Book

The Christmas Promise by Donna VanLiere

I just finished this book and loved it. If anyone wants to borrow it I would be happy to let you read it. I got it from the library so we are on borrowed time too. It is a fast read and gets you in the RIGHT Holiday spirit!

Some of my favorite things..on my tree.

I would post a picture of my Christmas tree - but it is sooooo sad this year. Matthew likes to rearrange things on the tree and with a few things broken, our tree this year is just a sad one. But I wanted to post some of my favorite things on it.

This was given to me by John when we were engagement and it started a tradition. Every year we find an ornament to remind us of that year.


My Seminary teacher gave this to me. Her parents were on a Mission in Jerusalem and sent one to the whole class.



This is for Piper. He is a good dog most the time. At least I have no Cheerios on my floor!


My sister Jennifer made this in 1981 and my mom gave it to me when I got married. It has been my favorite since I was a kid.

Another Recipe

Another good winter treat for the end of the day. I halved this recipe and it worked well. It did need to cook for about 30-35 minutes. (another cousin's friend recipe)

Apple Puff
1/2 cup butter
2 cups flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup white sugar
2 cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla

3 cups apples, peeled and cut into chunks (I used granny smiths)
1 T. lemon juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Peel and chop apples. Squeeze lemon juice over apples and stir to coat. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Put butter in a 9x13 baking dish or similar (I use a large oval dish), and put in the oven to melt. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and white sugar in a bowl and stir with a whisk to mix well. Add in one cup of milk and stir until there are no lumps. Mix in the last cup of milk and vanilla and stir until just combined. Do not over stir, as it will make the cake very tough.

When butter has melted, pull the dish out of the oven and pour cake batter directly into the middle of the dish. Dump the apples evenly into the batter. With the back of a spoon, gently push the apples into the batter, just so none are floating on top. Sprinkle with brown sugar and the cinnamon.

Bake for about 40 minutes. You will know that it is done when you shake the dish and the cake appears to be set. Apples will have sunk to the bottom and the cake will be coated with a chewy caramel around the edges. Serve alone or with ice cream.

My new workout

Minutes:

0-1 Squats
1-2 Jumping squats
2-3 Jumping jacks
3-4 Front kicks
4-5 Side shuffles
5-6 Jumping rope
6-7 Walking lunges
7-8 Squat thrusts
8-9 Alternating knee lifts
9-10 Jog or sprint in place

Do this 3 days a week with a 10 to 20 minute power walk to light jog and you can lose up to 419 calories in one session!

I did this after my 30 minute elliptical workout and it kicked my butt! Plus I added my 30 push ups and 100 crunches.

Now I just have to stick with it!

Snow!

The day started out like this and boy were we happy..but


the day ended like this! Can't believe this weather - I do live in Vegas don't I?

On the news that night, the top story was SNOW and nothing else. Utahans would be so bored!


John and Matthew went and played in the snow and built a snowman. Matthew can't stop talking about it.

John's work party

Here is a recent family picture of us - not great but it is the best we can do sometimes! We are heading to John's work Holiday dinner and taking the kids to the sitters. Dropping the kids off was the best part of the night!

Jake and Ashley's Wedding

In the beginning of December we went to see John's brother Jake get married. They got married in the Logan, UT Temple. It was a beautiful ceremony. Whenever I attend a sealing, I always think about mine and want to go back and feel those wonderful moments again. Thank goodness for pictures and journal entries! Here are a few pictures of that day.


Isabel looking adorable.


Tyson and Jill (John's sister)-she had a baby eight days before me. Doesn't she look great!



Ashley and Jake - dancing.


Dancing still..very cute couple.

Me and Izzie

Dinner last night

I made this last night and it was yummy! It makes tons (at least 6 big servings). Next time I am halving it. I got it off my cousin's friend blog -so I can't take the credit.

Butternut Squash Risotto
1 large onion, diced
1 small butternut squash, remove skin and cut into various chunks
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 T. butter
2 T. olive oil
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves (if you use dry, reduce to 1/2 tsp.)
2 cups arborio or pearl rice
6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable)
1 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (I will use a little less next time maybe 3/4 cup)
1/3 cup half-and-half
-
In a very large non-stick pan, melt butter into olive oil over medium heat. Meanwhile, heat broth to simmer in a pot. Add onion and squash to butter and olive oil. Salt and pepper well, and cook until onions are soft. Add thyme and garlic and cook for one minute and then stir in rice. Cook an additional two minutes. Using a ladle, scoop in one cup of broth (or white wine) to rice/squash mixture. Stir until liquid is absorbed and add another cup of broth. Stir occasionally, adding additional broth as it is absorbed. After about 20 minutes start checking rice to see if it is al dente. As soon as it is, turn off heat and add half-and-half, cheese and one more ladleful of broth. Stir until combined and cheese is melted. Add more broth if rice looks too thick, and taste to see if rice needs additional salt or pepper. It should be very loose. Garnish with additional cheese.

The Gap Bear

This is the new gap bear and I love it! The only problem is it is $40!!! Crazy for a stuffed bear. I would love to try to make it. Anyone have any ideas or patterns?

If you love curry dishes-this will be your next favorite!

Once you get all the ingredients it is a snap to make. I make this at least 3 times a month. Good for entertaining too!

Thai Coconut-Curry Sauce

1 teaspoon dark (or regular) sesame oil, divided
2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger 2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup finely chopped red bell pepper *(see notes below)
2 tablespoons cup chopped green onions *(see notes below)
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 teaspoons red curry paste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 teaspoons low-sodium (or regular) soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1 (14-ounce) can light (or regular) coconut milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
3 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets or 1 breast of chicken breast (cut small and cook before) or tofu
Cooking spray
2 cups hot cooked basmati rice
3 lime wedges

Heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic; cook 1 minute. Add pepper and onions; cook 1 minute. Stir in curry powder, curry paste, and cumin; cook 1 minute. Add soy sauce, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and coconut milk; bring to a simmer (do not boil). Add fish/chicken/tofu. Remove from heat.

Serve with rice, and lime wedges and cilantro.

*Instead of green onions you could use any kind of onion and I also add small bits of potatoes (can or cook before), and/or green beans.

Yield: 3 big servings

Posting idea from Jenny!

Favorite Makeup Products

I used to be able to go without make-up when I stayed home with the kids, but now if I don't wear any I look AWFUL (thank you 30's). I found Bare Minerals 2 years ago. I love it more than I can say. So here are my finds-Enjoy!

1. Eyes - Bobbi Brown; shadows and eyeliner, Prescriptives mascara (and eye lash curler), Bare Minerals; for the brows and eye makeup remover (the best).
2. Foundation & Blush - Bare Minerals (can't even tell you're wearing makeup!)
3. Lip balm- I use mostly chapsticks, my favorite right now is called Chicken Poop and don't knock until you try it, it smells like lavender and very moisturizing.

4. Lip gloss- Have not found one I like. I am kissing on too many babies and they wear it instead of me or it my hair gets stuck in my gloss.

5. Nails - OPI polish of course, love all the different color collections. Favorite right now is the dark purple -called EIFFEL FOR THIS COLOR.
6. Moisturizer - Olay- Total Effects.

What are your all time faves?

My great buy!

Saturday John was doing Tithing Settlement at church so Matthew, Izzie and I cruised around the neighborhood looking for some good Sales. Well we found one! I bought this elliptical (Proform 900) for $150. It is 6 months old and running great (Plus they delivered it for me-what service!). I am pretty excited to burn off some calories.

I also found a little bike for Matthew (picture to come later) and a book (the Uglies). All for $155. You can't beat that deal!

Izzie's 6 month check up

Our Izzie had her 6 month check up this Monday. Time flies, I feel like she should only be a few weeks old. She is growing so fast and getting so beautiful. Here are her stats:

Weight: 17 lbs and 3 oz - 50 to 75%
Height: 25 1/4 in - 25%
Head: 42 1/2 cm - 25 to 50%

Temple Trip

(Pictured-Leigh Ann, Jenna, Diane, Sara, and Kate)

It has been a long time since I have gone on a "Temple Trip" so thank you Jenna for asking me to go (but 5am!!!). You girls are the best of the best and I love each one of you! (Sorry the picture kind of sucks - we will blame it on the early hour and the photographer (some random woman walking by)).

Kids and Cooking

Pilgrim's Hat Cookies

Try this with your kids!

Striped fudge shortbread cookies

peanut butter cups

orange tictacs

white frosting with yellow food coloring

More Halloween

Halloween Night with our pumpkin.

Our Pumpkin - so cute!

We went to a photo shoot and let's say Isabel didn't like it so well. But it was a good idea.

The whole group - at least Isabel isn't the only one crying!

She is saying to me, "Mom how could you!!"

The other kids wondering why she is having such a bad day!

Twilight

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

You can call me a party pooper!
I want to go to the Twilight movie but NOT at Midnight! I still have a kid who wakes up in the middle of the night. So anyone out there who wants to go the next day at a NORMAL time -call me!!!

Baby Food

I have had a few moms ask how I make my baby food and here it is! It is so easy and CHEAP. And it just takes a few extra minutes of your day.

All you need is:

-Freezer (check)
-2 Ice cube trays (cheap you can find it at Walmart for $2)
-Sranwrap (check)
-Freezer quart size Ziploc bags
-Blender or Food processor or VitaMix

Foods to cook (or even buy in cans or frozen isle):
Carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, green beans, peas, the list goes on and on.

Cook or open can or frozen (thawed) bag of vegetables and throw in blender and process to a liquid. Pour into ice cubes trays, cover with sranwrap and freeze. After frozen, pop them out of trays and place into quart Ziploc bags. One cube is 1 serving for baby and I put it in a microwave safe bowl and zap for 30 seconds.

So easy! If you have any questions please ask!

Dennis Quaid on Ellen

This is so funny - If you missed this on Ellen YOU have to see it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C64ZYuR7PuQ

The days before Halloween

Couple of our family pictures at the ward Trunk or Treat. Matt loved saying Trick or Treat and receiving candy. He made out like a bandit. Matt was Pooh Bear and Izzie was a Sweet Pea.

This is Matthew's friend Kenna. She was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and looked so cute.

On Friday we went to the Elementary School's Halloween Carnival. Matt didn't want to dress up for this. He had a melt down with the cowboy boots and hat. So he just wore his wranglers and button down shirt and looked like a normal boy. But as soon as we got there at the school he loved it and played tons of games! I am lucky he let me take these pictures.

October 2008 Update

Here are a few fun pictures of the kids -Matthew and Izzie.


Hangin out in my toy basket.



Sleeping so soundly.


This is Izzie at 4 months trying to crawl -YIKES!

Sleeping babies are my favorite!

Ann Taylor

Thanks to Jenny -

Ann Taylor right now has an irresistible offer:

October 11th-November 1st, online only: Ann Taylor $50 off $100 purchase (Code: 91900015)Can be used multiple times, but only once per order and works on clearance and sales merchandise! It also works on current deals such as the $20 off denim and B1G1 half-off deals. There's currently $6 shipping on any order.

Am I Bald YET?!!

So I am pulling my hair out! My kid has finally decided that naps are behind him. Matthew is only 2 and a half years old! He went from having one everyday for about an hour and a half to NOTHING. I have tried everything- sleeping with him (mostly me sleeping and him talking), reading books, yelling and screaming, putting him in front of the TV hoping that makes him sleepy, but NOTHING is working! If I head somewhere he falls asleep in his car seat and has a nice 5 minute nap. However he needs the naps, and so do I!!! I need my space from him. Help - I am almost to locking the little feller in his room.

Random Pictures from our trip to Oregon

We had a great time in Oregon - but I am so glad to be home! We missed John like crazy. I had no cell phone coverage in Pleasant Hill where my sister's farm is and I beg and pleaded to use every one's phone just to talk to him. Usually we got to talk maybe a few minutes a day - which really sucked! But it was fun to see everyone and to catch up.



Izzie trying to stay warm. The first week was warm and in the 80's. The second was cold and wet we even had some rain. I didn't pack for cold weather so we wore the same thing over and over. Thanks to all my clothes I packed (I was over my weight amount for the flight and had to carry some on with me. I looked so silly carrying so much stuff.)



Matt had so much fun. His cousin Rae Rae is 3 and they were the best buddies hanging out and playing so good together.


Rae Rae, Izzie and JoJo



My niece Stef grabbed my camera and took cute pictures of Izzie. Here is one of them.



My beautiful niece Stefanie!

Chickens!

My sister's family lives on 26 acres. They have one dog (Maltese-Snow), cows -they are just renting space and chickens. Also not welcomed guests - deer who ate the garden and all the flowers and coyotes that like to keep you up at night with their howling. But the kids love the chickens. My dad build them a chicken house which is called the Chicken Mansion and they produce eggs! They are cute tiny brown eggs. We did eat them and they are the freshest eggs I have ever had. When you buy chicks you have no idea if you are getting a male (rooster) or a female (hens) so they grew and they have three roosters and the rest are hens. And of course they have named each one, and my mom calls two of the roosters"Thanksgiving" and "Christmas" If you know what I mean!!! :-)



Josh has eggs in his hands!

Chicken Mansion


Matt hanging with the chickens

Tiffani - my best friend

Tif has been my best friend since our freshman year in High School. We have done everything together - good and bad. Thank heavens she was LDS too -that tamed us down. I was able to hang out with her (not as much as I would have liked-you need to quit your job one of these days!) and our kids played soccer at the park with her ward.

Our daughters have the same middle name (Grace) and a matching birthmark-Crazy!


Matt ready to play soccer


Izzie and mom


Trying to play soccer - mostly we just run around and laughed.


Matthew saw a train and ran after it. Tiff had to run after him for me.