Independence Day 2009

 
 
 
I know it's the end of the month, but I thought I would post some pics of the family at our 4th of July bar-b-que. There are a couple cute pics of my brother's baby Luke and of course my cute kids! We ate a lot and set off a bunch of fireworks!

The Boondocks Bash!

Sawyer turned seven on July 31st. This year he wanted to go to Boondocks for his special day, he wanted all of our family who lives here to come and his one special friend Seth. We all had a blast! The kids enjoyed squirting each other on the bumper boats, Earl, Ken, Chris and Stockton loved the batting cages. Annika did everything in her power to acquire TICKETS! Sawyer shot like a pro at laser tag and Sophie was running around just trying to keep up with it all. We were there about 4 hours and it was a lot of fun. Happy Birthday Sawyer we love you.

My New Hair

I went to my hairdresser last week. I was really tempted to cut my hair, like always during the summer. Finally, I decided to get some bangs. So here I am with my "new hair." Sophie was very impressed and kept saying "Mommy hair cute!" I love this kid!

Directions for Beet Salad

Wash your beets and remove the tops. Place beets in a saucepan and cover with water, boil until fork tender, 30-40 min. depending on the size of beet. Let them cool and then peel the skin off and dice them. While the beets are cooking you can make the candied pecans. Put the pecans in a frying pan over med-low on stove top to roast them for a few minutes, stir them. Then add about 3 Tablespoons maple syrup and stir. Next, whisk the olive oil, orange juice, and balsamic vinegar together for the dressing. Arrange baby greens on 4 plates, put diced beets on top, then sprinkle on candied pecans, add your chicken and Feta cheese, then drizzle dressing on top. YUM!

Best Beet Salad Ever

I have never been a fan of beets. Maybe because I never had them cooked correctly. I have always thought they were a gross, slimy thing my Dad liked to eat out of a can. I've had some health issues lately, so I'm trying to eat better, meaning more veggies less fat. I also decided to grow beets in my garden this year, mostly because Stockton seemed to like them. I have come up with one of my favorite salads of all time! I have to post it, because I'm now a fan of this yummy red superfood.

Serves 4

one pound fresh beets tops removed
4 cups baby salad greens
1/3 cup pecans
3 tablespoons maple syrup
4 oz. Feta cheese
4-6 chicken breast tenders grilled and cut up

dressing
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Oregon Trail Addiction

It's 1:10 AM and I'm sitting here watching Lori play Oregon Trail on her new phone. She usually hates video games, but she's been sitting here for the past 90 minutes, looking very intense, complaining about bear attacks, poisonous food, etc.

I've been married to this woman for fourteen years and thought I knew all there is to know. Well. . .today I learned something new. . .She is not immune to video game addiction. Btw - newsflash: She just arrived at the fort and has enough money to fix her wagon!!!

And for my future tormenters in hell - - the Oregon Trail theme music now moves Tim McGraw to page 2 of the demon hymn book.