The Big Pour

We are so lucky to have such good friends! Jayson and the boys were on the site at 7:30 this morning, waitin for mud. They did an awesome job. All I had to do was keep them hydrated and feed them after. THANKS to My baby, Stump (The one and only JAYSON GITTINS), Vulva(Sammy), Pisser( Justin), Jonsey (Jody), Fee Fee (Jody N),D-Vo (Dev), Red (Darrin), and J-BO (Jason). YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!
next on the list, framing. It's actually gonna look like a house!

memories

Christmas 2008 we were lucky enough to take Joslynn and Addy to San Diego, and Anaheim CA. for a family vacation. We stayed right on the ocean front, went to Sea World, San Diego Zoo, and Disneyland. I have ALWAYS loved these pictures.

This is my Addy screaming into the waves, "come on, bring it to me!"



Joslynn looking on like, holy crap, they are coming...

I love this one. The girls got a little far and were surprised when they couldn't out run the waves. The look on Joslynns face is priceless. I think it captures the innocence of a child. Truly living in the moment of happiness and tranquility. When I see this it makes me cry a little, I know...sappy!

The girls loved the ocean, and I was sad we couldn't spend more time playing. We have often talked about going on a vacation, just to San Diego. Disneyland is just too hard with a tiny one, and I don't think you get your full benefit. I would go to Disneyland every year, if financials could allow for it. I will be that grandma that takes the grand-kids to Disneyland every year, just so I can go. It's the one advantage of having kids so young, getting your grand kids at a young age. Jayson and I are not having anymore children, so I am totally excited for grand babies...not that I am rushing ANY of my children to have babies!

Wow, went off on kids for a minute...sorry about that...random thoughts. I think this entire blog is some random rambling.

When we were at Jills wedding dinner at the Jensen Historical Farm last Saturday, Ashton found a sea shell. He puts it in the tub with him every night, so that it will grow. It is so cute how his little 4 yr. old mind works....water it, it will grow. He then asked me if I would take him to the Ocean for his birthday (in November), so that we could find a bigger shell since his won't grow.
Jaysons sister had invited us to go on a family cruise with them, before her son goes on a mission next spring, and I think after looking at these pictures again, and Ashton wanting to see the Ocean...I'm pretty sure we will be going! Now I have totally excited myself about something that won't even happen for another year!
We have already started saving $$$, and I am so excited! Yea for us...in a year...haha! I'm crack'in myself up!

This entry was a little scattered, so I apologize to any of those reading it! It was supposed to be all about Ashton and his sea shell that wouldn't grow. I don't think that's how it worked out. hmmm...maybe I shouldn't have drank two cokes at lunch!

What a beautiful day!

Saturday was finally the big day for my cousin Jill. She looked gorgeous in her dress, and don't forget the shoes. Every girl needs the perfect shoes for the perfect day. Jill had a pair of whites for the temple, and the most amazing red ones for the dinner!

Josh and Jill were married in the Logan LDS Temple. It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day! The sky was blue and the temp was just right.

Addy has this mild obsession with weddings, flowers, dresses, and cakes. She was so excited when Jill invited us to the temple for family pictures. At first Addy was not going to be able to go to the lunch afterwards, too many adults, but then just enough couldn't make it that a spot was available for Addy. You would have though she was going to the grand ball. She was Jill's little shadow as much as I would allow. I even had to pull her away from Jill when they were greeting guests. I think maybe Addy should be a professional Wedding Planner when she grows up.

CONGRATULATIONS JILL, we love you!

Dough everywhere

This weekend was a busy baking weekend for me. I love baking, and had found some new ideas to try out. Friends and family joke that Jaysons on the grill, I'm baking, and were both trying at the cooking thing.
Jayson has been working out of town, and was home for the weekend. The kids had planned on selling doughnuts Monday morning, hoping to get all the campers and visitors in town for the holiday weekend.
I had found a recipe for "overnight" cinnamon rolls, and though this would be great. I would make them Sunday night, and It would make Monday go a little easier...hmmm...These suckers were awful! I thought something was up with the amount of liquid used, but I just stuck to the recipe. The dough was so tough, my Kitchen Aide was even having a hard time. I finished them anyways...maybe the final product was going to turn out.
I have a wonderful recipe for spudnuts/ cinnamon rolls, and I think I will just stick to that one.
I did however have HUGE success with the Buttermilk Rolls! The only thing that sucked about these is that the time consumption is a little more than I would like. You start with yeast, flour and buttermilk - let that sit for 2 HOURS, add more, and let that sit for another hour. Plus, with rolls you have to cut and shape. So the whole process took over 4 hours - but they were SOOO GOOD! Totally worth the wait. As many of you know, it rained Sunday...and rained...and got cold...and rained....and I would care because - THIS SUCKS FOR DOUGH!!
We turned the furnace off at our house like 2 months ago, and I wasn't about to fire it up again, but I should have. It would have made the day easier.
Sunday night, I went to bed about 2am, and couldn't sleep thinking about my morning of doughnuts. When the alarm went off at 5:30, I wanted to throw it across the room. A nice hot shower started the day for me. I got my milk scalding, and yeast rising and jumped in the shower. I was in full baking mode by 6am.
The recipe I use calls for 12C. flour - and i was still super sticky at 13 (almost 14). So, I decided to just work what I got. This dough was out of control. Talk about "active yeast." I couldn't roll out doughnuts quick enough... but we managed, and they sold. We made 6 doz. doughnuts, and 3doz cinnamon rolls. Cleaned up and put away by eleven!
The pictures do no justice, but I will give you the secret ingredients. Just a little FYI - there is a reason that these are easier with 2 people! 1 Fry's, the other cuts and dips...I promise! This is a full batch. If you have never made doughnuts before, or only want to TRY them - ONLY do 1/4 of this batch! A full batch makes a LARGE 5-6 doz. doughnuts


* I call them doughnuts, but they are in fact technically SPUDNUTS. Why you ask, because they are made with mashed potatoes!*

Spudnuts

Dissolve:
7 T yeast
1 1/2 C warm water
1 tsp. sugar


Mix:
3/4 C heaping sugar
1 stick + 2 T softened Butter
2 C Mashed Potatoes

Add:
4 C Scalded milk
4 eggs (room temp)
2 tsp salt

DO NOT add yeast until milk has been cooled, or it will kill your yeast

Add:
Yeast
6 C. flour
Use dough hook with Kitchen Aid and mix, slowly add 6 more cups flour (12 total)
Knead with dough hook for 7 minutes, Roll onto floured surface.

Frying: So I will admit here, I am not sure what temp you fry for! I think the norm is 375. All I know is that we heat the oil, test a doughnut hole, and keep the temp at medium. You may need to add more oil, or even change it during frying. You should only fry for about 1 min per side, otherwise the doughnuts are full of oil and are just plain nasty! If you fry to quick, the still have dough in the center...again, good luck!
We take them out of the oil, put on a paper towel for about 1 min, then dip in glaze on let rest on a cooling rack with wax paper underneath (quicker clean-up).

Glaze:
3-4 lbs. powdered sugar
1 cube melted butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. milk

Kaehla is such a good fryer. If you can see - were just frying them in an old pan - nothin fancy here!

Our favorite is the doughnut holes! We save those for loved ones...LOL!

I know - you can't see all the ooey gooey mess all over my hands, but the flour on my shirt is awesome. I'm not sure what the point of my apron was!

For Cinnamon Rolls:
Follow the above recipe, just roll out into a 1" thick piece instead of frying. I usually do this in three sections.
Roll this goodness all over top of the dough
Whisk together:
1 stick melted butter
1 Tbs. Cinnamon
1/3 C Brown sugar
1 Tbs. flour
Roll into cinnamon rolls, cut into even sizes. Line into baking pan, let rise until doubled. Bake at 350 for 20-25 min.
Pour glaze over the top while still hot!

If you decided to give these a whirl, good luck and HAVE FUN!

Doughnuts

Just a little info for ya'll...
Kaehla and I will be up at the butt crack of dawn making doughnuts and cinnamon rolls (Monday) . My kids sell them on the corner, so please, stop in...
I'll post all about it tomorrow :)

HOUSE UPDATE

The first pour was so exciting. Todd called me at work to tell me that Johnsons would be at the site at 11:30. So I grabbed my maintenance guy for lunch at the Crack, and then stopped to take pictures. I'm a little crazy with the camera, and I'm not sure what I do with all these pictures when we are done. Most people take pics to remember, or help with future ideas. Were only two weeks into this sucker, and I gotta just a few (hundred) pics!

This "hole" thing is kinda scary. You look at it one day, and think it's huge. Then they pour concrete into it, and now it's too small...and then everyone tells you that's just how it works, and it really IS big! ? The barn looks bigger than the garage. - I guess that's okay, then all my "stuff" can go in it instead of the garage, don't tell Jayson!

They poured out footings and foundation last week. Underground plumbing this next week, and then flat work. Jayson and his buddies will pour the basement floor, garage, and "barn" floor next Saturday. Jayson is working out of town, so we have to wait until Saturday ( May 30
JAYSON...WOW, what a worker! He takes all the extra hours he can get, plus works out of town, just to give me things I want for this new house! We've got a new beautiful canopy bed, Joslynns Queen bed, mattress', my Bosch washer and dryer, next on the list is my double ovens and range top. He is a dedicated worker, and only complains minimally. For those of you who really know Jayson...he's doing it all for the Rhino! :) We've wanted one for a few years, but the agreement was we had to be in our house first.

We'll see how this next week goes...

French Bread Pizza

This recipe is typically best in the fall when harvest is on. All the veggies from the garden make this wonderful. However, I was craving it tonight! It's something out of the ordinary that my family loves. You can cut it into smaller servings as an appetizer, or as a main course. I used some smaller french loaves (pepperidge farm) this time, so it made 4 pieces.

1 Loaf French Bread - sliced in half
2 C. Alfredo Sauce
LOTS of Mozzarella Cheese
2 Lg. tomatoes
1 Zucchini
1 Yellow Zucchini
1/2 C. chopped fresh mushrooms
2 C. Tyson Fajita flavored cooked Chicken

Cut french bread in half, spread 1 C Alfredo on each piece, sprinkle cheese. Saute fresh veggies except tomatoes, just until tender. Layer on top of cheese. Add fresh tomatoes, chicken and more cheese.

Bake at 350 for 20 min, then broil just until golden

Happy cooking...

Cinnabun....HEAVEN!

My girlfriend Kaehla and I usually get together early Saturday mornings and make homemade spudnuts (doughnuts with mashed potatoes), and cinnamon rolls. I apologize to those of you who have not yet had one of these HOT, melt in your mouth treats. Put your name on the list, and you'll be on our next delivery. The kids will be selling them on the corner again this summer, so you can just make an early trip to Paradise on a Saturday morning. Were usually frying, and baking by 7 am, and they go FAST!
This Saturday, HOWEVER, I found a recipe on my new fav. blog. The Sisters Cafe, for Cinnabun Cake. This was much easier, quicker, and better clean-up than the cinnamon rolls. Don't get me wrong - I love the whole process of mixing, raising, rolling, lathering, sprinkling, rolling, cutting, raising, baking, and glazing...but this one was mixed, cooked, and eaten before I could snap a good picture.
This ones for all of you who love cinnamon rolls, but don't love the "dough" process. One thing I did notice: We added nuts to the sugar mixture, and they seemed to sink right to the bottom of the pan and leave a slight crust to the bottom. Some may love, but I didn't. I would probably just sprinkle the nuts on the top next time.

Cinnabun Cake
3 cups flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ cups milk
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 T. butter, melted

Cinnamon Mix:
2 sticks butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 T. flour
1 T. cinnamon
2/3 cups nuts, optional

Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
5 T. milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

In an electric or stand mixer mix the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, milk, eggs and vanilla. Once combined well, slowly stir in melted butter. Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan.In a large bowl, mix the 2 sticks of softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and nuts until well combined. Drop evenly over cake batter by the tablespoonfuls and use a knife to marble/swirl through the cake.Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out nearly clean from center.Place powdered sugar, milk and vanilla in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake. Serve warm or at room temperature.

mmmm....food

I have a few new food blogs that I have fallen in love with. I was so excited to try new ideas. They turned out WONDERFUL, so I thought I would share.

Creamy Chicken Taquitos
Hint: I put the chicken in my crock pot during the day - easier to shred. I also made up this little dip:
Dip:
1/2 C. Cottage cheese
4oz. Cream Cheese (softened)
1/2. shredded cheese
1/2 C. Green Salsa
2 T. Taco Seasoning - to taste - (or 1 packet)

Creamy Chicken Taquitos :

1/3 C (3 oz) cream cheese
1/4 C green salsa -(Lee's Marketplace makes a really good Salsa Verde)
1T fresh lime juice
1/2 t cumin
1 t chili powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t granulated garlic
3 T chopped cilantro
2 T sliced green onions
2 C shredded cooked chicken
1 C grated pepperjack cheese (I used colby jack )
small corn tortillas
kosher salt
cooking spray


Heat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Heat cream cheese in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds so it's soft and easy to stir. Add green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and granulated garlic. Stir to combine and then add cilantro and green onions. Add chicken and cheese and combine well.

You can prepare up to this step ahead of time. Just keep the mixture in the fridge.

Work with a few tortillas at a time and heat in the microwave until they are soft enough to roll without cracking. It helps to place them between damp paper towels. Usually 20-30 seconds will do it. If you find yours are cracking when you roll them or come unrolled right away, just try heating them longer and try the paper towel thing.

Place 2-3 T of chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges.

Then roll it up as tight as you can.

Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Lay all of the taquitos on the baking sheet and make sure they are not touching each other. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or an oil mister and sprinkle some kosher salt on top.

Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown.

Dip 'em in salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or ranch. - OR MARGARET'S DIP :)

I doubled this, and it made 30+ taquitos.

I feel like I always do the same thing with old bananas, so It was fun to try this one out.

Banana Bars
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (I used 3 big ones probably more than one cup, but so tasty!)
Preheat oven to 350 deg. Grease a jellyroll pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the batter. Finally mix in the mashed bananas. Spread evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 min in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting

These were the best waffles I have EVER made! Light and fluffy. I had to take some to my favorite neighbors first thing this morning.

Sour Cream Waffles

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
8 Tb butter (1 cube) butter, melted
1 cup milk (I usually 1/8-1/4cup more--I like the batter to be a little thinner)
1/2 cup sour cream (I use light)
3 large eggs
Heat waffle iron. Lightly oil grids. Meanwhile, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl to combine and make a well in the center. Whisk the melted butter, milk and sour cream, and eggs in a medium bowl until well combined and pour into well. Whisk until smooth, do not over mix. *Honestly I usually use my hand held electric mixer. It works fast and turns out great!
Spoon about 1/4 cup of the batter into the center of each quadrant of the waffle iron and close the iron. Cook until the waffle is golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Serve the waffles hot, with the syrup passed on the side.

*After the fact I was thinking they may have been a LITTLE better if I had separated the eggs and egg whites, beat and folded them in at the end?

Last but not least, You have to make Karen's Buttermilk Syrup. I know that some of you turn your nose at Buttermilk, but I PROMISE you will not be disappointed. I didn't make this today, but it has become a new favorite at our house. It is great with breakfast foods, ice cream topping, or simply with a spoon right from the saucepan (yes Dave, I'm talking about you!)

Buttermilk Syrup

3/4 c. buttermilk

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 cube real butter

2 T. corn syrup

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine buttermilk, sugar, butter, corn syrup, and baking soda in a LARGE pot. Like one you'd make soup in. Yes, you'll have way more pot than ingredients (and I'm not referring to the green leafy stuff), but this will boil all over your newly-cleaned stove if you put it in a smaller saucepan.

Bring ingredients to a boil and reduce heat to low (as long as it's still bubbling, you're okay). Cook, stirring very frequently, for 9 minutes. You're basically making candy here and candy-making requires constant vigilance.
At nine minutes, it should take on this luscious golden-brown color. Remove from heat and add vanilla.There will be foam on top. It tastes just as good, but it's not super pretty. If you're into aesthetics, you can skim it off; otherwise, just give it a good stir.

Happy cooking, and a happy Friday!

PS...HOUSE NEWS... Footings were poured out Thursday, walls should be poured Monday with pics to follow!

Mothers Day

How do you say goodbye to someone so great? Treasure each moment and memory! My mother was a wonderful, caring, sharing and supportive person. She put everyone and everything above her to help others and make them feel important. Her family was her life. Her parents taught her the important things in life, and encouraged her to be something amazing.
My parents love and respect for each other taught me so much. I will always remember catching the two of them kissing in the kitchen - as "sick" as It was when I was little, I knew that they loved each other so much! My father worked hard, so that my mother could raise children, and be active in whatever needed her attention. Where does time go? I think back on my last few days I spent with my mom, and treasure each one of them...days at the doctor, lunch, and visits while waiting for the next appointment. She always listened, no matter how much I talked, so interested in my life and what I had to say. NO ONE ever listened like her! I miss our daily visits, and our many phone calls a day! I miss you!
I can not thank my mother enough for the life lessons that she taught me. A mothers love is the most self giving thing a person can do. Pregnancy, birth, adoption, finding enough love in your heart to love anothers child, tears,late nights, fevers, breakups, sports, school, "mista Honma," traveling, support group, chauffeur, a shoulder,hugs,laughter, dedicated nights at my side practicing the piano, love,teenage trauma, marriage counseling, a listening ear.Happy Mothers Day.

Happy Mothers day to all my Mom friends, and to those who will one day be. You are special - you are loved!

Congrats

Since my brother Andrew and his wife Marni do not have a blog, or facebook (I know, how do they survive!) - I am posting some exciting news re: Marni.
Marni was awarded the State Of Utah, Division of Wildlife, Outreach Employee Of The Year! WOW! Marni is the Assistant Manager at Hardware Ranch in Blaksmith Fork Canyon. Marni is an exceptional, dedicated employee. We are happy for her and being the perfect canidate for the award. Andrew called us, VERY proud of his wife! CONGRATULATIONS MARNI!

scrape n' dig

I started the morning with TOTAL excitement! Yesterday morning Todd, our contractor came into my office and told me he THOUGH maybe we could scrape the lot. Three hours later, my lot was being scraped! I know that this is the normal thing for building a home...but it's new to me. Our lot was staked this morning, and foundation hole was dug this afternoon. We are all so excited just to see progress...any progress...
The kids want to go tomorrow when the clay isn't so wet, and stand in the hole to get pictures.
Like I said before, this is a long time coming. I am also aware that things will go fast at first, and then seem to slow down. But for now, I am just taking in all this excitement.

WICKED GOOD!

We got in trouble for taking photos in house :)

waiting to cross, outside the capitol theatre

I think it is only appropriate to write this blog in Emerald Green!
Sunday morning couldn't have started any better for me. I got to sleep in a little, snuggle up to Jayson without any extras in the bed, and get an exciting phone call. Judy (my aunt) called me to ask if I would be interested in an extra ticket that Sam (my uncle) didn't want to use to the Musical WICKED! HOLY COW, how could I even think about saying no??? Of course, I had to "ask Jayson." He doesn't even hesitate in letting me go out and do things.
I have such a great husband. I would say that he was home, babysitting, but I hardly think that poker on facebook counts as babysitting :) - His new found OBSESSION!
I met Margo so we could ride to Salt Lake together. We met up with Judy, Jill, and Dave, and all rode in to the city together. Margo and Dave have a beautiful home in North Salt Lake. I was excited to finally see it - now I have to go often since I know where it is. She said I could use the spare room...so watch out!
We had some awesome seats, THANK YOU BRIAN (and POPULAR Brandon!) I have to admit - I wasn't to up on the story of Wicked, but I have heard so much about it. Joslynn knew more than me, so she filled me in before hand.
I couldn't have went with a better group of company. Sitting in the parking garage for 30 min wasn't too bad either. Parking garages are the worst after big events. Dave singing helped out however! The only problem came when we got back to the park n' ride and I realized that my keys were still sitting in Margos car, in North Salt Lake. Lucky for me, I have great family! Judy brought me home, and got my keys back to me tonight.
Wicked was absoultly amazing! I am so lucky to have been able to attend! THANKS JUDY!

I want a HOT body!

This morning Ashton comes and gets in bed with me, and out of the blue says, "When I grow up, I want a HOT BODY." I'm guessing it was because something reminded him he did not want a body like mine...???

His uncle Todd has this as a profile picture on his facebbok account, and Ashton thinks it's really him. Kids say the funniest things. I'm sure this thought will keep me smiling all day!
*That and the fact that my Aunt Judy called me this morning with an extra ticket to WICKED tonight!!!*

Buisness Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGOohBytKTU
My Brother-In-Law posted this to his facebook account (so did I), and I about fell out of my chair laughing. It's one of those things that you are laughing, OUT LOUD, hoping no one is watching you laugh at something so stupid!
I know it's not Wednesday, but Friday will work. I played the song for Jayson and he thought they wrote the song just for him. If you aren't laughing...I'm sorry! You much have a more serious bedroom face then us. So, I think Wednesday night will always have new meaning in our household...Business Time, with my business socks!