Tragedy

Do you see anything wrong with this picture?
Well, it is a cupboard, used mainly for kids cups and bowls. There is no child lock on it because, like I said, it is used mainly for kids cups and bowls. If you look closely, you may see some pyrex dishes on the top right side. However, there is one missing now. It ended up on the floor, shattered around Wade's precious feet!
I am not sure how it happened. I mean, those dishes are so heavy that sometimes they are even hard for me to move! It was a horrifying accident, one that could have ended much worse than it did, and for that I am grateful because I know that Heavenly Father watches over us. If I had not been standing right there when it happened he may have let go of the cupboard, and sat down, or tried to crawl through the shattered glass..
Even still, he could have had serious and deep cuts when the glass hit the floor and shattered...
We did have to pull a few little pieces of glass out of his little feet, but all in all, the only scratches he ended up with were these . . .
The ironic part? This ... was right behind it on the counter... CHILD LOCKS- WITH A DRILL!....

Stewart Family Food!

For those of you who like to check out my website for food and recipe ideas, I have started a separate blog! I decided that I am going to put my whole cookbook on-line, and I have asked my sisters to do the same. My sisters have SWORN that they will add their favorite recipes, but just in case they don't, I have added some of my favorites that they have given me. I hope they do, because they are all amazing cooks. Even my super high power executive sister has SWORN that she will add recipes!

I hope so!

I hope you enjoy. I love to cook, and I am sure that will show. There are lots of different kinds of Yum, and I even added a recipe for some yummy popcorn I made over Christmas.

CLICK ON THIS LINK:
Stewart Family Food

I have also added a link to the website on the right where my recipe links used to be!

All Done!

Geez lady, why do I have to say it over and over and over and over . . .

Welcome to life with a 10 month old . . .

Bread Baby

A Great Harvest Bread Co. recently opened in our area. The nearest one to us before the newest opening was over 20 minutes away, and in no particular area that we frequented. When I was in that area, I would stop and buy bread. At one point, Peter and I thought we could really use one in our part of town. We contacted the company, and went through some preliminary screening to open our own store, however, timing is everything, and it just wasn't the time for us to be bread dealers.

Our dream was shattered when we saw the storefront go up, but at least our dream of fresh bread was being answered. I have tried to bake bread in the past, and I have to admit, rolls were more my forte. The bread I made was OK, but just not something I would hand out to the neighbors. It was dry, or dense, or just, not awesome.

I stopped by the store, and picked up some honey wheat bread. It was sooooooooo good. We had toast, and made grilled cheese sandwiches, and I went back the next week to get some more, and noticed the price! $4 for a loaf of bread! To be honest, I have no idea how much bread is in the store. I usually get it at Costco, and I am pretty sure I am getting two loafs for around that same price. And these are super mondo loafs, that have far more servings that the little tinsy loafs at Great Harvest.

I started to wonder why it was I couldn't make great bread, and decided it was the recipes I have. I started to look through my stacks of cook books, and decided to try one out of my red and white check cookbook. I gave their traditional Whole Wheat Bread Recipe a whirl, and guess what??? I no longer have to visit Great Harvest Bread Co. for a fix of fresh bread! This recipe was great.

The SECRET? I found THAT in my Cooking Light cookbook. Hint: if you are using a glass bread dish (or dark metal), lower the oven temp by 25 degrees. HELLO! Could ANY OTHER COOKBOOK HAVE MENTIONED THAT AND HELPED ME OUT??? Now I have to go back and try those other recipes and make sure they weren't so bad!

One other tip: Undercook it. I under cooked my bread by about 10-15 mins according to the recipe. It was just the right amount of soft.....

Thai Peanut Sauce with Chicken

Ok, I have to admit. I have altered this recipe severely. But, it works for my family, and me and we love it. I am going to put down the recipe as I make it, NOT as it is written, because I would have to put far too many notes down for you to make sense of it!

Enjoy!

In a small saucepan:

6 Tbls. water
1/4 Cup peanut butter
2 Tbls. brown sugar
2 Tbls. soy sauce
2 Tbls. rice vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. minced peeled fresh ginger
1 1/2 tsp. dark sesame oil
1/2 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp chile paste with garlic (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced

Heat on medium heat, and stir with a whisk. Bring mixture to a boil and cook for one minute. Turn heat to low and let sit.

Cut, and stir fry.

4 Chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
2 Grated Carrots
1 Red Bell pepper, thinly sliced, or chopped
1 Cup frozen peas

4 servings of hot cooked noodles such as penne, bowties, spaghetti, or whatever else you want to try.


Stir-fry chicken until cooked through. Add grated carrots, chopped bell pepper and cook 2 minutes. Add Thai sauce and frozen peas. Cook until peas are cooked through. Add hot pasta and toss together. All of us love this dish.

Ohhhhhhhhhh Abby

Abby has really been driving me nuts lately... I guess it might be the three days that she has been out of school for snow days. Unfortunately, she has taken to critiquing my cooking, baking, size, and just about everything else am, or that I do. This morning I banished her from my presence for a good portion of the morning just to save her from brutal retaliation on my part. I am not sure if it would have been physical or verbal, but I didn't want to find out.

Fortunately she has said some pretty funny stuff today... this is the conversation that she had with Peter as he was putting her to bed. . .

Abby: I hope you have a good day at work tomorrow and bring home some money.
Peter: Oh, thank you Abby
Abby: When ARE you going to bring home money?
Peter: I do bring home money twice month, and give it to mommy, and she puts it in the bank.
Abby: NO Daddy. . . . M O N E Y.

Then, during family prayer, she prayed that she would NOT have another snow day tomorrow, as Peter informed her that she would have to go to school in the summer if there were more snow days.

Abby: Please bless that we can go to school tomorrow so we do not have to go to school anymore in the summer.

Karen's Pulled Pork Sandwiches

My neighbor Karen brought these to me when I had Wade. My husband has talked about them ever since....

4 1/4 C. ketchup
1/4 c. Margarine
1/3 c. vinegar
1/4 c. br. sugar
1/3 c. white sugar
1/4 c. grated onion
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
3/4 tsp. pepper

Cook your 4-5 lb. Pork roast in crockpot over night. Meat should just fall apart and be easy to shred. Combine all the above ingredients and simmer on the stove for 30 min. Pour over cooked meat. Serve on Rolls. For excellent dinner rolls make these!


Interestingly enough, I have a similar recipe that I used to use all of the time for the same thing. It is from my friend Janet Knighton who poured the sauce over Pork Chops and baked it in the oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Once, I only had a pork roast, and used the recipe over a roast in the crock pot. This recipe is more spicy, and Karen's is more sweet! Try both, or mix and match!!

3/4 Cup brown sugar
3/4 Cup water
3/4 Cup ketchup
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cayenne (optional)
2 Tbs. vinegar
2 Tbs. worchestershire sauce

By the way, you can buy 3 pork roasts at Costco for between $10-12!

Scallops Florentine

Don't you ever walk by the fresh seafood at Costco and go, ohhhhhhhhhh, scallops.... those look soooooooooooo good. Well, now you can buy 'em.

1 1/4 lbs. Sea Scallops
2 (10 oz.) Pkgs. fresh spinach
3 cloves of garlic
1 Tbs. butter
1 1/2 Tbs. Flour
3/4 Cup evaporated fat free milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. white pepper
1/2 Cup shredded Swiss cheese
3 1/2 Cups hot cooked small macaroni shells

Cut scallops in 1/2 crosswise, and set them aside

Remove stems from spinach (if you bought baby spinach, don't worry about removing the stems) Coarsely chop leaves, and set aside.

With food processor on drop garlic through food chute; process 3 seconds or until minced. Add spinach stems through food chute with processor on. Process 10 seconds or until minced. (If you bought baby spinach, just mince your garlic, and get on with it!)

Melt butter in a dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add garlic mixture; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour. Gradually add milk, salt, nutmeg, and pepper; bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Add cheese; stir until melted. Add chopped spinach leaves; stir. Cook 3 minutes or until spinach wilts, stirring frequently. Add scallops; cook 8 minutes or until scallops are done, stirring frequently. Stir in pasta.

** The sauce is very thick before you add the scallops but don't worry about that. The scallops and spinach render quite a bit of water that coats everything very nicely, so don't let it worry you!

7 Things Tag

Lindsay Stevens said that anyone who read the "Tag" on her blog were responsible for tagging themselves. . . and I suppose we are supposed to reveal deep and dark secrets about ourselves. . . I have WAY more than 7, but here it goes!

7. I have a secret love affair with dough. Ok, that really ISN'T a secret, but some might think it is only cookie dough that I adore. Not so. I adore all kinds of dough and I do not discriminate. I will eat bread dough, cookie dough, cake dough (ok, it is batter, but I still eat it) roll dough, pretty much anything that is in dough form. I am pretty sure that I will meet my un-timely death from Salmonella poisoning. And I don't discourage my kids from eating dough because that would be down right hypocritical.

6. I have been known to be a "rule breaker". I profess to most to be extremely straight laced, but alas, I have done my fair share of rule breaking. My husband will laugh at me because, "Cougar's don't cut corners" but this Cougar broke a MYRIAD of rules while she was in Israel on the Study Abroad program. (Sorry mom and dad!) But I was in good company... Thanks Nicole and Claire~ Maybe I will scan the picture of us in front of AFRICA ZION (a local dance club)! (What did I just say about being hypocritical???)

5. This is something that I have already admitted on my blog, but if you don't check regularly, you may have missed it. I am a serial cookbook purchaser. I have more cookbooks than I will ever need, but I do LOVE to buy them!!! I do make good use out of most of them, and I try new recipes all of the time. (If you didn't notice, check the side bar of my blog) I am often found perusing the cooking mags as I am in the check out line . . .I peruse the rags too, but that is for another admission . .

4. My Ipod downloads would rival any 16 year old girls who was into the most hip shakin' music. Sorry folks. I just can't work out to "Come Come Ye Saints". I would be EXTREMELY embarrassed if someone listened to my Ipod (except for my sisters- because they know, and understand). I am proud of the fact that I download only "clean" versions of songs, but still, most of the songs that are on there, I would never let my kids listen to. I guess I should just be ashamed that the music I listen to even HAS "clean" versions! Maybe it comes from all those years in Jazz class, but I just love to groove!

3. This is an admission that I thought would never get past my husband's ears, but, I guess I am feeling loved enough today. . . and it is kind of related to #4. I have dreams that I am friends with Justin Timberlake. Before you do a spit take, I DO NOT HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER MY DREAMS! And lets make ONE OTHER THING CLEAR... These dreams are on a purely platonic level, and we are only ever having discussions. . . and hanging out. I guess that makes the dreams even more funny in some ways.

2. I can't believe I just admitted #3

1. I usually keep my house remarkably clean. I mean, that doesn't mean that there aren't baby toys anywhere, or dishes in the sink, I just mean, I like things to be neat, and orderly, and I love having people over because it forces me into the mode of getting everything put in it's place. I love that part of it, and therefore, I love having people over. What you don't know, is that it looks like a bomb went off in my bedroom. . . . at all times.


TAG! You're it!! Kara, Hillary, Amy, Anne, Julie, and Tricia!(And anyone else who wants to play tag...)

Happy Birthday Lori!

To my BIG SISTER, I love you, and I am sorry I am sending a belated birthday wish! I am not POETIC, but I do have some pretty great memories with you!

YOU ARE AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN:

My other mommy:


My Big Sis


The Ultimate Party Girl


A brave adoptive mother of three... (come on, THREE?? Only you could be so brave!)


The Musical One




A good time!


A great Aunt,


A loving Mom,


An amazing, successful, wonderful person...


I am so grateful you are my sister! I love you!

Wade's First Word!

Wade said his first word today! It was pretty darn clear, and definitely something that I have been working with him on. We use it a lot, for lots of different reasons... we thought he said it last night when he was playing... was it MOMMA? DADDA? BABA? Nope!! It is ALL DONE! I guess having that be his first word isn't so bad. I mean, Jaxon's first word was "GO" and we all know how THAT turned out.... :) I will take "All Done" as a first word, but you better believe that we will be working more on Mommy and Daddy!!!

Baby Wade

Well, I can't help it. I know we have been a little video crazy lately, but this is just one of those videos that make you laugh. . . I hope it makes you laugh too...

Skiing Videos

Abby goes down the BIG HILL!!




Playing with Daddy



Abby LOOK OUT!!



Abby with her NEW POLES!

Family Ski Day

Wade Walks!

Ok, so, he just takes a few steps, but it is pretty tough to catch on film. Especially because when you have a camera in hand, he just wants to lunge for the camera! This is a pretty cute video anyway. Our 10 month old boy sure is getting BIG!!!

Every Girl's Crazy 'bout a Sharp Dressed Man

Jaxon got himself dressed for church this morning, and since this was the first day of his LIFE that he didn't cry when I told him to get dressed for church, I decided that I wasn't going to tell him that it didn't really match. He was pretty pleased with the results... and proud of himself. What more can you ask for?

Jaxon-isms

We went out to dinner last night, and we had a baby sitter watch the kids... by the way, if you ever want to go to dinner with us, we are at Sushi.com. Like....... every weekend that we go out!!!!!

This morning:


Jaxon: Where is my girl?
Me: Jaxon, her name is Katie.
Jaxon: Where is my Katie?
Me: She went home to her house.
Jaxon: But, she wants to stay here! She LOVES me!
Me: She does? That is good.
Jaxon: Yeah, not all the girls love me, but she LOVES me! She wants to be with me!
Me: Oh, that is good Jaxon, I am glad she likes you.
Jaxon: Yeah, she is my girl.


Apparently, Jaxon and Katie have some kind of arrangement that I don't know about. Maybe Jaxon asked her to move in? I am not sure. I don't know what it is, but Jaxon DOES HAVE A WAY WITH THE LADIES!!! We are really going to have to watch out for him... I mean, after all, he is only 4!

Macaroni and Cheese

No, I don't mean the Kraft kind. This is one of my husband's favorite dishes, and when we were first married, I insisted that I put vienna sausages on top (that is how my mom made it) and he insisted on hot dogs. I compromised after a while and did 1/2 and 1/2 and now, I just make it with hot dogs. The kids like it that way too. And, it wouldn't be mac and cheese if you didn't throw some peas over the top of a serving. But hey, maybe that is just the way we like to eat it!

MAC AND CHEESE

Cook 2 cups of macaroni according to package instructions. Put in round, or 8 inch square baking dish.

2 Tbls. butter, melted and bubbling
2 Tbls. flour
1/2 cup minced onion
1 garlic clove minced
1 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese
hot dogs

Melt 2 Tbls. butter, and let bubble. Saute onion and garlic in the butter. Add the flour, and let cook for one minute. Add milk slowly, and let thicken and come to a slow boil on medium heat (Be careful to not burn!). Add cheddar cheese, and let melt. Pour sauce over macaroni. Add hot dogs and some additional cheddar cheese to the top. Bake for 25 minutes at 350.

Moo Shu Pork

1 tsp plus 1 Tbl. vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 pork tenderloin halved lenthwise and thinly sliced crosswise (1 lb)
2 Tbl. corn starch
coarse salt and ground pepper
1 lb. shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps thinly sliced
2 Tbs. miced peeled fresh ginger
1/2 head napa cabbage, shredded
5 scallions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
flour tortillas and hoisin sauce for serving

In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tsp. oil over medium heat. Add eggs; cook without stirring, until set, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, roll up and slice crosswise into 1/4 inch wide strips; set aside. Wipe skillet clean, reserve.

Place pork in a medium bowl, and sprinkle with cornstarch. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. In reserved skillet, heat remaining tablespoon oil over medium high. Add pork and cook until browned on one side, 4 to 5 minutes (pork will cook more later) transfer to a plate (reserve skillet).

Add mushrooms and ginger to skillet; season with salt and pepper Cook until mushrooms are lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add cabbage, scallions, soy sauce, vinegar egg strips, and pork; cook, tossing occassionaly, until cabbage has wilted and pork is opaque throughout, 2 to 3
minutes.

Stack tortillas between damp paper towels; microwave on high for 2 minutes. To assemble, spread center of a tortilla with hoisin sauce; top with mooshu filling and roll up.

Chicken Divan K-lo Style

4 Chicken Breasts cooked and cubed
1 head of broccoli cut and steamed for just 3 or 4 minutes (al dente)

White Sauce

2 Tbs. butter
2 Tbs. flour
1 Cup chicken stock
1/2 Cup sour cream
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese

Melt butter in pan, and let bubble. Add flour, and stir, cooking for 1 minute. Add chicken stock slowly, stirring, and let sauce thicken. Add sour cream, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Once cheese is melted, pour sauce over chicken and broccoli and bake at 350for 20 minutes. (Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top) Serve over rice.

Chicken Divan (Red and White Cookbook)

I am not sure how it happened, but this went from Chicken Divan (which sounds sooooooooooo divine) to Chicken and Broccoli. I made it probably once a week when we first got married, and then, I don't know, it just got dropped! I was strapped for something to make the other night, and I had all of the ingredients to make it, so I did! But I know it had been years since I had made it.

Anyway, I used a recipe from the Red and White Check Cookbook. (I think it is actually a Betty Crocker Cookbook, but my family calls it the Red and White Check Cookbook) Anyway, it was fun to make it a little different. I will post both of the ways that I have made it, and you can choose based on what you have in your pantry!


Chicken Divan (Red and White Cookbook)

1 10-ounce package of frozen cut broccoli thawed (or use fresh, and steam)
2 cups Chopped Cooked Chicken or turkey (I usually poach the chicken breasts in boiling water)
1 10 3/4 oz. can of reduced fat cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, or cream of celery soup
1 4 1/2 oz can sliced mushrooms
1/2 Cup plain low-fat yogurt
1/4 Cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp curry powder (optional)
1 Cup corn bread stuffing mix or herb-seasoned stuffing mix
2 Tb. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. Paprika

Place broccoli in the bottom of a 2 quart square baking dish. Top with chicken or turkey and mushrooms.

In a medium sauce pan, combine soup, yogurt, chicken broth, dry mustard, and, if desired, curry powder. Heat through, but do not boil. Pour the soup mixture over the broccoli and chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle stuffing mix over soup mixture. Top with Parmesan cheese, and paprika.

Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through.

1000 Recipes

I know, I have been posting a lot of recipes. That just happens to be what I am into right now. I go through phases. Sometimes I just LOVE to cook, and I want to eat something new every single night! Then, there are of course the other times, when it is all I can do just to get spaghetti on the table. This happens to be one of the times where I am enjoying experimenting. I hope you are enjoying the recipes too! Please feel free to comment on a recipe if you liked it, or maybe even if you didn't! (Some things aren't for everyone!) Or if you made changes.

I change a lot of recipes because of what I have on hand... So, there will be lots of different variations. I hope you are enjoying this new slew of recipes... Because I sure am! :)

Oh! And if you want to read something other than recipes. I have noticed that on my web-page if you go to the blog archive, the posts that are not recipes are highlighted in a different color. I didn't do that on purpose, but it sure works out nice! I do put up other posts on occasion!

No Knead Dinner Rolls

Every Day Food Mag. These are sooooooo yummy, and there is no waiting over night for them to rise. You can make them a few hours ahead of dinner, and eat them that night! YUM!

2 Cups Warm Water
2 Pkgs. Active Dry Yeast
1/4 Cup Sugar
4 Tbs. Butter, Melted Plus more for pan and brushing
2 Large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 tsp. salt
6 Cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled) plus more for shaping dough

Pour Warm Water into a large bowl. Sprinkle with yeast and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.

Add sugar, butter, eggs, and salt; whisk to combine. Add flour. Mix until incorporated and a sticky dough forms. Brush top of dough with butter, cover bowl with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm place until dough has doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

Turn dough out onto a well floured work surface. With floured hands, roll dough into a thick log. Cut into 18 equal pieces (Cut log in half. Cut each 1/2 into thirds, then cut each piece into thirds again)

Brush 9 x 13 baking pan with butter. One at a time flatten each piece of dough, then fold edges toward the center, pressing to secure, until a smooth ball forms. Place dough call in prepared pan, smooth side up (you should have three rows of 6) Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk, 30 to 40 minutes. (Or you can refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 1 day)

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Remove plastic wrap, brush rolls with butter, and bake until golden and rolls sound hollow when tapped on bottom. 35-40 minutes. (Tent with aluminum foil if they are getting too brown) Pull rolls apart and serve warm.

Mini BBQ Meatball Sliders

Vegetable Oil, Such as safflower for baking sheet
12 Light Turkey Meatballs (Under Chicken and Turkey Recipes)
12 Party Sized potato rolls, split
1/2 Cup best quality store bought BBQ Sauce

Heat Broiler, with rack set 4 inches from heat. Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet. Place meatballs on sheet. Broil, turning occassionally until cooked through. 10-12 mintes. Place meatballs inside rolls, and top with BBQ Sauce.

Whole Wheat Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs

In a skillet, heat 1 Tbs. olive oil over medium-high. Cook 20 frozen Light Turkey Meatballs (Under Chicken and Turkey Recipes) until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1 1/2cups store bought marinara sauce and 1/2 cup water. Cook until heated through, 5 minutes. Cook 8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti; toss with sauce. Serves 4

Turkey Meatball Salad with Roasted Peppers and Parmesan

This was sooooooooooooooo good! However, I do admit, I tweaked it a little bit. I actually took the Falafel Recipe and used ground turkey instead of Chick Peas. (Omit the water)

Last night I doubled the batch of Falafel/Meatballs, and froze 1/2 the batch. We had falafels last night, and I used the leaft over meatballs to make this salad for lunch today! I will use the frozen meatballs for a fast dinner later.

This recipe is from the Everyday Food Mag again, and they took the recipe for the meatballs, and made three other dishes while they were at it!

6 Scallions, cut into 2 inch lengths
2 Red or Yellow bell peppers, cut into strips (Or one of each)
2 Tbls. plus 4 tsp. Olive Oil
Course Salt and Ground Pepper
16 Light Turkey Meatballs (Recipe Below)
2 Tbls. Red Wine Vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon Mustard
1 Head Red Leaf Lettuce, torn into bite sized peices
1 Chunck Parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler
(I used feta, because it was what I had)
(I also added asaparagus, because I love it!)

Heat Broiler and on a rimmed baking sheet toss scallions, peppers, and asparagus with 2 tsp. oil. Season with salt and pepper. Push to one side of sheet and place meatballs on the other side of the sheet.

Broil, tossing vegetables and turning meatballs occassionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are lightly charred. 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 3 minutes.

In a bowl wisk vinegar, mustard, and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss salad with lettuce, vegetables, and meatballs, and top with parmesan.

LIGHT TURKEY MEATBALLS

3 Slices whole wheat bread
(You can use bread crumbs to make it quicker- 1 cup!)
1/4 Cup Milk
1 1/2 pound ground turkey
3 scallions, finely chopped
2 small garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbls. Chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
coarse salt and ground pepper

Place bread in food proccessor; pluse until fine crumbs form. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with milk. Set aside for 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine turkey, scallions, garlic, parsley, egg, and 1 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, and breadcrumb mixture; mix gently with a fork.

Form into balls, and if you want to freeze, line a baking sheet with wax paper, and line them on the wax paper. Freeze for one hour to set their shape, and then place in freezer safe bags. Freeze for up to three months.

My Own Towel

Ok, I will admit it.. I lost it this morning. (Why always on Sunday, right before church?) I had jumped in the shower, and for about the UMPTEENTH time, Abby, who showers at night had stolen my towel. I admit, there were towels under my cabinet, but they are old, and rough, and not the ones I like. I started hollering at Abby before I had even gotten all the way out of the shower. I marched to her room, and said, "Abby! Don't use my towel ever again! If you are in the shower, and you forgot your towel, you jump out wet, and go to your bathroom to get your own towel!! Don't use mine!"

I marched back into my bathroom, and my husband gave me a disgusted look, which I am sure was in reference to my 5 year old rant, and said, "Don't you think that was a little much?" Well you know what? My reaction, at the moment, MIGHT have been a little much... HOWEVER, don't I deserve to have my own towel? Don't I deserve to have it there when I get out of the shower? Don't I deserve to be able to have a towel to dry off with? Ok, maybe I over-reacted, but, I still think I should be able to have my own towel!

Jaxon-isms

Jaxon: In his room, cleaning up his toys.
Wade: In Jaxon's room, eating up his toys.
Jaxon: Picks up a cannon ball off the floor that has been sufficiently slimed by Wade.

Jaxon: EWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! DAD! WADE NEEDS A TIME OUT!!!!!
DAD: Muffled Laughter, "It's ok Jaxon, don't worry about it."
Jaxon: But DAD! He is RUINING ME!!!!!

Soups and Salads!

Guy Fieri's Asain Slaw Salad
Chicken Club Salad
Stein Erickson's Lodge Turkey Chili
Hearty Logger's Chili
Wonton Soup
Fish Stew
Turkey-Meatball Salad with Roasted Peppers and Parmesan
Chopped Salad with Spicy Pork and Buttermilk Dressing****

Pork Dishes

Cashew Sweet and Sour Pork
Pot Stickers
Moo Shu Pork
Karen's Pulled Pork Sandwiches

My Favorite~ Dessert!

Poached Pears with Cream Sauce
Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake with Butter Cream Frosting
Butterscotch Bark
Butterscotch Sauce Part Deaux
Butterscotch Bananna Splits
Gooey Pumpkin Butter Cake
Chocolate Cupcakes
Sugar Cookies

Food Analysis

After opening these recipes one by one to change how I am formatting them, I began to wonder if some of you think that this is all that I eat! No, I have many, many recipes (as I am sure you all do) that I use all of the time. I do post some of them, when I am thinking about it, on the website.

Those would be, Mongolian Beef, Jean's Chicken Curry, Pot Stickers and a few others visit my weekly or monthly rotation. The fun in these recipes for me, is that I like to try something NEW! Mostly, I want to cook something *New* because I love to cook, and I don't want to get bored in the kitchen. I am going to be expanding these recipes in the very near future, and I wanted to be prepared, as well as let you know that if it is posted here, I tried it, and I liked it!

Does that mean it is now in my weekly or even monthly rotation? No, because I would never be able to cook the same thing twice! I don't want to tell you what ALL of the "good ol' standbys" are because then, you would only try those.

I want YOU to try what sounds good to YOU! With the assurance that if it is on here, it was yummy, and my family approved! So, there you have it!

The Best Part of Waking Up!

Pumpkin Pie Waffles
Spiced Apple Waffles
Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes
Breakfast Sandwich
Yogurt with Strawberries and Honey

Appetizers and Other Yum

Guy Fieri's Stuffed Tempura Avacados
Lettuce Wraps
Pot Stickers
Prosciutto, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich
Falafels
Tzatziki Sauce
Pizza Tomato Sauce
Paula Deen's Cheese Ball
Mini BBQ Meatball Sliders

Breads

Aunt Judith Rolls
Aunt Rita Rolls
Pizza Dough
Pita
Bread
No-Knead Dinner Rolls

Sorry!

I can't think of a better way to maintain this list that is only going to get bigger, and Bigger, and BIGGER!!! So, I am going to have to do these posts, and then link back to them on the right hand side. I don't know how to put them anywhere else, or I would! I think every one who comes looking for recipes will like it better this way though! :)

Pasta Recipes!

Acorn Squash Lasagna
Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Penne
Farfalle with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese (Omit the Kapers!)
Fettuccine with Spinach Pesto
Broccoli Calzones
Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs
Home Made Mac and Cheese
Scallops Florentine
Thai Peanut Sauce with Chicken and Noodles

Beef Recipes!

Asian Beef Kabobs
My Favorite Meat Loaf
Guy Fieri's Tangerine Beef
PF Changs' Mongolian Beef

Chicken and Turkey Recipes!

Coq au Vin (I use regular old cooking wine, and no congac :)
Chicken Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
Lighter Chicken Pot Pie
Jean's Chicken Curry
Light Turkey Meatballs
Trattoria Mollie's Meatballs SO GOOD! From the Oprah Website. I don't have a deep fryer, so I just pan fry!
Chicken Divan (K-lo Style)
Chicken Divan-Red and White Cookbook
Thai Peanut Sauce with Chicken and Noodles

Coq au Vin

I have to admit, I am a big fan of comfort food. One of my favorite is Coq au Vin. My mom used to make it all the time when I was growing up, and I loved it.. When I eat it now, it is like taking a quick visit home, and remembering eating it on a Sunday afternoon after church. Anyway, there are a lot of recipes for Coq au Vin, I found one on the Martha Stewart Website, and added it to my recipe links. It is pretty close to the one she made.

I am going to have to figure out a different way to post these recipe links! I DID organize them so they will be easier for you to look through. I think I am going to have to create their own pages. We will see. I am not sure how I would do it yet!

Cashew Sweet and Sour Pork ***** (Five Stars)

2 Tablespoons Cornstarch - Divided
1 Tbls. Sherry
1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut
into 1/2 inch pieces
1/3 Cup Water
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Cider Vinegar
3 Tbls. Soy Sauce
3 Tbls. Ketchup
1 Tbls. Peanut Oil (I used regular oil)
1/3 Cup finely chopped dry-roasted cashews unsalted (I used salted, it was ok)
1/4 Cup Chopped Green Onions
2 Tsp. Bottled Minced Fresh Ginger
1 Tsp. Bottled Minced Garlic (Bottled Just makes it faster)
1/2 pound snow peas, trimmed (I just used frozen peas-makes it easier)
1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained.

Serve over Rice

Combine 1 Tbls. Cornstarch, Sherry, and pork tossing well. Combine remaining 1 Tbls. Cornstarch, water, and next 4 ingredients (through ketchup) stirring with a whisk until well combined.

Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add Pork mixture, stir fry 3 minutes. Until lightly browned. Add chopped cashews, green onions, ginger, and garlic. Stir Fry 1 minute. Add snow peas and pineapple chunks, stir fry 3 minutes or until snow peas are crisp tender.

Add vinegar mixture to pan. Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Serve over rice.

The First Step is Admitting It. . .

Ok, I admit it. I am a serial cookbook purchaser... No, I am not kidding... When I am standing in the check out line, I look at and sometimes even read the tabloids... (I subscribe to People Mag, and I look forward to it! OK! We all have our vices!!)

HOWEVER, when it comes right down to it, when I am looking at the mags... my eyes always are drawn to the cooking magazines... I already subscribe to Everyday Food. Which I ordered because my sister recommended it. I DO love it... I love it when it comes and my favorite things are their "Healthy Start" ideas... (Breakfast Ideas) and "After School Snacks" They are just fun to read, and great ideas... Do I make them? Not always, but I love to read them, and I save them because I think I will use them some day.

Now, I DO make a lot of the dinner recipes.. many of them I have posted on the right as a link. I think I have mentioned they also have a TV show here on Saturday mornings that I tivo. (PBS) I love their recipes because they use stuff I usually have in my pantry, and they are always super yummy. Visit Everyday Food Mag.
Anyway, I am not sure why.. I guess I just get tired of cooking the same thing over and over and over and over. However, I know I scare my family sometimes when I am trying something "new". I know I have bought at least three of these said mags in the last two or three months. I bought Weight Watchers Five Ingredients in 15 Minute Cookbook (because how does that not sound great, and easy). I have bought Betty Crockers Soups, Stews and Chilies (because whatever on the cover looked great). And I recently bought The Best of Cooking Lights Super Fast Weeknight dinners. Out of all of these cookbooks, I have only tried one recipe so far (not that the recipes didn't look great- but because I have been in the post holiday fog for about 2 weeks) ANYWAY, the recipe was AWESOME, FAST and YUMMY! AND EVEN JAXON ATE IT- SO IT MUST BE GOOD!

Check it out!

Jaxon-isms

Life with Jaxon is a lot of things. . . tiring, busy, rewarding, challenging, and hillarious!

Here are just a few of the latest Jaxonisms..

Me- Jaxon, what did you do at school Today?
Jax- Ummm... hmmm.. ahhh... hunty dunty?
M- Oh, you talked about Humpty Dumpty at school today?
J- (Tentatively) Yeah... uhhhhhh.... there was a problem. . .
M- What was the problem? (Not sure if he is referring to school, or humpty dumpty)
J- Well. . umm. . . it didn't turn out so good....


Jaxonism #2

At 8:20 a.m. I call for family prayer. Jaxon was completely disgruntled about having to go to this activity, so I had to drag him up the stairs to our bedroom. He complained the entire time, even through the prayer, and after word on our way to the bus stop I asked him what was wrong, and why he was being so grumpy. .

M- Jaxon, what is wrong bud? Why are you so grumpy?
J- I DON'T WANNA SAY PRAYER!
M- Why not bub? We have to say prayers to Heavenly Father. .
J- But, we say prayers ALL THE TIME!!

Jaxonism#3

Just now, sitting at the kitchen table. Peter and Abby are discussing something, and Jaxon felt the need to be involved. . . Jaxon interjects. . .We need pajamas for rock and roll! Cuz rock and roll is cool!!!


My favorite response to any negative response... like... Jaxon, "Can I have a sippy cup?" Mom, "Not right now" Jaxon, "Um, how bout tomorrow?"

Resolutions......

There is something great about starting a new year... putting away the Christmas "throw-up" and having a clean slate... I mean, my kitchen hasn't been this clean in... well, I don't know.... months! Maybe even since Wade was born! Having new goals, a clean house, and a new resolve feels good, but at the same time... I feel like it could all slip away at any moment! (I guess I won't mention the fact that I haven't even taken a shower today... that makes me seem so much less put together.)

Sure my house looks great right now, but it is one bad day of mail, or homework papers away from being disshevled again. That is ok. At least I can enjoy it for one day. I am excited that there is nothing looming over my head.... Last New Year, "BABY" was looming over my head... then "SUMMER". . . then "SCHOOL" . . . then the "HOLIDAYS". It seems now, for the first time in 12 months I can actually. . MAYBE. . . get a few side projects done. Things that I wanted to get done... things that are only important to me. Now, THAT is exciting!

I wish you all a Happy New Year, and hope that you will have a clean kitchen, time for yourself, and I hope that you have time to take a shower too! :)

Finally Some Christmas Pictures!

Away in a Manger

Away in A Manger

FAMILY 2007 TOP TEN LIST

WELCOME TO THE OUR FAMILY BLOG!
If this is the first time you are visiting, we are happy to have you! If you are visiting because I stuck a sticker on your Christmas card, consider this you newsletter... (I see no need for redundancy) Anywho, this is a quick look at our year!

10. Wade was born on March 16th, 2007. A fabulous addition to this wild and crazy home. He is nine months old now, and crawling all over the place. He is a charmer, and keeps us very busy. see post: Santa Baby


9. Abby Started FIRST GRADE! She LOVES going to school, spelling tests, and hot lunch?? (Seriously, I have never seen a kid want hot lunch sooooooooo bad.)


8. Abby lost her first tooth! See blog post: Abby's first Tooth

7. Jaxon was finally formally diagnosed with ASD. Autism Spectrum Disorder. He is a great fun loving boy, with his own set of challenges, but hey, don't we all have challenges?
See post: Day of Miracles
or post: Our Kid Jaxon
but especially post: Bubba Dub


6. We went on a great trips to Sun River, OR. and Salt Lake City Utah! (For Pix, click on the corresponding photo link to the right)


5. Peter lost 55 lbs! (I kid you not!) The picture that you see to the right was taken back in August, when he had lost about 30 lbs, so, since then, he has lost about 25 more! His transformation has been fabulous, and he weighs as much as he did when we got MARRIED! (I wish I could say that!)


4. Abby fulfilled a life time dream of being in the CIRCUS! (No kidding) To see her performance, click on the video link to the right. :)


3. We are now the proud owner of THREE HOUSES! I know, it seems excessive, but actually, we our trying our hand at real estate development as well as being landlords... I will let you know how THAT is working out next year. As for right now, I spend 60% of my day being a general contractor, and landlord. Of course, I spend the other 40% doing laundry...


2. We just received a new calling to teach the Marriage and Family class at church! You think I am joking? We thought they were joking too. Obviously, we have something to learn.


1. WE DIDN'T MOVE THIS YEAR!!!! That is right! We are still living in the same home that we lived in LAST YEAR, and we don't have plans to move! It is a CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!


We wish all of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, and a Happy New Year. We love you, and hope that you will stay in touch! Love,

Peter, Lindsey, Abby, Jaxon, and Wade

Fun with FOOD!

Oh... this stage of babyhood is the absolute messiest.. I can't decide if letting him feed himself, and get COVERED in whatever it is he is eating is better or worse than having to feed him spoonful, by spoonful. Why can't they just go right into feeding themselves with a spoon, and using a napkin! I guess it really doesn't get that much better... Abby and Jaxon still get food on their clothes, in their hair, and on the floor too.

I couldn't resist taking a few pictures. I mean, the kid was using Chicken and Broccoli like the latest hair gel trend! It is pretty hard to see in the picture all of the broccoli that ended up in his hair, but just imagine it. I think it was the perfectly placed piece of rice on his nose that made me run for the camera, or maybe it was the smattering of broccoli on his right eye, it is hard to say.

Enjoy! Oh, and Enjoy the new recipe link to Butterscotch Bark. I saw it on-line today and I had all of the ingredients to try it out. It was fun, quick, easy, and yummy, so check it out!

Have a Very Elfish Christmas!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1305699702

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1315163830

Santa Baby

This is what happens when you put a Santa Hat on Wade..

At first, he wants to chase after you because you have the camera...

So, you don't get a clear shot...

Then he notices that he has the Santa Hat and tries to pull it off..

Then, it is a battle to keep the hat on..

Then you enlist your older daughter to help..

Then it becomes a wrestling match...

And so, it doesn't really help..

And so you give up..

Merry Christmas!

The Blessings of Missionary Work

After our 11 hour car ride home from Utah on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (yes, we shaved an hour off by only stopping for one meal) I had to re-group quickly and head over to Seattle(a 4 hour car ride) for a very special occasion.

Andres Bennin, who I taught when I was a missionary 11 years ago in the Washington DC South mission, was getting off his mission in Tacoma, WA. For the past two years I have written him letters telling him that SURELY, SOMETIME, I would be in Seattle and I would drive over to see him, and take him to lunch or dinner, and visit. Well, two years seemed to go by in a flash, and I never did get over to Seattle.. I guess with moving from Sandpoint, and having a baby, and dealing with Jaxon issues... I didn't have much free time on my hands.

Anyway, my loving and very supportive husband, sucked it up and took care of the kids for a couple of days so I could go over and see Elder Bennin and his mother who came from DC to get her boy. It was the last chance I was going to have!

It was an amazing and wonderful experience. One that I don't think I will be able to put words to. But I am going to try...

I entered into the transfer meeting and was able to hear his final testimony of the gospel. It was an amazing meeting, and I almost wanted to go out tracting after...but that is another story..During his testimony, he stood and pointed out that the missionary who taught him the gospel was in the back, sitting next to his mom. I almost turned and looked myself, because it seems like a dream that I had long ago. He reminded me that they were found while we were tracking in the blizzard of '96. Truly... it was called by all of the media outlets the BLIZZARD OF '96. I really don't remember how much snow was on the ground, it was a lot.. but mission rules are, if there is snow on the ground with un-plowed roads, you must leave your car parked.

I was companions with a sister I was training at the time, Sister Petty, and we were not in the area where the Doris Larbi and her boys lived, but my next companion was.. and Doris and her boys were found during that week because Sister Burgess and her companion were hoofing it, and tracting, because that is all we could do. I was too, but not in that area.. I was blessed enough to meet up with Sister Burgess the next transfer where we followed up with Doris and her boys to teach a first discussion. I know sister Burgess and I were blessed for tracting during that blizzard! Doris and her boys were baptized two weeks later.

The ward family was very upset that we wanted to rush their baptism along, stating that they had not come to church enough times, and that people fell away too often. This was a ward that had not had a baptism in their ward for a few years... and it was easy to see why at times. The bishop called me and insisted that the baptism be postponed, and to make matters worse, church was cancelled the Sunday they were to be baptized because sludge was coming up through the pipes in the Stake Center. It sure seemed like hell was combining against us. A quick call from my mission President to the bishop, and a relocation to another Stake Center and they were baptized that Sunday. The following week James (the older of the two sons) gave his first talk as a youth speaker at 16 years old. I remember laughing, almost out loud in the back row of the church because he bore the most powerful testimony of the gospel of any new member of the church that I had ever heard. I was laughing because it was a testimony to me, and my companion at that time that the work had not been thwarted, and the Lord's side had won! It was so amazing to hear that testimony.

I came to find out, on this trip to see Andres, that his brother had no notes for that talk, and he had quoted Book of Mormon Scriptures as well as scriptures from the Joseph Smith History... and that he had gone to each ward in the Stake as a speaker with the Stake Predsident....amazing. Now, 11 years later, James has graduated from BYU TWICE and is now an Attorney in North Carolina. He also served a mission in the Los Angeles, CA. mission. He was married in the DC temple about 3 years ago, and just had his first daughter. Andres graduated from BYU in Molecular Biology before he left on his mission and now is planning on getting his JD as well.

I had probably 100 missionaries come up to me after Andres' final testimony, and tell me how knowing him had changed their lives. His nickname in the mission was the rain-maker, because he would baptize in every area... even if there had not been baptisms for years. He baptised over 100 people and had 7 people scheduled for baptism as he was leaving the mission.

Many of those Elders who knew him thanked me... for finding him... But I thank Doris and the boys, for being humble, and prepared, and Heavenly Father, for showing me for years and years the amazing miracle of missionary work, and what a blessing it is in not only your life, but the lives of others, and not only for 18 months, or two years but for a lifetime, and an eternity. I love you guys, thank you for keeping me a part of your life.

More Thanksgiving Memories

What would thanksgiving be without a little Guitar Hero? Well, not much by my family's standards. We had a great time in SLC, and to prove it, here are a few pix. Thanks for the memories!
Trevor and Peter strutting their stuff with guitar hero.


Enjoying the fab food at the Grand America Buffet. I think I may have eaten my weight in shrimp.




Here we are decorating gingerbread houses. Did I mention that a Stewart will use any excuse to put frosting in their mouth? Cool trick hills. . .

Tis the Season to eat FOOD...

Falalalala..la..la..lala..

Well, as part of the Stewart tradition... we stuffed our faces for Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful affair, and we didn't even lift a carving knife! That is right! The Stewart's took the day off in the kitchen by going to the GRAND AMERICA Buffet in SLC. It was great, but I have to admit.. I missed fresh dinner rolls as part of our fabulous dinner tradition. But... NEVER FEAR, we still made dinner rolls anyway.

This picture seemed appropriate after the last statement.



As to the dinner roll dilemma. After 30 years of making "Rita" rolls at all Family affairs, there was actually a NEW roll recipe introduced this holiday. I was mortified that a tradition of 30 (or more) years could be cast aside so carelessly. But, I have to admit, the new recipe was pretty phenomenal. I will post both, and I will still probably use both, because I have been using the "Rita" roll recipe to make home made scones on Sunday nights as part of another family tradition for the last 7 years, so, I can't change that!!! The Rita roll recipe seems to make these scones OHHHHHHHHHHH SOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD... however, I am sure that any old roll recipe would probably be ok.

JUDITH ROLLS were amazing, and I will probably be making these rolls for years to come because this recipe was light, and fluffy, and amazing..so, thanks for sharing Judith!

I am also attaching a link to Paula Deen's Gooey Pumpkin Bars....which we also tested this holiday season.... yummy...

What else did we make? Well, if you know me, or my family, we will use any excuse for CAKE. My little sister Hillary has become quite the baker and I am sure if we had a bake off, it would be a very difficult and close competition. She does have amazing recipes though, and the one she used this time was from Magnolia Bakery (Magnolia Bakery Cook Book) in NYC. The cake was incredible, and I had fond thoughts of it all the way home in the car. Thanks for making that cake Hilby. Check out the posts below. Happy Holidays!

Magnolia Bakery Cake with Butter Cream Frosting

Just don't think about the butter... believe me... it is worth it.

Traditional Vanilla Birthday Cake

1 Cup Softened Butter
2 Cups Sugar
4 Large Eggs at Room Temperature
1 1/2 Cups Self Rising Flour
1 1/4 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 Cup Whole Milk
1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour three 9 x 2 inch round cake pans. Line the bottom with waxed paper.

In a mixer, cream butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time and beat after each addition. Combine the flours and add in four parts the flour, milk and vanilla alternating with each addition. Beat well after each addition. Divide the batter among the cake pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean. Leave in pans for at least 10 minutes, and then remove to cool completely.

If you are making cupcakes, line two 12 cup muffin tins with papers. Spoon the batter into the cups about 3/4 of the way full. Bake until the tops spring back when lightly touched..about 20- 22 minutes. Remove cup cakes from pan and cool completely before frosting.

Traditional Vanilla Buttercream

1 Cup Butter (Very Soft)
8 Cups Confectioners Sugar
1/2 Cup Whole Milk
2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

Place butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and the vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the remaining sugar 1 cup at a time, until icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistancy. (You might not need all of the sugar) If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly. Use and store icing at room temperature, as icing will set if chilled. Store in airtight container for 3 days.

Aunt Judith Rolls

1 Cup Water
1 Cup Butter
3/4 Cup Sugar
2 Tsp. Salt
1 Cup Cold Water
4 Beaten Eggs
2 Pkgs. Yeast
7 1/2 Cups Flour

Bring 1 Cup water to a boil. Add Butter, Sugar, and Salt. Remove from heat and pour into bowl. Add 1 Cup of cold water. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 Cup warm water. When first mixture is luke warm add yeast mixture and beatten eggs. Stir together and add flour. Cover and refridgerate overnight. Divide into thirds. Roll out 1/2 inch thick. Let rise for 4 hours and bake at 400 for 12 minutes.

Freezer tip:

Freeze after rolling out on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, place rolls in a freezer safe bag. To bake, remove from freezer, and let rise for 6 hours, or over night.

Aunt Rita Rolls

2 Pkgs. Yeast
1/4 Cup Warm Water
1 tsp. Sugar

Stir together until yeast dissolves (Let it rest for 5 minutes to foam)

Mix:
1 Cup Hot Water
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 tsp. Salt
1/2 Cup Shortening (melted)

Stir together until sugar and shortening dissolve. Let cool.

Add 3 beaten eggs to shortening mixture. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Fold in yeast mixure and stir in 4 1/2 cups of flour. Mix until smooth. Coat bowl and dough with shortening and let rise 30 minutes then punch down. Cover and refrigerate for eight hours (overnight). Roll out and let rise for 3 to 4 hours. Bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees.

Bubba Dub.

What do we say about Jaxon...???.... He is a great kid, and a fun addition to our family. Many of you know, and some of you don't know, that within the last year, Jaxon has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS, which in short is an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified. (Don't you LOVE acronyms?) ANYWAY, what does that mean? It means that endless hours of research, analysis, testing, retesting, and schooling has been added to his 4 year old life, and my daily schedule.

Really, I shouldn't complain. In all, Jaxon has a great prognosis. He doesn't disable our lives like many children with ASD do to their families. We have minor issues that we deal with that many people don't really even notice.(Unless they have never met him before- (i.e. the UPS man that he invites in to play or eat a meal eventhough he is only there to deliver a box...) As a matter of fact, we really have it easy compared to most. However, that does not dimish the hours of research and testing that it takes to make sure he is getting the right educational, and social training. After 12 months of working on it, I feel like we finally have it under control. What does that mean?

That means that Jaxon leaves for school at 8:00 in the morning, and attends a special program for Autistic Children that allows them to be integrated into a pre-school with "normally" developing children for 2 1/2 hours, and then they have an intervention program for 1 1/2 hours after preschool, and then he gets to come home around 2:00 after a 30 minute bus ride home. On Mondays and Tuesdays he is home for about 1 1/2 hours until we head to the University for the ABA Therapy Preschool- yes this is preschool #2 for the day- (A specific type of Autism Therapy) which is a preschool run by the Special Education Department on campus and allows the students there to have a hands on learning experience in their field. We are there for 1 1/2 hours both nights. On Wednesdays, Abby has dance, but on Thursdays Jaxon is back to Speech Therapy where we have found a "Play Therapy" group that will work on his social skills, and playing with other children.

It is a big week, EVERY week for Jaxon, but overall, we feel blessed and watched over as we try our best to give Jaxon a shot at being integrated into the Public School System. For children with Autism, this is possible with some additional "training" on how to interact in social situations and function with peers. It takes chilren with autism more work to interact socially, follow instructions and focus on tasks. These things just don't come naturally.

At times, I feel guilty that my other two children live their lives around Jaxon's school schedule, and over the past month, I have spent 10 hours in Dr.'s offices while we wait for Jaxon to be analyized, watched, tested, and assessed. However, I feel great success in his placement, and I know that we are doing what is best for him, and he will probably be able to live a normal life. (That is the hope anyway)

I find the most joy in his successes, and fabulous personality. His teachers in the AIM (morning) preschool love him, and push him in all areas of development. We LOVE them, and feel so blessed to have them in his life. What is evern better is that they LOVE Jaxon... (really, what is not to love) and they want to see his success and make sure he reaches his fullest potential.

The best is when we see Jaxon make great strides in understanding, and development. Tonight, while we were reading the Book of Mormon Illustrated stories Peter pointed to a picture of someone being baptized and asked Jaxon...'What are they doing Jaxon?' to which he responded.... washing... (He gets asked these type of questions a million times a day by teachers trying to drill him in comprehension...i.e. He is wearing gloves..why? Because it is cold.) Anyway, Peter informs him that they are being BAPTIZED, and a look of understanding crosses his face as he says, yeah.... BATH-TIZED. - It does seem like some kind of super- hero action bath.. doesn't it? I grinned at him, and winked... and he quickly shot me a perfect wink back... That makes it all worth it.

Yay for me!

So, after a whole year, I finally finished my Thanksgiving project. Last year I saw this sign in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog, and I thought... "That is cute... I don't need to buy it, I can make it!" I roped some girlfriends from the neighborhood in to helping me, and making their own and after 1 year, it is finally done, and hanging in its proper spot. I love looking at it, and thinking, "Hey, that is cute, and I made it!" Anyway, Here is a picture of my little project that should have been done last year!



The turkey is courtesy of Abby from last years kindergarten class.

Cutie Tooter Wader Rooder

Wade is now almost 8 months old! (Well, he will be in 10 days) But the little tyke is crazy busy and is in a full crawl now. Actually, it makes me happy because now he entertains himself better... tearing leaves off plants, tipping over kitty water bowls, tipping over bathroom garbages, crawling under the table and getting stuck, and tearing up magazines... Oh, the fun of an 8 month old. Why now when he happy with his freedom does he have to start cutting teeth????


I took a few pix I had to share. His hair is getting more red, and full. I think he actually is more red than Abby was at this age! However, if the expression on his face starts to look repetitive, it is because he has figured out how the camera works... there is a little orange light that goes on, and then a big bright ugly flash! Hence, the stunned face. As soon as he sees the orange light on the camera, his smile goes away because he knows the big flash is coming!!!!!

Oh well, he is still pretty darn cute. :) Enjoy!