Butterfly Kisses Father & Daughter Dance

On February 28th the girls were escorted by their father to a very special evening, entitled "Butterfly Kisses", at their elementary school. Isabella was thrilled, Ava a little reluctant-at first, and Dad was the complete gentlemen.

Mom's contributions were in the form of refreshments: Lemon Squares & Butterfly Cupcakes. When I took them in and got my first peek at the decorations I had to admit I was a little jealous! The PTC created a truly magical setting for this special event.

There was lot's of dancing and games, and by night's end they were all warm and flushed after all the excitement. It was definitely a night to remember.

He Passed!

I am so proud of him!

Passing this test is a requirement to apply for the Master's Program at Sac State, and I am so proud of how hard he worked.
Way to go, honey!

What's the best way to celebrate?
How about some deliciously sinful Chili Cheese Fries from Wienerschnitzel?
It's not four-star cuisine but it sure is yummy!

Lost

Yes, Sam and I love the show "Lost". But this time, I'm referencing how I felt this last month as I was left to care for our little ones-all alone-because Sam was studying for his G.M.A.T. test (yes, I am a big baby).

What I learned while he was "away":

I love my husband!
Of course I always did, but isn't it wonderful, when so many people claim to fall out of love, to fall even more in love?

I can do the park thing!

I'm a horrible mom when it comes to taking my kids to the park. I get stressed out trying to keep my eye on all of them, and of course, with a little adventurer like Owen, I always have to be an arms length away. Case in point: Last fall he flipped head over heels from 5 feet high. I was horrified (thank goodness he was okay), but you can see why I'm apprehensive about the whole thing. But, I got over it for the sake of getting out of the house into the nice weather and realized the following:

• Kids fall.
• Being outside is fun.
• A fantastic amount of energy is expended.
• We all go home exhausted.

So while I would still prefer to have Sam along when we go to the park, I know when push comes to shove, I will survive!

I can play!
Raise your hand if you've heard your husband coming through the door only to have your kids swarm over him like flies while you let out a sigh of relief? Me!!! I love daddy-kid time! It's the best, especially when you're trying to get some peace while scrambling to get dinner together. The only problem is, when daddy's gone it's...mommy-kid time? You bet! And guess what? I can still play tag! And bonus: It was even fun!

What I mean to say is...

I am grateful for my wonderful husband and my beautiful children. Samuel is a great blessing to me, and my children are my world. I am thankful for the Family Proclamation, and for how clearly the roles of husband and wife, and fathers and mothers are defined. I know the family is the most important unit on earth, and that our Heavenly Father desires us to cleave unto one another, and be a strength to one another. In times of great difficulty or hardship, those precious family relationships, our testimony of the gospel, and our faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ, will see us through.

We don't have ever worry about being "lost".

Share your Inner Book-worm!

Shannon passed this along and I thought it was kind of fun. I won't tag anyone, but if you're up for it definitely post what book happens to be near you too.

RULES

• Grab the book nearest you-right now!
• Turn to page 56.
• Find the fifth sentence.
• Post that sentence and a picture of the book along with these instructions in your blog.
  
• Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, or the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.
• Now you do it!

MY BOOK

Sunset Western Garden Book
"Leaf color can be variable within a species, so it's best to shop for plants in fall when their leaves are changing color." pg. 56

We are full-on into spring gardening at our house.
It is so much fun getting your hands in the dirt!

Music to My Ears? I don't think so!

My day is composed of keeping a watchful eye on these little rug-rats! For the most part they play well together, which is great for me! And every once in awhile, when I'm feeling out-of-my-mind, I bring down the musical instruments and let them have at it.

They love making music, and they love to compose complex pieces that they must perform live for my benefit!

Why did I not take a video to include the sound?
Because this memory is best remembered visually...on mute!

My Newest Nephew: Wyatt Graham

Welcome baby Wyatt!

We joke that Wyatt stole the new-born thunder from my niece, Veronica Mae, who was born just this past December. So I assured her mom, Elizabeth, that I would steal Leah & Wyatt's thunder in June when we welcome our baby!

Just kidding, of course!
Or am I?

Yeast: The Bane of my Existence...or is it?

I have always been intimidated by yeast. No matter what the recipe, if it involved yeast one of two things would happen: 1) I would try the recipe and it would go horribly wrong, or 2) I would opt to avoid trying it all together!

Unfortunately, or rather fortunately, Samuel's mom makes incredible homemade rolls using...what else? Yeast! And if it weren't for the fact that these rolls are AMAZING, I would have given up long ago.

Well, it's been approximately 8 years now, and finally, finally I can declare:

The Yeast...

has...

RISEN!

Mom's Famous Rolls

6-8 cups of flour

6 tbs sugar

3 packages of instant yeast (approx. 2 1/4 tsp. per pack)

3 tsp salt

3 tbs vegetable oil

3 cups hot water

Mix dry ingredients in a mixer using the bread hook, reserving 1-2 cups of flour.

Incorporate wet ingredients slowly.

Resulting mix should be a soft not sticky dough. Add additional 1-2 cups of flour as necessary.

Place dough in a bowl and allow to rise until it's double in size.

Punch down and divide into equal pieces and place in a buttered or oiled 13" x 9" pan, and allow to rise a second time.

Place in a 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Oven time may vary.

Butter tops immediately after coming out of the oven.

Remove from pan, separate rolls when cool enough to handle, and place on a cookie sheet.

Best if served immediately.

Store leftovers in a air-tight container.

Green Acres is the place to be!

We spent a Saturday checking out Green Acres Nursery in Roseville. If you've never been it's a great place with excellent staff to help you with whatever questions you may have.

Here are the kids...finally sitting still!

Our Night Out

We recently took the kids to the Roseville Galleria and found this booth with monogrammed kids items...three of which featured our names: Isabella, Ava, & Me, Olivia. I accidently deleted my picture, but here are the girls with there's.

We always hit the play areas.
I could have kicked myself for not bringing my hand sanitizer!

Because Isabella is a too tall and too old to play, we walked the mall. It was so fun, except she wouldn't let me go into any stores! I guess I browse too much? Finally I bargained Williams & Sonoma for the Disney Store and we were both happy.

Later, Samuel moved the kids to the other play area featuring big bubble tools, and Owen went crazy when he saw us on the second level waving down at him. He was trying to do everything he could to jump or lift himself into my outstretched arms!

Sam thought it'd be great if he crawled into the tunnel to surprise Owen. Owen responded by whomping him on the head!

Finally we ended the night at home with pajamas and homemade chocolate chip milkshakes!

Not a bad way to spend the evening together!

The Human Jungle Gym!

There is nothing I love to see more than my kids using my husband as a human jungle gym! The laughter and screams of delight that fill our home when this happens are un-matched. It's no wonder a favorite primary song of ours is: "Daddy's Homecoming". Otherwise known as: "I'm so glad when daddy comes home!"

Ava's 100 Days!

A few weeks ago my Ava celebrated 100 days of kindergarten. They marked the occasion with a special activity day full of fun crafts and counting activities.

I can't believe my baby is already 100 days into her first year of formal education!

Where does the time go?

Roseville Dentist?

Hi Everyone,
If you have a recommendation for a dentist in Roseville please let us know. We love our current dental group, Greater Sacramento Dental, but they moved to Rocklin and because we need to schedule our appointments late in the afternoon, we're stuck in traffic going to and from their office. Not fun!

We appreciate your help!

Happy V-Day Owen...I mean, Ava?

We have two girly-girls in our family: Isabella & Iris.
Period.

Ava is definitely in a class by herself-no frou-frou stuff for her. Her family knows this, especially her grandparents, so when Grandma Clista gave the kiddies their Valentine cards, Ava was speechless to discover that while Isabella & Iris received Disney Princess cards, and Owen received a Spider-man card, she recieved...Strawberry Shortcake?!? On the way home she kept repeating in a soft and dazed voice:

"I can't believe it. I just can't believe it."

That was the end of it-or so we thought. Later that evening, after finishing her homework, she announced to Samuel that now it was time to do her other homework. She then proceeded to furiously erase Owen's name from his Valentine only to replace it with her own. She was so proud that this gross error was now rectified!

All I can say is:
Thank goodness Owen's too young to care.

Spread the Love!

Here's another fun blog game courtesy of Laurie H.!

The first THREE people to respond to this post will get something made by me.
My choice.
Made especially for you.

Restrictions and Limitations:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It will be done this year.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be, because I don't even know what it's going to be!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The Catch:
You must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first THREE people who comment on your post and agree to do the same!

So get ready for your mystery treat but be prepared to share the love!

Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you get when you get it.

Valentine's Traditions: Part V

Crab Feast!

There is nothing I love more than crab legs! And several years ago, when we obtained our Sam's Club membership, we learned that they sell 2 lbs. of frozen King Crab legs for under $15.00. That's a steal! We began by boiling the legs, but now prefer to bake them, and in 6-8 minutes you can have a feast!

Since we eat later than we normally would due to waiting until the kiddies are in bed, we keep the meal really simple:

Main Course

Steaming Crab Legs
Bubbling Butter & Fresh Lemon Wedges
Crisp Caesar Salad
Warmed Sourdough Boules

Dessert

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

The whole meal is exquisite and comes together for under $25.00!
You can't beat it!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Traditions: Part IV

Early Kiddie Dinner & Super-fun Dessert!

I think we've actually gone out to eat on Valentine's Day as a couple only once. It was at Black Angus, and all I remember is that it was PACKED! Since then, we've opted to stay in for the evening.

We start by making dessert:

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries.
They are so easy-just melted chocolate chips and a smidge of shortening!-and the kids love dipping and decorating them with assorted sprinkles.

By the time we finish with a fun and easy kid dinner (usually hot dogs, corn dogs, or chicken nuggets), the chocolate has set and everyone is ready for dessert!

We find that placing them on wax paper works best, and to set them more quickly you can place them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

These also make super-impressive gifts too!
Happy Dipping!

Valentine's Traditions: Part III

Family Breakfast

I hate breakfast! It is seriously my least favorite meal of the day, but I will admit that if you throw in strawberries and whipped cream I'll probably like it!

Hence, to Sam's delight, breakfast has weaseled it's way into our family traditions in the form of egg bakes, chocolate croissants, crepes, orange juice, fried ham, and yes, waffles with strawberries and whipped cream!

Usually we serve a cinnamon-peach topping with all of our waffles (it's so good!), but for Valentines Day, how can you not spring for strawberries? I start off with 2 pounds of frozen berries that I drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sugar. Toss to coat and then let the fruit macerate while you turn your attention to the waffles.

Note: This topping can be served cold or warm, though we prefer it warm for the toasty waffles! Don't forget the whipped cream and always, always sprinkle with powdered sugar. It's a rule!

Our waffle recipe comes from one of the best cookbooks ever: The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook. And what I love best about this recipe is the folded in egg whites. The resulting batter is almost like a foam, and the waffles turn out so beautifully.

Buttermilk Waffles
6-8 waffles

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons fine-ground cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• Pinch of Cream of Tartar

1. Heat the waffle iron.
2. In a large bowl whisk flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, butter, and buttermilk.
4. In an mixer, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (approximately 2 minutes).
5. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in buttermilk mixture. Whisk gently until just incorporated (batter will be lumpy).
6. Fold the whipped egg whites gently into batter.
7. Ladle mixture onto waffle iron.
8. Top with syrup or fruit topping.
   

Buttermilk Substitute: For the buttermilk I always substitute 2% milk and 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice. I just don't use buttermilk enough to justify buying a carton from the store for a single recipe.

Waffle Warmer: Because our waffle maker turns out one waffle at a time, the cookbook has a brilliant solutions for holding your waffles until all are cooked. Heat your oven to 200 degrees, and place several baking sheets with wire racks in the oven. As the waffles are done, place them on the racks and cover them with a cotton towel. When the final waffle is in the iron, remove the towel to let the waffles crisp for a few minutes. This works great every time. No more soggy or lukewarm waffles!

Valentine's Traditions: Part II

Sinfully Delicious Sweets!

I love cooking and baking, and when I think of any holiday I think of sweets made from scratch. I always make more than I think I can possibly share, and then before you know it we have none left!

Truffles

This year we made Chocolate Balsamic Truffles courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis. I substituted Nestle semi-sweet chocolate chips for the dark chocolate and made sure to fully chill the chocolate mixture. In addition to rolling them in cocoa powder, I also chopped some almonds super-fine and coated 1/2 the truffles in the nuts too. Remember, the smaller the truffles the better. They really are very rich.

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are the perfect gift, and in addition to making some for our neighbors and Home & Visiting Teaching families, we also made some for Isabella's second grade class.

These beauties were a cinch to make. Especially considering you can use a from-scratch or box method for the cupcakes and frosting. The real star of the show is the flashy extras: Melted chocolate and Maraschino cherries!

After your cupcake frosting is set, melt 1/3 c. of chocolate chips in the microwave (for 2 dz. cupcakes). Using a fork, drizzle the melted chocolate before placing a dollop in the center. Then nestle your cherry right in (making sure your cherries are thoroughly drained), and in an hour the chocolate will have set and you have a spectacular dessert!

Isabella was thrilled when her cupcakes were voted "THE BEST" by all her classmates!

Valentine's Traditions: Part I

Messy, Messy Valentines!

The Thursday before Valentine's Day I had a Valentine Activity Day for the kiddies at home. I knew Isabella and Ava would be coming home from school bearing all kinds of goodies from their class parties, so I wanted to make sure these little ones had a chance to join in the fun too.

Way to go Owen! He never gets a hold of markers-can you guess why? So he really made the most of this opportunity!

They were so funny about the placement of their heart confetti. It took them forever to get them "just right". They also made hearts and figures out of pink salt dough, which I baked later in the afternoon.

Happy Valentines Day!

Bizzare Sockless Party!

The other day Owen and Iris once again took refuge in Owen's Tupperware Cupboard, only this time they opened the door briefly to fling their socks out! I tried to grab the socks but they quickly snatched them back and closed the doors so I wouldn't have a chance to make them put them on again!

No Booster?

After our vacation we discovered we left Owen's booster chair at Joe & Jessica's house. That's a little tricky because he's definitely still at the age where he needs some seat-belt type apparatus to keep him from bolting from the table. Oddly enough though, for the first two meals of the day he did fantastic. Causing me to think, maybe he's already outgrown it at only 19 months! Then lo and behold dinner time rolls around and we cannot keep him seated for more than two seconds at a time! Needless to say, the chair is back!