Ballard Business: October 2009

Monday, October 26, 2009

I try to excercise, I really do!

I love to do Yoga, especially as I get older and my knees and back just don't work like they used to.

But so do my kids...can you tell?

I have to get up by 5:30 or 6:00 am, quietly - ever so quietly - sneak downstairs and start my workout. I am so careful to open up the tv console carefully so as not to make a sound.

But inevitably I hear little feet tapping upstairs through the hallway to see what Mommy is doing. I don't get how they hear me, but they always do. Whatever happened to kids wanting to sleep in? Probably will come when they have to start early morning seminary...

So today I let them join me. Was a bit hard to move around them and the toys, but they just loved it.

And quite frankly, after seeing the pictures, so did I.

WHAT?

To my terrible dismay, I was moving couch pillows around and found this-

How could I raise a child that doesn't like peanut M&M's (they are my favorite treat - well, one of the many...)? She had carefully eaten off the yummy sugar & chocolate coating, then left the peanuts all to them lonesome selves.

I have alot of work to do with that little girl...

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Football madness...

Man, despite the "owies" we get, my boys still LOVE football. Dallin and Mikey talk about "plays" all day, they work out together, get ready for practice with excitement and come home sweaty and tired - still talking about it.

So far, with lots of prayers from me, our injuries are minor. I just read an article that persuades readers to feel this is just an awful sport for young kids - and I used to agree. But the comradery that has formed with their team, the acceptance they feel and the growth in their self esteem has really pushed me to now disagree. They love being apart of this band of brothers on the field and the loyalty that comes from working so hard together. I insist that Mike coaches so that they have an emotionally stable coach (some are crazy - I almost went off on a competators coach Saturday because he was so nasty, but decided I didn't need a fight in front of the kiddies...oohh, but he was a mean man).

We played against their biggest rival on Saturday (not the nasty coach though) - their own classmates who play on a different league. I wondered how they would feel about it and to my happiness they were so positive! They would say hi to each other before plays, then ram into each other has hard as they could, then help each other up. It was so awesome. It was the closest game EVER, but we ended up losing by one touchdown (14-20). I hoped they wouldn't be too bummed and as I went to congratulate them on a great game, all they could think of was running over to the other side to congratulate their buddies. THESE are the kind of boys I want - competative and hard working, but compassionate and good to other people. Ready to do what it takes to win, but not ready to give up friendships over it. The referee said our team has the best sportsmanship he had ever seen in a game. I think its the best compliment.

That day I couldn't have been prouder of them...

Mikey going for his second touchdown!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Dallin is so cute -

Me - "Dallin, you need to take a shower after football. Honey, you don't want to stink."

Dallin - "MOM, men are SUPPOSED to stink."

love it...

Sunday, October 11, 2009

The Boutique for Noah was FABULOUS!!!

Me and sweet Noah...love this boy.

I can't even begin to say how fun our day was yesterday. The boutique was so awesome and we had the best turn out. Dear friends come from all over who love Liza and her family, as well as friends who have never met her but were so supportive. Tears were shed, hugs were given, and tons of support was lent to this amazing family.

Jesse is Liza's best friend who stayed over 12 hours helping us. Thank you Jessee!

We made these cute aprons to sell and they went flying! My whole house was transformed into "Twigs and Twine" decor. I wish it looked like this all the time...

We had so many wonderful things donated. Brooke J. made homemade quilts, all our gourmet candies, and tons of cake plates that went flying too. Steph L. surprised us with the coolest decorated witches - that we sold in seconds. Thanks Tami P. and Jenny B. for the yummy food! We love all you ladies...

All of these things are homemade by Liza. She is not only talented, she is a pure artist with fabulous technique. It was fun to see everyone's faces when they would show up and realize this wasn't your normal homemade stuff.

My friend Jen got this Believe one, lucky...

Thanks to everyone and their support!!!! We could not have done it with out you all! It was such an uplifting experience. We had a fun drawing and below are all the winners:

McKinley C. MP3 Player
Dallin B. MP3 Player
Jen P. Scrapbook basket
Susan M. Christmas Plaque
Alissa P. Scrapbook basket
Amanda S. Scrapbook Calender Kit
Jane K. Flower Kit
Ronelle C. Card and Postcard Set
Rebecca C. Candy dish
Wendy S. DVD photo Montage

Thanks to all those who entered!!!!!!!! We appreciate to amazing experience with all of you!

Keeping busy during General Conference!

We try new things each year to keep the kidlets busy as we try to watch General Conference together. We can't even begin to say how much we enjoyed it this year. The Apostles and Prophets shared such inspiring words and really uplifted us.

We loved FLOAM and the boys stayed busy all afternoon with it! Making ties, fishes, animals, and even flipping FLOAM "pancakes!"

Good Job my little buddies!

All by himself...

Joey got ready for church, including hair and tie...

...all by himself.

Mike visits the new Cowboy Stadium!

He finally got a chance to spoil himself and I am so glad he did. His buddy from high school works for BYU and was able to get him tickets. He flew down to Texas with his work buddy and stayed the weekend there. It was one of the best games to be at - new stadium (that was seriously awesome), tons of fans, and BYU won when we weren't supposed too! GO COUGARS!!!!!

Preschool

Mike and I felt like I needed to spend some more time with Joey this year before he starts the big Kindergarten. So I decided to teach him preschool from home! We converted a room downstairs to his Preschool and his little buddy Brielle does it with us. Her mom is my dear friend and helps teach. I love being with him and watching him grow...

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From My Kitchen

I got this from my Aunt Steph and served it at my little brother's wedding. Since then I can't even count how many times people have asked me for the recipe. I could probably eat it for a week straight and still LOVE it! Combine: 1/2 c. red wine vinegar 1/2 tsp. fresh basil 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning 3 cloves of minced garlic 1/2 tsp. oregano 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 T. sugar 1 T. parsley or chives Mix well then add 1/2 c. olive oil, 5 to 6 Roma tomatoes (diced) and 1/2 red onion sliced very thinly. Marinate for several hours or overnight. When ready to serve mix 3/4 c. mayonnaise & 3/4 c. Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Cut 1 loaf baguette bread into thin slices. Spread with mayo-cheese mix. Top with one tablespoon of tomato mixture then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Broil about 5 minutes till crusted and serve promptly.

Frosted Cinnamon Rolls

Quick Cooking

Add into bread machine:
1 c. warm milk *
¼ c. water *
¼ c. butter *
1 egg *
1 tsp. salt *
4 c. flour *
¼ c. instant vanilla pudding mix *
1 T. sugar *
1 T. active dry yeast *

Cook on dough setting until finished. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and roll out to 17 in. x 10 in. Spread with ¼ c. melted/softened butter. Sprinkle with 1-2 c. brown sugar and 2 tsp. cinnamon.

Roll up into jelly roll and pinch sides to seal. Cut into 21 slices and place in 9 x 13 pan and 9 x 9 pan greased pan. Let rise in warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Cool on racks for 5 minutes and frost with the following:

4 oz. softened cream cheese *
¼ c. softened butter *
1 ½ c. confectioners sugar *
1 ½ tsp. milk *
½ tsp. vanilla extract *

Beat together and frost warm rolls.

Homemade Orea Cookies

Our Favorite Sausage Gravy

1 lb. pork sausage

1 onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 T garlic, minced

4 T unsalted butter

salt and pepper to taste

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon minced fresh sage

1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

2 cups milk, divided

2 cubes chicken bouillon

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

In a skillet on medium heat cook pork, onion, green pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic until pork is crumbly. Drain off excess fat, but leave a small amount.

Combine butter, salt and pepper with the meat mixture and stir until butter melts. Slowly sift flour over the top. Mix gently and allow mixture to cook for 5 minutes. It will burn, so do not let it sit unguarded. Don't forget to scrape the bottom of the pan. Add the sage and thyme (if you used Italian seasoned sausage, omit sage and thyme)

Slowly stir in milk, about a half a cup at a time, and incorporate it well. When the mixture thickens, add more milk. Do not let it boil vigorously, or it will burn. Add chicken bullion and let cook for five minutes. Again, if it thickens too much, add more milk. Adjust taste with more salt and pepper if needed.

Just before serving, add the parsley, and about a 1/4 cup more milk; the gravy will thicken quickly as it cools.

Chicken Rolls

Nola's Pizza Sauce

I have looked for a great homemade pizza sauce and this one has past the test so far....

Combine in sauce pan:

15 oz. can tomato sauce or blended diced tomatoes

¼ tsp. oregano

¼ tsp. dried thyme

¼ tsp. salt

½ tsp. lemon juice

1 ½ tsp. sugar

¼ tsp. dried basil

¼ tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. pepper

dash of onion powder

Heat until bubbly, then turn down to low and simmer for 30-60 minutes. When cooled store in fridge in tightly sealed container. Double the recipe and freeze some too. Use for pizza or dipping sauce for bread sticks.

Croissant French Toast

Great Cooking Magazine

Vanilla Sauce:

1 T. Flour 4 egg yolks

1 T. Vanilla extract ½ c. sugar

2 c. whipping cream

2 scoops vanilla ice cream

Combine flour, yolks, vanilla- set aside. In saucepan over medium heat, bring cream and sugar to boil. Remove from heat and add small amount of cream to egg mixture. Return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to gentle boil and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in ice cream until melted. Set aside.

Berry Sauce:

2 c. raspberries 2 T. Sugar

Combine in saucepan and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Beat 3 eggs and dip 8 slices of croissants in mixture. Brown both sides on griddle in butter. Serve with vanilla and berry sauces on the side.

Homemade Pretzels

Dissolve: 1 T. yeast

1 ½ c. warm water

Combine: 4 c. flour

1 ½ tsp. sugar

¾ tsp. salt

Add yeast water to flour mixture and mix well until blended. Knead until smooth and elastic. Shape (they grow twice the size, so make the pretzels thin- about ½ inch wide) and place on greased pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or on convection speed for 10-12 minutes.

After baking brush with butter, then sprinkle with kosher salt (this can be done before baking as well) OR cinnamon sugar. Great activity for groups of kids.

Apricot Chicken

My dear buddy Liza brought me lunch one day during a tough time in my life (Law School, 2 toddlers, & RS President among other things...) It was SO yummy and each time I eat it I remember her thoughtfullness that touched me that day.

1 pkg. Onion Seasoning Mix
1 jar Apricot Jam
1 bottle Russian Salad Dressing

Mix and pour over 4 chicken breasts in sauce pan. Simmer for 20 minutes until chicken cooked through (works great in crock pot too). Serve over rice and veggies or mashed potatoes. Such a great food storage recipe. Love you Liza!

ps-other weeks recipes are found below

Green Beans with warm Bacon Dressing

I love this with FRESH green beans from our local market!

3 slices bacon, chopped

1 large shallot, minced

½ c. chicken broth

1 Tbs. cider or red-wine vinegar

1 lb. green beans, trimmed

In skillet, cook chopped bacon till crisp. Remove and set aside. Add shallot and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in chicken broth and vinegar, and bring to boil over high heat; cook for 2 minutes. Reduce to low and keep warm. Boil 4 quarts of salted water. Add beans and cook for 5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Drain well. Whisk warm dressing and spoon evenly over green beans, then sprinkle with bacon. Makes 6 servings.

Kelly's Favorite Bruchetta

Combine:

1/2 c. red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp. fresh basil

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

3 cloves of minced garlic

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 T. sugar

1 T. parsley or chives

Mix well then add 1/2 c. olive oil, 5 to 6 Roma tomatoes (diced) and 1/2 red onion sliced very thinly. Marinate for several hours or overnight.

When ready to serve mix 3/4 c. mayonnaise & 3/4 c. Parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Cut 1 loaf baguette bread into thin slices. Spread with mayo-cheese mix. Top with one tablespoon of tomato mixture then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Broil about 5 minutes till crusted and serve promptly.