tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20283639815551729512024-03-04T23:56:24.066-08:00Family, Food, and GratitudeLaenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-89749342947264404082013-11-26T16:20:00.000-08:002013-11-26T16:20:01.287-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Halloween</span><span style="color: orange;">.</span></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love it.</span></i> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Got to be the perfect holiday: free candy, creative costumes, all about the kids, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">low expectations=difficult to disappoint. What's not to love?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <i>Plus</i>, it's in the Fall--<b><span style="color: red;">Best.</span> <span style="color: orange;">Season.</span> <span style="color: #b45f06;">Ever.</span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dino (and Handler), Holly Golightly, and Clark Kent </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On a Candy Mission</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tyler Scarecrow, Taylor Clark Kent, Kyle the "Chick Magnet", Larsen???,<br /> Colton Super Banana, & Trent Scary Clown (is there any other kind?)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQx89Jvrobd2hey-RsJag5FX8AidOj_6wLwzJMrB_Z9lAQ1RXnWZSDBaKG_DK0Kh6ZNcl-tS-A7X7AOGQkG6uCCvvrzOndnkSvOXusdOWiWsFrWX9UkkNoXlakMKLUTu83wX_ya1wPKG-/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQx89Jvrobd2hey-RsJag5FX8AidOj_6wLwzJMrB_Z9lAQ1RXnWZSDBaKG_DK0Kh6ZNcl-tS-A7X7AOGQkG6uCCvvrzOndnkSvOXusdOWiWsFrWX9UkkNoXlakMKLUTu83wX_ya1wPKG-/s320/011.JPG" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Audrey Hepburn and James Bond, off to an Evening Gala</span></td></tr>
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Minestrone soup is a classic hearty Italian soup with tomatoes, white beans, pasta and vegetables. 1/2 onion, chopped 1 cup carrots, chopped 1 celery rib, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained, rinsed (cannellini or navy) 3 cups chicken broth 1 fresh rosemary sprig 2 bay leaves 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil (or 1 Tbsp dried) 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves (or 2 Tbsp dried) Garlic salt and fresh pepper to taste 1 medium zucchini, chopped 2 cups chopped fresh or frozen (defrosted) spinach 2 cups cooked small pasta like seashell or elbows (al dente) Parmesan cheese to top Rinse and drain beans. Puree beans with 1 cup of the broth in a blender. In a crock pot, combine broth, tomatoes, pureed beans, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Forty minutes before the soup is done cooking, add zucchini and spinach. Cover and cook 30 more minutes. Add cooked pasta, cook 10 minutes more. Remove bay leaves and rosemary sprig. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Ladle soup into bowls and top with parmesan cheese.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-76395481555810364972012-10-18T20:41:00.000-07:002012-10-18T20:41:46.977-07:00Worth the Effort<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4rlv3BHPHM_1_oeBQStyJopOkiviDo9fnuk0QE-Slfw4GykfT4naEbN8aVyB4TiYbj8W9GJInAW0F1YYfUE_D8u9NgHbMuAJABCm8BQPDRcjVs_X3H1UDXQEc64yI62P1d1C9QLd_H6E/s1600/028.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4rlv3BHPHM_1_oeBQStyJopOkiviDo9fnuk0QE-Slfw4GykfT4naEbN8aVyB4TiYbj8W9GJInAW0F1YYfUE_D8u9NgHbMuAJABCm8BQPDRcjVs_X3H1UDXQEc64yI62P1d1C9QLd_H6E/s1600/028.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lo58OZDLMdZwtRR2tPw_SwpQ_cbaNdnK0EJunXhM8ZS85eiC52vNWmd_0-aVIYtoDMXb5PKBDp694ab3vdBqyk23k4YaqsXp74MM9wyvS_xUzkcZrApYTZwX59gg5cgs2cX73jmu2c6E/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Tonight I accidentally dropped my bowl of hot soup down my front, in the process splashing my clothing with broccoli & cheese, breaking my bowl on the granite, and creating a liquid explosion which doused my counter, cooktop, cabinet front and floor.</div>
My first thought was to react with exasperation, but quickly extinguished it with the affirmation, "This is not a big deal. It's a mess to be cleaned up; I've cleaned up a million messes before."<br />
Upon turning to face the mess, however, I suddenly became angry. Many recent trials sprang to my mind. This past year has been a seemingly endless string of stresses, worries, fatigue and fear. I exclaimed to Troy, "When was the last time life was fun? Why is everything hard? Why do I even bother trying when it doesn't seem to make a difference?"<br />
As I went to the laundry room to change out of my soupy clothes, a calm voice came into my mind which said, "Nobody owes you anything. Everything you <i>do</i> have is a gift, and nothing you have has been earned. Remember to be grateful and you will not be tempted to feel entitled."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSd_EXveGlhJ6hpyPGJYDnib_lnUdum-n91C9dHA2jPKAthESneOzLMWq6gcee3O4wwBq_ciPLrcG9G_suiZNeIpFRFU9McYOL_LHUfgLMn65RaAEEboMJrEB8VIfdcvlsEOzugbffxi6/s1600/037.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSd_EXveGlhJ6hpyPGJYDnib_lnUdum-n91C9dHA2jPKAthESneOzLMWq6gcee3O4wwBq_ciPLrcG9G_suiZNeIpFRFU9McYOL_LHUfgLMn65RaAEEboMJrEB8VIfdcvlsEOzugbffxi6/s1600/037.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pomegranate Jewels</td></tr>
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Beside my bed I knelt to pray. I asked for forgiveness, thanking Heavenly Father for the refinement I receive through the trials He gives me. His love surrounded me as He accepted my offering and relieved me of my burden.<br />
Life is and will always be hard. Moments of serenity and beauty, though, however fleeting, must take center stage. If nothing else, the pain helps me to appreciate the joy when it does come, just like I appreciate my extended family so much more because I know what it is like to live without them nearby. Acting in anger leads to regret; gratitude always brings peace. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but
it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love."</i></span> --President Thomas S. Monson<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8kRNrMeu2Ol2nvBT4RA9D3Z67Bv79JRs4Mb3BiD5GlNhkxFbmPqHA4JW1buD1GqhxbtEdfREjROzZKJAb6b27p9RRnPhDrouo50MmBNXEKrjSQdkIzoQBo9_Vj8LsoNB1TkwKYcr_F5m/s1600/006.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8kRNrMeu2Ol2nvBT4RA9D3Z67Bv79JRs4Mb3BiD5GlNhkxFbmPqHA4JW1buD1GqhxbtEdfREjROzZKJAb6b27p9RRnPhDrouo50MmBNXEKrjSQdkIzoQBo9_Vj8LsoNB1TkwKYcr_F5m/s1600/006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenji's tasty wagonload of arils</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRA5h-E8rt2Xp4LPFMujxnpGl2O8R5GZaz_cT8r4Lw7zEHR47KATzjjat4O-hUDarLCq-9RnjKlyDmS1dasTm56phaE_kSHyAEnLbOtontPn0fuXM-s0LDg6h34oIH0sBa4XSbEtn8TGXv/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRA5h-E8rt2Xp4LPFMujxnpGl2O8R5GZaz_cT8r4Lw7zEHR47KATzjjat4O-hUDarLCq-9RnjKlyDmS1dasTm56phaE_kSHyAEnLbOtontPn0fuXM-s0LDg6h34oIH0sBa4XSbEtn8TGXv/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hash House A Go Go</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_IVUHe18HCmYT0oko7anQlRXONqLXcqxFXBv9C2SUw0yXEhaRrdYZrnY1ET-cGdkWEgtEn1Ae1lOHwBdUib5PKymdd01Ct_7rjRlYKUtPPbhVGWq2A6BAS4k0ldJQM-jdd5qqcP5YkyE/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_IVUHe18HCmYT0oko7anQlRXONqLXcqxFXBv9C2SUw0yXEhaRrdYZrnY1ET-cGdkWEgtEn1Ae1lOHwBdUib5PKymdd01Ct_7rjRlYKUtPPbhVGWq2A6BAS4k0ldJQM-jdd5qqcP5YkyE/s1600/005.JPG" height="278" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas Legos</td></tr>
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<br />Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-67944373524360133642012-04-30T12:04:00.000-07:002012-04-30T12:04:44.968-07:00Epiphany of GraceThis morning I awoke with a feeling somewhat like that when one awakens with the remnants of a pleasant dream in mind. You know the type: it's one where you don't want to move for fear the feelings of the dream will slip away; the further into consciousness you go, the further the dream drifts, until it's just a hint of memory and the peace of the dream is lost.
The feeling I had was not an emotion, but a knowledge. I was infused with the indubitable reality of my <i>worth.</i> It was an assurance not only of worth, but also that I am actually a daughter of God. The thought ebbed through my mind, "You are a daughter of God." And then the thoughts grew stronger, rather than weaker as they do in the case of a waking dream.<br />
I began to think of my own beautiful daughter and her worth, and my husband and his worth, and my boys. Then the thoughts poured in: we all need to be loved because we <i>are</i>, to be cherished because we exist.
How I got there I don't recall, since I don't remember dreaming anything in the night. All I do know is that this knowledge felt like the last piece of a puzzle sliding into place, but precariously. I got down on my knees again and again after getting out of bed, thanking the Lord for the epiphany and pleading with Him to help me not to let it slip away. The first thought I had was that I wanted to transmit the feeling to everyone I love, to infuse them with the love that I felt and to strengthen each one of them for their individual struggles and trials to come. It occurred to me that if we could <i>all</i> feel this love, <i>all</i> of the time, no one would ever want to hurt anyone else again. There would be no sin, because all pride and selfishness would disappear. We would understand that pride is useless, and that when we sin we inherently hurt <i>everyone</i>, in one way or another, ourselves included.<br />
As the morning passed, many scripture references and quotes ran through my head, relative to the principle of worth, especially the following:<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"> “Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be
manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with
the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but
ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.”</span>
Joseph Smith, Jr.<br />
On my run, I pictured a sea of humanity, all gathered together in a mass, and I thought, "all of those people are equal in worth to me and we are all children of God". All my life I've sung "I Am a Child of God", and repeated the words, "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him..." Nothing from what I've ever been taught changed for me--what changed is that I finally inhaled. I finally got it, it finally became real in my mind this morning.
So what does this mean? It means the lens of my perspective has changed. Having a clear view of self-worth enables one to clearly see the worth of others. It's impossible to separate the two; it's what the Savior meant when He gave the command to "Love thy neighbor as thyself".<br />
Understanding worth means walking the solid ground between self-degradation and self-aggrandizement. It means giving those who need it, including myself, the benefit of the doubt. It means being slow to judge and quick to forgive.<br />
The gift of this epiphany means that I humbly acknowledge that I am indeed "less than the dust of the earth". In a seeming paradox, this same awareness gives me the surety that I am God's child, and that because of His grace He knows me and loves me beyond my ability to comprehend, despite my nothingness.<br />
The feeling I experienced this morning may not remain with me continually, but now that I have seen, my perspective has changed. I will continue to make many mistakes, but hopefully this knowledge will aid me in doing more of what I know to be right. I know now that Gods' love is not separate and distinct for each of us, but it is universal and all-encompassing; when I choose to sin and thereby hurt another, I choose remove myself from the circle of His love and to shut myself out from receiving all of the love that he Has to give. <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God'; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God, for God is love." <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 John 4:7-8</span></span></span>Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-13020786565760488932012-04-27T14:21:00.002-07:002012-04-27T14:21:32.823-07:00Taylor's War Wound<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
So, normally I have a "deep thought" to write about. I think I've been avoiding those types of thoughts for several months now, or perhaps am incapable of having such due to sleep deprivation. I'm hoping I get some of my brain back after all is said and done. I miss it. Anyway, I digress. </div>
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Today I'm posting Taylor's basketball tournament war wound: a large gash on the right side of his forehead, just below his hairline. He was running for the ball in the second game of the tournament and hit the bleachers 4 subdermal and 13 exterior stitched on the right side of his forehead. </div>
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This was Troy's and my first experience with stitches in one of our children. I have little
hope that it's one of the last, especially with our own "Stitch"
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Taylor's biggest disappointment of the day was not being able to finish playing the game. The best part of his day was being brought two 1/2 gallons of Tillamook Marionberry Pie ice cream by two sympathetic moms (Erinn Thompson and Theresa Kruse). </span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8DdVWwn8oLMsXjoTmAYmnxoynw6klPHlf6htOaZ0px7r7PsZArtV78qIxdcF1w1v40sIw8oxQ87OIYSpcFlxHWzTdYAm4oY6xkR5LiI9I0yMGTEpvHS0qTm2CgLKHVhR72CPokheBEib/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-52272270186554585112012-04-27T14:06:00.000-07:002012-04-27T14:06:27.702-07:00"Pomum Granatum": Apple of Many Seeds<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3IO8QwcVDcFRIxrPytwIbA9kAzFobXJPP6CqQnpTE_LAnfT5_WORUgDXRNdzfP2xq3liyuY_xbS0XAoUwwyOfNUpSCYBdglCypfNwVWoTxFvK9Y1GzO4FAK-8KT1RFcReMuSREKvKowR/s1600/photo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3IO8QwcVDcFRIxrPytwIbA9kAzFobXJPP6CqQnpTE_LAnfT5_WORUgDXRNdzfP2xq3liyuY_xbS0XAoUwwyOfNUpSCYBdglCypfNwVWoTxFvK9Y1GzO4FAK-8KT1RFcReMuSREKvKowR/s320/photo-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Isn't She Cute?</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Today I learned that the flower of a pomegranate is a "balaustine", and the red, fleshy tubular portion from which the petals emerge is called a "calyx".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">To me the blooms just look like little tropical dancing girls with bright, fluttery hula skirts, and our trees are filled with hundreds of them.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQlLboAOlnAbCJvUkVl3qll34fOMUxZRuMMLDoF4oJH0vjIohw-mPwVa9PmXoLNYLoIrt80Vh7i_o77ceoDUdO67glZewsQAGoy_AySiG2eh2WqbhtLQxkK02wXnS_TjPLDjW8QgsnN4u/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQlLboAOlnAbCJvUkVl3qll34fOMUxZRuMMLDoF4oJH0vjIohw-mPwVa9PmXoLNYLoIrt80Vh7i_o77ceoDUdO67glZewsQAGoy_AySiG2eh2WqbhtLQxkK02wXnS_TjPLDjW8QgsnN4u/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Come Halloween there will be seemingly endless pomegranates to pick;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">little Kenji will be in Hog Heaven.</span></div>
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<br />Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-65290806682503890832012-02-19T11:11:00.000-08:002012-02-19T11:11:58.073-08:00White Chicken Chili1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3-4 cans chicken breast)<br />
1 med. onion (or 5 Tbsp dry onion)<br />
3 cloves garlic, crushed (or 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder)<br />
2 4-oz cans green chiles<br />
3 c water (reserve broth from boiling chicken)<br />
3 tsp or 3 cubes chicken bouillon<br />
1 tsp oregano<br />
2 tsp cumin<br />
1/2 tsp pepper (black or cayenne)<br />
2 15-oz cans great northern beans, drained<br />
1 can Cream of Chicken soup, optional<br />
1 c sour cream (or 1 12-oz can evaporated milk), optional<br />
Shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Cojack--whatever suits your fancy)<br />
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Boil chicken breasts on low-medium heat for 20-30 min. Turn off heat, cover, and let sit on stovetop for another 30 min. or so. After 30 min., pull out chicken breasts and dice. Reserve 3 cups of broth to put into the soup. <br />
Combine all ingredients (except sour cream or evaporated milk and grated cheese) in a large pot. Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off burner and add sour cream or evaporated milk, if desired. Serve hot. Top w/ grated cheese, if desired.<br />
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Note: I put in substitutions so that you can also use food storage items for this recipe. The Cream of Chicken soup, sour cream and/or canned milk make this recipe higher in fat, however, they give the soup a creamier, richer base. You may use low-fat versions of these ingredients without compromising flavor as well.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-10432095774054368762012-01-01T21:03:00.000-08:002012-01-03T07:42:02.515-08:00ScotcharoosMom, this one's for you. XOXO<br /><br />1 c peanut butter<br />1 c sugar<br />1 c light Karo syrup<br />6 c Rice Krispies<br />1 c chocolate chips<br />1 c butterscotch chips<br /><br />In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt together peanut butter, sugar and corn syrup. Pour over Rice Krispies in mixing bowl and stir to coat. Press into 9" x 13" cake pan. <br /><br />In a glass bowl, melt chocolate and butterscotch chips in the microwave, stirring at 30-second intervals until smooth. Pour over top of Rice Krispie mixture. <br /><br />Let cool to set up.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-77882691731510240382012-01-01T20:41:00.000-08:002012-01-01T21:03:31.751-08:00Wendy's ChiliThis is supposed to be a knockoff of Wendy's chili. It's simple, hearty, and yummy. We usually eat it sprinkled with cheddar cheese and serve cornbread and honey on the side. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wendy's Chili </span><br /><br />1 lb. ground beef<br />2-8 oz. cans tomato sauce<br />1-14.5 oz. can kidney beans (with liquid)<br />1-14.5 oz. can pinto beans (with liquid)<br />1/2 c onion, diced<br />1-4 oz. can diced green chilies<br />1/4 c celery, diced<br />2 med. tomatoes, chopped, or 1-15 oz. can diced tomatoes<br />1 tsp cumin<br />2 Tbsp chili powder<br />1 tsp black pepper<br />2 tsp salt ( I use garlic salt, usually) <br />1 c water<br /><br />Brown ground beef in a stockpot and drain. Crumble into pea-sized pieces. Add remaining ingredients to browned meat and bring to a simmer over low heat. Let simmer 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. This chili also does well cooking in a crock pot on low all day.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-12711260152310576922011-11-06T18:00:00.000-08:002011-11-06T18:21:11.136-08:00Iced Pumpkin CookiesI love autumn. Love the leaves, the rain, the cool air. I love crisp apples and cider, warm drinks, cinnamon, and pumpkin. Stole this recipe from allrecipes.com. Didn't change it one bit. We all like these, even Troy, my non-sweet-eater. They're fun and seasonal and yummy, a cake-like cookie, reminiscent of a muffin top. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Iced Pumpkin Cookies:</span><br /><br />2 1/2 c flour<br />1 tsp baking powder<br />1 tsp baking soda<br />2 tsp cinnamon<br />1/2 tsp ground nutmeg<br />1/2 tsp ground cloves<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1/2 c butter, softened<br />1 1/2 c white sugar<br />1 c canned pumpkin puree<br />1 egg<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Glaze:</span><br />2 c powdered sugar<br />3 Tbsp milk<br />1 Tbsp melted butter<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions:</span><br /><br />1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves and salt; set aside.<br />2. In medium bowl, cream together the butter and white sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 tsp vanilla to butter mixture; beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls. Flatten slightly, using sugared or wet glass bottom.<br />3. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Allow cookies to cool, loosen from pan, then drizzle glaze with a fork. <br />4. To make glaze: Combine all glaze ingredients and stir to uniformity. Add more milk as desired to achieve drizzling consistency.<br /><br />One review I saw suggested using cream cheese icing--just a thought, if one is so inclined.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-81539094278597012572011-09-14T10:47:00.000-07:002011-09-14T11:15:39.043-07:00CompletionWe all want perfection in our lives, to one degree or another. This is how we were made. This is why we strive. But, being mortal, we often try to achieve that perfection in the easiest way possible. A magic pill that will peel off the pounds. A new book to read that will transform our relationships. We tell ourselves that our lives will be perfect if only.... And then we will be happy. Because this is the ultimate goal of our perfection, isn't it? It is to be supernally happy, at peace, and comfortable in our own skins.<br />So I think of the ways I've thought would make me complete. Another medal in another race. A new home, a perpetually clean and orderly home, like my neighbor's house down the street. Losing 7.5 pounds. A new hair color. A different hairstyle. Clothes more like so-and-so's clothes. Living somewhere else. Etc, etc. All things about ME serving ME, me looking inward, me, me, me.<br />This morning as I stood washing dishes in my pajamas it occurred to me thus: We all of us are striving for completion, perfection, happiness. We many of us look for it in places where it is not to be found, not permanently. The new clothes get old, the new hair color grows out, the new car becomes less shiny. Even developing a talent won't complete a person. I too often forget that completion, wholeness, perfection come only through the Savior. And He doesn't care what I look like or how much money I make. He doesn't care if I'm thin or famous. He just asks for an honest heart, for humility, and He makes up the difference for all that I lack, if I let Him. And when I let Him, I no longer care about competing or keeping up appearances. I can stop worrying about all I haven't done or don't do that is important in the eyes of the world. I can look outward instead of inward. I can develop my gifts and use them to serve others and thereby glorify Him instead of using them to fill the endless hole in my ego. And what a better tool in His hands I can be than playing my old one-note instrument over and over.<br />Letting Him work in me requires faith. It requires letting go of my old security blanket. It means I stop comparing myself to everyone else, stop looking at magazine covers, stop worrying about my reflection in the mirror. It means asking Him each day to let me be of some service to Him in the world, and then listening for His answers. It means letting go of my old self and becoming new in Him. It means making mistakes, saying I'm sorry, and trying again tomorrow. I have a long row to hoe--I won't finish in this lifetime--but I will never, ever walk alone.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-74383561968916579492011-07-24T21:56:00.001-07:002011-07-31T21:10:29.148-07:00Boob Tube<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3znS09__cgVmwFjfUEJ4ziXCFTfdAY8pq9aUft3u5dlH6N1Oloj5WAUExQPyCoQu77grhy64fDBMYRM9THTEDXGvo_2JMRVcE3bjPwMofp5BzSiFWiLbRLB-5Xdfe6PznXpnX8SS4VHZ/s1600/IMAG0020+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3znS09__cgVmwFjfUEJ4ziXCFTfdAY8pq9aUft3u5dlH6N1Oloj5WAUExQPyCoQu77grhy64fDBMYRM9THTEDXGvo_2JMRVcE3bjPwMofp5BzSiFWiLbRLB-5Xdfe6PznXpnX8SS4VHZ/s200/IMAG0020+%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635716068390199266" border="0" /></a><br />I've been giving some thought to what I would do if I had only a few weeks left to live. It is too overwhelming, however, for me to contemplate what I <span style="font-style: italic;">would<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span><span>do; it's easier for me to determine what I would <span><span style="font-style: italic;">not</span><span> do. What I would <span><span style="font-style: italic;">not</span><span> do is watch any more television. I've noticed that the people we watch on t.v. never watch t.v. They are too busy living interesting lives and having fun and being funny. Would we enjoy watching people on t.v. if they were watching television? No! We want to watch them live interesting lives and have fun and be funny. We want to view their relationships and compare them to our own. But why don't we, instead of watching other people live, just live our own lives? Take the extra time to visit a friend or family member? Take the time to write a letter or to develop a talent? Go take a walk, ride a bike, enjoy the breeze on our skins.<br />Now in this light, I will admit to watching movies and television. I do it occasionally--more often than I'd like to. My family does it more than I'd like. But really, more often than not I leave a viewing session feeling less than uplifted. Sometimes I leave it feeling like I've eaten a bowl of ice cream with a cockroach planted in the middle of it.<br />Life is a wonderful gift; when it is too late is often when we realize that it is also all too fleeting.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />So tonight, instead of watching television, I'm going to enjoy the peaches and cream of giving my baby a bath, kissing his soft skin, and inhaling the smell of his velvety brown head. I'm going to listen for the slap of his hands on the tile as he crawls across the kitchen floor. I'm going to make a beautiful salad for my husband, with green lettuce and lovely red tomatoes, meats, and cheeses. I'm going to play games with my older children, listen to them, and look into their eyes and let them know I love them.<br />Looking at the stars, observing the sky, smelling the rain, living each moment. I think if I do these things I don't have to worry whether or not I have two weeks or twenty years left to live, because I'm living genuinely, living my own life. Striving to live each day the way I would live it if it was my last. And there's no cockroach in that ice cream.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-54812764912802765652011-07-24T21:48:00.000-07:002011-07-24T21:55:29.690-07:00More Comfort Food--Homemade Mac and Cheese1 1/2 c uncooked elbow macaroni<br />4 Tbsp butter<br />3 Tbsp flour<br />1 1/2 c milk<br />1 c (4 oz)shredded cheddar<br />2 oz processed American cheese (abt 3 slices)<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1/4 tsp pepper<br /><br />Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside. In a medium-large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until mixture is smooth and thick. Reduce heat, then stir in cheeses, salt and pepper. Continue mixing until cheese is melted. <br />Pour over cooked macaroni and combine. Serve immediately.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-79335024116990074692011-06-19T16:26:00.000-07:002011-06-19T17:39:10.551-07:00Happy Father's Day--Here's to Dads!So, about 12 years ago a social scientist named Gladstone did a study on elephants. Apparently, a pack of teenage male elephants and a female elephant were moved to an isolated park in Africa. Videos were taken which showed packs of these teenage male elephants chasing down rhinos, teasing them, pushing them down, and goring them with their tusks. A bull elephant was brought into the area by the game wardens, and the rhino killings ceased. According to Gladstone’s interpretation, "When fathers are absent, adolescent males become agitated, seem lost and out of control". He and other experts agreed that "studies done with elephants show that boys need strong, mature male influences, they need to know who is in charge, what the rules are, and who holds them accountable." (See "The Kovacs Perspective" on Searchwarp.com)<br />Dads' roles can never be filled by anyone else, no matter how well-meaning those others may be. Even the best mother can't replace the father of her children. A loving father makes a child's home feel safe in a way that nothing else can. His role is to "preside over, provide for,and protect his family" (Proclamation on the Family, 1995). Even a child who has mere memories of his/her father is often motivated, uplifted, encouraged by these memories.<br />I'm offended by television shows and advertisements, jokes and parodies, eye-rolling comments by women which belittle husbands and fathers. You can bet if the tables were turned, and women were degraded in this blatant manner, heads would roll and litigation attorneys' phones would be ringing off the hook. <br />Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating, maybe not. But I love dads. Even imperfect dads, which all of them are but One. But I love dads who try. They show up, they participate, they lead their families, love their wives, guide their children. I love my dad, who went to work every day to support my mother and seven children, who made sure my mother could stay home with us. I love my brothers and brothers-in-law who are dads as I watch them be involved, hands-on Fathers. <br />I love my husband, who supports me emotionally, physically, financially, spiritually. He adores our kids and he shows them who is in charge, what the rules are, and how to be accountable. He works hard and supports our decision for me to be home with our children. He makes our home feel secure. He is a stalwart and a loyal friend. <br />Dads are a beautiful blessing; can you imagine life without them? I don't want to. So Here's to Dads everywhere--keep up the good work! You are often behind the scenes, but we need you, we love you--You Rock.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-4302192863217214062011-06-12T21:16:00.000-07:002011-06-12T21:50:57.947-07:00Richesons' Salmon BBQ SauceWarmer weather means grilled salmon if you live in the great PNW. Got this recipe from my parents; they got it from some family friends in Burlington, WA. Now we rarely eat salmon prepared any other way. One batch should be enough sauce for a 10-15 lb salmon.<br /><br />1/2 c butter<br />2 cloves crushed garlic<br />1 Tbsp Worcestershire<br />3 Tbsp soy sauce<br />2 Tbsp ketchup<br />1 Tbsp dry mustard<br /><br />Boil all ingredients together in small saucepan. Pour over salmon on the grill as it is cooking.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-47352017623551770632011-06-05T15:50:00.000-07:002011-06-05T15:57:52.546-07:00Lemon Tart SquaresOne of Troy's and Mom's favorites.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crust:</span></span><br /><br />1 c softened butter<br />1/4 c powdered sugar<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />2 c flour<br /><br />Blend together thoroughly; texture should be crumbly. Press into 9 x 13 x 2 cake pan (spray with Pam first).<br />Bake at 350 for 15 min, cool slightly.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Filling:</span></span><br /><br />4 eggs, beaten<br />3 oz lemon juice<br />2 c granulated sugar<br />1/4 c flour<br />1 tsp vanilla<br /><br />Combine flour and sugar. Mix eggs and lemon juice into flour and sugar mixture. Blend thoroughly. Pour into baked crust.<br />Bake @ 350 for 25 min. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Allow to cool before cutting.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-25538527275945271192011-05-26T15:13:00.000-07:002011-05-26T15:49:43.948-07:00Mom's Sweet Recipes<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Congo Squares<span></span></span><br /><br />3/4 c butter<br />1 lb brown sugar<br /><br />Melt together until sugar dissolves. Allow to cool and add:<br /><br />3 eggs, one at a time<br />1 tsp. vanilla<br />In a separate bowl, sift together:<br />2 1/2 c flour<br />2 1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1 tsp salt<br /><br />Add butter/sugar mixture to flour mixture. When batter is completely cool, add:<br /><br />1 12oz. bag chocolate chips<br />chopped walnuts, if desired.<br /><br />Pour into greased and floured 9 x 13 x 2 pan. Bake at 350 for 30-35 min, until golden.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />Mom's Peach Pie</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Crust:</span><br />1 cube butter<br />2 Tbsp granulated sugar<br />1 c flour<br />pinch salt<br /><br />Combine dry ingredients, then cut butter in. Press into pie tin and flute edges. Bake at 350 for 15-20 min.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Filling:</span><br />1/2 c cold pineapple juice<br />1/4 c corn starch<br />pinch salt<br />3/4 c sugar<br />1 sm pkg Peach Jell-O<br />2 Tbsp lemon juice<br />4 large peaches<br /><br />Add 2/3 c boiling water and cook until thick; add Jell-O and boil 1 min. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Let set up partially in bowl, then cut peaches into mixture and pour into crust. Keep refrigerated.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Sour Cream Chocolate Cake</span><br /><br />2 c flour<br />2 c sugar<br />1 tsp baking soda<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1 c water<br />1 c butter<br />1/4 c baking cocoa<br />1/2 c sour cream<br />2 eggs<br />1 c chocolate chips<br /><br />Combine flour, sugar, soda and salt; set aside. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt together butter, cocoa and water; bring to a low boil. Pour into flour mixture and stir to combine. Beat in sour cream and eggs. When mixture has cooled sufficiently, stir in chocolate chips. Pour into greased 9 x 13 x 2 pan and bake at 350 for 35-38 min. Cool for 5 min.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Frosting:</span></span><br /><br />1/4 c butter<br />3 Tbsp milk<br />2 Tbsp baking cocoa<br />2 c powdered sugar<br />1 tsp vanilla<br /><br />While cake is cooling, combine butter, milk and cocoa in saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Pour over warm cake.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-67285133638863721922011-05-26T14:38:00.001-07:002011-05-26T15:13:23.253-07:00Hard Things are Good Things, tooSo, a few weeks ago in RS we had a lesson on gratitude. Our teacher took it a step further, asking us to find good in our trials, even gratitude for our afflictions. Upon considering my teacher's remarks, I can honestly say, looking back, that I am extremely grateful for some of the ugliest trials I have suffered through, because they have strengthened me, changed me, and helped me to know how to empathize with others who have suffered or do suffer as well. Even the trials I have brought upon myself by my own poor choices, although it would have been better to avoid them altogether, have given me a greater appreciation for the infinite blessings of the Savior's Atonement. I'm working also to look for good in trials <span style="font-style: italic;">as</span> I am suffering them, which seems to be the most difficult for me to do.<br />Here is a quote from Elder Richard G. Scott's talk "The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness":<br />"The Lord is intent on your personal growth and development. Your progress is accelerated when you willingly allow Him to lead you through every growth experience you encounter, whether you welcome the experience or not. Trust in the Lord. Ask to be led by the Spirit to know His will. Be willing to accept it. You will then qualify for the greatest happiness and the heights of attainment from this mortal experience."<br />The most important thing I've learned about the relationship between gratitude and affliction is that the more grateful I am, the less afflicted I feel, and the more afflicted I think I am, the less grateful I am able to be. The Savior is the source of all light and joy and peace; I know I am eternally indebted to Him for every breath I take, every smile I enjoy from my baby, every warm touch I am blessed to give or to receive. It is up to me to receive that Light.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-6081450714004837582011-05-15T22:18:00.001-07:002011-05-15T22:31:23.935-07:00Sopa Azteca2-3 chicken breast halves<br />1/2 Tbsp. crushed garlic<br />1/2 med. onion, diced<br />1-29 oz. can diced tomatoes<br />2 c. chicken broth (use water from boiling chicken + 2 tsp. chicken bouillon powder)<br />1/4 tsp. salt<br />1/2 tsp. pepper<br />3/4 Tbsp. dried oregano<br />3/4 tsp. dried basil<br />1 tsp. chili powder<br />1/2 tsp. cumin<br />3 carrots, peeled and sliced<br />2-3 celery ribs, sliced<br />1-4 oz. can diced chiles<br />1-2 halved and sliced zucchini<br />1-2 halved and sliced summer squash<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions:</span><br />Boil chicken and shred. Set aside. Saute garlic and onion together. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices. Bring to a boil. Add chicken, carrots, celery and chiles; let simmer until vegetables are tender. Add zucchini and summer squash and simmer until tender. Add more chicken broth if soup is too thick. <br />May serve over fried corn tortilla strips or crushed Fritos. Top with shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro--whatever sounds good to you. This is a great soup to use up summer vegetables.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-1449589659363499862011-05-15T21:39:00.000-07:002011-05-15T22:18:00.409-07:00Zion National Park, April 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA502pZxoF6YPoytlp-3JzGq3r9xeVJCiSyTr7QNMV8-CiWz841rqCXWMpzcGA_C3A-E1Ly0KSqGlZoN4qv2HRZasVbBiwFIzse0SpvciOMRoJTT3ptDYJcRFt-lA6Q1_dEYnTsw7_kWA5/s1600/2011-04-19+12.44.32.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA502pZxoF6YPoytlp-3JzGq3r9xeVJCiSyTr7QNMV8-CiWz841rqCXWMpzcGA_C3A-E1Ly0KSqGlZoN4qv2HRZasVbBiwFIzse0SpvciOMRoJTT3ptDYJcRFt-lA6Q1_dEYnTsw7_kWA5/s200/2011-04-19+12.44.32.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607177305013901426" border="0" /></a><br />A friend of mine asked me today if Kenji ever stops moving. I told her that Taylor said once that we'd know if Kenji was dead, because he would stop moving. He even moves in his sleep. He is a mover and shaker, that one. But how can I complain? I've seen a few children with feeding tubes over the last month or so, lying listless and quiet; my heart breaks for their parents. So, even if my baby climbs me like I'm a mountain or bounces incessantly, I'll take it.<br />Tonight I read the talk by Elder Scott (one of Kenji Scott's namesakes) from this last General Conference (April 2011). It was called "The Eternal Blessings of Marriage". He related several touching experiences about his wife and his family, but one in particular stands out to me.<br />He said, "One night our little son Richard, who had a heart problem, awoke crying. The two of us heard it. Normally my wife always got up to take care of a crying baby, but this time I said, “I’ll take care of him.”<br />"Because of his problem, when he began to cry, his little heart would pound very rapidly. He would throw up and soil the bed clothing. That night I held him very close to try to calm his racing heart and stop his crying as I changed his clothes and put on new bedsheets. I held him until he went to sleep. I didn’t know then that just a few months later he would pass away. I will always remember holding him in my arms in the middle of that night."<br />I can't imagine the hole that losing a child must leave, or having no control but to watch or to struggle to comfort an ailing child, but I am grateful for Elder Scott's example of faith in the Plan of Salvation and the peace he exudes.<br />I am so utterly grateful for the health and growth of my children.<br />Three of Kenji's top front teeth broke through this weekend, with the fourth close behind. He will have sprouted six teeth in a matter of days! It is a relief to him and to me that they have finally cut through; he was miserable for a week or so there.<br />Taylor is maturing so well. It will only be a matter of weeks before he is taller than I am. He has a good handle on things--turning 12 and entering sixth grade has brought him many extra responsibilities, but he is adapting well. He often cares for Kenji when I need help--without being asked. He even got him to sleep this afternoon when Troy and I couldn't get him to calm down.<br />Gabrielle is also growing up to be such a young lady. She has a great blend of beauty and kindness. She is a great student and diligent with her work at school and at home. She is now working on a project of Japan for her school's fourth grade "Around the World" presentations. She has also created a fictional land with its own language, clothing, geography, plants, and natural resources as a project for her GATE class. It is pretty impressive. She even made up an alphabet and numbering system for her country.<br />Troy is still team roping. He won a little bit of money Thursday night at the Las Vegas "Helldorado Days" roping with Dell. He works hard at everything he does. He is my best friend and I am grateful for him. He is loyal to me and he loves our children deeply.<br />I'm mostly grateful for the way the Lord has guided and continues to guide my life. I'm glad He protects me from myself (making stupid choices) and I'm glad He doesn't give me my way when I don't need what I think I need. He has helped me to change, to be more positive and happy; I hope I can continue to have the courage to allow Him to keep working with me. I have a long way to go, I know, but it doesn't worry me anymore. I am just grateful for each new day because I get to start again.<br />Took the kids to Salt Lake to see Mom and Dad off on their mission and to visit with Cindy and family. Had a great weekend there. On the way home we stayed over in Cedar City and then headed up to Zion National Park for part of a day. So this is the picture I'm posting today: the kids at Zion.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-75999580228155333612011-04-03T19:22:00.000-07:002011-04-03T22:09:45.554-07:00Comfort FoodTroy and Taylor love this. I enjoy it as well. I think I could make it every week and they would be happy. Not low fat, but many of my recipes aren't. Just serve it with a green salad and fill up on that first. :-)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chicken Pot Pie</span><br /><br />4 chicken breast halves, boiled and diced<br />2 potatoes, peeled,diced, and cooked (leftover baked potatoes work great)<br />2 c. frozen vegetables--peas and carrots, corn, or a combination of all<br />3 ribs celery, chopped<br />1 sm. or 1/2 lg. onion,chopped<br />1/2 c. butter<br />1/2 c. flour<br />2 c. chicken broth (use 2 c. water from boiling chicken and 2 tsp. chicken bouillon)<br />1 c. milk (I use skim and it works great)<br />1 tsp. garlic salt<br />1/4 tsp. black pepper<br /><br />In a 9" x 13" pan, combine chicken, potatoes, and vegetables. Set aside. <br />Melt butter in large saucepan. Add celery and onion, cook over medium heat until soft. Add flour, salt and pepper; blend well. Stir in chicken broth and milk. Whisk constantly over medium heat until sauce thickens, abt. 2-3 minutes. <br />Pour sauce evenly over chicken and vegetables. Run a rubber scraper around the edges of the pan to allow sauce to run down between the chicken mixture and the sides of the pan. Cover with crust.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pie Crust</span> (for double 9" pie or for 9" x 13" pan)<br /><br />2 c. all-purpose flour<br />1 tsp. salt<br />3/4 c. shortening (chilled and cubed)<br />4-8 Tbsp. ice cold water or seltzer water<br /><br />Blend flour and salt in mixing bowl. Cut shortening into flour mixture using pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 4 Tbsp. water or seltzer over crumbs and continue to blend. Add more water as needed, until dough holds together but is not sticky. Form dough into a ball. Cut two 15" long pieces of wax or parchment paper. Lay dough on one piece, flatten with hands, then lay second piece on top. Roll into a rectangle, approx. 10" x 14" or so and abt. 1/8" thick. Remove top layer of wax paper, carefully invert dough, and lay over the top of the pie filling. Peel bottom layer of wax paper off and discard. Flute edges of crust or tuck down the sides of the pan. Cut long slits in the top for air to escape. <br />Brush top of crust w/ milk, if desired. This will help the crust to brown.<br /><br />Bake pie at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. Serves 6-8.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-60465987247158948232011-03-06T18:04:00.001-08:002011-03-06T18:51:19.911-08:00Spring Training<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggONfCqbfZJbF_VMa_8LPchUzpvvOXQs2_kuIs_3SvK2cBlZgpDwYghu9qjiA7L0dnds5VT16r0p0iaPoc7om0MqBRFQvEXSibnZDHxh1fhHTQlBOcS7ACnONd2SzQG06p5hGsJ351K4SN/s1600/IMG953584.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggONfCqbfZJbF_VMa_8LPchUzpvvOXQs2_kuIs_3SvK2cBlZgpDwYghu9qjiA7L0dnds5VT16r0p0iaPoc7om0MqBRFQvEXSibnZDHxh1fhHTQlBOcS7ACnONd2SzQG06p5hGsJ351K4SN/s200/IMG953584.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581153202473279922" /></a> Had a great weekend! Troy got some tickets for a Diamondbacks Spring Training ball game for us on Saturday--Kenji's first baseball game. The weather was perfect, we had a nice room in Phoenix, travel was easy (of course, that's me talking--Troy did all the driving... ;-)) But I thoroughly enjoyed Troy and the kids and just getting away for a day or two. Best of all, baby Stitch slept for almost 8 hours in his car seat in the hotel room!!! It was the first time I've slept that many hours in a row since I can remember! So nice. I am grateful that life is good, but I am learning to be grateful for for my challenges as well, because that is how strength and character are developed. I am learning to have hope because of the atonement; if not for that it would be so easy to give up, particularly when my own progress seems so slow, or even non-existent. Again, I am grateful for second chances, grateful for the times the Lord cares enough to show me my weaknesses and to chasten me. I'm so grateful to be a wife and mother. I feel more complete now than I ever have, even though I know I have much more to do; I am where I am supposed to be. I'm so grateful for our children, and especially for Stitcher, right now, because he has been the one missing for so long. It feels so right to finally have him here with us! <br /><br />Okay, not sure if I've shared this recipe with anyone before, but I like this one quite a bit, plus it is quick and easy. So here goes:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mexican Lasagna</span><br />16 oz. sour cream<br />2/3 cans cream of chicken soup<br />2-12.5 oz. cans chicken breast<br />2-4 oz. cans diced green chiles<br />1 sm. pkg. corn tortillas<br />1-1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar or co-jack cheese<br /><br />Mix together sour cream, chicken soup, chicken breast, and chiles. Spread a thin layer of sauce on bottom of 9 x 9 or 11 x 7 pan. Cut tortillas into quarters and layer over sauce. Alternate layers of sauce and tortillas until all are used up. Sprinkle cheese over top. Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-76806243038591592292011-02-18T14:48:00.000-08:002011-03-06T18:03:48.903-08:00Creamy Chicken Italiano (for the crockpot)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqq_MVzk22_EVVznDCi6x4ZIpVVkdLayVlY6eICowUB2um7BteLP-nlZYCbfcqE-orr8vF411mmYKWcTukTmxwjhhfGxMlZ551rz7XS0DZI5jKvMbFDEIhot_NHCiTVqlHMDSRmB__xXU/s1600/basketball.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqq_MVzk22_EVVznDCi6x4ZIpVVkdLayVlY6eICowUB2um7BteLP-nlZYCbfcqE-orr8vF411mmYKWcTukTmxwjhhfGxMlZ551rz7XS0DZI5jKvMbFDEIhot_NHCiTVqlHMDSRmB__xXU/s200/basketball.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581152896386144050" /></a><br />4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves<br />1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix<br />1/4 c. water<br />8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (can be low-fat Neufchatel)<br />1 10 3/4 oz. cream of chicken soup<br /><br />Place chicken in crockpot. Combine salad dressing mix and water. Pour over chicken. Cover. Cook on low for 3 hours (add 1 hour for frozen chicken). Combine cream cheese and soup until well blended. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 1 hour more or until chicken juices run clear. Serve over rice.<br /><br />Easy and tasty, hope you like it. Got it from a good friend here in Logandale--Dottie Adams. <br /><br />Life is good here: Taylor and Gabrielle had their last basketball games on Tuesday. They both had a good season. It was great fun to watch Taylor play when he really decided to show up for the games. Poor kid is too much like his mother; he has to turn off his brain and let instinct take over in order to perform. He does a better job of it than I do, however. Both kids are defensive menaces, but not foulers, in general (right, Taylor? :-))<br />We live in a windy, dusty, barren, hot-in-the-summer-and-cold-in-the-winter place, where I don't think anyone would choose to live based on anything like an educated decision. Most of us who live here do it because of the <span style="font-style:italic;">feelings</span> we have about the place and about living here. Such a community, so many wonderful friends and neighbors, so much support. I'm finally to the place that if and when we move on, it will be with fond regret. (But I won't miss the wind. Or summer.) ;-PLaenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-50437515525588852062011-01-30T19:09:00.000-08:002011-01-30T19:28:42.998-08:00Today's RecipeGot this recipe from my sweet mother while visiting her over the Christmas break. It was a sweet, calm, relaxing visit, and I enjoyed my parents thoroughly. I feasted on this bread every morning, since Mom had made plenty. I copied it down to enjoy at home, as well as to keep the memories of my visit in my mind. Of course, since it was me making the recipe, I changed it--as always--but I like it. See what you think!<br /><br />Round Whole Wheat Loaves<br /><br />3 c. all-purpose flour<br />3 c. whole wheat flour<br />2 pkgs. (or 4 1/2 tsp.) active dry yeast<br />3/4 c. warm water<br />1 c. warm milk<br />3/4 c. shortening<br />1/2 c. honey<br />2 tsp. salt<br />3 eggs<br />melted butter<br /><br />1. In a large bowl, combine the flours; set aside. Ina large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, shortening, honey, salt and eggs. Beat in half of the flour mixture until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour mixture to form a soft dough.<br />2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.<br />3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough in half. Shape into round loaves. Place each loaf on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 35 min.<br />4. With a sharp knife, make a deep "x" in top of each loaf. Bake @ 375 for 30-35 min. or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks; brush w/ melted butter.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">My variation:</span> After punching dough down, separate into three equal parts, covering two while working with one. Roll each section into a flat circle and cut into 8 equally-sized wedges. Roll each into a crescent and put onto greased cookie sheet, pointed side down. Cover crescents and let raise 15-20 min. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until golden. Brush with melted butter.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-68886275696172373772011-01-30T18:58:00.000-08:002011-01-30T19:09:32.010-08:00Today we had a fifth-Sunday combined meeting wherein we discussed the relevance of the Personal Progress and Scouting programs for the youth, as well as some of the issues they face which may keep them from achieving their potentials. I was once again reminded what a blessing it is to have the Gospel, to have others who are working with me to guide my children and help them to be spiritually and physically safe. I know that my responsibility to teach and guide them at home is paramount, and must not be left to others, but I am grateful for those who serve in their callings willingly, and who may influence my children in ways that I might not. My greatest desire is that my children will grow up in peace because they have followed the voice of the Spirit throughout their lives. I know that they must develop mastery of self in order to achieve this end--if one has no self-mastery, his agency is lost. The only thing we truly have to give to our Father is our will, and if we don't develop self-mastery, we are not capable of giving that gift to Him, and we cannot progress. My goal is to find an take more opportunities to teach my children gospel principles in every day life.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028363981555172951.post-76671505022794913452011-01-21T14:25:00.000-08:002011-01-21T14:40:19.360-08:00Peanut Butter-Banana-Chocolate Chip Loaf2 1/2 c. flour (I use 1/2 white, 1/2 whole wheat)<br />1/2 c. sugar<br />1/2 c. packed brown sugar<br />1 Tbsp. baking powder<br />3/4 tsp. salt<br />1/4 tsp. cinnamon<br />2 overripe bananas, mashed<br />1 c. milk<br />3/4 c. peanut butter (I like to use super-chunky)<br />3 Tbsp. oil<br />1 tsp. vanilla<br />1 egg<br />1 c. milk chocolate chips<br /><br />Mix together flour, sugars, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and chocolate chips. In another bowl, combine bananas, milk, peanut butter, oil, egg, and vanilla. Add wet mixture to dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour batter into 2 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes. Can also make into muffins; bake at same temperature for 20-25 min. in greased or paper-lined muffin cups.Laenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04210965327499890314noreply@blogger.com