Check this out

with this link you can get proof Santa was at your house.
capturethemagic.com

Merry Christmas to ME

Mike surprised me with an early Christmas present. He was so excited, he just couldn't wait until Christmas. I couldn't believe he did this. I love nice hair care products, but can rarely afford them. So I make do with the usual stuff. So he went out and got all of these great products by a company called J-Life. If you have never tried their products you need too. They are new to the U.S. but have been in London for many years. One of my favorite products is the shine spray. You just spray it on like hairspray and it makes your hair very shiny. Their hairspray is awesome too, it is very light weight. They also give you a guide with there products describing the use for each one ( how many of us can remember what each product does). The thing that surprised me is that he got products for my hair type. So just a big shout out for J-Life and my wonderful husband. :)

quiz

I thought this was a fun quiz. Have fun!

Your rainbow is intensely shaded red, white, and violet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is says about you: You are a passionate person. You appreciate beauty and craftsmanship. You are patient and will keep trying to understand something until you've mastered it. People depend on you to make them feel secure.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

The Nativity

I play this for my family every Christmas for FHE. I hope you feel the spirit as we do. Remember to pause the playlist.

Soup's On!

Everyone is always asking for this soup recipe so I thought I would post it. It makes a ton, so half it if you like.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

4 quarts water
12 cubes chicken bouillon
3 small packages frozen broccoli
3 cubes butter
1 ½ cups flour
16 oz cheese whiz

boil water and bouillon then add broccoli. Cook until tender. Melt butter then add flour. Slowly add water from broccoli until desired thickness. Slowly add cheese whiz to soup, don’t boil or it will curdle. Add broccoli and enjoy.

Christmas Poem

Found this great poem for Christmas.



The Night before Christmas for Moms


It was the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode. The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds, while visions of Nintendo 64 and Barbie, flipped through their heads.
The dad was snoring in front of the TV, with a half-constructed bicycle on his knee. So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter, which made her sigh, "Now what's the matter?"
With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand, she descended the stairs, and saw the old man. He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug, "Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."
"Ho-ho-ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake. Your gift was especially difficult to make." "Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone." "Exactly!", he chuckled, "I've made you a clone."
"A clone?" she asked, "What good is that? Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit-chat." The mother's twin; Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.
"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess. You'll relax, take it easy, watch The Young & the Restless." "Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream come true! I'll shop. I'll read. I'll sleep a whole night through!"
From the room above, the youngest began to fret. "Mommy?! I'm scared...and wet." The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart." "Hey," the mom smiled, "She knows her part."
The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune, as she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon. "You're the best mommy ever. I really love you." The clone smiled and sighed, "I love you too,"
The mom frowned and said, "Sorry Santa, no deal. That's my child's love, she's trying to steal." Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear," Only one loving mother, is needed here."
The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed. "Thank you Santa, for clearing my head. I sometimes forget, it won't be very long, when they'll be too old, for my cradle-song."
The clock on the mantle began to chime. Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time." With the clone by his side Santa said, "Goodnight. Merry Christmas, Mom, you'll be all right

Fun Weekend

I thought I would give an update on our fun Thanksgiving weekend. My sister Lisa and her family came from California, it was so nice to see them again. The day after Thanksgiving we did our trip to the mall to see Santa which was alot of fun. If you don't want to wait in long lines and want one of the best Santa's go to Valley Fair Mall. He has areal beard and everything. Porter froze up like ralphy on Christmas story when he was asked what he wanted. Later while coloring the coloring book he recieved he asked are candy canes white and red or red and white? I am so excited for Christmas.

Cyber Monday

So if you didn't already know today is cyber monday the equivalent of black friday here are a few of the deals out there right now for today only. So get shopping.


Free Shipping on any order at Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic ONEDAY - Valid 12/01/08 only
20% off Old Navy Merchandise with code SAVENOW - Valid 12/01/08 only


15% off any order GAP15 - Valid 12/01/08 only
Free Shipping on any order at Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic ONEDAY - Valid 12/01/08 only


20% off MONDAY - valid 12/1/08 ONLY
Free Shipping on any order at Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic ONEDAY - Valid 12/01/08 only


Free Shipping on any order at Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic ONEDAY - Valid 12/01/08 only
10% off EXTRATEN - valid 12/1/08 ONLY

KBToys.com 1 Day Only Steals & Deals Up to 60% off

Possible code:
$5 off $40+ order for new customers ETNLTR

There alot of great deals out there so have fun shopping around and getting a little christmas shopping done.

TWILIGHT

I first would like to say I LOVED this movie. How lucky am I to have a husband that would take me to this movie. I felt completely happy with this movie, and it has been a long time for me to say that about any movie.

I really enjoyed the chemistry between Bella and Edward. It was just like I pictured it when reading the books. I know I am a girl, but I do wish they would have made the fight scene a little more like the book. When it was all over, I was wanting to hit the rewind and start all over again. So hopefully I will see it again. All I know is they better hurry and get the next one out. Hope everyone gets a chance to see it.

Recipe Search

I am in need of some great new recipes, so if you have any send them my way. You know how it gets after so many years of the same things you want to try somthing new. So if you give me one of yours I will give you one of mine, or post it. Thank You.

Cloudy Days

I havn't written for a while. We have all been a little under the weather with a cold. Well, everyone but Mike and Porter. I thought I was finally getting over it and it came back and kicked my butt for round two. Hopefully it will realy go away this time. So here is to hoping that we will all be better soon.

WATCH THIS

I saw this and found it very inspirational. I hope you listen and maybe are comforted in these hard economic times.

New Video For Twilight

Paramore - New Music - More Music Videos

HALLOWEEN PAST

I thought it would be fun to look at some pictures from Halloween's past.

Yummy Cinnamon Rolls

I make these every Halloween. I hand them out to the poor parents who are freezing, along with a cup of hot cider.


Dough:

2 pkg. active dry yeast
1 C. warm water (105-115 degree)
2/3 C. plus 1 tsp. granulated sugar, divided
1 C. warmed milk
2/3 C. butter
2 tsp salt
2 eggs, slightly beaten
7-8 C. all-purpose flour, or more if needed

Filling:
1 C. melted butter, divided (2 sticks)
1 3/4 C. granulated sugar, divided
3 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 C. chopped walnuts, optional
1 1/2 C. raisins, optional
Creamy glaze:
2/3 C. melted butter (1 stick plus 2 Tbsp.)
4 C. powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
4-8 Tbsp. hot water
Methods/steps
In a small bowl mix together warm water, yeast and sugar and set aside. In a large bowl, mix milk, remaining 2/3 cup sugar, melted butter, salt and eggs; stir well and add yeast mixture. Add half the flour and beat until smooth. Stir in enough of the remaining flour until dough is slightly stiff (dough will be sticky).

Turn out onto a well-floured board; knead 5 -10 minutes. Place in well-buttered glass or plastic bowl, cover and let rise in warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

When doubled, punch down dough and let rest 5 minutes. Roll out on floured surface into a 15 x 20 inch rectangle.

To prepare filling: Spread dough with 1/2 cup melted butter. Mix together 1 1/2 cups sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over buttered dough. Sprinkle with walnuts and raisins, if desired.

Roll up jellyroll-fashion and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into 12 to 15 slices. Coat bottom of a 13-by-9-inch baking pan and a 8-inch square pan with remaining 1/2 cup melted butter, then sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in pans. Let rise in warm place until dough is doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until rolls are nicely browned. Cool rolls slightly.

Frosting:

1 lb. Margarine
1 lb. cream cheese
2 lbs. powdered sugar
2 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Methods/steps
Allow margarine and cream cheese to reach room temperature. Beat cream cheese and margarine together in a bowl with a mixer. Slowly add in all powdered sugar. Once all of the sugar is in the bowl mix for at least an additional 12 minutes. When almost done, add in the extracts. Enjoy!

Bread Pudding

If you have had ahard time suceeding with bread pudding try this recipe from allrecipes.com. However I changed a few things from the original. Hope you like it.
Don't forget the ice cream.


Butterscotch Bread Pudding


"Butterscotch chips and brown sugar are the characteristic ingredients in this baked bread pudding."
INGREDIENTS:
1 (10.75 ounce) loaf day-old
bread, torn into small pieces
4 cups milk
1 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup butterscotch chips

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine bread, milk, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla and butterscotch chips; mixture should be the consistency of oatmeal. Pour into prepared pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven 1 hour, until nearly set. (It should have a "thigh wiggle" or wiggle as much as a well endowed thigh.) Serve warm or cold.

I didn't add the thigh wiggle. That is just what it says on the recipe.

What A Mom Says

I think all of us moms can relate to this. Enjoy.

Photography

I thought I would give taking my kids pictures a try this year. Inspiration from Mandy. They actually turned out pretty good. And the cost for prints from shutterfly $10 with shipping. I only ordered 5x7's just to see how they turn out. Here are few of my favorites. The nice thing is that I only had to drive down the road a little ways.

Pumpkin Cookies

3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup shortening
3 cups sugar
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
2 cups pumpkin
4 1/2 cups flour
1 bag chocolate chips
1 bag butterscotch chips

bake 375* on greased cookie sheet 13-15 minutes.

very good. can use all chocolate chips or raisins.

Back Form The Elk Hunt

We all had a fun time up in the mountains. The kids had fun building a fort. It was very cold, but we stayed warm by bundeling up and staying close by the fire.Mike chose not to get a tag this year, he just needed a vacation. I am glad that is what he opted to do, because his dad and brothers hadn't even seen one elk by the time we left to come home. It was realy nice to go up to the mountains and have some relaxation. The fall leaves were very beautiful this year. I am sure glad we have a trailer to keep us all warm. Also so I can cook some good food.

HALLOWEEN

http://imakeprojects.com/Projects/halloween-jars/

check these out for Halloween.

Recipe

So the hamburger bun recipe turned out. I am so glad to finnally found one that works. So here is one of my tried burger recipes you will just have to try on one of the game nights. I got this one from Food Network, Tyler Florence

Stuffed bacon Cheeseburgers

Ingredients
1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack
4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1 pound ground chuck
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 large hamburger buns, split
Ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard, for serving
Lettuce, sliced tomato, onion, and avocado, for serving
Directions
Combine the jack cheese and chopped bacon in a bowl. Put the beef in another bowl and season with salt and pepper; use a rubber spatula to mix it in. Flatten 1/4 of the meat mixture in the palm of your hand. Squeeze together about a tablespoon of the cheese and bacon mixture to make a little nugget; put it in the center of the ground beef. Bring up the sides of the patty over the filling, making sure the cheese is completely covered by the meat. Flatten slightly for a nice patty shape. Set them side by side on a platter in the refrigerator while preparing the grill.

Place a large grill pan on 2 burners over medium-high heat or preheat an outdoor gas or charcoal barbecue and get it very hot. Brush the grates with oil to keep the burgers from sticking. Grill the burgers for 8 minutes per side for medium. (The USDA recommends cooking ground beef until it is no longer pink and the internal temperature is 160 degrees F.) Remove the burgers to a clean side plate while you toast the buns.

Rub the grill rack with more oil and place the buns cut-side down, toast for 1 minute. Serve the burgers with your favorite condiment and any garnish you like, such as lettuce, sliced tomato, onion, and/or avocado.

Found New Cooking Blog

I found this cooking blog, and fell in love with the recipes. I am trying to make the hamburger buns tonight, so I will let you all know how it goes. So be sure to check it out. Don't forget to turn on the speakers and listen to her classic music.
http://prudencepennywise.blogspot.com/

Tagged By Liz

I am: Mom, Daughter, Friend, Sister, Aunt

I think: What can I do to make myself a better person

I know: Life has its ups and downs

I want: My kids to grow up happy and confident

I have: 3 fun kids

I dislike: confrontation

I miss: my sister in California

I fear: dying without doing everything I need to.

I feel: stressed out

I hear: Shelby getting into somthing.

I smell: Apple Pie Air Freshner

I crave: ice cream, Chocolate

I cry: When I watch the notebook or any sappy movie

I usually: cook to feel better

I search: for any kind of bargain

I wonder: if we will ever be truely happy

I regret: losing touch with old friends

I love: my family

I care: about what other people think of me

I always: Want to be a good Mom.

I worry: about my children, what they do when I am not there

I am not: a worry wart

I remember: all the things I wish i could forget

I believe: In God and prayer.

I sing: ABBA when it comes on the radio

I don't always: give people the love they need

I argue: to much lately :(

I write: on a blog.

I win: I usually give in. I hate confrontation

I lose: at any sport

I wish: good health, happiness

I listen: to every kind of music

I am talented: In my kids eyes.

I can usually be found: playing with my kids, or online

I am scared: when I hear strange noises at night. I don't like ghosts.

I need: A girls night out every so often. Its good to let loose.

I forget: Everything, I think I have mommy alteimers

I am happy: when my family is happy

Who I'd like to "Tag" : Dianna, & Mandy

First Day Of School

Finally I am putting the first day of school pictures in a month late. Wow, how crazy a month it has been.Shelby had to get in there of course.

Salsa Making

Well it is that time of year again. Time to start bottling all your hard work into somthing great to enjoy for the winter months. I love canning, it is one of my favorite chores. This year I invited a few of my friends over to help and teach. Chelly canceled last minute, due to sick kids. But still made an apperence with treats to share. What a sweety. So it was just me and Mandy. We had a great time chopping blanching and boiling. And of course chatting. We ended up making 17 jars of salsa each. The day before I made 7 jars of Grandma Hendrickson's chili sauce. Hunter and I are the only ones who like chili sauce. I can't tell you how many memories just the smell and taste brought back of time spent at Grandma's.So here is the Salsa recipe and picture. Maybe you will feel inspired and give it a whirl.


Salsa
36-40 Tomatoes peeled and chopped
6 large onions chopped
2 red bell peppers
2 green bell peppers
10 HOT small peppers(yellow and green)
6 TBS canning Salt
1 ½ TBS garlic powder
1 TBS cumin
1 TBS Oregano
1 cup white vinegar
3 12oz cans tomato paste and 1 6oz can

Boil down to desired consistency and thickness. Process.
Makes 15-16 pints.

trying out our new fire pit

Here are few pictures of us trying out the fire pit in the backyard. We didn't go camping this summer with all the yard work, so this is as close as it gets for us this year.

Been A While

Sorry that it has been so long since my last post. Mike was off all week and had no time to play on the computer. We spent the week pulling weeds and getting all our fall yard work done. We did take a trip to Elko to visit Mikes brothers family. That was a lot of fun. Shelby killed their pet Gerbil. Yikes. She thought it was just sick. I guess that is all you can say to a 2 year old who gets into the gerbil cage and squeezes it a little to hard. I felt so bad. Hopefully we will be able to stay a little longer next time. It has been great getting two of my kids on the full day school schedule. I feel like I can actually get some things done.

I Love This Video

I thought I would share this video with everyone. I think anyone can appreciate this one. Don't forget to pause the music at the bottom.

Weekend Fun

I wish I had pictures to post about the fun times this weekend. However Mike forgot that I had plugged in the battery for the camera to be charged. Left with the camera, no battery, no pictures. Back to the weekend, Mike was in a nationally sponsered ATV race in Wendover, Nevada. I wish I could have been there for all excitement. But the kids wouldn't have lasted with the heat. He went with his brother James and Brother-in-Law Kenzi, Dad Gary on Pit crew duty. He placed 5th which I think is awesome since it was his first race.
While he was gone I took the kids to Stansbury Days, very fun. Great food, lots of activities for the kids. We were going to enter Hunter and his friend Nathen in the cardboard boat race, but the boat didn't get done. So we will go give it a test run on our own when it gets completed. So hopefully we will get pictures.

Recipe

Since it is tomato season, I thought I would post one of my all time favorite tomato recipes.



BLT Egg Bake

¼ cup mayonnaise
5 slices bread, toasted
4 slices process American cheese
12 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
4 eggs
2 tomatoes sliced
2 TBS butter
2 TBS all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 cup milk
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of toast and cut into small pieces. Arrange toast, mayonnaise side up, in greased 8 in square baking dish. Top with cheese slices and bacon. In a skillet fry eggs. Place over bacon. Top with tomato slices: set aside. In a saucepan melt butter add flour salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil: cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Pour over tomatoes. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 325 for 10 minutes.

New Member Of The Family

This is Lexie the newest member of our family. She has so far been a sweetheart. She doesn't bark often (which is rare for min pins) That was of of the biggest reasons I liked her. She is a big cuddle bug. She just loves to sit on your lap. She loves the kids and has been great with them. The true test is to see how she does with all the other family dogs, Lucy, milly & mimi. We'll see how much attitude she realy has.

Princess Quiz

I don't know about the truth to this but it was still fun. Thanks Dianna.


You
Are Snow White!

Pure and trusting. You are a gentle soul who can get along with just about anyone. Everyone you meet instantly falls in love with you. How can they resist? You have a pure, lovable nature that's irresistable. Just don't trust everyone who comes across your path.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Breaking Dawn

I kept telling all those that read the Twilight series books were obsessed for planning on going to the parties for the release of Breaking Dawn. So what do I do? I go. It had to be one of the funnest nights I have had in a long time. My friend Liz, her sister and I started our night at Joe's Crab Shak, then headed to Barnes and Noble for the party. I couldn't believe all the people, and all the crazy attire. We waited in line so we couldget a picture with Edward and Bella look alikes. Liz was just happy to be next to Edward. Next we headed to Walmart for the book I'm glad we did since there were not as mant there as at Barnes and Noble. We waited for an hour, enjoyed cake and people watching. By the end it was so past any of our bedtimes we were laughing at everything. I love the book so far and would recomend it to anyone and everyone.



All of us at Joe's



Edward was exactly what we pictured

Back Home

We had a great time and are very glad to be back. The kids loved the beach. We also had a great time in SeaWorld. Hunter got tired of seeing the shows though and said they were all the same. I have to admit they did get old after awhile. I loved to see the exibits and learn about all the sea life. We also had a good time in Old Town. If you want a great place to stay go to the Pacific Terrace Hotel. Very friendly staff. And great chocolate on your pillow each night. The only complaint I have is that Mike couldn't go. I wish he was there to share this vacation with the rest of the family. Here are a few of my favorite pictures.

Recipe Day

I hope All of you enjoy these recipes as much as me and my family do.

Kielbasa Pasta

1 Kielbasa sausage-sliced
8 oz mushrooms sliced
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 cube butter or margarine
2 tomatoes diced
Fresh or dried oregano

Sauté mushrooms in butter and garlic. Add kielbasa and heat through. Last add tomatoes and oregano to taste. Toss together with angel hair pasta.

I recieved this recipe from my sister. We love it on hot summer nights, when you need somthing fast.

Capellini Pomodoro

¼ olive oil
2 cans diced tomatoes, drained
4 cloves garlic minced
12 leaves fresh basil, chopped
½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper

Place olive oil in hot pan. Add rest of ingredients and cook for 5 minutes. Toss with cooked angel hair pasta. Very good with cooked shrimp also.

Tuesday

I am realy busy this week. I am trying to get everything ready for our trip to San Diego for all of next week. I don't know if I should be excited to go or worried since Mike isn't going. So I will have the kids all to myself. But I just keep telling myself I have them everyday so what is the big deal. It should be fun. Family reunions always are interesting though. My kids have been excited to go for over a month now. And they are being little beasts this week. I don't know if it is pent up excitement or what. I hope it ends this week and they are good for me next week. I want to have some kind of vacation.

In God We Trust

Most major radio stations won't play this song by Diamond Rio. So I thought I would play it for you. Make sure you turn off the music on the bottom of the page.

Very Good Taco Salad

Great recipe for those busy summer nights or camping trip. For camping I make the meat ahead of time and re-heat at camp.


Frito Taco Salad


1 lb ground beef
1 med onion chopped
2(8 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 can water
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp chili powder
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
½ cup raw rice

Brown ground beef and onion together. Drain. Add all other ingredients and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Serve over frito chips, top with cheese and salad of your choice.

Hey All!

I don't know about anyone else, but does summer involve alot of refereeing? I am so tired of breaking up fight after fight. They fight then they say there bored. Mike went 4-wheeling on Saturday so no relief there. I was acctually looking forward to church on Sunday to get so kind of relief. On Sunday we got a call from my cousin Chad and we were happy to have his family come out for a visit. His wife Ann is a sweetheart. I love how she decorates her home and wish I had her talent. After they left we went for a walk . I love the weather out here, there is this nice canyon breeze that cools everything down at night If anyone has sugesstions about activities for my children please let me know.

Weekend Fun

We had a great fathers day weekend. Except for the fact they had us speak in sacrement. I definetly could have done without that. We all surprised Mike with a Darth Vader card that the boys picked out. He loved it. He enjoyed French Toast in the morning. And loved his dinner in the evening. If you try any of the recipes I posted, please try the banana pudding. I have even used those sandies cookies instead of the chessmen cookies. VERY GOOD. I am so grateful for Mike, he is a great husband and father. I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Fathers Day Menu

Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

INGREDIENTS:
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons pineapple juice
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 8 skinless, boneless chicken
breast halves - cut into 2 inch
pieces
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple
chunks, drained
Whole Mushroome(optional)
skewers

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a shallow glass dish, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder. Stir the chicken pieces into the marinade until well coated. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken, pineapple, and mushrooms alternately onto skewers. Grill 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, or until chicken juices run clear. If using bamboo skewers, soak over night. So they won't burn.


Homemade Rice Pilaf

In large sklillet melt 3-4 TBS butter or margerine. Add 1/2 cup broken angel hair pasta noodles and brown. Add 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1 cup rice. Add 1 chicken boulion cube and 2 1/4 cups water. Cover and cook for 25 minutes.

Dessert
Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding

Ingredients:
2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
6-8 bananas, sliced
2 cup milk
1 5-ounce box instant French vanilla pudding
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 12-ounce container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whip

Directions:
Line the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.

In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Yield: 12 servings
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Ease of preparation: easy

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

FUN TIMES

We have had a fun week this week. Well maybe a little crazy. The first week of no school is always a challenge, but this being the second has proven to be more challenging. I am trying to find activities for the kids to do and work around Shelby's nap schedule. Hunter's Birthday was Saturday and he had a great time with his friends. We had a movie party, they watched Indiana Jone's, ate popcorn, and many other treats. It was a lot of fun. We are also in our second week of swim lessons. This weeks activity that we did was go to the Benson Grist Mill. The kids had so much fun and they learned a thing or two which is always great.Here are a few pictures of our fun times.

Summer??

I thought I would post some pictures from our week of yard work, or I guess I should say Mike's. It all looks so great. I am really proud of all the hard work he has done. This morning we woke up to a lot of rain and a lake in our back yard. I hope this doesn't effect the seed Mike planted. I hope the pictures will show you how much was done. I am doing the slide show in order of all the work.

Yard Work

We are finally getting our trees tomorrow. It is starting to look like a yard. Everyone told us we were crazy for moving right when we got our yard looking like we wanted it. We love it out here, and we are so happy. We definitely miss all our old neighbors and wish we could have brought them with us. The yard has definetly been a challenge. What were we thinking a half acre. Looking forward to a lot of fun times spent in the yard though. we are really excited about the fire pit and roasting marshmallows. I think that will be as close to camping we are going to get this year. (gas prices) Hope everyone has fun things planned for the memorial weekend. Hopefully I will get some pictures posted of the tree planting.

The Best Cinnamon Rolls

Dough:
2 pkg. active dry yeast
1 C. warm water (105-115 degree)
2/3 C. plus 1 tsp. granulated sugar, divided
1 C. warmed milk
2/3 C. butter
2 tsp salt
2 eggs, slightly beaten
7-8 C. all-purpose flour, or more if needed

Filling:1 C. softened butter, divided (2 sticks)
1 3/4 C. granulated sugar, divided
3 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 C. chopped walnuts, optional1
1/2 C. raisins, optional

steps
In a small bowl mix together warm water, yeast and sugar and set aside. In a large bowl, mix milk, remaining 2/3 cup sugar, melted butter, salt and eggs; stir well and add yeast mixture. Add half the flour and beat until smooth. Stir in enough of the remaining flour until dough is slightly stiff (dough will be sticky).Turn out onto a well-floured board; knead 5 -10 minutes. Place in well-buttered glass or plastic bowl, cover and let rise in warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.When doubled, punch down dough and let rest 5 minutes. Roll out on floured surface into a 15 x 20 inch rectangle.To prepare filling: Spread dough with 1/2 cup butter. Mix together 1 1/2 cups sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over buttered dough. Sprinkle with walnuts and raisins, if desired.Roll up jellyroll-fashion and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into 12 to 15 slices. Coat bottom of a 13-by-9-inch baking pan and a 8-inch square pan with remaining 1/2 cup melted butter, then sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in pans. Let rise in warm place until dough is doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until rolls are nicely browned.

If you want more like caramel sticky buns substitute brown sugar for granulated in filling.

I cut my rolls with thread or dental floss










Frosting
Please note the key to this is whipping this up for at least 12 minutes. So be prepared to sign someone up for mixer duty, (not that it should be that hard!)
Ingredients

1 lb. Margarine 1 lb. cream cheese 2 lbs. powdered sugar 2 tsp. lemon juice 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Methods/steps
Allow margarine and cream cheese to reach room temperature. Beat cream cheese and margarine together in a bowl with a mixer. Slowly add in all powdered sugar. Once all of the sugar is in the bowl mix for at least an additional 12 minutes. When almost done, add in the extracts. Enjoy!

Mother's Day

My Mother's Day always starts on Saturday with a day out with my Mother-In -Law and all my sister in laws. We went to see the movie Emma, it was realy inspirational. I learned alot of new things out about Emma Smith. After we went to try a new Indian restaurant, The food was realy good, but don't get the desserts. After, I went to my mom's to wish her a happy mother's day. Mike was there with the kids, he had been working all day on my parents yard, the usual spring clean up. Mother's Day started off with Hunter bringing me a present he had been working on all week. Anytime I would walk in the room he would hurry and hide it. It was a little town he had made out of card stock. One of the houses had written on it candy factory, he filled it with whatever treats he could find. So very cute. He then went in the kitchen with Porter and Shelby, and got them each a bowl of cereal. He brought one to me also with a piece of toast. He is the cutest kid. Mike wasn't feeling up to doing to much, he has been working so hard on the yard. He bought KFC for dinner( I know it was Sunday) but it sure tasted good. I actually got a hot meal. I am so glad I have the opportunity to be a mother. I hope all you other mothers had a great day also.

I have been tagged

Thank You Dianna for tagging me. I have been real lazy lately about our blog. So here it goes.

What I was doing 10 years ago.
We just moved into our townhouse in West Valley. Very exciting. I was working at Beehive Credit Union. How weird it is to think of life before kids.

5 years ago-
I was enjoying they daily routine of 2 kids. Sad but my life realy hasn't changed that much since then.

5 things on my to do list:
Laundry
Organize
Get more Food Storage
Give my kids more one on one time
Clean

5 snacks I enjoy
those small powdered donuts
take five candy bar
yogurt
Wheaties cereal
pralines and cream ice cream

5 places I have lived

I have only lived 4
West Jordan
Ephraim, Ut
West Valley
Stansbury

5 things I would do if I became a billionaire

Pay off house
buy mountain property
wouldn't let kids know
vacation
play

5 things people might not know about me

I have never had any type of alcohol ( cough Syrup doesn't count)
I love to watch sappy movies
I saw a UFO while camping with Mike
I pooped my pants camping
I really am a happy person I just don't show it that often

Hope you enjoy this.

Yummy Breakfast

BLT Egg Bake

¼ cup mayonnaise
5 slices bread, toasted
4 slices process American cheese
12 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
4 eggs
2 tomatoes sliced
2 TBS butter
2 TBS all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 cup milk
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of toast and cut into small pieces. Arrange toast, mayonnaise side up, in greased 8 in square baking dish. Top with cheese slices and bacon. In a skillet fry eggs. Place over bacon. Top with tomato slices: set aside. In a saucepan melt butter add flour salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil: cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Pour over tomatoes. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 325 for 10 minutes.

Genealogy

I am so excited today. I know most people find genealogy work boring. I find it so interesting to try to uncover the past. I just had a huge breakthrue in my Grandma Hendrickson's genealogy. I know it was meant to happen and I am so excited. My great-great grandmothers daughter Constanza was a missing piece in our family for years and I have found one of her direct decedents and have found out so much.

It all started when Constanza married her step-father, it was the days of polygamy. It upset her mother so much that she did divorce him and later her mother did also. After this we knew nothing of Constanza.

About a month ago I posted on gen-forum about Constanza. Someone replied and said they had record of Constance marrying a Sorensen. That was it.

Yesterday I was checking other sights and found someone posted that they were researching Constance Sorensen. I quickly posted back to see if they had information on Constances parents. Her parents are the same as Constanza. I can't tell you how excited I am that I know we can get her 8 children and her husband sealed to her. We didn't even know she had children or that she remarried. Or changed her name. So that is why it was divine intervention that we found her and we're able to get things in motion. I know my Grandmother probably had something to with this on the other side.

So never give up if you find yourself stuck.

I know I havn't Posted this week

Sorry, but my life isn't that interesting this week. We have all been busy on the yard, well mostly Mike. He has been coming home every night working on the sprinkler system until about 8:00.So we have hardly seen him. He is such a hard worker. I think I am just lazy. I wish I had the momentum that he has. The kids have been fighting all week. I started a chore chart for the boys, to give them a little motivation to complete daily chores. However I think it backfired, whenever one gets a sticker they start arguing that the other has more stickers. So that has been my week sorry for ranting.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Since I started making this everyone asks for the recipe, so here it is. I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine.

1 (12 oz) package uncooked rotini pasta
10 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1 cup mayonnaise
1 package Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1/2 tsp garlic powder
pepper
1/2 cup milk, or as needed
assorted chopped vegetables, such as thawed frozen peas, chopped cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes, olives. whatever your family likes.

Boil pasta until done, drain and place in large bowl. Mix the mayonnaise, dressing, garlic powder, pepper and milk. Toss with pasta to coat. Add vegetables and bacon. If using tomato add just before serving. If it seems dry add more milk. Let sit in fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

Warm Weather YAAA!

I was so excited to finally be able to venture outside and enjoy the warm weather this weekend. The boys started soccer on Saturday. They actually did pretty good for their first game. Shelby had fun playing on the playground while they played soccer. All I can say is thank you to whoever planned both games next to a playground. Mike got started on the sprinkler system by cleaning out some of the trenches. After a half day of that he told me he just doesn't have the energy he use too. Saturday night we went to our friends the Poulson's for dinner, it is always nice to have good friends to spend time with. Sunday, after church Mike took the boys for a bike ride. I went later after Shelby's nap. I am so happy it finally feels like SPRING.

Coconut Cupcakes

If you love coconut you will love these.


Coconut Cupcakes

3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
5 extra-large eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons pure almond extract
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk
14 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut
For the frosting:
1 pound cream cheese at room temperature
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 1/2 pounds confectioners' sugar, sifted

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in 7 ounces of coconut. Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner to the top with batter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely. Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on low speed, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and almond extracts. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth. Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining coconut.

Conference

I don't know about all of you, but I loved conference. I truly felt the spirit as I listened to all the marvelous talks. Even with children running wild, I still had such a wonderful experience. What a marvelous thing it is to sustain our prophet. He is a great man . I have always enjoyed his stories. I am so grateful to be a mother and to be a member of this wonderful church. How great the sacrifices of our ancestors to let us have our freedom to believe. I hope we never forget their sacrifices and pass those stories to our children. Enough rambling. I hope you all had a great weekend and can carry some of those sacred words with you for the next six months.

Rock Band

If you have never tried the video game Rock Band you need too. Nate and Dianna and family came over last night. Dianna brought a wonderful dinner. What a great sister-in-law. The boys or rock stars as they like to be called now, Mike on the Guitar and Nate on the Drums. Dianna the singer. We had a great night and had a lot of fun. Here is a video.

Pork Barbacoa

We tried this on monday, it was a huge hit with the whole family.

1 3 pound pork picnic roast
1 can coke/ don't use diet
1 16 oz jar salsa
1 cup brown sugar

boil pork on stove for 2 hours. Remove and place in crockpot. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over the top. Cook on low for 5 hours. Shred and serve on warm tortillas. Add whatever burrito topping you like. We added refried beans, cheese, lettuce and sour cream. And mexican rice.

Easter Fun

We had a great Easter. We went camping in the Cricket Mountains about 30 minutes outside of Delta Utah. The kids had fun riding there bikes and riding on dads 4 wheeler. We colored eggs, and enjoyed the excitement of watching the kids get so excited for the arrival of the Easter Bunny. Porter and Hunter were a little braver than I would have liked. They kept pushing there bikes to the top of a nearby hill and riding down as fast as they could. Shelby was always in the dirt. At least it was dirt not mud. So as you can tell we had a lot of fun.

Fun Easter Recipe

I always remember as a child going to my Grandma & Grandpa Hendrickson's for Easter. One of our favorite activities was to color the Easter eggs. The next day Grandma would use our egg in her potato salad or her famous deviled eggs. We always enjoyed the Easter picnic at Big Rock Candy Mountain or a trip to the fish hatchery. It was always a fun time. My cousin Chad was always fun to play with he had the biggest imagination and would always find some new adventure for us to do at Grandma and Grandpa's. I will always have great memories of Easters spent in Richfield. Here is the deviled egg recipe my Grandma use to make, that I make now.

Deviled Eggs

Hard Boiled eggs, shells removed
Miricle Whip
sweet relish(optional)

Split eggs in half, place yolks in bowl, set whites aside.. Add miricle whip and relish and salt and pepper to yolks, mash. place back in whites. dust with paprika. Enjoy!


Happy Easter

Happy St Patty's Day

Happy St Patty's Day everyone. We had a fun morning. The boys came running in as fast as they could into our room, exclaiming the leprecauns were going to get them. Then they decided they were daring enough to venture out, with a green small garbage can in hand, to try to catch a leprecaun. With the price of gold right now I wish they did catch one. Then we sat down to eat green pancakes. It has been a fun morning. Hopefully the rest of the day is as much fun.

She is potty trained!!!

Shelby is finally potty trained :) We have been working on it and she is now telling me when she has to go. I have to give some credit to the book potty training in 3 days, it was a big help. I was a little thrown back with potty training this time. I know this is kid number three, what is the big deal?? However this is my first girl. Totally different thinking process. At least this time I didn't have to worry about pee shooting across the bathroom because the forgot to push things down. So I am officially diaper free again.

Here is another must have recipe for any of your mexican dinners. If you want it spicier, blend salsa in blender and add instead of tomato sauce.


Mexican Rice

1 cup rice
2 TBS oil
1 cup water
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 can tomato sauce
salt to taste

Brown rice in oil in saucepan. Add water, bouillon cube and tomato sauce. Cook according to package directions.


I hope you will all like this recipe as much as my family has.

A time to think back

I don't know why, but I have been thinking back to the times that my children were a little smaller. So I thought I would post a few of those cute moments. I am so grateful to be a mom and have the oppertunity to stay home with them each day.Shelby started potty training, she is excited. Hopefully that lasts and she will get trained quickly. I am not looking forward to all the messes until then.But they grow so fast. So here are a few of my favorite pictures of times past.

How Embarrassing

Saturday I took the opportunity to go the local grocery store without my older ones in tow, knowing they would ask a million questions about the item I had to purchase.I had to buy a 12 oz bottle of beer for a recipe I wanted to try. I have never bought beer before, so I tried the best I could to conceal it in my cart, hoping not to run into someone I knew. I finally made it to the check stand, with my 3gallons of milk and a beer. As the cashier rang it up, she asks would you like this kept out for drive home?? I am so sure, my life is that miserable that I need that beer for the drive home(is that even legal?). Then she realizes that she can't sell it to me because it came from a six pack. Next, she calls over a young bagger and asks her to go back and see if there is anything comparable. She comes back with a 24 oz. At this point just ring it up and get me out of here. I think I learned my lesson. I am not cooking with beer no matter how great the recipe is. Also that I didn't need my kids there to embarrass me, I did that myself.

Hello

I just wanted to say hello to everyone. I thought I would post a recipe for this week. It is very delicious. You can also use canned pears.


Caramel Pear Pudding

1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
pinch of ground cloves
½ cup milk
4 medium pears, peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
¾ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup butter or margarine
¾ cup boiling water

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

In mixing bowl, combine first six ingredients, beat in milk until smooth. Stir in pears, and nuts. Spoon into an ungreased 2 qt baking dish. In another bowl combine brown sugar butter and water, pour over batter. Bake uncovered at 375 for 45-50 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Here I go

Well I guess you can say I finally posted. Friends and family alike have been trying to get me to start a blog. So here I go. We have had a great year so far. Yesterday was Valentines, and we all got snowed in. Mike took the truck to work, and repoted that it was quite an adventure. The kids were disapointed, since they were looking forward to their parties at school, and school was canceled. I tried to make the day as much fun as I could. However I don't think mom is as fun as a party. We all had our special Valentine family dinner. Mike realy surprised me with a dozen roses. And the kids with there homemade cards.Today, they woke up excited to go to school and see friends and have a delayed Valentines party.