No recent updates, sorry

Sorry, it has been so long since I updated or posted.  Things have been crazy around here.  Sienna recently turned 1!  At her 12 mo well child appt.  she weighed 20 lbs 5 oz and was 30 in long.  The ped says she's long and thin.  Her head circumference was in the 30%, length is 80% and weight was about 40%, I think.  Jordan also had his 3 yr well child appt.  He was 33 lbs and 36 in.  Not sure if they measured/weighed him correctly though.  Long story.  LOL.  They both have ear infections in one ear.  Sienna has had hers for almost a month now.  They had to switch meds.  Hope this one works.  She now has 7 teeth.  Eats everything.  Is a happy go lucky baby.  She is definitely a blessing in our lives.  My dh bought his twin brother's truck so I don't have to get up at 4 am to take him to work anymore.  So glad for that.   I am currently looking for a job so we can move.  Anyway, here's a picture of Sienna on her bday.  Don't mind the mess in the background, it's Jordan's snack.

Cookbook postponed for a few weeks and chocolate chip brownies

I have been having some heath problems.  I am ok, but need to postpone working my way through the cookbook.  =)


Chocolate Chip Brownies


1 c butter or margarine, softened
2 c sugar
6 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla
2 1/4 c flour
1 c chopped nuts
1/2 c cocoa
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 c chocolate chips
1 c vanilla baking chips

Cream the sugar and butter; add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.  Combine the dry ingredients.  Stir into the creamed mixture just until blended.  (Do not overmix).  Pour into a 10x15 pan.  Sprinkle with chips and nuts.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until brownies test done.

Working my way through a cookbook

Has everyone seen the movie about Julia Child (Julie and Julia) ?  I thought it was interesting how Julie worked her way through one of Julia's cookbooks.  I have decided to do the same.  I have chosen 101 Things To Do With A Salad.  I love salads and hope to find some favorites using this book.  Cherry-Swiss Salad, Raspberry Chicken Salad, Chicken Fajita Salad, Avocado Chicken Caesar Salad, Jenny's Cashew Bow Tie Salad,  Summer Feta Pasta Salad, Hawaiian Coleslaw, Bacon Broccoli Salad, Mango Fruit Salad, and Tropical Ambrosia Salad are some that will be made.  I can't wait to get started.  Next week, we shall start.  See you then.

Freezer Berry Jam

I have been thinking of trying my hand at making freezer jam.  I think I will try this next week.   It's a small batch and has berries.  We shall see.

Freezer Berry Jam
Yield: 3-1/2 pints

4 cups blueberries
2 cups raspberries
5 cups sugar (seems like a lot, I will try less or use Splenda)
2 tblspns lemon juice
3/4 cup water
1 pkg (1 3/4 oz) powdered fruit pectin

In a large bowl, mash the blueberries.  Add raspberries and mash.  Stir in sugar and lemon juice.  Let stand for 10 minutes.  In a small saucepan, bring water and pectin to a boil.  Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Add to fruit mixture, stir for 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.

Pour into jars or freezer containers; cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.  Cover and let stand overnight or until set, but no longer than 24 hours.  Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 1 year.

Nutrition facts (using sugar)--2 tablespoons = 82 calories, trace fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, trace sodium, 21 g carbs, 1 g fiber, and trace protein.

Roasted Green Beans

Roasted Green Beans


1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tsp canola or olive oil
1 tsp water
salt and pepper, to taste
garlic powder, to taste

Preheat the oven to 500.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Stir the beans, oil, and water together in a bowl until the beans are coated.  You can also shake them in a ziploc bag.  Spread beans out on the baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.  Bake for 8 minutes, or until cooked through.  These are good hot or at room temperature.

Classic Crab Cakes

 
Classic Crab Cakes

1 lb canned or cooked crabmeat, flaked and cartilage removed (about 2 cups)
2 to 2 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs
1egg, beaten
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup EACH chopped celery, green pepper and onion
1 tbsp seafood seasoning
1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp prepared mustard
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce
2-4 tbsp vegetable oil
lemon slices, optional

In a bowl, combine crab, bread crumbs, egg, mayonnaise, vegetables and seasonings.  Shape into 8 patties.  Broil patties or cook in a skillet in oil for 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.  Serve with lemon if desired.  Yield:  8 servings.

Hoisin Chicken Salad

Hoisin Chicken Salad


8 cups torn romaine lettuce
3 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted

In a large bowl, combine the romaine, chicken, tomatoes, and onions.
In a small bowl, whisk the oil, lemon juice, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic salt and pepper.  Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds.  Serve immediately.  Yield:  5 servings.

Decluttering and a salad recipe

This week my goal is to declutter.  I have already gotten rid of 2 1/2 grocery bags full of books.  Well, they are being sent to Goodwill and some family members.   I have way too many books and magazines.  By Sunday evening, I hope to go through the pantry, island, under the bathroom sink, and finish going through our mountains of clothes.  LOL.  P.S.  Don't forget about my giveaway.   I will leave you with a great salad recipe.  Have a wonderful day!!


layered spinach tortellini salad
4m:according to kelly.com

1 (9 ounce) package uncooked cheese tortellini
2 cups shredded red cabbage
6 cups torn spinach leaves
1 (8 ounce) bottle ranch dressing
8 slices cooked, crumbled bacom
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced green onion

cook tortellini per package directions. drain & rinse in cold water. in a large bowl (a clear bowl makes a
pretty sight), layer cabbage, spinach, tortellinit, tomatoes, green onions and  bacon. pour dressing evenly over
top. refrigerate until serving time and  toss immediately before.

Cheeseburger Soup

1/2 lb ground turkey or ground beef (I used 1 lb)

3/4 c chopped onion

3/4 c shredded carrots

3/4 c diced celery

 1 t parsley

1 t dried basil

3 T butter 

3 T flour

2 cans chicken broth

32 oz bag frozen hash browns 

8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed

1 1/2 c milk

In large soup pot, brown beef along w/ onions, carrots, celery, basil, & parsley. Drain. Add broth and hash brown potatoes. Bring to boil; simmer 12 min. In small skillet, melt butter, then stir in flour until bubbly. Add to this mixture to soup; bring to a boil. Add cheese and  milk. Stir until melted. Add more water or milk for desired thickness.

Giveaway Time!!

If I can get up to 100 followers, I will giveaway a copy of "Our Best Bites" cookbook.  To check it out, check Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Our-Best-Bites-Mormon-Kitchen/dp/1606419315/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310432292&sr=8-1

Goggles and such

Kiera wearing her goggles that she won at the Library's Summer Reading program.  They always have a swimming party at a local pool for the kids.  She loved wearing them.  Maya has them as well, but didn't want her pic taken.  LOL

Jordan is wearing Maya's goggles.  He looks sooo cute!

Maya and Kiera smiling together.  So happy that day.

Buckwheat Pancake Mix recipes

So, I have a package of buckwheat pancake mix and don't know what to do with it.  I know my kids won't eat them as pancakes, so I did a quick search and found 2 recipes that I think they might like.  Enjoy!!



Pancake Flour Muffins

2 cups Newhope Mills Buttermilk or Old-Fashioned Buckwheat Pancake Mix
1 cup Milk
1 tbsp. melted butter or oil
1 egg

Drop egg into flour; stir in milk and butter. Bake at 450 for 12-15 minutes.



CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
(using Buttermilk or Old-Fashioned Buckwheat Pancake mix)
1/3 cup Shortening or Margarine2/3 cup Brown Sugar1 Egg1 tsp. Vanilla1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups Pancake Mix1/2 cup Chocolate Chips
Mix together.  Drop rounded tsps on baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 12 to 15 minutes.

A to Z

A thru Z

A: is for Apple, what’s your favorite variety?
Fuji apples, for sure

B: is for Bread, regardless of nutrition, calories, or whole grains what is your favorite type to have a nice big slice of?
100% whole wheat

C: is for Cereal what is your favorite kind currently (just one!)
Rice Krispies


D: is for Doughnuts, you might not currently be eating them but what kind do you fancy?
Krispy Kreme, but only get them maybe 1 x year

E: is for Eggs, how would you like yours prepared?
Denver Omelet


F: is for Fat Free, what is your favorite fat free product?
Cheese or frozen yogurt


G: is for Groceries, where do you purchase yours?
Winco, Roth's IGA when they have sales, and they just opened a Trader Joes in the next town over!!

H: is for Hot Beverages, what is your favorite hot drink?
Herbal Tea or Hot Cocoa

I: is for Ice Cream, pick a favorite flavor and add a fun topping.
French Vanilla Ice Cream with some sort of chocolate sauce or just plain Rocky Road

J: is for Jams or Jellies, do you eat them, and if so what kind?
yes, I love apricot, apricot pineapple, raspberry, strawberry, etc.

K: is for Kashi, name your favorite Kashi product?
I don't think I have ever bought any.

L: is for Lunch, what was yours today?
Cheese sandwich on whole wheat, fruit, and a pickle.


M: is for microwave, what is your favorite microwave meal/snack?
Oatmeal or popcorn.

N: is for nutrients, do you like carbs, fats, or proteins best?
I love carbs!

O: is for oil, what kind do you like to use?
Olive oil, canola oil, or cooking spray.


P: is for protein, how do you get yours?

We love turkey (deli turkey slices, ground turkey, turkey meatballs, etc), beans, veggie burgers.

Q: is for Quaker, how do you like your oats?
With a little bit of peanut butter and sweetener or with blueberries and sweetener

R: is for roasting, what is your favorite thing to roast?
Vegetables or sweet potatoes

S: is for sandwich, what’s your favorite kind?
Turkey, turkey bacon (sometimes), lettuce, tomato, and avocado on fresh bread or whole wheat.  :)

T: is for travel, how do you handle eating while traveling?
Try to pack snacks or light meals.

U: is for unique, what is one of your weirdest foods!
Tofu Stuffed Shells

V: is for vitamins, what kind do you take?
Prenatal vitamins, when I remember to take them.

W: is for wasabi, yay or nay?
No

X: is for XRAY. if we xrayed your belly right now, what food would we see?
Eggs and Potatoes with LOTS of water.  

Y: is for youth, what food reminds you of your childhood?
peanut butter logs (pb, honey, oatmeal, dry milk, maybe some chocolate chips or coconut), popsicles, and banana pancakes.


Z: is for zucchini, how do you prepare it?
Oven roasted with olive oil, garlic, and a little bit of parmesan cheese.  YUM!

Mexican Hash

Mexican Hash
From:  Amish cookbook


1-1 1/2 lb ground beef (we use ground turkey)
1-1 1/2 lb grated cheese (we use fatfree)
1 sm bag Doritos, crushed
1 can cream of mushroom soup ( or celery, we use the Healthy request)
1 can cream of chicken soup (Healthy request)
1 can enchilada sauce  (we have made our own)
1 sm can mild chopped green chiles
1 can evaporated milk (we use fatfree)

Brown the meat and drain well.  Mix the soups, sauce and milk.  Add the drained meat and stir.  Put half of the crushed Doritos in the bottom of a baking dish, half of the meat mixture and half of the cheese.  Repeat, making sure the cheese is on top.  Bake at 350 for 30 mins.

Just another day

Sienna and Kiera hanging out.   Kiera just loves being with her.  She's like her little Mommy.

Just out of the bath.  She loved that dress.  Was trying to eat it and her toes.

Hanging out with Jordan's new HUGE Diego doll.  

Easy Stroganoff

This is too easy and my kids love it. 


Easy Stroganoff

1 lb Ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
8 oz sour cream
1/4 cup milk

Brown ground beef with onion. Add remaining ingredients. Serve over rice or noodles.

Aunt Kaye Lynn's Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies

My whole family loves these cookies from my Aunt.  It makes a lot.  I keep them in a large Tupperware bowl with a slice of bread to keep them moist and soft.  These are cake-like and very soft.  Enjoy!

Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yield: 6 dozen cookies

1 c shortening or margarine, softened
1 box brown sugar (I use light brown sugar or the Splenda brown sugar blend)
2 beaten eggs
2 cups applesauce
2 tsp baking soda
4 c flour
1 large package chocolate chips

Mix shortening, sugar, and beaten eggs.  Add baking soda to applesauce and mix.  Mix into sugar mixture.  Add flour.  Combine and add chocolate chips.   Using spoon, add to ungreased cookie sheets.  Bake at 375 for 10-15 mins or until light brown.

Old Recipes

Hope these aren't repeats.  Here are some recipes I was cleaning out of an old board I was on.


Mint Chocolate Cookie Crunch

1 bag mint chocolate chips (or, Andes Mint Chips)
2 1/2 bags (or 5.5 C) dark chocolate chips
1 pkg. Oreo cookies
4 C Rice Krispies

melt the chocolate chips (and mint chips) until just melted.
Then, finely crumble the Oreo cookies. We use a blender/food processor to do this, and purposefully leave a few larger random pieces. Combine the Oreo, Rice Krispies and melted chocolates in a large bowl. Stir until well coated. Using a spoon or an ice cream scooper, create cookies on top of waxed or parchment paper. Allow cookies to harden up on the counter for a few hours before eating. This recipe makes 124 cookies! They are great to give as gifts, if you're willing to share :)
You can also easily cut the recipe in half. Use 1/2 a bag of Andes mints, 1 (12oz) bag of chocolate chips, 2 C Rice Krispies and a half a package of Oreos.
********************************************************************
 Here's an easy slow cooker recipe.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cans of pinto beans
2 cans of Mexican diced tomatoes (undrained)
2 Tbs of fajita seasoning
1-2 Tbs of canola oil

Brown chicken in oil in non-stick skillet. While chicken is browning, put pinto beans in slow cooker. When chicken is browned, place in slow cooker. Pour tomatoes onto chicken and then sprinkle fajita seasoning on top. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Serve with brown rice, cheese and sour cream.
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German Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

1 package German Chocolate Cake Mix
1 stick butter
2 eggs
1 tub Coconut Pecan Frosting

Melt butter in large bowl. Mix in cake mix and eggs. Roll in to 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Once cool, place a good layer of frosting between two similar sized cookies.
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Blueberry Craisin Oatmeal Cookies

Pouch of Betty Crocker Oatmeal Cookie Mix
1/2 stick butter
1 tbsp water
1 egg
1/2 c. dried blueberries
1/2 c. dried cranberries

You can use any combination of dried fruit really, but I LOVE the dried blueberries. Unfortunately, they are rather expensive, which is why I mix them with less expensive cranberries. Raisins would work too. Mix up the pouch mix with the butter, water and egg. It will be VERY stiff. I recommend a fork (my room mate/neighbor uses her hands). Add dried fruit and mix well. Scoop by rounded teaspoons onto sheet and bake according to pouch directions.
Like I said. Super easy. Super good. And kinda frugal too! (Depends on the fruit you use! :)
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Garlic Bundt Bread

3 cans of biscuits
1 stick of butter
2 - 3 cloves of garlic, pressed
1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese

Melt the butter. Add garlic and Italian Seasoning. Line the bundt pan with the biscuits standing on their side. All the way around. Then pour the butter mixture over them. Bake at 350 for 30 - 35 minutes, until biscuits are done. Flip onto a plate and top with grated parmesan cheese. Pull apart to serve.
********************************************************
 Bacon Ranch Crockpot Chicken

4 - 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
1 -2 cloves of garlic, pressed
1 package of Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing mix
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
4 boneless skinless chicken breast
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 - 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Place chicken in the crock pot, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix the soup, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix together. Stir in the garlic and bacon. Pour over chicken. Cook 4 - 6 hours on high or until chicken is cooked through. At the last 15 to 20 minutes before serving, top with grated cheddar cheese.
*****************************************************************
 Snickerdoodles (from Recipezaar)
SERVES 12

1/2 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
TOPPING 1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375°F for a non-stick cookie sheet, or 400°F for any other pan. Cream the butter, then add sugar and mix. Sift the flour,salt, and baking powder into the mixture, add egg and mix well. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Shape the dough into walnut size balls and roll in topping mixture. Place about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes (8 is usually enough, so keep an eye out).
*******************************************************
COOKIES N' CREAM COOKIES

1- 1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 tbs vanilla
3 eggs
1 small pkg. vanilla instant pudding
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
20 Oreos, broken into pieces

Cream butter and sugars. Add vanilla and eggs, mix well. Add dry pudding and mix well. Add dry ingredients and beat until combined (batter will be stiff). Stir in Oreos. Scoop onto cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 9-12 minutes.
*************************************************************
CHICKEN BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

1 cup cooked, diced chicken
1-1/2 cups frozen broccoli, steamed
2 packages of chicken flavored Top Raman Noodles,cook according to package directions
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, noodles, and 1 cup of cheese. In a smaller bowl combine soup, milk, and the seasoning packets from the noodles. Add soup mixture to noodle-broccoli mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish, and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake covered at 350 degrees until warmed through.
**************************************************************
Magelby Rolls

These rolls are so tasty and make it seem like you did something pretty special when in reality they are super easy! A great addition to any meal!
What you need:-
frozen roll dough (or if you are awesome, unlike me, you can make your own roll dough!)
2 T. parsley flakes
3/4 c. parmesan cheese
3/4 t. garlic powder
butter (I used less than 1/4 c.)

Thaw your rolls to room temperature.
Mix the parsley flakes, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder together in a bowl or plate.
Melt your butter.Roll the dough in the butter.Roll the dough in the mixture.
Set on greased cookie sheet to rise. Cover rolls with greased saran wrap.
Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes.

Some more pics of Vegas

Here are some pics of our trip to Las Vegas.

Sienna rolling over at Papa and Grandma's house.

Sienna happily sitting in Grandpa's arms.

I call this her foonja face.  LOL.  She kept making this face after laughing.

My niece Giselle and I.

More Vegas Pics

Here are some more pics of our recent trip to Las Vegas.

Grandpa with Sienna.

Sienna, Grandpa, and I hanging out in Arizona.

Grandma and Sienna.  She loves those teethers.

Aunt Shelly and Sienna.

Sienna reminds me of Pebbles here.  

Aunt Nicole, Sienna, Me, and Grandma.  Don't I look like my Mom?

 That's all the pics for today.  I still have more to go through.

Tooty Fruity Smoothie

Tooty Fruity Smoothie


2 cups chilled cran-raspberry juice
2 whole fresh bananas, sliced (not frozen)
12 medium strawberries, hulled and halved
10-12 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth, rich, and frothy.  Pour into tall glasses and serve.
Serves 4

Chicken Pesto

Chicken Pesto
Serves 4


2 tbsp olive oil
4 boneles, skinless chicken breast halves, 8 thighs, OR 12 chicken breast tenders (1-1 1/2 lbs), cut into 1/2-inch thick strips
1/2 cup prepared pesto

Heat the oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the chicken; cook and stir for 2-3 minutes.
Add the pesto; cook and stir for 3-4 minutes longer or until the chicken is cooked through.

Vegas Trip

Sienna and I took a trip to Las Vegas on May 28-June 25.  It was such a long trip.  My Dad has colon cancer and a bunch of other health problems right now.  I thought it was a great time to visit.  It was Sienna's first time on an airplane.  The weather was so hot, once it was 110 degrees with 30 mph winds, crazy!  Anyway, here are some pics.  I will post some more tomorrow.

This is a picture of my Stepmom, Sienna, 2 of my Aunts, my Dad, and their dog, Katie.

This is Sienna with my niece, Giselle.  She fell in LOVE with her cousin.  Giselle was sad to see us go home.

Me and my bff, Kelly.  I love this girl.  It had been over 4 years since we had seen eachother.

Ranch Potato Casserole

Ranch Potato Casserole


6-8 med. red potatoes (about 2 1/2 lbs)
1/2 c sour cream
1/2 c ranch dressing (prepared)
1/4 c bacon bits or cooked, crumbled bacon
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 c shredded cheddar cheese

topping--1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 c slightly crushed cornflakes
1/4 c margarine, melted

Cook the potatoes until tender; quarter (leave the skins on, if desired) and set aside.  Combine the sour cream, dressing, bacon, parsley and 1 cup of the cheese.  Place potatoes in a greased 9 x 13 baking pan.  Pour sour cream mixture over potatoes and gently toss.  Top with 1/2 cup cheese.  Combine the cornflakes and margarine.  Sprinkle over the casserole.  Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.  Yield:  8 servings.

Pie Pan Taco Bake

Pie Pan Taco Bake
From: Montana Homestyle Cooking (Amish)


crust:
1 c flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp sugar
1/2 stick butter
1/3 c milk

filling:
1/2 lb ground beef, browned (I use ground turkey)
1 c salsa (we use Pace picante sauce)
1/2 c sour cream
2 c shredded mozzarella cheese  (we use cheddar)

Crust:  Combine the ingredients and press into the bottom of a deep 10" pie plate.  Filling:  Add filling ingredients in layers in the order given.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  Season the browned beef with taco seasoning and salt, optional.  Yield:  4 servings.

Easy Lemon Curd Bars

Easy Lemon Curd Bars
From:  May 2011 Country Woman magazine

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar or other sweetener
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 jar (10 oz) lemon curd
2/3 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped almonds, toasted

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Combine flour and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
Set aside 1 cup mixture for topping; press remaining mixture onto the bottom of a greased 13x9 in baking dish.  Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.  Cool for 10 minutes.
Spread lemon curd over crust.  In a small bowl, combine the coconut, almonds and reserved topping mixture; sprinkle over lemon curd.
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden-brown.  Cool completely on a wire rack.  Cut into bars.  Yield:2 dozen.

Today (June 27, 2011)

June 27, 2011


listening--to the sounds of my kids playing when they should be taking a nap

eating--a mango coconut soyjoy bar

drinking--lots of water and Crystal Light

wearing--black Mossimo tee and gray capris

feeling--tired and so glad to be back home in Oregon

weather--cloudy

wanting--to take a nap soon.  Kids don't want to.

needing--to sleep more, didn't get much sleep the last 3 days (less than 10 hrs)

thinking--I need to call and make Sienna's 9 month checkup appt soon.

enjoying--the last 7 years with my dh (yesterday was our 7 year wedding anniversary).  It's getting better and better

Recent pics of Sienna

Can't believe it's been it's so long, since I posted on here.  Here are some recent pics of Sienna.

I just love Sienna's smile.  It brings me such joy!

Sienna playing in her jumperoo and a taggie toy that a friend on my Due Date Club made for her.

Today (May 6, 2011)

May 6, 2011

listening:  to the sound of my kids getting ready for bed

eating:   an apple pie Larabar

drinking:  Diet Dr Pepper

wearing:  white tee and purple capri bottoms

feeling: tired

weather:  windy and rained a little bit

need: to go to sleep soon

thinking:  about my Vegas trip soon

enjoying: nice talks with my best friend

wondering: how my Dad is doing

internet find: Cute butterfly card   This is such a cute card!

Today (May 1, 2011)

May 1, 2011

listening:  to the sound of the fan running for background noise

eating:   nothing just drinking water

drinking:  ice water, again

wearing:  blue lace tee and jean capris

feeling: tired.  It's been a long day.  Went to the meeting to hear the Special Talk at the Kingdom Hall and to Crisy's for a BBQ.

weather:  was nice and sunny today

need: to do the dishes and go to bed

thinking:  about Bin Laden being dead and hope they don't retaliate.

enjoying: the nice weather

wondering: about my thinking comment above

internet find: Bowtie Chicken Caesar Salad       This looks so good!

Today (April 30, 2011)

April 30, 2011

listening: Unfortunately, Hannah Montana movie that the kids are watching.

eating:  Weight Watchers Oatmeal cookie and some chicken

drinking:  ice water, again

wearing:  capri pants and red tee

feeling: exhausted from only sleeping 5 am-8 am

weather:  looks like it might be a nice day

need: to take a nap

thinking: about what I am making for lunch.  Kids want chili con carne or ramen noodles.  :(  I am going to have a sandwich on a bagel thin and maybe a light yogurt.

enjoying: having the internet again.

wondering: what I am getting my swap partner for the Momma swap

internet find: Recipe Scrapbook   Looks neat.  I want to do this.

Today (April 29, 2011)

April 29, 2011

listening: to Enrique Iglesias (love his voice, so sexy!!).  LOL

eating: a small Dove Chocolate Peanut Butter Egg

drinking: Ice water

wearing: hot pink cotton tee and black capri pants

feeling: tired but can't sleep

weather:  was really nice today.  Cold and windy right now.

need: to go to bed

thinking: Really enjoyed date night with dh and my sil and bil.  We ate Mexican food (I had a Chicken Fajita salad with no dressing, so good) and watched Fast 5. Great movie!

enjoying: quality time with dh

wondering: if tomorrow is going to be a better day with the kids.  I hope~

internet find:  Alphabet Wall  I really want to start collecting letters to do this in the living room.

Pina Colada Fudge

Pina Colada Fudge

1(12-ounce) package (2 cups) white vanilla chips
1 (3.25-ounce) jar macadamia nuts, chopped, toasted
1 (16-ounce) can Creamy Supreme Vanilla Frosting
1/2 cup chopped dried pineapple
1/2 cup coconut, toasted
1 teaspoon rum extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract

Line 8- or 9-inch square pan with foil, extending foil over edges. Place chips in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes or until melted, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth.
Reserve ¼ cup nuts for garnish. Add remaining nuts and all remaining ingredients to melted chip mixture; mix well. Spread in foil-lined pan. Sprinkle with reserved nuts. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Remove fudge from pan by lifting foil. Remove foil; cut into squares.
Makes 36 squares.

NOTE: To toast macadamia nuts and coconut, spread on separate small cookie sheets; bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 8 minutes, or until light golden brown, stirring occasionally.

The ABC's of yours truly

The ABCs of yours truly…

1. Age: 37 (38  in 2 short weeks)
2. Bed size: Queen
3. Chore you hate:   dishes and cleaning toilets
4. Dogs:   None, the kids really want one
5. Essential start to your day:   green smoothies in the am or water
6. Favorite color:   red is my favorite, love rainbows
7. Gold or silver: Silver mostly, except my wedding set
8. Height: 5’6"
9. Instruments that you can play:   None
10. Job title:  SAHM or Momma to 4 beautiful kids and 1 almost grown-up 16 year old
11. Kids:  Austen, 16; Maya, 6; Kiera, 5; Jordan, 2; and Sienna, 5 1/2 months
12. Live:   Small town in Oregon
13. Mom’s name:  Pamela
14. Nicknames:  Steph
15. Overnight hospital stays:  5 births and 1 long month stay in a boarding room waiting for Sienna to get out of NICU
16. Pet peeve:  loud chewing, running in the house
17. Quote from a movie:   ?????
18. Righty or lefty: Righty.
19. Sibling: I have 1 brother and 4 sisters
20. Time you wake up:   7-9
21. Underwear: Yes please.
22. Vegetables you dislike:   turnips or rhutabaga
23. What makes you run late:   procrastion
24. X-rays:   ankle, lung, neck, all the female parts
25. Yummy food you make:   Carrot cake, Lemon layered pie, chicken spaghetti, and many more.  :)
26. Zoo favorite animal:  peacocks and giraffe

That’s me! Now how about you?