Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas Morning

On Christmas morning we woke up our kids. We were excited or what!!!! Santa brought Shaunee an ice cream maker. He brought Justin tractors, and Jade a monkey. A monkey for a monkey. Joe's Christmas present was Rock Band, and mine was AWESOME quilting frames.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Oh Christmas Trees!!!!!!!!!

Tonight we went to the gentleman's house that Joe works with. Every year at Christmas time he decks his house out with Christmas trees. There were 35 Christmas trees, and 10 trains. One tree was 7 1/2 ft tall and had over 5,500 lights. These trees were beautiful and you could tell that he took hours to decorate one tree. In one bathroom there was a frog tree and when you sat down on the toilet, there were frogs that would sing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." In another bathroom there were Elvis trees. The pictures don't do justice, as all we had was a cell phone, but it gives you an idea. It was tons of fun.
M&M
Raggedy Ann and Andy
Train
Justin, Jade and Shaunee 7 1/2 ft tree

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Foospiration Nov. 26

THought: "The heart of a fool is his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is his heart." - Benjamin Franklin

Recipe: Chicken, Bacon, and Green Chili Pizza
Pizza Dough (recipe below)
Chicken Breasts, cut into cubes
Roasted Green Chiles
Bacon
Alfredo Sauce
1 lb. shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese

Method
For Pizza dough: 3/4 cup lukewarm water 2 tbsp oil 2 cup flour 1/2 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt 2 tsp fast-rise yeast Cook the bacon until done but still chewy; tear into pieces. Lightly brown chicken breast pieces in skillet with leftover bacon grease, then turn down heat to low and place on lid to allow the chicken to finish cooking. When pizza dough is ready, roll out and place in pan. Next, place about 2-3 tbsp jarred alfredo sauce on dough, followed by a handful of cheese. Next, add the chicken, bacon and green chilies. Add the rest of the cheese and a few sprinkles of parmesan. Bake in a 425 degree oven for approximately 18 minutes.
 

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Foospiration Nov. 19, 2008

Thought: "Nothing ever gets anywhere. The earth keeps turning round and gets nowhere. The moment is the only thing that counts." - Jean Cocteau


Recipe: Individual Chicken Pizzas
1 can refrigerated biscuits, uncooked
1 cup corn meal
1/4-1/2 cup vegetable cream cheese
2 cups frozen chopped broccoli
1/4 cup diced tomato
5 oz can chunk chicken breast in water
Dried oregano, optional
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Method
Preheat oven per biscuit can directions. Sprinkle countertop with corn meal. Roll each individual biscuit out to approximately 3-4 inches round on top of corn meal, but do not flip over. Place each rolled biscuit on a large baking sheet and cook per package directions. Set oven to 400 degrees. Allow biscuits to cool slightly. Top each biscuit with cream cheese, chopped broccoli, tomato, and chicken. If desired, sprinkle with dried oregano to taste. Cover each biscuit with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese has melted.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Foospiration Nov. 12, 08

Thought: "Americans never quit." - Douglas MacArthur

Recipe: Layered Pumpkin Loaf
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup  plus 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
4   egg whites, divided
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup  canola oil
2 cups flour
2-1/2 tsp.  CALUMET Baking Powder
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp.  salt
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese, softened
PREHEAT oven to 350ºF. Grease a nonstick 9x5-inch loaf pan; set aside. Mix pumpkin, 1 cup granulated sugar, the brown sugar, 3 of the egg whites, milk and oil in large bowl. Add flour, baking powder, pie spice and salt; stir just until moistened. Set aside. Beat Neufchatel cheese, remaining 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar and the remaining egg white with wire whisk until well blended.
SPOON half of the pumpkin batter into prepared pan; spoon Neufchatel cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Cover with remaining pumpkin batter.
BAKE 1 hour to 1 hour 5 min. or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Run knife or thin spatula around edges of pan to loosen bread; cool in pan on wire rack 10 min. Remove bread from pan to wire rack; cool completely.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

tagged

Rules: Copy and paste questions. One word answers only. Tag other people.


1.Where is your cell phone? pocket
2.Where is your significant other? work
3.Your hair color? brown
4.Your mother? (adopted Mom)awesome
5.Your father? (Adopted Dad) lovable
6.Your favorite thing? Chocolate
7.Your dream last night? gone
8.Your dream/goal? Happiness
9.The room you’re in? Front
10.Your hobby? crafts
11.Your fear? alone
12.Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy
13.Where were you last night? home
14.What you’re not? smart
15.One of your wish list items? pans
16.Where you grew up? Albion
17.The last thing you did? read
18.What are you wearing? clothes
19.Your t.v.? on
20.Your pet? Dog
21.Your computer? HP
22.Your mood? depressed
23.Missing someone? several
24.Your car? van
25.Something you’re not wearing? shorts
26.Favorite store? scrapbook
27.Your summer? gone
28.Love someone? Joe
29.Favorite color? green
30.Last time you laughed? yesterday
31.Last time you cried? yesterday

I tag Amy, Kim, Steph and Gina

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Foospiration Nov. 5, 2008

Thought:
"Flowers grow out of dark moments." - Corita Kent

Recipe:
Idaho Spuds
3 ½ 8 oz Hershey bars
16 oz. cool whip at room temperature
½ c. nuts
½ c coconut
Melt chocolate, fold in cool whip and nuts. Drop by spoonfuls into coconut and roll. Set on pan. Can be refrigerated

MMMMMMMM I real Idaho Spud Bar sounds SOOOO good. HINT HINT:)

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Foospiration Oct. 29, 2008

Thought:
"If it were not for hopes, the heart would break." - Thomas Fuller

Recipe:
Grilled Indian Chicken

This is an Indian dish. If it is marinated for as long as    2 to 3 hours it will be tastier. Prep Time: approx. 1    Hour 20 Minutes. Cook Time: approx. 20 Minutes. Ready in:    approx. 1 Hour 40 Minutes. Makes 6 servings.    
1 teaspoon ground ginger 2 tablespoons crushed garlic 2 teaspoons ground turmeric 1/4 cup yogurt 1 (3 pound) whole chicken,    cut into pieces Directions 1 In a large bowl, combine ginger, garlic, turmeric,    salt, and yogurt. 2 Marinate the chicken pieces in the mixture for 3 hours. 3 Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and    lightly oil grate. Grill chicken until juices run clear.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Halloween 2008

Okay so I am cheap! I didn't want to spend a ton of money on a costume that would only be worn once. Therefore I made the kids' costumes. Shaunee was Sponge Bob Square Pants, and Justin and Jade were robots. Our ward had a pizza party, pumpkin carving contest and trunk or treat. Joe's pumpkin's won 1st and 2nd place.




Saturday, October 25, 2008

Pumpkin Carving

These are the pumpkins that Joe carved. They won 1st and 2nd place at the ward halloween party!


Friday, October 24, 2008

The Pumpkin Patch

Tonight we went to the pumpkin patch. I don't know if you would really call this a pumpkin patch, but they millions of punkins to choose from. The kids got a kick out of Mr. and Mrs. Pumpkin. The kids had a good time. We got there kind of late, so we had to hurry and pick them out.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Foospiration Oct 22,

Thought: "Practice is the best of all instructors." - Publilius Syrus

Recipe: Turkey Bean Chili
Serves 8 | Prep time: 30 minutes | Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
4 strips bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 pounds ground dark-meat (7% fat) turkey
4 cups chopped onions
1/4 cup minced garlic clove
2 medium fresh jalapeño chilies (ribs and seeds removed for less heat, if desired), minced
3 tablespoons chili powder
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
4 teaspoons ground cumin
2 cans (28 ounces each) whole tomatoes in purée
2 tablespoons unsulfured molasses
Coarse Salt
3 cans (15.5 ounces each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Assorted toppings, such as cheddar cheese, pickled sliced jalapeño chilies, reduced-fat sour cream, and fresh cilantro leaves
Heat a Dutch-oven (or other heavy 5-quart pot) over medium heat. Add bacon; cook until crisp brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Raise heat to high; add turkey. Cook, stirring and breaking up meat with a spoon, until no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add onion, garlic, and jalapeno; cook until soft, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cocoa powder, and cumin; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 minute.
Break up tomatoes with a spoon or your hands, and stir them in along with the puree. Add molasses, 1 cup water, and 4 teaspoons salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer; cook, partially covered, 30 minutes.
Add beans; continue cooking, uncovered, until meat and beans are very tender, and chili is thick, about 30 minutes more. Serve with toppings.

Monday, October 20, 2008

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Sunday, October 19, 2008

Happy Birthday Corinne!

Today is Corinne's Birthday!!!!! Happy Birthday Corinne. We love and miss you tons! Wish we were there to celebrate with you.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Foospiration Oct. 15

Thought: "I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure - which is: Try to please everybody." - Herbert B. Swope

Recipe:
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 lb medium cheddar cheese, shredded 2 T corn starch
2 c water ¼ tsp pepper
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce Dash garlic powder
8 T butter (1/2 cup) ¾ c diced, cooked cauliflower
1 c sliced mushrooms ½ c finely chopped onion
¾ c diced ham
2 c half and half or evaporated milk, undiluted
Directions:
Mix corn starch with cheese. Heat water to boiling in 6 quart saucepan. Add cheese mixture to boiling water a little at a time stirring constantly. Continue to cook over medium heat stirring constantly until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth. Add salt and pepper, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Sauté each vegetable separately in two tablespoons butter each until tender. Add to soup along with the ham. Heat, stirring constantly, adding half and half until desired thickness is reached.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Foospitation Oct 8, 2008

Thought: You get what you get and you don't throw a fit! Emma Tucker

Recipe: Cranberry and Apple Stuffed Pork Chops
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 large granny smith apple, peeled cored and diced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup dried cranberries
salt and pepper
2 (6 ounce)  pork chops
1 tablespoon olive oil
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion and apple; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Stir in the cranberries and balsamic vinegar and continue cooking until the apple and onions have softened, about 5 minutes more. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove to plate and let cool.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.(175 degrees C.) Lightly grease a small baking dish.
Cut a large pocket into the pork chops using a sharp , thin bladed knife.Stuff the cooled apple mixture into the pork chops and secure with toothpicks if needed. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over med- high heat. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper to taste, and place in the hot skillet. Cook on each side until browned, about 3 minutes, then transfer to a baking dish. Top with remaining apple mixture, and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake in preheated oven until the pork is no longer pink in the center,about 40 minutes depending on the thickness of the pork chops. Uncover and bake about 10 minutes longer until the apple mixture has lightly browned around the edges.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Foospiration Oct.1, 2008

Thought:
BE HAPPY!
BE STRONG!
HAVE FAITH!

Recipe:
(Cindy Tuck)
For you Tuckie!!!!!!
Chicken Alfredo Colorado Style

Cut up 12 to 15 Chicken tenders into bite size pieces
2 cloves of fresh garlic chopped
and sauté in a little olive oil

When it's cooked season with Lemon Pepper and a little salt
add;
1 can diced green chilies
1 bottle of 4 Brothers Garlic Alfredo sauce

Boil 1 lb box of fettuccini noodles, drain, and pour sauce over mix all together.
Serve with Salad and garlic bread... enjoy!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Kids can sleep any where, any way!

Justin put this little chair on the couch. He ended up falling a sleep, and this is how he ended up. Later he fell on the floor! Silly kid!!




Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Did the job herself!!!!!!!

This is one thing that I was hoping that would never happen. I did it several times as a young girl. We have been really careful not to leave scissors around, in case they were to fall into little hands. Well I keep my sewing stuff in my bedroom closet, and Jade found them. Joe found her in there with the scissors in hand and a pile of hair beside her. I guess she got tired of her hair being in her eyes, so she did it herself. As you know with Jade, we have been having issues with her hair. We have had a difficult time keeping her hair out of her eyes. Well for the time being, we won't have to worry.


Foospiration Sept. 24, 2008

Thought:
"You women, be good women, be good mothers. Be kind and gracious and generous. Strengthen your children with your faith and your testimony. Lift them up. Help them to walk through the troubled ways of the world as they grow in this very difficult age. Support, sustain, uphold, and bless your husbands with your love and your encouragement; and the Lord will bless you. Even if they are not members of the Church, bless them with kindness and reach out to them every good way that you can. The chances are that they will become members of the Church before they reach the time they die. It may be a long time and you may have a lot to put up with, but if that happens, you will think it is all worth it" President Gordon B. Hinckley

Recipe:
Spicy Pumpkin Soup

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Large onion, chopped
2 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
1 small jalapeno chili, seeded and finely chopped
3 garlic gloves, minced
1 tsp. lime rest
1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
1 13.5 oz can light coconut milk, shaken
4 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth
salt
In a pan, warm oil over med. low heat. Saute onion and ginger until soft, 8 minutes. Do not let brown. Add jalapeno and garlic; cook for 3 minutes, stirring often. Stir in lime zest, pumpkin, coconut milk, and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt. Remove from heat, let cool slightly,then puree in a blender. Serve hot with bread sticks.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Monkeying around





The kids decided that they wanted to climb the pole at DQ.

Tuck

Yes, this another missionary entry!!!!! We love the missionaries so much. They have become a huge part of our lives and family. They even call me the Jackson Mission Mom. It is hard not to get attached to these BOYS. We have heard from several people in the ward that think that I am a great cook, and want to come hang out at our house all the time. Also several people have commented that not very often do they go for seconds. When they come here, very seldom do we have any left over, and I make double of what I usually cook.
There is one missionary that has become extra special to us. His name is Elder Tuck and he is from CO. He has only been here for 6 weeks and we have become really close. The kids just love him and the little ones are his growth. If it weren't illegal, they would be in his arms all the time. We love you Tuck!!!!!!! Well six very short weeks have come and gone and tomorrow is transfers. Tuck is going to be transferred to Little Rock. We will miss him, but forever in our hearts he will stay. Tonight we went to DQ and some of these pictures were taken there.


Elder Tuck and Elder Palmer

Monday, September 22, 2008

I have been tagged!

The Rules:

-- Link the person(s) who tagged you.
-- Mention the rules on your blog.
-- Fill in your own info.
-- Tag fellow bloggers.
-- Visit their blogs to see their info!

The Info:



A is for your age: 31 years old
B is for burger of choice: anything but McDonalds!
C is for the car you drive: 1996 Chevy Venture
D is for your dog's name: Bella
E is for essential item you use every day: Toilet LOL
F is for favorite TV show at the moment:I'm not really watching anything right now
G is for favorite game: Eye to eye
H is for home state: Idaho
I is for instruments you play: once upon a time I played the Clarinet
J is for favorite juice: Orange
K is for whose bum you'd like to kick: myself
L is for last restaurant at which you ate: Snappy Tomato Pizza
M is for your favorite Muppet: Kermit
N is for number of piercings: 1 set,
O is for overnight hospital stays: all of my kids' births.
P is for people you were with today: Jade and Justin
Q is for what you do with your quiet time: Blog, Read, Sleep
R is for biggest regret: Mistakes
S is for status: Happily married for 12 years
T is for time you woke up today: 6:00am
U is for what you consider unique about yourself: I can get along with almost everyone!
V is for vegetable you love: sliced tomatoes
W is for worst habit: over extending myself
X is for x-rays you've had: other than the typical ones when you go to a new chiropractor, dentist x rays, and chest x rays
Y is for yummy food you ate today: Cheese, egg, and bacon
Z is for zodiac: Leo

I Tag, Breeca, Corinne, Cory and Gina, Jeni, Diana

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Foospiration Sept. 17th

Thought:
"Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense." - Winston Churchill

Recipe:
Rocky Road Bars
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk (low fat is fine)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
1 cup chocolate chips (dark or semisweet)
1 cup miniature marshmallows
Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-inch square pan with greased aluminum foil (place foil, then grease with butter or cooking spray). In a medium saucepan, melt butter and cocoa together, stirring with a whisk to eliminate lumps. Remove from heat when mixture is smooth, then stir in sugar, egg, flour, salt, milk and vanilla extract until well-blended. Pour mixture into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. Remove pan from oven and top with pecans, chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Return to oven and bake for 5-7 additional minutes, until marshmallows puff and chocolate chips appear to melt slightly. Cool on a wire rack before slicing (with a damp or lightly greased knife) into 16 bars. Bars can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge.
Makes 16.

Monday, September 15, 2008

It is official!

It is official! I am officially a resident of TN. I had to get a new driver's licence, and now I have a TN one. It is much cheaper to get your driver's licence renewed here. They cost $16 for four years.

Friday, September 12, 2008

The things kids say!

Tonight, Joe was telling me he was sorry for something. He said it several times, and then Shaunee says, "Don't worry, she is kinda bossy."

Good Ol' Fair

We have been excited all week to go to the Western Tennessee State fair. We are a fair going family and love to spend time at the fair. Coming from Idaho, the fairs are wonderful! At least they are there. We like to walk around and look at all the animals (Cows, pigs, sheep, horses, chicken,etc), the 4-H building, the commerical building, eat good food and so forth. We usually spend hours there and go back more than one time. Well again we were excited to go the fair. We had the idea that this was going to be an awesome fair; given it was Tennessee and a state fair on top of that. Well we get there and we have to pay to get in because it is a state fair and all. So we pay $12 for the 5 of us to get in. We were there for about 20 minutes, and we left. It was so dumb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There wasn't anything there but a bunch of rides pretty much. We miss Idaho and the good ol' fairs!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Shaunee Mariah Barrow (My Little Mini Me!)

Shaunee Mariah Barrow was born Sept 10, 2002 at 11:27pm and weighed 8 lbs 3 oz and was 21 inches long. Shaunee was such a blessing to our family. After loosing Tegan the year before, we were a little nervous about having another baby. We were a little more prepared this time around, but didn't have anything to compare her to other than a sick baby. We weren't quit sure what was normal and what wasn't. She gave us a few scares along the way. When we had our first ultra sound, she was moving around a lot and they called her a little busy bee. One of her best friends, Layne for the longest time after she was born called her Bee Shaunee. I can't believe that six years has gone by. She is now in Kindergarten and loving it. Since her birth, she has welcomed a little brother and sister. She is such a joy and so smart and cute. Happy Birthday Shaunee.

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Foospiration Sept 10, 2008

Thought: "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." - Abraham Lincoln

Recipe: Sloppy Buffalo Joe's

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds ground chicken or turkey breast
1 carrot, peeled and chopped or grated
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 to 1/3 cup hot sauce (recommended: Frank's Red Hot)
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup chicken stock
8 good quality burger rolls, split and toasted
1 cup blue cheese crumbles
2 large dill pickles, chopped
Heat a large skillet with extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add meat and break it up with wooden spoon, cook 5 to 6 minutes. Add in carrots, celery, onions and garlic, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, cook 7 to 8 minutes more. In a bowl combine the vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire, hot sauce, tomato sauce and stock. Pour into the pan and stir to combine. Simmer a few minutes more. Pile sloppy Buffalo filling onto buns and top with blue cheese and chopped pickles.

Slacker!

Never fret the Barrow Bunch is here. Okay so I have been a real slacker! To be honest, I haven't done much of anything. I haven't been feeling well, and therefore haven't done much of anything. Hopefully I can get the blog up to date.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

The things kids say!

Tonight we went to Walmart, and of course you can't go to Walmart without a kid needing to go to the bathroom. Anyway I took Justin to the bathroom, and when we were drying our hands, he points to the tampon machine and asks if that is the coupon machine. I just died laughing!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Foospiration Sept. 3, 2008

Thought: "Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." - Scott Adams

Recipe: Frosty Orange Dream Squares

40 NILLA Wafers, finely crushed (about 1-1/2 cups)
1/4 cup  (1/2 stick) butter, melted
2 cups cold milk
2 pkg.  (4-serving size each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling (see note below)
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
2 cups  orange sherbet, softened
LINE 13x9-inch pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan. Mix wafer crumbs and butter. Press onto bottom of prepared pan; set aside.
ADD milk to dry pudding mixes in medium bowl. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Gently stir in half of the whipped topping. Spoon evenly over crust. Refrigerate 10 min. Add remaining whipped topping to sherbet; stir with wire whisk until well blended. Spoon over pudding layer; cover.
FREEZE at least 3 hours. Use foil handles to remove dessert from pan before cutting into squares to serve. Store leftovers in freezer.
Kraft Kitchens Tips
Note from the Kraft Kitchens
For best texture, do not prepare recipe with JELL-O Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Reduced Calorie Pudding & Pie Filling.
Frosty Orange Dream Pie
Prepare as directed, substituting 1 HONEY MAID Graham Pie Crust (6 oz.) for the homemade crust and cutting all remaining ingredients in half. Makes 8 servings, one piece each.
Substitute
Prepare as directed, using lemon or lime sherbet and/or COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Foospiration Aug 27th

I have been a slacker this week on postings.....My mind has been else where as I have dealt with a death. How blessed we are with the knowledge we have of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Eternal Families. How could we live from day to day and face what we face without this wonderful knowledge. I am so grateful for my testimony of the gospel and Eternal Families. Even at death we are not separated from the ones we love.

Thought: Death, though bitter to observe, is not the end, but is, rather, only another graduation from which we go on to a better life."
President Gordon B. Hinckley

Recipe:
Cowboy Stew
1 lb ground beef, browned
1 (7 1/2 ounce) package Spanish or Mexican rice mix
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes (chili style)
1 can diced chilies
1 (15 1/4 ounce) can whole kernel corn
Directions
Spray the bottom and sides of crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
Layer the browned ground beef, rice mix, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (do not drain), and corn in crock pot. Do not stir.
Cover and heat on low for 4 hours or until rice is tender. Stir well and serve. Can add cheese, sour cream and corn chips.
This is SOOO good! I could eat it all myself.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Foospiration Aug. 20, 2008

Thought:
'The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.' Ben Franklin

Recipe:
Mini Caramel Apples
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
4-inch lollipop sticks
Melon baller
Granny Smith apples (one apple makes about 8 mini apples)
Butterscotch or peanut butter chips
Chopped nuts, nonpareils, sprinkles, shredded coconut (optional)
Small paper candy cups
1. First, cut the lollipop sticks in half at an angle (the pointy end will go into the apple pieces easier). With the melon baller, scoop little balls out of the apple. Each ball should have a section of apple peel. Push half of a lollipop stick into the peel of each ball. Pat the apple pieces dry.

2. Melt the chips according to the package directions. Dip and swirl the mini apples in the melted chips, then roll the apples in nuts, sprinkles, nonpareils, or coconut, if desired. Place the mini apples in paper candy cups to set.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Happy, but sad!

As we have shared with you before, the missionaries are a big part of our lives. They have become part of our family, and we truly love them. Today was transfer day, and three of our boys left. One unexpectedly! We are sad that they left, but happy that they are serving the Lord. As much as we would love them to stay; we have to remember that they are on a mission for the Lord and are going where he wants them to go. Like so many other people in our lives; just because there is a distance between us, doesn't mean our relationship has to change. We will always be close no matter where YOU are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Jensen

Elder Oomrigar

Elder Sebastian

Foospiration Aug. 13th

Thought:
Great buildings were never constructed in uncertain foundations. Great causes were never brought to success by vacillating leaders. Faith has always been, and always be, at the root of any meaningful practice and endeavor. President Gordon B. Hinckley
Recipe:
Buttermilk Sugar Cookies "Kristen Homer"

1/2 cup (1 stick ) butter softened
1/4 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
6 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp almond extract

1. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream together the butter, shortening and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. While the mixture is creaming, in a separate bowl mix together all of the dry ingredients and set aside.

2. To the bowl with the sugar and butter, add the eggs one at a time with the mixer running, mixing well after each addition. Add the extracts and mix until combined.

3. Alternately add the flour mixture and the buttermilk in 3 additions, starting and ending with the flour and mixing until combined after each addition. Separate dough into thirds and transfer to plastic wrap to chill for at least and hour.

4. Preheat oven to 350°. Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut to desired shape. If the dough becomes sticky add a little more flour and re-roll. If desired, sprinkle with turbinado sugar before baking. Bake for about 8 minutes or until puffed and cooked but not browned. Let cool and frost with your favorite frosting.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Happy Birthday Tegan

Today Tegan would have turned 8 years old. It is hard to believe that I have an eight year old.
Tegan was born August 10, 2000 at 7:52 AM. She weighed 8 lbs 8oz and was 22 inches long. She was born in Pocatello, Idaho. Though her journey in this life was rough, she is running and playing now. We look forward to the day where we can take her in our arms and hold her once again.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

bubble man

Justin playing in a tub full of bubbles. He is too cute as the bubble man.