Thursday, June 30, 2011

Yummy!



The Maverick on 8th North accross from Macey's has frozen yogurt on a cone for only $1. It's make your own so you can make it as big as you want! Their flavors are: Vanilla, Chocolate, Cheesecake, "Something" Mango. I can't remember what the other flavor with the Mango is. But it's uper yummy! So enjoy a treat for only a buck!

Carmel Sauce

Here's the recipe for the carmel sauce that I use in Knock Your Socks Off Cake. I don't have pictures of how to make it. It's really not the hard to visualize! It's extremely low fat and you should have no feelings of guilt when consuming this yummyness!

Boil 1 Cup of Brown Sugar (packed) and 2/3 Cup of Karo Syrup to *soft ball stage. Careful, it doesn't take very long - like 6 or 7 minutes is all - maybe 10. You might have to test it a couple of times. That's ok. Then add 1/4 Cup Butter (Not Margarine). When it's melted, turn off heat and add 3/4 Cup Evaporated Milk. Stir together. Wait a minute or 2, then pour into bowl and store in fridge. (Warm it up when you're ready to use it.) Then lick the spoon and pan. You won't be sorry! That's it. You're done and it's divine. You can use it for the cake, ice cream, by itself, whatever you want!

*Soft ball stage: Put a dab of sauce in a bowl of cold water. Clump it together with your fingers, if it turn to a soft ball - you're done.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Knock Your Socks Off Cake!

Aside from the fact that this cake is not frosted all the way because Mister doesn't like whip cream, doesn't this cake look yummy? Well, it is. It's so yummy it'll knock your socks off - hence the name! Wanna know how to make it?


Here's how:

Bake a German Chocolate cake according to package directions.



Poke lots of holes in it with the handle of a wooden spoon. I also like to use a fork.




Poke lots of holes. Even more than this.




Open a can of Sweetened Condensed Milk and pour over entire cake.




Then pour about a cup to a cup and a half of Carmel sauce over it. I use my own special Carmel sauce. See below for the recipe. But you can also melt Carmel's with canned milk or use store bought Carmel. But trust me, using my Carmel recipe it the best.



Then top with whip cream. Of course I didn't add whip cream to part of it because Mister doesn't like whip cream. Weird, I know. So I left some just for him. You can also top with bits of a Skor bar. Then grab a fork and dig in. You don't have to cut the cake. You can eat it straight out of the pan!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Project Finished!

Yea! "We" got 1 summer project finished. OK, when I say "we" I really mean me, I mean Mister!

Before: Look how gross it looks. The dirt, weeds. It just looks dry, dusty blah!




After - Doesn't it look much fresher? Cleaner? Ok, so there is a little bit of grass that needs to come in a bit better, but really doesn't this look much better?


From the front - ignore the hose in the grass. And the best part? So much LESS weeding!

And 1 more big thank you to Mister! Ya did great!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Bugged at the Barbecue!

So Thursday night we had a barbecue for Bestie's birthday and I got 3 mosquito bites on my foot and they will NOT stop itching and it is bugging me! I've slathered my foot with aloe and benedryl and still not reprieve. Damn blasted mosquitoes! I guess I can thank all this water for them. Last year, I don't think I got a single bite. Maybe, but I know I didn't get 3 in one night in the same area. Heaven help me and my itchy foot!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

We went for a ride up A.F. Canyon. It was so lush and green. It really was beautiful.


We drove by Tibble Fork Res. Sheesh! There was a lot of water in this little reservoir! And more to come, no doubt.



See that tree in the middle by that reddish brown vehicle? It was surrounded by water. You could see no island that it was on. The snow on the mountain seems so out of place. It will melt in the coming weeks, but usually, it's already melted. This is one indication of not only how cool we've been but also how much we got last winter/spring.

It's really hard to take a picture of fast moving water. But take my word for it, it was moving so fast it was nothing by white water rapids! No wonder 5 people in two weeks have died in these waters! There are flood warnings all over our state - and it's only just begun. Hold on to your lug nuts, it's only just begun. There's still alot of snow left. In fact, all of the campgrounds in the SLC area are still closed. Most of ours are open, but there's still some snow around.



You could see where it has splashed on the road. The dirt on the side of the road was wet.



Ever seen water coming right out of the mountain side? Me, either. This was so interesting to me. It is, obviously, snow melt. I don't know how I thought the melted snow, water, made it to the rivers, lakes and streams, but this didn't enter my mind.



This little brook was about 12" to 16" deep. IT was supposed to be in the river on the other side of the road, but apparently the snow melt didn't get the memo.






Then the kids fell asleep on the way home. Amen.


PS They are buckled in a weird tangled sort of way.



Thursday, June 23, 2011

Bestie...

Today is your birthday shout "Hooray!"


We wanna sing to you today.




One year older and prettier too,


I love playing Ticket to Ride. Sometimes we play with teams and I love it when Bestie and I are on the same team. We think so much alike and are so insync we kick trash! In the above picture we weren't playing teams.


Happy Birthday, To You!


Happy Birthday Cutie! So glad we're friends - my sista from anotha mista!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

My mom took the day off last Friday, so we took the kids to the Discovery Park. We love that park. It's different from the standard parks. There's a lot more to do and see and play.



For those of you who know Buddy, this was amazing. This was the first time I've seen him do the monkey bar things and I was astonished! This just isn't him. I don't know when he learned, but he went across several times. He made me proud!


Of course Noodle wasn't to be out done. But I've seen her do this for a while now. She's a daredevil and will try almost anything. She's very determined. When she set her mind to cross the monkey bars - she did. She makes me proud!



This is how Lewlew did the monkey bars. I was surprised to see her swing out beyond the step. But she did. She's in between Buddy and Noodle when it comes to bravery and daredevil things. She made me proud!



Then all three of them tackled this mini merry go round. They had a lot of fun on this one!


They are standing/sitting on this disk thing, and then they spin it with the top disk thing. They got it going pretty fast at one point. They really had fun. Glad no one fell off! They made me proud.


So much pride is not good. What to do, what to do??? They make me happy!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

A Big Happy Father's Day Wish to all the dad's out there who chose to fight the good fight and do more than just share DNA with their kids!
But a special wish to Mister. You're an incredible man, amazing husband, wonderful father among other things! Love ya!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Dear Wind, Thank you so much for blowing out of control. You stirred up so many pollens and allergens that made my nose crazy. Thanks so much! Love ya!





Have you ever taken a picture of the wind blowing. Not exactly easy. But last evening the wind was blowing really hard. I hate the wind. Especially this time of year when the pollen count is so high. Thank goodness for meds! They make life bearable!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Carnival

Summerfest was last weekend so Mister and I decided to brave the crowds and heat to take the kids. What am I saying. We've gone almost every year and have loved it!




First stop - Ferris Wheel. Buddy and Lewlew rode with me....





Noodle rode with Mister. We all love the Ferris Wheel. But it also has the longest line. So now that we have that out of the way on to bigger and better rides!





Ahhhh, the Tilt-A-Whirl! I love that all of us fit in 1 car. Probably not next year, but it's fun to be in 1 car.







The Tilt-A-Whirl was a little much for Buddy, so he and I sat out the Sizzler. Poor Lewlew got a little smashed by Noodle, but had fun, nonetheless!




And of course there's the booths and the food and drinks that outrageously priced. But who like Fair food anyway? The warm perfectly fried funnel cakes, the cold and refreshing sno cones, the homemade root beer, cream soda, cherry soda, orange soda, the one of a kind Navajo Taco's. Ya, no one likes those, right???


All in all we all had a great time but glad it's over for another year.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Helper...

She is my best helper EVER and I don't even know why or how this came to be, except she's always been exceptionally aware of things and always wants to please.




This is Monday:


Noodle: Mom, can I clean the bathroom?


Me: Uhhh, you mean wipe it down?


(Each of the kids has a list of chores to to everyday and so every 3 days, one of Noodle's chores is to wipe down the bathroom. This is what I thought she was talking about.)


Noodle: No, clean it like you do with the cleaner stuff.


Well let me think about that for a micro second.


Me: Absolutely!!!


I get her the stuff and she cleaned the sinks and tub - left the toilet for me - but hey! I'm not going to complain.




Yesterday morning we all weeded the garden and of course she was the best helper. Buddy and Lewlew helped, of course, but Noodle out weeded them! We come in and she hits the shower, then tackles her daily chores and then asks, "What can I help you with now, Mom?" Seriously?? At this point I'm worried she's been abducted by aliens and the girl I'm talking to isn't my Noodle. So I have her help me sweep, mop, sort clothes and start laundry. Then she asks, "What else?" I said, "Nothing that I can think of right now." Then she says, "OK. I think I'll take a break now." Then she grabs a book and heads out to the sky chair. Amazing child. I will certainly cry when school starts again in 70 some odd days!



Tuesday, June 14, 2011

The Ups of life...

A continuation from "The downs of life..."

*Don't you love it when your child gives you a hug unexpected?


*Don't you love it when you get an email from someone you haven't heard from in a long time and you're able to catch up and stay connected?


*Don't you love it when you pick your first tomato of the season?


*Don't you love it when you get an unexpected bonus in your paycheck?


*Don't you love it when you think you have so much to do but when you walk in the door and your kids have done much of it for you?


*Don't you love it when you hold a brand new baby - even if it's not your own?

*Don't you just love to talk to your bestie?


*Don't you love it when nothing has gone right and you feel your world crumbling and you're not sure you can stand one more minute and your husband whisks you away from reality and for a few moments everything is right in the world and you drift off to sleep and wake knowing you can tackle almost anything?

The downs of life...

*Don't you hate it when you have a paper cut on the tip of your finger and it hurts when you type so you try to type without using that finger and you misspell all sorts of words?

*Don't you hate it when you've seen a person for so much more than what they are and then one day you see this person through different eyes, and it hurts, just a little - even though you don't know this person personally?

*Don't you hate it when there is so much to do and you just don't want to do any of it?

*Don't you hate it when you're faced with a decision and you're just not sure what to do and you go over and over in your mind the pros and cons to each choice and you're still unsure of which one to choose?

*Don't you hate it when you find out that a close friend has had a rough day and she didn't call you for help, but then when you have a rough day you can't bring yourself to call anyone?

*Don't you hate it when a loved one is going through a terrible time and THE only thing you can do for her is just be there?

*Don't you hate it when your child comes home crying because his/her feelings are hurt?

All in a day in the life of a mom, right?

Monday, June 13, 2011

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

I had a great birthday last week. Because my in-laws were going to be out of town on Tuesday, we went to their house for cake and ice-cream on Sunday evening. It was great. Mister's parents gave me a nifty gift card, his one sister gave me a way cute purse and wallet and his other sister gave me a book and a drawing of Lewlew. She has drawn a picture of Mister and each of my kids and they are, in a word, precious. I never walk past them that I don't look at them. Sometimes, even after having a couple of them for years, I stop and really look at them. They really are incredible.








On Tuesday - my actual birthday, we went over to Bestie's house for dinner and fun. We ate steak, salads, veggies and dip and chips and dip. It was so yummy! There was quite a crowd and no small amount of laugher. After dinner, Mister and Mr. Bestie played "No Bears Are Out Tonight" with the kids. The kids had such a great time. Then we all played "Red Light/Green Light." The neighbors probably hated us for all the noise we made - but it was worth it! Bestie's bday is just around the corner. I can't wait to do it all again!










Then Mac gave the kids a ride on his bike. Here he is with Noodle,








And Buddy,




And Lewlew. She was probably the most excited! He even gave me a ride but I chose NOT to post that picture!











Mac decided he needed to tighten something so Lewlew was his helper. I think, I'm not sure, but I think Lewlew has a tiny crush on Mac. O how I wish I could stop him from aging and save him for Lewlew. I would love for either one of my girls to marry a guy like Mac. He's one of the best!

Lewlew didn't even falter in her helping duties. She waited right next to him holding all his tools and gloves until he was finished. Then Mac thanked Lew for helping him by giving her a squeeze. It really was a sweet thing to watch.



Sunday, June 12, 2011

Don't forget...

Only 2 more days to enter to win. Just click here or the link on the right side of this page (Giveaways) You don't want to miss out!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Rain Gutter Rigatta

Buddy is a Webelo scout and this year his pack held a Rain Gutter Rigatta. The last 2 years they've had a pine wood derby so I was a little apprehensive with the boat thing. But it was great! Apparently the pack is going to rotate with Pine Wood Derby, Rain Gutter Rigatta and Space Shuttle something. But Buddy won't get to do that next year because he'll be an "11 year old scout." And I guess they aren't part of "Cub Scouts." I don't know. This whole scouting thing is clear as mud. Anyway, back to the Rigatta




Before the race, awards were given. This is what Buddy was awarded this month. He's been busy!







Buddy in full uniform (except for the pants) with his boat.



And he's taking the lead.





Go Buddy!


There wasn't a single boy who passed out either. No one even complained of seeing stars. What champs they are!





He got a ribbon for participating, he won third in his troop - then Mister fixed his sail - then he won third over all. Way to go!!!! He had a great time and that's what matters the most! The Rigatta was so much less competitive than the derby. It was kinda nice. :)

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Pre-school Performance

Last Tuesday (5/31) Lewlew had her field day at school. But before that, they practiced for their program. Since I was helping out with field day, I got to be there for the practice and took pictures so that during the performance I could video. Of course pictures don't show quite how funny and entertaining the show was. Lewlew was amazing. She new the words and actions to all of the songs. A lot of kids did, but there were some that just stood there.






Before they started. She's just so cute! The kids on the left, not so much. He doesn't look too happy!



Singing "Slippery Fish"





Singing "Tootie-tot." I love this song! "Thumbs up, elbows back, feet apart, knees together, bottoms up, eyes shut, tongue out."


So glad I have this on video. It was hilarious!



This was the actual performance. We're waiting for it to begin and Lewlew is being a ham!!



Waiting for the teachers to be done talking and for it to be over. Check out the kid to her right. Uhhh Hello????