What's cookin'. What's goin' on.

 

I have a ton of odds and ends to journal about.

 

First I wanted to share a few pictures of this amazing float that Funny Kathy and crazy Jetski Greg were in charge of for the 24th of July parade (Utah's big pioneer celebration.)  It sparkled and glittered and the bear moved and played the piano with his foot and strummed a guitar.  They did a fabulous job.  She had to take a lot of classes to earn how to sculpt with Styrofoam and the essentials of glitter and the mechanics of movement, etc.  Amazed and proud of their great job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

so, as you know, I got a new baby kiddo this week.  He's amazing.  What a gift.  But even if you get a new grand....and that family needs your help, I have 4 other kids who all need help as well!  It has been a busy, busy week!

 

 

On the day Ryker was born, my DIL Marci's only brother was getting married.  I volunteered to make a large cheese stuffed tortellini salad for the in between festivities.  Also I watched M and R's 4 kiddos (my grands)....and Marci's two sisters kiddos- so six more plus Peyton that I was already watching......whew!  While they all went to the wedding luncheon.  The kids were great and moved in a big pack- outside on the swings- then to the basketball court- then to explore the cabin, etc.  The little girls dressed up in princess clothes and the boys spent hours sword fighting outside.

Mallorie and I took a nap when they all left.....

While niece Mallorie was here for the week, we made a bucket list of things we wanted to accomplish.  You know, like what restaurants did I need to introduce her to (Bruges and also Asian Star ), what chick flick to watch (Something Borrowed) , Pioneer Park Farmer's Market (always wonderful and artsy) and then we each chose a pinterest recipe we wanted to make.  Mal's pick was this strawberry cheesecake chimichanga.  Delish and easy.  A winner!  recipe on the cooking blog.

Friday night, still having Peyton, I also watched grands- Sadie and Nash.  Nash had a baseball practice to go to so we all went to the park.  Peyton is in heaven getting to play with these "funner-than-heck" cousins.

I didn't get a cute picture of Nash in his baseball outfit but I have a cute Nash story.  He walked into our walk-in closet and saw all of David's belts hanging from hooks on the wall.  Nash said, "Wow, Grandpa, those belts are really long!  You must have a really long waist!"

 

Yes, that would be it.....

 

 

Oh, and Brooke and Tanner's peach tree had to start dropping fruit the week of the baby's arrival.  I brought home three bags of peaches and canned quarts  (which is a major act of love since I hate canning) and also several pints of mock raspberry/peach jam.  I hope they enjoy it.  I'll do more tomorrow.

“Peach: [Darla taps madly on the tank glass trying to knock Peach off] Find a happy place! Find a happy place! Find a happy place!  (from Finding Nemo)

Baby Love!

Ryker.  I know you want to kiss him.  He's so stinkin' cute.  And precious.  And we're head over heels.....  and I would be bloggin' but I'm kiddo watching.  Peyton's been at our house so his mommy can adjust to the new baby.  I kiss P. a lot.  He's so stinkin' cute. And precious.  And I'm head over heels over him.  It's "grand" love!

 

Ryker!!!

 Today Chubba Wubba became a big brother!!!!  Ryker was born this morning- weighing in at 9 lbs. 3 oz.  (Chubba was 9 lb. 13 oz....and big sister Annee was about 3 pounds!  That's a pretty good range.)  Love him already....and had his name ready to put on the stairs.  Two flights of stairs all full!  Love is overflowing.  All is well.

Odds and Ends

 We have had the most amazing cloud formations and sunsets.  Unfortunately I know the beautiful colors are the results of so many brush fires.  We continue to have hot days and water shortages.  God bless firefighters everywhere!

The other day I was talking on the phone and glanced out the window and saw neighbor-go-to-biker boy outside peering in.  I had to do a dodge...because, although I ADORE Brian to death, you can't have a 5 minute conversation with him.  Then I felt guilty when I got off the phone and went out to chit-chat...but he had parked his bike and went down to find David at the barn.  Brian is the "fly your shirt-dumpster diving" boy....but now his obsession is shoelaces.  His bicycle cracks me up.

 My friend Sophia posted recently about unplanted crops popping up in her flower beds.  Though mine isn't as exotic, this year I've found several pumpkin plants growing that I have no idea where they came from.  I don't think I had an old pumpkin die on my porch last fall but maybe so.  Or maybe kids left a treasure.  Anyway, a funny place for pumpkins (right by my front door) but I adore them nestled in with the Sweet William.

 

We had Girl's Night Out tonight.  This is how one of my friend's sons announced they were expecting.  He said, "We're upgrading to the family plan."

 

and speaking of that.....I'm getting a grand baby in the morning!!!!!  Annee and Chubba Wubba are getting a new baby brother!  Soooooo excited!!!!!!

Pie and Pi

Love this- just cracked me up!



Life is busy- kiddos starting school- TODAY is Rylee's birthday- I love this girl so much.  She's such a hyper ball of fun, you can't help laughing when you are around her.  We have a fun word we say, "shud-da-da-da-it-up."  (We were getting gas and I asked her to look outside her window to see if I closed the gas compartment door.  She said, "Grandma, you shuddadad it up."  We laughed and laughed and always use it now.)  (heavens, I see someone taking the picture of Rylee in the mirror....)

Helped with a nice shower for friend, Elsa's, son's bride this past week at Lynda Raddon's.  I made orange rolls to go with Lynda's salad and also banana bars for dessert.  We had a great time visiting.  If you haven't made the banana bars from the cooking blog, do it!  Make sure you serve them chilled.  I loved getting to meet Michael's fiance.  She's fun and unique and seems a perfect match for Michael.  I got them towels from their registry....a bright blue, a bright red, a bright yellow and the bright green lid cover.  I thought "they must be doing Caribbean!"  Not so.  They are both majoring in Molecular Biology and their guest bathroom is decorated around a scientific Periodic chart!  They are having medical beakers for their flowers for their wedding.  Fun and I love it!

On a sad note for me, one of my dear Bucket friend's lost one of her sons this weekend.  It is such a heartbreak.  Two weeks ago I saw my friend at Bucket and she was just so happy she glowed.  Life turns on a minute.  My thoughts for the whole family.....

Pi Patel: I suppose in the end, the whole of life becomes an act of letting go, but what always hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye. (quote from the Life of Pi)


Adult Pi Patel: Even when God seemed to have abandoned me, he was watching. Even when he seemed indifferent to my suffering, he was watching. And when I was beyond all hope of saving, he gave me rest. Then he gave me a sign to continue my journey. (quote from The Life of Pi)

Trying "Pins"

 Truly, I have the ugliest feet in the world- PLUS I have summer feet- meaning I'm in thongs constantly, I mean flip-flops....so the feet are calloused and cracking.  So you can imagine how this claim caught my attention.

 

The claim:  This is crazy. Mix 1/4 cup Listerine (any kind but the pinner likes the blue but DON'T do that cause it makes your feet blue!), 1/4 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup of warm water. Soak feet for 10 minutes and when you take them out... the dead skin will practically wipe off.

My results:  first of all, 1/4 plus 1/4 plus 1/2 isn't enough of anything to soak my feet in.  I 4-timed this recipe.  Also, you are adding the warm water to cold vinegar and mouthwash so the foot soak was cold.  Next time I will heat the vinegar and make the water hot.

Because there WILL be a next time.  This was absolutely amazing.  I used a pumice stone and it really worked great.  This will be a part of my weekly routine forever.  It's a winner.



Last night I went over to one of my BFF's Brendalyn.  She had made roasted tomatoes for her hubby's dinner and made me a plate.  I had forgotten how much I loved them...and made then for myself this morning for breakfast!  So easy and a good way to eat that zucchini that neighbors are leaving on your door step in the middle of the night...teamed with those luscious tomatoes growing on your vines.

Slice your zucchini in about 1/4 inch slices.  Put a little olive oil in a pan and cook for a few minutes on one side.  Meanwhile, slices a few fresh onion rings and go ahead and saute them as well.  They are my favorite flavor here.  I actually sprinkled a few of my favorite herbs on top as well.

 

Put a slice of tomato on top of the zucchini, then top with sauteed onions and some grated cheese.  I used Romano but Parmesan or a soft cheese would be good too.  Presto!  A delicious side or, in my case, the perfect breakfast! 

 

S'mores seem to be the rage and my love is no exception.  Saw these s'more cups pinned and had to make them up.  You can tell they were freshly dipped in chocolate and haven't set up yet.  These are so quick and easy to do.     (I like the s'more bars better but they aren't as quick so these will do just fine.  Both recipes on the cooking blog.)

 

 

 

 

Another tip I've been meaning to try out is cooking corn, husks and all in the microwave.  You place the whole ear of corn in the microwave for 4 minutes. 

 

 
 
 
 
Then let it rest for two minutes.  I guess it was hard work there in the microwave!  Then cut off the end of the corn- making sure you get into the kernels.  The cob is suppose to slide right out, without silk.  Mine actually didn't want to slide out so I just unwrapped it and it was almost silk-free.  Definitely a great way to do corn especially if you're just cooking for 2 or 3 people like me.

Which brings me to the most important part.  I've shared this before but here it is again.  If you happen to watch "Back to the Future"- there is a scene where the family is sitting around the dinner table.  They are having corn on the cob and everyone butters their bread, then rolls the hot corn in the buttered bread.  I remember the theater laughing...and I couldn't figure out why since that was how I grew up buttering my corn as well.  I love the bread afterwards as well- a little moist and buttery.

 
What in the name of corn on the cob is goin' on around here? Because of Winn-Dixie

Summer's Wedding

Just a few images from another amazing wedding.  This girl is the sister of J. that got married a few weeks ago.  How would you like to do 2 weddings a month apart?!!!

Both weddings were beautiful, wonderful, over-the-top.  As different as the sisters.

 

I had to put this picture of one of their pictures here since that is Pokie- one of our horses. 

 

I think Summer's wedding dress is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.  Summer designed it herself.  Really, these pictures do not do it justice.  Double click (or single) on the picture to make it larger.  There is a beautiful, single fold down the front.

I love tru luv.  Love all the happiness at a wedding.

You won't believe what happened to me....

The other day, a friend from the old neighborhood, and a neighbor to Funny Kathy and Chef Valene- Andrea- posted this:

 

OK, I think I win the "You won't believe what happened to me today!" award for August 8, 2013. I WAS BITTEN BY A GOPHER!!
He was starting a mound in the middle of my big back lawn and I started pulling the dirt back to find the hole so I could set my trap. The mound wasn't very big because he was right there just getting started. He bit, I bled, I went to the ER for a sterile scrubbing, a big fat bandage on my bird finger, and a Tenanus shot. (Rodents don't carry rabies in case you were wondering...I certainly was!)
Then I went home, dug a hole around the mound, out ran the gopher, and I dispatched him with the sharp side of my shovel....TAKE THAT!!!
"Bird Finger Gopher Dispatch, LLC." at your service!!

 

(I also laughed at a comment her son made.  He's a Dr. and said, "If you start craving brains, call me!"  She said "It took him 20 years of schooling to get that smart!")

What a Birthday!!!

David's mom turned 90 years old August 9th.  We had a big bash for her on Saturday- with almost 80 people attending.  Her kids, grandkids and greats- it was a ball.  A reunion for all the cousins.  Lots of eating and swimming and I rented a dunking booth (which the kids LOVED) and horseback riding too.

We took funny family pictures....

Mom's grandkids-

Almost the whole clan together.

 

We served all Grandma's favorite foods- baked potatoes with toppings, salad, chips and dip, homemade cinnamon rolls with brown sugar frosting and homemade ice creams.

 

 


 

 

 

 I made a yummy banana custard ice cream.  Recipe on the cooking blog.

 

I  ordered a case of Idaho spuds.  At the Blackfoot, Idaho visitors center, they hand Idaho spuds out to guests.  Once an Idaho girl, always an Idaho girl!  What a great time!

 

Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete.  ~Marcy DeMaree