Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Saltines and Lemonade
Emma has a nightly ritual of eating graham crackers dipped in milk, "dippin crackers" as she calls them, while I read her her bedtime stories. Tonight we happened to be out of both ingredients. I gave her the next best thing, ok the only thing we had, saltines and lemonade. "This doesn't taste very good," she told me. For some reason though, she kept on dippin' and kept on eatin'. What a good sport :)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Someone put that baby back to bed!
Oh Ali! The little nut has taken to waking up at a 5:45 every morning. As soon as she wakes up she wants her milk and cereal. She LOVES cereal. Anyway, this morning, after her second helping of cereal, this is how I found her. I keep telling her 5:45 is much too early :)
Halloween Happenings
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I LOVE HOLIDAYS. They give you so many opportunities for fun!
I had to add this picture....Grandpa snuck Ali a cookie and man, oh, man was she LOVIN' it.
While the kids napped my mom did my hair. It was in DESPERATE need of some maintenance. A trim and color....sure can make a girl feel pretty again. Thanks mom and dad for an AMAZING playdate. It sure was a fun day :).
Saturday evening B and Jess brought Josh and Rebecca over and we all went to a Halloween carnival. Dave had to work so my friend, Jessica, was sweet enough to be my date :) Anyway, a family in the ward puts it on every year. This was my first year going but I was impressed! The decorations were really festive and there were a dozen different carnival games perfect for all ages. The place (their backyard) was packed. It was also dirt cheap, which is always nice :)
Stay tuned because there are a million more Halloween activities we are going to hit....I LOVE this time of year!
On Thursday my parents came down with Matt, Ashtyn and little Carter man for a fun little playdate. My mom brought princess costumes for the girls and a puppy costume for Carter.
After using Grandpa as a horse Emma and Ashtyn helped make some yummy sugar cookies. I gave the girls each a blob of dough to roll out and cut. Emma took the job very seriously while Ashtyn stuck the blob promptly in her mouth. That stressed Emma out a immensely. Little nuts. The girls did GREAT at decorating though. They only ate half of the frosting :)
I had to add this picture....Grandpa snuck Ali a cookie and man, oh, man was she LOVIN' it.
While the kids napped my mom did my hair. It was in DESPERATE need of some maintenance. A trim and color....sure can make a girl feel pretty again. Thanks mom and dad for an AMAZING playdate. It sure was a fun day :).Saturday we biked to the pumpkin patch again but this time with B and Jess' little fam. It was the perfect weather for a leisurely ride! Dave and B rode together giving me and Jess the chance to ride next each other and talk, and talk, and talk some more :)
Saturday evening B and Jess brought Josh and Rebecca over and we all went to a Halloween carnival. Dave had to work so my friend, Jessica, was sweet enough to be my date :) Anyway, a family in the ward puts it on every year. This was my first year going but I was impressed! The decorations were really festive and there were a dozen different carnival games perfect for all ages. The place (their backyard) was packed. It was also dirt cheap, which is always nice :)
Stay tuned because there are a million more Halloween activities we are going to hit....I LOVE this time of year!
Friday, October 24, 2008
A Rising Fashion Star
I always knew this day would come.....
We have all seen those creative children in the grocery store with their polka dot boxers over jeans and a super hero cape on right? While I applauded their creativity and their mother for allowing it, I was silently grateful that my little ones still allowed me to dress them. Don't get me wrong, I have always given my children choices in what they wear but it has been a controlled choice such as, "which shirt do you want to wear today, the yellow one or the purple one?". Today while shopping I began to see I was losing that control, and then after naptime when Emma emerged in her "pretty outfit" I knew my control had flown right out the window.
Yesterday, little Emma informed my mom that she was in desperate need of new shoes. Well, Grandma has a soft heart and gave Em some money for her to buy new shoes with. I took Emma to the store this morning to find her some. I found an adorable pair of trendy brown ones with engraved flowers that I tried to veer Emma towards. Yeah, she was having none of it. She found white strawberry shortcake tennis shoes with sparkly velcro and cherries that lit up and hugged them to her chest and wouldn't let them go. She wandered through the store holding her shoes tightly and muttering to no one in particular, "I LOVE my new shoes. I'm so happy I'm going to cry. They are so pretty and sparkly. I love my new shoes. I love my new shoes..."
This afternoon after naptime she asked me if she could wear her new shoes for her lesson. Sure, what the heck. Well, that is apparently not all Emma had in mind. She came out of her room decked in gray sweats, a long sleeve white shirt with a beautiful princess dress over it, a Dora the explorer snow hat with dingle balls on it with the matching gloves, her favorite pink striped socks and of course...the shoes. I know somewhere my mom is laughing like crazy because you see, all these articles have been gifts from grandma over the years. So not only are they super pretty, they are very special to little Em. So, if you see me in the store with my little fashion star, please applaud Emma for her creativity.....and me for allowing it :)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Something Kinda Fun :)
So, I was blog hopping (which I am totally embarrassed to admit) and found this. I thought it would be fun. Besides, I use my blog as my history and thought this would be a great addition. A quick warning...it is all about pregnancy, so, if that's not your thing, you're excused :)
Color code: Emma, Ali
Color code: Emma, Ali
1. Were you married at the time of the birth?
Yes
Yes
2. What were your reactions when you found out you were pregnant?
Wow....I was shocked, excited, scared it couldn't really be true and above all, so, so happy. I was told by a fertility doctor several months before that, that the only chance I would have of getting pregnant would be with medical help (which we could not even come close to affording). I sat there by myself just shaking and crying and then paged Dave 911 (emergency).
Happy, oh so happy. We were beginning to worry that Emma was a fluke, a lucky one. At the same time though, scared. I was not looking forward to all the barfing and weight gain again.
3. How old were you?
21
23
4. How did you find out you were pregnant?
I was sick. Really sick. I was also really sensitive to smells. That and my body just felt weird. I really noticed it in my cross training class, I was sore and wasn't able to work out the same. On a whim I took a test one morning while Dave was home, I peed on the stick wrong (don't ask) so Dave went to work and I went on with my day. Later that day I decided, what the heck and tried another one. Yup...it was positive :)
I was sick. I woke up one morning completely exhausted, puked and then looked in the mirror with a smile on my face knowing I was pregnant. I headed to the dollar store with Emma to pick up a test just to make sure. After the positive result I paged Dave at work....911.
5. Who did you tell first?
Dave. Dave then told a random co-worker.
Dave. After that....I just can't remember. I'm not very good at keeping things I'm really excited about a secret though, so I'm sure I started calling family and friends right away.
6. Did you want to find out the sex?
Oh yeah!
Yup!
7. Due date:
June 12th
September 25th
8. Did you deliver child early or late?
5 days early
10 days early
9. Did you have morning sickness?
Man oh man did I ever. On a GREAT day I would only barf a few times. There were some days I spent all day in bed, getting up only to run to the bathroom. I failed 2 classes that semester (SO NOT ME!) because I spent most of class in the bathroom. Luckily it started to fade at 41/2 months and I was 100% over it by 7 months.
Not to bad. I was nauseous but didn't barf a whole lot. It ended at 3 months.
10. What did you crave?
I didn't really get cravings I got aversions. Pasta and sweets made me SICK. I saw a billboard once with spaghetti on it and had to pull over to yak.
Once again, I didn't really crave things, I had aversions-sweets, especially CHOCOLATE! Which is so crazy because I love sweets-especially chocolate. Couldn't stomach them though, at least for the first few months. I guess with both pregnancies the closest thing I had to cravings was my constant desire for fruit.
11. Who irritated you the most?
Hehe, I'm not sure why but...MEN. I couldn't stand them!!! For no logical reason, I would see a man, or be talking to one and get all mad and agitated and want to beat them-and I'm not a violent person. The exceptions were Dave (thank heavens) and my brother-in-law, Brandon.
I'd rather not talk about it.
12. What was your child's sex?
Girl
Girl!
13. How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy?
35
32
14. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy?
Not really. In the beginning of the pregnancy my placenta started to tear away from the uterus, but it healed itself. They were also concerned most the pregnancy because my belly was measuring small and then at about 32 weeks (I think) they thought the baby had stopped growing all together.
Once again, not really. My doctor had the same worry as with Emma, my stomach was always measuring in small and again at 32 weeks she feared the baby had stopped growing.
15. Where did you give birth to your child?
At the U
At the U
16. How many hours were you in labor?
About 12
Hmmmm.....When Dave left for work at 7 my contractions were getting pretty consistent and intense, I delivered Ali just before midnight so I'd say 5-6 hours.
17. Who drove you to the hospital?
Dave. I went into labor at work and had Dave come pick me up and take me over.
B, Jess, little Josh and Emma :) Dave was working for the ambulance so he just met me at the hospital. B and Jess were GREAT sports about driving me. I was in REALLY hard labor by the time I called them and asked them to come pick me up and not very social. Did I mention B sped AND ran red lights to get me there?! I was so scared we weren't going to make it in time.
18. Who watched?
Dave, my awesome doctor and a nurse.
Dave, my awesome doctor, a nurse and a med student who was obsessed with placentas. There may have been a few other medical stragglers in there as well but frankly, I had other things on my mind.
19. Did you take medicine to ease the pain?
Yup. I actually wanted to go natural (no idea why) but after 8 hours I was done and asked for an epidural.
As soon as I got to the hospital I asked for meds, ANYTHING. The dang nurse told me not until I was officially admitted, she then checked me and told me we might not have time. I was not happy. Luckily the anesthesiologist was close by and not busy.
20. How much did your child weigh?
7 lb 2 oz.
6 lbs. 13 oz.
21. Why did you name him/her the name you picked?
Emma Mykenzie....we just loved the name. We actually decided while we were on a date what we would name our daughter if we got married and had kids and amazingly, we stuck with it.
Ali....once again, loved the name. It was the right amount of girly and sporty. Ali's middle name is Lynn, after Dave's amazing mom.
And last but not least...some pics. Before judging me harshly remember it was in the middle of the night and I had just given birth in both pictures. Not a girls prettiest moments, but definitely, two of my happiest, and most memorable moments.
My lovely little Emma
My Sweet baby Ali
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Start Using....Pumpkins!
One of the things I love about Fall is the Plethora of Pumpkins. Seriously, they are EVERYWHERE. Of course, they are fun to carve and use as decorations but my favorite thing to do with pumpkins is.....cook. Suprised? Hehe. The pumpkin is a marvelous vegetable that is low in calories and fat and full of beta-carotene (an antioxidant) and potassium. It's seeds are also loaded with other goodies such as, protein, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper and essential fatty acids. Oh, and they taste good, thats the most important part :) I must admit, I usually use canned pumpkin in my recipes but have been reading up on how to cook and store fresh pumpkins. Anyway, I wanted to share some of my favorite pumpkin recipes with you....hope you enjoy! Also, please feel free to share any of yours in the comments section.
Another quick note...Dave finally got a spare moment and was able to blog about our weekend ride.
Toasty Pumpkin Waffles with Maple Cranberry Butter
Vanilla Pumpkin Pie
Penne with Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Combine ingredients and place on cookie sheet in heaping teaspoons. Bake 10-12 minutes at 350.
Directions: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the pumpkin, buttermilk, eggs, molasses and orange peel. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt; gradually add to pumpkin mixture just until blended. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. For topping, combine flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the muffin comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Yield: 1 dozen.
Another quick note...Dave finally got a spare moment and was able to blog about our weekend ride.
Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll
1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup Pure Pumpkin
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)
PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar.
COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and slat in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.
BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
BEAT cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup Pure Pumpkin
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)
PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar.
COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and slat in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.
BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
BEAT cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Toasty Pumpkin Waffles with Maple Cranberry Butter1 cup all-purpose flour (or wheat)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1-1/4 cups milk
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
4-1/2 teaspoons butter, melted
1/3 cup chopped pecans
MAPLE CRANBERRY BUTTER:
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup butter, softened
Additional maple syrup, optional
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1-1/4 cups milk
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
4-1/2 teaspoons butter, melted
1/3 cup chopped pecans
MAPLE CRANBERRY BUTTER:
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup butter, softened
Additional maple syrup, optional
In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk the egg, milk, pumpkin and butter; stir into dry ingredients until blended. Fold in pecans. Bake in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine cranberries and syrup. Cook over medium heat until berries pop, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a small mixing bowl; cool slightly. Beat in butter until blended. Serve waffles with maple cranberry butter and syrup if desired. Refrigerate or freeze leftover butter.
Vanilla Pumpkin Pie*I'm not a huge fan of pumpkin pie...but I really like this one*
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
2 eggs
3/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, flour, salt vanilla and cinnamon. Pour filling into pie shell.
Bake for 20 minutes at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) then turn oven temperature down to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking 40 more minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
2 eggs
3/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, flour, salt vanilla and cinnamon. Pour filling into pie shell.
Bake for 20 minutes at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) then turn oven temperature down to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking 40 more minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Penne with Pumpkin Cream Sauce
*This is a yummy one I stole from Emmy's page*
Easy Pumpkin Cookies*my sister-in-law introduced me to these a couple of years ago. So yummy and so easy. Great to make with kids*
1 lb. penne pasta
2 tbsp. butter
1 onion, chopped
Salt and pepper
1 15-oz. can pumpkin puree
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for topping
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking water.In the same pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onion and season with salt and pepper; cook, stirring until softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in the pumpkin and cream and bring to a boil. Return the pasta to the pot along with the reserved pasta cooking water and toss. Stir in the parmesan; season with salt and pepper.Top the pasta with the parsley and more parmesan.
Pumpkin Gobs
1 1/2 cups solid pack pumpkin puree
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the butter or margarine with the sugar. Beat in the pumpkin, egg and vanilla.
Stir the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and ground cinnamon into the pumpkin mixture. Blend until combined.
Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 12 to 14 minutes. Let cookies cool completely then sandwich two cookies together with Cream Cheese Filling.
1 1/2 cups solid pack pumpkin puree
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the butter or margarine with the sugar. Beat in the pumpkin, egg and vanilla.
Stir the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and ground cinnamon into the pumpkin mixture. Blend until combined.
Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 12 to 14 minutes. Let cookies cool completely then sandwich two cookies together with Cream Cheese Filling.
Easy Pumpkin Cookies
2 boxes spice cake mix
1 lg jar pumpkin
1 bag chocolate chips
1 lg jar pumpkin
1 bag chocolate chips
Combine ingredients and place on cookie sheet in heaping teaspoons. Bake 10-12 minutes at 350.
Black bean 'n' pumpkin Chili
*I recomend adding just a little bit of hot sauce to this one*
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups chicken broth
2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
2-1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups chicken broth
2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
2-1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
In a large skillet, saute the onion, yellow pepper and garlic in oil until tender. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker; stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until heated through.
Pumpkin and Gingerbread Trifle
2 packages (14-1/2 ounces each) gingerbread cake mix
1 package (4.6 ounces) cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix
3 cups milk
1 can (29 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
1 package (4.6 ounces) cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix
3 cups milk
1 can (29 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
Prepare and bake gingerbread according to package directions, using two greased 9-in. round baking pans. Cool completely on wire racks. Meanwhile, for pudding, in a large saucepan, combine pudding mix and milk; stir until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes longer or until thickened. Remove from the heat; cool to room temperature. Combine pumpkin and brown sugar; stir into pudding. In a 4-qt. glass serving bowl, crumble one gingerbread cake; gently press down. Top with half of pudding mixture and whipped topping. Repeat layers. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Yield: 25 servings (1 cup each).
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
1 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1 pinch salt
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1 pinch salt
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.
Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.
Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 to 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
STREUSEL TOPPING:
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons cold butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 to 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
STREUSEL TOPPING:
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons cold butter
Directions: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the pumpkin, buttermilk, eggs, molasses and orange peel. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt; gradually add to pumpkin mixture just until blended. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. For topping, combine flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the muffin comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Yield: 1 dozen.
Monday, October 20, 2008
20 Miles and 3 Patches
Patch #1....Dave's back tire goes flat at mile 2.5
Patch # 2.....Dave's front tire goes flat at mile 5. Are you kidding me?! Maybe we should just head home.
Patch # 3....Pack's Pumpkin Patch, mile 10. We made it!!!
Every year we go to Pack's Pumpkin Patch for our Halloween pumpkins. We usually drive but this year while I was out on a ride with the little ones I found the patch via back roads....so, this year, we decided to save some gas (almost a gallon, hehe), get some exercise and bike to the patch. With all the flats Dave kept getting we almost gave up. Luckily we kept going and even made it back home with a patch to spare. Anyway, about Packs, I love it. They have so many free activities for the kids. There is an awesome hay maze perfect for little ones. Emma ran and ran and ran some more.....we didn't think we were ever going to get her out of there. The girls had fun looking for the perfect pumpkin. Emma picked out a beautiful 20 pounder with no flaws. Dave said no. I suppose he wasn't willing to pull it back home :)
Three little ghosties
sat on their posties
eating burnt toasties
eating burnt toasties
telling big boasties
.....cutest children's Halloween book ever.
This weekend we also went on my longest bike ride ever.....53 miles!!! We started from our house, hopped on the parkway trail in Farmington and got off in SLC and then headed up to the State's capital. We had to climb three KILLER hills to reach the capital. I guess it was actually just one killer hill we took in three different sections, but anyway....they weren't very long but they were so stinkin steep. I was actually really scared to try the first one because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to make it and then wouldn't be able to clip out and would end up rolling with my bike back down to the bottom-I can be dramatic at times :) Well, I made it. The picture is of me gloating at the top. I'm going to let Dave post more about the ride so keep checking his blog for more insights on our ride. It was a good one.
While we were biking I realized why I love family bike rides so much. They are a free (gotta love that) activity where you get to spend quality time together while outside and while getting some exercise. Perfect.
So, you girls will love this next story, while we were biking Dave made the comment that next month would be the perfect month for me to get pregnant because I would be able to do the century (I would only be 5 months prego) and then pop out the little one just in time to run the half-marathon. All I could do was stare at him....and shake my head a bit. However, last night I got to thinking. If Dave was a woman (haha, funny thought) he might just be able to pull it off. The boy is tough. Between three of his jobs and his internship he put in a 92 hour work week and still got in 70 miles of biking while pulling a 55+ lb. trailer. Wow.
Sunday we went to a Wilson lunch/dinner at Dave's cousin, Jen's, house. Dave's uncle is back from Iraq for a couple of weeks so it was a great opportunity to all get together. It was such a wonderful evening. It was fun to be able to visit with family we haven't seen for quite awhile. Jen, the best hostess ever, had the kids all bring their costumes and then had little treat bags and crafts for them. Below are Braxton, Hyrum and Emma working hard on some cute Halloween hats.
It was a great weekend! It really was :)
Friday, October 17, 2008
Little Miss Ella
My BFF, Mindy, had her baby girl, Ella, today. The girls and I went for a visit and....I'm in love. Ella is so tiny and absolutely beautiful. She stole my heart. Poor Dave, he really wanted me to wait so he could come but I was much to excited :)
I LOVE this picture! Look at us with our little girls. We are going to have some good times :)
Ella with her proud parents, Adam and Mindy.
Did I mention I adore her?
Introducing the girls to their new friend.
It was so incredibly special being in the room with Adam and Mindy and their new little one. You could see and feel the enormous amount of love they have for their baby. Congrats Adam and Mindy!!!!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Simple Delights
Today, while we were at the park, I couldn't resist, I had to snap some pictures. After all, these warm fall afternoons are soon going to turn into cold winter days. I'm really going to miss being able to take my girls to the park everyday, they have so much fun there, as you can see. Oh, which reminds me, did you hear, the nation's leading pediatrician group has doubled the recommended amount of vitamin D for children. They are actually recommending supplements. I personally think children just need to get away from the TV and video games and head outside, after all, the best source of Vitamin D is sunlight. Drinking more milk wouldn't hurt either :)
Anyway, back from my tangent. I took this video of Ali at the park...you HAVE to watch it.
Don't worry, she's ok. She whimpered for a minute while I brushed the wood chips off her face and out of her mouth but then she went right back and tried again. Gotta love her perseverance. Sadly, she did get some pretty good road rash around her eye and on her nose, they are like little baby battle scars.
Some other random pictures from our day....
This one is from this morning. Isn't it crazy what kind of mess little ones can make while your back is turned for a split second?! The picture really doesn't do the mess justice. Ali poured Howie's food and water out and made a mush-cake with it. The smell was horrible....wet dog food, yeah, gag! It was hard to get upset with little Als though, I mean, LOOK at that smile. She was so proud of her creation.
This last pic may be a little fuzzy, it was taken with the cell phone. This morning Dave forgot his work boots and we had to take them to him. He was working the fire station at the airport. Above the station there is this room that is pretty much all windows. It is right off the runway. It was really cool. The girls LOVED watching the firetruck driving around and watching the airplanes land and take off. Every time an airplane would come Ali would squeal and giggle and Emma would run around pretending she was the airplane. It entertained them for a good hour. Its always fun to visit daddy at work :)
Today was a good day-it was simple, ordinary, but a good one. I am so thankful I get to spend my days playing with my little girls.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Meet the Fam.
Mom and Dad....here is a sneak peak until I can get you the disk.
The Scriver Clan
My lovely Parents
Brandon
The Miller Branch
Eric, Brittney, Ashtyn and Carter
Tyler and Makinley
Crystal
Mathew
and last but not least....the grandkids :)
My parents had family pictures taken a couple of months ago (thanks Kelli) and we got them back today. It was fun as I looked through them to see where my family is at now. It seems like just yesterday that we were all living at home, causing havoc, quarreling but still loving and having fun. I was reminded of so, so many memories....making smores with crystal in our bedroom while watching Laverne and Shirley together. We roasted mini marshmallows on pen caps over a candle, my dad wasn't to happy when he found us, hehe. Piling all the couch cushions at the bottom of the stairs with my brothers while my parents were gone and jumping from the railing onto them. Setting up Christmas decorations as a family while the chipmunk carols were blaring and my dad was whistling along in his pj pants while my mom set up the nativity scene......so many memories. It was also a reminder to me that my girls won't always be little and to take advantage of the time that I have with them. Anyway, love ya mom and dad...you have a beautiful family...if I do say so myself :)
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Many Emotions of Motherhood
Wow....being a mother is an emotional rollercoaster. Its crazy how fast I can go from being so angry and frustrated I am ready to combust to being moved to tears because of how much I love my children. Let me walk you through my morning.4:50 a.m. I was laying in bed about to get up so I could get ready and make it to my 5:30 kickboxing class before Dave had to go to work when I heard Emma SCREAMING and I mean SCREAMING! I went in and tried to calm her down before she woke up Ali. Nothing I did helped. I think Emma has dreams where she is playing with a friend or a certain toy and something goes wrong because she will wake up crying and screaming about someone/something I have never heard of. She gets really, really mad when I have no idea what she is talking about. Anyway, I finally gave up and went back to bed unsure if I should leave or not. I was so frustrated. I wanted Dave to be able to sleep since he had to work all day. Dave insisted I leave and that he would be fine with the girls.
5:25 a.m. I was driving to the gym trying to hurry so I could still get a bag. I sent a quick text to Dave to see if Emma had calmed down yet....nope. He informed me that now, Ali was awake and they were both screaming. I felt incredibly guilty and turned around.
5:40 a.m. I entered the house to hear Emma...still screaming and heard big ol' thuds coming from Ali's crib. She was in the process of throwing a tantrum. For some reason lately when she is upset she will sit up and then throw herself back with all her might. When I am in a better mood I actually think its a bit funny. Anyway, by this point I was angry and even feeling (I'm ashamed to say) a little sorry for myself because I had to miss my kickboxing class. I said a quick prayer to ask for help and patience so I could handle the situation calmly and not kill my poor, innocent children.
6:00 a.m FINALLY...I had gotten them both calmed down and they are sleeping. But, by then, it was time to get up. By this time I was tired. Plain and simply, drained. I got Dave, up, fed and off to work (ok so Dave actually got himself up, hehe, I did make him breakfast though) and then the girls, up, fed and ready for the day-they were by this time back to their happy, charming, delightful little selves. I was still a bit ornery.
8:45 a.m. We set out for a bike ride. BTW-it was friggin' cold! Our outside thermometer was reading 30 degrees. I was loving the under-armor Dave got as a Christmas present from my parents last year, it saved me. The girls were bundled up nice and cozy in the trailer and were able to relax and eat a snack while I pounded out my remaining frustrations.
10:00 a.m. We found a park to play at. After rides we always stop at a park to play. It was beautiful weather. The morning air was crisp but warming up and the colors of the trees were splendid. Emma ran off excitedly to play with Ali crawling after her. The girls both decided to climb up a rock climbing wall. I was spotting from the bottom. When Ali cleared the top she let out an excited screech and was off. I saw her headed straight for a big, steep, shute slide-the girl LOVES slides. I freaked. I was scared out of my pants. I ran as fast as I could to catch her as she came barreling head first out the bottom, laughing all the while. Little nut. She is fearless, a complete opposite from my very cautious and responsible Emma. Anyway, we spent the next hour digging in the wood chips and playing train down the slides. As we played I was so proud as I watched them accomplish new skills and improve old ones. When the girls started to get tired we headed for the swings. I held Ali on my lap and swung while she sucked her thumb. Emma was in the swing next to us chatting it up and telling us some good stories. As I sat there with my kids enjoying the beautiful weather I was happy and content. My heart was filled with so much love for my kids that i thought it would burst. I was thinking about how truly blessed I am to have them in my life-a complete turn around from earlier that morning, hehe.
11:30 a.m. We headed back home for lunch, stories and nap time before we would have to start all over again with afternoon activities and lessons. It's a good thing the good feelings always cloud out the bad ones because 98.5% of the time....I love being a mother.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Simply Sprinkles Joint Giveaway!
Ok....you have to check this out! My amazingly talented Aunt, Michele, whom I adore, is doing a joint giveaway!!! She makes and sells homemade embellishments. They are soooo cute. Check out her page for more info. Seriously, all you have to do is leave a comment to be entered into a drawing. The more days you leave a comment, the more times you get entered (I think, correct me if I'm wrong Michele). If you buy something from her simply sprinkles site you get your name entered in twice. I won these cute little clips in her last give-away. 
Go on...head on over to have a look. I guarantee you will find some Sprinkles for all of your crafting projects (catchy huh, I must admit, I stole it from Michele's blog)!
Committed
Any self-help book or motivational speaker will tell you, if you have a goal, write it down! There is something about putting a goal in writing that makes it concrete, posting it on a blog makes it even more so. So...here goes... next summer I plan on doing the Salt Lake Century on my road bike. I also plan on running a half marathon in Moab. I am also toying around with the idea of doing LOTOJA on a relay team.
Anyway, I am scared to death....but so, so committed. The only out would be if I get pregnant, because lets face it, there is no way I am going to pedal me and a baby for 100 miles or run with one in the oven for 13.1, ya know! If I do get pregnant, it will only postpone my goals for a summer of two.
I still have a long way to go in training. In both activities I am only about 1/2 way mileage wise.
When it comes to biking-I can bike 50 miles comfortably. Dave is going to start me on canyons soon, he claims hills are the best way to train on a bike.
Running, ah running, that's where I struggle. My current base run is 3 miles and my long run is 6. It is slowly getting easier though and I'm having a lot more fun with it.
Well, wish me luck! I'm soooo excited :)
QFSN (Quick funny side note)-anyone notice I am only half as ambitious as Dave, hehe :) Gotta love that boy!
Anyway, I am scared to death....but so, so committed. The only out would be if I get pregnant, because lets face it, there is no way I am going to pedal me and a baby for 100 miles or run with one in the oven for 13.1, ya know! If I do get pregnant, it will only postpone my goals for a summer of two.
I still have a long way to go in training. In both activities I am only about 1/2 way mileage wise.
When it comes to biking-I can bike 50 miles comfortably. Dave is going to start me on canyons soon, he claims hills are the best way to train on a bike.
Running, ah running, that's where I struggle. My current base run is 3 miles and my long run is 6. It is slowly getting easier though and I'm having a lot more fun with it.
Well, wish me luck! I'm soooo excited :)
QFSN (Quick funny side note)-anyone notice I am only half as ambitious as Dave, hehe :) Gotta love that boy!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Guess Where?!
A tent.....mountain bikes.... 
red rock.....bright blue sky.....
A stinky pooch excited to be alive....
3 Happy Campers......
you guessed it, MOAB!!! Dave's birthday was on Friday and his birthday wish was a weekend away in Moab, and well, what the birthday boy wants, the birthday boy gets (within reason of course, hehe). It was an awesome weekend full of biking, hiking, digging, movies, and playing in the sand.
Friday we woke up to a bright, blue, beautiful Moab morning. Dave offered to watch the girls and let me go on a morning run. I have to tell ya....it was amazing. I usually run with my ipod but didn't have the headphones so was forced to run without music. I loved it. It was just me, the early morning light, the road and lots and lots of sagebrush. It was invigorating. When I got back to camp I watched the girls while Dave went for a bike ride. He did the whole-14 mile- slickrock loop. It's a killer ride. I was REALLY impressed. After he finished we went on a hike to Corona Arch. It is one of my all time favorite hikes in Moab.
That evening, to celebrate Dave's birthday, we decided to forgo a dinner of hotdogs and opted for pizza instead. We also grabbed a cake from the nearby market and had a grand ol' birthday celebration in Pizza hut :)
The next morning we woke up to cloudy, gray skies, with rain a fallin'. Poo. Ah well, nothing to do but make the most of it. So, we set off for slickrock in the rain. This time I was biking while Dave pushed the girls in the stroller. 
Guys....this ride was a huge achievement for me....I became a REAL mountain biker! The only way to become an all-out-real-mountain biker is to experience a crash-a good one. A slow motion tip over doesn't count. Anyway, I ate it, I ate it hard. I was barreling down some awesome downhill when I hit some sand at the bottom. The sand jerked my tire and took my bike right out from under me....I went flying. The thing I was most aware of as I crashed was my head plowing into the ground and bouncing a few time. While I was laying there, stunned and trying to assess the damage some fellow mountain bikers stumbled upon me. They had seen the whole thing. They helped me up, brushed me off, and let me know that mountain bikin' ain't mountain bikin' unless there is blood involved. After I assured them I was ok I sat down to wait for Dave and the girls. They were a ways behind me because the stroller really wasn't meant for that kind of terrain. When they got there I re-enacted the whole scene for them. Dave snapped a picture. After all, a girl's first crash is something to capture.
So, the damage....I am bruised and sore from my shoulder down to my knee. My elbow is swollen something awful and my helmet now has some pretty good scuffs and dents. Thank goodness for helmets!
After biking we decided to take a break from the rain and get some diggin' in. We did Gemini Bridges and Metal Masher...twice.
We got lost, we got REALLY lost, hehe. We were going around in circles on top of the mesa for hours. But, no worries we made it back to camp safe and sound :) When we got back to camp the rain was still coming down hard. 
We retreated to the tent and watched a movie. Seriously, I LOVE whoever invented portable DVD players. They are a lifesaver in such situations. That evening the rain stopped and we were able to go out on a beautiful walk and get some wiggles out.It was a great trip, it really was. I love that all Dave wanted for his birthday was a weekend away with his family. I sure hope he had a good birthday. We sure love him and enjoyed spending time with him!
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