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Monday, July 27, 2009

Catching Up

Wow, this summer has been a bit lackluster in the blogging department, hasn't it?
We have been swept up in a wonderful family wave of showers, weddings, birthdays, temple trips, and reunions. In fact, there have been some days when I almost felt like I didn't even had time to catch my breath!
Such a busy summer, but well worth every moment. It is hard to imagine that July is drawing to a close already.

Well, here's to playing catch-up a bit.
As the days regain a kind of equilibrium again I will be grateful for the chance to get back to basics.
To take a deep breath.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.....

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Here Lies Nemo... (May He Rest in Peace)

Dinnertime is always a source of endless entertainment these days...

Me: So, how are you guys enjoying the salmon?

Taylor: It's yummy, Mom!

Reilly: I'm eating Nemo!!!

Taylor: Reeeeiiiilly, it's not REAL fish, it's food fish!

Reilly: Yummmmmmmmmmmmmm....

Bryson: Uh... Taylor? This is actually real fish. Food fish is the same thing as real fish.

Reilly: (singing) Nemo, Nemo, Nemo...

Taylor: (looking down skeptically) Mom? I'm done.

Reilly: Now I'm eating Dory!!!!!!!!!!!


There's nothing quite like sharing the table with our budding vegetarian & our ravenous carnivore.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Neatnik


What do you call a guy that bursts into tears of despair when you tell him that it is time to please stop cleaning the house & put the vacuum away?

I think I'd call him the perfect man.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Fourth Fare

Healthy cookout.
Do those words even go together?

Absolutely... especially when lobster tail is only $3.98 a piece at Sunflower! Woo hoo!

For a truly memorable cookout, nothing beats grilled lobster. Trust us-- we tried it out for the first time over the holiday. It just may be our new favorite way to enjoy our favorite seafood dish.

To prepare, cut along the top of the shell, slightly butterflying the lobster as you go. Get rid of the vein if it hasn't previously been removed for you.

Next, you need to whip up your marinade.
It really couldn't be simpler-- just combine 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, a dash of salt & white pepper, and 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning. Mix it up with a whisk, and voila!

Baste a little bit of the marinade on your lobster, and lightly oil your grill. Place your tails, flesh side down, on the preheated grill and cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on how big your lobsters are. Baste frequently throughout the cooking process to keep the meat from drying out. The lobster will be done when the meat is opaque and slightly firm to the touch.

To accompany the lobster, we grilled up a mixed veggie platter. We used asparagus, eggplant, and red onions, but really the possibilities are endless. Just lightly brush some of your lemon-garlic marinade onto the vegetables, and grill until crisp-tender.

Round the meal out with some perfectly ripe watermelon, and you will be set! It couldn't be more simple, or more enjoyable.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Let Freedom Ring


True independence and freedom can only exist
in doing what's right.

- Brigham Young

Friday, July 3, 2009

'Back' in Action

What do you get when six somewhat crazy girls decide to participate in an 188 mile long relay?
Well, here you have it:



Apologies for the poor video resolution... Blogger's file size limitations are a bit stifling. I have a better quality version on my facebook page!

Being a member of a Ragnar team was an amazingly tough & wonderful experience. I learned so much about myself and created many memories to last a lifetime. Looking back on the miles I logged I honestly can't help but smile with a smidgen of pride. In the course of 18.4 miles I ran up the old sun-scorched road to Snowbasin, watched the black of night turn to day along the western side of Rockport Reservoir, and ran through a raincloud at the Deer Valley summit before making the descent to the base of the mountain. Not too shabby.

I was also blessed with 5 incredible teammates who taught me so much about perseverance and inner strength. Before my last leg I wanted to burst into tears. (And nearly did.) I simply did not know where in the world I was going to find the stamina and energy to crank out 7.3 more miles. But somehow we all got through those last legs-- and in pretty decent time, too! I know I could never have done it without all the support from my fellow Creatures of Habit. Thanks so much, ladies! We started out as a mix of friends, family, and strangers... and by the end we were all the closest of teammates.

One of the more surprising things about the Ragnar weekend was how my testimony of the priesthood was strengthened. I am so grateful for Dallan-- Deb's very brave husband that volunteered to drive six slightly sleep-deprived and sweaty women through the night and morning hours of the 30+ hour ordeal. I knew that come those early morning hours we would be thankful to surrender driving responsibilities to someone who hadn't been running throughout the day. What I didn't know prior to the race was how comforted and safe I would feel, knowing that we had someone watching over us who honored his priesthood and could minister to us, should the need arise. I am so grateful for God's power on the earth, and the men who strive to live worthily so that they might bless the lives of others.

Running through the back country of the Rockies, you cannot help but stand in awe of the majesty of God's creation. I am so thankful for the beauty that surrounds us in all of its forms-- whether it be the snow capped mountains, or the strength of a runner pressing on forward to reach their summits. Was it worth it? Every second.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Thank Heaven for Little Boys

It has been a week from...
well...
you know.

I'm feeling a bit like a hamster running on an exercise wheel. I'm trying with all my might to get somewhere, but still feel like I'm simply spinning my wheels. I'm tired. I'm grumpy. I'm frustrated.

Particularly since I've sworn off sweets for the next 6 weeks. I really think all of this stress and discouragement could be resolved with a large bowl of Breyer's chocolate. *sigh*

It was one month ago yesterday that we lost our dear friend to cancer.
I think that's why I've been feeling so heavy hearted. My thoughts have been with Ryan & Noah.

But spontaneously this afternoon Taylor walked into my bedroom and proceeded to give me a big bear hug.

"Mom?" He asked, "Do you know why I just love you so much?"

"Why, Taylor?"

"Because you're my best friend!" He grinned ear to ear.

Ahhhh.
Is there anything quite as fulfilling as that?
Sunlight breaks through the stormy sky outside my window.

Maybe the ice cream can stay in the freezer for another day.