Happy Halloween....

We had a great time celebrating Halloween this year.  The weather was warm and beautiful and the kids didn't even have to wear coats over their costumes.  I don't remember the last time that happened.  It was different this year because Colton went out Trick-or-Treating with a friend, so it was Cannon, Crew, and me walking around the neighborhood together while Greg stayed home to hand out candy.  Greg sat outside in a lawn chair handing out candy enjoying the weather and atmosphere while we were gone.  Here are some highlights from the night...

-We went to a house trick-or-treating with 108 pumpkins carved in the yard and the people were wearing great scary costumes.

-Finding another house that had set up a spooky atmosphere for the kids.

-Seeing our friends dressed up at Batman and Robin walking their little girl around the neighborhood trick-or-treating. (I told Greg we need to dress up next year!)

-Homemade donuts

-Soup and Bread for dinner

-Seeing Crew dressed up for the first time and eating any type of candy he could get his hands on

-Walking door to door with neighbors and friends, visiting as we strolled along

-Having people we know come to our door trick-or-treating

-Spending time together as a family making memories.

-Seeing the excitement of the holiday through my children's eyes. 

Fun Night of Pumpkin Carving...

We had a fun night of pumpkin carving with friends on Monday night.  This year, Colton and Cannon scared me to death.  They wanted to use sharp knives all by themselves.  After watching them almost spear their hands a few times, we convinced them to use the knives that are more kid friendly that come in the pumpkin carving kits.  

Times I Can Treasure...

In this decade where technology is so accessible, it is so easy to hear of tragic and hard times that other people in this world face on a daily basis.  Trials are actually a hard thing because some people's trials are things that can't be hidden from the outside world, and other people's trials can be kept very private.  But, for everything I either hear and have to go through on my own, I am thankful for the chance I have to become a better person.  This past weekend, we had our own scare within our family.  I was able to see the close bonds that I have within my family.  All of my siblings and my parents were able to spend some quality family time together this weekend.  I cherish the time we all get to spend together.  It is not often enough because we all live in various parts of the United States.  I know that my family and friends supports me in all that I do.   I love you all and hope you know how much you mean to me and my own little family! 

Crew & Cannon's Black Eye...

A few weeks ago Crew got a black eye. He was standing by a chair, lost his balance and hit the corner of the chair. His eye immediately started to swell and the next morning he woke up with this beauty. I took Crew and Cannon to the gym nursery that morning. When we got in the car, Cannon said, "That lady in the nursery kept asking me how Crew got his black eye." That night, we went to Colton's football game and a kid Cannon was playing with punched him right in the eye and he immediately had a black eye too. Good thing I didn't take him to the gym nursery till it started clearing up or I am sure someone there would have called Child Protective Services on me.

Cannon at Preschool...

If you are a parent of a preschooler, you should be totally frightened and paranoid about what comes out of their mouths at preschool.  Cannon was at preschool on Monday and the whole lesson that day was on fire safety and 911.  The teacher was asking them questions about these things and was asking them things they should never play with... Cannon raised his hand and said, "My mom says I should never touch my ding-a-ling (private part) totally serious and Karla didn't want to tell him no because she figured this was something we had talked about, so she said yes and MATCHES.  Then she said, "What happens when we touch these things?"  Cannon totally serious again says, "My mom gets really mad."  Well a ding-a-ing is kind of like a fire hose right?   You can tell I live in a house of all boys and I say this statement a lot.  

Cannon singing Stacey's Mom

Colton and Cannon now change the name of Stacey to their friend's mom's names and sing the song.  

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas...

This recipe is so good! It is my new favorite enchilada recipe.

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:
• 6 Tb. Honey
• 5 Tb. Lime Juice
• 1 Tb. Chili Powder
• ½ tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 Lb. Chicken, cooked and shredded (I used 3 chicken breast) or you can use a Rotisserie Chicken
• Flour Tortillas (Small Size)
• 1 lb. Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese, Colby, or Monterey Jack (I used Pepper Jack)
• 16 oz. Green Enchilada Sauce
• 1 Cup Heavy Cream (optional but makes it really yummy)

Directions:
Mix the first four ingredients and toss with shredded chicken. Left-over rotisserie chicken works great. Let marinade at least 30 minutes or longer (I have put it together and let it marinate in the fridge all day). Pour about ½ cup enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9X13 pan. Fill flour tortillas with chicken and shredded cheese, saving about 1 cup of cheese to sprinkle on top. Mix the remaining enchilada sauce with the cream. Pour sauce on top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to brown the top.

Serve with a side of black beans and these two yummy dips and chips. Yum!

This Pineapple Salsa is so tasty!

This is to die for good too!

Crew is 11 months...

Crew is officially 11 months old.  I can't believe that in less than one month we will celebrate his first birthday.  We still love him so much and he is definitely one spoiled little guy.  Here are a few new things he is doing...

-He loves anything with sugar.  He is turning into a picky eater, but if anything sweet is offered to him, he will eat it up.  Today he ate 3 kiddie cones from Artic Circle in about 10 minutes.  

-He can stand alone and takes a few steps, but most often will stand and think about walking and then sit on his bum and crawl.

-He is finally starting to sleep through the night again.  Yeah!

-Besides Dada, his first word was Stop.  My sister taught him that word one weekend when we were in Utah visiting.  It is so cute to hear him say it.

-He loves to wave Hi.

-He loves when we clap for him.

-He loves juice in his sippy cup.

-His favorite breakfast food is waffles or pancakes with syrup and Nutrigrain bars.

-He still loves to be held all the time and cries whenever we set him on the floor.

-His cry sounds like he is really hurt when all that is hurt are his feeling.  It is so sad :(

We love you Crew and can't wait to celebrate your birthday next month!

Blogging Slump...

I am in somewhat of a blogging slump.  It has been one of those roller coaster weeks.  Last week my family found out that my 55 year old aunt had passed away unexpectedly.  We attended the funeral yesterday and it was harder than I expected.  She was a wonderful lady with strong values.  My heart is broken for her family (my cousins and uncle) and the grief they will have to bear in the upcoming months and years.  We will also miss her at family functions and events.  I know when things like this happen, it is a good time for me to  look at my own life and do an evaluation check.  

Conference Weekend...

We went to Utah this weekend for conference and a quick visit.  I was lucky enough to be able to help with my sister's baby shower we threw for her on Saturday night.  My mom should be posting pictures on her blog soon.  I didn't take one picture :(  When we got into town Friday night, we ate some pizza from our favorite pizza place in town and then just hung out and relaxed.  Greg took Colton to the Utah State vs. BYU game and they had a blast.  Saturday my mom, sisters, and I cooked and got ready for the shower.  It was fun to spend the day in the kitchen with the girls I love!  The shower was a blast and we can't wait for cute little Paisley to get here so we can spoil her and love on her.  Sunday we spent the day between Greg and my parents house watching conference and visiting.  I was lucky enough to get this picture of me and my boys.  It rarely happens to get all 3 of them looking at the camera at the same time. Although my house is full of noise, wrestling, throwing balls in the house, etc.  I wouldn't trade it for the world.  

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie...

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie...

4 ounces cream cheese softened

1 TBS. milk

1 TBS. white sugar

1 1/2 cups frozen whipped topping thawed

mini graham cracker pie crusts

1 cup cold milk

2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix

1 can solid pumpkin puree

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

In large bowl, whisk together cream cheese, 1 TBS. milk, and sugar until smooth.  Gently stir in whipped topping.  Spread into bottom of crust.

Pour 1 cup milk into large bowl, and thoroughly mix in pudding mix, pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.  When thickened, spread over cream cheese layer.

Top with spray whip cream if desired.

Refrigerate for 4 hours or until smooth.

Tithing...

Here is an article that a financial website I read featured today.  It was very interesting about how people have to face their finances with these trying times in our economy and how tithing plays a part in making some decisions with our finances.  

Anyways, it is just thought provoking and thought I would share...  

Yellowstone...

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

The Falls

On a Nature Walk

Ice Lake

Hot Pots

Waiting to see Old Faithful (Crew was so happy to be out of the car)

Geyser

Old Faithful

An Elk

We were able to spend the last 2 days in Yellowstone National Park.  I have not been to Yellowstone except to see Old Faithful since I was a little girl.  As a kid, I remember Yellowstone being kind of boring, but this time around I loved it!  The boys loved Yellowstone too.  We saw so many animals as we were driving and we loved all the spots we stopped at and had a chance to walk around.  We were able to stay the night at the World Mark resort in West Yellowstone with our friends the Craguns.  The accommodations were fabulous and so was the company.   Greg and I are looking forward to going again next year!  I hope one day my boys will be able to take a picture without pulling a funny face :)

Crew...

My little 10 month old Crew took his first 2 steps yesterday.  I guess we are on our way to walking soon.  I better start baby proofing the house.

Fresh Peaches and Cream Pie

1/4 pint whipping cream
5 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar 

9"  graham cracker pie shell

1/4 pint whipping cream whipped until firm with1/4 cup powdered sugar
5 oz cream cheese, whipped with 1/4 cup powdered sugar
fold together, and put in baked and cooled 9" pie shell

peach glaze:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 1/2 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup mashed peaches
Stir and bring to boil; cool, Put peach glaze into pie that is filled with the whipped cream & creamed cheese. Slice 2-3 large peaches on top of peach glaze.

Iphone VS. Ipod Touch

All of my friends and family know that I have wanted an Iphone ever since I got my Macbook (laptop)  Here are the reasons I wanted an Iphone...

-The only calendar I use is on my laptop.  If someone asks me if I am available to do something, if I am not home I really don't know.  My life is on my computer.  Kind of scary if it crashes, huh?

-Everything on my Macbook is so compatible with the iphone.

-I wanted to be able to have access to my email and the internet on the go.

O.k. well after trying to justify switching service providers from Verizon Wireless to At&t and having to pay my own cell phone bill (Greg's company pays the majority of our cell phone bill), I just couldn't make the jump.  

After a lot of research and time spent in the apple store, the sales rep talked me into buying the ipod touch instead.  Let me just tell you after having my touch for 1 week it has exceeded all of my expectations.

It has everything the iphone has except the phone and text messaging.  But, I have my cell phone that will do all of this.  The touch also has all these cool applications that you can download from itunes.  I have downloaded facebook, a grocery shopper program, a budget tracker, the scriptures, games, etc.  It is absolutely amazing and everyday I find more things about it.  

So if you have made it to the end of this post, if you have been wanting an Iphone and don't want to switch cell phone service providers, get the touch.  You won't be disappointed.  Plus, Christmas is right around the corner.  This is a perfect Christmas gift.

Oh, if anyone from the company apple is reading this and needs an at home sales rep, give me a call!!!

Happy Birthday to my father-in-law Ron.  My kids just love their Grandpa D. and enjoy any time they get to spend with him.  Thanks for all you do for our family!  We hope you have a great day.  We love you.

Crew is 10 months...

I really can't believe that Crew is 10 months.  It seems crazy that in just 2 short months we will celebrate his 1st birthday.  Lately Crew has been really hard.  He cries every time I set him down unless I sit right next to him and play.  I would be o.k. with this, but for some reason this has been the busiest 2 weeks.  Here is a list of some of his new tricks.

-Very demanding.  He knows what he wants and will cry until he gets it.

-His first tooth broke through his gums on September 7th.

-He does this very funny thing when he is scared to try some food we are offering him and he will turn his head and press his lips tightly together and make a buzzing noise.  He is already getting picky and thinks we are going to give him something gross.

-He can stand on his own for a few seconds before falling.

-He is crawling very quickly now.  He crawls on his knees but then pushes himself with one foot.

-He learned how to clap on his own.

This past month we also took a trip to Washington with him.  It was a long drive and he did wonderful.  That is the thing with Crew.  If people are around to give him attention he is the best baby around.  If I am home alone with him and need to get things done, he is a nightmare baby.  Any way he is behaving, I still love him to pieces!!!!

Happy Birthday Cannon...

When I was 29 weeks along with Cannon his head was pointing down.  At my next appointment at 33 weeks, he had decided to flip around (breech) and give me pain in my ribs for the rest of the pregnancy.  At 39 weeks, they tried to turn him, but he would not budge.  That pretty much explains Cannon's personality.  He is stubborn and always wants his own way no matter what.  

Cannon is such a fun boy to have around our house.  He brings a lot of fun and excitement and a lot of stubbornness.  I wouldn't have it any other way though.

C-urious.  He will investigate and ask questions until he figures things out.

A-dorable.  That toe head always get the compliments anywhere we go!

N-aughty.  Gets into mischief but will always admit to us what he did.

N-atural.  He has a natural ability for all sports.  

O-n the go.  When Cannon is awake, he never stops.  But, he is my child that needs the most sleep and will willingly take a nap when he needs one.

N-ice.  He is always the one who will cuddle with his Mom and gets really sad when he is in trouble.  

We love you Cannon and life would be so boring without you.  You are such a good brother and you try to make good choices.  We can't believe you are 5 already.  You are growing up so fast.  

Happy Birthday!

All the Recipes...

Sorry about all the recipe posts.  I was trying to organize my side bar with some of the recipes I had typed on my blog.  None of them are really new, so hopefully soon I will have some good new ones to share.  Until then, Happy Eating!!

Little Cheddar Meat Loaf

Little Cheddar Meat Load

1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup quick oats
1/2 chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
1 lb. ground beef
2/3 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard

In a bowl, beat the egg and milk. Stir in cheese, oats, onion, and salt. Add beef and mix well. Shape into eight loaves. Place in a greased 9X14 pan. Combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spoon over the loaves. Bake uncovered @ 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until meat in no longer pink. Serve with a baked potato and green salad.

Cheesy Cream of Potato Soup...

Cheesy Cream of Potato Soup

3 cans chicken broth
6 cups peeled, thinly sliced potatoes
1 tsp. salt
Pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
16 oz. heavy whip cream
1 1/2 cups milk

Bring broth, salt, pepper, and p[potatoes to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender but not mushy. Then add whip cream and milk to broth and potatoes. Bring all ingredients back up to a simmer. Then add the cheese. Stir until melted. Then in a separate cup add 3 TBS. cornstarch and a little bit of water to make a smooth paste. Add to the simmering soup. The soup might need a little more cornstarch and water until you have a thickened consistency you are happy with. Once you have dished up your bowl of soup, sprinkle with bacon bits or some cooked crumbled bacon. You can also top with green onion and shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with a piece of crusty bread or roll.

Chicken Tacos

Chicken Tacos

1 Rotisserie Chicken
1 package taco seasoning
1 can crushed tomatoes (optional)
1 to 1 1/2 cup sour cream
2 handfuls of fiesta blend cheese
1 package homemade tortillas (Sams Club or Bajio)
Tomatillo Ranch Dressing
1 can refried beans or black beans.

Pull off chicken and shred. Then put into a saute' pan and add 1 package taco seasoning and water according to the package directions. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Then add 2 giant handfuls of cheddar or fiesta blend cheese. (Don't skimp on the cheese) Then add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of sour cream, depending on how creamy you want it. Then cook up your tortillas. Put beans into the bottom of the tortilla, followed by the chicken mixture and topped with lettuce. Then, pour some tomatillo ranch onto the lettuce. Serve with a side of Mexican rice or chips and salsa.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup...

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

5 cups chicken broth
2 handfuls of shredded carrots
3 stalks of celery finely chopped
1/2 onion chopped (optional)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can evaporated milk
12 oz. bag Reames homemade egg noodles (freezer section)
1 Rotisserie Chicken

Pick all of the chicken off of the Rotisserie Chicken and shred. Bring 5 cups chicken broth to a boil. Put carrots, celery, and noodles in chicken broth and boil for 20 minutes. Then add chicken, cream of chicken soup, and evaporated milk to pan. Stir well until soup is creamy and smooth. If the soup is not thick enough for your liking, mix cornstarch and a little water into a paste and add to soup pot. Let thicken and serve with a yummy piece of bread or roll and salad.

Chicken Cordon Blue

Chicken With Mushroom Gravy

Chicken with Mushroom Gravy

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
10 oz. package mushrooms (Sliced)
4 oz. can diced green chilies (Do not drain)
1 envelope Italian dressing mix
8 oz. package cream cheese (cubed)

In a crock pot, put chicken in bottom. In separate bowl, combine Cream of Mushroom soup, milk, mushrooms, green chilies, and dressing mix. Stir well with whisk. Pour over chicken and cook on low for 4 hours. Add cubed cream cheese and cook for one more hour. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice. We like it with mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Cafe Rio Pork

Seattle Trip...

Colton & Cannon with Great Grandma Char

All of US

Colton at the fish market in Seattle

My Sister-in-law, my sister-in law's mom, and me with all the beautiful flowers at Pike's Place

The boys in front of the fruit and vegetable stand at Pike's Place

Wagon Slide

Lake Coeur d'Alene

Park in Coeur d'Alene

Yankee/Mariner Game (I love the view of the city in the background)

BYU Game

Gonzaga Bulldog in front of basketball stadium

Gondola Ride to see the Spokane Falls

Wednesday

We drove 6 hours to Coeur d'Alene and the kids did amazing the whole time.  They were such troopers during the long car ride.  We stayed the night and enjoyed Coeur d'Alene the next day.

Thursday

We started the day driving to Spokane where we spent time touring Gonzaga University and looking for anything highlighting John Stockton's time at the university.   Unfortunately we couldn't get into the basketball stadium where we heard they have tons of John Stockton memorabilia.  Then we went down to the river parkway and let the kids ride the carousel and went on a gondola ride to view the falls.  They also had a great wagon slide that the boys loved going on.  We went back to Coeur d'Alene and went down to Lake Coeur d'Alene and walked around the floating dock and found a fun playground for the boys to play on.  

Friday

We drove to Seattle where our first stop was Cheesecake Factory for lunch.  Cheesecake Factory was located in a great mall and we enjoyed some shopping as well.  Then we met up with my family (all 17 of us) and went to the Mariners/Yankee game and had a great time.

Saturday

We went to the BYU/Washington game.  The game was great except for the Washington students horrible mouths.  I felt bad for my kids to have to listen to such awful language.  But, BYU pulled out the victory luckily.  Then we went to dinner with the family and enjoyed some down time and visiting at the hotel pool.

Sunday

We went to Pike's Place Market and enjoyed walking around and seeing all the fun booths.  Then we drove to Missoula and stayed the night.

Monday

Drove the rest of the way home.  The kids did so great on the drive home too.

The trip was amazing.  The drive went so smooth.  Spending time with family made the 11 hour drive all worth it.  Seattle is a beautiful city and I loved it.  I want to go back and visit when we can spend more time touring the city.  Thanks to all my family for making the trip so we could all be together.  Thank you for all the people who planned the trip and spent time making reservations and getting tickets.  I love you all and am so thankful for the memories we get to make together.  

Over Half Way...

We left this afternoon to start our long 12 hour drive to Seattle.  We drove about 7 hours and only made one stop for dinner.  The kids did really great.  I was really anticipating the worst and was fairly surprised at how smoothly it went.  I was really worried about Crew because babies don't understand that they have to stay in the car seat.  He got fussy a couple times but only for about 10 minutes each time.  We would pull out the treats and feed him a few and he would quickly calm down.  He did great.  We are going to stay in Coeur d'Alene for a couple days and enjoy our time out of the car!!!