celebrations and swim meets

 We were able to celebrate Noah's birthday all weekend long.  We had a nice dinner with us and Nana and Papa on Friday.

We celebrated with more family on Saturday and were able to celebrate with Knox who also shares the same birthday as Noah.

We finished it off celebrating Noah's and Matthew's birthday on Sunday with a yummy dinner.  I don't have any picures from that.

Lily and Noah had their first swim meet with their new team.  It was weird seeing them in red instead of blue suits and caps.  They did well.  It's a lot different from out old team.  It's a two day event and very exhausting and long.  We all survive and I am very proud of my fish.

Noah's 13!!!

Wow!!  13 years ago we were at the hospital for what felt like the longest day of our lives.  I checked into the hospital at 12am on 4/19/00 and was hooked up to all the fun things to induce labor.  The induction wasn't by choice.  It was out of necessity.  Noah was already 6 days late and I was the size of a small hippo.  After a very long morning, noon and night Noah joined our family at 10:33pm.  He had a cone shaped head because he chose to enter the world facing it instead of having his head down.

We are so luck to be his parents and are glad that he is so patient with us as we try to figure out this thing called parenting.

Happy 13th Birthday Noah!!!  We all love you so very much.

Here are some interesting facts about Noah

His favorite color is blue
He loves computer/video/hand held/ games
He loves the water-all kinds
He hates breaststroke with a passion
He loves to learn
His favorite thing to eat is chicken pillows, pizza, hamburger/fries and sprite
He is a fabulous older brother who takes care of his siblings
He has a very sweet spirit and charming smile
He is a 1/2 inch shorter than his mom as of today (it will probably be different tomorrow)
He is still very good at playing the trumpet
He is very hesitant to try new things, but usually likes them once he does
He LOVES being out in nature

Spring Skiing, sort of

Damon needed a whole day of quiet to study for his GMAT test so the kids and I decided to go skiing.  It was supposed to be a nice sunny day, but turned out to be grey and cold and snowy.  We still managed to have a great time.  My cousin Gary joined us in the fun.

 Adam and Lily took a ski class and improved by leaps and bounds.  The last time I saw Adam right after his instruction started (he was the only one in his class so he got a private lesson) was, "Alright, let's head over to the big boy hills".  That was said by his instructor.  He had a blast and ended up skiing blues with the teacher.  I don't have any pictures of Adam because he went off with my cousin to hit the "harder" slopes.

By the end of the day the snow was coming down harder and we were all wet and cold, but we had a great time!!  We are slightly sad that ski season is over, but we are happy summer is just around the corner. 

Dinner 26 & 27

So our family is Polynesian.  Most of the food I think is a little disgusting.  I do love their pork though.  So I decided to try my hand in it and make our own Kalua Pork.  It worked out pretty well.  We all loved it and it was super easy.  Those are my favorite kind of meals.

I forgot to take a picture of it on a plate, but here it is after I put it away.  It was so juicy.  It just kind of melted in your mouth.

Dinner #26-Kalua Pork

Ingredients

• 3-4 pound pork roast
• 1-2 tablespoons Kosher salt
• 1/3 c. liquid smoke
• 1 c. cup water

Instructions

 Rub pork generously with salt, place in crock pot, pour on liquid smoke and add water. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.  Shred pork and put back in crock pot in the juices.  Serve with rice, mac salad and Hawaiian rolls. 

 Mine took about 6, but I'm finding that my new crock pot has shortened my cooking time for everything by about 2 hours  My kids made sandwiches out of their pork because they weren't in the mood for rice. It makes a lot.  I used a 3.25 lb roast.


Dinner #27- Carne Asada

 I've always wanted to make this and have never been brave enough to try.  This was pretty easy, but I did the prep work the night before so it could marinade all night.  Then it was just a matter of grilling and making the side dishes.  Easy stuff.  I did however feel that it was missing an element.  Something with a sweet zing to it.  Maybe some mango or peach would have been perfect.  We will have to try it next time.

• 2 Lb. carne asada or skirt steak (sliced very thin) (my grocer doesn't sell that kind of steak anymore because it was to fatty.  The butcher recommended that I use a round roast and then he cut it for me really fine.  Time saver that man is!!)
•  
• MARINADE:
• 1/4 c. adobo sauce (not adobo paste, if you are having a hard time finding it, you can get the canned chilies in adobo sauce and just use the sauce from it)
• 1/4 c. vinegar
• 1/4 c. soy sauce
• 1/4 c. beef broth
• 4 oz. can diced chilies
• 2 Tbsp. diced jalapeno (canned is fine)(I didn't have any of these and I don't really like them)
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 bunch cilantro
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh oregano (or about 1 tsp. dried)
• 7 shakes green Tabasco sauce(left this out too because we don't like really spicy stuff in this house)
• juice of 1 lime

Instructions

• Combine marinade ingredients. Add carne asada to marinade (separate out the slices so it all gets evenly covered in the marinade) Place meat and marinade in a Ziploc bag, squeeze out all the air, and seal tightly. Allow to marinate overnight (or at least 6-8 hours).
•  Heat grill to medium-high heat and place meat on grill for about 1-2 minutes on each side (it is way thin so it will cook through quickly). Remove from grill and serve. Serve with tacos, burritos, salad or any other yummy thing you would like.

We did our carne asada with tacos, avacados, spanish rice, black beans and tortilla chips. 

Dinners 23-25

When I started this project, in February, of doing 28 new meals I had now idea it would take me 2 1/2 months.  It's kind of dragged on forever to the point that I don't even remember what I made at the beginning.  I guess that's why I blogged it, but I told myself 28 meals and I am sticking to it.  So here are meals 23-25.

Dinner #23- Beef Stew

It was a rainy day this day so I thought soup would be nice and warm.  We had this meal with cornbread.  We all loved it and it wasn't to hard.  Just a bit of extra prep, but it was worth it.  When using frozen veggies I just pick up a pack of mixed, but add in what you like.

Ingredients

• 2 Lbs steak, cubed ( I just bought stew meat)
• Tabasco sauce, to taste(left this out.  I didn't have any)
• Worcestershire sauce, to taste
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, chopped or diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3-4 c. beef broth
• 2 large potatoes, cleaned and cut into large cubes (I used red and left the skins on.  yum)
• 3-4 carrots, peeled and cut
• 1/2 c. frozen corn
• 1/2 c. frozen peas
• 1/2 c. tomato juice (or to taste)
• cornstarch (optional)

Instructions

• Braise beef in oil until just brown on all sides (turning only once if possible).
• Add Tabasco, Worcestershire, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Add onions and saute until onions become clear.
• Transfer to a *large pot and add beef broth, potatoes and carrots.
• Bring to a boil, then simmer for about an hour (or until potatoes are cooked through) if you want the beef to be really tender, simmer for even longer.
• About 20 minutes before serving, add corn, peas and tomato sauce and simmer until ready to serve. If you like your stew nice and thick, add a about 1 Tbsp. of cornstarch to some beef broth, stir until smooth, then stir into the stew.
• Add beef broth to thin out and cornstarch to thicken. Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.
• *You can also throw everything (except potatoes, corn & peas) in a crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours -- add potatoes, corn & peas the last 2-3 hours so they don't get too mushy.

Dinner #24- Eggplant Parmesan

 I order this a lot when we go out to Italian resturaunts.  I decided to give it a try myself and it turned out so great.  My kids didn't even know they were eating eggplant.  They thought it was chicken.  What they don't know won't hurt them right? :)  This meal was a bit of a process so save it for a slow night or a weekend.  Way yummy!

2 fresh eggplants, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick (I actually cut mine a little thicker)
2 egg whites, beaten (I just used the whole egg)
2 1/2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
marinara sauce, divided (4-6 cups)
2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried basil or 2 Tb fresh basil, chopped

Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer and sprinkle with salt. Leave for 30 minutes then rinse with cold water and pat dry with paper towel. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Dip eggplant slices in egg whites, then in bread crumbs. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. I covered mine with AL foil.  Bake in preheated oven for 7-10 minutes on each side.

 In a 9×13 inch baking dish spread marinara sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top.

 Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with pasta and a green salad or veggies.

Dinner #25- General Tso's Chicken- in a crock pot

I do like a good General Tso's.  I've never done it in the crock pot and I liked how it turned out.  My sauce was nice and thick and I didn't have to add a thickening agent.  It doesn't stay in the crock pot to long so this is something that can be made right before the kids get home from school and be eating after all the afternoon madness is over.  I forgot to put in the green onions.  It still tasted fine without them.  It had a bit of kick to eat so what how much cayenne pepper you add in. 

• 2 Lb. chicken breasts (cut into 1" pieces)(when at the butcher's ask if they can cut it for you.  It saves so much time.)
• 1 c. flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. "lite" soy sauce
• 1/2 c. unsweetened pineapple juice
• 1/2 c. white distilled vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tsp. fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/4 c. cornstarch, mixed with 1/4 c. water
• 4 green onions, sliced

• Combine flour, salt, and pepper in resealable food storage bag. Add chicken. Shake to coat with flour mixture.
• Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken about 2 minutes on each side (it doesn't need to be cooked all the way through at this point). Set aside.
• In the Crock Pot, whisk sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and cayenne until well combined.
• Add chicken to crock pot and cook on low for 3-4 hours. If you would like your sauce thicker add water/cornstarch mixture about 30 minutes before serving. Stir it in SLOWLY, folding it into the chicken. You won't want your breading to be scraped off of your chicken pieces so be gentle! (I didn't have to do this because my sauce was already thick enough)
• Garnish with green onion and serve with rice and egg rolls.

Easter

We drove back up to St. George on Saturday and spent the night there so we could enjoy Easter Sunday with Damon's parents.

After we arrived we wasted no time in delving into the traditional activities.  We even added a new one, watching the 10 Commandments on TV. 

 Easter morning was a beautiful day.  Church was absolutely amazing.  We had ham dinner which was yummy.  We also did an egg hunt with the kids.  Then we got back in the car for our trip back to SLC. 

 It's been a fun and full break.  Now back to the routine.  At least for 2 more months.

Spring Break part 3

The last part of our break was spent at a place we love and miss... San Diego.  We packed it as much as we could.  We did most of our favorite things, but weren't able to visit everyone or every place.  There is never enough time.  It didn't help that everyone was still in school.

 We got to San Diego Monday morning.  We had been there on Sunday as well just for church.  It was so good to be back at our old church and see so many familiar faces.  Anyway...  after some errands we headed to La Jolla.  We were staying at a friend's beach house.  After we unpacked we headed to the Shores.  The kids wasted no time getting in the water.  I love that they love the beach as much as I do.

 Tuesday was a busy fun-filled day.  We started the day at the Air and Space Museum.  The kids love seeing and learning about all the planes there. 

 After the museum we headed to the zoo.  We love that place.  It is really amazing. We met a bearcat.  We can't remember it's real name.  We heard an elephant trumpet. We also ended it like we always do, with soft serve ice cream after the skyfari ride.

  After the zoo we headed back to the beach.  The kids just dug for "treasures".  I ended up with a bunch of shells and rocks. We finally got back to the house and I went to the park to see the sunset.

 If you ask the kids what was their favorite day of the whole trip they will say the day they went to school.  We spent the morning at Jerabek and the afternoon at Marshall.  The kids were so happy to be at the schools they know so well.  Everyone was so happy to see them.  I was happy to see all the wonderful teachers that we have had.  Lily was the only one who wanted pictures taken.  Silly girl.  Adam disappeared immediately with his class.  He didn't want to leave.  He ended up going to music class.  Marshall was having their open house and that gave Noah the perfect opportunity to see all his teachers and a lot of his friends.  He also saw part of the band perform.  I also ran into a lot of the parents I have been friends with for the whole time we lived in San Diego.  It really was a great day.  We ended up the evening by going to the Green's house for dinner.  It was fun to hang out with them and enjoy their company. 

 Thursday we went to the Safari Park.  I think I like the zoo better, but we still managed to enjoy our time here.  It's just a lot hotter and more of a pain to walk with all the hills.  We have truly enjoyed having zoo passes over the years.

We fed the lorakeets.  We saw the butterfly exhibit.  We loved all the beautiful butterflies floating around.

 Lily was finally brave enough to feed the ducks from her hand.  We also taught some other girl to do it too.

 Another grand sunset at the beach.  I can never get sick of seeing them.

  Damon came in late (so late I fell asleep waiting to pick him up from the airport and was late picking him up.  The way I see it he was lucky I even woke up) Thursday night.  We were glad he could join us for a couple days.

 A sea lion came right up on shore where we were.  He didn't seem scared of us at all.  He was just hanging out at the beach like the rest of us. Friday night we ate at Chin's and then went over to the Shield's house to have dessert.  The boys were crazy enough to swim. 

 Our last day at the beach was the prettiest day there.  It seems like it is always like that for us.  At least we got to enjoy it for a few hours before we headed back.   It was so hard to leave.

 The beach house had bikes and the kids made good use of them.  They enjoyed cruising around on the beach cruisers.

 The views from the park by the house.  I can never get sick of the ocean.  It's so beautiful.

A big thanks to the Shield's for letting us use their beach house.  We had a great stay there and enjoyed our vacation back "home".