Stratton Family Happenings

Making German Marzipan with the Stratton Clan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 07:08:00 +0000

Every year the Smith and Stratton Family get together and make a german candy called Marzipan. This was the first time that I have been able to participate, and we had an amazing time. It was fun to get together and hang out.

My brother in law Jay, and my hubby showing the after effects of too much sugar!

I tried to write down all of the steps, but it just got too messy.

I couldn't resist taking a picture of Jeff's uncle.

Snow fun in 10 degree weather!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 06:49:00 +0000

We have gone sledding a few times this winter and boy it has been cold. When I say "we", what I really mean is my husband and kids. I went down one time, and thought this is going to be easy. There were no jumps in sight except for one way...off to the side. It was 10 degrees, and I wasn't really dressed to go sledding. Jeans, and long johns, which didn't do a thing for me. I have no..idea how I did it, but somehow I ended up finding that little hill and went up and then back down , flat on my back. I still can't figure out how I did it. Needless to say that has been the only bit a sledding I have personally experienced this winter. I'll be sure to have proper snow gear, next time I get the urge. My hubby and kids have gone a few times this winter season. My son is currently learning how to snowboard and he's been a natural at it. His Uncle Jaye, showed him a few tricks and he picked it right up. So proud of him!

My son's first time on a snowboard!

Here we go!

My niece and my daughter enjoying some January 1st sledding action.

This was taken right after my wipe out. Brrr...it was cold.

My son after the first big snow of the winter season.

Wow, this is a great shot with my camera! Except that I had them pose at the bottom of the hill just as if they were sledding really fast. Haha!

My daughter has the most amazing smile!

We went sledding with my brother and his adorable children!

My brother is an amazing father!

The kids were great sports taking these "still" photos.

Halloween 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 05:32:00 +0000

Fall began for us with a ride through Cottonwood canyon. The leaves were changing and the colors were vibrant. If I had a better camera, I would be able to capture the spectacular scenery and do it justice. I was able to capture a few shots so I thought I would share a lovely afternoon.

Fall 2010 Family Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 05:19:00 +0000

These are just a few of the pictures that my aunt took of us that I love and adore.

Back to school 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:58:00 +0000

Back to school has been very hectic this year. I have one kiddo that started Middle School and is on a traditional school schedule, and another is still in Elemetary school on a year round schedule. School shopping has been erratic and with the oldest in middle school, it brought a bunch of new challenges. Decorating the locker, has been fun, and now my daughter has a very chic place to put her books between classes. I'll be sure to take some pictures of it, when it is done. I also have made some really cute hair pieces to coordinate with her outfits. Now my son, no sweat. He's good with some t-shirts, shorts and jeans. Not very complicated for him. Thank goodness. Here's a picture of my little fashionista daughter on her first day of school. I need to get a good photo of my son as well, so he'll be next.

My daughters first day of Middle School! It sure goes by fast.

It's been fun shopping for her. This is her Justice for Girls outfit. We love that store.

Going to school with a good friend, makes the first day not so scary!

I carpool and take Ashlyn's friend Christina to school.

Catching up on 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 05:08:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, I was able to visit with my family and girlfriends. My dad had open heart surgery, and it reminded me to focus on the positive things that I do with my family. My dad is still recovering, but to say the least it was a scary time for all of us. He had several complications and since I wasn't able to be with him, it made it all the more hard for me. I am so grateful for family, and for the love we share. It has made me put things in perspective, and make some goals for myself. One of those goals is to catch up on my blogging and journal writing. The last post I left was about some of the things that have happened in 2009. This post will be mainly about some of the highlights from 2010. We have lived in Utah for roughly 10 months. So much has happened, so sit back while I give you a glimpse into our busy lives.

Sledding fun!

1. This was the first time that our children had the opportunity to go sledding. We went on New Years day with the whole Stratton Clan, and had a wonderful time.

I'm not sure who talked her into this, but my mother in law joined in on the fun!

I'd be scared to if I let a 9 year old drive.

2. My daughter was chosen as Student of the week, and was given a hero cape to wear. She also was awarded a certificate of graduation from the Dare program. Way to go sweetie!!!

We celebrated our son's birthday and Grandma Stratton's birthday in the second new home that we moved into in Utah.

3. We moved after 3 months from West Jordan to Riverton. Our landlords from the first house, failed to notify us that they were planning on moving back in shortly after renting it to us. I thought it was very sneaky of them not to let us know. The plus side is that we found a much better home, that we love.

Make a wish!

Happy 10th birthday!

4. We hosted a St. Patricks Day Party in our new home. It's a family joke, but I purchased about 15 corned beef brisket cuts because it is seasonal. We get to enjoy corned beef and cabbage with red potatoes every month now. I think my daughter hates it now! :) The party was a blast, and kids set out leprachaun traps. They havn't caught one yet, but the magical creature always leaves gifts behind.

My sister in laws Misti and Julie!!

I love a man who's willing to help out in the kitchen!!

Aren't they cute?

Happy St. Patricks Day!!

My sister looking thrilled as ever to be at a family function. :)

My sweet niece.

Check out my daughters elaborate leprachaun trap!

My son's leprachaun trap wasn't going the way he hoped, so he was a little grumpy.

All decked out to go to school, St. Patricks day style.

My little leprachaun man.

We love Stratton family get togethers.

We were so tired from cooking, I just wanted to sleep.

5. Even though my kids are getting a little bigger, they still wanted to dye easter eggs. It was sort of funny actually, because I had my niece and nephew over who are 3 and 5. My kids were being very particular about what color they wanted on their eggs and how they wanted to design them. My sweet niece and nephew just started plopping them into the egg dye, and stealing my kids' eggs. You would have thought it was the end of the world to see the looks on their faces.

I even got my sister to get on the Easter fun!

I love my kids, they are the best.

My daughters Easter masterpieces.

"Baby eggs"

6. Another highlight this year, was finding out that in the field behind our house, a local rancher let his horses loose to graze during the year. We have been able to get boxes of apples and other treats and feed them to the horses. Most days if they see us standing at the fence they start running. Watching the horses run past my kitchen window in the mornings always brings a smile to my face.

Utah is so beautiful!

Ashlyn on her 12th birthday!

7. When my daughter turned 12, she decided to go to the temple on her birthday. She was beaming from ear to ear, and we were able to enjoy the evening with family and friends.

Jordan River Temple

8. Our nephew Trevor graduated from High School. Congratulations Trevor. We are really proud of him, he just joined the Navy, and will be employed next summer. He's going to be learning diesel mechanics. He's very excited.

8. Searching for snakes, seems to be a common activity for my kids. They have been catching garden variety snakes, and making them as pets. Some died, some had funerals with a burial, some slithered away, some fingers were bit, some fingers didn't. One thing is for sure, they had fun.

They were raised on the farm, and even though they live in the city, they still find time for country fun.

A year in one post!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 01:39:00 +0000

We moved last October to Utah and then moved again 3 months after that. So..2 houses later and 3 different schools in a school year for my children, we have settled down. I decided to catch up on my blogging from the last year. How does one summarize a year's worth of challenges and in one posting? Well you can't. Not all of it at least. :) I am currently downloading all of my pictures on to my computer, and have 680 pictures to go through. You heard me correctly, 680! So I will just touch on a few highlights from the last year, of the highs and lows in the Stratton family.

My cat Snowflake -1992-2009

1. One of the lows from this year, was having to put to sleep my siamese cat Snowflake. Did you know that the Siamese cat has the longest life span of the cats? Snowflake wasn't doing well, and had a form of cat dementia because of her old age. We were afraid that the move to the colder climate would be too rough on her, and the Doctor recommended we put her to sleep. It was extremely hard for me, as she had been a part of my life for so long. I still miss her, and it has been a year since her passing.

Stratton cousin time!

2. Just one week after moving to Utah, we celebrated Halloween. We had a great time and was able to spend it trick or treating with my dear friend Alaina and her family. Alaina is one of my former mission companions and we've been buds ever since. This was also a time for celebration, because we were able to start getting acquainted with our nieces and nephews.

Halloween 2009

3. A major highlight for our family this year was the SNOW!!!!!!!!!! Our kids loved, loved, loved it and we had a blast playing in it. Check out my daughters smile!

Our little snow bunny!!!

Blessed to have these two angels in our lives.

4. Christmas tree shopping is just another highlight of 2009. We were able to find an incredible deal and got a huge tree. I love Christmas time with my family! Also, we were able to take some pictures with Santa. Boy was it cold!

Stratton Family 2009

5. Every year my husbands side of the family gets together with all of the extended family for a Christmas party. They sing carols, have a great dinner and play games. This year they decided to make marshmallow shooters for everyone! It was so..fun, but man was it gross to clean up. Jeff's uncle decided to lick his "before" shooting them, and they would literally stick to your forehead if they hit you. We scraped up the goo that got trampled into the carpet. It was seriously allot of fun.

My brother feels the spirit on Christmas Eve. He would like to think he's an angel but I know differently!

My niece and I.

Stratton girls!

I hope that marshmallow isn't wet!

I think my brother and sister hit someone!

I'm always hiding behind my husband, it was a war out there!

6. Christmas morning was so much fun! I think its the only time of the year when everyone wakes up with a smile on their face at the crack of dawn. My daughter is the exception, she always has a smile on her face. The rest of us are normally grumps.

***Warning***Do not slap him on the back. His face might stick.

It's such a great present, it sparkles and glows in the dark!!!

My poor hubby, so tired, he can't stay awake.

My son enjoying a present from his sister. He's quite dashing.

7. My brother and I celebrated our birthday together on New Years Eve. We had a blast, only downside was that the ice cream cake we ordered was the wrong flavor:(

In the next post, I'll update everyone on what has been happening in 2010! Phew I can't believe I got through that!

I have been Featured on Tip Junkie!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:54:00 +0000

This is the first day of October and my haunted Mansion Tablescape has been featured on Tip Junkie. I love that site, and I am able to glean so many great ideas from talented ladies. I am happy that my talent has been included in the mix. Drop by Tip Junkie, and see what all the excitement is about!

Teaching Service on 9/11

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:30:00 +0000

9/11 will always be a very moving and emotional day for me. It is a day of reflection for me and also service. This morning I decided that my children were going to be late for school. I wanted them to understand that this was a day to honor those who serve and protect us, and to appreciate the freedoms that we have each day. I have an abundance of tomatoes coming off of my garden; so we gathered up a large bag of freshly picked, ripe Roma variety tomatoes. My son, daughter and I headed over to the Terra Bella Firestation, and dropped them off. They were heading off to do a program at the local Elementary school, but we were able to chat for a few minutes and thanked them. The children might not remember what happened in 2001, but that doesn't mean that we can't share our feelings about what happened that fateful day. Service is a way to give back, so even though a bag full of tomatoes isn't much in the way of service, I wanted to teach a lesson to my children and show our local fireman that they are appreciated and cared for. Find a way to share that you care about your local servicemen/woman, firefighters,police officers and other civil servants, and make this a teaching opportunity about service.

Designer Thursday: Tropical Resort themed bedroom

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 06:48:00 +0000

Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn't mean you have to put away your sandals and bathing suit just yet. If you are suffering from vacation blues and weren't able to get away to a tropical resort this summer, then try creating one in your bedroom. This tropical resort themed room is extremely easy and economical to recreate.

I created this room for one of my clients, and wanted to share some tips on how to recreate this look for your own bedroom.

I had the headboard custom made using products that can be purchased at a home improvement store. Purchase some tropical looking window blinds and wrap and staple them over a box that was created out of mdf. Why spend a ton of money on a headboard when you can create one for under a $100?

The skirt for this tropical bed is actually bamboo placemats that have been attached with velcro to the boxspring. This trick can be used for any bedroom theme.
The starfish and shells add a tropical touch and help feature the drapery treatments. I purchased Starfish at a local discount store and hand painted each one being sure to match an accent color used in the fabric.

What do you think? If you want to use any of the pictures in this post, please be sure to give credit back to me, and link to this page. If you are interested in purchasing any of the trade fabric used in this project let me know, and I can give pricing. Happy Decorating!

Back to school

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:54:00 +0000

Our kids started school on Monday, so we kicked the early morning routine off with a big breakfast, and pictures. The early morning sun rising over the horizon put a glare on my photos, but it shows the kids in a glow. They were nervous and excited to meet their new friends and teachers, and it was fun sharing the moment with them.

Our daughter wanted to take a gift to her teacher, who taught her last year as well. I wasn't sure what to do at the last minute, so the night before I made some zuchinni nut bread. My son was of the mind that we should keep the loaf of bread I made for his teacher, and eat it instead. One shows logic, and the other is guided by emotion. Very typical for a boy and girl I think.

Super Saturday or Girls Camp Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:52:00 +0000

For Girls camp, I had the girls make this cute craft. This is also a fun and easy craft to make for Super Saturday. I designed and ordered the phrase to be made out of vinyl and pre-painted the wood with a matte black. The wood needs to be completely dry before applying the lettering.

Originally I drilled holes in the top of the wood and added curled wire for the girls to place photos from camp, but for my decorating purposes, I have ommitted the wire, and left it plain. I know that there are different versions of this craft, but the wording placement is quite different as well as the background color.

Happy crafting!

Backpack Tags

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:26:00 +0000

School starts for my children on Monday, so I decided to make some backpack tags. Every year, I am doing a search for lost backpacks, lunch pails, and jackets in the lost and found pile at school. I was inspired to make some backpack tags to help with acquiring these lost items. The kids are sure to be trend setters with these cool labels. They are very easy to make, so if you have a few moments; try to make a few of your own. All you need to get started is your favorite scrapbook paper, chipboard letters,and any stickers you might want to embellish with. I made one for my daughter and my son, and found that the heavier cardstock paper worked better. Just cut and paste and so you have a front and back side. When you are done, have it laminated. Easy right? To attach to a backpack or bag, hole punch the tag in the corner and add a keyring loop.

The backside of the tag can be embellished but you need to make sure to leave an area to place some important information about your child. I have chosen to only put my kids'name,homeroom,name of their school,and a small note to please return the backpack to the office if found. You can add as much information as you want, but for safety and privacy issues, I chose to keep mine simple. If you make some backpack tags, I would love to see them.

Wow! I was featured again on Tip Junkie

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:39:00 +0000

Laurie from TipJunkie has been great! I was featured again, but this time it was for a "Boredom Buster" activity for boys and girls. It was my tutorial on how to make a worm farm.

http://www.tipjunkie.com/2009/08/the-dog-days-of-summer.html

Thanks again!

Goodbye for now BunnyBoo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:28:00 +0000

My daughter Ashlyn is an animal lover. She has 3 pets-her kitten Sophie, and two Guinea Pigs, BunnyBoo and Butterscotch. Today was a sad day for our daughter, because BunnyBoo passed away. She hadn't been feeling well, so Ashlyn diligently tended to some minor scratches on her belly and thought she was getting better. BunnyBoo was 6 years old, and for a guinea pig that is a bit past the normal life expectency of a cavi. She died quietly this afternoon, and we had a small funeral in our Garden. Ashlyn will miss her baby, as she was her first pet.

I was featured on Tip Junkie!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:49:00 +0000

I was featured on Tip Junkie today, and wanted to share the cake decorating project that my daughter worked on for her 4-H Favorite Foods Day Project. The "GARDEN CAKE" is a spin off from a great Cupcake book called, "Hello, Cupcake" by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson. It is a book that is definitely worth having in your cooking library. All of the veggies in the garden are made from CANDY!

Starburst, Vanilla tootsie rolls, twizzlers, pretzels, spearmint gum, green frosted flakes, and green m&m's are what the veggies are made up of, (and a little elbow grease to manipulate the ingredients). What was great in making this project is that there is very little frosting or piping technique needed.

This was for a cake decorating competition so we used Styrofoam as a base. We carved the base to make rows for our garden, and then frosted it with chocolate and coated it with oreo cookie crumbs. This made the "soil". We found that by putting the oreo in the blender (without the filling) it created a finer soil.

The radishes are out of a cherry starburst rolled with a vanilla tootsie roll. By rolling the starburst and various other candies in your hand, the heat warms the candy up nicely and makes it pliable.

The leaves for the cabbage are actually corn flakes that are coated with a green icing glaze. You should try this process on some wax paper. This is the messiest part of the project. Once the leaves are prepared, you can use a green m&m, or green starburst rolled into a small ball as the center of the cabbage head. Then attach the leaves with a dab of frosting, and layer them to create the effect you like.

The beans are actually green starbursts with greem m&m to represent the peas. Green twizzler vines are also used to help finish the effect. Remember to just keep the starburst in your hand to get it warm and pliable and start rolling it until it resembles a thick snake. We used the back of a butter knife to split it open and then added the M&M's for the peas.

The carrots are orange starburst and she piped the carrot tops. The shovel is made from pretzel sticks,(handle) and we bent some green spearmint gum and attached it to the pretzel and had it look like a shovel.

The Row markers were made out of graham crackers that were frosted, and attached to another pretzel. My daughter then piped on the little pictures for the seed packets.

She won Reserve Grand Champion for this project, and I think it would be a great project to start the kids out on for Cake Decorating. My daughter was 10 when she made this cake, so its never too early to start cooking with your kids. Great Job Ashlyn!!! Thank you Tip Junkie for featuring this project!! I would love to hear your comments, so feel free to ask any questions, or just say hi!!

4th of July Ballpark Game and Fireworks

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 22:54:00 +0000

Yes, I realize that it is now August 1st, however in my defense I have been canning, pickling, and jamming for the majority of July. Better late then never right?
The majority of my family went to Chukchansi Park in Fresno, California on 4th of July, where we enjoyed a great baseball game, each other's company, and a spectacular Fireworks show. I'll be honest the Baseball game was a flop because the home team lost by almost 13 runs, but it was sure fun laughing about how bad they were playing. This was a minor league game for the Dodgers and Giants. (Sorry I can't recall the exact names of the teams at the moment). The only one of my siblings that wasn't present, was my brother Rick. :( We sure missed him though).
I took allot of photos and have so many that I just clumped them altogether. It was a really great All American outing with the family. You can't beat a baseball game, firework show, cotton candy flag waving, laughter and good company. I hope we do it again next year!

Left: My handsome husband Jeff enjoying the game.

Right:(In the back giving bunny ears) Ashlyn, (Center)Kat (Front) Myself, and Rachael

Katherine and Shawn

Shaye and Ashlyn

Rachael and Meghan

Casey and John

Jeff, Kiyah and Jeffrey

My parents and some creepy guy posing in the background. :)

Ahoy ye mateys!

Katherine and Shaye enjoying a mother/daughter moment, with Ashlyn coming down from her sugar rush!

Designer Spotlight: Amazing Muralist

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:49:00 +0000

I have to brag about my husband's best friend David Sykes. He is an incredible artist, and I can't wait to commission him to do some work in my home. His sweet wife updated her blog and showed off a mural that he worked on for their living room, and I was blown away. If you are LDS then you will especially appreciate this mural, as it has one of the temples in the background. David as you can see has a gift, so if you are in the market for a mural design or art commission then go no further. He can do pretty much anything-3D Art, painting, graphic design, sketching etc. Below is another example of what he painted in his living room.

I am currently working on a children's book, and I'm trying to talk David into being my illustrator. He has two design blogs, so check them out and contact him if you are in need of an artist. The first is David L Sykes Design http://www.davidlsykesdesign.blogspot.com/ for examples of his Graphic Design and Logo work. To see some of the 3D art, and more of his incredible mural work check out Sketchbug -The artwork of David L Sykes http://www.davidlsykes.blogspot.com/ and http://sketchbug.awardspace.com/murals.html

Designer Thursday:Easy Plum Jam

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:06:00 +0000

My children love to cook, and I have been trying very hard to teach them what I know and help them become involved in the process. One thing that I have noticed is that by taking the time to teach them, it has also changed how they think about food in general. We live in the country and have a large garden. My goal this year is to can as much from our garden as possible. So far, we have canned our cucumbers into Kosher Dill Pickle Spears and chips, as well as making spaghetti sauce with all of the abundant and ripe Roma and Celebrity tomatoes! We also plan to can our tomatoes whole.
My parents had a bumper crop of plums so my daughter and I sat down and made some Plum Jam and I ended up having a really enjoyable afternoon with her.She was so cute!!! She wanted her hair braided so she would look like Anne of Green Gables.

(Ignore the sheets on my windows, I'm saving up for the draperies I want) :)

How to make Plum Jam
(Adapted and changed slightly from Ball Original Fruit Pectin recipe)

1. Clean and sterilize your jars. Prepare the jars by heating your jars and lids in hot water, not boiling, until ready to use. Keeping the jars hot prevents them from breaking when the hot jam or jelly is added.
2.Wash and clean your plums in cold water and make sure that you get the stems or any unwanted guests in your jam, like ants.
3. Pit your plums and cut them up into small chunks.

4. Put them on the stove in a 6 or 8 quart saucepan, that is preferably stainless steel. Gradually add in Fruit Pectin. Add up to 1/2 tsp butter or margarine to reduce the foaming. (It is your secret ingredient). Bring mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, over high heat, stirring constantly. Add 3 Cups of sugar, stirring to dissolve. (The Ball recipe calls for 8, so if you want it sweeter, go for it.)
5. Return mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim foam if necessary.

6. Ladle the hot jam into the hot jars, one at a time, leaving 1/4 inch head space. Clean rim and threads of the jars using a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Center hot lids on the jars, allowing sealing compound to come in contact with the jar rim. Apply bands and adjust until fit is fingertip tight.

7.Place filled jars in canner. Be sure water covers tops of jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add hot water if necessary. Place lid on canner. Bring water to a gentle steady boil. Process for 10 minutes. After processing is complete turn off the heat and remove lid. Let jars stand for 5 minutes.

8. Remove jars from the canner and set upright on a towel to cool, undisturbed for 24 hours. Bands should not be retightened as this may interfere with the sealing process. After cooling, test seals by pressing the center of each lid. If a lid is not sealed within 24 hours, refrigerate immediately for up to 3 weeks or reprocess for the full length of time using a new lid.

9. Clean sealed jars. Remove the bands. Wipe jars and lids with a clean, damp cloth. Label and store in a cool, dry, dark place for up to a year. Enjoy!

Check out my latest magazine Design Article!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 04:34:00 +0000

I write a bi-monthly Design article for Latter-Day Woman Magazine. This is a great magazine, and I feel very privileged to have been invited to contribute on a regular basis. The magazine can be viewed at http://www.ldswa.com/ and the article is in the June/July 09 issue on page 36. It is titled 'Picture This- The art of photo placement'. I have featured several projects from blogs I like to visit on a regular basis, and wanted to showcase the many talents and projects of these fellow bloggers. Let me know what you think, and check out the other issues of the magazine. I also have another article in the April/May issue on Color, that I think you might enjoy as well. At the moment I am racking my brain on what to write about for the Winter/Thanksgiving edition. Any suggestions anyone?!!! It is 105 degrees at home, and it is a bit hard to think and write in this heat! haha.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Freezer Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:50:00 +0000

A few months ago, I decided to take on the ambitious job of making a bunch of freezer meals for my three children. (My husband and 11 and 9 year old). I was heading out of town for a few weeks, and I think my guilt of having to leave brought on the need for such an ambitious project.

I actually have a hubby that is quite capable in the kitchen, but with swimming team practices and all the other appointments I usually have for the kids, I thought having some meals cooked ahead would be a great idea One of the meals was an Easy Teriyak Chicken Freezer meal, and my daughter raved about it. She is my picky eater, and is also learning to cook. We made it together again tonight, and while the chicken is marinating I wanted to share the recipe.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Freezer Recipe

1 chicken, cut up (or equivalent amount of chicken pieces that you wish to use.)

1 Cup Soy Sauce

1/4 Cup Water

1 tsp garlic salt

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup apple juice

1/2 tsp dried ginger

Place chicken into a freezer bag. In a small bowl combine the ingredients and mix them together. Add to the freezer bag and remove the air, seal and freeze. On the cooking day, defrost in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and bake the chicken for 30 minutes.

Yay! I Won!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:56:00 +0000

I won my first online blog give-away, and I am so excited! I entered a contest called 'Contest for Green Kids and Green Folks too'. Author Jill Ammon Vanderwood will be sending me my very own copy of her book, "What's it like, living Green? Kids Teaching Kids, By The Way They Live" You can check out her website featuring her book at http://www.jillvanderwood.com/

An extra special Thank you goes out to http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn. This is a great site, so you should check it out. Norene Crone-Findlay writes a wonderful column, and is a must to follow!
Norene also has some other sites to check out, and an etsy store!
Her website: http://www.crone-findlay.com
Her blogs:http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn
http://www.tottietalkscrafts.com
Her etsy store: http://NCroneFindlay.etsy.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/NCroneFindlay

Thanks again Jill, and Norene!!!

Designer Thursday:Girls Camp Journal Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:18:00 +0000

Girls Camp Journal Tutorial

Image #1

My mother in law, has a monthly craft night with her girlfriends, and they made this adorable journal for Mothers Day. I knew that once again, I would be up to my eyeballs in getting prepped for Girls Camp, so I decided to take this idea and make it fit with the theme for this years camp.

This year our Girls Camp theme revolves around the Military. I am sure there is an acronym for camp, but I just can't remember it at the moment. Having a journal at camp is important I believe, because it gives the girls and leaders an opportunity to write down their thoughts. My mother is laws version is more detailed then the version for camp. I have to limit supplies because of budget, but if that isn't a problem then have the girls embellish as much as they want.

1.There is allot of great military 12x12 double sided cardstock and paper available. I chose one from the AirForce. Choose a design that suits your design style. If it comes in a pack, trim off the white border (with the hole in it).

2.Measure 8" across and cut. Do not throw away the scraps as you will use these later.

3.Place a 5 inch by 8 inch Jr. Legal Pad in the middle of your paper and glue down on the back. I used hot glue to attach the legal pad. Important: Make sure that the tablet is square with the paper. Image 2, shows the legal pad centered on the green decorated paper. The pink scalloped edge is added later.

4. After the glue is dry; bend and crease the paper around the tablet.

Image #2

5. Fold back top flap 1/2 inch and glue. Look at Image #1 as a reference. Because your paper is double sided, the pattern for the inside of the journal will create a strip down the front of your journal.

6. Choose a different coordinating 12 x 12 double sided paper. This will be your accent color for the scalloped edge as well as for a back ground for the vellum sayings and name plate on the front of the journal. You will be able to use the scraps for other journals.

7. Cut your accent paper 2 1/2 inches wide for the front cover. You can create a scallop design of your choosing.

8. Glue the scallop strip 1/2 inch under the front cover. Refer to image #2.

9. With the same, or different paper design create a name plate and attach to the bottom front of your cover. In image #1, vellum wording was attached (use double sided tape or a glue stick) over the name plate. In image #2, I used more scraps from the military paper and mounted that on to the name plate.

10. Hot Glue ribbon half way on front of folded border.

11.Glue button top of ribbon.

12. Embellish with vellum wording, chip board, and buttons.

Back side of the journals

If anyone has any questions feel free to let me know! I'm off to make more crafts for camp!

Grandpa's Teeth

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:33:00 +0000

I had to share an experience that happened on Fathers Day. My Grandfather, whom I love dearly, just got some new dentures. However, he is pretty stubborn so he decided to wear his old dentures, which apparently didn't fit him well. At the end of our Fathers Day Bar B-Q, my sister served a delicious chocolate cake, and as we were finishing up with desert-guess what happened? My Grandfather popped out his teeth and starting scraping and cleaning the chocolate off of them with his dirty napkin. You should have seen all of our faces! It was hilarious, and really disgusting at the same time. My Grandpa thought it was funny, but it was so...gross. My poor sister is pregnant and that particular day her gag reflex was really strong. She commented later to me that she almost threw up at the table because of that little stunt. You have to love him! Happy Fathers Day!

Strawberry Spinach Salad

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:25:00 +0000

Strawberry Spinach Salad

My sister Katherine asked that I bring a salad to our Family Bar-B-Que for Father's Day, so I decided to use a new recipe. We all got a Family Cookbook for Christmas and I've really enjoyed trying out the new recipes. All of the recipes are from my Dad's side of the family. The salad recipe that I finally decided on was from a 3rd cousin, called Strawberry Spinach Salad, and boy...it is really yummy. I made a huge salad, and worried about left-overs. I was wrong, everyone ate it all up and had seconds and thirds. Enjoy!

12-oz. baby spinach

1 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles

1/2 cup candied almonds (You can buy candied almonds or make your own.)

Toss and serve with your favorite vinaigrette dressing. I make my own.

Dressing:

1/2 cup olive oil

5 Tablespoons red wine vinegar

3 Tbsp. Sugar

fresh ground pepper to taste

Candied Almonds:

almonds, coarsely chopped

cinnamon

corn syrup

To candy, coat almonds in corn syrup and cinnamon. Remove from syrup with a slotted spoon and spread evenly on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.