Looks like a couple of Mallards have taken up residency on our dirt pile. Not sure that is the best place to start a nest – maybe just looking for food – again not that much to be found.
Little K was so excited to see them she started yelling “DUCKS DUCKS DUCKS” as soon as we pulled up.
UPDATE – Al says they are waiting for that hole to be filled.
As a mother of a hockey player my heart goes out to every single family members of 16 who lost their lives in this tragic accident prayers to all of them and also to the semi truck driver who was involved in the accident. Only god knows why. Today all hockey players from around the world are wearing their hockey jersey to school, work or wherever they may be to honor the Broncos. My Junior Mustang and I are wearing his jersey to school and work today.
#JerseysForHumboldt We see you. We hear you. We love you. We are all #HumboldtStrong.
The new favorite menu for breakfast is our homemade waffles. They are light and fluffy – better than any mix we have ever used. I’m talking hot & fresh, and straight from the iron: These special homemade waffles are my current obsession. The warm, rich aroma of the waffle coming from the waffle iron as they bake is complete and utter heaven. This morning they were extra special because Big K was the rad-waffle cook. He measured, poured, and mixed it all together. I think he actually had a good time doing it. Little did he know it was math skills we were working on this morning
INGREDIENTS:
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon white sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat waffle iron, beat eggs in large bowl with hand beater until fluffy. Beat in flour, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, baking powder, salt, and vanilla just until smooth.
2. Spray preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Pour mix ont hot waffle iron. Cook until golden brown. Serve hot!
National Sibling Day…and I see so many of my friends posting pictures of their sisters and brothers on social media… and I’m thinking hmm..I can’t do that because:
Yes - I AM AN ONLY CHILD
Many think that being an only child is a lonely way to grow up. And there are so many sterotypical ideas about who we are as only children.
…..So with that being said let me tell you what I have learned as an only child: I CAN
1. Amuse myself and not get bored
2. Spend hours alone and not get lonesome
3. Believe people want to listen to me
4. Be creative and see the big picture
5. Be independent
6. Think quickly on my feet
7. Lead myself first
8. Value self-education
9. Take action and make things happen
10. Step out of my comfort zone and go it alone
We only have so many years on this beautiful planet, and I want to spend them being me (and not the version of me that I think everyone else wants).
And here are a few of my fellow only children…just sayin’
FDR, Frank Sinatra, Betty White, Alicia Keys, LeAnn Rimes and Elvis.
Oh yeah, and the most important one of all… you may have heard of him…. he goes by the name Jesus. You might remember him as the guy who performed miracles, was charitable, forgiving, loving, and taught that being nice to other people was admirable.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8)
So yeah, there have been some pretty rad only children.
Happy Sibling Day to all of you who love and adore your brothers and sisters. I love you too!
Our copy of LOLA DUTCH by Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright (a Utah couple…that makes it even better)arrived today and it is super cute and fun. Anyone who loves Fancy Nancy, Eloise, or Olivia is going to embrace Lola Dutch with open arms.
Lola Dutch has a crazy active imagination and she is ALWAYS doing something. Full of energy, always ready to try something new, forever inventing new things, and never wanting to go to bed at night because there's just so much more to do--even when she's exhausted! I think we have a Lola in the making at our house…Little K!
Oh how we loved Lola Dutch…a little more than the average Bear!!! In fact, we read it 3 times today and Little K was mesmerized. The lesson learned was that each and every day can be filled with amazing adventures while spreading love and kindness. So move over Alexander, and the Terrible, Horible, No Good, Very Bad Day we are going to enjoy making our favorite breakfast with Lola Dutch…OH Lola Dutch you are just too much!!!
Kendry wanted to show Lily where the new house was going to be. Here are the pictures from the dirt fields today. Just waiting on loan documents to be signed so we can proceed. I am not patient!!!
The extra garage…far south side of lot.
It was a long way down, but down they did go.
When I think of my childhood, there are a few memories that remain so vivid in my mind. Most of those memories involve my parent’s backyard, with the gorgeous flowers and trees and the biggest yard in the neighborhood. Today I am so grateful for the beautiful sunshine and blue sky that I brought a little inside to brighten my day. Remembering how many days my dad would bring in those beautiful bouquets to brighten our kitchen table.
Many times in life, in the past, I’ve often thought of gratitude in terms of the big stuff and then often overlooked the small things, forgetting about joy altogether.
Seriously, the big things, the life changing and momentous things, are usually few and far between, but the little things are all around us, everywhere and everyday. The trick is to stop and take notice of them as well as taking the time to attend to them if need be.
Over the last few months, I have found so many bits and pieces of joy scattered everywhere. Little things like bubblemaking in the backyard, flower stems peaking out of the ground, the shining bright-eyes smiles of the grandkids those near and those far – and one with a brand new car!
But this …speaking of good things, this photo of our Magnolia tree brings me tremendous joy and I am so grateful to look out at it each day in our back yard. Mother Nature is the maker of this beauty, and I know it is going to be one of those things I miss about this home. So many years ago I had a vision for a tree like this because there was one on the corner from my childhood home…and here I am today photographing its beautiful baby blooms. Today my wish for any of you who might be reading this is that you find yourself living a life of joy and gratitude, and if you’re not quite there yet, may you set yourself directly on the path toward it. xoxo
I am completely thrilled that the excavators have completed their job. When I first spoke with them they told me they would probably have it completely done within 2 days. I actually took them a full week to get it finished.
This picture is not much different from the others I have taken. It is the Southwest corner of the front of the lot. I really wanted to get a picture of the bottom of the footprint, but the rain was not cooperating and I didn’t have on the right shoes to thrudge through the mud! Maybe tomorrow morning.
Just wanted a picture of all those piles of dirt. The view is amazing. The storm clouds were threatening. This is the front northwest corner. Hopefully the foundation footings we be in place this week.
Monday! It is upon us. Really it is so close that it is hitting us smack dab in the face. We had a wonderful week off. For Spring Break we decided to take a mostly “Staycation” and enjoy some down time…are you kidding!!! It was so nice and I am very sad that it is ending.
Since we will all be up bright and early tomorrow morning- I’m off to find backpacks, shoes, socks, etc and get everything ready so that we have a smooth morning. But first I will leave you with some pictures from early Sunday Morning …
{A typical scene from the breakfast table}
Here’s Little K – happily munching away at her scrammbled eggs
and here’s Big K
Take a guess which child of mine is NOT a morning person?
Getting back in the daily routine will be a challenge. It has been an amazing week with these beautiful children. I love being home with them..once again the house will be quiet for Grandma. Well…Kaliyah and Buffy will be with her, but with no one else around the sound of silence is overwhelming for her. This morning the Mountain Bluebird came to see us. The magnolia tree burst into bloom and my morning cup of Jo came with a heart. Praying that tomorrow morning finds everyone happy and ready to get back to the grind.
When we talked with Big K about the tragic events that took place yesterday you could see the sadness in his eyes immediately. He told me his heart was hurting and he just wanted to cry.
I do my best to soak up as much precious time with my family as possible. I remember all that I have and thank God for all He has given me. I thank Him for the gift of being here to hold my handsome son and my sweet little girl.
Hug your loved ones a little tighter for me today. :)
We are praying for our Hockey Family
Making memories. We took a trip to see Halie, Brevin, and WIlliam ---here’s hoping Kendry, Kaliyah, and Zane remember the fun times they had going to their cousins and hanging out around the fire pit at night making s’mores and watching the clouds drift across the night sky.
Ahh, the joys of being a kid! Smores – marshmallows, chocolate, and gramcrackers piled high!
There hasn’t been a whole lot of physical progress on the house. Until now! That’s right! We just broke ground today! Can I get a WOO HOO! I so wish I would have know this was happening I would have had the kids down their watching the work in progress.
This is a view of our lot actually standing in the front yard. Our garages will stick out on the right side. This will all be much easier to visualize when I can share a photo that actually has something in it other than weeds. :)
The beautiful blue house…easy to find in the neighborhood…is our neighbor to the south. We are excited to get to know them. What we know so far is she is a teacher and he is a work from home dad, two lovely children age 5 and 3 so kinda close to K & K.
I have been driving by this lot since December…almost every day! Nothing but flat ground but today…my heart jumped it was 37 degrees and windy but I jumped out of the car and took these pictures!
….Deep breath I take a look out at the lot and think to myself – “looks like holes in the dirt! Fabulous!”
Who knew dirt, heavy duty machinery and a porta potty *yes there is one on site…could be so exciting!? :)
Progress…picture overload will be coming soon.
Friday, March 30, 2018
Good Friday, also called Holy Friday or Great Friday, is the Friday before Easter and the day when Christians around the world remember when Jesus died. Many churches have special services to remember the time when Jesus suffered on the cross. It is a time to pray, and to remember that Jesus loved us so much He was willing to die for us. Tonight our home was dimly lit during Good Friday dinner with candles and we left the lights low all evening in observance of the death of Christ. Our meal was very simple fish, rice, and coleslaw. We were also lucky enough to have guests with us for dinner. Then we shared why we are thankful for Jesus' crucifixion. Our prays thanked Heavenly Father for his perfect gift for us. This is a difficult day for me, suffering on a cross must have been the most excruciating pain. My heart aches thinking about it and tears fall easily. It is also difficult for me to even watch movies that portray this event. I thank my Heavenly Father for his blessings and pray I may be an example always for my children of following Jesus.
The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his Disciples in Jerusalem. During the meal, Jesus predicts his betrayal. He also establishes the special priesthood for his disciples, which is distrinct from the “priesthood of all believers.” Christ washed the feet of his Disciples, who would become the first priests.
“Spy Wednesday” we placed 30 pieces of silver(Quaters) throughout the house and had K find them to remember how one of Jesus’ disciples, Judas, betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver. We opened our Story Egg and added it to the mantle.
This morning this beautiful downy woodpecker showed up in our backyard. It was so much fun to watch for the few minutes he was here. I’m not sure the tree feels the same way!
Today we read about Jesus cleansing the temple. After Jesus traveled from Jericho on Palm Sunday, he arrived in Jerusalem. There, he was angered by the corruption in the Temple at the hands of the money changers, saying, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” (Luke 19:46)
1 (12-inch) precooked pizza crust Boboli is my favorite
2 eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
salt
pepper
1 cup grated mozarella cheese
1/2 cup grated provolone cheese
1/2 cup grated colby cheese
1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
1/2 cup ham cubes
Preheat oven to 375ºF.
Place pizza crust on pizza stone or baking sheet.
Whisk together eggs, cream, salt and pepper. Stir in the provolone and colby cheese immediately pour into pizza shell.
Spread the bacon and ham cubes on top.
Top with 1 cup or more mozarella cheese
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese mixture is set and lightly brown.
Of course you could add any topping that you know the kiddos will eat. We like to keep it simple. Enjoy!
Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It is the Sunday before Easter and is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar after Christmas and Easter. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Holy Week, the week of events leading up to Jesus’ death. The Bible reveals that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him by waving palm branches and covering his path with their cloaks and palm branches.
The gospels record the arrival of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, the crowds shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” to honor him as their long-awaited Messiah and King. “Hosanna” was the shout of praise or adoration made in recognition of the Messiahship of Jesus.
The significance of Jesus riding a donkey and having his way paved with palm branches is a fulfillment of a prophecy spoken by the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9). In biblical times, the regional custom called for kings and nobles arriving in procession to ride on the back of a donkey. The donkey was a symbol of peace; those who rode upon them proclaimed peaceful intentions. The laying of palm branches indicated that the king or dignitary was arriving in victory or triumph.
Palm Sunday precedes the arrest of Jesus on Holy Thursday and His Crucifixion on Good Friday. Christians celebrate the mystery of their salvation through Christ’s Death and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
This egg tells the story of the world’s most holy week. And it serves as a reminder of the hope and love we seek. Today we began the Easter Story and pray that this egg will bring us closer to the man we call God’s Son. Because Jesus gave His life for us it is through HIm our salvation was won.
Our ability to succeed is largely based on how we choose to view the world. Much more so than formal education, natural ability, or athletic talent.
If we blame someone else, a horrible boss, a broken system, an absent father, an unfair God, then we lose the opportunity to take control of the chance to become more knowledgeable and a cycle is formed where there is no end to the blame.
I have, honestly like all of us have, been blessed with amazing people that have helped me, supported me, lifted me up, pushed me forward -- if you don't see these people around you, look harder.
But if you think that my success, as humble as that success has been, is because I was handed something that you weren't and not because I've worked hard for it every single day of my life, then maybe it is my fault. Maybe it's my fault for making you believe that it was easy, that I didn't get up early every weekend to work at a grocery store at 15, that I didn't immensely struggle through 6 years of college, that I didn't spend endless hours consuming knowledge while my co-workers were out partying, that I didn't take great financial risks to build what I was passionate about.
Maybe it was my fault or maybe you just find it easier to blame someone else rather than taking responsibility for your own successes and failures.
Response from mom:
I wish I could handle the changes and demands in my life with a bit more grace and acceptance like you have. You are an amazing son, love you beyond words, and know that you have worked your butt off to get where you are. Wish every day could feel like a "Happy Meal" .What other people think about you, me, or family is none of our business! You rocked this world with your successes and you should own that success. Be proud of yourself and stand tall! No one knows how hard you worked and no one has the right to judge you or me! xoxo
2 (3 oz pkgs. raspberry jello
1 16 oz can crushed pineapple – don’t drain
1 16 oz can blueberry pie filling
2 cups boiling water
Topping:1 8oz pkg. cream cheese1 8ox carton sour cream1/2 c sugar1 tsp vanilla1 c chopped pecansMix the jello, pineapple, pie filling, and water until dissolved. Pour in a 9 x 13 dish to congeal overnight.For Topping: Using a mixer combine the ream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. Spread this over the salad and sprinkle pecans on the top.Thank you Aunt Rosa Carter
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup lemon juice concentrate
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese
3 teaspoons chicken-flavored bouillon
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound chicken strips
1 pound linguine, cooked and drained
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
Toppings – Avocado, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, etc – your choice
Lettuce Leaves
In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup of the oil, lemon juice, cheese, 2 teaspoons of the bouillon, sugar oregano, garlic, and pepper; mix well
IN a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil on medium heat. Add the chicken and the remaining teaspoon bouillon. Brown the chicken until it becomes tender, stirring occasionally.
Cook the pasta while browning the chicken.
Add the chicken, pasta, and the remaining ingredients to the oil mixture; mix lightly to coat. Cover and chill. Add toppings you desire, avocado, olives, tomatoes, cucumber. Serve on lettuce leaves.
1 tsp chili powder
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray an 17 by 12-inch rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Place a baking rack on top of the tray to keep vegetables and chicken off the bottom of the tray.
For the seasoning:
In a small mixing bowl whisk together chili powders, cumin, paprika, coriander, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper, set aside.
For the fajitas filling:
Spread bell peppers and yellow onion, mushrooms onto baking rack. Top with chicken strips then sprinkle garlic and seasoning evenly over chicken strips. Drizzle olive oil over top then toss everything to evenly coat. Spread into an even layer working to keep chicken from overlapping. Roast in preheated oven, tossing once halfway through cooking, until veggies are tender and chicken has cooked through, about 18 - 25 minutes (test a few of the larger pieces to make sure they are 165 in the center, careful not to over-bake it or the chicken may be dry). Wrap tortillas tightly in foil and warm in oven during last 5 minutes of fajita filling cooking.
Drizzle lime juice evenly over top of the chicken fajita filling, sprinkle with cilantro and more salt to taste and toss to coat. Serve filling warm in warm tortillas with desired toppings.
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
3 T. pure maple syrup
1 T chopped leeks
1/2 tsp. chopped dry thyme
Salt, to taste
2 flatbreads 14.1 oz each
4 oz fresh goat cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped pecans, divided
For topping freshly chopped anugula, pomegranate arils and honey
Preheat oven to 375 F Mix cranberries, maple syrup, leeks, thyme, and salt in an 8 inch square baking dish. Roast, stirring every so often, until the mixture begins to caramelize, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and stir until the cranberries are broken down and the mixture is thick. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Divide the cranberry mixture and spread evenly over the flatbreads Top each with goat cheese and pecans. Bake directly on the oven rack for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is warmed and flatbread is crispy. Garnish with freshly chopped arugula, pomegranate arils, and a drizzle of honey. Cut into small wedges or strips, and serve. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Congratulations to the Jr. Mustangs 8U, champions at the 2017 Cache Valley Winter Classic.
After winning the first game of the tournament against the Oval Dawgs 5-4, the Jr. Mustangs posted wins over the host Jr. Aggies and the Davis County Wind to reach the final undefeated.
In the final, the Jr. Mustangs convincingly defeated the Dawgs 9-2 sweeping the tournament and taking home the banner.
Congratulations to the players, coaches, and families….we love our hockey family!
