More Pics

More Retreat pics

I got these posts out of order, but here are little bits from the trip. I look like a psycho getting my make-up done, and looked even more psycho after it was finished...purple is not my color. I was so grateful my sister brought her wet-wipes because it came off about as quickly as it went on. I have vowed to never use powder foundation, it's not flattering on ANYONE! Everyone that walked away with it on looked like an old lady. For anyone who wears it...sorry, but maybe re-think it.

Pamper Me!

I just got back fromspending the weekend in SLC with my mom and sisters. We went to a "Night of pampering" at some rich guys estate. Complete with castle and mote...seriously. We got our hair, nails and make-up done. They offered laser hair removal (free) but the line was so long, we got tired of waiting...and we might have chickened out because we were told it was PAINFUL! The massage line was also huge, so we ate chocolate, had a great dinner and shopped around at all the booths. It was a good time. It's funny how one of us always has a new baby on these retreats...we seriously need to stop reproducing so quickly:)

Fall all over

Seriously love the fall, perfect weather, perfect colors, perfect time for family walks.

Outdoor Flag

I had some weather-proof material left from another project, and I really wanted a flag for my front porch...something personalized and not too cheesy. The store-bought kind are a little to cartoony (yep, that's a word in my book) for what I like. Here is what I came up with. The birds are rub-ons (craft-store) Make sure you spray them with a clear coat of some kind to keep them weather-proof. I also used washable fabric paint. I'm thinking I'll have to bring her in when the weather gets really bad, but as for a little moisture here and there, I think it will be OK. Oh, the "flag pole" is actually a curtain rod that wasn't being used. I drilled a couple of holes in the rod and attched the flag with wire. Hope this inspires some front porch creativity!

Eat a Pita

I have always wanted to find a recipe for Pita bread that was as good as the real deal. Not tortillas, or leftover roll dough. I FOUND it! Seriously, follow the directions exactly, and you are on your way to the best, chewiest pita bread you have ever tasted.
Follow the link for Instructions. I usually stuff it with chicken, grapes, apples, and almonds. Mix it with a little cream cheese and mayo combo and it is good stuff.

Hiking with the Burtons

We Hiked Shay Mt. for the first time. It was quite steep and rocky, but the views were amazing. Tyler and Scott are doing their hunt here, so we were "scouting" the area...or maybe because the wives were there it was just more of a picnic. (inside joke) We sure love the Burton's. So grateful we didn't attempt it with children this time:)

The end of a happy Summer

I just loved this picture of Cloe so I had to post it. She is a funny girl.











This is one of the many reasons I love Tyler. Never in our marriage has he used the TV to "wind down" from work. Now...as for the amount of nice pants he's gone through from "winding down" this way...well I have lost track. Another brag moment brought to you by Your's Truly:)

Change of seasons

I have to say I love this time of year...I'm not quite ready for the cold weather, but I love harvest time. All the canning and baking that goes a long with it is a fun change from my usual avoidance of the kitchen in the heat of the summer. I'm going to have to get used to these very short summers here in Monticello. We love this little place and feel so grateful for this first year here. As crazy as we were this time last year, I wouldn't have done things any differently. So...one of my favorite things to pop in the oven this time of year (besides zucchini bread loaded with nuts and chocolate chips) is Chicken Pot Pie. You can use vegetables from your garden and it is super easy and yummy.

2-pie crusts (homemade or store bought)
1-chicken breast cooked and chopped
corn, peas, squash, potatoes, carrots, onions...(whatever you have)
1 pkg cream cheese
1 can cream soup

Saute your veggies all together to soften them up. Cream together cream cheese and soup. Stir in veggies and chicken. Salt and pepper to taste. Scoop into pie crust. and cover with second pie crust. Don't forget the slits in the top! Bake @ 350 for 1 hour or until crust is golden. The best dessert with this is peaches and cream. Cut up some fresh peaches, sweeten them with a little sugar if needed and pour the cream-so so so good!
It's a good thing I've started running daily, because these recipes are not easy on the calories. :)

Ma and Pa