Ballard Business

Sunday, April 19, 2009

I am sleep deprived....

This is why... (I know, I look sick, but I wasn't planning on my cute hubby getting up in the night and taking pictures or I would have worn some make up to bed)...

The problem is I am so tired at night that I don't even notice all these little boys creeping into my room at 2 am. Karly would be there too if she could climb out of her crib - knock on wood.

Fun with the Fam -

Whenever we can get Mike a day off work we like to take him and RUN!!!!! It seems we can often get better family time when we escape the phones and busyness of life and retreat into nowhere. This is our new favorite "nowhere..."

It's a little island about 1 1/2 hours away from our home and we took the day to explore it. I loved this place because it was so peaceful and the sounds of birds were everywhere. I think my favorite part was the fact that NO BEARS live on the island (those of you who know all my issue's with those things - thanks to a few college buddies and that darn Yosemite trip...) and I could hike anywhere I wanted. My boys (all four of them) hiked up to the top of awesome hills while I would linger with my little princess as she would "sniff" all the flowers (mostly weeds). We would go about 50 feet and the boys would already be done. I didn't realize I would love hiking with her, even if it meant basically "lingering".

So glad that peaceful places like this still exist and we don't have to take an airplane to get there.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

242 minutes...

It was a really quiet night after the kids went to bed tonight. Mike and I just assumed it was because everyone else in the world was as consumed with American Idol as we were. Then we found the cordless...turned on...for 242 minutes - hope nobody needed anything...

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

"Don't get mad, take a picture!"

We have lots of wonderful family memories and most of them consist of hardcore mess's. Many years ago when I was a new mother and devouring every Parenting Magazine I could get a hold of, I came across a quote I will never forget -

"Don't get mad, take a picture!"

I love this because I have remembered this over and over (not as much as I should though), and tried to hold my tongue and grab my camera instead.

So now I am posting some fun mess's just from the last few weeks that were my favorites!

I decided to let Karly dish up her own hot chocolate and then leave her for a minute - remind me not to do that again! But she was so happy using up ALL of the hot chocolate for her drink - or should I call it "pudding"?

Mike called to me the other morning in a calm voice,"KEEELLLLLY." I was like "What do you need?" and he responded a little more urgently, "Keeeeelllllyy, I need your help!" Well, he hardly ever needs MY help (usually the other way around), so I quickly came downstairs and saw this! I just started laughing and made him hold the broken flour bucket a few minutes longer while I searched for the camera. Hey - I am just grateful he cooks alot - even if he does drop the flour bucket once in a while!

Finally, this morning I am updating my blog when all of a sudden I hear "GERONAMO!!!!" and see this sippy cup of milk flying over the balcony and crashing to the flour. My favorite part was hearing little feet running away upstairs before they got caught (that little Joey I tell you!). Who ever said these cups were worth buying anyway?!!!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Easter

Easter is one of my favorite holidays because of the love I have for Jesus Christ. Our family is blessed every hour because of our faith and belief in His atonement. Elder Holland describes this sacred event so wonderfully - I have posted his remarkable comments on the side video. Please enjoy a fantastic Easter! Love, the Ballards

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Keeping busy during Conference!

Many of you know that watching General Conference (our semi annual instruction broadcast from the Prophet via cable for the LDS church) is a constant commitment to keeping children busy so that you can enjoy the messages. Each year we try new things to keep their little minds entertained. This time we tried making "arrangements" with our food on our picnic blanket in the living room, broadcasting it on our outside speakers while the boys played on the grass, making race tracks to roll our easter eggs down, and letting everyone have a turn playing with the camera. Dallin decided to put multiple beanies on and head butt easter eggs, so Karly decided it was winter all over again and needed a hat and gloves too! It all seemed to work well because we have made it through 6 hours of instruction and heard most of the talks! One more session to go, we will see if we make it...

ps - If you didn't hear Elder Holland's talk on the Savior, I insist that you read it on line. By far it was one of the most detailed accounts of His atonement coupled with outstanding testimony of His Divinity. PERFECT to share on Easter...

A Boys Creativity

I love this moment with Mikey. He was so interested in catching a bird that he created this "trap" for them to fly into. His plan was as he hid food in the box, they would gather under there, and as he hid in the tent he would pull the string and catch them! He was so diligent in waiting for his bird. Needless to say, each time they took the food, the contraption seemed to misfunction! Good for you though Mikey, for being so creative! We ended up just buying birds instead...

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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.