Back to Where the Trees are Green and the Air is Clean

I don't get to see my family very often these days. Especially since one sister lives in NYC, a brother is in Germany, another brother in AZ, and the rest of my siblings and my parents are in various cities in Oregon. So it was great to be able to spend time with my family in May.

Allie, my mom, and I had breakfast at Busick Court. Haven't heard of Busicks? Well, if you are ever in Salem, Oregon, you HAVE to go. Hey, Rachel Ray did.

The fam bam, minus Chris, Kyle, and Adam.

My CUTE parents. They are  my best friends. Man, I love them!

Something Sweet

 This is what happens when I finish my finals, its Easter weekend, and I am scheduled to teach Relief Society.

 CUPCAKES! 

I wanted to make something sweet for my Relief Society sisters since it was such a special Sunday. Easter is my favorite! Little did I know that in Sacrament meeting they would announce that they are dissolving our ward and that all us young marrieds would be asked to go to the local family wards. This was our last Sunday and my lesson was the last one that they would hear in that ward. Talk about pressure! My lesson went OK and I think these cupcakes turned out cute. Everyone seemed to enjoy them! 

I made 40 of them and had a bit of fun with food coloring and sprinkles!

I love this cute bunny and the Easter egg sprinkles.

Hope you had a SWEET Easter too!

I'm a Lucky girl.

Finals tally: 2 papers done, 3 tests taken, 1 test to go.

Yesterday I had my last scheduled final. It was in my favorite class--immigration law. It was three hours of non-stop crazy typing and I loved it. All I have to say is I better get a good grade in that class. After the final I came home and fell asleep for 3 hours. It was an afternoon final, which  means I feel asleep around 6pm. I was so tired. After 4 nights of 4 hours of sleep each, my body just crashed. I don't know how new moms do it! Anyways, I woke up at 9pm, completely confused, watched a couple of episodes of Criminal Minds, then went back to sleep and didn't wake up until 9:30am this morning. It was amazing! I had forgotten what it was like to get more than 6 hours of sleep at a time. I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I just have to finish this take home final and I'll be free!

Oh, and want to know why I am such a lucky girl? Because my husband knows how to make me happy when I am "a train wreck," as he calls it. He brought home this lovely box of my favorite Lucky Charms and said I didn't have to share. What a sweetheart. I love that man.

Thanksgiving 2010

 The Lord has truly blessed me this year. Here are a few things for which I am grateful:

A loving Heavenly Father that never abandons me.

A Savior who died for me.

A testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

A handsome husband that loves me in spite of my many faults.

Caring and supportive parents who taught me correct principles and gave me opportunities to grow. 

Fun and intelligent siblings that have made ever family vacation an adventure.

The opportunity to get a legal education at a great school.

A healthy body and mind.

This beautiful Earth in which we live.

Isn't it a wonderful time to be alive? I feel so very blessed.

For Thanksgiving, Joe and I, along with my pal Valorie, headed up to Syracuse, UT to spend the time with my Uncle Jared and his family. We had a wonderful dinner with all the fixings! Their five kids were as cute as ever and it was great to spend time with them and catch up. Joe got to watch a football game with the boys and Val and I played on Christine's iPad and watched the silliest Christmas movie. It was great!

I was in charge of making the pies. I think I went a bit overboard. I had to make 2 pumpkin pies, and I wanted to make a caramel apple pie that I had seen my sister, Allie make. Well, I cut up enough apples for 2 pies, so that is what we got! I have to say, the apple pie was divine!

Here are the apple pies right before I put them in the oven. This is my first lattice top and I think it turned out OK. You can find the recipe here. The only modification I made was to mix 1Tbsp of cinnamon with the apples.

Here are the pumpkin pies. I used my Mom's recipe (which is just the Libby's recipe) because it is the best. You can find it here. Yes, I bought store bough crusts. Hey, give this law student a break!

And here are the baked caramel apple pies. They were SO yummy! I think this might have to come a Thanksgiving tradition in our home!

The Pumpkin Incident and a Simple Equation

Well, this week has been a much of the same as old: school for me, work and school for Joe. In fact, there isn't really much to report except for the pumpkin incident. You see, I got a little ambitious and decided that I wanted to make a pumpkin pie from actual pumpkins. If you know me at all, you know I absolutely LOVE anything pumpkin. So, I thought it appropriate for the pumpkin fanatic to make an authentic pumpkin pie. I bought special pie pumpkins. Did you know that pie pumpkins are a different kind than Jack-o-lantern pumpkins? Supposedly they are sweeter. I followed the directions: cut them up, cleaned them, baked them until they were soft, let them cool, scooped out the meaty insides, mashed it all up to a puree, and then put it in a glass mixing bowl to store for the night. It was pretty late and I figured I'd make the pie the next day. As I was putting the bowl of pumpkin in the fridge, for some reason unknown to man, the bowl slipped out of my hands, hit the bottom of the fridge, and then smashed into a bazillion pieces on my kitchen floor. It was a pumpkin glass mess, which was horrible to clean because I couldn't just sweep it up. So yeah, I never got to make that "real" pumpkin pie. Oh well, it will have to wait until another day. Good thing I still like the canned stuff. Moral of the story--don't use glass mixing bowls.

Other highlights of the week include buying Christmas presents for people, a trip to Costco with Joe where we ate a record number of samples, hearing a speech of a man who has been in prison for 18 years for a murder he didn't commit, and having yet another week without snow. All in all, it was a pretty good week.

On a more spiritual note, I have re-gained a testimony on the power of scripture study. This last semester, I have felt like I haven't been as happy, effective, or energetic as I usually am. I just felt like I was in a funk. It's hard to explain. Anyway, I realized that I've been slacking on all the little stuff, you know, the daily prayer and scripture study. It's not that I didn't want to do it. It's just that life had gotten so busy that after nights of falling asleep during my prayers and scripture study, I just got out of the habit. So, I decided to repent. I say repent because that's really what it was. I changed my heart and made a decision to put those little but oh so important things back into my life. So every night BEFORE I was tired, I took some time to myself and read my scripture for about 30 minutes. I am reading the Doctrine & Covenants and have fallen in love all over again with that book. Can I just tell you that this last week was one of the best weeks that I have had in a long time? I slept better. I studied more effectively. I could concentrate better. I felt happier. I wasn't annoyed as much. I wasn't as stressed. It was great! I know it's because by doing those important little things, I qualified myself for blessings and to have the Holy Ghost with me. You know, it's such a simple equation. Obedience to God = Happiness. I don't know why I allow myself to get so off track. I think it's because we have a lot of opposition in this life and we forget how important those little things are. Well, I am going to try my hardest to not forget again. That's why I am telling you. So if I ever get off track, you can remind me of this experience so that I will get back on it again.

I have a testimony of the power of the Scriptures. I am so grateful for righteous men and women who sacrificed so that we can have the teaching of God. I am grateful for prayer. I know it is a direct conduit to God. I feel so very blessed.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

We never seem to be able to finish all out bananas before they ripen too much. I only like bananas if they have a little green on them and Joe won't eat them if there is any brown. So, I am always looking for good recipes for ripe bananas. This muffin recipe is just yummy. The muffins are light and not too sweet, just how I like them.

1/2 c. vegetable shortening

1 c. sugar

2 c. all-purpose flour

2 eggs

1/2 tsp salt

3 large very ripe bananas

1tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

2/3 c. mini chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar. Add 1 tbsp flour to the mixture. Beat eggs in one at a time. 

2. In a separate bowl mash the bananas to a soft pulp.

3. Set aside 1/2 c.  flour. Add the remaining flour and the banana pulp to the creamed mixture, mixing it in bit by bit.

4. In a separate bowl, stir in the reserved 1/2 c. flour with the salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Add the chocolate chips, tossing to coat.

5. Stir together the dry and creamed mixture. Pour the batter into well-greased muffin tins and bake for 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center of the muffin comes out clean.

Nutrition facts: Calories 304, Fat 13g, Protein 4g, Carbs 45 g, Cholesterol 31 mg, Sodium 235 mg

Is it too late . . .

. . . to blog about our Fourth of July? Well, if it is, Oh well. I'm going for it anyway. 

We had a lovely picnic dinner at Rock Canyon Park that consisted of hot dogs, corn on the cob, and a DELISH strawberry and grapefruit salad.

Allie and Chris were able to enjoy the holiday with us. We sure love having family close by!

Joe and I were played several games of Yahtzee to keep us entertained as we waited for it to get dark. This is his game face.

There was also a rendition of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. It was a really great performance. Can you think of a better backdrop than those gorgeous mountains?

The sunset was STUNNING and a show of its own.

Of COURSE we HAD to have s'mores. It's TRADITION you know. Our mini BBQ was the BEST investment.

Have you ever tried a Reese's s'more? Simply DIVINE.  

We had a PERFECT view of the fireworks from the Stadium of Fire in Provo. We got to see the beauty of the show for free!

You have no idea how many tries it took to get all four of our faces in the picture. Out of eleven takes, this was the best one (meaning it was the only one where someone wasn't cut out).

Sparklers are my favorite part of the Fourth. I just can't go a year without them. There is something so magical about holding a firework in your hands. And you can take pictures and write with them.

J is for Joe.

Love.

M is for Meg.

Joe made this cool star. We had a great holiday!

I am so grateful for this country and the freedoms we enjoy! I'm so proud to be an American!

We Got Cake Wrecked

I love a good laugh. I love a good cake. I love beautiful cakes. I love horribly decorated cakes (because they make me laugh). So naturally, I LOVE the blog Cake Wrecks, because it combines them all. Check it out. You will be shocked at how "wrecked" some of the cakes are! 

Last week, we headed to the Kings English Bookshop in Salt Lake City for a the Cakes Wrecks tour. Jen, the creator of the blog, has just published a book which she offered to sign. She also came to share some of her favorite wrecks with us.

The actual event was in a mod gallery down the street. It was a packed house!

We went with some of our favorite people, my dear sister Allie and her witty husband Chris. Thanks Allie for inviting us!

That's Jen and her husband. She is as funny in person as she is on her blog!

Joe had never heard of Cake Wrecks. He's not a blogger. But, the dear humored me and came along. I may or may not have bribed him with cake.

People brought in some replicas of the wrecks. Sadly, I didn't get any pictures of those (but, Jen posted the great ones on Cake Wrecks, so check them out). They also served cake and a local bakery showed off some of their sweet creations. I loved this polka dot cake.

This was the biggest cupcake I have ever seen. The babies on carrots were originally on an actual wreck. I'm sorry, but doesn't that just creep you out?

The boys liked the cake. Yum!

Although I've had my share of sweets (like my wedding cake below that I absolutely ADORE), 

I've had my share of wrecks too. This was Joe's birthday cake this year. It looks NOTHING like the model cake they showed me. It is SUPPOSED to be a football helmet next to a football on some grass. I guess the decorator decided to leave out the face guard on the helmet and decided that grass grows sideways. Oh well, it tasted good.

I must say, I loved the Kings English Bookshop. I'm a sucker for bookshops and this one was so quaint. I could spend many hours perusing their shelves.

Of course, Allie and I browsed the lovely books while we were there. We especially loved the home decor books. Ah, "one day" we will be able to have a swanky house like those. 

Allie found our favorite book of the night. 

It's a real tear jerker.

Walk With Me

I love going on walks. There is just something so cleansing about getting outside and MOVING! Even when Mother Nature has decided to forgo spring, I still can't help but get out and walk. And when you take the one you love with you, it turns into one of the best low-cost dates.

Joe and I walked the Provo River Trial. I've lived in Provo for (count them) 7 years and I never noticed that there is a "river" running through Provo. Maybe I should look out my window as a drive by more often!

Joe decided to play photographer.

Even though everything is dead with winter, this is still so beautiful to me. Maybe because it reminds me of my favorite sound: the rush of water.

You have to go hand in hand. It helps keep warm.

And lunch a ZUPAS is the PERFECT way to end. That soup really warms you up and you just HAVE to love the chocolate covered strawberries. YUM!

Chili-Rubbed Salmon with Sauteed Corn

Since I have someone else to cook for, I have been cooking A LOT more! Here is a great recipe from my favorite cookbook: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart. It's a really light yummy meal!

Ingredients:

(Serves 4. Prep time: 25 Minutes)

4 skinless boneless salmon fillets (6 oz each) ( I get them frozen at Costco).

Salt and pepper

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cups yellow corn (frozen or canned drained)

1 garlic clove, minced

1 cup fresh prepared tomato salsa (I LOVE this with fresh mango salsa)

Heat the broiler, set rack 4 inches from the heat. Rub the salmon all over with salt and pepper. Arrange on a rimmed baking sheet; sprinkle the top of the fillets with the chili powder.

Broil until the fish is opaque throughout; 8 to 10 minutes (for out broiler 10m mins is too long!).

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the corn and the garlic, tossing until the corn is tender and beginning to brown. About 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the salsa and season with salt and pepper.

Place the salmon on plates with corn mixture. Garnish with lemon or lime if desired. I like serving this with rice too.

Enjoy!

Comfort Food: Pot Roast and Veggies

My Mother is a great cook. She always makes meals that are delicious and easy to make. On cold winter days she would often make pot roast. It was yummy and warmed us right up. This winter has taken it's tole on me and I felt like I needed this comfort food. I can't be the only one who is needing comfort this winter, so I thought I would share this with you!

Ingredients:

A good size chuck roast for the number you are serving

1 potato per person

2-3 onions in quarters

1 bag baby carrots

2 cubes beef bullion

2 cups water

Sear roast on both sides in frying pan.

Place in slow cooker.

Cut potatoes into 2 inch size pieces.

Cut onions in quarters.

Place all veggies in slow cooker.

Add bullion cubes.

Add water evenly.

Cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.

I like to cook this on Sundays. Since we have church until 5:30pm, it is nice to put this all together before church and then come home to a house that smells yummy and a dinner ready to eat!

This meal should not be eaten alone. We invited my sister Allie and her husband Chris to enjoy it with us.

It was a great Sunday family meal. It definitely fulfilled my comfort needs!