Superbowl Scripture Game

Fun Family Game To Share!!

I just love this Superbowl game for Family Home Evening or I am actually using it in my class today. Click on the link below.

Little LDS Ideas- Superbowl Sunday Game

Sugar Foot Rag Clogging Practice Video

Thanks Heather and Sarah....I know you didn't want to be in the spotlight, but we need your help!

Banana Stuffed French Toast with Plum Syrup

When it comes to eating this is my philosophy...

Eat carefully during the week and relax on the weekend!

French toast is my all-time favorite breakfast food (eggs are great, but I don't consider them a breakfast food as they are fantastic anytime of day on rice, spaghetti, tortillas or just plain).

So last weekend I enjoyed banana stuffed French toast with my homemade plum syrup.

Banana Stuffed French Toast Recipe
1 loaf unsliced bread (brioche, French)
2 bananas, sliced
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup sugar

Slice your bread into 1 1/2 inch slices. Cut a pocket into each slice (leaving about 1/4-1/2 inch space from edge so it doesn't tear open). Stuff banana slices into the pockets.

Heat a large griddle on high. Grease with a little butter.

Beat remaining ingredients. Dip both sides of stuffed bread into the batter. Lay on griddle. Cook each side until golden or about 3-4 minutes.

Drizzle with your favorite syrup.

****If you are looking for the perfect breakfast for your Valentine...or want to cook for me...this would be my #1 choice!!!******

The email Dallin made me send to his grandparents...

Dear Nanny and Papaw,
I miss you. I want to got to the airport and see you. Then I want to visit you and eat something at the airport.
I love you.
Dallin
P.S. Thank you for the kite.

He loves this wind kite that adds some color to our white white world!

A Third Birthday For My Baby

Here is Dallin's birthday post...10 days later!!!

Birthday cake...

Riding his 4-wheeler...

Pillow Pet...

 LOVING MY LITTLEST BOY!!!

Meatball Recipe and Meatball Sandwich

I am way super lucky this week! Jesse said he'll do all the cooking and I can just relax and let my wrist heal!! Ya-whoo!!!

So, I thought I would share my to-die-for meatball recipe. We usually eat it with spaghetti, but it also makes great meatball sandwiches, or you can cook them in a crockpot with grape jelly and chili sauce for a fun party treat.

Meatballs in Marinara

Meatball Recipe
yields: 30-35 meatballs
1 lb. ground beef
1 Tablespoon dried onion
1 Tablespoon dried parsley*
1/2 teaspoon dried garlic
1 teaspoon salt
pepper
1 egg
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Preheat oven to 400. Mix all the ingredients together. Roll into tablespoon size balls and lay in a 9x13 pan with a little space between them. Bake for 15-20 minutes. You may want to drain the meat fat off- or leave it for extra flavor.

If you are going to use a marinara sauce just pour it over the meatballs after 15 minutes. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly. I just use one large can of Hunts Original Sauce. The meatballs have so much flavor that you don't need a fancy sauce.

Meatball Sandwich on my Farm Bread

*I recently had some friends question me as to whether parsley actually adds flavor to foods (here in the Northwest it is just a garnish). I want to clarify that parsley adds an enormous amount of flavor, as do most herbs. If you leave it out of the meatballs you will be disappointed! Also, you can add basil if you want a more Italian flavor or thyme for a French flavor.

Ashley's Dance Costume and "Dance Hair"

I just can't get over how cute her dance costume is this year. It may sound strange, but polka dots and zebra prints define her perfectly. She likes to be feminine but fun at the same time.

Now...concerning the aspect of her dance performance that was 100% in my control and yet totally out of my limits...

Those of you that know me know that hair styling is not my forté!

I'm sure you can imagine how a hurt wrist would then put two strikes against me in the hair department. On Friday night I washed Ashley's hair and sent her to Heather's house to have the front braided and pulled into tight bands. All I had to do on Saturday was curl it, but it was quite difficult to do that!! (and I was in serious pain afterwards)

The good news is... she was so proud of her gorgeous curls!

And, YES...lipstick makes girls smile funny!!!! LOVE MY LITTLE GIRL!

A Broken Wrist

Just had to share this picture. This is 6 days later.

It's hard to tell, but a bruise runs all the way from the second knuckle of my ring finger up the scar and past my wrist. I am suspecting I fractured the hand bone of my ring finger as well as the wrist, because it still feels like the finger might fall off! Lots of pain!!

How to Make a 10 Foot Snake

I made this snake for Jaden because he is afraid to sleep alone at night. He wraps it around his body as a "protector". It is pretty funny to see him tangled in an anaconda and think he is safe that way!

You will need the following fabric pieces and accessories:
7 12x12 squares
1 18x12 curved at the bottom for the tail
2 18x12 head pieces
1 oval to fit into the snake's mouth
8-10 inches red ribbon for the tongue
2 black buttons for the eyes

1) Cut your pieces.

2) Sew the 7 squares together. Add the tail piece at the end. Fold in half and sew it inside out. Be sure to leave an opening somewhere in the middle of the body.

3) Sew the head together leaving the mouth open. Cut a fork in the tongue and seal it with glue or heat. Sew the tongue onto the inside of the mouth piece. Attach the mouth to the head.

4) Attach the head to the body. Turn right side out. Stuff with a fiber filling. Close off the hole in the body.

5) Sew buttons for the eyes.

There you have it...a snake that will get carried everywhere, wrapped around everything, and left to slither down the stairs with you when you trip on it!

**I know my instructions aren't the best- that's why I tried including plenty of pictures!

Grandma Sally- a Breast Cancer Survivor

Since I am currently a partial invalid (thanks to my broken wrist), I thought I would post this cute picture of Dallin with Grandma Sally. This was taken on Christmas Eve. He sure loves his Great-grandma Sally and always makes Great-grandpa Henry read books to him.

So, why am I posting this? I mean really...I do have hundreds (actually thousands) of pictures. Here's the story.

She is a Survivor! Just over a year ago Grandma Sally was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has spent countless hours in doctor's offices, chemo, and all the other fun stuff that is part of a cancer patient's life. She has lost hair and regrown it and lost it and regrown it. She has had fun times feeling sick and tired. Yet, despite the pains and sorrows she has suffered the strength of her spirit won out. I am so proud of her...sitting there smiling, holding my little boy, and well... Surviving!


Tips for lowering your breast cancer risks:
1) exercise- this lowers estrogen and improves your immune system (estrogen triggers tumor growth)
2) eat healthy- diets low in saturated fats and high in fiber help lower estrogen
3) avoid drinking alcohol- higher alcohol consumption is linked with a higher risk of developing breast cancer
4) get off the oral contraceptive- prolonged use has been linked to higher risk
5) do a self-exam on your breasts once a month- checking for lumps, dimpling, discharge, or tissue changes
6) remember your annual check-up!


**EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES**

LINKS
National Breast Cancer Foundation
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Never walk down the stairs dragging a scarf!

Yep! that's what I did. I was carrying a huge load of snow clothes down the stairs and tripped on a scarf that was dragging. Tumbled just about head over feet, and the result... a broken wrist and bruised body.

I tried taking pictures of something last night and realized blogging with pictures is out of the question right now. Guess I'll go rest!

Happy Birthday my baby boy! Dallin is three years old today (I will post pictures later).

More Dolls for Donation to Haiti

These are the dolls that Andaluz made to take to Haiti. They have 100 and would like 100 more. We can choose our own pattern or copy theirs.

I have some volunteers and will send a pattern to anyone that gives me their email address. You can email me at anglesey412@yahoo.com.

Thanks for your help.

Farm Bread French Loaves

This recipe is called "Farm Bread" because back in the day...when we lived on a farm, in the middle of nowhere, in Honduras... my mother made it regularly. FYI: It is hard to find good bread in Honduras. Actually, it isn't as hard anymore unless you are on the islands- in that case it is all moldy and weird.

Anyway, back to the recipe!

I like to shape the dough into french loaves... mmmm...makes great meatball sandwiches. My mom always made it in bread pans. Regardless of how you choose to shape your dough, this is a great bread and stays nice and moist for days (if it lasts that long).

Farm Bread Recipe
2 cups warm water
1 Tablespoon yeast
2 Tablespoons sugar
3 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 Tablespoon salt
1/3 cup powdered milk, dry
5-6 cups flour

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit until it starts to bubble. Add remaining ingredients except for 2 cups of flour. Beat well. Slowly add flour until your dough is just barely past the sticky stage.

Let rise to double. (I put it in a warm oven and it usually only take about 30 minutes).

Shape and let rise again until almost double.

Bake at 375 for 20-30 minutes or until the top is a nice golden color.

Trying to be a good mom despite a child's prayers

Jaden's prayers have been quite amazing lately...

Like asking that school will be really super duper fast for everyone in the whole Universe!
(hmmm...not an ego boost for this hard working mommy/teacher)

Or tonight: "Please bless that we can go to bed early but kinda late..."

Making scrambled eggs for the first time

This is all reminding me of the time Jesse was boo-hoooing that his kids were growing up too fast and Jaden said, "Don't worry Dad, I might visit you when I grow up."


Wow! It's moments like these that make me wonder how I ever survive parenthood. I mean really? Half the time my kids can't even stand me!!

But...tonight I got to snuggle on the couch with my baby boy. I saw his cute little feet and his darling hands as he fell asleep in my arms. That's how I survive! It's those small moments that melt my heart and give me the determination to be the best mom I can be.

So thank you, Jaden, for your little prayers. Even though they are not always flattering, I know that you are worth every bit of effort it takes to be your mommy!

Brothers and Friends

Dolls for MamaBaby Haiti

I have been trying to think of  how to help MamaBaby Haiti get dolls to the little girls down there. My sister (owner of Andaluz Waterbirth Center and co-founder of MamaBaby Haiti) recently told me that they wanted hand-made dolls to give to the children in Haiti.

Today I found a doll pattern that I would love to use...but I want to know how many helpers we can get for this project. The best part is it is all made from fabric scraps.

Check out the site:
Dolly Donations

I know you are all busy...actually, so am I. I figure that if we can each make just one or two that will be a great help to the foundation. Then they won't have to buy as many dolls and toys.

So, who wants to help with this one?

Crochet Headband with Flower

I'll just start by saying I haven't crocheted in YEARS!


My daughter wanted one of those awesome headbands that covers your ears and has a flower on it. I searched and searched the internet and finally found a pattern today. Weeks of looking for a pattern and BOOM! I've already knocked the first one out. I say "first" because now there is apparently a list of colors and friends to keep me busy doing a "hobby" that I never really considered a "hobby". Fun, right?

I went with a color combo that's been out of style for almost a decade...don't judge me. I guess I really liked it when our color choosing designers decided that orange was the new pink. Plus, she wanted a pink band but was wearing an orange shirt.


Anyway, I am going to share the link to this free pattern with you...now you don't have to spend weeks searching. This one is great because it tapers at the neck and the double-stitch allows space for a button to go through if you want to add one...which of course I did.

*I did have to adjust the length of the pattern a little to fit a child.


So now that I have a new hobby I would love your advice. Share your favorite links, sites and patterns with me...it's a crocheting party!!




See Crochet Flower Earwarmer and 1000's of others - or share your own on Cut Out + Keep

School Art Competition

The theme for this year's art competition is "My Dream for the Future".

The children have been working all week on their multi-medium art projects.

Jaden:
When I grow up I want robots that help people.

Ashley:
When I grow up I want to dance on a stage for lots of people.

I just had to share because I thought they were so adorable.

Potato and Onion Chowder

This chowder is my good friend all Winter long. I sometimes make it with clams or crumbled bacon, and occasionally with corn for a potato corn chowder.

Potato and Onion Chowder Recipe
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced celery
1 diced leek
2 cups diced potatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1 Tablespoon crushed parsley
salt and pepper
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
1 quart half and half

Saute the onion, celery, leeks and potatoes until the potatoes are cooked and tender (you will need about 2 cups of water or broth to cook the potatoes- most of the liquid will cook down). Add the broth and flavorings. Heat all the way through.

Melt the butter in a bowl and add the flour. Mix together until you have a roux. Add the butter and flour mixture to the soup. It will thicken the soup quickly. Stir in the half and half. If it is still too thick add milk to the consistency you want.

Sourdough Pizza Recipe

We make pizza at least once a week with lots of leftovers for the days to follow. So when I made it on New Year's day I was asked to share my dough recipe.

After years of trying out recipes Jesse and I found that sourdough gives pizza the perfect texture. We aren't very fond of "sour" sourdough so we only let the starter sit out for a few hours.

Sourdough Pizza Recipe

2 Tablespoons yeast

2 cups warm water

1 teaspoon sugar

1 Tablespoons salt

3/4 cup sourdough starter

6 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add remaining ingredients- setting aside one cup of flour. Beat for 5 minutes. Add the rest of the flour.

Divide into three balls. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the freezer at least overnight.

Remove dough from the freezer 4-6 hours before needed.

Heat oven and pizza stone to 500 (if your oven goes hotter then make it as hot as you can).

Roll the dough out. Cover in toppings. Bake on a hot stone for 6 minutes. Remove from oven and slice while hot.

*This pizza has artichoke dip and olives. I will post my red pizza sauce recipe for those wanting it.

** My husband just saw this and said, "that's the worst looking pizza!" So...I guess my pizza looks gross, but man is it good!

Snowmobile Day

Here we are... pretty tired after a snowmobile trip!
(except for Ashley who's just so happy to get Twizzlers).

Still smiling...

Definitely a tired goof-ball

Oh! the blessed Twizzlers!

Isn'y my love cute with his nose pinched?

Yep! I look tired!

I just love this series of photos because it is just the way we are when we are together... smily, goofy, hungry, cute and tired!!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! I am soooo ready for this year and the exciting things that are to come (I honestly never thought I'd say that without being pregnant, but it's true).

Book of Mormon Reading Charts for Children

I am trying to help my daughter prepare for her baptism this year. One of her goals is to read the Book of Mormon. She is so excited to do this, but I thought a reading chart would help keep her motivated a little longer.


Here are a couple I liked...
(click the image for a link to the original)

Crispy Granola Recipe

My first activity of the New Year is to make granola. I love to eat this for breakfast every morning. It is crispy with a sweet honey flavor and a hint of coconut.

Granola Recipe
4 cups rolled oats
1 cup All Bran cereal
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped almonds or pecans
1 cup honey
1/2 cup coconut oil (you can use another oil if you prefer)

In a large mixing bowl stir together the dry ingredients. Warm the honey and oil and pour over the dry ingredients. Mix well. Spread on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes (stir half-way through baking time). Immediately spread the granola on a large sheet of parchment paper. Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

If I Listen With My Heart