Strickland Family

Recipes to Try....Pretzle Bites

2012-02-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

I found these on pinterest and wanted to try them so on Superbowl Sunday someone brought them to share. THEY WERE GREAT. Here is the tested recipe.

Homemade Pretzel Bites

1 1/4 cup warm water

1 T. plus 1/4 tsp. yeast

3 3/4 c. all-purpose flour

3/4 c. + 2 T powdered sugar

1 1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. vegetable oil

Bath:

2 c. warm water

1/4 c. baking soda

Mix water/yeast (let sit 10 minutes), add dry ingredients, knead, raise until doubled.}

When dough is done, preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Make a bath for the pretzels by combining the baking soda with warm water and stir until soda is mostly dissolved (it won't dissolve completely).

Roll out dough into a long rectangle (about 12"x24"). Using a pizza cutter, cut into small 2" sections. Dip each dough square into the water/soda bath and place on a greased baking sheet. If you are making salted or garlic pretzels, sprinkle with kosher salt.

Bake for 4 minutes, then rotate pan and bake another 4 minutes.

I came across these cleaning tips and liked them...

2012-02-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

So I thought I would share. Here is the complete blog post if you want to explore, Click here.

I have a similar system for cleaning my house like this, but I think this is a really good idea to have a chart for each day so you don't get overwhelmed. Especially being 33 weeks pregnant it's getting harder to do anything!!!!!

MONDAY

(Monday is cheating because it is 3 chores...but they aren't as big as the other ones so you can squeeze more in.)

Laundry day. Always keep your machines running. Start first thing in the morning and consciously keep loads going throughout the day. Set an alarm in your phone if you have to. Fold laundry at night watching TV with the hubby. Make sure all clothes are put away before you go to bed.
Tidy house. Go through every room in your house and put everything away.

Tip: Never leave a room empty-handed! As you walk throughout the house ALWAYS pick at least one thing up as you come/go. Your house will be picked up before you know it.

Vacuum main rooms (not bedrooms or stairs). As you walk through the house picking things up, drag a vacuum behind you. **NOTE: I vacuum a lot because I have a dog that sheds. You may not need to vacuum as much as I choose to do.

TUESDAY

Bathrooms. Everything: toilet, tub/shower, replace towels and wash clothes, sink, floors, wipe out drawers/cabinets, mirror, re-stock toilet paper/fresh towel supply. Spray some good smelling stuff in there when you are done. The satisfaction is amazing.

WEDNESDAY

Surfaces. All surfaces: anything that can be dusted, mopped, swept, wiped, vacuumed, etc.

For me this included counter tops, windows, banisters, floors, microwave, kitchen sink, wiping down kitchen chairs, dusting and wiping all mantles/shelves/dressers/night stands/etc., wiping the top of the fridge, and vacuuming my floors, couches and stairs.

THURSDAY

Organize/clean out something. This can be a closet, your car, your child's toy box, your makeup drawer, pick one thing and don't stop until it's clean/organized.

FRIDAY

Tidy the house (Go through every room in your house...and never leave a room empty-handed!)
Vacuum (all rooms including stairs.)

18 Months...We sure can't imagine life without you!!!

2012-01-17T11:08:00.001-08:00

Weight: 20 pounds
Height: 31 inches
Head: 18 inches

I don't know if anyone else feels the same about this stage, but I love it and hate it all wrapped up in the same emotion!!!!!Addie is more independent, which I love, but a bit more crancky and winny at the same time. I guess I'll blame that on teeth and having no patience like her mamma!! Can't blame her to much...she is a girl for sure!!

We are running and trying to jump
I will ask her what sounds animals make and then she will start making them and want me to tell her what they are. Now we just need to work on actual words.
We says about 6 words. Mum mum , Da Da, duc (duck), hi, ock (clock),
She loves to brush her teeth. She will go in her drawer and get her toothbrush and toothpaste at all hours of the day and want me to get it ready for her. she mostly sucks the toothpaste off, but when I ask her to brush she will move it back and forth.
She still loves to eat. She loves eggs and oatmeal in the morning, pasta or peanut butter sandwiches for lunch and whatever we are having for dinner she usually likes. She's not picky and is a good little eater. One thing she doesn't really like is pancakes!
She wakes up around 7 and has cheerios and milk in our bed with us while daddy wakes up.

She is the cutest little girl in the world. I love to sit and watch her. She sings, plays with her babies...feeds them their bottle, wrestles with Maggie, reads her whole sack of books by herself and then wants me to read them, and mostly she knows exactly what you're saying to her. She is a very smart little girl. I can't imagine life without this little girl!!!!! I'm so glad heavenly father sent me this precious little spirit.

She loves her shoes. She plays with them all the time. As you can see, she wants to put shoes on first thing...even before cloths.

We french braided her hair for the first time. she didn't do so bad...Moved a little and that's why are line isn't the straightest.

We had her 18 month shots taken and this was the best smile we got. After the fact...she loves her stroller I guess.

She has really enjoyed having babies. She dances, feeds, and wraps them in blankets.

Always wanting to be on the counter to help me with whatever I'm doing.

Books are still her favorite, but now she likes to bring things were I am whether it's toys, cloths, books, ect...

Natural Instincts

2012-01-07T17:17:00.000-08:00

It is so cute to watch Addie want to rock and hold her baby. She wants me to wrap it in a blanket, then hand her the baby. She knows exactly what and how she want's it, but we have to work on the talking part. It's gonna come any day now!

Baby Girl#2...27 Weeks!!

2012-01-06T15:09:00.000-08:00

Cort, this is for you.

I am now 27 weeks. My belly really popped out 3 weeks ago. I was hoping this time around it wouldn't do that, but I guess we can be sure it's always going to do it now. I never have Allen around when I need him to take pictures so these bad shots will have to do. I will be sorry later if I don't post any pictures.

I believe it's spring in January

2012-01-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

I'm sure everyone else is experiencing the heat wave we're having, but Addison is just loving it. She didn't want to come inside. She loved playing in the leaves, chasing the puppy and trying to throw a ball.

New backpack

2011-12-29T09:06:00.000-08:00

Addie got a new backpack from Gammy for Christmas and she loves it. I put it on her back and she would barley let me take it off to finish dressing her. She wore it the whole morning. It was so cute to see her strutting around with her little pack. I didn't even get to due her hair, so it's kinda wild.

Christmas in New Mexico

2011-12-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

Christmas in New Mexico was so much fun. We got to spend time with Gammy and Pops, go to the airport in Durango and see Todd get home from his mission, visit with nanny and Papa, play with Sofi and Ruby and of course feed the chickens every day we were there.

Busy at Play

2011-12-09T12:14:00.001-08:00

Sometimes we're happy, sad and even mad, but we sure have a good time. I can't believe how big this little girl is getting. She has quite the feisty personality...maybe she gets that from her mom!!

Cold Days and Dancing

2011-12-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

It has been really cold the last few days. Meaning it hasn't reached above 20 degrees. So we've been enjoying the warmth of home and of course DISNEY MOVIES!!!!!

Addie eating her snacks while making herself comfy!!

Playing with toys and singing...mommy you need to throw that binky away!!!

She sure loves her blankie

She's dancing to the music at the end of Tangled! I have a video but it didn't want to download today.

Her and maggie playing fetch. Yes, she loves to try to get it before the puppy.

We sure love this little busy body. She's getting to big for her breeches.

Haircut!!!

2011-12-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

I haven't gotten around to getting a haircut since July and let me tell ya I was ready. My ends were damaged and I just needed a lift. Well I don't know if this happens to many but every time I change my style just a bit it never looks like the picture of the haircut I give them, (I saw a friends picture from high school on facebook and wanted a cut like hers) and I'm just trying to figure out why???? I know all hair is different and all but can't you get pretty close....a professional should I think. I think if you pay over $25 dollars for a haircut it ought-a be one you ask for.

My haircut isn't bad and I will be able to work with it and in about 2 weeks it will be a lot better. This just happens every time. Maybe I'm the difficult one!!!! :) :) I thought I better start journaling more of my thoughts. Next thought will be happy. ha ha

This is the cut I was trying to get

Thanks Dani for the haircut Idea!!

I've been MIA for a bit but I'm back

2011-12-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

I lost my camera for a few weeks and we finally found it. It was tucked under the couch in a hidden pocket. I know I looked there but I guess I didn't do a very good job. I am usually better at finding things like that, but this time it was Allen! I'm just glad we found it. So her is what's been going on lately.

Addison has become a Momma's girl lately. For the last few weeks since her Morales have been coming in the only person she wants is me...I'm not liking it to much. It's hard carrying her around all the time with my ever-growing pregnant belly.

Addie is still loving her baths. She starts off in the shower with daddy and then when he gets out, he plugs the tub and she finishes up with her bath. We have to keep a little water flowing so she can play in it. I think that's her favorite part right now

Right now she has three favorite things, reading, watching Tangled and eating!!!!!!! She really enjoys helping me with the laundry especially folding her cloths.

Lately she loves to stand up on the mirror and look at her hair. We sit in the sink to do her hair. Sometimes she brushes her teeth and other times she puts lip gloss on.

She will try anything. I was making pasta and she wanted a piece of red bell pepper. I gave it to her, she ate it and wanted more. Then she ate raw cauliflower. She had a harder time chewing it.What a good girl.

She is getting more and more attached to her blanket. I don't care if we drag it all over but it won't last long that way because the blanket she chose is so thin and oh what am I going to do????

It doesn't matter how cold it is outside, we go for walks and she stays bundled up. She's just glad to be outside.

She has really enjoyed baby dolls lately. I know what Santa is bring her this year......

We still love doing all different kinds of things to this little girls hair. She agrees for the most part...when she doesn't mom doesn't give in either

New Puppy?????

2011-12-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

Maggie is the shaggy dog don't you know!! She was pulling out her hair and I was finding clumps everywhere and I was starting to go nuts so I decided it was time for a good shaving. I don't think I have gone this long before we got it cut.

Before:

After:

Moving on to the Christmas Season

2011-11-30T10:54:00.000-08:00

Leaving fall behind is always hard for me to do, but then I get really excited to listen to Christmas music, decorate the tree and then watch White Christmas to get my season started right.

I dressed Addison in her red plaid shirt for church to kick off December. She looked all grown up and Allen kept asking her when she turned 14.

Addison was siting by the tree in her rocker the before I got it decorated. Then the snowmen took it over so she's gonna have to rock in it later!! She loves to be by the Tree and has been really good not to touch it.

Oh and she likes to sit under the desk and watch her now favorite show, TANGLED.

Mommy's Big Helper (thanksgiving)

2011-11-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

These days I have a helper and she's good at making the mess worse for sure, but I love it!! Addison helped me make the pies for thanksgiving. What a CUTE MESS is all I can say..........

The next day daddy kept her entertained while I made the rolls, jello and my favorite Craisins salad

We had a Fun Thanksgiving. It's not the same as it use to be since I have a husband who works in retail, but we make due.

Well it's official............

2011-11-18T16:32:00.000-08:00

WE ARE HAVING ANOTHER GIRL!!! Allen's going to have to wait on that boy, but he's excited for this new tenderhearted girl to join our family. I was going to be excited for whatever this baby was, but for me the excitement comes when you find out. I was quite excited,@Heather, I would have stopped by baby gap today if there was one close by!!! I'll have to go to Salt Lake soon!!!!

Recipes to Try...Lemonade Layer Cake

2011-11-17T08:11:00.001-08:00

This recipe comes from Cooking light

Ingredients

Cake:
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
3 tablespoons thawed lemonade concentrate
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Click to see savings
2 large egg whites
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups fat-free buttermilk
Click to see savings
Cooking spray
Frosting:
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Click to see savings
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
Click to see savings
2 teaspoons thawed lemonade concentrate
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.
To prepare cake, place first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 5 minutes). Add eggs and egg whites, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda; stir well with a whisk. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture; beat well after each addition.
Pour batter into 2 (9-inch) round cake pans coated with cooking spray; sharply tap pans once on counter to remove air bubbles. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pans. Cool completely on wire rack.
To prepare frosting, place 2 tablespoons butter and the next 4 ingredients (2 tablespoons butter through cream cheese) in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, and beat at low speed just until blended (do not overbeat). Chill 1 hour.
Place 1 cake layer on a plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Store cake loosely covered in the refrigerator.

Gammy and Pops......

2011-11-16T14:03:00.001-08:00

It was fun to have Gammy and Pops come and visit us in the big truck. They brought Addison's rocking chair and she loved it. She wanted to rock in it all the time with her babies and blanket.

Lately she doesn't like to smile when she see's me get out the camera. So I guess there going to be a stage that is without smiles!!!

It only took a few hours for Addison to remember her Gammy! Then they were best buds!!

Allen had a long week and so he and the puppy decided to take a Sunday morning nap!!

Addison wanted to take Pops on walks around the house. It was pretty cute.

We were sad to see them go, but can't wait till they come back. We definitely had winter weather, but didn't mind it much!!! We canned the two pumpkins I had left, then did some black beans and then mom had to leave and I finished up with the pinto beans.

Recipes to Try...Raspberry Cheesecake in Jars

2011-11-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

Ingredients
for the cheesecake:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (16 whole graham crackers, ground)
2 tablespoons sugar
8 tablespoons butter, melted
4 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
4 eggs, room temperature
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I used 1/4 teaspoon vanilla paste)
zest of 1 lemon

for the Raspberry Topping:

2 pints of fresh raspberries
strawberry or raspberry jelly

Other toppings: Mini chocolate chips. You can really do anything you like for the toppings. All kinds of fruit would work, caramel sauce, meringue, etc.

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.

Spray the jelly jars with non-stick cooking spray, making sure to spray the bottoms so the crust doesn't stick.

Blend the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter in a bowl. Place about 1 heaping tablespoon of the crumbs into each jelly jar and tamp down to make the crust (I used a wine cork).

n a large mixer bowl, mix the room temperature cream cheese with the sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well. Add the sour cream, vanilla and lemon zest and mix until well incorporated. Fill each jelly jar with about 1/3 cup of the filling, leaving room at the top for your topping.

Place the jars in a large roasting pan or two deep baking dishes. Fill the pan with hot water halfway up the jelly jars. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove jars with tongs and place on a wire rack to cool.

For the raspberry topping: pick over the raspberries and discard any that are moldy or bruised. Place 7 raspberries on top of each cheesecake. Heat about 1/3 cup of the jelly in a microwave and stir so that the jelly is spreadable. Brush the tops of the raspberries gently with the jelly to glaze them. Refrigerate cheesecakes until ready to serve. Can be made the day before.

Just a busy little girl

2011-11-10T12:34:00.000-08:00

This little girl is all over the place. She loves playing in her room with her shoes and then toys come second.

She got up on the couch all by herself to look out. Later I found out that daddy had helped her up the other day so when I saw this she was already a pro.

I broke out the spray bottle because Addie has been objecting to getting her hair done lately. I tell her that this is just part of being a girl. The routine of doing hair has to never stop or else mommy will get lazy! Oh and we've got to get rid of the bottle. She has only had it lately since those darn morales are coming in. Below she was having a rough day with a fever and all.

Even though it's getting colder, this little one insists on going outside still. If she would keep her gloves on I would feel better about it, but she's having fun, so I just go with it!!! It's been really hard to get a good picture of her and I because she always likes to look at he when we take a picture. So this is what we get.

Recipes to Try...Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Vanilla SheetCake

2011-11-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

I was glancing over Pinterest again and saw a yummy picture, so I went looking for the RECIPE...and found it!!

Cinnamon Pumpkin Vanilla Sheet Cake

2c. flour

1 1/2c. sugar (can use yellow cake mix)

1Tbs. baking powder
4 eggs
1/2c. canola or vegetable oil
1/2c. milk or buttermilk
3.4oz box Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
1/2c. sour cream
15 oz can pumpkin

1 stick unsalted butter
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 cups powdered sugar
1/4-1/2 cup heavy cream (start w 1/4 cup and add a little more cream if needed)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and spray a jelly roll pan with non stick cooking spray.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in the mixer until airy. Then add eggs, oil, milk, pudding, sour cream and pumpkin in with the flour mixture and mix all at once. Pour into prepared pan, spreading evenly.
3. Melt butter. Add brown sugar and cinnamon to bowl, mixing until combined. Drizzle mixture evenly over cake then take a knife and run it through to swirl.
4. Bake cake for 30-35 minutes, until cooked through and remove. Place powdered sugar and cream into a large bowl and mix until creamy and smooth. Drizzle over warm cake then let cool before cutting into squares. Refrigerate if not serving same day. Enjoy with milk!

Halloween At Grandma's

2011-11-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

We wern't planning on going to Gooding for Halloween but Allen had to work in Boise on Monday, so we headed out on Saturday. Addison loved playing with a new assortment of toys and even found a baby buggy to push them all round in.

Grandma is always a great sport at playing.

Sunday was beautiful, no wind and 60 degrees. I can't believe it's almost November, but Halloween was the next day so it was just a sign of bad weather for sure. WE HAD A GREAT DAY.

Look at our cute little ladybug. We can't believe how big she is. We love her so much.

We took her around to some of the neighbors and then headed off to the trunk n treat. There were wagon rides, which we went on and mommy even got to drive but we didn't have the camera at that time, a cake walk, nail hammering, and hot chocolate. Then we went over to Allen Grandma's and Grandpa's to say hi and visit. Sandra then took us to dinner before we had to head for home. We sure had a fun in Gooding for Halloween.........

15 month Check-up

2011-10-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

Weight: 18 pounds
Height: 28.25 inches
Head:

We went to the Doctor on Oct 24, 2011 for Addison's 15 month appointment and we are pleased to announce we are growing a healthy!!!
Addison is starting to walk, just needing all the practice she can get. She still thinks it's faster to crawl, but as soon as she she realizes it's much more fun to walk because she can carry things in both hands, she will be off and running.

She loves to eat. She eats a lot but seems to get hungry every hour to hour and a half. Maybe because mommy is always eating something....

She is just starting to watch a bit of TV and really is taking a liking to Tangled!!

First Steps

2011-10-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

Mommy and me. Besides curling Addie's hair with the flat Iron today........

She also.......

Took her first steps. Granted it was just 3 or 4 steps alone, but this is progress. Like I said last week, she could be walking if she wanted to but she is just taking her time.

We were playing with her toys and all of a sudden she was standing up by herself hugging her Ernie doll. I got in front of her and encouraged her to walk to me. She SURE did!!!! Where is the insta camera when you need it, but It will always be in my memory.

Oh and I've lost the camera. I must not have very good luck with this concept because this is not the first time and I'm sure it wont be the last. So, I took some pictures with my phone yesterday of her standing and then walking. She started behind her blanket and now is in front of it.....NOT VERY GOOD PICS BUT WE'LL TAKE THEM UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES!!!

Recipes to Try....Spinach and Artichoke Dip

2011-10-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

I got some artichokes from my bountiful basket and decided this sounded really good. I got this from a friend.

Ingredients:

13.75 oz artichoke hearts packed in water, drained
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup fat free Greek yogurt
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
2/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano
4 oz shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
salt and fresh pepper to taste
olive oil spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°.

In a small food processor, coarsely chop the artichoke hearts with the garlic and shallots.

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Place in an oven-proof dish and bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes, until hot and cheese is melted. Serve right away.

Can be made one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Makes about 3 3/4 cups.

Walking????

2011-10-19T06:33:00.000-07:00

Addison could walk if she wanted to, but like the whole crawling thing, she will when she's ready!!!! She walks around on everything and stand by herself, but hasn't felt the need to make the move. I'm completely okay with it. She is the fastest crawler I've seen so walking (or should I say running) probable won't be any different. We are just enjoying our time together.

This is Addison's second sucker. She was feeling pretty special. I got them for car ride emergencies. She found them and got one herself. It was pretty cute.

Baby #2

2011-10-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

Ready or not here I come Mommy!!! This little girl (The ultrasound tech couldn't be 100%, but was pretty sure on a girl) is due April 1st. Allen is still holding out for a boy!!!!

I wasn't feeling all that great the first of August. I was nauseous, my body ached, and I had no energy to do anything. The flu was going around and we had just been around a lot of people. I decided, what the heck, I'll take a pregnancy test to rule that option out. Well, the opposite of what was suppose to happen, happened!!!!!

We went to the doctor today. The baby is doing great. I thought his was such a cute first picture. Looks like she is already sucking her thumb!! I'm 16 weeks and in complete pain, but excited non-the-less. (the pain part comes from two ovarian cysts...the right side is almost 8cm...I want it out so bad but the doc says to wait!!) if I can make it right

I'm starting to show so decided it was a good time to fill everyone in. (also since the bishop announced it in PEC....even though we hadn't even told him yet...he wanted to share some good news even if it wasn't his to tell) I guess nothing gets past him!!! No big deal though, good way to spread the news!!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

I think I was more excited to go to the pumpkin patch than anyone. As you know I love the fall and all that it incorporates. It was going to be so fun to take Addison, let her ride in the wagon, and find some pumpkins. It was such a beautiful day and right when we got there, you guessed it, the wind kicked up. It wasn't to cold just annoying. Once we found Addie one just her size she made sure it was right there with her. It was really cute. She had the cutest smile on her face the whole time. I love seeing her so happy. Well that only takes her being outside. I'm kinda sad winter is coming...It's gonna be a long one!!!

Jackson

2011-10-09T05:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Allen and I decided to take a drive to Jackson to see all the colors and breath the mountain air. It has snowed the two days before and had melted just for us. It was still on the mountains and on the peak before coming down into Jackson Hole, but everything was so beautiful. FALL Really is my Favorite time of year. We ate lunch, walked through the shops, got a parking ticket...which we are not paying because we were not in the wrong, and had a treat at our favorite little bakery (cherry pie and Ice cream). I was a very nice day and think we're going to make it a tradition to drive to Jackson every year to see all the fall colors!!!!!! We might have to take a different car so not to be impounded or something like that...

Every Day is an Adventure...........

2011-10-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

I just can't help but love this face.

We tried curlers for the first time. They worked really good.

She loves to help me with the cloths and it just takes twice as long.

This picture makes me so happy. She has a pretty good laugh on her. It's so cute.

We almost have to bottle gone, but her eye teeth are coming in so she needed some comfort and I was okay with it!

We had a visitor the other day and loved it. We need to see more of him!!!

When October hits, I get hungry for Navajo Tacos. I get a little homesick for home, it reminds me of Halloween, Homecoming and FAll all wrapped into ONE.

I hate the smell of grease in my house so we used the burner on the grill and made the fry bread out there. It worked really well. For not being a native, I think I did pretty good!

Mommy was sick today and not looking her best, but we still had a good time going to the fish hatchery with the cousins (Allen's side of the family).

Last Days of Summer

2011-09-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

I really love what summer has to offer, but I am always ready for a change in season. I say this all the time but FALL is coming and I can hardly wait!!!!

We are just soaking up the sun and not worrying about dressing warm. We play out in the yard, do a little ATving, Visit family, try new hair do's, make messes, and hang out!!!

She has a drawer in the bathroom. I put treasures in there for her to find. It really does help keep her from getting into the other ones. She sure knows it's hers!!!

We always like to do hair. Addison may not like it, but she sure looks cute when we're done.

My brother Chad had his second baby, Ruby, at the end of July and we we're all able together for her blessing

There is my little girl. Digging in the dirt and playing outside

The toothbrush sure helps when it comes to hair time.

Boat Ride

2011-08-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day, but Allen had to work, so when he was done he rushed home and we headed to the reservoir for an evening boat ride. We had a great time. We strapped Addison in and took off. We wanted to make sure that Maggie wouldn't jump in so Allen threw her right in....Well she can puppy paddle pretty good!!

Addie is just a growin!!

2011-08-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit tired the last few weeks, but need to get a post in since it has been a while. I know, I've been doing really good. Since we've gotten home, I've just been trying to play catch up!!

I'm so glad that everyday Addison loves books more and more. I will hand her one in the car and she will sit and read it. Same as she's doing here, reading it by herself. Of course it's always more fun when mommy reads them, but then that is all we would do all day long!!!

We sure do love baths. I'm afraid the older she gets the harder it's going to be to pull her out of the Tub!!

She loves to try and put mommies shoes on. It's so cute to watch her try to put her own shoes and cloths on when she finds them. She is a smart little girl.

She sure loves her daddy. Sunday morning are his!!! Doesn't he look awake...it's good for him.

We really do have a happy baby on our hands. It's so funny cause at times she reminds me she still has a set of lungs on her!

These TWO PICTURES make me realize my baby is growing up. As all you mothers out there know, its a bitter sweet feeling.

Cleaning and Blanket

2011-08-02T09:05:00.001-07:00

Today Addison and I cleaned the kitchen, her room and started cleaning the bathroom, but this little girl was getting tired. She sniffs for her blanket and when she gets it, she smells it and hugs it!!!, I was trying to hold her off till noon, trying to transition into ONE NAP, but she wasn't having any of that.

She has been sleeping almost 3 hrs in the morning and then she lays in her be around 2:30 or 3:00 for another nap that she might sleep 30 min. So, hence by 6:30pm she is a bear and needs to go to bed but I have to hold her off till at least 7 so she will sleep till 7-7:30am. I was hoping she was going to wait till the summer was over to change, but I think she's ready now. The long nap will be good, but I will miss the two naps. (the time to get more things done)

Oh, cleaning Addison's room was fun because it was a disaster!!! We hadn't for a few days and there were toys and cloths everywhere. We got dressed, picked up toys and went to go through her shoes and she thought that was pretty fun. One of the many things she's enjoying is pulling everything out of somewhere and leaving it for mommy to clean up!!!

Quick & Crusty French Baguettes

2011-08-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

I found this while searching around. They are quick and easy!!

2 cups very warm water
1 packet yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
3-4 cups flour

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Set the bowl on top of your preheating oven for ten minutes. Stir in the salt and add the flour a half-cup at a time, until the dough becomes soft but not sticky. Knead the dough until elastic.
Cut the dough into four even pieces. Roll each of them into four long, thin ropes. Twist together two of the ropes to form one loaf. Twist the other two ropes together to form a second loaf. Transfer both onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
You can now bake the loaf right away (if you’re in a hurry) or allow it to rise for an additional 15-30 minutes on top of your warm oven.
Now for the SECRET: Fill a large bowl with 3-4 cups of ice. Open your hot oven and place the baking sheet with the baguettes inside, then toss the ice cubes on the bottom of the oven and quickly shut the door. Do NOT open your oven for 15 minutes. Bake until golden brown, about 15-18 minutes.

Cherry Picking

2011-08-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Cherry pie or cherry crisp is probable one of the best things around if made with pie cherries, sorry not the ones you buy at the store, home grown and picked with love!!!!!

Growing up we had cherry trees and having those in the freezer to just pull out was taken for granted. For the last few years I have kept my eye on who has a tree, and are they going to use them? Well Last year I had just had Addison so no energy, but this year down the street and around the corner from us is a pie cherry tree. When I saw they were ready to pick and no one was picking them, I went a knocking. For three days I knocked morning and evening, no answer??? Then on sunday going to church I saw cars in there driveway. They had been out of town.

They said I could have a the cherries I wanted (because they were sour to them)they are pie cherries but good for me....wooo hooo!!!!

We picked three Ice cream buckets and I really need to go finish picking the tree, cause the rest are ripe and will be gone in another day or so, but I'm so happy to have cherries in the freezer to use for the year till I can pick again.

I though this little girl was going to give a sour face when she tried the cherries, but she loved them and wanted more...go figure!!!!

Recipes to Try.....Coconut Crusted French Toast

2011-07-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

I was looking on pinterest and saw this picture and wanted to find the recipe. It's very simple, but here it is.

Coconut Crusted French Toast with Bananas and Strawberries

Ingredients

Sweet Hawaiian Bread

milk

eggs

Vanilla

coconut

berries

bananas

coconut syrup

Make french toast as your normally would using Kings Hawaiian sliced bread. Before cooking on pan, put coconut on both sides of french toast. Cook as normal.

Add berries and bananas and coconut syrup and enjoy!

Coconut Syrup

I just heat up a can of cocoa Lopez and poor it over the french toast, but you can make your own if you'd like.

1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups light corn syrup
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Whisk together the coconut milk and cornstarch in a saucepan until the cornstarch is dissolved. Pour in the corn syrup, sugar, and coconut; bring to a boil, stirring continually. As soon as the mixture comes to a rolling boil, remove from heat. Allow to cool completely before serving.

PicTurE reCap Of tHe lAst YeaR

2011-07-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

Look how much Addison has changed!!!

Five movies I'll drop everything to watch

2011-07-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

Today I was reading a post on the Pioneer Woman, which I love by the way, and I decided to answer the question my self. "What five movies would I drop everything to watch?"

1. The Man from Snowy River

"I'll be back for them and whatever else is mine......" She's not for you lad, He's not a lad brother, he's a man!!!! The man from snowy river!!!!!
This is my all time favorite movie. I have a lot of all time favorites, but This one leads the pack in that category!!!!

2. Secretariat

"I've run my race, now it's your turn to run yours!!" I know this movie isn't an old one, but every time I get sucked into this goody, I get so emotional. My one dream would be to have a horse farm and be apart of this life (here's for living through something, right!)

3. Ann of Green Gables & Ann of Avenly

I have the best memories of siting in the the back room with grandma, both of us on the same chair, (an old green rocker that spun) and watching movies...especially this one.

4. State Farm (the 1945 version) & Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

I posted these together on #4 because I always think of these two movies together. I don't know why, maybe it's because I always watched them close to each other. You know afternoons with grandma will do that to ya!!!!

5. Gone with the Wind

I love this movie, and I always will even though sometimes it makes me so mad!!! I just want to change the ending (and everything that let up to it) , then it would be perfect....but I know, I know, that's the lesson we must all learn sometimes!!

Recipes to Try.....Red Velvet Sheet Cake

2011-07-27T16:09:00.000-07:00

Red Velvet Sheet Cake--from the Pioneer Woman

1 cup Shortening
1-3/4 cup Sugar
2-1/2 cups Cake Flour
1-1/4 teaspoon Salt
2 whole Eggs
1 cup Buttermilk
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1-1/2 teaspoon Vinegar
1-1/2 ounce, fluid Red Food Coloring
1-1/2 teaspoon Cocoa Powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Thoroughly spray a large (18 x 12) sheet cake pan (or you can use a slightly smaller jelly roll pan) with nonstick baking spray. Be sure to get in all the corners of the pan.

Sift together cake flour and salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, stir together buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and baking soda. Add vinegar and stir. Set aside.

In a separate small bowl, mix together cocoa and red food coloring. Set aside.

Cream together shortening and sugar until fluffy. Alternate adding the flour mixture and the buttermilk/egg mixture until all combined. Pour the red mixture in and beat until combined.

Pour batter into prepared sheet cake pan. Use a large offset spatula or knife to even out the surface. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove pan from oven and allow cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Place a large cutting board on top of the cake pan, then invert the cake, allowing it to turn out onto the cutting board. Allow cake to cool completely before icing.

Milk Roux Frosting (This one's mine!)

4 Tablespoons Flour
1 cup Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1/2 cup Butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup Granulated Sugar

In a small saucepan, whisk flour into milk and heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. You want it to be very thick. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. It must be completely cool before you use it in the next step. Stir in vanilla.While the mixture is cooling, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You don't want any sugar graininess left. Then add the completely cooled milk/flour/vanilla mixture and beat the living daylights out of it. If it looks separated, you haven't beaten it enough! Beat it until it all combine.

This is the only frosting for my Red Velvet cakes, so it's only right to use it with this sheet cake version.

Frost the sheet cake and garnish it with whatever you'd like!!!!

Addie is ONE year old!!!!!

2011-07-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm a slacker. July thus far has been really busy for us. I'm just now getting back into the swing of things.

We made it.....ONE YEAR OLD!!!!!!

Addison turned 1year old on July 14, 2011. Wow where did that year go. She's a pretty big girl these days...so she thinks!!!

We went to the doctor July 12, 2011 she's still a tinny girl!!!

Weight: 16.5 pounds

Height: 27.5 inches

Head: 17

She is growing, changing and becoming more of a wiggle worm every day. Church is wearing mommy and daddy out!!!! She crawls everywhere and it seems wherever Maggie is (the puppy), she is right behind. She loves the dog food and I've tried to hide it three times, but she keeps finding it! She's standing up on everything and walks along it. She's pretty wobbly still and she has such little legs. We love this little girl and can't wait for this next year to see how she grows and develops!!!!!!!

*She wrinkles her noise just like her mommy

*She Loves her blankie. She asks for it by sniffing fast (kinda like what you would do when making a bunny rabbit sound)...it is the cutest thing!!! I wish she would have chosen a more sturdy blanket that was going to last because she has it everywhere. I wait till she's asleep to take it and wash it. I feel a lot of fixing and mending coming on!!

*Going outside is her favorite thing to do. After she eats dinner and we're waiting for daddy to get home, we play out in the front yard. She knows when that time is because if we don't go, she points to the door!!

*She still loves food, but lately she know what she wants a bite of. She was eating carrots, pork chops and rice, and apple sauce the other night and I was helping her because the rice and applesauce aren't easy to eat with hands. I tried to give her a bite of applesauce and she wouldn't take it because she wanted carrots but then the next bite she would take it. She is really starting to show her personality....she really know what she want's and is starting to let us know!!!

*She loves to wave. When she see's one of us on the other side of the room, she starts waving and gets this cute little grin on her face.

*She loves reading. Her favorite book right now is perfect pets (you can feel the pets). We just got a few new books from Nanny that pop out at her. She is a tad leery when they first pop out, but then she laughs and wants me to do it again!

*We sing songs a lot during the day and Wheels on the Bus is her favorite right now.

*Whenever you ask Addison for a kiss, she sure gives you one, mouth wide open and wet...it's so cute! Daddy doesn't like them so much.

*I always know where Addison has been, she leaves a trail (mess!!) behind her.

*When Daddy gets home from work Addison wont let him put her down or give her to Mommy...She just want's him!!!!!

Top Teeth are In

2011-07-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

Well from a week and a half ago to this week, we are doing a lot better. Addie's top two teeth are in and the two side teeth to those are now trying to come in. They're just not as fast as the front tops. I asked Addison to show me her teeth and this is what we got. She is quite a funny little girl!!!! She wrinkles her nose just like her momma!!

Life's little pleasures

2011-07-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was quite an eventful day. I love to curl up Addison's hair but we are still dealing with her baby fine hair which doesn't hold the curl very well. Gel and hairspray help a ton but after her morning nap it's pretty wild and the curl pulls out. It' sure is cute though.

I was pulling weeds in the front yard and Addison was playing with rocks, dirt and then trying to eat the dirt. She couldn't quite fit the rocks in her mouth; thank goodness they were too big. She was having a blast!!!

Addie always wants mommy's phone and sometimes I let her play with it because it makes her so happy, but I have to be careful cause she sucks on it and it can't take much more of that!!! (look at those big tears because she thinks I'm not going to give it to her, and then that huge smile...how can I not)

Solar Cooking

2011-07-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

Well I'm giving a demonstration on solar cooking tomorrow. I built this solar funnel cooker a month ago and have been trying different things. I've boiled water in an hour, made carrots and potatoes in 2hrs, made rice in 1.5 hrs, and today I tried biscuits. They have been cooking for an hour now and are not quite done, so here I am just waiting for them.

4th of July Weekend

2011-07-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

A year ago at this very time I was ready to pop with Addison. I had her 10 days after the 4th. I can't believe it. I looked back on last year and....how time flies!!!

We had a great 4th!!! We attended the twins (Cody and Kylie) Baptism, two full days of boating; which grandma stayed home on Monday and watched Addie while she took a nap. Two days of boating for her would have been too much! Fire works again from the reservation, and fun down time with the family and a fun four wheeler ride for Allen and I.

Look at this Hot Stuff.......Allen says, "he's out of shape." He could barley pull himself back in the boat after 3 runs. His runs are record long. He can hold on for ever, but this time they were just normal....he was a little depressed. Lets just say he started lifting weights last night and ran on the treadmill. HA HA HA

Girls Day..........

2011-06-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

My good friend from Logan, Lisa, came to visit with her baby girl Katie. It's always good to catch up and do fun things. We went to Costa Vida for lunch, made hair accessories while the girls napped, and then went to the mall to do some looking and found a few good deals!!! These two girls are growing up so fast.

Popsicles make it all Better

2011-06-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

For a month now, Addison has been trying to cut her top 4 teeth. The cranky part has been on again off again during this time. I could tell yesterday they were going to pop anytime...today they broke the skin!! It was an emotional day but a walk, because Addie love outside, and Pedilyte Popsicles did the trick.

She has really been happy considering the situation, I think!!!

Random Thoughts I had Today!!!

2011-06-21T08:44:00.001-07:00

Allen wasn't feeling good last night, and then when he woke up this morning, he still wasn't. We think he has another kidney stone brewing. He was grouchy, and I guess I would be too, so we didn't have our normal morning routine. We lay in bed, Addison plays with her toys, and we just catch up on what's happening for the day. I made his lunch and then Addison and I went out to work in the garden. He left and didn't say anything. We're not mad at each other, but I guess we're having an unspoken tiff. (a common woman thing to do, can we get rid of some of these hormones...ha ha) When this happens I tend to reflect on what inspires me to be and do better. I think, "how can I change me for the better"

Here are some random thoughts I had this morning while taking it out on the weeds!!!!

I was brushing up on a book the other day, remember reading this quote, and it really hit home...AGAIN!!

"If we are to develop an intimate relationship, we need to know each others desires. If we wish to love each other, we need to know what the other person wants."
-Gary Chapman

I remind myself often that President Hinckley always said, "repetition is a law of learning". Work, dedication, and sacrifice will never fail you!!! That's what this life is really about, we will make mistakes, but it's what you do after that...do you learn from them or do you do them again...that is the question!!

I always thought that if you know better, then you do better. As I watched Oprah this last season, her 25th...the only one I've ever watched, I guess this was her saying too, so she can have to credit since I thought it and shaped my actions around it, but didn't voice it. Ha Ha!!!

My parents were really good at teaching us kids to, "worry about ourselves". I've taken that a step further to not being hypocritical. I get mad inside that Allen doesn't hang his work shirts up or put his pants back in the drawer, or other stupid little things, but then I don't do it sometimes either, so I can't get mad at him!!!

We can't work on everything at once or we just get overwhelmed and nothing changes. Choose the one that enables you to help the others seem easier.

11 Months.........

2011-06-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

I posted a picture of this little "Doll" of a girl, as she was refereed to in the comments, on facebook and it just really hit me that they grow so fast! Pretty soon I'm gonna want another sweet baby to cuddle and love! Isn't it funny how you have those feeling until your family is complete. I know why Heavenly Father created the cycle of life the way he did. (there is no greater joy for me than raising babies in the gospel with my hot husband!! I told him that yesterday for FATHERS DAY)

Allen and his little grumpy girl. Church= a hard day for this little one.

We are happy to announce that Addison is completely MOBIL these days. She's played around with the idea for 2 months, and now it's in full force!!! Lets be honest, I'm really happy, actually!! I knew that when she could finally do what she was thinking, she would be a lot happier too!

Addie is getting more and more attached to her binky. I'm sure you said the same thing to yourself on this round of pictures. I think after we go to Denver in July, its just going to become a bedtime thing. When she can take it out and put it back in when the sacrament comes around, Mommy thinks it's time to loose it. It is really cute when she pulls her blanket around with her to find her binky on the floor, though.

She been pulling herself up on things since before she was crawling, but the other day I went to get her up from her nap after I was beckoned, like usual, and low and behold, she was standing in her bed. I consider myself lucky that she hasn't done it before now. With that being said, I don't like it!! She's a great napper, but yes, you guessed it, naps have been quite hard this week, but today She's done good so maybe she's use to her new found freedom :)...

She loves to go outside. Whenever I'm getting ready to go outside, I ask her if she wants to go. I always gets really excited...she knows exactly what I'm asking her!

Look at this little girl.......

2011-06-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

I tell ya, where has the time gone?? Everyone can't believe Addison isn't one yet (it must be all the hair that throws them off). She's so tiny. Did you know she is still wearing 3-6 months, but we are jumping to 6-9 because we have some cute stuff and want to wear it. I washed it all in really hot water and put it in the dryer. Worked like a charm!!

She is starting to get into things and I love it. I showed her how to open the cabinet and she pulled out the pots. I could tell it was so much fun.

She got this fun car for Xmas from Gammy and Pops, and we just put it together this week and she loves it.

Good morning. She's probable thinking, "mom put the camera a way...I just woke up!!"

When she takes a nap, she pushes up to the top of her crib. She doesn't move much when she sleeps!! But she sure loves her bunny and blanket, she hold onto them tight.

Warm Weather

2011-06-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

Really we're going to have 4 days straight of warm weather???? I'll take it. I have to......

(1)Finish planting the garden. I planted the carrots, corn, and green beans, but I waited to plant the green chili, tomatoes, and onions until the frost warning cleared. I am so excited to have a garden this year and I hope it goes well. (2)Clean up the front yard. It looks like bums live here. I have to clean out my flower pots, the flower beds and dig out the dandelions in the yard. Oh ya and spray all the weeds coming up in the driveway. (3) Plant the seeds to all the flowers I harvested last year(zinnia in the front bed and other seeds I'm trying in my pots). I'm so excited to see how the mix will come out this year. I was able to get a few flowers to have a few pots, you know me, they make me so happy!!!

And of course enjoying the sun is the MOST IMPORTANT!!!!!

I love these quotes!!!!!

2011-05-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have this quote on my fridge so that it will speak to me every morning...

"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is, It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us."--President Gordon B. Hinckley

I posted this on my Facebook Status yesterday and I really do think this Idea is what helps me move forward....

We spend our days waiting for the ideal path to appear in front of us, but what we forget is that paths are made by walking, not by waiting.

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

2011-05-31T10:16:00.000-07:00

Can I just say, "what a cold and dreary weekend it was." I was just wanting a little sun and warm weather. I know it will come soon enough, but it would've been nice for the weekend. Oh well, murphys law, it always happens!!

Addie and Sierra played with toys, which was really fun. I did the big girls hair, and Allen shot a lot of rock chucks and one truck mirror!!! (I'm glad it was him and not me!!)

Two years ago memorial weekend, right before we were married, we went to Shoshone Falls because I had never been there. It was beautiful. The run-off was so much and I thought it compared to Niagara, REALLY!! I wanted to go this year and take Addison. It was cold, and rainy, but after we got there and were about to leave the sun came out for just a bit and made it all worth it.

When we got home and I was showing Allen the pictures from this time and then I showed him the pictures from when we went last time. He said, "what happened to those young shinny good looking people." "Marriage and a baby", I said. Usually that reaction happens a few more years down the road, but Allen and I got started a little later in life. I've vowed though, I'm getting into shape and going to fit into my pre-baby cloths before summer is over...this is ridiculous!!!!

2008

2011-It really is all worth it, look at that cute little girl of ours!!!

My Sweet little Isabelle!!!

2011-05-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

I have to say this little girl and I have been kindred spirits since the day I met her, about a week after she was born. She was always by my side. She turns 12 Today!!! I spoke at her baptism and that seems like just yesterday. We love you belle!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISABELLE !!!!!

Is there sun today?? I don't think so!!!!

2011-05-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

This week we have really wanted the sun to come out so we could Enjoy it and plant our garden......Well the sun came out but the wind was was so cold and it was only 52 here here. We tilled the garden but, it was FREEZING!!! So I'm thinking next week I can plant it, when the ground reaches above 40 degrees.

Stuck indoors waiting for Summer. Maybe it will come soon!!!! I'm having douts though.....

2011-05-25T22:20:00.001-07:00

2 1/2 weeks ago we had a few day of sun and then we went back to rain, snow and cold wind :(. We are still at that point...Mommy and Addie are going stir-crazy. I know the sun is finally going to come and it's going to be 90, but I'll complain about that later. We just want warm, sun shining days!!!

Allen said to me the other day, "we're gonna have to get us another external hard drive just for all the pictures...." I agreed with him, that is just what I want, oh and a new camera too!!! Maybe for Xmas??

Kallie Graduates.......

2011-05-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

Well we will never forget this graduation. We sat down in in the bleacher, there was a light breeze, and really dark clouds in the distance. We knew they were coming for us. You would think that this would hurry things along, cutting out the unnecessary things maybe starting a bit early....

No such luck. 10 or so minutes into it, here came the rain. A spit, then a pee, then downpour. We had a steady rain for the rest of evening, about 2 hours!!!!! Allen got soaked, I shelded Addie, and I had my hood on, but it was not as much fun as the pictures will show. We all wanted to drink Hot Chocolate when we got home. Therefore not pictures with the graduate. Oh Well :( :(

Recipes to try.....Asparagus Bowtie Pasta with Paprika Chicken

2011-05-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

I tried this the other day and loved it. I added some red pepper with the garlic in the sauce for extra flavor. You can serve it with paprika chicken listed below

1 pkg. bow tie pasta
1/2 c. (1 cube) butter (the real stuff)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1-2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 pint heavy cream
salt & pepper to taste
10-15 spears asparagus, blanched
1/2 c. bacon, crumbled
1/2 c. toasted pinenuts (or to taste)
Parsley, to taste
Parmesan cheese, to taste

Boil bow tie pasta in salted water until al dente. In wok or heavy skillet melt butter. Add minced garlic and saute a minute or so. Add Parmesan Cheese and bouillon cube(s). When the bouillon cube is dissolved, slowly stir in heavy cream and salt & pepper. Add cooked pasta to cream sauce and toss until pasta is well covered. Add blanched asparagus. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon, toasted pinenuts, parsley & Parmesan cheese and toss together. Serve immediately.

Paprika Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 c. Italian bread crumbs (you can also use Panko bread crumbs and add Italian seasoning)
1 1/2 cubes (3/4 cup) melted butter
Paprika

Combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and paprika. Dip chicken breast in melted butter. Roll in crumb mixture until completely coated. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes @ 350

Spring Cleaning, Garden, and Yard!!!!!

2011-05-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

I have to say I have a busy few weeks cut out for me. Since I was unmotivated last year for spring cleaning (because I was pregnant) I am two years behind instead of one!!!! I can say that every fan blade is white again, the baseboards don't look grungy, the floor under the fridge and stove are clean and I definitely feel better about myself....whenever the house is clean, I feel at ease!!!!

Lets just say I haven't made it to the Garden, let alone the yard. I think I would rather be outside getting these two thing taken care of first if it wasn't so dang cold, windy, and rainy :( At this rate, I'm thinking middle of may.

Visitors for the weekend

2011-05-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend my cousin Kami and her boyfriend, Ryan stayed with us. They came to run the half marathon in Idaho Falls. I think they had fun running and we had fun having them. We hope they come again!!!!!!!!

10 Months

2011-05-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

10 Months Addie!!! You're getting so big.

I've always said I thought this girl was going to be a feisty one, but now I'm for sure!! I'm sure she takes after her mom in that department I'm afraid!!!

What we can do at this point:

We can play paddy cake. Sometimes she starts clapping her hands so that mommy will start singing

She loves the game of peek-a-boo! She holds the blanket up for me to play and then she will take the blanket so that she can play. Then she starts laughing hard like I'm tickling her. She is so funny.

I sniff her blanket and rub it on her nose then my nose. Then she sniffs at me and rubs the outside edge of her blanket. Sometimes she starts sniffing when she wants to cuddle with her blanket, me, or at times I think she does it to tell me she loves me!!!! It just melts my heart.

We still love our milk and she won't hold the bottle herself because she likes to feel her blanket will she eats. She pretty much feeds herself at all meals. I feed her when we're at church because it's easier, but she likes to do it.

Addison loves to read books. It all started with the hymn books at church like I've mentioned before, but now it's anything that resembles a book. When we sit down in the rocking chair she knows where the books are and she looks for them. We read them and then mommy goes back through a second time and makes all the sounds of the animals, people and things...well that is what sounds I can. She loves it.

STILL NO CRAWLING....Addison has always hated being on her tummy and still does. She army crawls backwards, rolls over and stays put, mostly crying the whole time. You would think that finding freedom would make her happy. I don't know about his girl sometimes. She can sit up from a laying position and is trying to pull herself up on things. She sits on her knee's for a while then falls forward and cries. I really think she wants to walk, but I really want her to crawl. Maybe she will walk and crawl at the same time....who knows. She does have a mind of her own and definitely knows what she wants.

Recipes to Try.....Craisin Granola

2011-04-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

Oh my... this granola recipe is the best. It's great for snacking on in the afternoon or cereal in the morning. I always get hungry at this time so I need something that is going to be fast but good for me. This recipe appears to be high in fat, but it's the GOOD fat and none of the bad fats. Your body needs healthy fat and lots of it - they even help you lose weight! Also, when you're eating WHOLE FOODS exclusively, you don't really have to count calories.
I love it so much and I love it even more when I make it and my house smells heavenly!!!!!!

Craisin Granola

4 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup slivered almonds, chopped even more
1/2 cup coconut (add a little more if you really like coconut)
1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
1 cup craisins
1/2 tsp. sea salt

Mix this all together in a bowl and set aside. Next combine

1/2 cup olive oil
3/4 cup honey

1tsp. almond extract (you can use vanilla)
1tsp. cinnamon
You may have to warm this up just a but so it's easier to stir together with the oat mixture.

Preheat oven to 200 degrees . Add liquid mixture to the oat mixture and stir until well coated. Spread on a large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 1-2 hours. Take out and stir around the hour mark and then as needed. Cool. Store in an airtight container.

Easter and our Little Family

2011-04-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

After we got over Allen's little fiasco, we had a good time!!!! Easter is a great time for me to reflect on what my savior Jesus Christ did for me...

He 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

Happyness can be mine forever with my Eternal Family!!!!!

Here are some of our weekend adventures!!!!!

It finally happened.........

2011-04-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

We were planning on going to Gooding Friday night for Easter weekend. Well we got snow Thursday night and a bunch of Allen's riding buddies went Snowmobiling Friday, but he couldn't because he had to work. He called me and said they were going again in the morning and wondered if we could head out Saturday when he got back. "I guess" is what I said, but really wanted to leave that night. With this being the last ride of the year I was easily convinced.

That morning

Allen was suppose to be home around 4 so that we could head to Gooding. At about 5pm I heard them pull up and he came walking in the door favoring his arm and it was swollen. Right then I though he broke his arm. Yes HE WRECKED!!!! (he has never broken anything up to this point or even been badly hurt afterwards.....was this time going to be different????

He didn't think that anything was broken, but is collar bone area really hurt and his whole hand was swollen clear up his arm. We decided to head to Gooding to meet Sandra and have dinner and pick her out a new computer. We had dinner, picked out a really nice computer and then we decided Allen needed to go to the hospital just to make sure nothing was broken. 2 hours later, that's right ER time translates to YOU HAVE ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD, no broken bones just really bad bruises. I am very thankful he is okay that that his playing part of playing is not to bad!!!!!

After

The handlebars are broken, there is a crack in the hood, and an oil leak, but other than that she is okay!!!!!

9 Month Check-up and 9 Month Pictures

2011-04-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Monday, 4-18-11, we had a busy day. First of all I woke up with a stiff neck...never fun when you want to get things done, and we had to be at the doctors office at 8:45. I know, why do I make appointments so early, because I'm an early riser and so is Addison. After I fee her her milk in the morning, which is between 6:30 and 7am she plays with her toys in our bed for about an hour. We talk and try to wake up daddy who wants to sleep.

Addison is a very happy and healthy girl. She is quite petite though. She loves to eat, never throws up, and has regular healthy diaper changes!!!!! No worries here.

Weight:    15 pounds 8ounces

Height:     almost 27 inches (26 3/4)

Head:       17 inches

We rushed like crazy to get to Idaho Falls to have pictures. We were 15 minutes late and I was like my usual self and stressed...I hate being late, so Allen took it like a pro and calmed me down as much as he could. I love that man...I wish I had his take on life....he is rubbing off on me though...I'm getting better!!!!!

We made it, Addie was happy, the lady was nice and listened to how I wanted the pics to look, I purchased a few shirts, for my changed mommy bod, and then we ate lunch at Cafe Rio!!!!!! THANKS MOM (Gammy)....for the fun day!!!!

Addison army crawled backwards on Sunday. It was so exciting to see her go. I knew she was working on it when she wouldn't instantly roll over to her back. I'm gonna have to BABY PROOF!!!! She's going to be crawling all over in a matter of days. Life is so sweet!!!!!

When Mommy takes out my bows, isn't my hair so cute??!!

Today I was cleaning Ms Addie's room and she was playing on the floor. She army crawled backwards and found her blankey and baby!!!! What a precious moment.

9 Months

2011-04-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Well 9 months is here. It's crazy to think that we've had Addison here with us as long as I carried her. This last month has been really fun to see her pick up new things and start doing them.

She likes to make the same sounds I make. I make bubble sounds and she tries to do them to. She started waving and what can you say...just so cute!!!!

We have a mad cry now. When she doesn't get something she wants...like mommy's phone, or the food I'm eating or I don't pick her up when she thinks I should, we get the uuurrrrrrr cry. She's a feisty one!!!!

This last week, April 8-14, we went to New Mexico to visit. On the way we stopped and met Aunt Daphne and played with Sarah again. We love Sarah!!!! We had a a lot of fun. We wish we were closer and could visit more often!!!! Addison and gammy are good pals now.

Books are so Fun!!!!

2011-04-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

Addison loves to play with all her toys but when she spots a book, that is what she wants. She loves to read look, feel, and hear her mommy make the sounds of the animals.

Her favorite story is about all the animals and the different feels they have. I can already tell she's a smart cookie...we need to keep this up!!!! It's a fun time we share together and will for a long time to come!!!!

Can Spring and then Summer ever come.....

2011-04-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

I looked outside today and yes you know it, SNOW. I decided to have it feel like spring, so I got online and ordered a few spring/summer outfits for Addison. I have a feeling baby cloths are my down fall. It makes it easy to shop for Her because my time to shop will only come when I have lost this baby weight (which I am getting there, just slowly...I'll I want is to bet back into my 8/10 pants, shorts and tops then I will be in great shape).

This is going to be so cute. I can't wait till they get here and it STOPS SNOWING!!!!!!

I love this orange outfit. Looks like she's going to Australia or something!!!!!!

General Conference Weekend

2011-04-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

Since Allen's mom lives so close and gas is to expensive we went to Gooding for the weekend. I love to listen to the prophets and get a new since of purpose and a fire up my bum to be better!!!!!

First conference with Addie was fun, and she loves being free.

Addison let Gma Adams hold her for a little bit. This is Allen's grandma on his moms side!!

Grandma with the two youngest!!!! This is quite a site, both of them with there binky's

81/2 months and still not crawling but....we love it when

2011-04-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

I've been crying and mom tries to take my picture and you can see that my eyes are red. BUT I'M STILL CUTE!!!!! Then mom give me a surprise and I'm happy again.

Spring is almost here, so we wear bright colors to church encouraging it to come faster. I look so cute in my Sunday dress, but mommy has to clean it when we get home from church because I got graham cracker all over it.

Mommy is doing laundry and I have to be right there with her. (and the puppy as usual)

Daddy and I are playing with toys and the puppy wants to play too!!!

Recipes to Try.....Coconut Chicken Salad

2011-03-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

All the recipes I post, I actually make and Love them. I am trying to be more healthy and loose the baby weight. This is so yummy!!!!!

Coconut Chicken Salad

6 (about 12 oz) chicken tenderloins
6 tbsp shredded coconut
1/3 cup panko breading
2 tbsp crushed cornflake crumbs (gives it texture)
1-2 egg whites
pinch salt
olive oil spray
Homemade salad (mixture of romaine, green and red leaf lettuce)

Spinach leaves (optional)
3/4 cup shredded carrots
1 large tomato, sliced
1 small cucumber, sliced

Vinaigrette
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp ground mustard (Dijon will work)
Whisk all vinaigrette ingredients; set aside.

Preheat oven to 375°.

Combine coconut flakes, panko, cornflake crumbs and salt in a bowl. Put egg whites or egg beaters in another bowl.

Lightly season chicken with salt. Dip the chicken in the egg, then in the coconut crumb mixture. Place chicken on a cookie sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup. Lightly spray with olive oil spray and bake for 30 minutes turning halfway, or until chicken is cooked through.

Place a handful of salad on each plate. Divide carrots, cucumber, and tomato evenly between each plate. When chicken is ready slice on the diagonal and place on top of greens. Heat dressing in the microwave a few seconds and divide equally between each salad; a little over 1 tbsp each.

Gammy and Kallie came to visit...then Grandma Strickland

2011-03-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to have visitors this last week!!!! Addison is in that stage where she doesn't like strangers, so we need all the visitors we can get. It took a few days for Addison to warm up to Gammy and Kallie, which was all the time they had with us...we needed a few more days., but we were so glad to have them come. Maybe next time we'll get a few more days!!!!!

Besides the fact that she wanted the cookie scoop, Kallie was getting too close. We made peanut butter Cookies and decided to put some chocolate chips in them...they tasted really good!!!

We were sad to see them go, but we hope to see them the middle of April and then again in July for Addie's first birthday and Nanny and Papa's 50 wedding anniversary.

What a week for Addison, getting to see both grandma's in the same week!!!!

Since Grandma Strickland lives closer and can visit more often, Addison knows her a bit better and doesn't cry for momma!!!!

Recipes to Try.....Chicken and Mushrooms, craisin salad

2011-03-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

This is a great recipe. I love to serve it over rice pilaf and a side of craisin salad.

Chicken and Mushrooms

6-8 chicken tenderloins, slightly pounded out
2 tsp butter
2 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup all purpose flour
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup white wine (If you don't want to use wine, use white wine vinegar for acidity, but it will be a bit more tangy)
1/2 cup chicken broth
salt and fresh pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 200°. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge in flour.

Heat a large skillet on medium heat; when hot add 1 tsp butter and 1 tsp olive oil. Add chicken to the skillet and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side, or until chicken is no longer pink. Set aside in a warm oven.

Add additional oil and butter to the skillet, then garlic and cook a few seconds; add mushrooms, salt and pepper stirring occasionally until golden, about 5 minutes. Add a 1Tbs. flour and mix in.
Add wine, chicken broth, parsley; stir the pan with a wooden spoon breaking up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook a few more minutes and then add the chicken back to the pan. Simmer until combined and sauce is slightly thickened. Serve over whatever you would like, rice, pasta, mashed potato, or asparagus.

I have it with a side of my craisin salad......Would you like the recipe ?

Craisin Salad

Mixture of Romaine, Iceberg (shredded), Red and Green Leaf Lettuce
Italian blend cheese (or just mozzarella and parmesan cheese)
Bacon Cooked and crumbled
Craisins
Slivered Almonds, toasted

I didn't put amounts because you know how much of everything you'll want!!!!

Onion Vinaigrette

1/2c. red wind vinegar
1c. sugar
1-2 slices white onion (how strong do you want it?)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp ground mustard (powdered)
1c. Oil (you can use olive, or salad oil....they each give different textures.)

I put everything except the oil in a blender and blend until smooth. While the blender is till on, slowly poor the oil in until blended.

Let the warm weather begin...........Well today it snowed.........So maybe tomorrow!!!!!

2011-03-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

The ground hog didn't see his shadow, so shouldn't spring be coming????? What we really want is Summer. We had one day this week that felt like spring, but you know Idaho, Winter always comes again :(. Thank you Carters for having a great sale!!!! We love our new sun hat and sandals, Now all we need is a cute suit and we'll be set. I guess we'll just wear them inside for awhile.

PLay DAy!!!

2011-03-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

The other day I received an extra 20% off coupon at carters. I decided to look online to see what caught my eye since I don't have hardly anything for Addie in the 6-9 month range and she's gonna be in that size soon!!! I found a whole bunch...of course. Come to find out, they were having a 50% off sale on most things and an extra 30% off clearance. The closest store to me (who lives in Pocatello) is in Ogden, almost two hours away. You know me, go and do by myself, but that isn't as often cause a baby really does change that....good though!!!!

So, Yesterday I called up my good friend Lisa, who lives in Logan, and asked if she wanted to come with me to Ogden? She has (Brian 6, Tyler 3 and Katie 9.5 months) and it's hard to venture out a lot alone, which is completely normal, so we decided to do it together!!!! I drove to her house and then off in the mini van we went the rest of the way to Ogden, an hour.

We made it to carters and everything we bought was between 5-7 dollars!!!!We promised the boys a trip to the $ store, Brian got a bat and ball and Tyler a balloon, which Brian popped before we made it to Chick-fil-A. I stayed in the car and entertained the babies with graham crackers. I had been craving Chick for a while, so once we finally ordered food and stared eating, we all felt much better and ready for the ride home!!! Overall it was a good trip, but with two babies, a toddler, and a six year old, you're gonna be tired.

I only got the babies waiting in the car eating their yummy crackers, and us with our tiredness look after the big adventure!!!! I wish it would've been more, but oh well I blame the Tired Factor.

Recipes to Try.....Califlower Pasta

2011-03-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

I might not post a new recipe every week but that's the goal. I love trying different recipes or creating my own spin on things. This pasta is so yummy, I eat it for lunch quite often. Don't let the Cauliflower scare you off!!!! It's a really healthy but yummy meal. Just typing this out I want to go make it!!!! Try it and let me know.

Spicy Cauliflower Pasta

12 oz linguine (any pasta will work)
1 large head cauliflower, roughly chopped (about 3 cups)
2Tbs. extra virgin olive oil, (more if needed)
2-3 cloves garlic, diced
1 fresno chili, finely chopped
2-3 Tbs. Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 c. Pasta water (reserve some of the water from cooking the pasta)
Parmesan cheese (I sprinkle it on till I have the amount I want, about 1/2 c.)
Grilled Chicken Breast (optional) for the men mostly

Cook pasta as directed and steam cauliflower until tender. While the pasta and cauliflower are cooking heat the oil and saute the garlic and chili. Stir in the bread crumbs and turn the heat down to med-low. Mix in the cauliflower and add the pasta. Only add enough pasta water to mix everything together so it's not dry. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta...at this point you may need to add a bit more pasta water so that everything mixes together smoothly.

If I'm making this for both Allen and I , I make the chicken, if it it's just myself, I usually omit it...

Grill up a few chicken breasts, thinnly slice, and place it atop the pasta.

Yet another month.....8 to be exact!!!!!

2011-03-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Addison is 8 months old today.

I tell ya when 8 months hit my baby became clingy!!! I know they say this is a stage but can it be over yet (teething doesn't help this process)????? I can't leave the room without her crying, I can't leave her in her high chair very long, she doesn't let people she doesn't know hold her very long which I still push, she gets more distracted when she's eating...she's still a good eater it just takes longer than 5 minutes to be done...mom was GETTING SPOILED, her naps went from 2 hrs to 1.5 just like that (I knew that one was coming just not wanting it), and with all that she still gets cuter and cuter by the day!!!! How is that possible....I tell ya!!!!

8 Month pictures we not as easy this time around. We had crying in a lot of them...and only a few half smiles this time. She is laughing and grunting and trying to do what mommy does. She wants everything I have. Anything new she wants...pots and pans when I'm washing dishes, her new tooth brush, water bottles....no need to buy toys here!!!!

We love books. In her pile of toys that's the first thing she goes for. Cousin Bri was reading her a book with soft pages and she sure got one of them. We have to use cardboard books for now. She is a spunky little one already.

We tried egg yolks for the first time and she likes them but didn't devour them like she did yogurt. She eats anything I give her, but peaches are her favorite. I will give her some cut up bananas and peaches and she will pick out all the peaches. So I have to give her the bananas first then the peaches and that goes with everything. Peaches are last and she will still eat every one!!!! It is the cutest thing.

Having a girl is so much fun!!!! We decided to get some practice in for the summer and mommy wanted to see what we were up against. It definitely wasn't an easy task!!!! She kicks her feet non stop, and wiggles all over the place. Lets just say the first paint job wasn't horrible but didn't look too good either. I though I got the quick dry polish, but we need to find the dry in a minute that actually works. But what cute widdle toes!!!!

Addison is so close to crawling or scooting. She gets on her knees but then uses that move to roll over. We have really been working on it and our goal is by 9 moths...but she may have other plans...so we hope!!!!!

Jimmer Fever......Not me!!!!

2011-03-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

I think all this Jimmer talk is gonna make me sick!!!!!!

He is a great player for his age but let's not let his head get to big to fast. We're beating a dead horse here!!!!!

He's been played up enough to where he might not come through and then his spirit might break. Let's keep him a bit humble people, yes you're at fault not him!!! I know it's BYU's big break AND ALL but their gonna blow it...they always do and if they don't MIRACLE!!!!!!!

(I know I'm gonna catch crap for this....that's why I postED it here and not on face-book!!)

JUST SAYING.................

I LOVE IT WHEN.............

2011-03-10T09:42:00.000-08:00

I am getting Addison dressed and she tries to eat everything especially her shoes.

I get to watch her develop and grow. She is playing with her toys and I know pretty soon she is going to be crawling all over!!!!

We are almost home from running errands and she falls asleep before I can lay her down, but I can't help but think how cute she is.

The mommy's girl thing kicks in sometimes and all she wants is to be with me every minute. I don't always have to be holding her, she just needs to be really close. On fast Sunday I get to get her dressed and do her hair (every other Sundays I go to choir while she takes a nap then Daddy gets her ready).

I made bread the other day and she didn't want to sit in her highchair, but on the counter right by where I was working! Her new thing is she wants to sit on the desk when I'm on the computer. It's okay with me cause I can get something done just a bit faster even though she tries to be involved in everything mommy is doing.

Oh my Goodness........Allen!!!

2011-03-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

I have never seen a kidney stone before in my life. Gross is all I have to say!!!!!

Allen is prone to Kidney Stones...he has already passed several in his adult life but has been fighting another one for over a year....meaning he has been in pain for most of that time. That darn thing!!! Poor guy, I don't have any idea what that's feels like. They say it's the male version of having a baby!!! I think if I had to endure even a little pain from having addie for over a year, I COULDN'T.

We were suppose to go home over the weekend, but the darn kidney stone started really acting up and causing lots of pain. We decided to stay home and relax to try to pass it. With a lot of prayer, seriously, and pain over the last few days, IT'S OUT!!!!!!!! HURRAY!!!!!!!

We now know why it hasn't passed. It was huge...over 10millimeters. Allen said he has never had one over about 5.

Mommy and Daddy

2011-02-25T09:25:00.000-08:00

Allen definitely has more pictures with Addie than I do, so when I do get a picture with her that I don't take myself, it makes me feel happy inside. This little girl has, I think, a very cute personality and every time she does something to show off that personality I just have to take a picture. We took a lot of pictures this week and I'm just going to post some. I am though really excited for it to warm up one day so we can get some outside pictures or pictures of us doing other things besides just staying inside!!!!! I DON'T THINK I CAN MAKE IT.... SUMMER CAN YOU COME SOON PLEASE!!!!!!!!

Addison loves bath time even more now that she's sitting. She splashes non-stop!!!

This little lady has quite the number of faces. We love everyone of them!!!!

Our First Tooth

2011-02-17T08:03:00.000-08:00

I have to say, I don't think I had it as bad as some. Addie was a bit cranky, clingy and didn't take as long naps as normal, but I feel like I got off better than I should have for my first experience in the teething department. She still slept through the night. That fact is the most important to me, but i won't lie, we were excited to see daddy that night!!!!

The bottom two fronts are swollen. The right side has poked through and just waiting for the other side.

A feW moRe fRom 7 MonThs

2011-02-16T21:19:00.000-08:00

Addison just looked so cute, I decided to post a few more pictures of her at 7 months (the day after we got a lot better pictures) That's how it goes with a Baby!!!