KiddoBlogging

Thankfulness

Erin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:13:08 +0000

As I start working on our Thanksgiving menu, I can’t help but think about all the reasons I am thankful this year, and at this moment. Here is just a sampling of what crossed my mind today:

I have two terrific toddlers.
We are working toward paying off our debts, and we hope we’re only about a year (or less!) away from making that happen (mortgage excepted).
I can have a tiff with my husband over the phone while he is out of town, yet resolve it before bedtime.
Our family has been rather healthy this year.
I’ve been working hard toward a personal goal, and so far have made significant progress toward that goal’s completion.
I am continually humbled by and grateful for God’s free gift of salvation though I can never deserve it.
My marriage has become stronger over nearly seven years now. I am so richly blessed. I know that it’s not my naturally sweet disposition that has kept us going!
Skinny Cow. Yum.
We have great family and friends and a terrific church family!

Thinking inside the box

Erin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:39:51 +0000

We bought a fabulous new vacuum about a week ago, and of course the boys have been enjoying the box in which it arrived. I think I should get lots of large items for myself this Christmas, then let the boys just play in the boxes it all comes in. Oh, come on, they would love it!

The boys grin for Mommy.

: Timothy leans over to Nathaniel and says, “Boo!” Everyone giggles.

Oh, how they giggle!

I just love these super-sweet boys! Toddlerhood is a blast.

A cutie for you!

Erin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:31:47 +0000

Nathaniel with a very cute grin!

Nathaniel always has a cute smile for his mama in the morning, and today was no exception. I just love my little guys! (I had a few other pictures, but my camera is acting a bit wonky so this is all we have for now.)

Slow Cooker Recipes

Erin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:17:06 +0000

I made it my goal to cook all our meals at home while we had Patrick’s parents in town, and I think we succeeded pretty well. Here are a couple of recipes that got high marks from the in-laws.

BBQ Pork for Sandwiches

Ingredients

1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
3 pounds boneless pork ribs
1 (18 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce

Directions

Pour can of beef broth into slow cooker, and add boneless pork ribs. Cook on High heat for 4 hours (I cooked it on low all day instead), or until meat shreds easily. Remove meat, and shred with two forks. It will seem that it’s not working right away, but it will.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Transfer the shredded pork to a Dutch oven or iron skillet, and stir in barbeque sauce.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until heated through.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 onion, finely diced
2 (10 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces

Directions

Place the chicken, butter, soup, and onion in a slow cooker, and fill with enough water to cover.
Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High. About 30 minutes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.

Abuelita and Abuelo’s visit

Erin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:06:27 +0000

Here are just a few pics from Mark and Rusti’s visit.

Nathaniel hit it off with Abuelo right away!

Timothy enjoys time with his Abuelita.

Abuelita tickles Timothy!

Recipes

Erin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:37:24 +0000

Our family loves these mouthwatering recipes…especially served together. Enjoy!

Salsa Picante – recipe by Mark and Lora Griffin

8-10 Medium Tomatoes – cut into quarters (if using Romas, use 14-15)
1/2 Onion (medium-large) – cut into quarters
5-6 Garlic cloves – slice in half
2-3 Medium Jalapenos – remove seeds
Juice from 1/2 lime
Salt to taste
Approximately 2 handfuls of Cilantro – stems removed

Put 1/2 of tomatoes in blender and puree. Strain excess moisture. Add remaining ingredients into blender. Pulse/blend until sauce reaches desired consistency.

Store in large container in refrigerator. I recommend preparing the day before using for maximum flavor saturation.

Beans (Navy, Pinto, or Red) – adapted from recipe by Mark and Lora Griffin

Inspect and wash beans.
Soak beans in bowl overnight.
Drain beans and discard water.
Add beans, ham/ham hocks/salt pork (whichever you have on hand) to crock pot with enough water to fill the pot. Turn on high until boiling then turn crock pot to low to simmer.
For pinto or red beans, add 1 large diced onion, 5-6 garlic cloves (finely chopped), 1/4 tsp. red cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp. cumin. DO NOT ADD SALT until beans are done and meat is tender.
For navy beans, use ham, but nothing else except salt and pepper to taste.
This dish can be served with sliced jalapenos and mixed with salsa picante and sour cream, and/or can be served over rice or cornbread.

Grace Presbyterian Church of Utah

Erin — Mon, 25 May 2009 03:29:30 +0000

Please join us in prayer as our church, Grace Church of Utah, is raising money to purchase a building! Our church has been meeting in temporary facilities for about a decade. We have longed for a permanent facility to improve our ability to minister to the community around us…and now the opportunity has arrived! Please visit our church’s website, and our facility investment website, for more information on how to help in this exciting time. Thank you all, and we appreciate your prayers!

Molly’s preferred mode of transportation

Erin — Sun, 03 May 2009 03:34:53 +0000

Now that’s a lazy dog.

Red Butte Gardens

Erin — Fri, 01 May 2009 03:44:50 +0000

Spring. FINALLY. Patrick took the day off, and we and the boys traveled down to Salt Lake City and took in the Red Butte Gardens. The boys loved it!

Timothy brought his own stick from home, by the way.

The day could not have been more gorgeous!!

All afterburner and no rudder = perfect picture of a two-year-old.

He cast his stick upon the waters, then we all headed home.

Trip to the park!

Erin — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:36:36 +0000

Finally, a Saturday morning was warm enough for a trip to the park! We all had a lot of fun.

The boys had fun swinging! Timothy was a little concerned at first, but he quickly got the hang of it.

After the swings came the slide…but Mommy was holding Nathaniel and couldn’t get pictures. Next time, we will!

Timothy ran through the grass!

Nathaniel was in no mood for grass. He just wanted his Dadoo.

All is well now.

Timothy really liked it when the Sheriff’s deputy sped by with lights and siren!

After a fun morning, it was time to go. Which was good, because it started to rain shortly after! We’ll be back to the park soon.