After School Bliss in the Kitchen

I just got called to be the generic, no real name, Relief Society committee leader in my ward.

(Again.)

I feel a little bit like Prince when he ditched his stage name and was known by that weird symbol. Everybody just called him the artist formerly known as Prince. I guess everybody can call me the formerly known as Enrichment Night leader. Seriously, nobody really knows what the new name of my calling is. That's O.K. I've been through this duty before. I know the ropes.

Last Thursday our theme was Back to School Basics. We did 3 mini-classes: homework tips, ideas for home lunches, and after school snacks. Since I am a snack-a-holic, I chose that topic to demonstrate.

(I told the ladies they were helping me fulfill a lifelong dream of having my own cooking show. Since Food Network hasn't come knocking, I'll take what I can get.)

Here are the recipes I used. They do take a little bit of time and preparation, but the pay off is well worth it. Try them and you'll soon be the coolest, hippest, and tastiest mom on your block.

Fun and Creative After School Snacks

Crayon Pretzels

Pretzel Rods

Colored Candy Melts

Paper Crayon Wrappers (link is here)

Cut pretzel rods in half using sharp knife. Melt candy melts slowly in microwave (30 seconds, then stir) or place candy melts in double boiler and melt until smooth. Dip one half of pretzel rod in melted candy and set out to dry on wax paper. Once the colored candy is set on pretzel, dip the other half and set on wax paper again until dry. Wrap with colored paper using the wrappers listed above.

Caramel Dip

8 oz. cream cheese

¾ c. brown sugar

¼ c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients with mixer and chill. Let refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the sugar has a chance to dissolve. Stir before serving. Serve with any fruit of your choice.

Better Than Rio Dressing and Veggie Dip

1 pkg. dry Ranch dressing mix

1 c. mayo

½ c. buttermilk or canned milk

1 c. chopped cilantro

1 c. Herdez Salsa Verde (in Mexican food aisle)

2 cloves minced garlic

½ red pepper, chopped

canned jalapenos (to taste)

Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Serve with veggies, salad, or tortilla chips. Also great on burritos or other Mexican dishes. Store extra jalapeno peppers in freezer for future use.

Squeeze Fudge

1 oz. cream cheese

1/3 cube butter

1 ½ T. cocoa

1/3 tsp. vanilla

1 heaping cup powdered sugar

Put all ingredients in a ziplock sandwich bag. Squeeze and squish to your hearts content. Slide fudge to one end of bag, snip the corner off, and squeeze fudge out to eat.

Pineapple Celery Sticks

1 jar Kraft pineapple cheese spread (see here)

celery sticks

Fill cleaned and cut celery sticks with pineapple cheese.

Crunchy Granola Chews

2 ½ c. Rice Krispies

1 c. dried apricots, quartered

1 ¼ c. oatmeal

1 ¼ c. sunflower seeds, toasted

½ c. brown sugar

¾ c. honey

¾ c. peanut butter, super chunky

Mix first 4 ingredients. Melt sugar, honey, and peanut butter in saucepan. Stir until bubbly. Pour over dry ingredients and pour in 10x15” pan. Cool and cut into any size you want. Store in air tight container in refrigerator.

Three Cheers for the Daily Grind

August 23, 2010.

Hip, hip, hooray!

Schedule and routine and daily purpose are back in fashion.

Hallelujah!

Bedtimes that elicit optimal functioning and pleasant attitudes are being strictly enforced.

Hot diggity dog!

9th, 6th and 3rd grade.

Coo-coo-cachoo!

Tales From Ye Olde Family Tree

I love hearing quirky stories from my ancestral pedigree.

Of course, I appreciate the stories of faith, obedience, and determination that many of my ancestors displayed. Ancestors that converted to our LDS faith, traveled across oceans to come to Zion, and endured many trials and struggles that the early pioneers faced. I respect their willingness to follow the counsel of the Brethren, and leave homes and families to serve missions in distant places. The strength many of my ancestors exhibited is admirable and inspiring.

With that being said, I also enjoy the unique, peculiar, and sometimes bizarre facts that dangle from the branches of my family tree. The following story is my case in point.

Jens P. Anderson is my great, great, great grandfather. His death was notable enough that it was written about in the local newspaper - The Herald-Republican. Here is that article:

***

Seized with the hiccoughs three weeks ago, Jens P. Anderson, a pioneer of this district, hiccoughed constantly until death ended his suffering yesterday. The aged man literally hiccoughed himself to death.

Though advanced in years, Mr. Anderson possessed a rugged constitution and was apparently in the best of health until seized with the peculiar malady that resulted in his death.

Every known remedy was brought into requisition in an effort to stop the patient's hiccoughing, but without avail, and the spasmodic jerking of the diaphragm continued until he died of sheer exhaustion.

Mr. Anderson was born in Denmark January 14, 1826. While in his native land he learned the trade of a miller, which he followed for some time, after which he served two years in the army. He joined the Mormon church in 1852 and came to Utah a few months later, crossing the plains in an ox train under Captain Olsen, arriving in Salt Lake City in 1854. Later he came to this city and assisted in the building of the fort, and took an active part in the Black Hawk war. In 1862 he moved to Glenwood, and was among the first settlers there. A home was built there by him, but he was driven out by the Indians. Anderson returned to Ephraim in 1866 and engaged in farming which he continued until his death.

***

What interesting facts do you know about your ancestors?

When Zucchinis Attack

This is the time of year when summer squashes - of all variety - band together in an attempt to overtake the world.

Some people may say that statement is a little extreme, but those people have obviously never planted a garden.

Zucchini, in particular, mass produce in quantities that are startling. Overzealous spring gardeners find themselves up to their gourds in zucchini in the fall. This green, fleshy produce soon becomes a ball and chain in the gardening world - dragging gardeners down with its overwhelming volume that can't go to waste and must be shared with family, neighbors, and strangers far and wide.

We have been recipients of the zucchini dispersal this year. We lightened the load for one friend. The next day a pile was left on our front porch from a neighbor. Guiltily, we did not partake of the zucchini from the produce exchange basket at church (but I could not resist the fresh green onions that someone had brought).

To all you zucchini growers out there who are wondering what-the-heck-you-have-done-to-deserve-this-zucchini-deluge-and-when-will-it-ever-stop, let me offer three bits of advice.

1. Next year, plant 1 singular plant.

2. Hold a neighborhood zucchini race. Build a wooden track, attach your zucchini to some sort of wheeled vehicle (Tonka trucks work great), decorate your zucchini and vehicle in some sort of theme, and let 'em rip. (A friend of mine in Bountiful does this yearly and says it is a blast.)

3. Use some of your crop for this recipe. It is moist and delicious and will soon become a family favorite.

CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI CAKE

1/2 c. butter or margarine

1/2 c. oil

1 3/4 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c. sour milk (let milk + 1 tsp. vinegar sit for a few minutes)

2 1/2 c. flour

1/4 c. cocoa

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. cloves

2 c. grated zucchini

chocolate chips

Cream butter, oil, and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and milk. Add/mix in dry ingredients. Stir in zucchini. Pour into greased 9x13" pan and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 - 50 minutes.

Post note: Since random acts of zucchini abandonment are widespread in our area, we have installed video recording equipment on our front porch. If you recklessly try and discard any more zucchini on our premises, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the horticultural law.

A Remarkable Example

Love these Mormon Messages. They inspire and motivate and teach through the example of others.

This is one incredible man.

Thanks to CJane for sharing this one.

Name Them One By One

This summer has been an unusual one.

I hate to say it, but I think my kids will actually look forward to going back to school this year. In school, there will be some structure and routine. They will actually be able to see their friends. The adults around them will wear respectable clothes with hair and make-up (where applicable) done. And a home cooked meal? Well, it's sad to say that what they eat at school may be a little more thought out and planned than the hodgepodge vittles they've been consuming around la maison de la construction.

The semi-constant drilling, worker-men music choices, summer heat, and shrunken eating area (all hail to the great wall of separation), has all but squelched my appetite and desire to cook. Don't be too concerned - we are all getting fed and my kids go to bed with a full tummy - but the quality and variety of meals have been very lackluster and sometimes nutritionally challenged.

(I bow my head in shame, Ina Garten.)

(But I do sing praises to the construction diet. 6 pounds off, baby!)

Last week was really the first time I truly and thoroughly almost lost it. Coming back from vacation with mountains of laundry and hitting the ground running, I was teetering on the edge of waving a white flag, telling our contractor to "STOP!", and packing our bags for anywhere in the world where power tools and compressors are outlawed. I was walking around with a constant lump in my throat and in dire need of control over something....ANYTHING. My house is in transition, my yard is a mess, my kids miss past summers that were fun, and DIY projects have been a constant in our current living space.

The breaking point was when I received a letter from the city and a nicely printed picture of our basketball standard. They don't like the fact that it is in the street. Did they miss the visual clues that we have no driveway, that we are in full blown construction chaos, that we have no other place to put the basketball standard except in the street, and that my toddler runs around in his paper pants (sans clothing) most days? When I read that letter (coupled with the constant, nagging lump in my throat and the sound of drills ringing in my ears) I cried.

(I only allowed myself to cry for about 45 seconds, but what a therapeutic, cleansing 45 seconds it was.)

This week I decided to shift gears, take a DEEP breath, and shake the sawdust off my emotions. I started the week with a paint can half full view of my life and current situation and decided to look for every single blessing that I have. What a difference this mindset has made. One week later, and my attitude has had a major face lift. I can see the light at the end, the wonderful blessings that abound, and the direct hand of a loving Heavenly Father working in our lives.

* This week, I learned that interest rates are the lowest they've been. A 30 year fixed rate for 4.275% - 4.375%. We can't lock into our rate until construction is finished, but our loan officer thinks these rates will stick around for awhile. HUGE BLESSING. This will dramatically affect our end mortgage payment.

* On Monday, a gal in our ward offered us an additional 20% off (friends and family) card to a store where she works. We can use it towards back to school shopping. Shoes, clothing, school supplies....all the stuff we are still in need of. Another blessing.

* We love what is happening with our house and any former worries or concerns have passed by the wayside. We are feeling that we have passed over the top of a large mountain of stress. Our contractor says we have 2 months left and what we're realizing is we are approaching the fun part of the construction process (yes, there is such a thing). Cabinetry, tile work, doors, door headers, paint, carpet, lighting, trim, and other finish work. The addition's empty space is taking shape, with promises of a great place to gather lots of friends and family in the future.

* I have formed a long lasting friendship with DIY projects - something I swore I would never do. Painting no longer intimidates me and I've become a regular at Home Depot. 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom have been crossed off of my TO DO list this week and the end results have been so incredibly rewarding. Pictures to come - can't wait to show you.

* I got another piano student.

* Friday night, I was able to gather with extended family at a Mackintosh reunion. It's been years since we've all been together and it was so fun to see everyone again. I was able to give both of my brothers a hug and let them know that I love them. I miss them.

* We had a wonderful ward conference today and I was so touched by the Spirit. Our Stake President is a man that talks straight with a warmth and charity about him as to not offend. His words touched my heart and I know that I have so much that I need to do to be a better person and example of my Savior. I appreciate the spiritual recharge that I get every week at church.

I could go on and on about the small, seemingly insignificant happenings throughout the week that made me stop, make a mental note, and count the abundance of blessings in my life. It's been a good week and the sun continues to shine.

When we look, we will see. Our blessings are endless.

Blame It On The Fumes: Reposted

I wore a pickled sash with french fried rivers today. My piano cried because the buttermilk hiccuped and the calculator threw a corsage out the window. But what do you say when a book hugs a walrus? "Chaka Khan!"

House Project 2010: Weeks 8, 9, 10, 11

This past month of construction started with the unsettling realization that our kitchen wall had to come down. A kitchen wall that has stood in place - undisturbed - for 155 years. A wall that was almost 2 feet thick and whose contents were not completely known.

But the workers soon solved that mystery.

Like many other pioneer homes, our house is sitting on logs (that's what those large round circles are). Our foundation is rock.

The workers thought - at first - that they would get the wall down in 3 hours. It ended up taking 7 guys a full day's work to get this bugger down. SOLID ROCK from floor to ceiling!

Really? They couldn't find a better place to chuck the rocks than in my flowerbeds? Really?!?!?

Our famous Farmington rock. Can't wait to find a good use for it.

There were also a few bricks thrown in. Just randomly placed amongst the rocks in the wall.

We also found some old layers of wallpaper on some plaster sections. Very cool.

Windows came and made a world of difference.

Essential, but not worthy of picture taking, was the rough plumbing, duct work, heating and A/C, electrical, and insulation. It was an interesting process to watch. We've all had fun watching the sequential process of building a home.

While in Montana, the exterior started to go up. This was a little nerve wracking because we had been concerned about getting just the right color (a grayish-brown combination) with the right depth (not too dark but not too light). We weren't here to see our color choice go up. Maybe that was a good thing? I won't go into all of the details, but it was a fluke that we ended up with the color Thatch. It turned out to be the perfect color for us. We LOVE it.

My lovely and dedicated friend, R.M., took pictures and texted them to me on a daily basis. Thanks to her, our minds were put to ease, we knew all was going to be beautiful on the home front, and the workers were more than slightly distracted (due to her cuteness). Thanks, Rand!

This past week, the dry wall went up. It was a noisy process. Since the temporary wall was put in place - to act as support when the kitchen wall was taken down - it has also acted as a fortress against dust. We have had minimal dust during this process. We are going to have them keep that wall up until all of the sanding is done. We should be able to go through the messiest portion of construction virtually unscathed. Woot woot! We are grateful for simple miracles! :)

A large beam had to be hung where the previous kitchen wall had been to support the weight. The gold colored rectangle on the floor is where our back door used to be. Once that temporary wall comes down, our kitchen eating area will be expanded and this area will serve as the breezeway between the old and the new.

Any suggestions of where the basketball hoop should go?

On the left: access door to basement

Above: loft area and access to our master bedroom area

Hallway behind the stairs: closets, half bath, and new laundry room

On the right: access to old house through breezeway

On the right where there is a door open: access to garage

Master bedroom views.

Hallway with closets, half bath, and laundry room.


Our basement is quickly being filled with stuff from the attic and is serving as a dumping ground for all odds and ends.

What a difference a month, some color, windows, some decorative trim, and a clean camera lens can make!

All. Day. Long.

A temporary wall in our kitchen.

Quick Recovery

The suitcases have been unpacked.

The laundry has been done.

The house was cleaned from top to bottom yesterday, and the painting has resumed.

Our vacation is over.

How quickly a 10 day trip scurries by when a pit of projects waits for you.

But, oh, what a great 10 days it was.

I love you, Montana.

xoxoxox

Post note: Jeff was literally in his happy place when he hit the big 4-0 this year. Everyone dressed in black for the occasion (except for the birthday boy who was kept in the dark), but anything is doable - even starting a new decade - when you're enjoying Echo Lake.

Taking a Breather

Echo Lake via Google images

Every year when we head up to Montana to enjoy The Cabin with Jeff's family, I have one goal in mind:

Water ski around the island at least once during the week so I can say that I'm still young and healthy and strong enough to do it.

If you hear a hoot and a holler from clear up north, that's just me.

Have a great week, friends!

Sudsy Love

I think my son's 1.5" Lego Indiana Jones has a crush on me.

He reappears in my washing machine every single week.

Coincidence?

Despite my best efforts to secure my title as Meanest Mom in the Hood by swearing that any more toys (or rocks, electronics, candy or small animals) that go through the wash will be headed straight for the garbage, I just can't seem to get rid of Indy.

Maybe it's the rugged facial stubble.

Or the fact that he carries a bullwhip and a bullwhip is such a manly thing to carry.

Or perhaps it's because his adventures have left him with only one hand.

{Curse you spin cycle!}

Whatever the reason, I just can't get rid of this guy. I spot him at the bottom of the washer at the conclusion of a load of darks - hat and whip scattered recklessly - and I just can't chuck him.

I put him back together, bid him farewell, and call to Brittan to put him away.

And know that our paths will soon cross again.

In the laundry room.

It's a Mormon Thing

Our annual trek to Montana is quickly approaching and our family has been reminiscing about the wonderment and absolute serenity of Big Sky Country.

If you've never ventured to the Big Fork area (specifically Echo Lake), you're missing out on a spectacular part of the world. Glacier National Park should be on everyone's must-see-before-I'm-6-feet-under list.

Breathtaking. Peaceful. Earthy. Centering. Rejuvenating.

As we've been talking about past trips and memories formed at The Cabin, the topic has turned to whether or not the boat is going to be running in tiptop shape this year. Kennedy is eager to learn to slalom, Taiden wants to wakeboard, and Britt is ready for his maiden voyage on H2O stix. The boat occasionally pleads for mercy and reminds us of its age by refusing to start or sputtering gas and oil into the water.

Or maybe the boat just doesn't like to start easily for Jeff and his older brother Darin, because it remembers them in their youth. Perhaps it remembers Jeff's invisible ink jokingly being sprayed on Darin's new shirt and the teenage brother ruckus that followed - while afloat. The hubbub that took focus off of driving the boat and the commotion that ended them up across the bay and onto the shore. (And by, the shore, I mean, dry land.) The tomfoolery that tore a hole into the side of the boat, broke the windshield with Jeff's head, and landed him in the hospital awaiting stitches.

Do you think a boat can hold a grudge?

Last summer, we were out on the lake with our kids and a nephew when the boat decided it was done. It was kaput. Try as he might, Jeff could not get the engine to fire up. We floated and drifted into shore - on the other side of the lake. We waited for our rescue crew - back on the dock - to come save us, but they were having too much fun to notice that we had been gone for a very long time. With the sun beating on us and no hopes of getting out of the situation anytime soon, a suggestion was made that we say a prayer.

So, we prayed.

Shortly after the prayer, our nephew (who is not a member of our LDS faith) became emotional. We asked him what was wrong. We soon realized that our action of saying a prayer made him feel that we were doomed and were surrendering to our dire situation. He felt a mortal white flag was being waved and he was not comfortable with that notion.

Jeff quickly reassured him.

"Hey, it's OK. We're Mormons. We pray about everything!"

My husband speaks the truth.

The boat eventually gave up its grievance, the engine started, and we made it safely back to our side of the lake. My kids learned about the power of prayer and our nephew learned that we Mormons bow our heads on a regular basis.

Now if the boat can just learn a lesson on forgiveness...

Greedy Gobble Gannet

In celebration of Independence Day from the Red Coats, I'd like to share some snappy British humor.

Catherine Tate has been our YouTube favorite all weekend long. Check her out.

In the Good Old Summertime

I've mentioned before that I blog for several reasons.

First, I like to write. My blog is my chance to do this. Sometimes my writing feels spot on and natural and sometimes feels awkward and forced. Blogging helps me through weekly writing exercises.

Second, I like to feel like I'm talking to somebody other than myself on this blog. I know there are a handful of you who are regulars. Most of you I know in person, but I'm aware that I have several blogging friends out there whom I haven't had the privilege to meet. Friends who live in various parts of the good old U.S. of A. and a few that live overseas. That part of blogging is very mysterious and intriguing to me. (Especially You - You evasive United Kingdom enigma. Can't you at least leave one comment?)

Third, I want my blog - which will eventually be printed out and bound in a family book - to prove to my kids that they did have some fun in their childhood. That their early lives were not just a long, drawn out snore-fest full of boredom and lethargy. I want them to see that we worked hard and played hard. And we did it as a family. I especially want them to see that the Summer of 2010 was not a complete waste. That - although it is the summer of endless house projects - we did manage to have at least one fun outing every single week. And that the weekly campfires in the backyard, evening popsicle pow wows under our trees, and strolls along Lagoon trail counted for something. They may not have registered high on the summer fun radar, but they allowed for quiet family time during the busiest time of our family history.

This week's family field trip started with lunch at the Lone Star Taqueria. We'd never been there before, but when Guy Fieri - from Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives - told us we needed to try it out, we did just as he said.

So glad we did. The boys and I got Carne Asada burritos which were delicious. The tomatillo salsa is out of this world. But the star of the meal was Kennedy's marinated pork salad with jalapeno mayo dressing. Unbelievable! They have the best guacamole I've ever eaten.

The place was packed, so we had to park at the city library which was a block away.

The kids loved the car and funky atmosphere.

Our next stop was Wheeler Farm.

I bought the kids flavored honey sticks.

Any place that provides lots of trees to climb has an A+ rating from my boys.

There's a part of me that would have loved to have been raised on a farm. Because with a farm comes a beautiful farm house. We loved this one and the detailed wood work on the porch.

Pigs, cows, donkeys, rabbits, goats, chickens, turkeys, and ducks.

We took a fun wagon ride.

It was a good day.