Real Meaning of Christmas

This is so darling! There is nothing sweeter than a precious child. May you all have a Merry Christmas! Love to all of you!

Black Bean Salsa

I stole this one off of my niece Cortney's blog. This a super yummy Conrad family favorite! Enjoy!(Thanks Cortney!)

Ingredients:

1 can black beans (rinsed)
1 can white beans (rinsed)
1 can sweet corn (drained)
3-4 medium tomatoes
1 large onion
1 bunch of cilantro
BIG squirt of Italian dressing
salt and pepper

just dump everything in a bowl and that's its. super easy. super amazing. super healthy. let me know if you like it!

Baked French Toast

This is one of our favorite recipes for the holidays and conference weekend.

24 Inch Baguette( I like Kneaders)
6 Large Eggs
2 Cups Milk
1 Cup Cream
1 tsp Vanilla
Pinch of Salt
1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
1/3 Stick Butter
2 Cups Blueberries (Can use any fruit, I like the Raspberry, Blackberry, Blueberry Trio from Costco)
To Mix: Butter a 9 X 13 baking dish. Cut the baguette into 3/4 - 1 inch slices and arrange in one layer in the baking dish (If you use French bread let it dry out a bit - a sourdough baguette is the best). In a large bowl whisk together: Eggs, Milk, Cream, Vanilla, Salt, and 1 Cup Brown Sugar. Pour evenly over bread. Push bread down to assure it absorbs the liquid. Cover with plastic wrap and let chill overnight, at least 8 hours, until all liquid is absorbed. (In the AM I always turn all of the bread pieces over before topping so the dry tops soak in what is left in the bottom of the pan)


To Cook: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Sprinkle berries over the top of the Bread mixture. Cut 1 stick of butter with 1 Cup of Brown Sugar. Crumble over the top of the Bread and Berries. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed (I watch it and usually let it go a little longer). It is recommended to serve with either syrup or powdered sugar, but it really doesn't need it.


ENJOY- and don't forget your cholesterol medication and work-out.

Fa la la la la.... la la la la

We are all nestled in and cozy today.

We enjoyed putting up the rest of Christmas this weekend. With our surprise we woke up to about 6 inches of snow this morning! YaY! We were issued a blizzard warning last week and I only saw a few flakes. I was pretty bummed out over that.

Matt and I had a great weekend with family. We enjoyed some shopping, going out to dinner with family and watching this super cute movie~

(with the cutest kids in the world of course!)
Loved this cute show!

We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving weekend with your families.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are Thankful for all of our many blessings...

Another Thanksgiving is here!

I'm super excited for the lovley spread of food this year. Dinner is at my parents- which means Mom's cooking,enjoying time with family, gingerbread house making, lounging on the couch by the fire,watching movies and looking at black friday ads.

Side note:
I love when Thanksgiving is at my Moms, there is nothing like Moms cooking. Another nice thing....there will be a total of 11 people :D

Heres to great family, food and sweat pants!

Gobble til ya wobble!

Baked Beans

1 Pound Cooked Bacon
1 Onion
1 Green Pepper
2 Cans 29 oz. Pork & Beans
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Cup Ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
Dash of Dry Mustard

Simmer in Crock Pot

* I like to add black beans and do half green and red peppers.

These are perfect side to take to a BBQ.
YUM-O

AFTER DAYBREAK

I do not normally do this...
David is our Nephew in law married to our niece Ashley.
He is amazingly talented. Check out their Christmas CD for 5.99 on Itunes.


AFTER DAYBREAK is a classical crossover/pop trio that consists of Daniel Beck, Drew Boushka & David Fritch. Their debut album, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, was released internationally on October 12, 2010, and will be released in the U.S. on November 9, 2010.


* Check them out*
http://www.afterdaybreakofficial.com/

Introducing.... Sammy

Meet our new family member-
Sammy the cat.

This is a super sweet story. I truly believe this little man picked us.And is a little gift from above.

After the loss of my sweet cats Missy and Maverick, I was really sad with out an animal in our home...Although we did always have our neighbors cat "Salem" come over to our backyard to visit just about everyday for the past year. We like her and think she is a sweet cat. Plus I give her treats... I am a sucker for animals. I have always loved them.
Salem had just had a litter of kittens about a month prior to me loosing my kitties. She would still come over, just never with a kitten.

Until one day she brought us a "gift" that just so happened to be her kitten-our Sammy. We loved having him come visit us. She would seriously drop him off like we were baby sitters and then hours or a day later she would come pick him up. The neighbors were gone a lot and the cats were neglected for the most part. The Mama cat started to bring all three of her babies over to see us and get milk. They were too cute and sweet to pass up.

After fostering his Mom and siblings for a while. Sam was the only one left that needed a home. I just thought I was not really ready for another pet. Matt had found him a home a couple weeks ago, but I could not bear to give him up. It was fate. I do think this was the perfect way to ease into another pet. I have fallen in love with this sweet little cat.

Shutters...A Door... Halloween Galore!

This post is long overdue....

We have been rather busy around here getting last minute projects finished outside before winter arrives.

This project that has been on my mind for probably about 4-5 years. Painting the front door and making or buying new shutters for the exterior windows.
Most of the problem was finding time to take this project on. (I needed Matt's help on this one.) Also deciding what color to paint the door and the shutters. To glaze or not to glaze?That was a huge dilemma!

Presenting.....

Our new shutters and painted front door! They are beautiful and just what I imagined!

This project was really simple and done in about 1 1/2 days. For real!Prep work and all! The shutters are not real wood, since we face south I needed something to last. The material is similar to trex decking. Matt busted these out in a couple hours.

The next morning ,I painted the shutters with some pretty amazing paint that had the primer in it already. Slapped on a little bit of glaze and tung oil -and voila! Hung that evening! The weather was amazing!


I decided to keep the front door and trim white. (Since facing the South brings on a lot of sun.) I also wanted a "rough" texture on the door, so I rolled it on. A trick I learned from my Mom:D

Another Project... Halloween decor! I saw these cute "Black Twigs" on a website and wanted to make them! So I did my own spin on them :D
I had Matt help me get the dead trees/twigs in various fields.I then spray painted them black!I love how they turned out! Really fun!

I love how this spooky tree turned out!

Tip: To make your pumpkins shine wash them and either spray or rub on a varnish like tung oil.

Not sure if doing all of these projects in a couple of days is a good idea, but we did it! Matt is a trooper! He knows how I work, GO BIG or go home. Thanks for your help honey! I will give you a rest when the snow flies... Maybe ? ;)

Here are some more pictures to enjoy!

Now back to my cleaning spree! Pantry, Closet, Dresser,windows,blinds and Office.(If I have to be cooped up inside all winter, I want my house really clean and organized)

P.S. Christmas will be here before we all know it? Will you be ready?

Christmas Cards ordered- Check
Christmas Potpourri Ingredients Ordered-Check

Ok so it is not a lot, but it is a start. Right?

So many Posts... So little time

I have a HUGE "to do" list today, but I at least wanted to make my blog look a little bit festive for heaven sake!
More to come when the weather is cold, but for now I will be enjoying the October Sunshine!

4 Years !!!

Today Matt and I have been married 4 years!
It is hard to believe we have been married 4 years, but at the same time it feels like we have been together for a lot longer. (In a good way of course)

This is a day I will never forget. I love to look back in my journal and read the great stories of us dating and of our marriage.

One in particular is our wedding day. I will never forget being at the temple and talking to one another before our sealing. We made a promise to work hard every day to love each other this much and to be this happy together always. I must say I hope I have exceeded my promise to Matt. (Since he has done this with me.) Our love has grown has grown into so much more these last 4 years. I'm so happy that we are together forever!

I love you so much Matty! Thanks for always treating me like a Queen and loving me with your whole heart! Happy 4th Anniversary Sweetheart!

Three's Ice Cream

This is an old fashioned family favorite.
It's simple and refreshing! Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:
3 cups sugar
3 cups cream
3 cups milk
3 bananas, mashed
3 oranges, juiced
3 lemons, juiced

Directions

1.In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and cream until sugar is dissolved. Mix in the milk, mashed bananas, and fruit juices.
2.Pour mixture into ice cream maker. Freeze according to manufacturer's directions, about 45 minutes.

My time with you was precious...

My heart is full of emotion today. I do not even know how or where to begin this post.I apologize if this bounces everywhere or does not make sense. So I will just start from the beginning.

My life changed forever Fifteen years ago when my sweet and loving companions came into my life. They were my babies.

MY MISSY:

First was Missy, my cute little Sassy Girl. I was walking thru the pet store on my lunch break and that is where we met. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her. She looked up at me with her big green eyes and little pink nose. That is when I knew she was supposed to be my baby. So without asking or getting permission from anyone, I brought her home that night. (I lived in a duplex where animals were not allowed)Better to ask for forgiveness than permission right?

There are so many things I love about my Missy Rissy Roo,Ninny,Shriny,Princess... She had many nicknames over the years. There are so many memories I could share, but which ones? They were all precious to both of us.

First memory that comes to mind is how she LOVED me. She could be a peel to visitors, that is for sure! She was definitely MY girl. She would hiss at most people that came around. She did not like loud people or loud noises. I would sing her song to her in kind of a high pitch voice sometimes and she would bite me softly meowing until I stopped. Of course I laughed and would do it again in my nice voice. It was sure cute.

I chose to have my cats be mainly indoors... Well Missy had a mind of her own and would beg to go outside and play. I could never say no to her big eyes and cute face. She always made this little {brrlllit} sound when I looked or talked to her that was so cute! She got her way and became a mostly outdoor cat about four years ago. She loved being outside! This was her favorite to go explore and play. She was a good girl and never went too far and always came home safe.

She also loved to be inside with me wherever I was. Her favorite places were my bedroom and front living room. I would crack up when she would basically sit on the heat register for about an hour and either warm up her face or "freeze her face off" with the central air. What a silly girl!

The hardest thing for me was seeing you get "older" and sick. I always knew I would have to say goodbye one day. I just did not know that day would come so fast. You were such a brave girl, you were so strong. Mommy did not even know how sick you were until last Saturday. I always wondered how I would know it would be "time" to let you go.

When you looked into my eyes while I was comforting you, that is when I knew. I will never forget that moment with you. You trusted me to take care of you and love you the best I could. You told me it was OK and that it was "time" to say goodbye.
We took you to the vet and he confirmed our worry. My sweet love had a tumor in her mouth that caused her pain. I did not want you to suffer anymore. I had to be "big" and make that hard choice for you. I know you are happy now exploring and having fun! Be good and take care of your baby brother.

Thank you Missy for the love, joy and comfort you have given me through the years. You have been my loyal companion and best friend. I will never forget you! I love you with all of my heart. May you rest in peace my sweet girl.

MY MAVERICK:

You were my second baby, I still remember when I first got you. I picked you up in a baby blanket. You loved to be held like a baby from the moment you were mine.(Missy was pretty ticked at me when you came home) I'm glad you are best buddies now and together on your new journey.

My friend from work told me about her cats she had (Birmans) and that she was a breeder. The way she described your breed was exactly what I was looking for. You were such a sweet and loving little boy.

Some of my favorite memories of my bozzi, buhda, chubs, boogie monsee,baby(more nicknames)are:

I love how you let me hold you like a baby over my shoulder. You were my baby when I could not have one of my own. You were there to comfort me and love me. I loved how you always needed me to give you loves. You were my "chill" kitty that was always up for snuggling.

You were such a handsome little man with beautiful cool blue eyes. (That were a little crossed)I loved your big white and pink feet. You and your sissy both loved foot massages. You loved to be brushed, bathed and blow dried. Not many other cats like this kind of pampering. You were a mama's boy for sure! I once gave you a "lion" haircut when it was a hot summer. You were so embarrassed without all of your fur. You looked so cute!

I loved when you would wait for the second to hear me move in the morning and you were right there at the door ready to get me up. Unless you were asleep on my head purring. And if I did not come that is when you started being very vocal. You knew how to get what you wanted from me that is for sure!

I loved when you would lay at my feet while I was in my office on the computer or working on a project. I'm missing you both so much today. Our house is just not the same without you.

You were your sisters buddy and you always took such great care of each other. In the end I was so impressed by your love for one another.The way you both kept so calm and were so good it made me feel a lot better that you felt safe with me and that you were together.

Now you can see and run and play with Missy. Take good care of each other and have lots of fun! Remember I will be with you again someday. Until then, rest in peace my sweet little man.

I will keep you both in my heart forever. I know the pain will dull over time. I love you more than you will ever know. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I have ever had to do so far. The last few moments with you were so special. I could have held you in my arms forever, but I knew I had to let you go. Until we meet again I will hold you safe in my heart forever.

Love,

Mommy

***Matt and I had a special goodbye for Maverick & Missy.It was so hard to see them go, but nice to see them look at peace. They lived a wonderful and full life full of love. I'm so thankful to our father in heaven for creating such sweet little spirits to have and love. These cats brought me so much love and joy into my life. I will be forever grateful for their love.


A few poems I have enjoyed these past few days.

A Simple Message From Your Pet
by Ken D. Conover

To have loved and then said farewell is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and
returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you. For the care that you gave to me
so unselfishly. For all of these things I am grateful and thankful. I ask that you grieve
not for the loss but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each other's lives.
My life was fuller because you were there, not as owner, but as my friend. Today, I am
as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and
the sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures. I can run, jump and play
and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints
and no regrets and no aging. We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know
that togetherness is forever. You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such
as you are very rare and unique. Don't hold the love that you have within yourself.
Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies,
and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.

Your pet in heaven.


A Pet's Plea
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
You will be sad- I understand
Don't let your grief then stay your hand
For this day, more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.
I know in time you too will see
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail, it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Don't grieve that it should be you
Who has decided this thing to do
We've been so close, we two these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
Author Unknown



May I Go
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond, and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first, I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now to a warm and living light.
I want to go, I really do; it's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid, because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know,
That my spirit will be close to you wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too,
And that's why it's hard to say goodbye and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me, you'll let me go today.
by Susan A. Jackson

Cat Poem
They will not go quietly,
the cats who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think
we hear a meow at the door.
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometimes, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them. . . and always will.
by Linda Barnes

Four Feet in Heaven
Your favorite chair is vacant now...
No eager purrs to greet me.
No softly padded paws to run
Ecstatically to meet me.
No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry
Will say it's time for feeding.
I've put away your bowl, and all
The things you won't be needing;
But I will miss you little friend,
For I could never measure
The happiness you brought me,
The comfort and the pleasure.
And since God put you here to share
In earthly joy and sorrow;
I'm sure there'll be a place for you
In Heaven's bright tomorrow...
by Alice E. Chase

Black Bean & Corn Quesadillas

We tried this recipe tonight. It ended up being pretty tasty and easy!

I made a few changes like... Wheat Tortillas, Pam instead of butter and Moz Cheese, and Garden Fresh Diced Tomatoes rather than salsa. It turned out Delish!

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup salsa
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons butter, divided
8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

Directions
1.Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in beans and corn, then add sugar, salsa, and pepper flakes; mix well. Cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
2.Melt 2 teaspoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle evenly with cheese, then top with some of the bean mixture. Place another tortilla on top, cook until golden, then flip and cook on the other side. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

*Summer Trip 2010* Yellowstone N.P. * Teton N.P.*Jackson Hole*

It is hard to believe we have already been on our vacation and back to work.

Matt and I really enjoyed our trip last week together. It was so great to be able to spend a few days alone with my sweetheart enjoying God's creations.

Some of you may or may not know that I have a deep love for the great outdoors. It brings such peace and happiness to my soul.....

To have the soft breeze blow through my hair, the sun shine on my face, to breathe the fresh mountain air,to shut out the world and just listen to the song of nature. Of course lets not forget how blessed we are to see. I'm always amazed by God's creations.

* To pause the slide show or see caption place mouse on image :D

We arrived to our destination Wednesday evening. This time we took our camp trailer with us. I was sad at first we could not spend our time in Colter Bay, but Flagg Ranch was just as fine of place to stay. (Minus the beautiful Marina they have in Colter Bay Village.) We will reserve early next time and stay there.

Back to my story...
We set up camp and wanted to stretch our legs after a long drive. We ended up along the Snake River for a walk. It was beautiful to walk along the river bank as the sun was setting.

To top off the evening we enjoyed our famous taco salad and a movie in bed. Ahhh... Vacation at last!

We enjoyed Yellowstone National Park for the first two full days of our vacation. What a beautiful place! Matt had been there only one other time with my family.

We did not have a lot of time to stop on our last trip. So I made sure to give him the grand loop tour. It was perfect weather the high was about 70-75 degrees.We both loved it! (After being in the city where it was in the 100 degree range.)

Saturday had to by our favorite day. This happened to be our last full day of fun in the parks.

Our morning started early at 5:30 a.m. for our Breakfast Cruise on Jackson Lake. The temperature was 35 degrees when we got in the truck. Oh baby it felt really cool, but nice at the same time.

We departed Colter Bay Marina at 7:30 for Elk Island. Which happens to be the biggest Island on the lake. Breakfast was superb! Pancakes,Sausage,Hash browns,Eggs,Fresh Trout, Yogurt, Fresh Fruit, Juice and more! Wow was it good! Matt even tried the Trout! Hold on.....He even LIKED it!
After Breakfast we hiked around the Island. It was a very enjoyable morning on the Island and Lake itself.

Next item on the agenda was a nap. Can I tell you if you go on vacation and do not take a nap you are missing out! HEA-VEN!

After a wonderful nappy dap we had a snack and I primped for a fun night out with my Hub's.

Went on a beautiful drive through the Tetons and Moose. Where we just so happened to see a Moose.It was a fun little road to Teton Village.
There we took a ride on the aerial tram. And can I tell you what a view at 10,450 feet!

After a being on top of the beautiful mountains we went for some great food and entertainment. "The Bar J Chuck wagon" It was so much fun to see the Bar J Wranglers!
The food was great and the entertainment was super fun! We sat by some very nice people from Sweden.

Our drive home was LONG, but beautiful. We decided to go through Bear Lake and the Logan area. Not sure if we will do that again towing a trailer, but the truck as always did great! It is so nice to have a diesel that gets great gas mileage!

Thanks to my great family for taking care of our home while we were gone. And the Delicious dinner we came home too! Love you guys!

P.S. Word to the wise. Do not try to remodel a master bath right before you leave on vacation.Pictures to come. She is going to be beautiful!

Soon to be bliss.....

Vacation bliss that is!

So excited to go to some of my favorite places this summer!Jackson Hole, Grand Tetons & Yellowstone.

All with my sweetheart!
What more could a girl ask for?
Perfect weather perhaps?



Ahhh... Are'nt they all just so Beautiful? I can almost smell the fresh mountain air.

Watermelon Salsa

I love to try new recipe's. This one may sound a little strange, but is very refreshing. I made this little number for a friends Birthday Celebration. She happens to love Watermelon and Salsa. She loved this! It will definitely play with your taste buds.


Ingredients
2 cups seeded finely chopped watermelon
1/2 cup finely chopped peeled cucumber
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1 tablespoon minced fresh mint
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon lime juice
Baked tortilla chip scoops
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the melon, cucumber, onion, peppers and herbs. Drizzle with honey and lime juice; gently toss to coat.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve with chips. Yield: 3 cups.
Editor's Note: When cutting hot peppers, disposable gloves are recommended. Avoid touching your face.


Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup (calculated without chips) equals 22 calories, trace fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, trace protein. Diabetic Exchange: 1/2 starch.

Y.W. of Strength

Ward Theme: A.R.M.Y.
Always Righteous Mormon Youth

Another Camp year has come and gone...

I cannot believe this was my 3rd year serving as Camp Director. Wow! Between working, household responsibilities and hours of preparation and a few mini melt downs. I now feel like my Summer can begin. YaY!

Camp this year went really well! I was worried about a lot of things this year. The number one thing is our amazing Y.W. President is due with her sweet baby girl any day now. She was unable to attend camp this year. She of course is our rock.

With the help of our other great leaders we pulled of another successful year at camp. We all had a lot of fun and grew in many ways we needed and others we may not even know of yet. I love girls camp! (I love it even more when it is finished.) Matt is a HUGE help to me. I love him so much and I'm so blessed to have him as my eternal companion. We are so blessed in our lives. I love my Father in Heaven and am thankful to him for trusting me with these wonderful daughters of his.

* A HUGE thank you to all that helped with camp! I could not have done it without you! You know who you are! Love You!

Can I be a Cat today?

A little cat nap is my wish today. If only.... Maybe tomorrow ?

Much needed R&R.....

We were able to celebrate Dads birthday at our house for a BBQ. The food was fantastic and the company even better. I love my cute little family.

We were then able to take off after the memorial day holiday camping. Matt worked extra hard on the buggy so we were able to take her out for her maiden voyage. Thank you Dad, Jess and whoever else helped us get her ready to go. It is about time we were able to take her out for a test run! She is a BLAST!

We left Tuesday morning for the west dessert. A new place to explore! Amasa Valley, just out from Hinckley and Delta. She was a long drive, but totally worth it! Good job baby at pulling 2 trailers!

We got to explore in mines, a first for me. I usually NEVER go in anything of the sort. I decided to be brave. Matt could not believe I had no problem walking 100's of feet under ground. For some reason I was ready to face my fear of claustrophobia. Sure glad I did! It was nice and cool underground and fun too!

The 4-wheeler trails were amazing! They went on and on and on... Well you get the drift. The scenery was breathtaking. I have not gotten to see the dessert this way before. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, the flowers were beautiful! We had a great time exploring and just soaking up the sun!

It was great fun to play with the horses Lefty and Buzz. I love animals! I was in love with Buzz, Ken's Mustang. I did not ride him as he can be a peel. Lefty Girl was perfect for me. Although she was in a hurry to get back to camp and galloped most of the way. Good thing we did not go too far. Being saddle sore is not too fun.

The food was of course amazing and tasty! We had all sorts of dutch oven, GIANT smores,Bean dip and more! MMMmmm Mmmmmm :D I do not know why the week had to go by so dang fast. It was back to work the next day. I really could get used to being on vacation all of the time. (As long as most of it is at home in my own bed.)

*Busy times ahead...Girls Camp in about 1 week. Then I hope for some real live R&R after that is over with. Have a great summer everyone!

Caramel Party Mix

I made this treat today for our dear friend Cameron. He loves this "stuff" and is always asking for it. I finally caved and made him a BIG batch. Love ya Cam! Enjoy!

2 Cups Sugar
2 Cups Karo Syrup
1 1/2 Cups Butter
Melt Butter, Sugar and Karo Syrup.
Boil 2-3 Minutes on medium heat,and then add-
1-18 oz. Package Golden Grahams
1-18 oz. Package Corn or Rice Chex (I prefer Rice)
1 Package of Coconut
1-16 oz. Package Silvered Almonds

*Mix in a very large bowl stirring gently so you don't crush the cereal.

Grandma's Melt in your mouth Brownies

It is not a family party without these delightfully delicious Brownies made by Grandma Janice. Today is the first time I have made them. These are indeed dangerous!

1 Cup Butter
1/3 Cup Cocoa
2 Cups Sugar
4 Eggs well beaten
1 1/2 Cups Flour
1 1/2 Cups Coarsely Chopped Walnuts
2 teaspoons Vanilla

*Pour batter into greased cookie sheet (15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 Inch) and spread evenly. Bake @ 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and put 1 pound miniature marshmallows over the top. Be sure they are in a single layer close to the edge. Return to oven for about 3 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from oven and cool for about 1 hour. Top with Icing.

Icing:
1/2 Cup Butter
2 Cups Powdered Sugar
1/4-1/3 Cup Cocoa
1/3 Cup Evaporated Milk
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
Combine ingredients and spread over brownie marshmallow bars.

Pretzel Salad

This Raspberry Jell-O Salad is a family favorite. Why they call it a salad is beyond me. This side dish is more like a Jell-O/Cheesecake type treat that melts in your mouth. My Grandma Janice introduced this salad to our family and has become a favorite ever since. Enjoy!

Mix together ahead of time: 1- 6 oz. Raspberry Jell-O, 2 Cups boiling water, and 2 cups boiling water, and 2 cups cold water. Jell-O needs to be partially set before pouring over last layer.

Mix: 6 oz. crushed pretzels
3 Tablespoons Sugar
1/4 Pound Butter
Pat into 9x13 pan. Cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
Mix: 1-8 oz. Cream Cheese
1 Cup Sugar

Beat together and fold in 1-12 oz. container cool whip. Layer on top of cooled pretzel mixture, let cool until firm. Layer on top of cream cheese mixture: 2 20- oz. cans of crushed pineapple. Let chill. Pour Jell-o over pineapple layer and let set over night if possible.

Birthday "Week" Is The Best!

I had a great Birthday even though I was at work. I arrived to Payson and came to a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my sissy Erica. Then Sonja came in with some Balloons singing Happy Birthday rock-n-roll style. It was great! As I get to Provo clinic my desk is totally decked out and strawberry shortcake in the break room. I was given a $$$ shopping spree $$$ from my friends at work. Matt had some flowers delivered, I feel so loved! What a lucky girl to have such great people to work with! Thanks everyone!

Beautiful Flowers from Matty

By the time I got home from work I was pooped. I was in my P.J.'s ready to relax. I was looking at my house thinking wow I need to clean this place up. Then I noticed someone had been in the house... Weird?? So I called Matt to see if he knew if someone had been in the house. He said "yep there was"... to look at the front door. He had our friend Jared put new moulding on the front door. It has been driving me crazy. We have a problem with our house where it leaks water. The people that built our house did not put any flashing up or anything to protect from water damage. Well that is what we have! Jared sent Matt a video of our door frame that is damaged bad. So hopefully home owners will take care of this problem. Thanks honey for fixing the front door for my Birthday. Looks like more work is needed.... Darn!

I did decide to get out of my P.J.'s for Matt to take me out for my Birthday. We went to Bangkok Grill. I love Thai food and was in the mood. It was delish!
Of course a girl needs cake on her Birthday, so we went to a cute little place called The Chocolate. It was fun you can order cake by the slice and all sorts of goodies. Yummy! Matt had Red Velvet and I had Some Madagascar Vanilla cake. Yum, Yum!

My beautiful flowers from Erica

Date Day Thursday:
Matt & I had Thursday off together for my Birthday date. We did yardwork and housework before play -Per my request. My poor hubby is a great sport. He helps me SO much! I could not do it all without him. Love you Honey!

Pretty much Birthday week for me is an eating fest I have decided. Not too good for the waisteline.
There is this great Authentic Mexican Place in provo. (Taco-in-Tent?)On the corner of abouth 8th north and 5th west. Matt has "Ghettoized" me as he puts it. Before I would never step foot in a hole in the wall like this. Can I just say... If you have this attituide you are missing out on some great food! They have the best tacos! We really eat there about every week for a lunch date. Taco's are $1.50 so it is a cheap date. YUM! Then in the back is a little Bakery we have started to visit. YUM, YUM! Great authentic Mexican food!
After a great lunch we went to the Provo Mall shopping! :D I told you Matt is a good sport. I have been wanting to go to a movie.Either Letter's to Juliet or Robin Hood.I thought I would pick Robin Hood for Matt's sake. It was really good, but who does not like a little of Russell Crowe ? Also Yummy :D

Cute, Cute Balloon from Jen at work

Thanks everyone for the great week! Love you all! (It's not over yet!)

Aunt's Day Wth Jack & Jayci

Last weekend Erica and I had Jack and Jayci overnight. I had Jayce and Erica had Jack. They are such sweeties and we had a ton of fun with them .

At bedtime Jayce was not tired. She did not want to go to bed yet.... So like a naughty Aunt I let her stay up and have a bath. We did "princess" braids so she could have "magic" hair in the morning. I called Erica and she and Jack were in bed watching a movie per Jack's request. Jayci and I cuddled and read stories . It was then time to go to bed to get plenty of rest before the fun morning ahead.

Erica and I after debating were to go decided on Hee Haws. It was really fun they had their Spring Fling going on. With Hay Rides, Slides, Petting Zoo, Tractor & Train Rides and the list goes on.

The kids had a total blast on the slide and wanted to go by themselves. Because they are BIG and can do it alone :D It was so cute to watch them running up and down this huge hill smiling for the next slide ride. Jack was a big helper and took the other kids "slide sacks" back up to top neatly placing them where the belong.

Jayci absolutely loved the Horsey Swing. As you can see by the pictures she was giggling the whole time. It was so cute to see her so happy. She also loved riding the pony and petting the baby animals. She is adorable!

Jack found a Big Wheel and some sand. He did not want to swing he wanted to make tracks in the "sand dunes". He loved riding on the animal train, helping other kids go on the slide and the cool tractors. He was such a sweetheart.

After the farm we headed to lunch. JCW's was right there so we went there. Plus the food is good. All day we were reminding cute Jayci to not put her fingers in her mouth. There are animal germs on her fingers. We washed them up before lunch, but Jayci kept putting her hands in her mouth and touching her dirty pants. Erica and I kept telling her "please do not lick your hands". And then she stopped after Erica said.... "Jayce... Honey there are animal germs on your pants and fingers. Please do not lick them. There is "poop" on the animals butt's". Jayci had the cutest look on her face of ewwwwww yuck. She put her head down and in her cute Jayci voice said... "Erica I'm sorry I licked an animals butt." We cracked up laughing!!! Erica called Jess a couple days after hoping she has not said "butt" again. She was worried. It was funny and cute!

All in all we had a great day! By the end of it all we were pooped out and ready for a nap. I love these 2 little stinkers!