The Best of The Bartons

Facts

2012-02-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

Fact: I'm tired. Addy got her tonsils out Monday and she is a beast. She is so sore and it is so sad to watch. In the night when she swallows and cries it really breaks my heart. Poor little sad one!

Fact: I am bored with my blog. What to post is just not on my list of priorities right now. I still love it but I am struggling...Give me some suggestions of what to post. That should be fun!

Fact: I have tried to quit Diet Coke yet again...big FAIL! I just love it way too much. I am a victim to addiction...Hi, my name is Amy and I am a Diet-Coke-A-Holic. Thank you...Thank you...I feel your love!

Fact: Why do I think I need to quit anyways?

Fact: My boys are silly. They make me laugh every day. The little girls are especially enamored with them and they are going to be so sad when they go back on track next week.

Fact: It's been an unusually warm January and I like it...but I am wondering what that's going to do to the rest of the year.

Fact: I have a lot going on in my life right now and I am struggling with getting it all done. Do you do that? Struggle? I mean, we all have stress and we are all busy but when I get more things to do than normal it really throws my mojo off...

Fact: My breath really stinks. Like REALLY stinks. ewwwww

Fact: I love that part of the day when I can take off my bra, put on my sweats and sit on the couch and watch meaningless tv shows. Totally meaningless and something that doesn't require too much of my attention because let's face it, I am totally done at that point and just need to sit for awhile.

Fact: Chris hates that part of my day because it's when I can totally tune out everything going on around me...even if that part of my day lasts like only 37 seconds, it's still a favorite for me.

Salsa...Restaurant Style

2012-01-27T15:11:00.001-07:00

If you are like me than you love love love restaurant style chips and salsa. Problem is, you can only get them at the restaurant...until now! I found this recipe on Pinterest and it is soooo good! I have made it a couple of times and I love it so much! I changed it up a bit so it's just how I like it and you can add more of or less of any of the ingredients that you like. The first time I made it I used the whole can of the jalapenos and it was almost un-edible...hahaha...lesson learned!

Restaurant Style Salsa:

1 large can diced tomatoes
1 tsp. minced onion
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. sugar
salt & pepper
jalapenos (I buy the can of the halved ones and use one and one-half of those...so basically its like 3/4 of a jalapeno...not the whole can but they are super cheap and so I don't feel too bad)

Put all ingredients in your bullet machine or just a regular blender and blend until super smooth. Refrigerate until the next day and Voila...super yummy salsa. You can also add some cilantro or some lime juice if you like. I am also super snobbish about my chips and I have found that here in Utah, you can buy Juanitas chips at most grocery stores and they are as close as it gets to warm, crispy, fresh chips from a restaurant.

2012-01-26T12:41:00.002-07:00

Fact: I am an emotional person, I wear my heart on my sleeve. If I am pissed, happy, sick or sad, you will most definitely know it. Problem is - I used to think this was a bad thing. I used to think I needed to portray a happy face all of the time and I just couldn't do it. I used to think something was wrong with me. Truth is - I am okay with my emotional self. I am okay that you know exactly how I feel just by looking at me. It's not something that I can change or turn off and I am okay with that.

Fact: Taylor missed me while I was out of town for 3 nights. She missed me cuz she needed her laundry done. I am glad she missed me.

Fact: I got my haircut and I LOVE IT! I was waffling with the idea of growing it out again and Miss Julia convinced me to just keep cutting it. I have decided to do the round brush thing again even though it takes more time and energy, my hair looks better if I do. Thanks Julia!

Fact: I love my sister and my sister-in-laws. We have a good time together. They get me. They don't judge me. They teach me. They like me just the way I am...even with the bajillion flaws I have.

Fact: I think cooking is a lost art. I think it's sad that people don't learn how to cook anymore. I try to cook every night for my fam, but it doesn't always happen. It's okay though, cuz I still mostly cook for them.

Fact: Speaking of cooking...I love recipes and love to try new things. If you have any good ones, send them my way!

Fact: I am on a new med these days and sugar does nothing for me anymore...how cool is that!!! I am just hoping that this little side effect will stick and I will be able to nix it for good. Except for Christensen's JuJu Hearts...those totally get me every time! Good thing Valentine's is only once a year!

Fact: Jenner is still in her pj's and it past noon...and I don't even care!

Fact: I love my kids. They are so great and so good. They are so kind to each other and so happy to play with each other (most of the time) and I feel so lucky that they are like they are. Really, it's true.

Cheesy Chicken and Vegi Soup...

2012-01-20T14:22:00.003-07:00

This soup is so Delish...

and I am putting a personal guarantee on the fact that you will never have to look for a good, creamy, cheesy soup recipe again...

Cheesy Chicken and Vegi Soup:

1 lb Chicken (tenders or breasts)

1/2 cup onion, diced small (I just use minced onion)

3-4 carrots, sliced

3-4 stalks celery, sliced

3-4 potatoes, diced

water (I don't have an exact amount so I just eye-ball it and add more if I need it)

Put chicken and onion in soup pot and bring to a boil. Turn down heat to medium and cook until chicken is done. Remove chicken and bring water back up to a boil. Add vegi's and a cup of cold water. Shred or dice chicken and add to pot when the vegi's are cooked. Bring down heat.

In a separate sauce pan, melt 1 cube butter, add 1 cup milk, 2 Tbsp. flour and 3 boullion cubes. Whisk until mixed good. Add 16 oz. of Velveeta cheese that has been cubed and continue to cook on med. heat until the cheese is melted. Add this to the chicken and vegi's. Now add some broccoli that has been cut into smaller pieces. Cook on low heat until broccoli is tender, being really careful not to scorch the soup cuz it's gross if you do...I would know. Serve.

She's 2

2012-01-17T15:33:00.001-07:00

Seriously people...

she's only 2 and she knows how to play this...

CRAZY!

Fact stealer...

2012-01-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

So my sis-in-law does this awesome 'Fact' thing on her blog...

and I am shamelessly copying her because it is so great...

so here goes...

Fact: I joined the gym the end of November and I am just now feeling like I am getting into a routine. Mind you, I am way outta shape (obviously) but it feels really good to feel my strength and endurance building. I am hoping to feel way better by summer.

Fact: My boys are off track for 3 whole weeks and I am so excited that they are home with me and the girls for awhile...excited because they can babysit while I go to the gym :}

Fact: My husband works sooooo hard and sooooo many hours that I don't even know how he does it. Then on top of that, he has been doing a few side jobs that take even more hard work and long hours...he is nothing short of amazing!

Fact: I love Harry Potter. I am thinking of re-reading the whole series again but I am afraid of getting too bored in the first few...I have this weird aversion to reading books more than once but I am willing to try. We are watching all of the movies right now and I miss the details from the books...I hate how they just assume that you know all of the dark little secrets/details in the movie...bugs me.

Fact: I love to brush my teeth.

Fact: I have been trying to eat healthier lately and it's going good. But forget about the french fries I just ate. I was having a craving and had to suppress it!

Fact: My Addy is growing up waaaay too fast. And she stills has a binky and bottle...so sue me! I don't care what you think and who are you to judge anyways...hahaha (that's for all the haters who stare at the grocery store when they see my bigger than average 2.5 year old with a binky)

Fact: Speaking of Addy...she has to get her tonsils out on the 30th and I am way dreading it...she is our 'Beast' of a child and to say that she will be high maintenance is an understatement...Oh help me now!

Fact: Taylor got good grades on her report card and that makes me one happy Momma!

Fact: My basement is at a major standstill right now and it's not looking like we will be getting carpet in the spring...bummer...but Chris is still trying to get Taylor's room and the bathroom ready by then so she can move down there and free up her room upstairs...(we will just carpet her room and be sorta white-trashy) hahaha

Fact: I love pinterest with every ounce of my being...it's so fun and so informative!

Fact: Time for a shower!

Matchy Matchy...

2012-01-12T12:17:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love their little ones in matching clothes...

I sort of have a problem with it...

you see, I LOVE for them to match and it kinda drives me nuts if they don't, at least in some small way...

And the above outfits are courtesy of one hand me down and one second hand store find..

how cool is that...

I bet I am not the only one who loves the matchy matchy stuff...

and, who doesn't love those "take my picture mom," when they are like two inches away from the lens...

hahaha...

What a way to wake up!

2012-01-07T14:17:00.002-07:00

We were woken up by our kiddos today to a beautiful winter wonderland...

this was Addy's first time playing in the snow and she loved it...

she was strutting around like she was all boss...

it was super cute

TaDa...

A beautiful, crazy, teensie little snowman!

Finally some pics of my own kids...

2012-01-05T14:32:00.003-07:00

I am having a hard time editing the picture of Addy below because this is what she was doing right before we took the pictures...and so therefore, she was onery and crying and cold making her face go red and blotchy...look how perfect her little face looks in the sleeping picture...

Ringing in the New Year...

2012-01-04T15:59:00.003-07:00

We went to the big ol' town of RF this year to celebrate the New Year...

and with 32 people around, things can get pretty rowdy and loud...

but nonetheless, it was a good time...

here are our pictures from New Year's Eve...

Right before midnight...

"HAPPY NEW YEAR"

Mags is one of my favorites right now...Love her to pieces

This is Jenner's best buddy

Obligatory Christmas Post...

2012-01-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

This year we spent Christmas Eve at our house with just my little family...

and it was PURE BLISS...

the night was so calm and so relaxing that I am wondering why we have never done it with just our seven before...

we were trying to figure out our own traditions and what we wanted to do for the night...

and we had a huge dinner with 3 bottles of Martinellis that we didn't have to ration...

PURE BLISS I tell ya...

Then on Christmas morning we had a sheet inbetween the rooms and the living room so the kids couldn't see what the big guy brought them...

and I even planned so well that on Saturday I bought some donuts for us to have for breakfast before church...

you see, we weren't planning on doing any of our Christmas stuff until after church (it was at 9:00 am)...

so we ate our donuts and got ready in our Sunday best...

and when it was time to leave, Chris led the kids out to the garage one by one with blankets over their heads so they couldn't see anything still...

AWESOME...

and then when church was over, we led them back to the bedrooms with blankets on their heads so they could change and get ready to open their presents!

Christmas on Sunday is always so special...

I love that you get to wish your friends and neighbors a Merry Christmas on the actual day and that you get to feel of the spirit and remember the true meaning of Christmas...

it was such a great day!

I can't wait for next year!

The sheet that kept everyone out until it was time

First look at the loot...
love their faces...

a motorcycle...
are you kidding me...

Taylor got her shotgun and was so happy....

Addy was priceless...
every present she opened she would exclaim..."I love it I love it I love it"
she even opened one that was wrapped in a box for lights and was so excited that she got lights...
it was such a fun year with her...

the traditional stocking loot...
this is how I grew up getting my stocking stuff and I love it more every year...

All tuckered out from a big day of celebrating...

I love how she is wearing her coat and boots...

A post with no name!

2011-12-19T18:44:00.004-07:00

This is what happens when I ask my boys to pose for me...

actually, I was playing with my camera to get some nice bokeh effect on my Christmas tree...

isn't it cool looking, all blurry and stuff...

This is what happens when I ask my youngest to pose for me...

Chris' mom made each of the kids Christmas pillows and they were all so excited to get them...

and she gave each family an Angel ornament so we can have Sage with us at Christmastime!

Nammy, Jenner and Amanda with their pillows...

so cute!

All I want for Christmas...

2011-12-16T15:32:00.001-07:00

I thought it would be a fun idea to write down what my kids want for Christmas...

some of their requests are quite funny...

Addy:

if you ask her directly what she wants for Christmas she always says, "A bracelet for Daddy."

I will explain...

she drew her dad's name for our family Christmas exchange and she seems to think that giving him a 'bracelet' is the same as asking for something...

it's quite funny...

Jenner:

a room...

a Repunzel doll...

the 'Shark show' (Soul Surfer)

and a bed for Addison...

she has been asking for a room for two years now, and isn't that the saddest thing ever...

poor little girls sleep in our room, one on the floor and one in our bed...

by morning, they are both in our bed...

this whole wanting a room thing breaks my heart and let me reassure you that we are working soooo hard to make that happen...

Chris has been bustin' his gut to get the basement done and we are hoping to at least get Taylor down there in a week or two...

so Jenner can get her room!

And the whole 'Shark show' thing just cracks me up...

she loves that movie and her favorite part is when the shark bites her arm off...

don't even ask! (I have no answer)

Grady:

a couple of WII games...

baseball cards...

an air soft gun...

Rhett:

he says, "stuff" (yay me!)

a football...

anything Minnesota Viking's related...

Taylor:

a shotgun...

(yeah, I know...WEIRD!)

So there you have it...

the requests of my kiddos!

Good luck to me!

2011-12-05T20:42:00.001-07:00

The halls are decked...

and the children are on the 'Nice List'...

the weather outside is frightful...

and the faint sound of bells can be heard in the far away distance..

I do believe it's the most wonderful time of the year!

Sage's Tree...

2011-11-30T20:53:00.001-07:00

Taylor and I were able to help Sarah and the kids decorate Sage's tree for the festival of trees this year..

it was such a great experience and I have never felt like I did there...
there was such a great feeling of everyone there who were decorating their trees...

and so many people have suffered just as we have and that seems so weird to me...

but it also comforts me in a weird way...

the tree turned out soooo beautiful and we were all in awe at how amazing it all looked when we were done...

the kids and I went down there tonight and all I wanted to do was just sit there and stare at her tree...

it was just so beautiful~

if you have the chance to go down there, her tree is in section F and #10...

Homemade Rolls...

2011-11-25T15:19:00.001-07:00

K - Don't freak out!!! Homemade rolls can be really easy to make with the right recipe...and I think this one is perfect! It's super easy, makes a ton and they taste fantastic!

Homemade Rolls:

1 cup water
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. salt
1 cup cold water
4 1/2 tsp. yeast
1/2 cup warm water
4 eggs, beaten
7 1/2 cups bread flour
butter for spreading on dough and on top of rolls when they are out of the oven

Bring the 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the butter, sugar and salt and remove from the heat. When butter is mostly melted, add the 1 cup of cold water. Let mixture come to room temperature.

In a separate bowl, Dissolve yeast in the 1/2 cup warm water.

Pour the first mixture into a counter top mixer and add the yeast mixture and beaten eggs. Mix briefly. Add flour and stir together well. It will seem like it is too sticky...but it's okay, I promise. Cover tightly (I put mine in a greased ice cream bucket) and store in fridge overnight.

When ready to roll out, divide the dough into 6 equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll each part into a circle and brush the circle with some melted butter. Cut into 8 pieces and roll into crescent shapes. Place on greased cookie sheets (24 to each sheet) and let rise for about 1 - 1 1/2 hours.

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 12-14 minutes. After a few minutes out of the oven, brush tops with melted butter. Makes 48 rolls. Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container or bag. So good!

The reason why I love this recipe and think it's easy is because of the refrigeration step...this step makes the dough sooo easy to work with. I hope you like them as much as we do!

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies...

2011-11-21T15:14:00.001-07:00

So my neighbor brought over these to die for cookies about a week ago...

and I am not kidding, they are to die for...

since then I have made 2 batches and I think together we improved them slightly!

I will post the original and our newer version for you and you can decide which one to try!

Recipe courtesy of Studio 5

Caramel Stuffed Apple Cider Cookies

1 c. softened butter
1 c.granulated sugar
1/2 t.salt
1 box (7.4 oz) Alpine Spiced Apple Cider Instant Original Drink mix -not sugar free- all 10 packets (I found this in my grocery store near the hot chocolate mixes.)
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. baking powder
1 t. ground cinnamon
3 c. all purpose flour
1 bag Kraft Caramels (14 oz)

· Preheat oven to 350° F. Linecookie sheets with parchment. (You really need the parchment!)

Mix together butter and sugars untilfluffy, add eggs, vanilla, salt and apple cider packets and mix well. Add dry ingredients and mix well.
· Refrigerate for about an hour (This is crucial...I learned the hard way)
· When you are ready to bake, unwrap your caramels.
· Scoop out cookie dough ball about the size of a walnut. (I used a roundedcookie scoop-full. My scoop holds about a Tablespoon.)
· Flatten the ball of dough slightly in the palm of your hand. Press theunwrapped caramel into the center of your dough and seal the dough around it,covering it completely. Place on parchment covered cookie sheets 2 inchesapart.
· Bake 12-14 minutes, or until very lightly browned around the edges. Pleasedon't over- bake! Once the cookies are done, slide the parchment off of thebaking sheet right out onto the counter. Allow cookies to partially cool on theparchment. When cookies are cool enough to be firm but still slightly warm,carefully twist off of parchment and place on another piece of parchment paper that is on your counter.
· Yield: about 4 dozen, depending on how large you make your cookies. Store in anairtight container.

Michelle and I's version: We thought that using the Kraft Caramel Bits would make the caramel distribute evenly and also make the cookies easier to make. It was beyond perfect after using the caramel bits. Let me tell you, rolling all those caramels into the cookies was not the most fun thing to do! And, if you use the small pampered chef cookie scoop for these, bake them for 10-11 minutes, they turn out perfect

First Place!

2011-11-20T14:47:00.001-07:00

So my Dad is obsessed with all things Pine Wood Derby...

and he graciously helped Grady out with his car this year...

we're talking like seriously helped him out...

in the past, he ordered a kit for maximizing your car while staying within the 'rules'...

and...

We Have A Winner!

He was so excited!

and by 'he'...

I mean both Grady and my Dad!

What's Up Buttercup?

2011-11-14T12:24:00.001-07:00

Last month a couple of Hobo's came to my door for some candy...

aren't they the cutest Hobo's ever?

Last month this small child fell asleep sitting up...

she fights her naps like the dickens I tell ya...

Last month we went to the coveted punkin' patch in Elsi and got some awesome punkin's and gourds...

look at that cute buncha crazies...

Last month this little man received his Arrow of Light...

and it was a proud moment for us...

Last month was trick or treat time...

and my kiddos had a blast...

Last month at the Arrow of Light ceremony, Papa came to support his grandkids and it was very special...

My Mom drove 200 miles to be there too, she is Ah-Mazing!

Pizza Crust...

2011-11-12T13:29:00.001-07:00

We made pizza's for YW the other night and I found this recipe on a blog and decided to give it a go...

it was soooo good!!!

and the crust was all brown and cooked all the way through...

unlike other recipes I have tried...

this will only make one pizza so I suggest doubling or tripling it if you are feeding a crowd the size of my crowd...

I can't remember the blog, but because I changed the recipe a bit so I don't feel too bad...

I did steal this picture from a blog too because I never took one of my own...

doesn't that look delish?

Pizza Crust:

1/2 cup warm water (from the tap is good, I let mine get a little hot)

1 1/4 tsp. yeast

1 1/2 cups bread flour

1 tsp. salt

Combine the warm water and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add the flour and salt and mix in a countertop mixer for 3-4 minutes. Roll dough onto cookie sheet...no need to grease the sheet, just a little flour and you will be all set. Top with your favorite toppings and bake.

The trick to a good pizza crust is a really hot oven and putting it on the lowest rack in your oven. This recipe calls for a 420 degree oven and baking it for 11-13 minutes.

Also, we tried doing a pizza without using any sauce and it was really good. In fact, it was so good that I have to intention to ever make my pizza with sauce again! The flavor really comes through with your toppings...YUM!

Chicken Tortilla Soup...

2011-11-04T12:16:00.000-06:00

I found this recipe on the PW's tasty kitchen blog and I had to try it...

I love me a good tortilla soup but I don't love all of the work that goes into some of the recipes...

after I made my usual changes I was really pleased!

this was an easy one and it had a really good flavor...

I will be making it one of my staples for sure!

Chicken Tortilla Soup...

2 chicken breasts, poached and shredded

4 cans chicken broth

1 can Rotel Tomatoes with Lime juice and Cilantro

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 Tbsp. cumin

1 tsp. chili powder (I used less)

1 can black beans, rinsed thoroughly

1 carrot, cut into big pieces

Bring the broth to a boil and add tomatoes, garlic and spices. Bring back to a boil and add beans, chicken and carrot. The carrot is basically there to bring the spice down a bit...if you like it super spicy, skip adding the carrot. Add the chicken and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Take the carrot out and serve in bowls topped with tortilla strips, cheese, sour cream and avocado if you like!

I am assuming that you could use regular canned tomatoes and skip the whole carrot thing altogether but I really liked the cilantro and lime flavor in the rotel tomatoes. Play around with it until you get the flavor how you like it!

Trick or treating...

2011-10-31T20:20:00.002-06:00

Best Trick or Treat handout...

EVER!!!

Thank you Emma!!!

Peach Cheesecake Dessert...

2011-10-28T15:29:00.000-06:00

Renae's Peach Cheesecake:

16 graham crackers (crushed)
1 cube butter (melted)

Mix together and press into 9x13 pan.

1 3/4 cups water
1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 (3 oz.) package orange jello
4 cups diced fresh peaches

Mix sugar and cornstarch together. Add water and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Boil until thick and add jello powder, stir and chill. Add peaches to mixture.

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
4 Tbsp. powdered sugar
12 oz. cool whip

Mix cream cheese and sugar first, then add cool whip. Spread over crust. Pour peach mixture over creamy mixture and chill until set.

Note: I got to thinking that this would make a really great pie too...and it did...and it made 3 pies using store bought graham cracker crusts. Genius! So I had 3 pies to take out to some friends...and they are soooo yummy!

Eggnog Pound Cake

2011-10-27T12:13:00.003-06:00

Eggnog Pound Cake:

1 16-oz. package pound cake mix

1 1/4 cups eggnog

2 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Beat all ingredients together at low speed with an electric mixer until blended. Increase speed to medium, and beat 2 minutes. Pour into a lightly greased 9- x 5-inch loaf pan.

2. Bake at 350° for 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack, and cool completely (about 1 hour).

3. And to make it even more special...I made a glaze with some of the leftover eggnog and some milk and poured it right over the cake...It's literally sitting in a pool of heaven!

My brother the jump rope champion!

2011-10-26T14:40:00.001-06:00

Whilst in Richfield, the little girls were entertaining us with their jump rope skills...

and Nate just HAD to prove that he was cool too!

I have no words for the following pictures...

just giggles...

lots and lots of giggles...

2011-10-24T22:33:00.001-06:00

Cute little Chloe came into this world a few weeks ago...

congrats to my lil' bro and his amazing wife Ashley...

she is most definitely one of my besties and I look up to her in so many ways!

I did learn that photographing newborns is quite an art...

and I have not yet even begun to master that skill...

but I did get these two cute pics of all of the kids for her!

I really love them and the idea of them is pure genius...

way to go Ash!

Barth Family...

2011-10-18T11:00:00.000-06:00

Zebra popcorn...

2011-10-18T10:20:00.002-06:00

I know I have already posted this recipe before...

but it's so good and so easy to make...

and perfect for this weather...

I'm not sure why...

but it is!

So you should totally try it...

right now!

Find the recipe here...

A fun family...

2011-10-17T22:21:00.002-06:00

Gorgeous family...

2011-10-13T21:08:00.001-06:00

Been busy...

2011-10-13T12:09:00.002-06:00

I have been busy lately...

taking photos...

editing photos...

and browsing pinterest...

I love that site!

so here are a few shots from recent shoots...

Wendy's Frosty...

2011-10-06T15:03:00.000-06:00

So it's official...

I am addicted to Pinterest...

and I found this recipe on there and absolutely had to try it!

and it was wonderful...

so I suggest that you try it ASAP!!!

Wendy's Frosty:

16 oz. Cool Whip

1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk

Chocolate milk

Mix the cool whip and sweetened condensed milk together in the ice cream maker. Pour chocolate milk in until it reaches the fill line (maybe about a gallon). Freeze and enjoy!

In the big old fashioned Ice Cream makers...use this exact recipe. But...in the smaller ones (like my Cuisinart), I halved the recipe. Also...I added some hershey's syrup cuz my chocolate milk wasn't chocolatey enough for me.

Note: These are so filling...we could hardly eat our entire cup of them...and it really wasn't a huge cup. On the website it suggested using the lower fat versions of cool whip and sweetened condensed milk and I am going to try that next time.

Egg in the hole...

2011-10-01T11:31:00.001-06:00

PW made these on her show a couple of weeks ago...

and my kids begged for them...

personally I thought that they would never eat them but was happy to make them and give them a try...

they all love them...

all but the little girls that is...

and so we made them again last night and I got a photo...

so I can share the recipe with ya!

Egg in the hole:

What you'll need:

Bread

eggs

butter (and lots of it)

salt and pepper

circle cutter

Directions:

Cut holes in the bread and save the holes. Heat your pan on med-high heat and slather on the butter...a good amount. Place the bread in the pan, making sure to soak up the butter. Crack an egg into each hole...and at this point you can sort of 'scramble' the egg if you like, it's what my kids prefer but I like it whole. Salt and pepper your egg. After the bread has toasted to a nice golden brown, it's time to flip. Now when I am at this point, I get my butter stick in one hand and the spatula in the other...I pick up the toast with the spatula hand, and rub more butter on the pan with the other hand. This makes for a very tasty and toasty bread. When the egg has cooked and the bread is a nice golden brown on the other side...remove it from the pan. And, don't forget to toast up the little holes too...they are soooo good!

A few more of my nieces and nephews...

2011-09-29T21:14:00.002-06:00

I am still editing this session and I am thrilled with the photos...

these kids are adorable...

Soul Searching...

2011-09-27T12:38:00.000-06:00

I have been doing a ton of soul searching lately...

well maybe not a ton...

like not for very long either...

maybe just a few minutes...

Okay...

who am I kidding...

I never soul search!

unless soul searching involves internet searches...

cuz I do that a ton...

we had an interesting weekend...

one that involved buying a table that we weren't planning on buying...

bringing the table home and falling completely madly in love with it...

and realizing that in it's 9 foot grandeur...

it was too BIG!

so we took it back last night...

I am sad...

I am mad...

mad because I wasn't really in the market for a table and we bought one anyways...

sad because I really really loved the table we bought and sad because we had to return it...

but it's okay...

the story gets better...

because whilst I was in my ~~soul~~ internet searches lately...

I found this little beauty from the PW herself...

well actually, I saw it on her show Sat. and was smitten at first glance...

I have decided I want this exact table...

but with trestle legs...

but exactly like it in every other way!

My soul has spoken!

and I am listening...

2011-09-25T19:00:00.002-06:00

Ummmm....HELLO?

How genius are these little gems!?!

I found this recipe over at PW's Tasty Recipes blog...

I was so excited to try them...

and they totally delivered!

Homemade Butterfingers:

16 oz candy corn

16 oz peanut butter

Melting chocolate (your favorite kind...but not choc. chips)

Melt candy corn in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second intervals, making sure to stir at each interval. When they are totally melted, add peanut butter. Note: I had to mix mine up with my hand mixer because it was so thick and sticky. Put mixture into a wax paper lined 8X8 pan. Place in freezer until set. Cut into bite sized bars and dip into melted chocolate using a fork to scrape off excess.

Personally...the dipping part was tricky but not as bad as I was expecting. They might not be pretty but they are sure tasty! The texture is almost spot on like real butterfingers and I was so shocked by this...I mean really...candy corns and peanut butter?!?...Who Knew!?

It will make quite a few bars...which is good cuz it's Taylor's favorite candy bar!

Little Letters...

2011-09-22T17:31:00.002-06:00

Dear windows...please just clean yourself. You are driving me mad and I just bought some expensive cleaner stuff that hooks to my hose and it promised me it would clean but you are still so dirty...ugh!

Dear husband...you are amazing at everything you do. Like with the basement stuff...you astound me with your talents and abilities to figure stuff out! The basement is looking so great and I am excited for the finishing product!

Dear kids...again with the picky eating crap...you are terrible! I wish you would just eat what I fix without whining and crying about it every single night!

Dear clutter...WHOOOOOOSH!!!! (are you gone?)

Dear hospital...Hire me!

Dear pre-algebra...you are hard and even I don't understand you anymore...Taylor hates you and so do I!

Dear Amanda...thank you for being Taylor's tutor for pre-algebra...you have saved me!

Dear Grady...quit with the getting out of bed when you should be reading like a zillion times every single night! You are driving me MAD! Just read! okay?

Dear Fall...you couldn't come soon enough! I love you and I love your colors and I especially love the beautiful photo shoots you give me!

Dear feet...quit hurting all the time...I need you to cooperate with me and stop making me limp - slash - hobble all the time!

Dear fellow bloggers...thank you for always updating your blogs and keeping me in the loop...I seriously love reading all of you and I have learned things from each and every one of you!!! So...Thank you!!!

Mini session with my nieces and nephews!

2011-09-19T14:27:00.004-06:00

I had the most beautiful mini session with these guys over the weekend and it was so fun!

Aren't they adorable!

This just makes me smile!

Guilty Pleasure Weekend Edition...

2011-09-17T20:50:00.001-06:00

I like weekends...

I like snuggling in bed all morning...

I like hanging with my hubby...

I like baking all kinds of treats...

today it was granola bars and sugar cookies...

tomorrow I'm not sure what to bake...

I like having a pizza night, it's easy...

I like grilled cheese sammies on Saturdays...

I like the outdoor activities the kids play for hours...

and they get to hang with their pals all day...

I like the laziness...

I like finding old movies to watch on tv...

old as in the 80's not old as in older than that...

older than that movies are annoying...

I like fight nights on Spike...

can't wait to watch Court when the game is over...

I dvr'd him...

and I know people who know him so I sorta know him...

he's one of my crushes...

him and Rob Thomas...

and Eminem...

and let's not forget Channing Tatum...

man I have a lot of crushes...

I like getting together with family...

I like seeing all the cousins playing together...

I like doing photoshoots in the evenings...

it's one of my faves...

the evening light is so beautiful...

I like having a traditional Sunday dinner...

like with pot roast and mashers...

I just like weekends...

all around...

Anniversary!

2011-09-15T19:04:00.002-06:00

It's been 14 years!

14 YEARS people!

That's a LOOOOONG time!

And I feel obliged to give you a run-down of our 14 years together...

year...1 - Fell madly in love and got married

2 - Bought 1st home and had a baby

3 - Started a business and worked 2 jobs (Amy)

4 - Sold 1st home, moved in with family, bought 2nd home, moved and had another baby (the last two on same day)

5 - Started a new job (Chris)

6 - Had another baby

7 - Started a new job (Chris)

8 - Thought seriously about moving and put house up for sale at the end of the year

9 - Sold 2nd home, moved in with family, built 3rd home and moved

10 - All three older kids are in school and I have yet another baby

11 - Nothing much but still in love (awwwww)

12 - Had ANOTHER baby

13 - Nothing much

14 - 14 years and still going strong!

See...

isn't it super exciting to 'look' into our lives...

hahahaha...

We are now in that stage of life where there will be no more babies and hopefully no more moving (at least for a long time.)

Cheers to 14!

And in case 'he' is reading...

I am expecting something HUGE for our 15!!!

Like with DIAMONDS and AIRPLANE rides and BEACHES!

Fruit Leather...

2011-09-09T22:02:00.003-06:00

I am seriously wondering where I have been all these years...I mean this stuff is soooooo good and sooooo easy to make! I am beyond excited to whip up a ton of these for my kiddos and I am even more excited for the endless possibilities of flavors! This one is Raspberry and next up is...Caramel Apple....I mean, can you imagine...an apple layer and a caramel layer on top...rolled up...delicious goodness all in one!

Homemade Fruit Leather:

48 - 64 oz applesauce

1 small box jello - any flavor

Puree the heck out of this either in your food processor or blender. Pour out on a plastic wrap lined baking sheet (line the plastic wrap as close to edges as possible, avoid folding over the sheet...it won't melt because we are just drying out the fruit). Spread the mixture all the way to the edges making it as even as possible. I may look too thick but remember it is going to be drying in your oven and it will sort of shrink when the moisture evaporates. Bake for 6-8 hours in a 170 degree oven until no longer tacky in the middle. After it has cooled, separate from plastic wrap and put onto wax paper to cut and roll. Store in airtight container.

Yum!

If the Caramel Apple works to my liking...I will totally be blogging about them!

The Bash of all Birthdays...

2011-09-06T14:32:00.001-06:00

Two little girlies in this household had a Birthday last month...

one is 2 and one is 4...

crazy...

we had the Bash of all Birthdays for both of them and it was a Smashing Success if I do say so myself...

and so I present you a bum-load of pictures!

Brogan at 9 months...

2011-08-30T16:48:00.002-06:00

I haven't had any photo shoots for awhile...

and I blame it on Summer...

Summer is just not the time for family picture taking...

I am hoping I get REAL busy come Fall though...

crossing my fingers...

in the mean time...

I took some pics for my sis of her cute babe...

he is so stinkin adorable in these and I am hopin she likey!

This one is my fave!

Paradise Bakery Sugar Cookie...

2011-08-29T17:58:00.001-06:00

I love me a good Sugar cookie...

I like em' bakery style or frosted...

but I especially liked these!

I've never had a Paradise Bakery Sugar Cookie but I am told that these are quite similar...

in fact...

I don't feel the need to compare because these are so Delish!

photo courtesy of flickr

Paradise Bakery Sugar Cookie:

2 cups shortening

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg

3/4 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

4 1/3 cups cake flour

Preheat oven to 375 degrees...grease cookie pans.

Cream together shortening and sugars for 30 seconds, scrape down sides and mix again for a minimum of 3 minutes. Slowly add vanilla and egg while mixing. Add soda, powder and salt, mix until combined. Add flour and mix only until combined...do not over mix! (Note: this recipe calls specifically for cake flour and I don't recommend using anything different...I once even tried to make my own substitution and they did not work out.)

Use the large pampered chef scoop to form dough balls. Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand and dip the tops of the dough balls into sugar (I used that big chunky sparkly kind and it was so pretty.) Place onto the cookie sheets, six to a sheet. Bake for 9-10 minutes, cracks will appear on the cookie and the edges should not brown. (Note: the cookies will not appear to be done in the middle but they continue to set up on the sheets after baking, and the less time to bake the better.)

These are the BOMB and in my professional opinion they are even better the next day!

Boogie Wipes...

2011-08-26T13:00:00.000-06:00

This is a non paid product review...

I feel so strongly about these that I just had to share...

and really...

do you think anybody would actually pay me for a review...

hahaha...

These things are freakin' genius!

we have a little song and dance we do when a boogie needs a wipin'...

and the little girls come a runnin'...

what kid do you know that is actually okay with getting their nose wiped?

because of these little gems...

I got two of em'...

and maybe sometimes I use them too!

Bread Machine Mall Pretzels...

2011-08-24T16:34:00.002-06:00

Doesn't that look DIVINE!!!

I am telling you...

these are amazing and soooo easy to make!

Mall Pretzels...

1 1/2 cup lukewarm water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
4 cups flour (I used bread flour)
1 teaspoon salt
1 package yeast (2 1/4 tsp.)

Wash
1 cup water, mixed with
1 tablespoon baking soda

melted butter

Put ingredients into your bread maker and set on the dough cycle. Let it do it's thang!

Pull the dough out and divide into 16 equal parts. Roll each piece out into a rope about 16 inches long. At this point you can either shape your pretzel or keep in a rope shape to make pretzel bites. Dip into the wash and place on a greased cookie sheet. If making bites, cut rope into little bite sized pieces with scissors and spread them out a bit.

Let the pretzels rise for 15 minutes. While they are rising, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Brush pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with the topping of your choice.

I discovered how to make the 'powdery' cinnamon sugar and parmesan cheese like they have at the pretzel stores in the mall...just blend the tar out of em to get em all 'powdery' and good. I have a ninja type blender that works wonders!

I found this recipe over at CDKitchen...Love it!

Dear Blogger...

2011-08-21T22:37:00.000-06:00

I am not liking you right now!
I can't get any answers as to why my photos are missing and why my updates are slow...
And why do I have to buy more storage for my photos that you have placed in a Picasa album without ever telling me about this album?
I thought you were free!

2011-08-19T16:12:00.000-06:00

Is any one else besides me having issues with blogs...
My updates on my blog lists are not showing, like when a blog has a new post, my blog is not communicating that to itself (does that make sense)...
some of MY pictures have been deleted (see bear lake post)...
and some of the pictures on other people's blogs have been deleted...
It seems really weird to me...

Back to School...

2011-08-15T23:01:00.000-06:00

So apparently my boys are getting too old for their dear ol' mom to go to the first day of school with them...

and their dear ol' mom couldn't be more okay with it!

Is that weird?

Taylor doesn't start until next Monday and she is oober excited for Jr. High...

she is trying out for the volleyball team this Friday and I couldn't be more ecstatic for her...

crossing my fingers that she does well!

And since I wasn't allowed to take ANY pictures today...

I give you this!

cuz it's funny!

Quick Trip to Bear Lake...

2011-08-07T11:35:00.001-06:00

We were fortunate enough to receive a last minute invite to Bear Lake on Friday...

without much hesitation we packed up our junk and headed up to paradise...

I wanna live there...

like for reals...

it's so beautiful up there and we haven't been in like nine years so we were way overdue for a visit...

It was fabulous...

and now I will indulge you with a few photos...

Giant 28 inch pizza for dinner...

Snuggle time with Aunt Sherri...

This is the look I get all the time...

I love campfire...

The end!


Our Ah-Mazing host's!

Thank you Jodi and Sherri for an awesome time!!!

Birthday Girls...

2011-08-04T21:53:00.000-06:00

I came across these two little girls browsing the internet for their birthday present picks...

since when did kids get so computer savvy...

Oh...

and get this...

Jenner asked me if she could play Toy Story online today...

Whahhh!??!???

Giant Chocolatey Reese's PB Cup cookies...

2011-07-31T18:34:00.002-06:00

Dear Ashley...

You MUST and I mean MUST make these for my brother...

He will LOVE them with a capital L...

Therefore...

He will love ME for giving you the recipe!

Catch my drift?

I found this recipe off of a blog I was browsing and I was soooooo intrigued. I mean, what's not to like: Cookies...Good, Chocolate...Good, and Peanut Butter Cups...Good! (3 points if you can name that TV sitcom I just used!) Anyways...these are so rich and so good...they have a brownie like texture and taste with the PB cup in the center that adds even more texture and more yumminess...a must try for sure! And when I say Giant...I mean Giant! Like about 6 inches in diameter...therefore making only about 20 cookies!

Blog I found these on...http://www.heatherchristo.com

Enjoy!

Chocolate Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter Cups:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbs Vanilla
1 ½ cups cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups flour
20 regular sized Reese's PB cups

Cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Add cocoa, soda, salt and flour and mix well. With a medium scoop (pampered chef) scoop out the dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet. 6 cookies per sheet. Press PB cup into cookie. Now take a slightly smaller scoop of cookie dough and place on top of PB cup. Use your fingers to press the dough around the cup and into the bottom portion of dough. Note: By placing only 6 cookies per sheet, the cookies are allowed to spread to their maximum capacity making them so GIANT...which is good! Bake cookies in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes. Let cool just enough before devouring them! I ended up with 21 cookies and they were perfect!

I realize that this is quite an expensive cookie to make and that it also doesn't make many cookies but...my kids were so excited to try them and I think they were perfect for this rainy Sunday afternoon! You can also jump over the Heather C's blog to get a more detailed description and more pictures!

Look what I made...

2011-07-24T21:13:00.000-06:00

Aren't they cute?

I got the idea from Make-it-and-love-it and she posted a tutorial at... http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/07/flip-flop-refashion-part-1-braided-straps.html

The possibilities are endless~

Zip.Zilch.Nada...

2011-07-19T16:23:00.001-06:00

Didn't get past the application process...

AGAIN!

It's all about who you know these days...

and I ain't got too many connections...

grrrr...

Dream Job!

2011-07-14T22:12:00.000-06:00

I don't think it's any secret that I have been looking for a job for quite awhile...

like over six months...

anyways...

I have training in phlebotomy and some CNA stuff and so that's primarily where I have looked...

I have applied for every job that I could commit too and some registrar jobs at local hospitals to at least get my foot in the door and then go from there...

I got nothing!

Zip.Zilch.Nada.

I got one interview at Davis months back but that was only because the HR director for that hospital is in my ward and the Bishop asked him to get me in...

I found out that my hours of availability were less than desired for that particular job!

I am trying to not be too picky about hours but...

I do have 5 kids and 1 hubby to think about here...

and I feel strongly that my family is and always will be my first priority!

But, there have been some opportunities where the hours would have been awesome for me and I applied to those jobs...

and there were more than a few...

but...

I can never get past the applying part...

so...

I am soliciting for your help...

I need your positive vibes sent my way...

cuz...

I just applied for what I would consider to be my 'dream job' at Ogden Regional...

it's a CNA job in the Family Birth Place...

R.U.Kidding.Me?

My total DREAM job right there!!!

I have always wanted to be an OB Nurse but I feel that my time for that one has expired...

(too much school cuz I'm too old and I have two toddlers still)

but I am qualified for this one...

I could totally do this...

and I would totally love it!

So...

send em' my way...

PLEASE!!!

The days are long...

2011-07-09T13:56:00.000-06:00

This is by far one of my most favorite time of year...

I love that the days are so long....

and the evenings are warm...

and that the sun sets so late...

and that dinner usually consists of whatever you want...

meaning that cereal is okay (my kids call it anything night)...

I love that the air is dry and hot...

but I hate the sweating...

I love that the little girls love to get wet and that they usually end going through two outfits a day because of that...

I love the late nights and late mornings...

I love the ease of summer...

I love watching my kids play outside...

I love waiting outside for Chris to come home from work...

I was able to capture some fun moments from my little girls when we were out one night...

they were twirling and dancing and playing king of the mountain (which was me) and then they were doing my hair and giggling a ton...

It was one of those perfect moments for me...

so far the summer has been eventful...

full of sicknesses all around..

Sweet Addy has an appointment with an ENT to see if she needs her tonsils out fairly soon...

I am hoping we can wait for at least another year but the outlook is grim...

she has been sick for a month and her tonsils are touching as of now...

We have celebrated the 4th in Kaysville probably for the last time...

I am sick of all of the people (like 10,000) and the parade was a total bust...

I told Chris that we aren't going next year...

but we'll see...

The Kaysville fireworks were amazing however...

so a few points were earned that way...

My kids all say that we are celebrating in RF next year because it's way funner...

hahaha

Today we went to the Farmington parade and it never disappoints!!!

We are sort of parade junkies I guess...

Here are a few pics for your viewing!

Mischief!

2011-07-06T18:05:00.000-06:00

We had an unusual thing happen over here...

my older kids were never to into mischief and I was so lucky that way...

but when Jenner and Addy came along, things were way different...

the older ones never climbed on anything or dug things out of cabinets and the like...

Addy is a little monkey and we have to put up all of the stools and small chairs just to keep her from getting on the counter...

so imagine what happened when she decided to climb the dresser using the drawers for steps...

scared us all to death when we heard the crash...

Thanks to Rhett the Super Hero for his Super Human Strength for lifting all of the drawers off of her at one time to get her out...

Crazy!

I am so glad she is okay and not hurt...

and I am so grateful to Rhett for getting there faster than me and saving her...

it was a miracle she's okay!

All four of those upper drawers are completely full and he lifted them ALL at once...

Also, we went to the dentist today and all 5 of the kiddos are cavity free...

YAY!

And, Addy and Jenner had their first exams and were exceptional patients...

aren't they the cutest!

Meatballs...

2011-06-28T17:38:00.000-06:00

I'll admit...

I do not normally like meatballs...

but this recipe is exceptional!

My SIL ran across it in the Worldwide Ward cookbook and we have been making it ever since she introduced us to it!

It's delish!

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup quick oats
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/4 cup dehydrated oonion
2/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Combine all of the ingredients and mix well. Form into balls using the pampered chef medium scoop. Place in a 9X13 casserole dish. Cover with sauce (below). Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Serve over rice.

Sauce:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
2 teaspoon mustard
1/2 cup barbeque sauce {Tony Romas Carolina Honey is the best)
2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Combine ingredients and blend thoroughly. Note: We usually 1 1/2 times the sauce cuz it's so good.

French Silk Pie...

2011-06-19T20:27:00.002-06:00

I don't know how many of you are fans of this pie but around these parts...
we are HUGE fans!!!

Every February, June and October in the past we would normally rush out the door to purchase one of these from the famous Marie Callender pie sales...
but have you noticed the price increase as of late???
It's RIDICULOUS!!!
So awhile back we were visiting my SIL and she whipped up one of these babies...
and let me tell you what...
it's FABULOUS and dare I say Much better than ol' Marie's version...
(not to mention way more cost friendly)

And this Father's day dessert was none other than...

French Silk Pie a'la Amy...

(or Sarah, depending on how you look at it!)

French Silk Pie:

Oreo pie crust (it MUST be oreo or otherwise your whole pie is a disaster)

1 cup sugar

¾ cup butter, softened (real, not margarine)

3 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

1 tsp. vanilla

3 eggs

Beat sugar and butter for 4 minutes. Add chocolate and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, beating on high speed after each egg and scraping sides of bowl several times. Transfer to shell, cover and chill for 5-24 hours. (better the longer you wait!)

Top with whipped cream and chocolate curls.

Note: I discovered that beating the butter and sugar for a minimum of 4 minutes is mandatory or your pie will be grainy in texture...this last time I mixed for well over 4 minutes and my pie was delish!

Rice Krispy Candy...

2011-06-05T14:07:00.000-06:00

These little beauties are so delish...

I whipped up a batch of them yesterday and forgot all about them sitting in the refrigerator...

thankfully Taylor found them and wanted to try them...

who knows how long they would have been hidden in there...

Rice Krispy Candy:

2 cups Karo corn syrup

2 cups peanut butter

1 cup butterscotch chips

1 cup chocolate chips

7 cups Rice Krispies

Combine the corn syrup, peanut butter, butterscotch chips and chocolate chips in a large saucepan. Melt over medium heat until smooth. Add rice krispies and mix well. Pour into a 9X13 pan that has either been sprayed with pam or lined with parchment paper sprayed with pam. Refrigerate until set up (don't forget about them) and cut into small squares!

My babes...

2011-05-23T21:59:00.000-06:00

Nicholai took some amazing photos of my kiddos and I love them so much!!!

I hope you likey too!

Heavenly PB & Oatmeal Bars...

2011-05-20T12:30:00.001-06:00

These are sooooo good...

especially while still warm...

with a little ice cream on top...

Mmmmmmm...

Heavenly PB & Oatmeal Bars:

Cream together:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

Add and mix well:

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 egg

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Add:

1 cup flour

1 cup quick cooking oats

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1/2 cup butterscotch chips

Press into a greased 9X13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Cool slightly before eating. These are good with or without the ice cream...my kids prefer them without!

Sara...

2011-05-13T21:59:00.001-06:00

I have enjoyed photography so much...

and after this last session...

I feel that I have seen the light...

literally...

like one of those A-HA moments...
I hope you likey!

2011-05-10T17:34:00.000-06:00

I am sitting here laughing at me-self about these last two posts...

one basically suggests that I am not too happy (Dear self...in Little Letters)

and the other suggests that I am doing great (ordering clothes for me-self...the same self that I am struggling to like)...

maybe I am bi-polar or something...

hahaha

(insert) evil laugh...

(insert) giggle...

see what I mean?

Me Mum's Day...

2011-05-09T21:12:00.000-06:00

How was your Mom day?

Mine was good...

I didn't get out of all the cleaning and wiping...

but it was a good day!

What is it about Old Navy that I love?

I love most everything about their clothes...

and so for myself for Mom's day...

I ordered my some!

Hooray!

Little Letters...

2011-05-07T22:20:00.000-06:00

Dear Taylor...

Stop growing up so fast!...

just stop!

I am struggling with the fact that you are almost a teenager which means that you are almost in high school which means that you are almost in college which means...

well, I don't want to talk about it!

Just stop growing up...

mmmmm.....K!

Dear Addy...

Stop growing up so fast too!...

you are my last babe and I want to enjoy you longer...

although...

you are at a really hard stage right now and so maybe you can get like Jenner's age and then stop...

yeah...

I think that would work!

Dear Hollywood...

Your movies are lame...

just plain lame...

get on the ball and make some good ones again...

and ignore the need to rate all of them R...

because that's just plain rude!

Dear self...

why are you so LARGE...

why do you like to eat...

why can't you have skinny genes...

no not skinny jeans...

skinny genes...

why can't you feel beautiful to me?

Dear Mother's day...

It's about time!

Dear kids...

why are you so picky?

cuz I like to cook...

and I don't like Ramen all the time...

I like real food...

so figure that out would ya?

Dear Melaleuca...

Thanks for coming into our life...

I love all of your products...

I really love your shampoo and conditioner...

and laundry stuff...

and cleaner stuff...

etc.

Dear conditioner...

Thank you for giving Katy the idea to use you to shave her legs...

cuz I just shaved mine with you and they are Super Silky!

Genius...Genius!!!

Caramel Waffle Syrup...

2011-05-04T21:19:00.001-06:00

Let me just preface this blog post with...

YOU MUST TRY THIS RECIPE!!!

and yes...

that's an order!

Special Caramel Syrup:

1 cube butter (the real stuff)

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup sugar

1 cup cream (heavy whipping cream)

1 tsp. flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. vanilla

Bring the butter, sugars, cream, flour and salt to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Take off heat and add vanilla. Let cool for a few minutes. Pour over strategically stacked waffles...like this...1st waffle, 2nd cool whip, 3rd strawberries with sugar (thus making their own syrup) and lastly but certainly not least...the Special Caramel Syrup!

I promise...promise...you will LOVE it!

Proud Mama...

2011-05-02T21:06:00.000-06:00

So I am one proud Mama of Taylor right now...

She just finished her Good Works project for PP...

she donated all of the money she made babysitting for the month of April to my Bro and Sis-in-law for the passing of their little Sage...

They were given a Christmas Tree from the Festival of Trees this last year and they wanted to donate one this year in honor of sweet Sage...

the tree costs a ton of money to decorate and do it up right and so Taylor wanted to figure out a way to help out...

hence the Good Works project...

She was able to raise just over $100 and gave them the money on Sunday...

it was so AWESOME!!!

after they left our house my Bro-in-law sent me this comment on one of my posts...

it read:

Amy,

I want you to know how completely amazed I am about what Taylor did today.

I'm not sure if you could tell, but I had to struggle to keep my emotions in check when she said how much money she had raised and wanted to donate it all to help with Sage's tree.

I don't know of another 12 year old anywhere who having raised $100.00 and could spend it on anything he/she wanted, and then give it all out of the goodness of her heart.

There have been many acts of love and service given to our family this past year. This one, I will remember forever.

Please tell Taylor how much we love her and are grateful for the incredible generosity she has shown.

In the midst of much sorrow and tears, I have been uplifted to see the wonderful kindness of the human heart. Taylor's is pure gold!

With love,

Tyler

Like I said...

I am one proud Mama!

For Mindy...

2011-05-02T14:55:00.000-06:00

This family was so much fun to work with...

we were all giggling the whole time...

even when little Peyton took a spill their mojo didn't stop...

this is just a little sneak peek for Mom and Chandler...

hope you like what I did with ya Chandler...

Little Madi...

2011-04-29T17:00:00.001-06:00

This tulip field is AMAZING...

I am pretty sure we are getting our own family photos done there soon...

let's hope for some good weather...

and isn't Madi adorable?

Miss Jordan

2011-04-28T13:10:00.000-06:00

This was such a fun shoot...

the best part was my adorable subject...

funny thing is...

she doesn't even know how GORGEOUS she is...

stunning I tell ya...

STUNNING!!!

Rolo Cookies...

2011-04-27T17:08:00.001-06:00

Mmmmm...Mmmmm...Mmmmm...

That's all I have to say...

Oh, and I found this recipe on Two peas and their Pod...

Rolo Cookies:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cocoa
1 cup butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Bag of Rolo candies, unwrapped
Sugar (for rolling the cookie dough balls in)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Set aside.

2. With a mixer, cream butter and sugars together until smooth. Add in eggs, one at a time. Next, add in vanilla extract. Mix until blended.

4. Slowly add baking soda, salt, cocoa and flour to mixture and blend well. Take a spoonful of chocolate cookie dough and wrap around one Rolo candy. Make sure Rolo is completely covered with cookie dough. Roll dough ball in sugar and place on prepared baking sheet. Continue until you run out of cookie dough.

5. Bake cookies for 7-10 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit on cookie sheet for 3-5 minutes. Move to a cooling rack and cool completely.

Makes exactly 3 dozen cookies.

Amy's Note: I used the medium pampered chef scoop and I baked them for exactly 10 minutes.

Cheesecake...

2011-04-25T14:45:00.001-06:00

This is such a good cheesecake. I have a long failed history with cheesecakes and I was elated that this one worked...Go Me! The tastiest part is the almond extract in the crust...delicious! I got the recipe from a book I am reading called "The Cherry Cheesecake Murder" and I made my usual small adjustments to make it more me...it is sooooo good! And, I don't like cherries on top so I just bought a can of raspberry filling for the topping...yummy!

Cheesecake:

Crust:

2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (measure after crushing)
2/3 stick butter, melted
1 tsp. almond extract

Pour melted butter and almond extract over cookie crumbs. Press into a 9 inch springform pan that has been sprayed with pam. Press up the sides one inch. Put crust in freezer.

Batter:

1 cup sugar
3 8 oz. bricks cream cheese (room temp)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
4 eggs
2 cups white chocolate chips
2 tsp. vanilla

Mix sugar, cream cheese and mayo until very smooth. Add eggs one at a time and mix well after each egg. Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Let cool for 2 minutes and add to batter. Add vanilla and mix everything together very good. Pull crust out of freezer and pour batter into crust. Place cheesecake onto a foiled lined cookie sheet and bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 55 minutes. Turn oven off and leave cheesecake in there for a couple of hours. Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 8 hours before serving.

Warning: Mine was so ugly and cracked really bad. The edges were raised and I had to cut them off to level it out. I just poured the raspberry filling over the entire thing to cover the ugliness...and trust me, you won't even remember how ugly it was once you have tasted it!....yummy!!!

My senior shoot with Sam...

2011-04-19T22:34:00.000-06:00

This is Sam...

and she was so fun to work with...

she had lots of ideas and I am hoping she likes what I can do...

I am only partially through the editing process...

there were so many great shots...

she had a total of 4 outfits and I'm not even through outfit #1...

I'm Sold...

2011-04-15T21:45:00.000-06:00

So I was perusing the internet the other day about the benefits of vinegar in regular, daily household cleaning and I was surprised at how many uses there are for vinegar. I had heard of several of them and have tried many but my latest find was astonishing!!! I had a friend tell me about pouring vinegar in the bottom of my dishwasher every time I wash the dishes and so I tried that and it worked okay. I read online that you could actually put the vinegar in the little jet dry compartment and that seemed to be more easily done for me...since I was always forgetting to pour the vinegar in the bottom. After I did this and washed the dishes for the first time I was so amazed at the results! It was crazy at what a difference it actually made...and the little jet dry thingy will stay loaded for awhile so I don't really have to think about it too often. And...vinegar is dirt cheap!

Score!!!

Having Fun...

2011-04-08T19:17:00.001-06:00

The weather here is Gosh Awful...

and we totally got bored...

I ran across this amazing website about pancake art the other day and so we decided to try it out...

Let me just tell you that is was So Much Fun!

You should totally try it...

check out the expert artist here...

Here are our results...

And...

I have been playing around with my editing skills and have been adding some textures to my photos...

I want YOU to tell ME what YOU think...

I sorta LOVE them...

Before...

After...

Before...

After...

Before...

After...

Anywho...

leave me a comment and tell me what you think!

2011-04-06T17:38:00.001-06:00

This little cutie ended up needing glasses...
at her young age it's hard to figure that out...
we knew something was wrong by the way she watched tv and also by the way she would play the DS...

and I think she is absolutely adorable with them...

her vision is terrible and she has never known what it was like to see 20-20 until she got the glasses...

pretty sad to think about...

but I am glad we figured it out and fixed her right up!

Chips....Mmmmmm

2011-04-03T14:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday at Wally World they were giving away free chips...

and it got me thinking...

I really like chips...

and so do my kiddos...

I really like the folded/bended ones the best...

so does Taylor...

they taste better...

we fight over them and it's funny...

I sort of always win...

cuz I am stronger...

and I pull the 'I am your mother' card...

hee, hee...

so there I was...

deep in thought...

over chips...

do you like the foldy bendy ones too?

Draney...

2011-04-02T11:00:00.000-06:00

This is Taylor's friend Taylor Draney...

we don't call her Taylor...

we call her Draney...

in fact, Jenner doesn't even know that her real name is Taylor...

it's pretty funny ...

and she is so gorgeous...

right?

More of the Hoffmans...

2011-03-27T20:23:00.000-06:00

Famous Amos...

2011-03-23T17:45:00.000-06:00

So all of my dreams have FINALLY come true...

I am Famous!

About 20 months ago (not that I am keeping tabs), I submitted one of my favorite recipes to the Buxton lady who has published all of the World Wide Ward Cookbooks...

I never heard from her and she published two more books after the first one...

I just assumed she got a bazillion recipes and mine was overlooked and under-appreciated...

until today...

I made it into the newest of the books called Secret Recipes...

and to say that I am thrilled beyond measure is an understatement...

I even went out and got a new sharpie for all of the autograph signing I will be doing in the future...

I would first like to thank you...all of my fans for believing in me...

and I would like to thank my family...

and my mom for teaching me how to cook...

and I would especially like to thank Ashley for calling me and telling me I was in the book...

cuz I didn't even know...

smooches...

Love, Amy

and a picture for you...

in case you don't believe me...

A sneek peak of the Hoffmans...

2011-03-20T16:22:00.000-06:00

Super Beautiful Kallie...

Sage, One Year Later...

2011-03-02T22:02:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since Sage's passing...

It's been a crazy 12 months for all of us...

lots of ups and downs...

to remember our sweet little Sage, Tyler purchased a bunch of those amazing Chinese Lanterns to light for the one year anniversary...

(think the boat scene from Tangled)

and it was MAGICAL!!!

there were so many people there...

people who love this family so much and have supported them through a very hard time in their life...

it was beautiful to see...

of course I took some pics...

so, enjoy!

This last year for Christmas, someone purchased a Christmas Tree from the Festival of Trees for Tyler and Sarah...

it was for their little Sage...

it was so adorable...

totally decked out in Butterflies and Bright colors...

Tyler and Sarah thought it would be neat to decorate and donate a tree for this coming year in honor of Sage...

How amazing would that be, right?

So here I am soliciting all of my wonderful friends to help a girl out and to donate any amount of money you can to Tyler and Sarah to make this tree SPECTACULAR!

The theme for the tree is going to be based all around Chocolate...

basically all of the pictures we have of Sagie, she has a chocolate smudge right around her mouth because she loved the stuff...

my kind of girl...

so...

if you can...

and...

if you want to...

donate a little cash for a great cause...

It's all about Sage!

I put a donate button on my sidebar to make things easy!

A day in my life...

2011-02-25T15:51:00.000-07:00

Right now we are watching Monsters Inc for the umteenth time today...

just another day in my life...

Jenner is doing okay with the potty training...

she's a little scared of the toilet and it's grossness but seems to be catching on...

Addy is sick...

she was so sick that we ended up in the ER on Wed night...

when one of my babes is having trouble breathing I can't function properly...

I freak out...

I can't just wait it out for more than 5 seconds...

my heart is breaking into a million pieces...

and the only thing I know how to do is to go for help...

so to the ER we went...

croup and double ear infections with possible pneumonia were the words spoken...

home by 3:00 am with a very tired babe and one worn out momma...

just a day in my life...

here are some pics of my beautiful babes...

Jenner watching Monsters Inc and Addy with a faucet for a nose...

cute little bugglebums...

Zebra Popcorn...

2011-02-23T22:20:00.004-07:00

My friend brought me over some of that yummy Zebra Popcorn that Sam's club carries every once in a while and we were hooked...

it's ridiculously expensive though and justifying it's superb yumminess for a dent in my wallet doesn't go over very well for me...

so I decided to make my own...

and my friend told me that Studio 5 did a segment on it so I googled it and found a recipe...

and then I changed it a little bit...

cuz it's my thing to always change recipes...

So here goes!

Zebra Popcorn (Caramel corn with Dark and White Chocolate drizzles)

12 cups popped popcorn (2 1/2 bags of the microwave stuff)

1/2 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup Karo syrup

2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. baking soda

6-8 ounces dark chocolate

6-8 ounces white chocolate

Method:

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Spray 2 cookies sheets with pam and set aside.

Melt butter in microwave safe bowl for 1 minute. Add brown sugar and karo and mix. Microwave in 1 minute intervals until boiling, stirring frequently. Without stirring, continue to cook for 3 minutes. Stir in vanilla and baking soda. Pour over popped corn and mix well to thoroughly coat the popcorn with caramel. Spread out on the cookie sheets. Bake both pans for 7 minutes, stir and rotate pans. Repeat. Cool in pans. Melt the chocolate separately and drizzle over cooled popcorn. When cooled break into pieces and enjoy!

I used those melting candy chips that you can buy at wal-mart in the party section where the wedding cake baking stuff is...and I just used regular chocolate because they didn't have dark. It still taste really good. Also, after the chocolate has melted I put it in a ziplock bag to make the drizzling easier. I don't even want to know how many calories are in this...it is sooooo good!

PottyTalk...

2011-02-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

We are having issues at our house...

I have never trained a kid to go potty...

they each literally woke one morning and wanted to wear underwears and then we were done...

remarkable...

granted they were older...

but I don't care...

I hate pee pee all over the place...

let them be older...

but not Jenner...

she insists on giving my all sorts of grief...

Ashley gave us this potty seat for incentive...

and it worked for about 3 seconds...

seriously...

and we even got her some cute little panties...

but she's not even close...

she thinks she's potty trained...

but last time I checked...

you actually have to go potty in the toilet to claim that title...

Ugh...

she thinks she can wear panties and pee in them all day long...

It Drives Me Insane!

Or...

she'll wear panties for awhile and then ask for a diaper on so she can pee in the diaper...

cuz that's easier or something...

Ugh...

I don't have much patience and this has taken me to the brink of crazytown...

Ugh...

Good thing she's cute!

Happy Love Day!

2011-02-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

A few of my Loves as of late...

(in no particular order...hahaha)

Chris

My babes

Cheesecake by Julie

Diet Coke :)

Clean countertops

The weather

My Mom

The Gospel

My tub

The YW I work with

Teachers

Photography

Love

New Beginnings...

2011-02-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

I took a couple of pictures from our YW New Beginnings the other night and I am totally crazy about them...

I hope you like them too!!!

Whew...Our world in a minute!

2011-02-07T16:09:00.001-07:00

Apparently I am lacking on actually posting pics and news from my own family...
Buckle up and hold on tight cuz there are a FEW pics from the last FEW months...
Don't be hatin...
I'm only human!

This picture of Jenner is so my favorite right now!

Love your face!

These two little girlies are peas in a pod...

They do everything together...

and so we have been talking about potty training with Jenner...

and Addison had to have undies too...

Notice who is the one with a diaper on under the undies...

this is how she roll...

Ellie Belly got baptized...

My cute bro and his adorable family...

My mom has santa hats for everyone in the family and Addy just loved hers so much...

she is such a cheeser!

Sophie is Jenner's idol...

no, seriously...

Jenner wants to be just like her!

See...

total cheeser...

This is baby Brogan...

oh man isn't he pretty...

his dad will kill me for saying that...

Boys are Handsome!

Grady had a birthday...

and Addy had a lollipop...

Warning:

Don not ask Jenner to pose for the camera...

you might get something like this outta her...

but really, she so cute she can't go wrong!

The Birthday Boy!

Happy Nine Years little Man!

Jenner is flippin obsessed with the DS...

she claims it's hers and won't let anyone else play it...

and she even falls asleep with it!

Another goofy pose from our Drama Queen...

gotta love her!

My new reads...

2011-01-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

I am reading this new series by Joanne Fluke and it's really fun...

It's about a girl named Hannah who is a self-proclaimed crime solving cookie baker...

it's light and refreshing but still suspenseful enough for me...

and...

there are recipes in each book from Hannah...

totally my kind of read...

and...

I heard there is like 15 books in the series...

Yay!

Grady is Goofy...

2011-01-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

So Grady is so weird...

I have this new thing with the kids about getting hurt...

I am sick of hearing them bawl over stupid stuff...

so I told them that for every bruise or cut they get and they don't cry over...

I will give them a quarter...

a quarter for a goose egg sounds like a good deal to me...

and apparently to Grady...

He is such a goof!

He took one of those suctioning thingies and put it on his face for a self-made bruise all for a quarter...

Seriously!

and then he laughed his guts out when I told them what 'those' are called...

hickey is really quite a funny word to say...

try it...

hickey...

see...

told ya it was funny!

Strawberry Chicken Salad....

2011-01-23T19:46:00.002-07:00

Okay...

So you HAVE to try this...

I'll admit, I was skeptical at first...

but I love salads and wanted to give it a try...

and it was FABULOUS!

You'll like it...

I promise...

Strawberry Chicken Salad:

Mix together in bowl:

2 bags shredded lettuce

1 cup sliced strawberries
6-8 chicken tenders, cooked and shredded

a small handful sliced almonds

a handful of real bacon bits

Top with your favorite poppy seed dressing and those amazing new tortilla strips you can buy by the salad dressing isle...by the real bacon bits.

So good!

The Green Machine...

2011-01-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

So I have been reading a ton of blogs lately about the Green Smoothie...

and I was taken back by how many people swear by it...

so I thought to myself...

why not?

And guess what?

It's not bad and I sorta like it...

some say that soon my body will crave the greens in it and it will become essential for me to have it every day...

I usually have cereal for breakfast and then a green shake for lunch...

and it is super satisfying...

I do mine like this:

About 1 cup ice

About 1 cup milk

1/2 banana

1/4-1/2 cup blueberries

sugar or substiture (1 Tbsp)

2 cups fresh spinach leaves

Blend the ice and milk first until smooth. Add the fruit and sugar and blend. Then add the spinach and blend for quite awhile...like 3-5 minutes or until it's totally smooth and you won't have to eat it with a fork. I divide this in half and drink one half and put the other either in the fridge or freezer for the next day.

For me this is totally cool cuz I HATE to fix lunch...

and this makes it so easy for me...

Don't knock it until you try it!

Apparently it's really good for you too...

Meee Ohhhh Myyyy...

2011-01-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

Not to toot my own horn or anything...

But...

This is my Favorite shoot to date...

and...

Yes, they are that good!

These are Amazing!

2011-01-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Let's be honest here...

Becky is GORGEOUS!!!

It's quite obvious that I was adopted...

hahaha

Mi Hermano...

2011-01-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

I got to do couple of photo shoots for my brothers over Christmas...

So far I have only had time to edit this shoot...

My SIL is so gorgeous!

Enjoy!

Sage's Birthday

2011-01-04T10:54:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday little one...

We miss you terribly...

Love you much!

Little Letters...

2010-12-31T13:13:00.002-07:00

Dear 2010...In a way you were the worst year ever...but you did have some good qualities...I'll explain!

Dear Sage...I miss you! I miss your sassiness and your silly little run...and I miss your happy face! Your momma misses you more than you could ever imagine...but thank you for sending Isaac to her...he looks just like you and is silly like you too! He even laughed when he peed on me, sorta reminded me of you...

Dear Becky...I am so glad you are healthy...your stoopid thyroid threw me for a loop and I didn't like it one bit. But alas...you are good and that makes me happy!

Dear Mom...I am so glad you are healthy also...your stoopid uterus made me so heart-broken...and I am glad it is gone...good riddence uterus...Boo on you!

Dear Cancer...I hate you...you have changed my life...you have changed how I look at everything...my family has changed because of you, in a good way...but I still hate you!

Dear Ashley...you are a good woman! And such a strong force that keeps all of us going...thank you for your positive faith during our 'hell' these last weeks of 2010! Hooray for you!

Dear Friends in my ward...you are amazing...simply amazing...you have inspired me to be better and to live my life better...thank you for that! Sorry I said 'hell' in that last one...

Dear Photography...I love you! Thank you for sparking my interest and thank you Nicholai for being my teacher...I love this new found hobby! And I can't wait for more...

Dear Young Women...you are so beautiful and so spiritual! Please always remember who you are and where you came from...and please put up with my teaching skills, I didn't inherit any from my Mom if that's what you're wondering...sorry...

Dear Phlebotomy job...I need you...like I really need you...please come around!

Dear Davis Hospital...please hire ME for a phlebotomy job...I am pretty AweSoMe! (if I do say so myself...heehee)

Dear Period...It's been a LONG BLISSFUL FOUR whole years without you...and I didn't miss you one bit...but since I won't be pregnant or nursing EVER again...I guess I will have to get used to you again...

Dear IUD...I can't wait to get you...and please promise me that you will make my periods go away for good...Thank you in advance.

Dear kids...You are so fun!

Dear husband...You too are so fun! I feel blessed to have found you...

Dear 2011...you better be a good one!

Love, me

My Lil' Sis...

2010-12-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

My sister is gorgeous...

and so is her family...

I had fun with these little ones...

we found some killer backgrounds that totally made the pictures...

Such a fun shoot...

Some of the Beautiful People...

2010-11-29T00:09:00.000-07:00