Ready for the New Year!

We had a wonderful Christmas with a lot of fun moments with friends and family. My favorite quotes of the holiday season were:

Madison,"I wish it could be Christmas everyday. It is my favorite day of the year."

Ainsley, opening presents, "Is this a dream? Am I sleeping or am I dreaming?"

Ainsley, after opening presents, "I think I am going to faint!" (then she dramatically collapses onto the couch)

Ainsley,"Is my birthday going to be soon?" (after she realized there were no more gifts to open)

Last night, my mother-in-law told me a funny story about Madison. Madison wanted her cousin Colby to guess her favorite ice cream flavor. She told him it started with a "B". He started guessing...bubble gum, banana, ... Finally he said, What is it? She said, "Banilla". Obviously they have not had that word in 1st grade yet! Too funny!!!

Have a wonderful New Year everyone!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We were not able to send Christmas cards to everyone that I would have wanted to, so here is a copy of what was in our card. The only things I did not mention were that Ben is still in the bishopric and I am the primary chorister. They could leave me in there forever-I love primary. I do not think Ben would say the same about the bishopric but I do know he has loved his experience so far.

Dear Friends and Family-

As this year comes to an end, we hope this letter finds each of you happy and healthy. Our family has had a wonderful year filled with many blessings,

In July we decided to purchase a new home and have since been getting settled in. Little by little it is starting to feel like our home and the kids seem really happy.

The kids are growing up so fast and have not shown any sign of slowing down any time soon.

Madison is 6 ½ (she will not let you forget the ½) and is in 1st grade. She loves school and is extremely social. She enjoyed playing soccer this year and scored her first goal in the last game of the season. She loves to read and color and cannot wait for Christmas! Madison has the amazing ability to make everyone around her smile and laugh. She is friendly to everyone and always talks about how many friends she has.

Ainsley is 4 ½ and we still feel like we are figuring her out. She has a great imagination and loves to sing. She is slowly becoming a great big sister to Logan (when she wants to be). She is a very strong personality that we are blessed to have in our home. She is a very determined little girl and when she wants to do something, she can do anything! The constant goal is to figure out what Ainsley wants to do!

Logan will be 2 in March and has turned into a really fun little boy. His laugh is contagious and he loves playing with his older sisters and Vinny (our dog). I am not sure if his first word was “daddy” or “Vinny”? It was pretty close. Logan is “all boy” and loves to play with any type of ball. He loves to throw things, kick things, break things, climb on things, run over things, jump on things, and most of all-he loves life. He has been such a joy to our family.

Ben is still a CPA with BFBA,LLP and Nicole is loving being at home with the kids. We look forward to what adventures await us in 2009.

Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year!

Love, The Brown Family

Little Man Logan

Here are some recent photos of Logan.

He is getting so big and has been so fun lately!

A Hippo for Christmas

Today we went to Madison's Christmas assembly at school. When I say "we", I mean Ainsley, Logan and myself. I attempted to video tape her adorable performance and failed miserably. First, there was another girls head blocking Madison the entire time. Second, right as the song started-Ainsley decided she could not see and tried to step up on the stroller that Logan was sitting on, knocking him off the stroller entirely. I think I was not the only parent irritated by that point. At least Madison knew we were there right???

When we got home, I had her perform it for the camera again so we can all enjoy it. Here is Madison performing "I want a hippo for Christmas". Enjoy! Remember to pause the christmas music.

Snow, Party, and a Moving Thermometer

Yesterday, we woke up to Slush/Snow on the ground. It was actually really pretty and the kids were so excited to go and play with it. I heard the girls casually telling each other, "I wish the pool would freeze up so we could ice skate. That would be so cool!" I don't think that would be a good thing!

I had my 3rd Annual Recipe Exchange last night and it was a lot of fun. We had 31 recipe participants at around 5 recipes a piece (about 155 recipes!). We had about 36 people here to eat and socialize and do the book exchange-white elephant style. The evening is always a lot of fun for me. This year it was especially fun being in a larger home. It always got very crowded before. I love seeing so many of my friends in one place. I always take my friendships for granted and I am so blessed to have some great friends to have these fun events with.

This morning, Madison woke me up bright and early. I made her go downstairs and watch TV on her own until we were all ready to get up. She came running upstairs telling me, "mom, mom, the baby thermometer if moving the thermometer is moving!" Obviously it was the baby monitor showing that Logan was waking up but I got a good laugh.

Then when I got downstairs, Madison casually asks, "Mom, how was your party last night? Did you have a good time?" It is always funny to hear these casual comments from a 6 year old.

Pumpkin Cake Dessert

This Tuesday, I am hosting my 3rd annual Book and Recipe Exchange. Last year we got close to 30 people and this year it is looking to be more like 40. I am really excited. We get to try tons of great food and since each person brings 5 of their favorite recipes, I get TONS of recipes to try. I will be posting them throughout the upcoming year. Anyway, this recipe post is my shout out to my friend Jaynee. I miss you so much! I will bake this cake in your honor:) This was a cake she brought to one of the exchanges. Thanks Jaynee!

Pumpkin Cake Dessert
I don't like pumpkin very much but I love this cake! It is best served warm!

1 pkg. White or Yellow Cake Mix
Blend with 1/2 cup margarine or butter, til crumbly
Put 1/2 mixture in bottom of 9x13 pan.

Filling:
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
3 Cups Pumpkin
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
1 can evaporated milk

Mix ingredients for filling and pour over crumbs layer. Then sprinkle the rest of the cake mix crumbs over the top of the filling. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Serve with whipped cream or cook whip. Enjoy!

Bacon Wrapped Chicken

We had this for dinner tonight and loved it.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I would use 3 and cut them so they are very thin and you have 6 thin chicken breasts)
8 oz Chive and Onion Cream Cheese Spread
8 strips of bacon (raw)

Soften cream cheese. Pound and flatten chicken breasts and drop a heaping TBS of cream cheese in middle of each breast, pulling up the sides. Wrap with bacon strips and secure with toothpicks. Sprinkle with course black powder. Bake at 375 degrees uncovered for 30 minutes. Change the oven to broil and cook for 10 more minutes to brown the chicken and bacon. I actually did this and then rolled them over and did it again. I wanted the bacon crunchy and it worked well. Enjoy!

Twilight Puppets

For those that have seen the Twilight movie and want a good laugh, you have to watch this. Even if you did not see the film, I am sure you will be able to follow it and get a good laugh. Enjoy! Make sure you pause my Christmas music. It does not really go with it well.

The Girls on the Innkeeper

Today on the way to school we were listening to The Forgotten Carols. Madison wanted to know who was signing the song called "Let Him In". I explained it is the Innkeeper.

Ainsley says, "Oh- I don't like the innkeeper, he does not let people in!"
Madison replies,"Ainsley, he could not let them in. It was too crowded, they could get hurt!"

I never thought of it that way, but okay?

I think she has eventually forgiven the Innkeeper since she continually asks for the "zookeeper" song. Zookeeper, Innkeeper...pretty close right?

Girls Riding Bikes!

The girls are officially riding their bikes without training wheels! They are really exciting. Madison probably could have done this a couple of years ago but we have been lazy about teaching her. She never asked, so we never did it. But now...they are both more than ready and loving it. Watch the video and see the pros! Ainsley needs a bigger bike, but it was so cute to watch her little legs go.

PF Changs Mongolian Beef

Ben loves this meal. It takes time but is good. Thanks Carrie for all the great recipes!

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 pound flank steak
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 large green onions

1. Make the sauce by heating 2 teaspoons of vegetable in a medium saucepan over med/low heat. Don't get the oil too hot or you'll get a major spatter when adding the other liquids. Add ginger and garlic to the pan and quickly add the soy sauce and water before the garlic scorches. Dissolve the brown sugar in the sauce, and then raise the heat to about medium and boil the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Remove it from the heat.

2. Slice the flank steak against the grain into 1/4-inch thick bite-size slices. Tilt the blade of your knife at about a forty-five degree angle to the top of the steak so that you get wider cuts.

3. Dip the steak pieces into the cornstarch to apply a very thin dusting to both sides of each piece of beef. Let the beef sit for about 10 minutes so that the cornstarch sticks.

4. As the beef sits, heat up one cup of oil in a wok (you may also use a skillet for this step as long as the beef will be mostly covered with oil). Heat the oil over medium heat until it's nice and hot, but not smoking. Add the beef to the oil and sauté for just two minutes, or until the beef just begins to darken on the edges. You don't need a thorough cooking here since the beef is going to go back on the heat later. Stir the meat around a little so that it cooks evenly. After a couple minutes, use a large slotted spoon or a spider to take the meat out and onto paper towels, and then pour the oil out of the wok or skillet. Put the pan back over the heat, dump the meat back into it and simmer for one minute. Add the sauce, cook for one minute while stirring, and then add all the green onions. Cook for one more minute, and then remove the beef and onions with tongs or a slotted spoon to a serving plate. Leave the excess sauce behind in the pan.

House Fried Rice

You can pun in more veggies or different meet if you want to. This is easy but takes prep work. My advice would be to do all the prep early in the day. Dice the onion, carrots, celery, etc...when you have time in the day. Put it in baggies or something. Then just throw it together when you are making dinner. The kids loved this and I served it with the homemade Chow Mein. It was a hit. If you want to add the Lettuce Wraps to it, that would be really good as well. Just prep everything ahead of time! You have to get the crunchy Chow Mein noodles to have with this as well. The kids loved them with it.

1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 cup small shrimp - peeled and deveined (I omit this)
1/2 cup diced ham (or add some cooked, crumbled bacon)
1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots - peeled and diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup green peas
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup soy sauce

Cook rice according to package directions. While rice is cooking, heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in sesame oil and stir in onion. Fry until golden, then add garlic. When garlic is lightly browned, mix in shrimp, ham, and chicken. Fry until shrimp is pink.Lower heat to medium and stir in celery, carrot, green pepper, and peas. Fry until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in beaten egg and cook just until egg is scrambled and firm.When rice is done, mix thoroughly with vegetables and stir in soy sauce. Adjust seasoning to your preference and serve immediately.

Chicken Chow Mein

This turned out really good (thanks Carrie). You can add whatever meets and variety of vegies you want. You can easily add carrots or celery if you want to. My advice would be to do the prep early in the day when you have a quiet moment. Once all the prep is done, you can just toss the chicken in to cook and throw it all together at dinner time. The kids loved it. Oh- You HAVE to get the crunchy chow mein noodles to have with it. The kids loved them.

12 ounces chinese noodles
8 ounces boneless chicken breasts, sliced thinly (freezing for about 20 minutes make this task easier)
3 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 ounces snow peas, trimmed
2 ounces ham, finely sliced
1 1/2-2 tablespoons oyster sauce
4 green onions, finely chopped
salt and pepper, to taste

*You'll want to get your prep work done first, because this will cook up very quickly.*Cook noodles according to package directions.Rinse under cold water, and set aside.

After you slice the chicken, place it in a bowl with 2 tsp of soy sauce, the rice vinegar and sesame oil.Toss to coat.Heat half the olive oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.When the oil is nice and hot, add the chicken mixture. Stir fry for 2 minutes, then transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.Wipe the pan out and heat the remaining olive oil.Stir in the garlic, snow peas, and ham.Stir fry for 2-3 minutes.

Add the drained noodles to the pan, and continue to stir fry till the noodles are heated through, about 2 minutes.Add the remaining soy, the oyster sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.You may find you don't need salt.Add the chicken and any juices back to the pan, then add the green onions.Give a final stir and serve immediately. 3-4 servings

Best Ever Meat Loaf

I have tried many, many meatloaf recipes. My husband LOVES meat loaf. This is, by far, our favorite one that he always requests. It is very different than other recipes and looks harder than it is. Try it and you will not regret it!

4 TBS butter
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
2 TBS plus 1/2 teaspoon Chef Paul Prudhomme's Meat Magic (I use meat seasonings mix)
1 TBS Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp minced garlic
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup ketchup
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork (available at Winco:)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup very fine dry bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in 1 Qt sauce pan over medium heat. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, green onions, Meat Magic, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and bay leaves. Cook and stir until mixture starts sticking excessively, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping pan bottom well. Stir in milk and ketchup. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, Cool to room temperature. Discard bay leaves.

Place ground beef and park in un-greased 13x9 inch baking pan. Add eggs, cooked vegetable mixture and bread crumbs. Mix by hand until thoroughly combined. In center of pan, shape mixture into 12x6x1 1/2 inch loaf. Bake, uncovered for 25 minutes. Increase heat to 400 degrees; bake until no longer pink in the center, about 35 minutes longer. Serve immediately.

A Human?

This morning as we were taking Madison to school, Ainsley says, "Mom, I just saw a human walking a family of dogs. A daddy dog, mommy dog and a little baby dog. A human was walking them." Wow, a real life human. Crazy!!!

Blog Soundtrack

The girls and I have had a lot of fun creating our current blog soundtrack. I went to Amazon and found the top selling holiday albums and then looked up the songs on the play list website. We have quite the collection. The girls enjoy sitting at the computer and clicking on different songs. Ben just loves hearing 30 seconds of different songs for hours at a time:) If you need to listen to some Christmas music, feel free to enjoy. We are!

Like Father Like Son...

Here is how Ben and Logan spend their quality time together. Pretty cute.

Christmas Comedy

Yesterday we set up the Christmas tree and decorated the house. The girls had many funny conversations throughout the day that I need to share.

Ainsley-"Mom, the neighbors have rainbow lights up and we don't. I want us to have the same lights they do outside."
Madison-(very firm)"Ainsley, daddy paid a lot of money for the lights we have and he spent a lot of time putting them up. You should be glad for that!"

We decided to put our tree in the front room. Madison had some concerns: "Mom, Santa is going to be so confused. He will come down the chimney and there will be no Christmas tree!"

Ben wanted to tell her that the fact we have no chimney and a glass door on the fireplace might also be an issue for him but he restrained himself. I told her Santa will find the tree. Madison relieved said, "Oh Ya, Santa is magical."

As I was putting the girls to bed last night, Madison asked me if I can tell her stories about when I was a kid at Christmas. (that made me feel so old...mom, tell me about the good ole' days). Ainsley says,"Ya mom, like when you were 3 or 4." No pressure right?

As I was thinking of what I can tell her Ainsley says, "No wait-I want to tell stories from when I was a kid instead!" Wow, I wonder if she can remember back that long ago.

I told the girls that each morning when we woke up, we were not allowed to go wake up grandma and grandpa until 7:00a.m. or they would be grouchy (I added that part in as a little hint). I told them we turned on the Muppets Christmas Carole and watched it until they came downstairs.

Madison's replied, "But mom, whenever we stay at grandma and grandpa's house and wake them up they are not grouchy at us!" Too cute.

I also told them that the night we decorated the tree we would all sit and have snowballs and sing Christmas songs. (snowballs are vanilla ice cream balls with coconut on the outside with a candle in it) Ainsley asks,"how do you sing and eat at the same time?" After I explained that we would eat and then sing she says, "I want a snowball right now!" I told her that "the way far away" grandpa would have to find her one! (good luck dad-no pressure)

To say they are excited for Christmas is an understatement! Even Logan was helping "decorate the tree" and he loves messing up all the girls nativity scenes. This will be a long month with him and decorations. At least he is not eating everything this year right?

O' Christmas Tree...

After a wonderful Thanksgiving with the Brown family, we continued with fun traditions. We woke up to very excited children who were ready to go cut down our Christmas Tree. We do this every year and it has been so fun to see the kids excited to go. I was going to pick just a couple of pictures to post so you don't have to see another slide show, but there were too many cute ones to choose from. Just click on the small pictures to see it quicker if you are getting bored. We had a great morning and the girls are very excited for Christmas to come.

Favorite Recipes

I had decided to post my favorite recipes on my blog so I can have easy access and whenever people ask for one, I can send them here to get it. You will see a Table of Contents on the right with all my favorite recipes updated. I will try to keep these current. Enjoy!

Chili Corn Dog Pie

Chili

1 lb ground beef
1 cup Salsa
¾ cup water
1 can tomato paste
½ lb hot dogs, cut into ½ inch pieces
2 teaspoons chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin

Topping

1 (81/2 oz.) pkg corn muffin mix
4 oz. shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 can Chopped Green Chiles
1/3 cup milk
1 egg beaten

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 9 ½ inch deep dish pie pan or 2-quart casserole with nonstick cooking spray. Cook ground beef in large skillet over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain. Stir in all remaining chili ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes or until mixture has thickened. Spoon into sprayed pie pan. In medium bowl, combine all topping ingredients; blend well. Spoon batter over chili. Bake at 400 degrees for 16 to 21 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Cut into wedges to serve. If desired, serve with chopped green onions and additional Cheddar cheese.

Breakfast Popover

TO SERVE 4 GENEROUSLY:

PREHEAT OVEN TO 400°

MELT 1 CUBE OF BUTTER IN A 9 X 13 PAN

COMBINE IN A BLENDER:

1 CUP FLOUR
1 CUP MILK
1 TSP SALT
8 EGGS

POUR INTO BUTTERED PAN

BAKE AT 400° FOR 12 – 15 MINUTES

SERVE WITH SYRUP (SOME MAY PREFER KETCHUP?)

Chicken Broccoli Divan

2 10 OZ BAGS OF FROZEN BROCCOLI
2 CUPS COOKED CHICKEN
2 CANS OF CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP
1 CUP MAYONNAISE
1 TSP LEMON JUICE
½ TSP CURRY POWDER
1 CUP SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE
½ CUP SOFT BREAD CRUMBS (PIECES OF FRESH BREAD WORK GREAT)
1 TBSP MELTED BUTTER OR MARJARINE
2 CUPS COOKED RICE

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350°

COOK THE BROCCOLI AND DRAIN – I USUALLY STEAM IT

COOK RICE AND FLUFF

CUT UP CHICKEN INTO CUBES

MIX TOGETHER THE CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP, MAYONNAISE, LEMON JUICE, CURRY POWDER, AND CHEESE.

LAYER THE INGREDIENTS IN GREASED 9 X 13 PAN.  RICE, CHICKEN, BROCCOLI, SOUP MIXTURE.

MIX THE MELTED BUTTER WITH BREAD CRUMBS AND PLACE ON TOP.

BAKE AT 350° FOR 30 MINUTES

Chicken Rolls

Serve this with a mixture of Cream of Chicken (or mushroom) and milk for a gravy. Or you can serve it with chicken gravy. It goes great with corn and mash potatoes!

2 cups soda cracker crumbs (saltines)
Sage Seasoning
Poultry seasoning
8 oz Cream Cheese
4 TBS butter or margarine
½ tsp pepper
3 cups cooked chicken
2 pkgs. Crescent rolls

Crush the crackers and season them with sage and poultry seasoning. Mix the butter, cream cheese, pepper and chicken. Separate rolls and flatten them out. Put chicken on roll and fold. Dip rolls in melted butter, roll in cracker crumbs. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet @ 350º for 20 minutes.

BRAISED CHICKEN WITH MUSHROOMS

This recipe can be made with pork cutlets as well. My husband just eats around the mushrooms and still loves it. Serve this with white rice.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
salt and pepper
2 TBS of olive oil
1 lb white mushrooms, sliced ½ inch thick
4 garlic cloves, halved
½ cup dry white wine (optional)
1 ¾ cup chicken stock or broth
2 TBS chopped parsley

1.Sprinkle chicken breasts with ¼ tsp each salt and pepper. Heat 1 TBS oil in large skillet over high heat. Add chicken; cook until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to plate.

2. Add remaining TBS oil to hot skillet. Add mushrooms, garlic, and ¼ tsp salt. Cover; cook over medium heat until mushrooms release their juices, 2-3 minutes. Remove lid. Cook over high heat, tossing occasionally, until mushrooms are golden, 4-5 minutes.

3. Pour wine, if using, into skillet; cook, stirring, until evaporated, 1 minute. Add stock and parsley; cook over medium-high heat until mushrooms are tender and liquid has reduced, 8-10 minutes.

4. Return chicken to skillet. Cover; simmer over
low heat until chicken is cooked through, 10-12 minutes. Serve cutlets with mushrooms and cooking liquid. Garnish w/additional parsley.

TATER TOT CASSEROLE

1 lb ground beef
1 can cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1 package taco seasoning
2 cups shredded taco cheese
1 bag frozen tater tots

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Brown beef in skillet, drain excess fat.
3. Add soup, sour cream and taco seasoning.
4. Stir well and pour over a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
5. Top with cheese, then those wonderful Tater Tots.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until Tots are golden brown.
7. You can add olives to this or corn for a twist. Serve with extra sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

BUTTERSCOTCH BUBBLE LOAF

Can be done with other frozen rolls besides Rhodes.

24 Rhodes white dinner rolls, thawed & halved
½ box Butterscotch Pudding Mix NON-instant
½ cup pecans, chopped (optional)
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup Butter or Margarine

Thaw rolls until soft (about 2 hours @ room temperature). Spray bunt pan or two loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray. Cut dinner rolls in half and dip in dry pudding mix. Arrange rolls in pan, alternately arranging and sprinkling pecans. Sprinkle remaining pudding mix over the top. Combine brown sugar and butter, heat together until butter is melted and syrup is formed. (microwave about 1 ½ minutes) Pour syrup over rolls. Cover with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Let rise until double in size or even with top of the pan. Carefully remove wrap. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. It may be slightly shorter baking time if using two loaf pans. Cover with foil the last 15 minutes of baking. Immediately after baking is done, loosen from sides of the pan with a knife and invert onto a serving plate.

Peanut Butter Treats

The recipe makes a full cookie sheet.

1 ½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cup white karo syrup
2 ¼ cup smooth peanut butter
A full small box of Special K cereal (usually around 9 cups)
1 12 oz package of chocolate chips
1 12 oz package of butterscotch chips

• Put sugar and karo in sauce pan. Heat in pan until sugar is dissolved and liquid is clear. Stir Well.
• Add peanut butter to the sugar and karo mixture and stir well.
• Put this in a LARGE bowl and pour in the special K cereal. Mix really well.
• Pour onto creased cookie sheet. Pat until it gets about 1” thick.
• Melt together in a sauce pan the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips.
• Spread chocolate and butterscotch mixture over the peanut butter mixture.
• Put in refrigerator ONLY until cool and set. Does not take that long

Nicole’s Favorite Cheese Ball

2 small packages of cream cheese
2 tsp finely chopped green onions
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup green peppers
2 tsp seasoned salt
1 can crushed pineapple (well drained)
Crushed nuts

Combine all these ingredients well and then roll into a ball. After it has firmed up, roll it in your favorite nuts. This is best served with Wheat thin crackers.

LIMEADE PUNCH

I made this with Cherry 7up the other day and it was delicious!

1 can frozen Limeade
11 cups of water
2 cups of sugar
1 fresh lime (or lime juice)
2 more limes to use for decoration

1. Put 3 cups of hot water in large sauce pan.
2. Add 2 cups of sugar
3. Add juice from 1 lime or 2-3 TBS lime juice
4. Heat and stir until water is clear
5. Add thawed can of limeade and the remaining 8 cups of water.
6. Pour into 2 gallon size Ziplock bags
7. Freeze
8. Take out 30 minutes before use to allow it to thaw.
9. Put in punch bowl and add 1-1 ½ litter so Sprite or 7up.
10. This is best to serve it slushy! Cut limes for decorations.

STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

6 oz cream cheese softened (I use 8oz)
3 TBS sugar
¼ tsp cinnamon
8 slices sandwich bread
1 egg
1 cup cold water
½ cup flour
1 tsp vanilla
4 TBS butter
Maple Syrup for serving

1. Combine cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Spread on 4 bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices, pressing down gently forming 4 sandwiches.
2. Combine egg, water, flour, and vanilla in shallow pie plate. Melt 2 TBS butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Dip both sides of 2 sandwiches in batter and place in skillet. Cook until deep golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining butter and bread.

Chicken Breasts in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

This is so much better if you cut the chicken in half to make it really thin and then put it over fettuccine or tortellini when done. It is a wonderful pasta sauce. I don’t even like tomatoes and I love this sauce.

1 Tbsp butter
1 garlic clove, pushed through press
1 Tbsp flour
¾ cup chicken broth, divided
½ cup heavy cream
2 Tbs sun-dried tomato slivers in oil
***2 Tbsp of sun-dried tomato slivers is = 4 sun-dried tomato halves
¼ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp crushed red- pepper flakes
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
(4-5 oz each, flattened slightly)


In large skillet, melt butter over medium high heat. Add garlic and cook 20 seconds. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Stir in ½ cup broth, cream, tomatoes, thyme, salt and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute. Pour into measuring cup; set aside. Wipe skillet with a paper towel.

Heat sun-dried tomato oil (1 Tbsp) over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken in oil for 8 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Add remaining ¼ cup broth to pan and bring to a boil scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Mix in cream sauce; add chicken just to heat through.

Hamburger Stroganoff

This is one of my favorite meals. You can make it with or without mushrooms. I always sauté the mushrooms on the side so people can choose to add them or not.

½ cup minced onion
1 clove of minced garlic
¼ cup butter
1 lb ground beef
2 Tbsp flour
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 lb fresh slice mushrooms
1 can (10 ½ oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream

Sauté onion and garlic in butter over medium heat. Stir in meat and brown. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and mushrooms. Cook 5 minutes. Stir in soup. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Heat through. Garnish with parsley. Serve with noodles or rice. I prefer rice.

Best Ever Calzones

You can actually make these with any pizza toppings you would like. We always do pepperoni and olives. It takes time but turns out good.

½ lb Italian sausage browned
2 chicken breasts (boil in seasoned water-cool & shred)
¼ cup chopped onion
1 can sliced olives
½ cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup spaghetti sauce
1 cup grated cheese
1 egg, beaten

Calzone Dough
1 package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1 Tbsp of sugar
2 Tbsp of vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
3 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in sugar, oil, salt, and one cup of flour. Beat until smooth. Mix in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Cover and let rest 5 minutes.

Heat oven to 375°. Prepare calzone dough (see above). Divide into 6 equal parts. Pat each into a 6-inch circle on lightly floured surface. Top half of each circle with sauce, cheese and other ingredients to within 1 inch of edge. Fold dough over filling; fold edge up and pinch securely to seal (a fork works best. Place on greased cookie sheet; brush with egg. Bake until golden brown 25-35 minutes.

Slow Cook Sunday Chicken

Great for Sunday Dinners.

½ cube butter (1/4 cup)
4-6 pieces skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 8 oz pkg.Cream Cheese
1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
1 pkg. Italian dressing (dry mix)

Put butter in crock pot and melt. Put in chicken and sprinkle the dressing on top. Simmer on high for 3-5 hours. When chicken is tender pour in soup and cream cheese. Melt and stir together. Serve over rice. I like to cut the chicken in smaller pieces before I add the soup and cream cheese. Ben likes me to add 1/2 cup chicken broth to this to make it more "gavylike". Then it mixes with the rice more. Either way is delicious.

P.F. Changs Lettuce Wraps

This uses a lot of random ingredients, but once you buy them you will have them for next time! These take a lot of time but are definitely worth it. If you are having it as a meal alone, double the recipe.

3 Tbsp oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup water chestnuts
2/3 cup mushrooms
3 Tbsp chopped onions
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4-5 leaves iceberg lettuce
Special Sauce:
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup water
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 Tbsp ketchup
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/8 tsp sesame oil

Stir Fry Sauce:
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp rice wine vinegar

Make the special sauce by dissolving the sugar in water in a small bowl. Add soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice and sesame oil. Mix well and refrigerate this sauce until you’re ready to serve.

Bring oil to high heat in a wok (or large frying pan). Sauté chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until done. Remove chicken from the pan and cool. Keep oil in pan and keep it hot.

As chicken cools, mince water chestnuts and mushrooms to about the size of small peas.

Prepare the stir fry sauce by mixing the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar together in a small bowl.

When chicken is cool, mince it as the mushrooms and water chestnuts are.

With the pan still on high heat, add another Tbsp of vegetable oil. Add chicken, garlic, onions, water chestnuts and mushrooms to the pan. Add the stir-fry sauce to the pan and sauté the mixture for a couple minutes then serve it with the lettuce cups. Top with the special sauce. *** I usually end up just mixing some of the special sauce in with the stir fry instead of pouring it on the lettuce wrap itself.***

If you want some spice, you can add a mixture of: 1 Tbsp hot mustard, 2 tsp water, and 1-2 tsp garlic and red chili paste.

Easiest Breadsticks Ever

Top with Garlic and Parmesan Cheese for more taste!

1 TBS yeast
1 ½ cups warm water
Mix and let stand 5 minutes

1 TBS sugar
1 tsp salt
3 cups of flout

Knead mixture, let sit 5-10 minutes.
Melt ½ cube of butter.
Put half in bottom of pan.
Roll dough, cut into strips
Twist and put them into the pan.
Cover with butter and Parmesan cheese.Cook at 400 for 5-10 minutes until edges are brown

Potato Cheese Soup

I like to add ham to this YUM! This soup freezes and re-heats well.

2-3 cups of cubed raw potatoes
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
6-8 chicken bouillon cubes
¾ cups flour
¾ cups butter
1 quart half and half
1-3 cups of cheddar cheese

Place all vegetables and bouillon cubes in large pot and cover with water and boil until vegetables are tender.
In separate pot, melt butter and then add flour to form paste.
Then add half and half, stirring constantly till mixture is thickened.
Add white sauce to vegetables.
Salt and pepper and top with grated cheddar cheese to taste.

Taco Soup

After trying many different taco soup recipes, this is our FAVORITE!!!

1 ½ lb hamburger (I use only 1 lb and it is still good)
1 onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 can pork & beans
1 can beef broth
1 can tomato soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can water
1 package taco seasoning
3 TBS parsley (optional)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sauté hamburger, onion and green pepper in soup kettle until meat is brown.
Drain excess fat. Add pork & beans, broth, water, taco seasoning and 2 types of soup.
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Pour into a large bowl and garnish with cheese and parsley.

Ice Cream Log Cake

We make this for everyone’s birthday day.
***MAKE SURE YOU START EARLY IN THE DAY. IT NEEDS A LONG TIME TO FREEZE. WE LIKE MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP ice cream. SERVES ABOUT 10 PEOPLE.

1 CUP FLOUR
1/3 CUP COCOA POWDER
1 1/3 TSP. BAKING POWDER
¼ TSP. SALT
4 EGGS
1 1/3 CUP SUGAR
1/3 CUP WATER (I ADD A LITTLE MORE FOR ADDED MOISTURE)
1 1/3 TSP VANILLA


FRENCH SILK FROSTING:

1/3 CUP MARGARINE, SOFTENED
1 1/3 CUP POWDERED SUGAR
1 OZ MELTED UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE, COOLED
½ TSP VANILLA
1 TBSP. MILK


1. PREHEAT OVEN TO 375°

2. LINE A LARGE COOKIE SHEET WITH WAX PAPER.
GREASE BOTTOM OF PAN, THEN PUT PAPER ON, THEN GREASE THE WAX PAPER.

3. MIX DRY INGREDIENTS. BEAT EGGS IN SMALL BOWL UNTIL THICK AND LEMON COLORED. PUT EGGS INTO LARGE MIXER BOWL. BEAT IN SUGAR GRADUALLY. BEAT IN WATER AND VANILLA ON LOW SPEED. MIX IN DRY INGREDIENTS GRADUALLY. BEAT JUST UNTIL SMOOTH. POUR ONTO WAX PAPER.

4. BAKE 12-15 MINUTES UNTIL TOOTHPICK COMES OUT CLEAN.

5.LOOSEN EDGES WITH KNIFE. INVERT ONTO A DISHTOWEL SPRINKLED WITH A LOT of POWDER SUGAR. (I LIKE TO USE A LOT OF POWDER SUGAR SO IT WILL REMAIN LOOSE ON THE TOWEL.)

6.WHILE STILL HOT, ROLL INTO THE TOWEL. IT WILL SEEM WEIRD BUT JUST ROLL IT UP TIGHT. SET ON COOLING RACK OR COUNTER FOR AT LEAST 2 HOURS.

7. UNROLL AND REMOVE TOWEL. SPREAD SOFTENED ICE CREAM ON CAKE. (MAKE SURE THE ICE CREAM IS NOT TOO SOFT AND LIQUIDY. Barley SOFTEN THE ICE CREAM.) You can put the ice cream in a kitchen aid or mixer for a little to soften it up. ROLL BACK UP. WRAP TIGHT IN PLASTIC WRAP. FREEZE. FROST WITH FRENCH SILK FROSTING (above) AND FREEZE AGAIN.

Pepperoni Pan Pizza

This is the BEST homemade pizza I have ever had.
We have it at least once a month!
MAKES TWO 9-INCH PIZZAS. SERVING 4-6

Dough
1/2 cup olive oil (vegetable oil will work)
¾ cup plus 2 TBS milk, warmed to 110 degrees
2 tsp sugar
2 1/3 cups flour, plus some extra for the counter
1 package instant yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
½ tsp salt

Topping
1 package sliced pepperoni
1 1/3 cups plain tomato sauce (I like to use Pizza Sauce)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1. TO MAKE THE DOUGH: Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 200 degrees. When oven reaches 200 degrees, turn it off. Lightly grease large bowl with cooking spray. Coat each of two 9-inch cake pans with 3 TBS oil.
2. Mix milk, sugar, and remaining 2 TBS oil in measuring cup. Mix flour, yeast and salt in standing mixer fitted with dough hook. Turn machine to low and slowly add milk mixture. After dough comes together, increase speed to medium-low and mix until dough is shiny and smooth, about 5 minutes. Turn dough onto lightly floured counter, gently shape into ball and place in greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in warm oven until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
3. TO SHAPE AND TOP DOUGH: Transfer dough to lightly floured counter, divide in half, and lightly roll each half into ball. Working with 1 dough ball at a time, roll and shape dough into 9 ½- inches round and press into oiled pan. Cover with plastic wrap and set in warm spot (not in the oven) until puffy and slightly risen, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oven to 400 degrees.
4. While dough rises, put half the pepperoni in a single layer on a microwave safe plate lined with 2 paper towels. Cover with 2 more paper towels and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Discard towels and set pepperoni aside; repeat with new paper towels and remaining pepperoni. THIS PART DOES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE. LESS GREASE!!!
5. Remove plastic wrap from dough. Ladle 2/3 cup sauce on each round, leaving ½ inch border around edges. Sprinkle each with 1 ½ cups cheese and top with pepperoni. Bake until cheese is melted and pepperoni is browning around the edges, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven; let pizzas rest in pans for 1 minute. Using spatula, transfer pizzas to cutting board and cut each into 8 wedges. Serve.

Kim Jensen's Salsa

I am not a huge salsa fan so I LOVED this variation!

3 cups finely grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 can chopped olives
1 can green chilies
2-3 Roma tomatoes chopped
1/3 cup cilantro chopped (optional)
4 green onions chopped
1 package good seasoning Italian dressing mix

Mix Italian dressing according to the directions on the envelope.
Pour over the rest of the ingredients.
Refrigerate overnight.
Serve with chips and Enjoy!

Pasta and Spinach Salad

1 16 oz package of pasta (any kind)
1 6oz bag of fresh spinach leaves (found with the salad mixes)
1 2.25oz can of olives
1 4oz package of feta cheese
Cherry tomatoes if you want to add color
1 bottle of Bernsteins Restaurant Recipe Italian Salad Dressing
(I am sure you can use other kinds though J)

Cook the pasta and let it cool. Put all the ingredients together and poor ALL the dressing into the mixture. Stir well and refrigerate. I try to allow at least a few hours to refrigerate so the dressing gets soaked up by the leaves and pasta. You can do it overnight as well.

Apple Brickle Dip

This is the most requested recipe after I make it. Enjoy!!!

1 8oz package of cream cheese
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
¾ package English Toffee Bits or Heath Bar Bits.
Mix all that together and dip with tart apples.

Breaded Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Sauce

I love this recipe because I enjoy it over romaine lettuce, with hard boiled eggs, bacon, corn, cucumbers and more. The kids love the chicken in ketchup. We all win!

Chicken:
1 egg, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
1 ½ tsp garlic powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 quart oil for frying

Place chicken strips into a large, resealable plastic bag. In a small bowl, mix the egg, buttermilk and garlic powder. Pour mixture into bag with chicken. Seal, and refrigerate 2 to 4 hours. In another large, resealable plastic bag, mix together the flour, bread crumbs, salt and baking powder. Remove chicken from refrigerator, and drain, discarding buttermilk mixture. Place chicken in flour mixture bag. Seal, and shake to coat. Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) Carefully place coated chicken in hot oil. Fry until golden brown and juices run clear. Drain on paper towels.

Honey Mustard Dressing:
¼ cup mayonnaise
1+ Tbsp prepared mustard
1+ Tbsp honey
½ Tbsp lemon juice
garlic powder to taste
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Add more mustard and/or honey to your desired taste. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Costa Vida/Cafe Rio Chicken or Pork

(This is so similar to the restaurant and can be used for salads, burritos, or tacos. I have also included the rice recipe that is so good!)

4 Chicken Breasts or 1 pork loin
2 Cans jalapeno El Pato (in green can) (If you like the meat really sweet only use one can)
1 cup brown sugar
a dash of cumin
sprinkle of pepper
sprinkle of garlic salt

Combine all ingredients in crock-pot and cook for 6-8 hours. When done shred and use however you like.

Costa Vida Rice
1 cup rice
2 cups water
3 cubes chicken bouillon
½ tsp dried onion
¼ bunch cilantro
1 tsp oil
1 fresh lime

Cook rice with all ingredients on stove or cooker. Squeeze lime juice over rice and mix before serving.

Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

After trying many of these recipes, this is my favorite.

1 can chopped artichoke hearts
2/3 cup steamed chopped spinach
¾ cup mayo
½ cup Romano cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese
1 clove minced garlic
1 bar of cream cheese
1 can diced chilies
salt/pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Serve with chips, crackers, or bread.

Lime Chicken

2 Chicken Breasts (I like to cut in half and make them really thin! so then I have thin flat ones)
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves minced garlic
3 Tablespoons honey
juice of 2 limes
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
½ tsp salt
¼ ground ginger
pinch of cayenne pepper

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook about three minutes on one side, or until it is nicely browned. Turn chicken over and add garlic to the pan, lower heat to medium low.
 Combine honey, lime juice, soy sauce, salt, ginger, and cayenne and 2 tablespoons water in a bowl, stir, then scrape into the pan with chicken. Simmer for five minutes (or until chicken is cooked through).

Remove chicken to plates and allow sauce to cook a little more to thicken slightly, stirring with a spoon to loosen bits of chicken and brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Spoon sauce over chicken.

Brown Family Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe makes so much dough that I suggest you put them in ball shape on wax paper and freeze them. Once the dough has hardened, take the frozen dough balls and put them in a gallon zip lock bag and cook them whenever you want warm cookies! Adjust the baking time to 11 minutes if cooking frozen dough. I actually always freeze them first, even if I need them right away. For some reason, they turn out perfect that way.

Cream Together:
1 cup shortening
1 cup butter
1 ½ cups sugar
1 ½ cups brown sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla

Mix together in a separate bowl:
4 ½ cups flour
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp salt

Slowly mix dry ingredients in with wet ingredients. There is a lot of flour so take your time! Mix in 1 12 oz bag chocolate chips or 2 cups chocolate chips.

Cook the cookies at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. (11 minutes if using frozen dough) They should come out looking un-cooked but will cool to perfection!

Sunday Brunch French Toast

This is the best French Toast recipe I have ever tried. You actually bake it in the oven and it makes 8 at one time. It still takes some work, but is completely worth it! Ben said it tasted like scones. I thought it tasted like funnel cake. Serve with butter, more syrup, powered sugar or strawberries. All of them tasted great!

8 slices hearty white sandwich bread (I used Texas French Toast Bread)
6 eggs
3/4 cup half and half
1 TBsp vanilla
2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 TBsp brown sugar
1 TBsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 300 degrees. Bake bread on rimmed baking sheet until dry, about 8 minutes per side. Let bread cool 5 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 475 degrees.

2. Whisk eggs, half and half, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt in a 13 x9 pan. Soak 4 slices bread in egg mixture until just saturated, about 30 seconds per side. Transfer to wire rack and repeat with remaining bread.

3. Pour oil onto rimmed baking sheet, turning sheet to coat. Transfer to oven and heat until just smoking, about 4 minutes. Using fork, stir brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon in small bowl until mixture resembles wet sand.

4. Arrange soaked bread on hot baking sheet and bake until golden brown on first side, about 10 minutes. Flip bread and sprinkle evenly with sugar mixture. Cook until sugar is deep brown and bubbling about 6 minutes. Cool toast on wire rack for 2 minutes. Serve.

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Tomatillo Dressing (Cafe Rio/Costa Vida)

In Utah, it is called "Cafe Rio". In California, it is called "Costa Vida". The restaurants are the same. I have already posted on here the recipes for the "Costa Vida Chicken/Pork and Lime Rice" which are so good! I finally found the incredible dressing they make. Here is the recipe:

1 pkg of Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch Dry Mix
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup mayonnaise
1-2 tomatillos, peel (these are with all the herbs usually and look like tiny green peppers in a wrapper)
1/2 - 1 clove of garlic, minced
1/2 - 1/3 bunched cilantro chopped
1/2 tsp lime juice
1/2-1 small Jalapeno, seeds removed

Blend ingredients together in a blender. Add additional mayonnaise if dressing is too thin. Keep refrigerated.

The best way to do this meal is to make it in a large "salad" style with the following layers:

Tortillas
Shredded Cheese melted into the tortilla
Lime Rice
Black Beans
Costa Vida Chicken/Pork or Grilled Chicken
Lettuce (I use Romaine)
Salsa (I use pico do gallo)
Tortilla chips or strips
Guacamole
sour cream
Tomatillo dressing
Squeeze fresh lime on everything

THIS IS SO YUMMY!!!

Payday Bars

We had these at Ainsley's preschool party last year and we all had to have the recipe. They are so good!

1 yellow cake mix
1 egg
1/3 cup melted butter

3 cups mini marshmallows

12 oz peanut butter chips
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup

2 cups rice krispies
2 cups salted peanuts

Crumble together yellow cake mix, egg and 1/3 cup melted butter. Press into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle marshmallows. Bake an additional 3-4 minutes or until puffy.

Melt together the peanut butter chips, 1/2 cup butter and corn syrup. Add to this mixture the Rice Krispies and salted peanuts. Spread over the puffy marshmallows. Cool and Cut.

Note from person who gave me the recipe: "I prefer to use a metal pan. They are MUCH better after they are cold. It's hard not to eat them right away but it is worth the wait."

My Twilight Review

So I went to see the movie Twilight Friday night with a bunch of friends. Here is a picture of us...

The company was wonderful, popcorn yummy (thanks Amy!), and the night out was much needed. The movie, on the other hand, was...what is the word I am looking for...cheesy (expected),low budget (expected), boring (not expected), and overall a disappointment for me. I went expecting very little but came out with even less than that expectation. My advice would be that if you want to watch a good vampire/human love story or warewolf/human love story, watch one of the following:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns, Moonlight (vampire series last tv season) and a fun movie called Blood and Chocolate. (cheesy and fun but seemed to have more funding than Twilight!)

Stealing from a review I found on Mattie's blog (thanks Mattie), I will put which comments I agree with from that review (they had a list of 50 things!).

1. The lines were cute in the book, but corny and forced in the movie.
2. The acting was... lets face it... horrendous. (specifially Edward and Jasper-what was with Jasper???)
3. The facial expressions used were nearly comical when they were to be dramatic
4. The main characters were monotone.
5. While the good, emotional, and overall better actors were lost in the background.
(I liked Alice, Carlise, Esme, and her high school friend. They were all great but not on screen enough.)
6. The audience was lost on weather to believe dramatic moments were SUPPOSED to be funny or not. (I was laughing most of the time).
7. The "spider-monkey" scene (what???)- special effects lacking!
8. Stupid, pointless scenes that made people laugh instead of feel drama (the part where Edward is passing Billy and they stare like each others heads are on fire)(Amen to this one!)
9. The lines were awkward, even for the audience.
10. When Edward suggests he should leave Bella (at the end) her eyes blink so much it makes me think of strobe lights, and her limbs start twitching like she's having a seizure.
11. The music seemed to be forced and misplaced at inopportune moments.(This is actually my biggest issue with the movie.)
12. It seemed to be more of a giant spoof on the book rather than a tasteful representation.

If you want the entire list of 50, let me know. They will make you laugh. I did not agree with them all though. Overall, I had a fun night and I am glad I saw it for the entertainment. I really hope they change things for the next one. I am sorry if I have offended any of the Twilight fans with this honest reveiw. I still really liked the book!

A Madison Moment

I had to sit down to type up this post really quickly. We were cleaning the girls toy room when Madison says to me, "Mom, Ainsley has not helped us clean at all. She is too busy with her diarrhea." I was shocked by this and said,"Madison, we don't talk like that. It is gross." She looked confused and asked what was gross about it. I tried to explain that there are certain things we talk about in the bathroom. She still looked confused and said, "Mom, I forget what that thing is called that Ainsley has." I looked over and it was a DIARY. I could not help but laugh at the misunderstanding. Once Madison figured it out, she was laughing with me.

Ainsley being Ainsley

We finished getting Ainsley ready for preschool and when we were done I said, "Ainsley, you look really cute!" She says, "because I am cute mom!" and walks away. That is my Ainsley at the lovely age of 4. Sassy and rude but I love her.

Last night it was time for dinner and, like always, I could not get her to eat. I told her that she can to her room for the rest of the night with no food. Her response, "That is fine mom. I will just eat a lot of breakfast when I wake up!" How do you respond to that logic? Deny her breakfast? Tempting...

I have decided to pull Ainsley out of preschool. She never wants to go and I would rather not spend the money on a child that has no desire to go. I told her that today was the last day of preschool. I asked her if she was excited about that. Her response,"Yes, I am, but I am only excited to go to school because we are having the Thanksgiving Feast. Otherwise, I don't want to go." See what I have to deal with each day!

Yummy Mandarin Chicken

This is really easy and the kids LOVED it.

2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 TBS lemon juice
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. veg. oil
1/3 cup water
1 TBS cornstarch
4 skinless, boneless, chicken breasts

Combine sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, oil, garlic and ginger in a small saucepan and put it to medium heat stirring. Combine water and cornstarch in a small bowl and stir until cornstarch is dissolved. Add to the saucepan and turn heat to high. Stir often while bringing mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4 to 6 minutes or until sauce is thick.

The original recipe has you grill you chicken. I was lazy and it still turned out great. If you grill it, once they are done- cut them into bite size pieces. If you do not grill it, you can cut it prior to cooking and stir fry the chicken in the bite size pieces. When the chicken is done and the sauce is done, pour the sauce into the frying pan with the chicken and stir it together. Easy and delicious. Serve this over steamed rice.

You can even make this sauce ahead of time adn refrigerat or freeze it. Still very good!

31 Years Young

I just wanted to post a little "Thank You" to all my friends and family that made my 31st birthday a special one. I had a great night out with Ben and even got him to discuss our Christmas budget with me. I had many wonderful phone calls from all my siblings, parents, and friends. I recieved very generous gifts from family and I even bought myself some fun things (oops-I still need to let Ben know that!)I now have some fun holiday decorations, a vanity stool and make-up mirror, much needed playtex cooking ware, and exercise clothes. I cannot believe I am 31 years old. Thank you all for making my life what it is today. I am very blessed.

Funny Madison

Yesterday, Madison walked home with some friends of mine. Madison said that they were talking about how many teeth they have each lost. She then tells me, "Mom, Taylor's mom and Cole's mom are REALLY, REALLY, good friends." I asked her why she thought that. Her response, "They both know the words to a Christmas song about teeth!" I asked her if the song was,"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth"?She was shocked that I knew it too. I told her, "Maybe we are all REALLY good friends!"

Enough!

Tonight the girls were reading books in bed. Madison yells to me, "Mom, what does e-n-o-u-g-h spell?" I answer her, "enough". She was very quiet for a while and then said, "but what does is spell." I say again (much louder), "Enough!" Again there was silence and then I hear, "but mom, I am trying to read this book and I need to know the word." I realized then that she thought I was upset and yelling at her, "ENOUGH!". Poor thing. I had to go up to her and explain that the word was "enough". Too cute!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Nicole's Quote of the Week

So I am always posting funny quotes of the week from the girls, but I need to share mine. I went to Winco today with all 3 kids thinking I could do it. I had a diaper bag full of candy ready to bribe them. Soon, the candy was gone and I had 3 kids screaming and crying for all different reasons. I ended up leaving my half filled cart dragging the kids out of the store. My quote of the week is, "When everyone in Winco is staring at you weird, you really know you have no control of your kids!"

Funny Moments of the Week

I was vacuuming the family room. As I was doing it, Logan decided to dump out an entire bucket of the large sidewalk chalk onto the carpet. Ainsley started screaming, "Mom, don't vacuum up the chalk!" Madison calmly said the Ainsley, "Ainsley, that would be ridiculous. If mommy did that it would go ding, ding, ding, ding."

As the girls were watching a movie, there was a mention to "boarding school". Madison asked me what it meant. I told her it is a school that you go and stay at for along time. She says seriously, "Oh, so it is boring school not boarding school." I laughed and told her that it should be called that but it is not.

Sunday and Sundae

Yesterday, Madison got to go to a church ice cream party. On the way there, I asked her: "What are you going to have on your ice cream sundae?" She started to cry and I asked her why she was crying. She says:

"Mom, I thought it was Saturday. Did I miss my ice cream party?" I explained to her that they are the same word with different meanings. We went on to discuss what makes the best ice cream Sundae!

Sock-Cer

Madison comes up to me this morning and says:

"Mom, I think I know why soccer is called soccer. It is because we wear socks!"

After a moment she gets a strange look on her face and says, "But I don't know why it has the "cer" at the end."

Too funny!

NEW TWILIGHT PREVIEW!

Just Click on "Videos" and see the new Preview for the film.

My Soccer Studs!

Click on the picture to see it better.

Jesus Town

I had to take Logan to the doctor's today because he has an ear infection in both ears. As we were waiting for the medicine, the girls were coloring. They each have a bag that is always packed for church. I brought them just in case we were going to be waiting long. In their church bags, they have coloring pages for every theme: My Little Ponies, Barbie, Princesses, Scripture Stories, Friend Coloring Pages, etc...

As I was chasing Logan around the crowded pharmacy, I heard Madison say, "No Ainsley, you are trying to get to Jesus Christ."

A few minutes later I hear Ainsley yell with her hands up in the air, "Yepee, I made it to Jesus Town!"

I was laughing so hard as I go over to see what they are coloring. It was a maze from Christmas. So many people were laughing.

Oh- and some have asked what the blood was from in Ainsley's hair. Ainsley and Madison had been "playing" with a balloon, more like fighting over the balloon and then next thing I know, Ainsley's head hit the corner of our coffee table. The top of her ear was swollen and cut up in 2 spots. I was so proud that I remained calm and all was fine until Madison starts yelling, "It's Bleeding! It's Bleeding! There is Blood in you hair!" That is when Ainsley started screaming and I just got irritated. I wished the imaginary mom was dealing with all of it. All is well now though.

An Imaginary Mom

Last night while I was trying to do too many things at once, I finally turned to Madison and said,

"Madison, there is only 1 mommy and 3 children that are screaming for something. You will have to wait for me to help you with your homework while I clean the blood from Ainsley's hair and ear and clean up the chips Logan spilled and is currently stomping on."

I hear Madison pouting say, "I wish there was an imaginary mommy to help me. I still want my real mommy, but it would be nice to have an imaginary one too."

I turned to her and said, "I really wish there was one too!"

Playlist Back

So to make myself happy and my girls, I have added my playlist back onto the blog. I do not have it on autoplay so if you want to hear it instead of the disney song, just pause the disney song and play the playlist. Now I can have my music back when I clean!

I don't get it...

The other night we were telling Madison that we think it is time for her to learn to ride her bike without training wheels. She kept giving us a weird look and finally asked, "Wait, Wait, Wait. I am confused. How do you ride a bike with no wheels? I don't get it! I don't want my wheels taken off." I told Ben that we might need to show her what we are talking about. What do you think? Too funny.

Ainsley's soccer coach and his wife put together some cute video clips of Ainsley's soccer team playing. Click HERE if you want to see her team "playing". You may actually see a #30 run past at some point. Thank you Cheleyne and Hyrum for all you do for the team!

New Blog Soundtrack

Ever since we have returned from Disneyland, the girls have loved to sing the song from the Disney Parade of Dreams. So... I have put my usual Brown Family Favorite Songs Playlist to rest for a little while and you are stuck listening to the Parade song each time my blog comes up. If you do not want to hear it over and over again, just push pause on the player. I cannot add the song to my playlist, so until the girls are bored of this- you get to hear it for a while. Enjoy!

What Color is His Tie?

Today we were watching General Conference. Madison had a fun little packet to color and work on during the talks. One of the activities was that she colored the tie of each Apostle. She loved this. Each time a new speaker started she would perk up and ask, "Where is he...What color is his tie? Does it have poka dots or stripes?"

The funniest comment came when in the middle of one of the talks, they were talking about Spencer W. Kimball (who passed away a long time ago). A picture of him came up onto the screen. Madison perked up and said, "Where is he? What color is his tie?" I started laughing and told her that she will be looking for a long time!

Soccer Update

We are half way through our soccer season and it has been interesting. Madison is doing amazing, especially compared to last year. She loves it and is so fun to watch. Ainsley is there, on the field sometimes, which I have to look at as progress.

Today, as we were watching Madison's game, Ben was getting so excited and really cheering her on. He then turned to some of the other parent's and said, "I'm not at all one of those over involved parents am I?" Yes Ben, I think you are.

After the games, Madison thought she needed to coach Ainsley a little bit. I hear her say, "Ainsley, when you are kicking the ball up the field that is called controlling the ball. You need to do that more." Too funny-especially coming from Madison!

Ainsley's Preschool Pictures

Here are Ainsley's preschool pictures. The lady that does them does an amazing job. I am hoping one day to get family pictures done by her. If you like her work, you can see more at www.imagesbyamygriffin.com
Let me know if there is one you like the best. I have to decide which one to buy.

Princesses don't...

I forgot to post my favorite quote while we were at Disneyland. One day we saw Mulan and then Cinderella walking through the park and they were not stopping. I knew they were going on their break but Ainsley asked, "Where are they going mom?" I said, "Probably to use the potty." She said, "Princesses don't go potty mom!" What was I thinking??? Reflecting back on all the princess movies, I guess there is never a seen that they dismiss themselves to use the restroom. Therefore, "Princesses do not use the potty!" Too funny!

DISNEYLAND!

We just returned home for a perfect trip to Disneyland. Thanks to both sets of grandparents, we had a wonderful vacation. We started last Sunday by dropping off Logan with my mom and continuing on our way to southern California. We did Disneyland on Monday, California Adventure on Tuesday and did all our favorites on Wednesday. The girls got autographs from just about every princess and even got to eat breakfast with 4 of them. I have honestly never seen both girls so happy.

Madison's favorites: Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, and Toy Story Ride.
Madison's Least favorite: Tower of Terror
Ainsley's favorites: Finding Nemo Ride, Dumbo, Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story Ride.
Ainsley's Least favorite: Splash Mountain

Thank you to both sets of grandparents for helping us create such fun memories with our daughters.

Slacker Mom

The last couple of weeks have been long ones for me. We all got really sick and Logan has been very, very whinny. He has been waking up in the morning and from naps really, really unhappy. It takes me a long time to settle him down. So, with that disclaimer, I give you my story of the week.

On Wednesday, Ainsley went to school at 1:00 and Logan went down for a nap. Logan woke up from his nap around 2:15. Madison gets out of school at 2:37. I usually leave the house around 2:40 to get her since I do not see her at our meeting spot until around 2:45ish. I was a little distracted this day with Logan waking up screaming at me so I completely lost track of time. I do not think I am the only mother to have ever done this!

So at 2:50 I hear some loud knocks at the door. Madison is there with a friend. My neighbor saw Madison and drove her up to my house (we are only a couple blocks from the school). I felt terrible and thanked the neighbor for her help. Madison asked, "Mom, did you forget all about me?" I said, "I could never forget about you, I just lost track of time. You were only waiting for a couple minutes." She said, "Yes, but it seemed like forever!" That made me feel good. THANK YOU KAYLEEN FOR BRINGING HER HOME:)

The story continues on Friday afternoon. As I was talking on the phone with my mom, there was a knock on the door. Madison answered it and it was Ainsley and my friend. I carpool with my friend so she was dropping her off. After opening the door, Madison yells very loud, "Mom-You lost track of time again!!!" Luckily my friend already knew the story and quickly said, "No, Madison, I was suppose to pick up Ainsley today." Madison seemed very relieved that her mom is not loosing track of time everyday! Hopefully, she is not scarred for life.

My Little Helper

As I was trying to unload the dishwasher, Logan was not wanting to leave the kitchen. Here are some funny pictures I got of the things that kept him busy. Notice the legs off the ground as he hangs on the drawer. Not good for the drawer but a great picture!

Soccer Season Starts

Ainsley and Madison had their first official games this last Saturday. The weather was HOT, HOT, HOT! Madison's team did great and won 5-4 but who is keeping score??? Ainsley's team did okay for their first game out. Ainsley scored (on her own goal) and cried the entire second half, but I know things can only get better with each game right? Thank you to all my friends for taking pictures (since I forgot the camera). I was able to have some great pictures of the girls. Thanks!

Ainsley watching Nemo

So Ainsley and I watched Finding Nemo together tonight and she turns to me in the middle of it and very seriously says, "I don't want to be a fish when I grow up. Then I would be catched. I don't want to be catched." A little while later she says, "And I don't want to be eaten by a whale or a bird either."

Buffalo Chicken Dip

My friend had this on her blog and so I had to try it. We did it for our Labor Day appetizer and it was a huge hit! Especially with the men. Thanks Megan!!!

2 - 10 oz. cans of chunk chicken, drained
2 - 8 oz pkg of cream cheese, softened1 cup ranch dressing
3/4 cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce (this is buffalo wing sauce. I am sure others would work)
1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 bunch of celery, sliced into sticks
tortilla chips

Heat chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese and ranch dressing over medium heat, stirring until well blended. Add 1/2 cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Transfer into a crock pot and top with remaining cheese. Cook on low heat and serve with celery and tortilla chips.

Ainsley Starts School

Ainsley finally got to start Preschool today. Thank Goodness!!! We were both starting to go crazy. Here is she and Logan holding hands walking into her school. The preschool classroom is actually inside a Sports Complex that has an indoor soccer arena, basketball court, batting cage, etc... So she gets to walk through the complex to her room. She was very excited. Logan was more excited about the basketball games going on. That kid is already obsessed with sports!

This is her outside of her classroom with her friend Hailee. I cannot believe how old she looks! She had a great first day and is excited to go back. That is always a good thing!

Madison on Immigration

Madison, "Mom, am I a USA?"
Mom, "What do you mean?"
Madison, "A boy in my class asked me if I was a USA and I did not know what that meant."
Mom, "I do not know what he meant either. The country we live is in called the U.S.A."
Madison, "I thought we lived in California."
Mom, "We do live in California. California is a state in the USA."
Madison, "I thought California was in America."
Mom, "America is the USA."
Madison, "What is it called if you were born in another country and then live here?"
Mom, (very confused where any of this is coming from) "You are called an immigrant."
Madison, "Oh- so I am an immigrant because I was born near the way far away grandma and grandpa and then I moved here." (Mom/Dad- did you know you lived in another country now?)
Mom, (Already laughing) "No, you were born in America, in California. Not another country like Mexico, China, Africa, or places like that."
Madison, "A girl in my class was born in Mexico. Oh Wait...she was born in India I think."
(Ya, I always get that confused as well!) The girl makes me laugh!

Quotes of Today

At Costco, Madison wanted to try a sample of a vitamin drink. I gave her some and she said, "Ahhhhhhhhh. This tastes very nutritious." What does nutritious taste like? Usually that means NOT GOOD!

Tonight I told the girls we are going to have breakfast for dinner. Ainsley responds with, "I love you mom! You are the sweetest best mom ever!" What a contrast to the child that said the last post on quotes. You never know what you are going to hear from her.

Flubber Fun

So, I needed to find something fun for the girls to do this Labor Day weekend. Ben and I have a lot of little projects we are trying to do and it is so hot outside that I needed something to entertain them. My friend, Stacey, posted this on her blog so I thought I would try it. I have played with it before, but never made it myself. I am sure most of you already know about this, but IT WORKED. The girls have loved playing with it all day. Thanks Stacey!!! Ben even played with it a little bit.

Flubber

Mixture 1:
3/4 cup very warm water
1 cup Elmer's glue (I used 2 4 oz bottles)
Food Coloring

Mixture 2:
2 tsp Borax (find it by the laundry detergent and cheap!)
1/2 cup very warm water

Combine mixture 1 in one bowl and mixture 2 in another bowl. Make sure both are mixed well. Pour mixture 1 into mixture 2 and watch the cool reaction. After a couple of minutes, start working the mixture with your hands. After a couple more minutes, it will be dry (not sticky) and ready to play with. The girls loved rolling it out with rolling pins and sticking tooth picks and cookie cutters in. You can store it in a ziploc bag and it will last forever!. My friend also mentioned that if it does stick on anything just use regular vinegar to dissolve the stuff. Have Fun!

Funny Quotes

I have not put any of my kids funny saying lately, so I thought I would try to catch up.

Ainsley-"Do you know what I want to be when I grow up mom? I want to be a mermaid. That is what I am going to be."

Ainsley pushing Logan in the stroller-"You sure are a heavy little boy Logan!"

Madison laying on the bottom of the stairs, not going to bed.
Mom-"Madison, you need to walk yourself upstairs to bed NOW!"
Madison-"I just have to do my stair stretches first." What???

Ainsley was not listening to dad, so Ben was clearly upset at her.
Ainsley-"Well, that's fine dad. Do you know what...I love Mommy, Logan and Madison. And that is all!"
Ben-"Really...I'll remember that the next time you ask me for something."
We sometimes forget that she is only 4!

Dinner with Ainsley
Mom-"Eat your dinner or you will go to your room."
Ainsley-"No I won't go to my room."
Mom- "I will take you to your room"
Ainsley-"No you will not"
Mom- "I am stronger than you, I will always win!"
Ainsley-"No you're not! I will win."
Oh really Ainsley? Why do I feel like I am dealing with a teenager already?

Soccer Season is Here!

Madison had her "seeding tournament" on Saturday. They start it at Under 7's-can you believe that? She had 3 short games to play. We were busy all morning but she did great. She LOVES defense and goalie. She still does not enjoy the running part of the sport. She was very cute and fun to watch. The pictures will show our day!