Pesto magic

I'm a fan of this stuff. A big fan.
It's on my list of wonderful things in my life.
It's in one of my FAVORITE sandwiches that my friend Collette feeds me.
As a matter of fact, she feeds me often.
Incredible stuff like Milky Way Cake. Killer!!
Ice Cream Cake Roll with homemade Hot Fudge Sauce. My Oh My!!
And for my 40th she made THEE most incredible, from scratch, 20 layer (i think it was 20. it could have been 23) chocolate cake.
Yeah...turning 40 was a very happy day for me.

Okay wait...where was I??

Oh yeah. Pesto. And the great sandwich.
It has something to do with turkey, provolone and a crunchy ciabatta roll, smeared with the green goodness and toasted until the cheese is bubbling...I really don't know the details 'cuz I don't make it at my house. It's a tummy filling, heart warming, pesto lovin' treat at Collette's. I love her!

And then I discovered the Pesto Pizza at Pita Jungle. SO SO GOOD!

And just when I think pesto can't get any better...Vickie shares a pasta dish made with this glorious stuff.
When it comes to sharing happy things, Vickie is a pro. When you are around her, you feel happy. She makes you smile. She drops lovely things off on your doorstep. She says things to you to make you feel so good about yourself. She asks questions about you. She listens and looks you in the eyes. She is honest and inspiring. She is a cancer survivor. And it is never about her. It is always about you!

Here is her DARN DELICIOUS recipe:

Pesto Ranch Pasta Salad
from Vickie (my two cents in pink)

1 envelope Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk dressing, prepared as directed.
1 container Pesto - (I used the Buitoni brand from Basha's) and I used about a 6 oz. size from Wal*Mart
*Mix those together and let sit in frig. I whisked with a whisk, of course.

Combine the following:
1 pkg spinach leaves Vickie and I discussed how leaving them out and just adding on your own to your own serving might be a good option to keep the spinach from going wilty. You decide.
1 tub grape tomatoes, halved
1 pkg penne pasta, cooked, drained, and cooled
1 pkg toasted pine nuts - cooled (I toast them in a pan over med-hi heat, stirring constantly until they just start to turn golden brown.)

Right before serving, pour on the dressing in increments, until you get the right amount.
Sprinkle the salad with Feta cheese crumbles. Good ahead and overdo this part!
You can add chicken to this for a main course. Grilled or a shredded rotisserie. Yum!

Thanks Vickie. I love her too!

I had some of the dressing leftover. It has been a very happy thing in my life. I have used it for the following:
a fabulous dressing for a dinner salad
a yummy dip for french frys (I didn't want to do it but I did!)
a creamy topping for a baked potato
a drink when I'm thirsty (okay, okay. I'm kidding but really I COULD drink the stuff!)



**post edit--after reading through this entry, it's no wonder I'm constantly working on loosing weight. I think I need new friends! (wink ~ wink)
***post post edit--i could write a whole other entry about the word loose and lose. the english language is difficult and i have no idea if i used the word correctly in the above sentence.

Day 3

I'm grateful for a living prophet who shares such joyful and inspiring words.

Just like this that I came across moments ago. It was a much needed teaching moment.

"Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.” We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us."
--Thomas S. Monson, "Finding Joy in the Journey", Liahona, Nov 2008, 84–87

I feel extremely grateful that our prophet receives revelation directly from the Lord and knows that the fire of a testimony needs to be tended to and watched over to keep burning brightly. I had my "fire stoked" today. I'm so blessed.

Cinnamon Sticks

Who doesn't love a give away!
Try this new spot for darling gift ideas or something fun for yourself.

Day 2

My moment of gratitude came early today...

For breakfast I just finished up some yummy, creamy leftover roma tomato basil soup.

My friend bought me a bottle from Nordstrom's Cafe.
Just 'cuz.
Thank you Rachel!

Do yourself a favor and go get yourself a bottle.
Oh and you'll need a cup of cream.
You'll thank me later.

Or better yet, buy one for yourself and one to share with a friend.
She'll thank you later as well.

But what this post really boils down to is gratitude for food on my table and friends in my life.

An attitude of GRATITUDE

Day 1...

I'm grateful for the moment I had tucking Cooper into bed.
He reached up for a hug and his hands were doing the "bring it on" motion.
Then with a huge toothless grin he said, "Give me some suguh momma-see-ta!"

Just like 'sugar' but with the slang accent of a kid who grew up in Puerto Rico rapping as a back up singer for Vanilla Ice.

Suguh??? Where does he come up with this stuff!

It takes a village

Cooper had an opportunity to share his feelings with a classmate about believing in Jesus.

As per Cooper, it went down like this...

Cooper: "A kid in my class said that he doesn't care about Jesus."

Mom: "Did you say anything to him?"

Cooper: "Oh yeah! I told him that you shouldn't say things like that. Because it's like your soul is salt. It is white and pure but when you say things like you don't care about Jesus then it starts to get dirty like when you put pepper in the salt. And pretty soon your soul is black."

Whoa!! That was good and I was not prepared.

Stunned for a nano second, I didn't say anything in reply.

I was soaking in the object lesson he had just shared with me.

And then I said something like...

"That was so brave of you! Do you realize you were sharing your testimony with that boy?"

Cooper said in a very *it's no big deal* kind of way,

"I just told him what I learned in Primary on Sunday."

So THANK YOU Brother Ostergaard for your salt and pepper object lesson.

It left a lasting impression on my little boy.

And thank you to all those that rally around me and help me raise my children.

You probably don't even realize what you all are doing.

Brent and I are aware and we are very grateful!

Enjoy the differences

When the M&M's were gone for the General Conference bingo game, my boys turned to blocks and Lego's to pass the time.





While Cooper created his version of the Dizzy Dummy...













and the Motivator from Wipe*out...

Davis created his version of the Gilbert temple. Complete with an Angel Moroni sounding his trump!

Definite differences.

Both definitely loved for them.

Wait till you get a look at my pool boy...he's a cutie!

And he doesn't charge a thing!

Well maybe food, clothing, shelter and a nighttime back scratch.

But that's nothing really...

I'd give this kid anything!!

words I thought I'd never say...

GO PACKERS!!

And the best part is playing in the cool morning temps!

Today it was a chilly 64 degrees. Burrrrrrr!!

Finally ~ the weather we live for!

because of LOVE

One of the things I grew to LOVE, because of the LOVE of my mother, was a LOVE for musicals.

Mostly the ones from days gone by. Like this one...

Seen it several times, both on stage and the original movie. You know the one with Howard Keel and Jane Powell. I think me and mom wore out our VHS tape!

Being the only girl in my family, this was mine and mom's tradition.

I remember being small and seeing plays together in the small theatre in Centerville, Utah.

Many nights were spent watching musicals together, snuggled up on the couch, popcorn set between us, two cold rootbeers on a TV tray (remember those??), and a fire crackling in the fireplace.

Mom knew the words to every song and with my head on her shoulder, her voice was a soothing lullaby. At bedtime many nights, I remember her softly singing "Stay Awake" from Mary Poppins. Maddison plays it on the piano often for me now. Circles of LOVE are precious.

Then, as a Young Woman leader full of LOVE, mom started a tradition where she would take her girls to Sundance Theatre to see musicals in the beautiful setting of the Provo canyon.

This was my favorite! Cool evenings & warm blankets. Mom would splurge on rich hot chocolate and the sinful thick sliced homemade bread slathered with real butter and honey.

Because of LOVE, Mom even started taking her grand daughters to the little Centerville theatre when they were old enough. Maddison was lucky enough to see a show with Grandma...The Sound of Music was her first.

I just got tickets for Maddison and I to see this favorite musical at our local theatre here in Gilbert.

Because of LOVE, Mom will be there with us.

Hearts full of all she has blessed us with.

Night time thoughts

The last several nights I have been bugged by Cooper's excuses for not staying in bed and falling asleep. He is losing out on sleep that he desperately needs for survival skills the following day.

"I'm sooooo hot-uh!" (the "uh" is placed at the end of any of his sentences with great emphasis and is used when is he sad, mad or putting the blame on someone or something.)

"There's something in my eye-uh!"

"I'm sooooo hot-uh!"

"I'm sooooo itchy-uh!"

And it always ends again with, "I'm sooooo hot-uh!"

It sounds like I don't run the A/C or fans at my house. Not the case at all. Ask Brent, opener of the electric bill. In fact, because I realize that a cool room will become a factor at bedtime, I make sure that rooms are comfortable and ready for sleep.

No matter. Still the excuses. I've become rather exasperated and short tempered during this inevitable night time scene.

Late last night I watched Nie Nie's story on Oprah and felt a gush of remorse for my actions. And then this morning I read my friend's post about bed time at her house and the sting of tears rolled down my cheeks.

I'll be seeking forgiveness from my little one tonight and I'll linger with a song and back scratch, both of which he loves. And not just any back scratch, mind you. Just the kind that mommy gives.

For my Young Women and reminder for myself

My dear Young Women,

I would just like to invite each of you to make the time to listen to and participate in General Conference this weekend. It might take sacrifice to do so, but I know that as you do all you can to be where you need to be to listen to the words of our Prophet, that blessings will abound. If you still have the conference journals that Sister Short made a couple a years ago for you, get that out. If you don't have one, create one! Use the idea from the cute notebooks we made awhile back. Write down your thoughts and feelings as you listen. Approach Conference with a prayer. Do you need an answer to a question? Do you need peace and comfort? Do you wish for more courage to share the gospel? Whatever you are in need of, if you pray with real intent and faith, the Lord will give you what you seek. Through four sessions of Conference you might be surprised how many of the messages are meant just for you, with answers to your heart's desires.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to "listen to a prophet's a voice and hear the words of God". It is always a blessing in my life. I love the Savior and I know of His deep love for each of you. His plan is for your happiness. May the Lord's peaceful spirit rest upon each of you this weekend.

I love you very much,
Sister Brown

Make General Conference a Priority in Your Life
"Decide now to make general conference a priority in your life. Decide to listen carefully and follow the teachings that are given. Listen to or read the talks more than once to better understand and follow the counsel. By doing these things, the gates of hell will not prevail against you, the powers of darkness will be dispersed from before you, and the heavens will shake for your good."
Paul V. Johnson, "The Blessings of General Conference," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 52

Sacredness of the Prophet's Teachings

"You might ask yourself, 'Do I see the calling of the prophets and apostles as sacred? Do I treat their counsel seriously, or is it a light thing with me?' President Gordon B. Hinckley, for instance, has counseled us to pursue education and vocational training; to avoid pornography as a plague; to respect women; to eliminate consumer debt; to be grateful, smart, clean, true, humble, and prayerful; and to do our best, our very best. "Do your actions show that you want to know and do what he teaches? Do you actively study his words and the statements of the Brethren? Is this something you hunger and thirst for? If so, you have a sense of the sacredness of the calling of prophets as the witnesses and messengers of the Son of God."

D. Todd Christofferson, "A Sense of the Sacred," CES fireside for young adults, Nov. 7, 2004

The end

We enjoyed our last Diamondbacks game of the season.

We got there early to get our Mark Reynolds bobblehead

and see the boys of summer take batting practice.

My boys were hanging over the fence, hoping to catch a home run ball.

Cooper was thrilled to get an autograph...

#35 Clay Zavada

My teenage daughter enjoyed the game with her new phone glued to her hand.

Davis learned the fun of keeping an official score.

It was a great game.

First they were winning.

Then they were losing.

Still losing.

Then they WON in an exciting finish!

Even though the D-backs haven't had a successful season,

we've had fun being in the crowd a lot this year.

After all, if you're a true fan of any sport,

you don't jump around on the band wagons.

(a pet peeve of Brent's - jumpin' on a band wagon!)

So let's hear it for our Arizona Diamonds!

See ya next summer boys!!

post edit: one of my pet peeves - not being able to control my spaces between lines when I post here. UGH!! It just adds a space or takes one out whenever! I edit it over and over and still - the wrong edits. GRRR!!

A movie

I would love to see this movie. If you've heard of it playing somewhere, please do tell!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYkT_GndKtE

Everyone has a need to heal. Somehow.

I'm grateful for my testimony of the healing power of the Atonement.

Blessed

I had the privilege on Sunday of being in attendance at a fireside for our youth.
A friend of our Bishop had brought with him five original copies of the Book of Mormon.
One from each of the five times the book was sent to print during the life time of Joseph Smith.
We couldn't touch them, but were able to see them up close and look through the worn and fragile pages.
I knew it would be fascinating to see but I was not prepared for what I felt.
As those brittle pages were turned before my eyes, my heart began to swell and the warm and confirming spirit of truth filled my chest.
I felt so blessed and grateful.

I posted a new presentation by Mark Mabry. The photographer, creator and producer of Reflections of Christ. This one is called Another Testament.
As I watched this this morning, I was reminded of my experience on Sunday evening
and again felt...
so blessed.

Getting it

Cooper is not what I call a "reader" yet, but we are working on it.
We were about three pages into "In A People House" when he paused and asked quite seriously...

"Don't you think we should stop and check for comprehension?"

With a big "I-couldn't-love-you-anymore-than-I-do-right-at-this-moment" grin on my face, I agreed...

"Great idea."

Isn't it great when they apply concepts taught in the classroom!

Words ~ in all their varieties

Book Club was an interesting discussion on a book I wasn't too sure I wanted to pick up.

I surround myself with bright, well rounded people so I can learn.

My friends at book club are such people.

By the conversation's end, I was convinced Dracula would make my "plan to read" list.

And then...

Who would have thought that this evening's chatter would end

on such a different note.

One that left me filled with the spirit of truth.

But my friend Marie is so good at it.

She asked if could read us a scripture that was announced as the new year's

theme for the Young Women's organization.

Joshua 1:9

As Marie read these words, there was only quiet.

Just the sound of her voice reading from the scriptures.

Her testimony was evident in her recitation.

Then she asked if she could share the one and only cross reference:

D&C 38:7

"But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you.

I am in your midst and ye cannot see me;"

What a timely and powerful message for our youth.

So inspired ~ for such a time as this.

Thank you Marie. You are a gift to all of us.

for Sis, with love

The tears will come
My sweet little one.
Let them fall awhile.

It sheds the pounds
That weigh you down.
Then take a cleansing breath.

Stronger than you know
Inside you're meant to glow.
Believe what I already see.

He gave me you
A gift, I knew.
Daughters of God are we.

So let it pour
Fall to the floor.
My arms are here to cling.

Then raise your head

Your soul is fed.

A new day at your feet.

Mary's art

Turning my calendar from August to September brought a smile...

Everyone should twirl.

It arrived!!!

My box of Utah grown,
ruby red,
dripping with deliciousness,
top of the world. . .TOMATOES!!!!

A couple nights ago I enjoyed a scrumptious BLT that made me feel like I was back home sitting at the kitchen table and Dad had just come in from the garden with his arms overflowing from the latest pick. Mom would carefully wash them clean and then slice up a plate full of bright red, juicy discs.

When Mom assembled the BLT's, it was a triple decker.

And if you want to enjoy them in a simple but oh so tasty way...just do as I do.

Toast a piece of your favorite bread.

Nice and crunchy brown ~ not barely brown and flimsy. That just won't do.

Then place a schmear of mayo on your toast.

Next, cut some thick and juicy slices of that Utah garden tomato and lay them in place.

Salt and pepper and a sprig of fresh basil goes on top.

Notice I couldn't help but take a few bites.

I really have no will power to wait for a picture.

And after my toast was gone there was a piece left over.

I sprinkled the salt and cracked the pepper and took a beautiful bite.

My taste buds are singing some marvelous tunes these days!

If you like stuffed mushrooms...

then you're gonna luuuuvvvv these!

I found this recipe from one of my favorite blogs: The Pioneer Woman

She does it all.

And convinces me that I want to join her.



Stuffed Mushrooms, Baby!
24 ounces White Button Mushrooms
⅓ pounds Hot Pork Sausage
½ whole Medium Onion, Finely Diced
4 cloves Garlic, Finely Minced
8 ounces Cream Cheese
1 whole Egg Yolk
¾ cups Parmesan Cheese, Grated
⅓ cups Dry White Wine
Salt And Pepper (to Taste)

Preparation Instructions
Brown and crumble sausage. Set aside on a plate to cool.
Add onions and garlic to the same skillet; cook for 2 minutes over medium low heat.
Pour in wine to deglaze pan, allow liquid to evaporate.
Add in chopped mushroom stems, stir to cook for 2 minutes.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Set mixture aside on a plate to cool.
In a bowl, combine cream cheese and egg yolk.
Stir together with Parmesan cheese.
Add cooled sausage and cooled mushroom stems.
Stir mixture together and refrigerate for a short time to firm up.
Smear mixture into the cavity of each mushroom, creating a sizable mound over the top.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow to cool at least ten minutes before serving; the stuffed mushrooms taste better when not piping hot.






















I pop them under the broiler for just a minute or so...
then you get this yummy crunchy golden top and the warm gooey cheesey middle.
Oh goodness!

Pictures from our last vacation of the summer

Grab a treat and settle in...this goes on and on and on!

This family trip to California is late in getting posted but it was WONDERFUL none the less. We met up with the Brown family and headed for the beach.

There is a great campground straight up the bluff from the beach that has seen Brent and his little sisters romping and playing for nearly 40 years. We take our kids back often to keep the tradition thriving. As a matter of fact, some little camping neighbors came to play in this GIGANTIC tree that sits in our campsite. They told our kids in a very "in your face" kind of way that they have been playing in this tree for 10 years, almost daring them to enter their space. Grandpa Brown would have none of that...

He wandered over to the tree and informed the little invaders that he trumped them by 30 years! Word spread quickly among the little campers and whenever they came to climb, they did so very politely ~ and our kids were very good about sharing the adventurous branches.

The Brown cousins...

Bottom: Davis~10; Maddison~14; Burk~12; Kate~10

Middle: Chelsea~10; Sam~8; Cooper~6

Top: Peter~3

Our first night at the beach...

...we headed to Santa Cruz to enjoy the Boardwalk.

I love that it sits right on the beach. If we had waited until the following day to visit, we could have heard Eddie Money perform live with the ocean waves crashing behind him. Come on everybody! Put your hands together!

"I've got two tickets to paradise!"

The kids were so excited to ride this coaster. Cooper has been working real hard on growing just so he could make the height requirement. He made it ~ barely.

You gotta love history!

Our first ride was the one that promised to get us wet. The kids were excited and the adults were glad it was sunny and there would be time to dry and warm up before the cold beach air overtook the Boardwalk.

Even Grandpa, Brent and his little sis were in on the action. I so wish I would have gotten an "after" picture of these three.

S O A K E D was an understatement and we all laughed.

I love laughing with the family.

Waiting for dad to track down dinner and feed this hungry bunch.

Goodness, I love this bunch.

The littlest cousin

Smile with me as Peter makes short work of his hot dog.

Gotta love a boy who knows what he likes!

While the dads were waiting in line for a bigger, faster ride, they let the kids go ride some little rides where the lines were short and fast.

Burk and Cooper

(Burk was so good to let Cooper hang on him and walk in his shadow. I even saw him take Cooper's hand on several occasions. Thanks for being so good to Coop, Burk!)

Davis and Sam

Pulling the rings on the Carousel. The kids can hardly wait until they are old enough and tall enough to finally reach the rings.

This was Davis' year.

Cooper will have to wait another year or two. He's very disappointed.