Father's Day Gifts

This morning I've been thinking about FATHERS. About my own father and Brett's father. How is it possible that TWO people like us, who have been blessed with the incredible fathers like ours, can find each other and marry? Doesn't that upset some kind of balance in the universe? Our children have no idea how fortunate they are to have been born into a family with TWO grandfathers as amazing as theirs.

So that's been on my mind. But more specifically, I've been thinking about another Father. As I watched Brett kneel to say his prayers last night, I was completely overwhelmed with love and gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the blessings in my life, especially for the precious tool of prayer. Sending us to earth without any memory of our preexistence, left to find the truth on our own, He chose one thing, one gift to give us that would keep us connected to Him. So in the end, we wouldn't be left on our own, but rather, could ask Him directly to influence our decisions through the Holy Ghost. I am just in awe, and so thankful, that He would give us that two-way communication.

And then of course, there was the ultimate Gift. The gift of His Son. And like prayer, He is a gift that is there to be ours. But just as we have to make the choice to come to our Heavenly Father in prayer, we have to make the choice. The choice to "Come To Jesus".

Silence my music player and play this. The four minutes will be well-spent, trust me.

P.S. I first saw this music video on someone else's blog. So yes, I am a total copy cat. But it touched my heart and this morning as I felt His tender mercies, this video came to mind and I wanted to share it. I'd give credit to the initial blogger, but sadly, I can't remember who it was! (Sorry!) To my "Mystery Blogger", I say THANKS FOR SHARING. Your post was good for my soul.

Abracadabra! * Poof! *

I am loving this little summer thing I've got going on with a couple of girlfriends. We've created a sort of "Craft Camp" that takes place for two hours each week to help keep our kids from getting bored during these summer months. We're rotating weeks, so each mom takes a monthly turn hosting, helping the kids through 2-3 themed activities or crafts. Last Tuesday was my turn. The theme was "Magic". It was so fun! (A little exhausting, but fun!)

We started out by painting our magic wands (the cardboard tubes that come on the bottom of dry cleaning hangers). While they dried, I amazed my 3-6 year old audience with a flashy magic trick using baking soda and vinegar.

Then we read a fun book about a magician and his rabbit who become separated and eventually find their way back to one another. Tying the book into our next activity, we then "looked for a magician's rabbit", letting each kid hide a little stuffed bunny in my family room (a version of "Hot/Cold"). While they did that, I pulled each child aside, teaching them a simple magic trick which they then performed later for the group using their magic wand and wearing a glittery magic cape.

We made construction bunnies that popped out of construction top hats and then the kids did their grand finale trick: turning a white carnation into the color of their choice. Of course, that trick took a few days to complete!

I want to thank my mommy-friends for doing this with me. I had a blast hosting and can't wait to do it again. My kids are already looking forward to Tuesday because they know they'll be doing crafts and activities about "Turtles"! See our pictures (and magic tricks) below!

Here's one of our white carnations that

we "magically" turned green in just a week!

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Wyatt, the Great, holding his neon green flower
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Ladies & Gentlemen, presenting the newest, coolest,

most spectacular magicians to hit the Abracadabra-Circuit!

Turn off my music player & enjoy these two

videos of their sleight of hand!

a proposal I could not refuse...

Last Friday we met Brett's family at The Roof restaurant to celebrate his "baby" sister's high school graduation. We were there a few minutes early (pick yourself off the floor...that little fact was a bit of a shock, I know), so we decided to walk around Temple Square.

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There's a special little spot near the Reflecting Pool that is near & dear to our hearts...I affectionately call it "Proposition Corner". The night Brett proposed, nearly a decade ago, we had gone to Temple Square. At the time, the main street area (now where the Pool is, etc.) was under construction, so there were chainlink fences up between the Joseph Smith Building and the Temple. The closest we could get to the granite structure (it is made of granite, right?) was sitting in a dimly lit doorway on the northwest corner of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The light was a definite plus because Brett was trying to have me read the inside of my new CTR ring, which said, "Will You Marry Me?" The doorway looks very different now, as there was not landscaping near it at the time. Now there is a large tree (see photo) which would have then blocked our view of the temple. Thankfully, in 2000 our view of "eternity" was never clearer as we began our forever commitment to one another.

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We thought of acting out the proposal again, complete with a chaste make-out session, but we feared that the past would come back to haunt us. You see, after he proposed, we were, as you can imagine, feeling more in love than ever, so we were kissing more than ever. When all of a sudden, a man dressed in a suit exited the Joseph Smith Building out of the exact door we were kissing by. Boy, were our faces red! And I don't just mean from the love-pecks!

Oh, yeah...this corner brings back memories.

Mr. "RICO SUAVE"!

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Heidi, the happy graduate

Congrats, S'Mish!

Isn't she gorgeous???

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Sharing a few laughs between trips

to the decadent dessert tables

(That's right...I said tables, as in plural indulgences!)

so "gouda" & so low in points! GOUDA-STUFFED CHICKEN

(OK, so I shouldn't apply for a job as a cookbook photographer. )

But I wanted to share this recipe with you, especially those that are looking for something healthy or "diet-friendly".

Last week for dinner I made Gouda-Stuffed Chicken and it was sooooo good! Or as I like to call it: "Gouda!" It was easy, too. I loved the smoked gouda flavor, especially with the apple-juice/broth gravy. The only thing I would change would be the apples. Gotta be honest: I disliked the apples so much that I picked them off my plate. But they sure looked pretty! Next time I would just leave the apples out, or I am toying with the idea of trying it with sliced pears. Here's some photos of the step-by-step process. The recipe below is only 8 points! Not bad for something stuffed with cheese and covered in a sugary juice-sauce! This would be great with green beans or a green salad. Or beets. But then again, I LOVE BEETS and most people don't. No matter what you serve with it, try it and let me know what you think, okay?

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I love cheese. I'd rather tour a cheese factory than a chocolate factory anyday.

And smoked gouda. Come on...that's just YUM!

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It smelled so good as the chicken cooked and the cheese melted inside

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A little honey drizzled on the apples

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Getting the broth/juice mixture nice and hot. Cook it long enough that it thickens.
This part I would not leave out--it was really, really good drizzled over the meat.
The apples on the other hand...well, that I'd reconsider. Maybe pears?


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Cookin' the apples until crisp-tender

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Gouda-Stuffed Chicken
1 breast + 1/3 apple mixtures =8 points

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 oz. smoked gouda cheese, cut into thin pieces
2 tbl. Flour
¼ t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
2 t. olive or canola oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 c. red.-sodium chicken broth
1 c. apple juice
2 lg. tart apples, very thinly sliced (or pears)
1 tbl. Honey

Cut a slit lengthwise through the thickest part of each chicken breast. Fill with cheese.
In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
Dip the chicken in the flour mixture on both sides. Shake off excess.

In large skillet, cook chicken in 1 tbl. Oil over medium heat for 8-10 minutes
on each side or until juices run clear. Remove and keep warm.

In same skillet, sauté garlic in remaining oil for 1 minute.
Add broth and cider, stirring to loosen browned bits. Bring to boil. Reduce heat.
Simmer uncovered for 12 minutes or until mixture is reduced to about 1 c.
Stir in apples (pears) and honey. Return to boil. Reduce heat.
Simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes or until apples are crisp-tender.
Serve over chicken.

halle's new look is on the "cutting" edge

About two weeks ago Halle mentioned she wanted to cut her hair. I was shocked--shocked--because it hadn't been more than a couple days since she'd talked about how happy she was her hair was growing long, "like a princess". Deep down, I loved the idea of cutting her hair, because as a preschooler, she'd always looked adorable with her little bob-cuts. I presented her with the pros and cons of short & long hair and bargained. I told her she had to think about it real hard for a week, and if at that time she still wanted it cut I'd take her to a salon. (I wasn't about to attempt this myself...a grown woman has a difficult enough time overcoming a haircut gone bad. Can you imagine what a dramatic 6 1/2-year old's reaction would be???)

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A week later she said she was still thinking about it but that she thought she wanted it cut. I kind of ignored it, partly because I didn't really have the time. Then she didn't mention it again, so I assumed it had been simply a passing thought. However, out of the blue, while she was taking a bath last night, she shouted out sternly to me, "Mom, come in here!" I quickly ran to her bathroom thinking something was wrong. I was met with a resolved, "I've decided I want to cut my hair and I want to do it tomorrow." Ohhhhh-kay. It had been decided.

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So this morning at 10:30, she said goodbye to her long locks and hello to a fun new "do".
Take a look:

Feeling a bit jittery.
I asked her, "Are you nervous?"
Her brave reply was, "Almost."





'Thank You' to my stylist, Heather at Serenity Salon,
for fitting us into her busy morning!


Halle's first glimpse. She was shy, but loving it.


I think it makes her look a little older.

What d'ya think???

getting a grip

Carson's been making progress (and a mess) each
time he tries eating with a fork or spoon

a memorable Memorial Day

Our Memorial Day "festivities" aren't exactly noteworthy to most, but I wanted to mention what a great time I had Monday afternoon.

Thanks to the wind & rain, we had a simple "indoor" BBQ with our good friends & neighbors, the Stewarts, and one of my kids' absolute most favorite people, "Cousin Joleen".

I was so happy Jo came over. I had invited her but with false hopes, because I didn't think she'd actually come. This spring she had been so busy she put beavers to shame, and so I guess I was kind of used to her not really having the time (she's been passing CPA exams left and right). Anyway, like I said, it made my day that she came. We were laughing over dinner about what a love-hate relationship she and I have had over the years. Being "aunt/niece" with birthdays two months apart often times felt more like attending the same grade K-12 with your sister. But as children we loved to play together, especially the days we survived our petty little arguments. I'm sure you can relate. It does sound a lot like a sibling relationship, does it not? And then...ahhh...then we lived together one summer. Boy, was that the straw that broke the camel's back! I think we both wrote pages of the book "101 Ways To Sabotage What Could Have Been a Great Roommate Experience". Seriously, with exception to a couple good memories, I know she'd agree that we both made a lot of mistakes that summer. But the good part is, we can talk about it now. We've admitted we were both in the wrong, and now I'm just thoroughly enjoying her friendship and the beautiful person that she is. I really admire her determination and success she's had in school and now career, and let me tell you...this woman can cook! I've gotten some of the most interesting, but tasty, recipes from "Jo's Kitchen". She's gorgeous, having developed this super-fun, classy sense of style...I asked her yesterday where she finds all her cute clothes! Anyway, thanks for coming, Jo...we had a lot of fun with you!

And then of course, there's the Stewarts. When you move into a new home, one concern you (or at least I) have is always "What will the neighbors be like?" Likewise, I'm sure they were curious just who had moved next door and prayed we weren't ax-murderers or worse, lawyers (just kidding, Shawn!). We feel like we got the real luck of the draw with Shawn and Kami. They are the perfect neighbors in all the right ways: they take care of their house, they take care of their yard, they have children that are not obnoxious, but rather so adorable I could eat them right up! Their two kids and my brood get along famously, which is good because we swap babysitting at least once a month. Thanks to Kami, I've gotten a lot of great advice on how to plant shrubs and flowers, and thanks to Shawn, we've extracted "free" legal advice from him on two separate occasions in less than a year. We'd better be careful not to take advantage of his generosity...he might start timing our phone calls! :) I've called Kami from "the road" before asking her to make sure I shut my garage and it makes me feel good that she's felt able to call me for small favors, too. They had a busy day yesterday, with family activities in the morning, so it felt wonderful that they'd make time for our little BBQ, braving a new recipe I tried (which, thankfully, turned out pretty darn good thanks to our other 5-Star neighbor, Jayme. Thanks, Jayme! The Blue Cheese Burgers were a hit!)

Sunday after dinner, we'd driven the kids up to Hooper to see Brett's grandparents graves. It was a seized opportunity to talk to our kids about them (Halle was only two when they passed away) and also discuss the importance of temples and eternal families. Surprisingly, Halle was genuinely interested in them. I would think a 6 1/2-year old would have rather joined her younger brother on his walk around the cemetery to look at the different flowers, etc. placed by the headstones. Especially since she'd insisted on bringing her new "bug catcher" with us. But once Brett started talking about Grandma and Grandpa Taft, all she wanted to do was sit next to Brett at their gravesite, asking him questions about them, and the occasional question about heaven and the Plan of Salvation. On the way home, we drove by their house (which I'd never seen so I definitely loved seeing the square red-brick home near Roy High School) as well as Brett's maternal grandparents home, which she did remember. "Is that the house I went to where I got to play with the Jack-In-The-Box?" After we got home, her fascination continued. She'd disappeared for a while upstairs, reappearing about fifteen minutes later with a scrapbook page I'd done with Mack and Hazel Taft's pictures on it. "Is this them?" she asked Brett. Then she sat on his lap and asked more questions. It made me think about my own grandparents, and my brother, who have gone on ahead, paving the way for us on the other side, and how richly blessed I am to be tied to spirits with such strength and honor. The best question I'd heard all day was as we were walking to the car at the cemetery. I had mentioned the reason temples were so important was that they made it possible for us to be together forever with people that we love, even people that have already died. In childlike enthusiasm, she stated, "Oh! I get it, Mom! So because Grandma and Grandpa were married in the temple, they got to be together again? And I'll get to meet them some day? And then Wyatt and Carson will get to know them, too? And then I'll get to be with them forever!" I'm so proud that even at her young age, Halle is already grasping the significance of a noble heritage and the importance of making that connection with those that have gone on before!

So there's our Memorial Day weekend in a nutshell. Nothing earth-shattering, but leaving us at the end of the day feel extremely blessed to have certain people in our lives.

Hope yours was memorable, too!

P.S. If you've noticed the time, don't be alarmed. Between Wyatt's last awakening and my flu-like symptoms, I decided it wasn't getting me anywhere tossing and turning in bed. Now that I've been up twenty minutes, I'm ready to go back to sleep. So mission accomplished!

GNO: Foxboro-Style

So May was our first Girls-Night Out and can I just say it was
so much fun? It's no secret I've really missed my GNO group in
Arizona, so I finally decided to put one together here.

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For May, we had 12 ladies at Macaroni Grill and I couldn't
have been happier with the turn-out. They are all people I've wanted
to get to know better, each one bringing a fun, unique and
wonderful personality. Wasn't it Sister Hinckley that said

"Women need other women"?

So true!

For now, we've decided to do it every 2nd Thursday of the
month and I can't wait for June! See you there, ladies!

It was very important to me that it does not feel "exclusive".

I don't want anyone to feel as though they want to participate but can't.

I've been part of groups before that felt, I don't know, maybe "CLIQUE-ISH",

and I just wanted something warm and welcoming

to everyone in our neighborhood.

Yardwork, Pirates, & Bears, OH MY!

A week or so ago Brett's dad and brothers came over for a modern-day "barn-raising". Or in our case, a "shed-raising". Not only were they helpful with the shed, but nobody came empty-handed. Dad brought some tools, Tyson brought Mack, and Tanner brought personality and...a bear (explained below).

And there is Tanner's afore-mentioned PERSONALITY. What a ham.

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The kids kept busy with the ultimate kid-entertainment: large, empty boxes! They decided to play pirates. Here they are decorating their ship with stickers and crayons.

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Yo-Ho, Yo-Ho, A pirate's life for me!

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Have I mentioned that I love this kid?

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And I have I mentioned that I really, really love this "kid"?

Here is that bear I was telling you about. Tanner hid underneath a box and started growling. The boys were going absolutely nuts waiting for the rabid beast to emerge!
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As he escaped from his lair, the boys anticipated their "grizzly" death from bear attack.
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"Grrrrrrrrrr!" The bear was fearsome and showed no mercy.

The boys, of course, loved it.

It was hysterical!

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Tanner is basically the most adorable uncle in the world. I keep telling him that after his mission, all he has to do to impress a girl & melt her heart is to let her watch him with his niece and nephews.

Carson: KING OF THE CASTLE