything she needed to make 2 owl pillows; one small, one large. She had a great time doing it and did most of it on her own.

2 Years Ago Today…

A Fire Still Burning…

I saw this cool video and thought I would share.

Recipes I’ve Tried & Love…

Coconut Curry Chicken with Coconut Rice Pilaf

Copycat Rumbi Rice Bowls

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Burrito Bowls

Caprese Chicken

Chicken & Barley Soup (I made this one tonight in my pressure cooker.)

Best Pizza Dough EVER!

Wheat Sandwich Bread…

I have been making bread for our family for awhile now. I’ve tried a few different recipes and finally decided on this one… for now. It is a combination of a couple different recipes and works great for me, so I thought I would share. If you have a recipe you love, send it my way. I always like to try new ones.

Sandwich Bread

2 1/2 c. warm water

3 c. flour

1/2 c. wheat gluten

2 T. yeast

Mix and let rest for 10 minutes.

Add:

1/2 c. sugar

1 T. salt

1/4 c. dry milk

1/4 c. oil

2 T. vinegar

1/2 c. potato flakes

2 1/2 c. flour

Knead for 10 minutes. Form into 2 loaves. Bake in 200 degree oven for 25 minutes. Don't open the oven and increase temperature to 350 for 30 minutes. Turn out of pans to cool.

Evelyn’s Talk…

Today I will be sharing a story found in the Friend called Safe on the Sea by President Monson.

“We live at a time when many in the world have slipped from the safety found in keeping the commandments. It is a time when many people are breaking the laws of God.

I am reminded of the words of the Lord found in the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon. Said the Lord, “Ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come” (Ether 2:25).

The Lord has prepared us. If we heed His words and live the commandments, we will survive this time of wickedness—a time which can be compared with the waves and the winds and the floods that can destroy. He is ever mindful of us. He loves us and will bless us as we do what is right.

How grateful we are that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored, and that the Church is founded on the rock of revelation. We are a blessed people, with apostles and prophets upon the earth today.”

There are many people today who are turning away from Heavenly Father. It is important that we remember to always be prepared. When I was getting ready to be baptized, my dad and I practiced what it would be like, so that I was prepared. In order for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father we need to learn and grow and practice the things we have been taught. We can’t get better at things unless we practice.

A couple of years ago, when we were camping, we took a raft down a river. It started raining really hard and the raft was filling with water. I prayed two times to Heavenly Father to keep us safe. We made it down the river safely. Heavenly Father will hear and answer all of our prayers when we exercise faith.

I would like to bare my testimony, I know this Church is true. I know that we can be kept safe if we listen to the Prophet.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Mudroom…

This picture isn’t great, but you’ll get the idea of what the mudroom looks like. It looks much better in person… stop by and take a look!

Avoidance…

Today instead of folding laundry and mopping the floor, I framed quotes for my mudroom. It took longer then I thought because something has a mind of its own (the printer). They are all done though and ready to go on the wall. I was hoping to have them up so I could post a picture. Sorry! Instead I thought I would share some of my creations/plagiarism.

Quotes VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

New in the Kitchen…

My birthday was a couple of weeks ago and the Hubs got me an Electric Pressure Cooker. I’m still trying to get it all figured out, but lets just say, it’s like a crock pot on steroids!

If you’re looking for something to add to your kitchen, you should really check this out.

30 Minute Dinner Rolls…

I don’t think I shared the recipe for 30 Minute Dinner Rolls I found recently. They really do come together fast and taste pretty good. They aren’t to die for, but they are worth making. They would be perfect to take to dinner @ someone’s house or with a pot of soup. Try them and let me know what you think.

Thought…

Every day may not be good… but there is something good in every day.

1 year ago today…

Wow… she has her 2 front teeth and much longer hair. Can’t believe my girl is getting so big!

Pepper and Onion Relish…

I’ve kind of been on a roll with the whole canning/bottling thing. It’s sort of addicting to see what I can come up with to bottle! Today I’m making Pepper and Onion Relish, so I thought I would share the recipe.

Pepper and Onion Relish

3 red bell peppers, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 Anaheim pepper, chopped

2 c. white vinegar

2 1/2 c. sugar

dash of red pepper flakes

Add all ingredients to a pot and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thick. It will take a couple of hours to reduce down. At the end of the cooking time, add a pinch of salt and then use an emersion blender to break it down further. This would be great poured on brie, cream cheese, or served as is with crackers. Makes 1 pint.

I’ve also made Tomato &Thyme Jam and Salsa Verde this week.

This is awesome!

See these 2 cute boys? They are buddies to Sam and Max and we love them. Watch, you won’t be disappointed.

Now, see this cute girl? She’s in our ward too.

Pinterest…

Have you heard of it? Well you need to go check it out! Pinterest is a bulletin board for your computer. It’s so much easier to keep things you like to bookmark organized and a great way to see what other people like to check out. It’s fun, I tell you! You’ll love it.

Hot Chocolate…

It’s been a little cold and drizzly the last couple of days, so this morning I mixed up some hot cocoa mix and thought I would share.

Hot Cocoa Mix

4 c. powdered sugar

1 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 t. salt

2 t. cornstarch

3 c. nonfat dry milk

* Mix in a food processor to blend everything together. If you don’t have a food processor, sift everything so there aren’t any lumps. Store in an airtight container.

* Add 3 heaping tablespoons of the above mix to hot water. I find it easier to fill my cup about 1/2 way, mix to break down the powder, then add the rest of the water.

* I always like to spice mine up a little. This morning I also add to the above, 1 t. cinnamon and 1/2 t. cardamom.

Other add in’s:

* a pinch of cayenne

* crushed candy canes

Pear Sauce/Butter…

I thought I would share the recipes I used for my Pear Sauce and Pear Butter. I’ve found other recipes for Pear Butter since making mine and I don’t think I cooked mine down long enough. It still tastes good though.