Johnson & Co.

Hillside Recycling Fire

2012-02-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the recycling plant right up the street from us blew up. Building was a total loss. Sooo sooo sad! The owner said he will rebuild. They estimated the damages around 1 million! I dropped Gracie off to school this morning and stopped by and it is still smoking..just a big pile of melted tin:( So grateful nobody was hurt! Luke stopped and took these pics yesterday on his way home from work.

Life

2012-01-31T09:31:00.001-08:00

Life has just seemed to fly by so fast I haven't had time to catch up with it! I had my kidney functioning tests done Friday and I am still anxiously awaiting the results of those...this Friday I get to hit the dentist for three fillings...just never ends!

Gracie is loving preschool..she can now write her whole name without any problems..she is just growing up so fast! I can't believe she will be in Kindergarten in the fall! I sure wish Luke and I could have one more. She wants a sibling so bad and I feel so guilty when I come home from work and have to get dinner on and all she wants is to play games with me! On a happy note..so glad I have another game lover in the family. I know we will spend lots of time playing games:)

Daisy is hanging in there. She is so lonely but loves being the center of attention. This cold weather has not been nice to her arthritis and we found a mass on her leg, but at this point we are just going to enjoy the time we have left with her:) She will be turning 12 in March! Seems like yesterday her and Millie were new puppies! Oh how I miss my babies. When I go on walks it is so lonely without the crew. I know eventually we will have more dogs, but not for awhile.

I started Weight Watchers again and I swear it will be the death of me! My goal is to fit in everything I have hanging in my closet! I have so many cute clothes and the majority of them don't fit, so if I can just get this extra weight off I will be a happy girl!

Luke surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of wild flowers when I got home from work yesterday which was such a special treat!

Work is keeping me beyond busy. This year Tiffany and I were asked to put the Home and Garden Show together so that pretty much consumes every minute I have but I think it will be amazing when it is done! I hope everyone is happy and healthy and enjoying this gorgeous weather! I have to say I haven't missed the snow at all!!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

This year Christmas was a sick one:( Gracie bug got sick Christmas Eve morning...fever, bad cough, was just exhausted. I had a migraine Friday night, Saturday, Sunday...got a fever, sore throat...just felt exhausted. Went to my cute parents house for the usual Christmas Eve feast and games. My Dad was such a trooper and entertained Gracie so the adults could play games, headed home around 10 since we felt crappy and got Gracie to bed. Gracie was up all night coughing, my head hurt so bad and Daisy got sick too...just a cruddy night. Christmas morning Gracie woke up and didn't really seem to care Santa had even come. She felt lousy and so did I. Luke and I got really dizzy and could barely walk without falling Christmas morning and were worried about carbon monoxide even though our detectors weren't going off. Got back to my Mom's for Christmas breakfast, opened presents and headed back home feeling a tad better. Then we went to Luke's Dad's house and had dinner and opened presents there and Gracie got to finally play with her cute cousins for a few hours despite how crappy she felt. We took her home, put her to bed and I tried to fall asleep, but my head and throat hurt so bad...so sad since so much preperation goes into Christmas and I felt like it was all for nothing this year darn it! Gracie still has a bad cough and I would love to feel better soon. We are doing our usual New Year's Eve Party at the house, so I have my work cut out for me since our house looks like World War 4 has been through it! Gracie is one spoiled little girl and it was fun spoiling her! She has sooooo many fun toys. She got the cutest Doll House from Santa... I will post some pics. She got a darling desk so she can do crafts and what not on it, about 10 barbies, barbie cars, horses, tons of games, darling clothes, puzzles, books...she is soo spoiled and I am one lucky girl myself! Santa brought me an Ipad and the most beautiful bracelet. It is diamonds and sapphires since that is our anniversary stone...I got some adorable boots...can't wait to wear them! I hope Christmas was truly magical for everyone!

Marf

2011-12-20T16:03:00.000-08:00

I searched and searched for the perfect Elf for Gracie since the one that comes with the Elf on the Shelf book gives me the creeps and I found such a cute one. I will have to post a pic so everyone can see it. When she opened it she said it's Marf! And I said Marf? He was wearing green so she explained to me that he is martian and elf..get it...Marf??? I tried to tell her his name is Christopher and she wasn't having any part of that, so Marf it is. Marf has become a HUGE part of this Christmas which I am grateful for since I can't seem to get in the Christmas spirit at all. Losing sweet Sadie last week and Millie two weeks before and Dusty in October has pretty much taken it's toll on me. Daisy has been so sad and hasn't eaten in a week:( Marf keeps finding the funnest spots to hide and Gracie loves searching for him every morning. That in itself is helping me get more in the spirit by seeing Christmas through her eyes! I hope everyone is well!

Sadie

2011-12-13T09:49:00.001-08:00

My sweet Sadie...passed away yesterday. She has been the best dog we have ever had and truly is my best friend. She was 12 years old. She was diagnosed in July with bone cancer on her shoulder and the past five months the tumor grew so fast...she could barely walk and we knew it was time. Dr. Hillegas came to our house last night and put her to sleep on her pillow while I held her. My cute Mom came out to help with Gracie. Luke and I miss her so much. It already feels like forever since I saw and held her last. I do know she isn't hurting anymore which means everything to me. My biggest concern now is our last dog Daisy. She is so sad and lonely. She slept on Sadie's pillow last night and has been searching the house for her all morning. She just cries and it breaks my heart. I hope she will be with us for awhile. Three dogs in three months has pretty much killed me. I am filled with so much peace right now. I know that is my sweet Sadie and Heavenly Father letting me know it's going to be alright. I know Dusty and Millie and Sadie are out having the time of their lives..running..playing and pain free! And like I have said before..the only thing that gets me through times like this is knowing we will be together again someday! I know when my time comes I will have all of these sweet babies waiting for me and that makes me smile.

It hasn't really seemed like Christmas this year since we have had such sick puppies. I have got to somehow get in the spirit for Gracie and Daisy too. Thank you so much to all of my cute friends and family for their prayers, support and sweet words through this tough time. I miss my best friend so much. But somehow, I think she is closer than I could possibly imagine..so I am sure I will chat, cry, laugh, etc..with her often as I do with Millie and Dusty too. I hope this season is filled with love for everyone...

Millie

2011-11-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

My cute, sweet, beautiful Millie passed away last Tuesday. We found out about two weeks ago she had a pinched nerve and started her on some meds that really helped for a few days and then we noticed her back legs weren't working so well, within a matter of days Millie could no longer walk and had stopped eating for the most part. I fed her eggs everyday which she ate but the last two days of her life she didn't eat anything. She had lost so much weight and was starting to pee blood. Luke and I decided it was best if we put her down. It broke my heart. I met Luke at the vet last Tuesday afternoon and when I walked in the lobby and saw Millie sitting by Luke, I still was questioning if we were making the right decision. When they picked Millie up to carry her back to start her IV, blood leaked out everywhere..I was shocked, but I also knew at that moment we were making the right decision. I have always known when the time came, I would be there for my babies, as painful as it might be to witness, the least thing I could do was be there for them when they needed me most. They led Luke and I to a room and brought Millie in with an IV in her little arm. They laid her on the counter in front of us and we had a few minutes to just hold her and love her. I wrapped my arms around her and told her how much I loved her and that we were going to be together forever. Dr. Hillegas came in and asked if we were sure this was what we wanted to do and I started crying and said I didn't know..she felt Millie's back leg and said the one leg had lost all sensation and she would never walk again and she felt we were making the right decision. I held onto Millie so tight and looked the other way while she put Millie to sleep. Millie was panting one minute and within seconds, she stopped panting and took her last breath and she was gone with a matter of about 5 seconds. They left Luke and I alone with Millie for a little while and we hugged each other. I truly felt a sense of peace after, but so sad and heartbroken without Millie. We took her home and buried her and when I brought her collar in the house, Daisy and Sadie sniffed it and Daisy cried all night. Broke my heart. I miss her kisses so much. I miss coming home from work everyday and having her greet me at the door. We have now lost two dogs in two months and I am ready for a break! I need Sadie and Daisy to stay as healthy as they can! Sadie's tumor is growing so fast and all we can do is enjoy the time we do have with her and focus on the fact that we will be together again someday! I had a dear friend tell me..don't think of it as putting Millie down..you sent her up to a place most of us wish we could be!! I loved that!

I have amazing friends and I am truly blessed. The friends whom I thought I was closest to, sadly became more distant. I don't understand if they didn't know what to say..but silence hurts more than anything. The friends whom I didn't think would say much came to my side instantly. I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers at work from some friends. I am just so blessed. I have a darling friend who had Luke, Gracie and I come over with some friends and have a fun pizza/game night Saturday night to get our minds off of life and it was a blast and very much needed! I just can't express how grateful I am for all of the countless blessing I am continued to be blessed with on a daily basis.

Thanksgiving was nice. Went to my parents and Matt and the kids came up and it was fun to see everyone and play games. My heart just wasn't in it this year due to Millie..but it was great to be surrounded by those I love. I hope that everyone was able to reflect on all of the wonderful things in their lives they are so thankful for. I know I have to many to list! I love you all!

Date Night

2011-11-18T09:19:00.000-08:00

Last night was awesome. Luke called me at work and told me he was taking me out to dinner which I loved so we dropped Gracie off at one of my besties houses and went to the Coppermill! It was delicious and the best part was being alone for a few hours for dinner! Pricless! So grateful for friends! Gracie got to have Mickey Mouse pancakes, make a turkey, play with her dogs...perfect night!

My Sweet Millie

2011-11-15T12:11:00.001-08:00

This post is for all of my cute, sweet friends who have asked me to keep you updated on Millie. She had her surgery a few weeks ago and was doing really great despite the cancer. She had a bad bladder infection so they put her on some heavy duty antibiotics which seemed to do the trick..well Friday after work I noticed she was shaking a little..Saturday, Sunday, yesterday she hasn't eaten any dog food. She will eat eggs but not dog food. She is getting so weak and her hind legs seem to be giving out. When she lays down it's all she has just to stand back up and this has all happened in three days. I called the vet tech and she said it is probably the cancer progressing faster than we thought it would..but I don't think that is it. I called her again this morning and they are going to see Millie today at 430. I don't think the cancer would take her this fast considering it is round cell tumor which is slow growing. I am wondering if the bladder infection is back or if she might have an infection in her throat where he removed 80% of that tumor...I just hope and pray that whatever it is they can make her feel better and it isn't anything life threatening. I am so worried for her! I feel like I can't say enough prayers right now. This is the hard part of having 4 amazing dogs that are the same age..one by one they are fading quickly and it breaks my heart! But I am truly grateful for all of the amazing, happy wonderful memories we have made over the years and hope there are many more to come!

Costumes

2011-10-27T08:53:00.001-07:00

Just dropped Gracie off to school in her cute Chicken costume..I love Halloween! She was so excited this morning to get dressed up! We have been very fortunate with costumes this year. My cute Mom got her a witch costume not knowing about the chicken costume and my cute friend Steph at work borrowed her an adorable zebra costume. Monday night I think we will do the zebra costume so she stays warm!

Millie sure has been in my thoughts..we found out she has Round Cell Tumor which isn't as bad as squamous cell which is great news..I just hope and pray it is slow growing so we have more time with her! I hate cancer! I hate that 2 of my 3 babies has cancer and I can't do anything about it! I hate feeling so helpless!

Tomorrow is the diabetes doc for me. Every three months sure does come quick. Just hoping and praying for good news. I hope everyone is loving this fun holiday and all that comes with it!

Millie's Results

2011-10-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

My sweet Millie had the scope done this morning. It was so hard dropping her off. Dr. Israelsen called and said he found a tumor in her airway about 1 inch in diameter which breaks my heart. He was able to remove about 80% of it but he thinks it is squamous Cell carcinoma which means it will grow back fast. It is in the worst location possible. He said we could do surgery where they would cut through the neck to get to it but it is a big deal, so we have decided to just keep her comfortable. He is putting her on the same drugs that Sadie is on for her tumor called CAS options and they have been so great for Sadie. They have bought her good, quality time with us and I hope they can do the same for Millie. I am just in shock. I hate this. Dusty passed away 3 weeks ago today and it is all happening so fast. Sadie turns 12 today! My cute sweet Sadie! I am just so blessed to have had 4 healthy dogs live to be 12! I just hate feeling so helpless. Thank you so much for all of the thoughts and prayers. Love to all.

Millie

2011-10-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Millie has been having a hard time lately..we noticed she lost her bark about 3 or 4 months ago and since then has been coughing horribly and struggling to breathe..Luke took her to the vet a few weeks ago and he thinks she has Laryngeal Paralysis but it could also be a tumor and the only way to know is to do a scope..we were hoping to put it off for a few months but it has gotten progressively worse the past little while that I scheduled her for Monday and I am terrified for the results. I am so grateful to have had our sweet babies as long as we have but losing Dusty a few weeks ago is making everything seem to real now...I feel like a part of me died when he died..Sadie turns 12 on Monday and Millie and Daisy turn 12 in March. I am just hoping for the best! Please keep her in your prayers for me! Thank you!!!

Volunteer Mommy

2011-09-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

I was a volunteer Mommy today at Gracie's preschool. It was fun to see her at school all day. I have to say, I have a great daughter! She is so smart and didn't get into any trouble! Such a cutie. I could have sat and watched her all day! I am proud to say she is mine! Miss Marci asked me if I would volunteer twice next week too! We missed Annie Saturday night since Gracie was sick but went last night for Family Home Evening. Darling play. Luke got all dressed up and looked so handsome! Such a great night! Tonight he is fixing dinner! I am one lucky gal! We got to watch Eddie one last time Saturday night before they move to Missippi. We sure will miss that dog! Such a sweet boy! Hope everyone is well and loving this fall weather!

Annie

2011-09-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

I am loving this weather! Thunderstorms and rain last night and this morning. Fall is in the air! Doing laundry, vacuuming..trying to get the house clean while Luke and Gracie are at a show and then tonight we are going to Annie! I hope Gracie loves it! Luke and I are excited to take her to it! It has awesome reviews too! We get to watch Eddie tonight while Paul and Bobbie are out of town..things are good! I hope everyone is doing great!

Last night I went out with my cute friends Shauna and Lori to Cafe Sabor and then we went and saw "I Don't Know How She Does It"...it was cute. So good to get out with the girls every now and then!

Thank You

2011-09-13T12:19:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to thank everyone for all of their thoughts and prayers this past week concerning Luke. He is doing much better now. Finally off of the IV and onto oral antibiotics! Infection is basically gone and now it's a matter of keeping it gone and getting his strength back. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people! Thank you!!!!

Footprints

2011-09-07T10:30:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite poems and the past few weeks I truly felt like I have been carried. So grateful for family, friends and for my Savior.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied,
“The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.”

6 days later..

2011-08-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

Here I sit. 10:52 pm, 6 days later..I am eating a twix brownie and yes..it is still soft!!!!!!! These are by far, hands down the most amazing brownies I have ever eaten and I don't even like chocolate!!!!!!!!!!! Yum, Yum, Yum. ok..now time for some spinach dip..why not..already ruined the diet for the night;)

Twix Caramel Brownies

2011-08-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

Twix Caramel Brownies

Yield: 24 brownies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 large eggs
3/4 cup cocoa
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chopped Twix candy bars
1/3 cup caramel ice cream topping
Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Place butter in medium saucepan on the stove. Heat over medium heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat and stir in sugar and vanilla extract. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well with spoon after each addition. Add cocoa; stir until well blended. Add flour, baking powder and salt; stir until combined. Stir in Twix candy bar chunks. Pour batter into prepared pan.

3. Drizzle caramel evenly over the brownies. Using a toothpick, swirl caramel into brownies. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool brownies completely in pan on a wire rack. Once cool, cut into squares and serve.

OR you can cheat like me and just use a boxed brownie mix and throw in some caramel topping and a bunch of chopped up twix bars. DELISH!!!!!!

Clean Fest

2011-07-25T15:31:00.000-07:00

Today I had the day off for Pioneer Day..so Gracie and I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned! Got the kitchen scrubbed down...about 10 loads of laundry...towels...sheets...clothes...2 bathrooms cleaned and scrubbed..floors vacuumed and steamed..about 10 sacks of garbage taken out..coupons cut and organized..Gracie has been obsessed with Garfield lately and wanted lasagna...so I made it and it is in the oven...the day has zoomed by and I have loved making the house cleaner and spending some time with my Gracie bug and hounds! Yea for days off!!!!! Yea!

Life is Good!!!

2011-07-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

Summer is in full swing and already ending quickly! I do have to say..fall is my favorite season and I am so ready for the cooler temps! Our trees are growing and they look awesome! Luke's peas in the garden were delicious too! Can't wait until our beans and squash are done!

My little Gracie bug is turning 4 on Friday and I can't believe that much time has already passed! She is so excited for her big day! Sadie is doing awesome! Drugs are sure helping her out and I am so grateful!

Not much to report besides Life is Good!!!

So Grateful...

2011-07-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

I had to take a minute and express my gratitude for my Savior. I know he sure has been extra close to me lately. I went to my cute nephew's baptism a week ago and he was given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Something I have had since I was 8, but realized then that it is something I don't ask for...ever...well, that night I went home and I prayed so hard...I prayed that I would have the Holy Ghost with me and asked for comfort and peace regarding my sweet Sadie..instantly I felt better. I went about 5 days barely eating..not even wanting to leave the house. Feeling guilty leaving Sadie's side..I just instantly felt better and to this day I still feel comforted and I am so grateful for that. We put Sadie on some cancer meds that help kill the blood supply to the tumor in hopes that it will buy her some time and the vet also put her on an anti-inflammatory in addition to the pain pills and it has made a HUGE difference. She seems her normal self besides the limp. I am just so blessed that we have this extra time with her and that she seems to be feeling good! One day at a time...and things are good! I just hope it stays this way for awhile. A long while:) Thinking positive..life is too short not too..I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and the opportunity we will have to be with our cute pets in the next life if we live righteously...I could go on all night.

Today on my way to work I had just picked up a Birthday cake and was following a guy on a motorcycle that was making a left hand turn and lost control on some loose gravel. He was in shorts and a t-shirt and no helmet and had just come from giving blood. Here is the shocker, I was right behind him so I ran to him to see what I could do and nobody even stopped! His poor arm got eaten by the road and I couldn't tell if he hit his head..he had just given blood so I think he was light headed too...he was embarrassed and I just felt so helpless. I so don't like being the 1st responder on a wreck! That is 2 in 2 months. I am ready to be done with that. Just grateful I did stop. Such a nice guy!

I am off to cut a massive pile of coupons that have been awaiting me for quite some time now. I hope this finds everyone well. Thanks for all of the prayers. I know they have been a huge help. It's funny..in times when it seems like the world is coming to an end, the friends you think you are closest too..seem to be more distant than ever and the people you aren't as close to...come and wrap their arms around you..I am so grateful to those that have gone out on a limb to comfort me through this!

Sadie

2011-07-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here at work so full of emotions right now. My sweet Sadie has been limping really bad for a few weeks so Luke took her to the vet today and we found out it is because of a huge cancerous tumor. We aren't sure how much time we have left with her and we are just trying to keep her comfortable. I sit here with tears streaming down my face. I love that sweet dog more than I can possible express. She came into our lives on April 24th 2001. SHe was a year and a half then. She has brought so much joy into our lives. She quickly became my best friend.

Luke and I didn't think we would ever be able to have a baby, so our dogs have been our kids for so long. They are such a huge part of our lives. I feel bad for those who don't get to experience the love and joy they truly bring to a person's life.

The thought of not having her in my life terrifies me. She has just always been there for me. When I cry, she is there to lick my tears. When my day has been bad she is always there to curl up next to me and make me feel loved. She is always making me smile. My day is not complete without loves from my cute Sadie. She can sense when I don't feel good and always makes me feel better. I want so badly for Gracie bug to remember what a special dog she is. I just want to fix her! Make her better! I have no doubt in mind that we will all be together again someday, but this part is so incredibly hard. I just need lots of prayers, friends and love right now. THanks for listening.

First Ever Pedi!!

2011-06-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

So...apparently my blogging friends don't dutch oven..because I didn't have much of a turn out on recipes:( Work however provided me with some amazing ones I can't wait to try! This next week I am so excited to report that my cute friend Bobbie invited me to go get lunch and pedi's! I have never had one before, so I am kind of nervous. I have had plenty of manicure's which I didn't care for, so hopefully this will be better! Can't wait to show these cute piggies off!

Tonight Gracie and I took Luke to Texas Roadhouse for Father's Day so he could have a ribeye and he loved it! Then we went and walked around Summerfest which was fun to browse around. Always fun running into old friends.

This Friday I have the dentist which I am not looking forward to, but I will just focus on my Saturday pedi date! Wahoo! I will return and report:)

Dutch Oven Recipes

2011-06-16T20:43:00.001-07:00

Insert here.

Summer & Dutch Oven Recipes

2011-06-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

I feel like Summer is finally here...at least for a day or two. I know with the flooding the rain is not good, but I am a rain girl! I wish it would rain every day! I love the cooler temps! Everything is still so green too! With all the medications I am on for diabetes..I can't spend much time in the sun since I instantly get burned and I over heat way to fast. Summer for me usually means a daily headache from the heat, so I am truly grateful for the cooler temps we have had thus far!

Luke, Gracie and I went to a friend's house Saturday night for a huge cook out and it was a blast! Delicious food..great company and the kids loved every minute of it! I even had smores! I haven't had them in years! Which made me want a fire pit in our yard since we live in the middle of nowhere, so Luke is going to build us a big pit! I am thinking Dutch Oven cooking is in the near future...so I am on the roundup for some amazing dutch oven recipes! So send them my way if you have favorites!

Our garden looks awesome! Our peas are about 6 inches tall and everything is in full bloom! Including my allergies lol. I hope everyone is enjoying the summer!

Leroy Marion Grace

2011-06-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

So just went I thought the blogging world had hit a dead end..so much has happened lately that I feel I need to post. On Monday, May 30th Luke, Gracie and I were traveling to Logan for a Memorial Day Barbecue at my brother Mark's house, when we saw a SUV towing a trailer full of wood coming towards us that was totally out of control. Luke looked at me and said that is an accident waiting to happen. The trailer was fishtailing so bad and there was no sign of the driver slowing down at all. Luke continued to watch him in the rear view mirror and within seconds Luke said there it goes! We flipped around and were some of the first on the scene which was horrific. There were 5 people in the SUV. 4 of them made it out, 3 of the 4 with bad head injuries, a 7 year old girl who walked away without a scratch, and then..trapped in the bottom of the vehicle was a 94 year old man who had lost consciousness from his head hitting the roof since it rolled several times. I can't get that picture out of my head. He had a pulse, but was pretty much gone. His grand daughter who seemed to be about my age kept talking to him, telling him he was going to be ok and to hang in there....a bunch of people were able to get him out of the back and I knew I was going to have to do CPR, but the grand daughter hopped right in and tried CPR but it wasn't working. It seemed like an eternity before ambulances showed up. When they started doing chest compressions this sweet old man just started throwing up his insides...he never came to. Life flight came and he died when he got to the hospital. What a cute man..I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet him. It is so sad how fast it can all be taken away so quickly. Being 94 I am sure he lived an amazing life...it's just this feeling of helplessness that is so horrible. It was almost a full week before I could fall asleep without seeing his face trapped him that vehicle. My heart goes out to that family.

Blogging Rut

2011-05-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

I am thinking I am done with the blogging world. You ever have those days, weeks, months or even years you feel like you are talking to only yourself? THat's pretty much where I am at. I figure I might as well just start an online journal. I hope this finds everyone happy and healthy. Love to all.

Park City w/Mom;)

2011-05-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend was my annual Park City trip with my cute Mom where we shop til we drop! Good food, great shopping and memories to last a lifetime! The condo was gorgeous..I am obsessed with the Food Network since I don't have it at home, so any second we were at the condo we were watching the food network and playing cards! My Mom and I have been doing this trip for over a decade now and look forward to it every year! It's so nice to just get away from life for a few days and spend it with my idol. It's funny, even after knowing my cute Mom my entire life, I continue to find out new things every time we go.

Yesterday was such an awesome day. Luke and I had to teach the Marriage and Family Relations class and out topic was the healing power of forgiveness in your marriage. When we first got the topic we were both terrified. It is a subject that Luke and I have struggled with throughout our marriage and the lesson couldn't have gone better. I felt things yesterday I haven't felt since Luke and I first got married. It was incredible hearing couples talk about how they work through their differences and learn to forgive each other. I truly feel like this lesson was just what we needed! Awesome day! Then we went to my parents for Sunday dinner and they surprised Gracie with a bike! We took the other camera and I haven't pulled the pics of that one..but I will post soon. She loved it! She is getting so big and she is such a great kid. Yesterday in sacrament we were surrounded by out of control kids. I lose so much respect for parents that don't control their kids and let them be as loud as they want in sacrament or let them sit there and cry...Gracie was so good. Didn't make a peep. I just feel like the luckiest girl in the world!

For Mother's Day we went and took flowers up to Luke's sweet Mom. I can't wait for the day when I can throw my arms around this beautiful woman! So grateful for her!

My cute Sadie has laryngeal paralysis and on Saturday I think we took our last walk:( She could barely make it home..I hate to see them get old, but on the other hand I am so grateful I have had the opportunity to see them get old. I am just praying she and the rest of my cute hounds still have plenty of good time left in them. My Mom says...a teaspoon at a time. I hope everyone is doing great!

Mother's Day

2011-05-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day for me for so many years was such a horrible day. Not because I have the most AMAZING Mom on the planet and I love her more than anything, it was the fact that Luke and I had been married a few years and I was so baby hungry, all of my friends were having babies and I couldn't have one. Mother's Day just became this HUGE reminder that I wasn't a mother and never would be. In church on Mother's Day they would pass out flowers to all of the mother's and of course I was ALWAYS over looked since I wasn't a mother. Year's passed and each year got harder and harder..so many friends, everyone getting pregnant and still, because of diabetes and my health, I was told to never get pregnant. Luke and I tried to adopt for so many years with no luck until we thought we were getting a brand new little girl from Canada, but at the last minute that fell through which was heart wrenching. After 9 years of this, I decided I was going to do whatever it took to be a mother. I wanted a baby that bad, so to make a long story short..my miracle was born on July 22, 2007. And for the first time, I finally got a flower the following year in church. Amazing how good that one small flower can make someone feel...

Gracie sure does test my patience sometimes, but it is amazing how fast you can fall in love with something so small and so precious. From the moment I found out I was pregnant I fell in love with that little peanut growing inside of me. And from the moment I laid eyes on her, I was just smitten! Such a beautiful, perfect little sweetheart and she was all mine, finally making me a Mommy! I spend so much time staring at her. She truly is my life. I have to keep pinching myself because it all feels like a dream I am going to wake up from. How in the world did I get so lucky? I knew from the second I had her, that she would be my last seeing how I wouldn't make it through another pregnancy, so each time I would put away the 3 month clothes, the 6 month clothes, I felt like a part of me died...I wanted so badly to have one more, just so she would have a sibling..and in case anything ever happened to Luke and I, that she wouldn't be alone, but I still have to focus on the fact that we were blessed with her!!! I wish I could have seen a 2nd child roll over, crawl, walk..but I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father for blessing my life with the most amazing little girl! Each day it seems like she is learning something new and each day I fall more in love with that little Gracie bug. And now..for Mother's Day...I can't think of anything greater than the blessing of being a Mom:) I love you Gracie!!!

Mommies & Muffins

2011-05-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today at Gracie's preschool they had "Mommies and Muffins" Day. It was so cute. We had muffins and juice and the preschool was decorated so cute for all of the Mommies. There were flowers on the tables..then the kids made each mommy a beautiful book mark that I will treasure forever! I need to start taking pics so you guys can see how cute this little girl of mine is! Gracie has made a close friend this year in school named Oakley. He is so cute. He had to sit next to her today at the table. I am sad he is going to kindergarden next year since Gracie has one more year in preschool, but I am sure there are going to be many more friends in the near future:) I am one lucky Mommy!!!

Easter

2011-04-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

This past weekend has been fun and filled with family! Friday night after work I met my whole family..Matt, Amy and their kids even and we went out to eat! So much fun seeing them since it only happens a few times a year! Saturday morning I woke up early and walked the hounds..it was beautiful! Then Luke and I took Gracie to the Deweyville Easter egg hunt which was a blast. Then we went back over to my parent's house in Logan and had another Easter egg hunt at their house and then had a fabulous lunch and I got to spend the afternoon chatting with my cute sister in law.

Gracie looked beautiful in her new Easter Dress..I will have to get pics on here! Yesterday church was amazing. I felt like it was all for me yesterday. The lessons hit really hard and touched so close to home. I feel like Heavenly Father knew what struggles I have been facing and the lessons yesterday just hit the spot:) Luke gave me a beautiful Easter Lily...It was just a perfect day! I hope everyone's Easter was as special as mine.

Red & White Pasta Bake

2011-04-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

This is the easiest recipe you will ever make! Super easy and a winner every time!

4 cups uncooked pasta (I like Penne)

1 15 oz. jar alfredo sauce

1 24. oz jar marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella

1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Boil the pasta, drain, then add the sauces and the mozzarella cheese and mix until incorporated. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly, then add the cup of parmesan on top and cook for 5 more minutes. Pair with some garlic bread and enjoy!!!!!!!

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Nancy Law

2011-04-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went to the viewing of a very special lady. Nancy Law was my violin teacher all growing up and such a HUGE inspiration to me. She helped mold me into the violist that I am today, and I owe so much to her. She is so talented and always inspired me to not only be a better violinist, but to be a better person. She leaves behind a darling husband and 4 beautiful kids. I got to talk to Seth (her son) tonight for a little while before the viewing...we have been friends long before Nancy became my teacher. He was telling me that his sister had her baby the day before Nancy passed away and she never had the opportunity to meet this new baby. I am so grateful for eternal families. I know without a shadow of a doubt Nancy will be watching over her cute family and all of her grand kids. I am so blessed and grateful for the knowledge I have of the gospel and the Plan of Salvation. The only thing that helps me through these tough times is focusing on eternal families. I believe that those that have already passed on are so much closer to us than we realize. So many times I feel my grandparents or my uncle Randy in the car with me when I am driving to or from work...

This world has lost such an amazing woman. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Law family at this time. Love to all.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2011-03-31T18:52:00.001-07:00

Things have been so crazy lately! Work has been the busiest since I have worked there..lots of changes are taking place and it will be good when everything is in place! My cute parents are home from St. George. I can't wait to celebrate my cute Mom's birthday when we go over to their house on Sunday. It will be fun to get back in the habit of family dinner's at Mom's on Sundays. I think they will always goes to St. George now for the winter, but it is a good move for them. My Mom said my Dad's arthritis was so good there. He was actually able to go hiking with Mark! It's good for them to get away from things too and just enjoy themselves!

My cute Sadie has been really struggling when she breathes so we finally took her in and the doctor seems to think she has Laryngeal Paralysis...we are trying different meds for the moment, I just hate to have her go through anything! At her age I just want her to enjoy life! And Daisy is having a heck of time with that darn arm since her surgery. The arthritis sure has settled in and no drugs are helping her...hopefully something will help soon!

I was truly blessed this past week and got to see my 2 favorite singers! Bon Jovi Tuesday night with one of my besties...Shalon was a way fun date and it is a night we will never forget. Great seats, amazing concert...awesome night! Then Saturday night I went and saw my cute John Allred before he moves to LA with my cute friends Amy and Alex and we had a blast..such a great concert with 3 amazing opening bands! I am so glad I have such a great hubby that let's me get out and play once in awhile:)

Spring is in the air! I think we hit 65 today which was perfect! I could handle that year round! Tomorrow is Mom's bday, Saturday is my cute Father in laws bday..oh and I am so excited..we are getting Eddie for the weekend! That is my friend Paul's yellow lab he just adopted. Eddie is 12 and you would never guess it! I am excited for him to come play with my babies!

I don't know whether I am coming or going! Tonight Gracie and I painted toenails! She picked bright red for me and pink with purple glitter for her...we are feeling more spring now:) I hope everyone is great! Love you!!

Happy Birthday Millie, Daisy & Chance!!

2011-03-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

Today was the big #11 for Millie and Daisy and if we still had our sweet Chance he would be 13! We only had Chance for about a year. We got him as a puppy and he had grand mal seizures that were so bad he died. He was such a great dog and I can't wait to see him again! In 2000 my Mom took me shopping and we ran into a Petsmart in Ogden and there was a shelter there that had a few puppies in a cage so my Mom had me hold one and the next thing I knew we were on our way home with Millie and Daisy who just happen to be born the same day Chance was! They have been such a great addition to our family! I can't believe they are 11! I have no concept of time the older I get! I love you guys!!

Tonight was Luke's work party at Maddox which was fabulous. Fun to see the crew he works with and talk with them! So proud of him for the hard work he does do to help provide for our family. It sounds like this year will continue to be slow due to the economy but I am hoping 2012 will be great for Vulcraft and it's employees!

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day and I got Gracie a cute outfit for school...have I mentioned how I took for granted being a kid, the only girl, and spoiled!!!! If I could go back I would treasure every second of my growing up years that I rushed away so fast! Happy St. Patrick's everyone!!!

Home & Garden Show & Happy Endings!

2011-03-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

The Home and Garden Show is officially over....Phew!!! Tons of work are put into this event and then it is all over in 2 huge days. It was a huge success and I feel honored to be a part of such an amazing team that put it all together! Before I know it we will be getting ready to start on it again for next year.

This year the Cache Humane Society was there and they brought in animals to be adopted which was also a great success. I fell in love with a beautiful 11 year old lab named Eddie and I just found out our cute Q92 DJ is adopting him tomorrow! I am so excited!! I am going to have to go visit him! I can't believe in 2 short days I am attached like I am to him, but that tells you just how special he is! I LOVE happy endings!

We spent most of the night cleaning up the event so I was so ready to fall asleep and lay low today which I did. Luke took Gracie to Disney on Ice while I took it easy and then went to dinner with Mark:) I have such a great time with him. We talked for hours. He has always been one of my bestest friends and I am so lucky to be his sister! I am already looking forward to our next game night!

The weather has been gorgeous and I am loving the time change so that it stays lighter later. That means I get to walk the dogs after work now! Wahoo! I hope everyone has a great week and a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Love to all!!!

Gracie

2011-03-09T20:08:00.000-08:00

I just tucked Gracie in and decided to lay in bed with her and just hold her tonight. My heart is so full. I love that little girl more than anything. I started crying telling her how much I love her and just what she means to me and she was so cute. She wiped away my tears and put her hands on my cheeks and just said I love you Mom, you are my best friend. Those words touched me so deep. I can't express how amazing it feels to actually have that little girl here, in my arms. Luke and I waited so long to get that little miracle here and I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing my life with such a beautiful, strong, amazing little spirit whom I learn from everyday. I have been so worried about my cute Sadie lately...her breathing hasn't been great and she is getting older and Gracie is so sweet..she just pats my back or puts her arm around me and tells me Sadie is going to be just fine, and it is amazing what comfort that small gesture brings me. I would give ANYTHING to be able to have one more, but know that it isn't possible in this life and I am soooo truly blessed to have my little Gracie. Luke has been sick so I went to the doctor with him yesterday and he has a kidney stone that is causing him to bleed like crazy and today Gracie asked me if we could put a bandaid on Daddy and I told her you can't put a bandaid where Daddy hurts so she started telling me Daddy's pee pee has an owie...how do you not start laughing at that...oh that little girl truly is the light of my life. I LOVE YOU GRACIE BUG!!!!

Good News!

2011-03-04T16:40:00.001-08:00

So I went to the eye doctor today...the most amazing eye doctor. He spent lots of time with me and said that the bleeding and leakage that was behind my eyes from when I had Gracie has stopped completely which is so fabulous! I had massive bleeding on the brain and lots of the blood and fluid from that leaked behind my eyes and we never knew if it would go away and it has finally! I am so excited! My vision hadn't changed much either. He said my vision has stayed almost the same for the past 8 years which is really rare for a diabetic and wants me to go see a cornea specialist in Idaho Falls for Lasik! Best news ever! Just a great day and now I am off to go spend the night with some of my bestest friends! Wahoo! Hope everyone is doing great!

Daisy & Sadie

2011-02-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to walk the hounds and it was great. Beautiful day...Daisy and Millie are still recovering from surgeries a few months prior, but are doing great. Well, today after church it was too beautiful to not go on another walk, so we went. Halfway down the road I noticed Daisy was really struggling. Since she had that massive lipoma removed from her arm/chest she limps horribly. The vet said she would most likely have massive arthritis after the surgery, and she does. It broke my heart, but I had to bring her back home and continue the walk without her. I hate to see them get old! But on the same token, so grateful I have been able to see them get old! My sweet Sadie is having a rough time too...it sounds like she is getting water in her lungs. I have thought for awhile now she has congestive heart failure..I know she is 11 1/2 almost and it happens when they are old, but it breaks my heart! We really don't want to take her to the vet at this point, since they want to run 100's of tests...we just want them to enjoy the time they do have left. Millie and Daisy turn 11 next month and the vet figured Dusty was older than 11 when he had surgery last February, but we can't be sure. It has been so fun having them all close to the same age, but I am terrified of what lies ahead...I just have to try so hard and focus on living for today and not worrying about tomorrow. Easier said than done! I hope all is well with everyone!

Feeling Good!!!

2011-02-12T16:25:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday I decided to do the unthinkable...and get my hair done...really different. For those of you that know me, know that I have always been blonde, besides the few times I thought I needed to try something wild. Well I went and told Lisa (the hair genius) that I needed something different. I am obsessed with long hair. Love it. Always have, always will, but....I also feel like I was starting to look like a polygamist, so I told her I needed a change! I will have to post pics..I just haven't taken any yet. She took off a ton. I have layers everywhere! My hair is really dark, but we did lighter highlights on top and I now have bangs too! I thought for sure 1993 would be calling me asking for the bangs back..but I have never had so many compliments in my life on this hair! I am loving it! And since it is darker, for some reason people seem to think I have lost weight! Why didn't I do this sooner? Love, Love, Love it!!! Nothing makes me feel better than getting my hair done:)

Easiest, Bestest, Favoritest, Softest Sugar Cookies Ever!!!!

2011-01-30T08:21:00.000-08:00

Only because I love you....am I going to share with you my favoritest recipe ever! For those of you who live around an Old Grist Mill..these seem identical to me:)

3 1/4 C. Flour

1 tsp. Soda

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 1/4 C. Sugar

1 Egg

1 tsp. Vanilla

1/2 C. melted Butter or Margerine

1/2 c. Sour Cream

Mix Flour, Soda & Salt in large bowl. Mix everything else in another bowl and add to the dry mixture. Roll out and cut into desired shapes. Put on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 7-9 minutes. The second they start looking golden around the edges, pull them out!

I let them cool and always ice them with a mixture of powdered sugar, almond extract, a few tablespoons of milk and a teaspoon of soft butter. I get sooo many requests for these cookies! Perfect for Valentine's or any day of the week! Enjoy!!!

New Project...and a broken heart...

2011-01-25T21:28:00.001-08:00

So me and some of my bestest friends from high school are putting our heads together and coming up with some fabulous recipes on Facebook...I can't wait until we have a bunch of recipes on there. It has been so fun reconnecting and I can't wait to see where this venture takes us. I will keep you all posted.

Things have been extremely rough lately. We had someone drop a beautiful dog off to us and we just couldn't keep it and it actually ran off, but I had to call the pound to clear my mind and sure enough he was there. I wanted so bad to rescue him. I prayed so hard and the night before they put him down I called the pound and they said a rescue was planning on coming to get him the next day and I never called back. I wanted to call back, but all the cute people I work with kept saying just hope for the best, so I did. Gracie and I named him Oliver. She keeps asking where All of you is...that is what she calls him lol.

On Saturday one of my best friends had to put her cute Jake of 12 1/2 years to sleep. He is such a cute dog. A big beautiful black lab whom I have always thought of as one of my own. He got really sick this past week and they took him to the vet and found out his lungs were full of cancer and he was suffocating to death so they had no choice. The saddest part is he left behind his best friend Charli. She knows he is gone and I am sure her heart is so heavy right now. For those of you that know me, know that my heart is so tender for animals. I feel for all of them! I must be the zoo keeper or something in the next life! I LOVE animals and I am so grateful I was blessed with such a tender heart towards them. They always bring me such joy and happiness!

Friday I had my kidney panel done. I dread it. I hate it. I hate waiting for results. I have an amazing doctor who takes amazing care of me and that makes a big difference. My arm looks horrible, but I am sure it will be back to it's chunky, rosy self in no time:)

It has just felt like the whole world has been falling down and I am ready for some good news! Know I love you all!!!

Artichoke Spinach Dip

2011-01-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

This is one of my all time favorites now! I went and played cards with a friend Saturday night who is an amazing chef and she made me some of this dip and I can't stop ranting about it! It is soooo delicious! I made it last night and it is already half gone! I highly recommend!!!! I have to give the credit to Leigh Anne though from Your Home Based Mom..Brilliant woman!!! Thanks Leigh Anne & Lori:)

Artichoke and Spinach Dip

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 C mayonnaise
1/4 C grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 C grated Romano cheese
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp garlic salt
salt and pepper to taste
1 (14 ounce) can or jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 C frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained or 2 handfuls of fresh baby spinach, chopped
1/4 C shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.

In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic, basil, garlic salt, salt and pepper. Gently stir in artichoke hearts and spinach.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven 25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned.

Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookie Sandwich

2011-01-10T20:54:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookie Sandwich

2 sticks softened butter

3/4 Cup packed light brown sugar

1 Cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 Tablespoon pure vanilla

3 1/2 Cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

10 oz bag chocolate chips

1 bag Oreo Cookies, I used the double stuff :)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a stand or electric mixer cream butter and sugars until well combined. Add in eggs and vanilla until well combined.

2. In a separate bowl mix the flour, salt and baking soda. Slowly add to wet ingredients along with chocolate chips until just combined. Using a cookie scoop take one scoop of cookie dough and place on top of an Oreo Cookie. Take another scoop of dough and place on bottom of Oreo Cookie. Seal edges together by pressing and cupping in hand until Oreo Cookie is enclosed with dough. Place onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet and bake cookies 9-13 minutes or until cookies are baked to your liking. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack. Serve with a tall glass of milk, enjoy!

Makes about 2 dozen VERY LARGE Cookies :)

Hates Goodbye's

2011-01-01T20:26:00.000-08:00

My heart is so full tonight. My cute parents are moving to St. George tomorrow for 3 months and it sure has hit me hard. I am so close to my Mom. We talk everyday and I see her every week. We have always gone to their house ever Sunday for family dinner...this will be the longest I have ever been away from my parents and it is killing me. I know St. George isn't that far but the thought of not having my Mom 30 minutes away is devastating. However, the move will be good for them. It is a little warmer there so the weather will be better on my Dad's arthritis and they will be able to get away and ride bikes and do things they have wanted to do for awhile, so I am excited for them.

Thursday night I played games with Mark and a bunch of friends and then I slept over and Mark and I stayed up talking until almost 6 am. We talked about growing up and it was funny that we both could remember the same things! I sure love my brother, he had me in tears talking about how scared he was when I died and I was soo touched. I miss the good old days with Mark!

Christmas was fabulous. Gracie got her lump of coal she was so excited for and some pillow pets, games, clothes, a leapster, a cookie/baking set, etc... Santa was VERY good to her and so were her relatives! Thank you everyone!

Millie and Daisy are healing so well from their surgeries. Dusty and Sadie and Peanut are also doing great!

New Years Eve is always a blast. We have my little brother and a bunch of friends over and play games and eat ourselves sick. This year I made bacon wrapped water chestnuts that turned out fabulous! Big hit! And everyone's favorite, the bacon wrapped little smokies (heart attack on a stick), spinach dip, sweet and sour meatballs, queso, veggie plates, cheese and crackers, chex mix...we also had tons of pizza's and breadsticks....I am telling you...I have managed to gain 10 pounds in about 2 weeks, so it is now time to crack the whip and attempt to lift this body onto that diet wagon! I hope 2011 is AMAZING & memorable for everyone!

Tis the Season...

2010-12-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

This has been such a fun and crazy week! I had my work Christmas party Tuesday night which was elegant, delicious and filled with amazing people. My boss knows my love for animals and thought that it should be the topic of the night when he got up to give a speech. He told of a story about a pig named Herman...

One day a man was driving around on a country road and saw a pig with a wooden leg and had to know what happened, so he stopped and knocked at the door of the home next to the pig and the man that came to the door said Herman was an amazing pig. He had saved his children from a mean dog, he had saved their toddler who had wandered off and almost walked into the road in front of an oncoming car, and just that past week he said that during the night Herman starting making all sorts of ruckus and squeeling and when he ran down to see what was going on, sure enough the garage was on fire and they all would have died had it not been for Herman. Then this man asked what happened to his leg...why the wooden leg? And to this the owner replied...with a pig as amazing as Herman, you can't eat him all at once! I about died. Nice huh?

Thursday was the Santa party at work. All of the kids and grand kids of the employees had the opportunity to have a visit with Santa and get a present...Gracie hopped right up on his lap and told him she just wants a lump of coal and a pillow pet. Santa loved that lol.

Game night Friday night with a bunch of fabulous friends and food...Last night I managed to fit in 5 loads of laundry, 4 batches of cookies, 60 christmas cards, wrapped presents...I need a very long nap now lol.

My cute Dad fell yesterday and injured his bad knee. He has had reactive arthritis for so long now and his bones are so bad. He goes to the doctor tomorrow to see what the damage is. The swelling is unbelievable. I am praying for good news. They are moving to St. George in a few weeks for 3 months and I want him to feel great so they can really enjoy their time there, but for now it looks like he is back on his cane. My poor Dad!

And yesterday in Providence there was a horrible crash involving 4 siblings ages 18-7 and 2 of the four were killed. I can't even begin to imagine what that poor family is going through and even worse, the week before Christmas. My thoughts and prayers go out to them.

I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season and staying warm, happy and healthy! Hopefully I can write again soon. Love to all.

To Blog or NOT to Blog....

2010-12-13T18:30:00.000-08:00

I keep thinking more and more that I should end the blogging world...you ever feel like there is no one on the other end??? Life has been sooo crazy and hectic and I am not sure anyone reads this anymore...I hope everyone is healthy and happy and enjoying the season and all the magic it brings.

Play Dough

2010-12-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

Few drops food coloring
2 c. water
2 c. flour
1 c. salt
1/2 c. cornstarch
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 T. powdered alum (found in the spice section)

Add food coloring to water. Mix all ingredients. Cook over medium heat until thick. Remove from pan and knead until smooth. Make 3 cups of dough!

Secret!

2010-12-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

So I have a secret website I would love to share with all of you! It is called www.nomorerack.com. It is the best website and it is updated with new stuff everyday at amazing prices! You have to check it out! Another one my cute sister in law told me about over Thanksgiving is www.stealsplusdeals.net. I think it is based out of Seattle or somewhere close to there since sometimes the deals are only for that area, but I am here to tell you I have gotten a ton of Christmas off of that and Amazon of course;) I hope these websites help some of you get some much needed Christmas shopping done at amazing prices! Good luck!

Blessings & Luck

2010-12-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

I truly feel like the luckiest woman on the planet. For those of you that know me, know that my dogs are my life. Well 2 of them have had to have surgery in the past few weeks and it has been so stressful. Daisy has had a huge lipoma on her chest/underarm area for years and it just kept getting bigger and bigger to the point where she was really struggling to walk since the lump was pushing her arm out so far, so we took her in and they did surgery the following day and Daisy did great. She still limps just as bad which could be arthritis and shoulder damage from the lipoma being there so long, but she seems so happy.

Millie has had a lump in the back of her leg for a few months now and Luke and I thought it was a bee sting but realized it was more when the swelling didn't go down so we took her in and the vet did a fine needle aspiration and sent it off to the lab and within 24 hours the vet wanted to rush Millie in for surgery since it was a soft tissue sarcoma/cancer. You have to catch those in the early stages or it is to late and Melinda our vet thought we had a fighting chance... So the following Monday Millie had a huge surgery and they took out the lump and part of her leg muscle. The incision is huge and scary but she has bounced back so well. I have a cute friend who works in the animal lab where the dissect the tumors so she called the second they found out they got all the cancer which was the biggest relief ever. I am so grateful and sooo blessed to have the most amazing vets on the planet. James Israelsen and his cute wife Melinda Hillegas are miracle workers. James saved Sadie's life years ago... We took our family dog Ben there growing up and loved them so much I have always gone back to them. They are such great people. I feel so lucky and so blessed to have healthy happy dogs again! It is going to be a long recovery for Millie but she is going to be ok! Daisy gets the stitches out Tuesday...drain is gone:) They pulled Millie's drain on Friday and stitches will come out in 3 more weeks and then hopefully we can get back out on our walks! I am in serious need of my daily walks with the dogs this time of year! My pants are so tight I could take an eye with the button if I exhaled lol.

I hope everyone is taking time this holiday season to focus on what is most important. I know I get so busy and caught up with the hustle and bustle of life, but I am so grateful I have my cute doggies with me, happy and healthy! Gracie has been so cute to keep telling them they are going to be ok. She has such a tender heart.

We keep asking Gracie what she wants Santa to bring her and all she says is a lump of coal lol, so my cute Mom found her some coal. She is getting so excited for Santa this year and it seems like Christmas just gets funner and funner the older she gets.

I hope everyone is staying happy and healthy and enjoying every second of this season. Thanks so much for all of the prayers, phone calls, texts, emails and kind words...I have sooo many wonderful people in my life that makes the tough times seem not so bad. Love to all.

To be continued..

2010-11-20T15:52:00.000-08:00

We have some things happening right now so I won't be able to post for a little while...Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Hope everyone is safe in their travels and gets to spend the holidays with loved ones!

Slow Cooker Breakfast

2010-11-15T13:57:00.001-08:00

Use your imagination when making this recipe. Try Canadian bacon instead of ham. Use Havarti or Swiss cheese instead of Cheddar. Add some minced jalapeno peppers if you like hot foods. Then enjoy!
Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 9 hours
Total Time: 9 hours, 25 minutes

Ingredients:
•32 oz. bag frozen hash brown potatoes
•1 lb. cooked ham, cubed
•1 onion, chopped
•1 green bell pepper, chopped
•1 Tbsp. olive oil
•1-1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
•12 eggs
•1 cup whole milk
•1/2 tsp. salt
•1/2 tsp. pepper
Preparation:
Spray inside of slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. In small skillet, cook onion and green pepper in olive oil until crisp tender. Let cool about 10 minutes. Place one third of the frozen hash brown potatoes in the slow cooker. Add one third of the ham, onion, green pepper and cheese. Repeat layers, ending with the cheese.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk and seasonings until well mixed. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover and turn on low. Cook for 8-10 hours, until casserole is set and eggs are thoroughly cooked. Serves 12

If you have a new hotter cooking crockpot, you'll need to check this after 6 hours. It will probably be done after 7 hours. The eggs should reach a temperature of 160 degrees F.

Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

2010-11-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

We had these for dinner last night...Huge hit! Thanks Allyson!

2 cups All Purpose Flour
1 TBS. Baking Powder
2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
1 c. shredded cheese
3/4 c. melted margarine or UNSALTED butter
1 tsp. garlic salt

Preheat oven to 450. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Stir in milk and 1/2 c. butter just until moistened and add cheese. Drop by tablespoon on GREASED cookie sheet. Meanwhile, add garlic salt to remaining butter. Bake biscuits 6 minutes, remove and brush with remaining garlic butter. (Make sure to stir your garlic butter before you brush the biscuits so the garlic salt gets distributed evenly). Cook another 5-6 minutes or until edges are crispy. If you have any left over garlic butter, drizzle when done.

These paired really well with our spaghetti last night. I actually prefer these over Red Lobster's cheddar bay biscuits...Super easy and super delicious! Enjoy!

Chef Johnson was in my kitchen!!!

2010-11-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

Last night after work I came home to a house smelling like heaven...biscuits, bacon...Chef Johnson made another appearance and made me the best dinner ever! Bacon, egg and cheese biscuits! He knows they are my fav. When I was prego with Gracie, we made them weekly! I feel sooo blessed to have such a wonderful chef living right under my roof! I just hope I get another appearance soon! Love you Luke:)

Sloppy Joe Joes...

2010-11-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

We usually open a can of Manwich at our house, but I have never been a big fan of it and was so excited when I got this recipe! Luke and Gracie both loved it and I will never be wasting money on Manwich again! Oh and we didn't add the green pepper since Luke wouldn't touch it if I did lol. Delicious, super easy and most people have this stuff already in their house. We did this right before Halloween..so I thought it would be cute to cute the cheese slice out like a pumpkin..very festive! Enjoy!

* 1 pound lean ground beef
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
* 3/4 cup ketchup
* 3 teaspoons brown sugar
* salt to taste
* ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, onion, and green pepper; drain off liquids.
2. Stir in the garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar; mix thoroughly. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Beef Stroganoff in the Slow Cooker

2010-11-03T09:47:00.001-07:00

It has been one of those crazy weeks where I feel like I haven't had time to even breathe! I hope this finds everyone happy and healthy and enjoying this beautiful weather we have at the moment because I am sure it won't last!

Today's recipe is from my cute friend Adrienne...we have made this one about 10 times now and it so easy and a wonderful comfort food!

Beef Stroganoff

2 lbs of stew meat
4 cans cream of mushroom
1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup
tub of sour cream
noodles
Crock pot liner

Throw a crock pot liner in your crock pot, toss in the meat, mix the cream of mushroom and lipton soup and mix with the stew meat, set on low for about 8 hours. About a half hour before it is done, turn off and stir in a tub of sour cream. Let it thicken and serve over noodles! Enjoy!

Individual Chicken Pot Pies

2010-11-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

I have had such a great response on recipes so I will start posting them! I hope they help some of you prepare easy, delicious dinners! This one is brought to you by: Rebecca Black Hyer! Thanks Becca!

Individual Chicken Pot Pies

1 8 oz. bag frozen mixed vegetables

2 refrigerated piecrusts

1 can cream of chicken soup

½ c. milk

2 c. chopped cooked chicken or turkey

½ tsp. garlic salt

½ tsp. black pepper

½ c. grated cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375°. Defrost the vegetables in the microwave about 3 min. Cut 2 piecrusts into quarters, to yield 8 pieces. Coat the inside of 4 small pans or glass dishes with cooking spray. Line the bottom of each with a quarter of crust, molding it with your fingers to fit. In a large bowl, stir together the soup & milk; add remaining ingredients. Spoon about 2/3 c. of the mixture into each pan or ramekin. Top each with a piecrust quarter. Pinch the edges together and cut vents in the top. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 35-45 min. or until golden brown.

Share your recipes!

2010-10-29T07:04:00.001-07:00

I am starting to accumulate lots of AMAZING recipes, so I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to share them with you on the blog. Now that I am working again, the easier and quicker, the better for me. If any of you have wonderful recipes you want to share, email them to me at lisaannjohnson@gmail.com and I will post them on here. I figure if I can help in any way make dinner easier for anyone, I am all for that! I think the worst part about dinner is deciding not actually making it lol. So please share your wonderful recipes for slow cooker, treats, dinner, soups, etc... Can't wait to see what everyone has:)

Anniversary Chicken

2010-10-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

My cute cousin gave me a bunch of amazing recipes, so here is another delicious one!

Anniversary Chicken

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast cut in slices

1/2 cup teriyaki basting sauce (I use Yoshida's – big bottle from Costco)

1/2 cup Ranch-style salad dressing

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

3 green onions, chopped (I left these off for the kids)

bacon bits

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts, and sauté 4 to 5 minutes each side, until lightly browned (I’ll add a little Yoshida’s here too).

3. Place browned chicken breasts in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Brush with teriyaki sauce, then spoon on salad dressing. Sprinkle with cheese, green onions and bacon bits. If you want more sauce, add a little to the bottom of the dish before putting chicken in.

4. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.

I serve it with rice.

Spiderweb Brownies!

2010-10-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Last night I made the yummiest brownies! I just used a box mix, and the second I pulled them out of the oven, I opened a bottle of marshmellow cream and spooned that on the top, as soon as it melted, I smoothed it out. Then you are supposed to melt some chocolate chips, put them in a ziploc bag, snip the corner and draw cobwebs on the top of the marshmellow cream, but instead I just took about 15 oreos and crumbled them on top and then you let it cool...It was sooo yummy! I put on Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin and let Gracie watch that while she ate brownies and it just turned into a fun night! I highly recommend! Such an easy, fun treat we will make again and again!

Cordon Bleu Casserole

2010-10-25T11:29:00.001-07:00

Cordon Bleu Casserole

9 X 13 PAN

6 Chicken Breasts cut up - put in pan

6 slices of Deli ham –put on top of chicken

-2 cups grated Swiss cheese

Mix together and pour on top.

2 Cups of Cream of Chicken Soup

1 Cup Sour Cream

½ cup Water

Smash 1 package of Ritz Crackers - Add ½ cup melted Butter

Sprinkle on top and bake 350 for 1 hour

Tonight for dinner...

2010-10-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Cafe Sabor! I need a break from the kitchen:)

Flat Bread Tacos

2010-10-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

This is definitely a family favorite! Even Gracie loves them!

Flat Bread Tacos

1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
2 teaspoons ranch salad dressing mix
1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) petite diced tomatoes with chipotle chilies , undrained
1/8 cup taco seasoning (this is 1/2 of an envelope)
1 can Pillsbury Grands biscuits
Optional toppings: sliced ripe olives, shredded lettuce, diced green onion and shredded cheese

1. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, dressing mix; chill until serving.(at least 30 minutes)
2. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the beans, tomatoes, and taco seasoning; heat through
3. Take the biscuits and roll each one out until they are about 5x5. You don't need to spray your pan or anything, just put it on a med low head and throw the biscuit on. Keep a close eye on it because it will brown quickly, flip it over and cook the other side and wah lah!
4. To serve, spread each biscuit with 2 tablespoons ranch sour cream then top each with meat mixture. Sprinkle with toppings if desired. Yield: 8 servings.

Misc.

2010-10-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

I am going through pictures and figured I would throw a few on here...Gracie's hair is getting longer and longer and funner to play with!

Gracie loves preschool and LOVES her teacher Miss Marci. However, she was not fond of having her pics taken on picture day.

One day in class they learned about not "clowning around" and she came home looking so cute!

Here she is one day before school...she loves pumpkins!

And here we are at Lagoon!

Gracie and Oakley

Me getting pelted by water!

And here are a few favorites!

Fall is in the air...

2010-10-11T09:59:00.001-07:00

I am thinking of making this blog more of a foodie blog...I feel like I do most of my pics and things that are happening in the Johnson family household on Facebook.. Work has sure been keeping me busy. I don't know whether I am coming or going anymore, but know you are all loved and thought of often! Fall is here and it is by far my favorite season...Hopefully I can get the camera out and snap some fun shots to share with you all. Hope everyone is happy and healthy!

Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

2010-10-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Girl Who Ate Everything

Let's try this again...

2010-10-07T12:29:00.001-07:00

I apparently left some of the cooking instructions...here we go again!
Baked Swiss Chicken

•3-4 chicken breasts (just depends on how big you chicken breast are)
•6-8 slices Swiss cheese
•1 can cream of mushroom soup
•1 c milk
•1 box Stove Top Stuffing (or other similar boxed stuffing mix)
•1/4 C butter melted
1.Pound chicken breast to even out the thickness of the chicken. I place the chicken in between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a rolling pin or the flat side of a kitchen mallet) Cut each breast in half.
2.Place chicken breasts in a sprayed 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
3.Top chicken with slices of Swiss cheese.
4.In a bowl, mix soup and milk until well blended.
5.Pour soup mixture over chicken.
6.Then top the chicken with the dry stuffing mix. Drizzle stuffing with melted butter.
7.Baked covered with foil at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5-10 minutes longer. Serves 6-8

Swiss Chicken

2010-10-06T21:11:00.000-07:00

This is one of my all time favorite recipes...Makes amazing left overs too! Sooo yummy!

Swiss Chicken

4 chicken breasts
6-8 slices Swiss cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1 cup milk
1 box Stove Top Stuffing
1/4 cup butter melted

1. Pound chicken breast to even out the thickness of the chicken. You can place the chicken between to layers of saran wrap and use a rolling pin or a meat mallet if you have one. If I buy the Costco chicken breasts I just slice them in half horizontally and skip the meat pounding step.

2. Place chicken breasts in a sprayed 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

3. Top chicken with the slices of Swiss cheese.

4. In a small bowl, mix soup and milk until well blended.

5. Pour soup mixture over chicken.

6. Top the chicken with the dry stuffing mix. Drizzle stuffing with melted butter.

Source: Real Mom Kitchen

Sweet Pork Burritos

2010-10-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had another super easy, super yummy dinner!

Sweet Pork Burritos
3 lb boneless pork roast
2 cups of salsa
1 cup brown sugar
1 crock pot liner

After putting the liner in the crockpot, throw the roast in, cover it with a cup of brown sugar and then pour 2 cups of salsa over that. Throw the lid on and cook it on low for 8 hours. After 8 hours, shred the pork with a fork and let it soak up the juices for a half hour. I served the pork in a tortilla with cheese, then after folding the burrito, I scooped a ladle full of the meat sauce over the burrito and topped it with some shredded cheese and nooked it for 1 minute. It was so good and so easy! Must try!

Yum!

2010-10-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a super easy and yummy recipe I got from a cute friend. It has been a huge hit in this family! I am all about the crock pot now that I work...

Pot Roast & Veggies
1 or 2 pot roasts
2 cans of Cream of Chicken
2 cans of Cream of Mushroom
1 packet of Lipton Onion Soup
1 Crock pot liner
Potatoes, Onions and carrots

I highly recommend the Crock pot liners, I never have to clean up after and that is priceless to me!

Line your crock pot with the liner, throw in a pot roast or 2, then mix 2 cans of cream of chicken, 2 cans cream of mushroom and 1 packet of the Lipton Onion Soup Mix, mix and pour over the roast(s). Then chop up your potatoes, onions and carrots in big chunks, throw them on top and throw the lid on. I don't even peel the potatoes, I just wash them well and cut the potato in thirds or even just in half. You have to remember it is going to be cooking for 8 hours, the bigger the chunks the better so it isn't pure mush. Cook for about 8 hours on low. After I turn it off, I let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes to let the sauce thicken. It is sooo yummy and makes wonderful leftovers! Hope someone tries this and loves it as much as we do!

The Girl Who Ate Everything: S'mores Bars

2010-08-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Girl Who Ate Everything: S'mores Bars

Fair Time

2010-08-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

It is the Tremonton Fair right now and Gracie got to go to the parade and ride some rides last night with Luke since I had to work..but tonight we are hoping to go as a family! I love the fair! I love the animals! I will bring a camera so I can get some great pics! I haven't forgotten about blogging...but life has been soooo crazy lately with a new job and training! Luke and I are rotating schedules so that we don't have to put Gracie in daycare and she is getting to spend some time with her cute Grandpa Eldon which I love! She looks forward to her Grandpa time every day!

Gracie will be starting pre-school in 2 weeks and she is sooo excited! Luke's bday is right around the corner...life just doesn't seem to slow down! Know you are all loved and I will write more soon! xoxoxxxooo

Angels

2010-08-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today during nursery I was talking with a friend and we started talking about where she went to high school and I found out she went to Box Elder...I asked her if she new my cute friend Leslie and she informed me that she had passed away about a month ago and I was in shock.

My heart is so heavy and so full tonight. Leslie and I met in 1998 at Flying J where we both worked. We became instant friends and have kept in touch through the years. She met and married a wonderful man named Jordan Luthi while she was working at Flying J and they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, LaurAnne Holly Luthi. Such a beautiful little girl who looks so much like her cute Mommy. I ran into Leslie right after I had Gracie in 1997 and Leslie was sooo excited I was able to actually have a baby on my own since she knew the struggles I had faced with my health. Lauren was about 5 when I ran into Leslie and she was such a beautiful little girl..reminded me so much of Leslie. Leslie informed me then that she had been having some health issues and had a port a cath put in to receive some heavy duty medication...I felt so bad for her! I couldn't hug her long enough. Well..years passed and we lost touch..so I googled her name not to long ago and found out she had recieved a kidney from her brother. A few months ago I decided to call her cute Mom and find out where she was! Well I called her Mom's house and her cute hubby picked up the phone and handed the phone straight over to Leslie and I was sooooooooooo excited to be able to finally talk to her! We talked for hours and hours and she filled me in on her health and what her poor body had been through. She had recently had a stroke and was having issues with what the stroke had done to her..the same issues I went through after having my stroke..numbness in the hand and arm...she was even having trouble talking. She also had suffered massive bleeding on the brain like I did. My heart went out to her. She said she had been diagnosed with Lupus which we all know is horrible and even deadly. She said she hoped she would live as long as she could so that LaurAnne would remember her. This is sooo hard for me to type right now...I guess it just hits so close to home with me and my health and having a daughter also. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about me dying and leaving Gracie bug here without a Mommy and it terrifies me! I know that Leslie isn't suffering anymore and is in the arms of her Heavenly Father and that is such a comfort to me, but I can't help but think what her cute daughter must be going through. I KNOW Leslie is her guardian angel and watching her every move...but my heart aches so badly right now. I really don't think this would have hit me so hard had I not been a mother.

Leslie and I have so many wonderful memories together. We had made a deal to get together as soon as she was feeling better and didn't have the swine flu..and apparently Heavenly Father had other plans for my cute Leslie. I know my life is better because it was blessed by such a beautiful, wonderful girl who has touched me beyond words simply by her example and her love. Life is so precious and can be taken from us sooo quickly and it is so important to let those around us know how much we love them before it is to late. I know this isn't the end and merely the beginning..but it is just sooo hard to let those go that you love. I hope sweet Leslie knows how much I love her and treasure her and anxiously await the day I get to throw my arms around her again. Luke looked at me tonight and asked why this has hit me so hard and all I can say is that my heart goes out to her daughter and hubby. I know what an amazing friend she has been to me in her short life. I remember how beautiful she looked the day she walked down the isle and became Mrs. Leslie Luthi. I remember how happy she was to marry Jordan and how excited she was to be a Mom. I wish I would have known when she died so I could have been there for her funeral. I feel like such a crappy friend. I can't believe I never got to give her that one last hug and tell her goodbye. I love you Leslie and I can't wait until we meet again....Love Always and Forever....Lisa

Leslie Lee Merritt Luthi - Obituary, Brigham City, UT - Utah Obituaries | ObitsUtah.com

2010-08-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

Leslie Lee Merritt Luthi - Obituary, Brigham City, UT - Utah Obituaries | ObitsUtah.com

More Cherry Hill...

2010-07-29T16:26:00.001-07:00

Richard being consoled by the manly lifeguard..

The lifeguard running to Richard's aide...

Oh...and here is a cute one of my birthday girl!

Cherry Hill

2010-07-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

So Gracie and I had the opportunity to join some great friends in an all day adventure to Cherry Hill! Gracie hadn't ever been swimming before so she had a blast! I have a hard time getting in the water since I have an IV in my stomach and I am so allergic to the adhesive as is..I can't really get it wet for to long or it falls out, so Richard and Megan, and Spence and Kelly were amazing with Gracie on taking her down the water slides! The lazy river was my favorite part. We didn't get any pics of that though...

Megan and Tenzing

Jack

Trey

Richard

I managed to not get a pic of Kelly and Spence...or Oakley or Ira...I have got to get better with the camera! Sorry guys! We had a blast and think we should make this a yearly tradition!!!!!

Gracie Bug is turning 3 tomorrow...

2010-07-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby will be 3 tomorrow. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital. I really miss the baby phase, but have loved every phase after that and can't wait to see what each new stage will bring....

My poor baby has to have her shots on Friday which I am dreading, but then they will be over with for the year! I will post some bday pics once we get some! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I am hating the heat and am anxious for cooler temps...seems like the hotter it gets the worse the headaches are, but fall is right around the corner!

We have a busy weekend ahead of us, so I hope the shots don't make my baby sick. We get to meet up with some close friends I went to high school with and haven't seen in 16 years Saturday and then Sunday we are having a BBQ with some friends...

I hope everyone has a fun and safe 24th! Love to all!

Friends..Family...and Fun!

2010-07-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

So we have had such a busy past few weeks that have been filled with our cute families, friends and tons of fun! Now that Luke and I finally have a kid, the holidays get funner and funner. Gracie bug sure loved the fireworks and doing sparklers with some fun friends! I got to meet my new nephew Benjamen Oliver Johnson... I would write a lot, but I would rather post pics!

Gracie at the Rodeo..

Grandpa Eldon, Hayden & Addison..

Richard

My sexy meat muffin Luke..

More Richard..

Cute Pam and Gracie

Megan and Pam lighting sparklers..

Gracie meets Mr. Static on the trampoline..

Gracie and Oakley

A bunch of kiddos in the sandbox..

My new nephew Ben...

Chase

Gracie on the 4th of July before church..

The Cruise-in..

Uncle John..

Spence on his phone..again....

Grandma and Ben

Grandpa and Ben..

Matt and Mom

Gracie in the sprinklers

Gracie giving me loves before church..

Sadie, Gracie and the shades..

Megan and Gracie

Waiting for fireworks

So after posting all of these pics, I realize I never got a pic of my cute sis-in-law Amy, we never saw Mark over the holiday since he had to work and somehow Kelly escaped the camera too...so beware! You are next my friends! Enjoy!

My Michelle...

2010-05-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to tell my cute friend Michelle how much I love her and how much she means to me. She is home today with a sick little boy and she took the time out of her day just to call me and see how I am. I have a lot of friends, but not many that go out of their way as often as she does to check on me and it means the world to me! I can't wait until she moves closer so I can see her more! I truly believe it is the small things in this life that mean the most!!! I love you Michelle!!!

Wrinkles..sniff, sniff.....

2010-05-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

On Sunday my Dad and I were at the park with Gracie watching her play on the swings and this little girl around 6 years old walks over to my Dad and I and says to my Dad: "Is that your Mom?" My cute Dad thought that was hilarious, sad to say I didn't think so, so I am thinking it's time to break out the Oil of Olay and Age Rewind make-up!

Today my cute father in law is having some oral stuff done and I was so flattered when he asked if I would come with him, so Gracie and I made him some clam chowder and chocolate pudding for after since that is what he wanted. I feel sooo blessed to have such amazing family! Friday night Gracie and I had a girl's night and went and had icecream and then we stopped at Colleen's grave so she could see her cute Grandma. I took some pics with my phone but didn't even think to grab the camera, so I will take her back up again soon and snap some pics for you guys! As we were leaving the cemetery she starting waving and saying bye bye Grandma, see ya soon! It was adorable. I love these beautiful little children and their innocence!!! I too can't wait for the day I get to meet this amazing woman that gave me such a great hubby and wonderful sister in law!

Last night Luke, Gracie and I hopped on the 4-wheeler and went asparagus hunting which was a blast!!! We even found me a little bit which I can't wait to try!!! Luke has been working so hard on our garden this year which makes me sooo happy!!! I can't wait until our trees are big!!!

I hope everyone has a fabulous day! Love to all!!!

Park City with Mom

2010-05-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

This past week my cute Mom and I went on our annual Park City shopping spree trip and had a blast! I just hate how fast the time goes! I treasure every second with my amazing Mom! We couldn't stop laughing the entire trip and I love how many memories we continue to make! This year we decided to try a different condo...so when we went to check in, it was quite the fiasco. We got to the clubhouse where we were supposed to check in and low and behold there was a sign on the door that said we had to drive to a different location to check in, which to us was funny lol. They also had a huge sign hanging up that said: Adult swim hour from 10-11 am which we both thought was odd. Visions of naked, balding men ran through our heads... We drove to the new location to check in which was about 10 miles away...so odd, but they gave us our check in info and we drove back to the clubhouse area and found our condo which was gorgeous! And so worth the scavenger hunt! Wow! I took a ton of pics but that would require me finding the camera right now and that so isn't happening. We shopped until we dropped, played games, and talked. For knowing my cute Mom 34 years now, I continue to learn knew things which to me is truly priceless, and someday, I can't wait to take Gracie on these mother/daughter trips and share these things with her too!

For Mother's Day, Luke got me an apple tree and an apricot tree, which to me is the best gift ever! They look so cute planted out by our house! Thank you Luke, Gracie and my cute hounds! Perfect gift! Oh and the delicious omelet he cooked too! Church was amazing. Great talks about beautiful mothers. Then we were able to spend the rest the day with my cute family and Mom! We had a barbecue and were able to even see Mark after he got off work for a little while too! It couldn't have been a more perfect Mother's Day! I remember for sooo many years I hated Mother's Day because it was just a reminder of the fact that I didn't have a baby, and now I treasure every second of that day! So I hope all of you cute ladies out there had an amazing Mother's Day and that includes all you cute ladies who are still waiting :)

Yesterday was the dentist which I dread. I have always gone to my cute uncle for dental work ever since I was born and he died of pancreatic cancer this past October, so I had to find a new dentist and boy did I luck out! The shots yesterday were virtually painless and he did an amazing job. Somehow, I think my cute Uncle Randy was there with me the whole time:)

Life has just been so crazy, busy lately, but I just wanted to let you all know how much I love you! Have a super week!

Meatloaf Muffins

2010-04-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Here is the recipe for the Meatloaf Muffins I did and boy were they tasty!!

Ground beef, lean, 16 oz
Ketchup, Heinz, 4 tbsp
1 1/4 c. Rice Krispies
2 Eggs
Salt, 1 tsp
Pepper, black, 1 tbsp
Brown Sugar, 6 tsp packed
1 packet Lipton Onion Soup
1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl, except 1 T of the ketchup and brown sugar. Using your hand works best! Fill 12 muffin tins. Mix remaining ketchup and brown sugar in a small bowl. Spoon over muffins. Bake 350 for 30 minutes.

Number of Servings: 8

Whatever you don't eat, just throw them in individual Ziploc sandwich bags and toss them in the freezer. Tasty and fairly low fat. You could even use ground turkey which I would have preferred but didn't have any. Pair this up with some mashed potatoes or steamed veggies! I can't wait until my garden starts producing some veggies! Enjoy! Oh..I am not a huge fan of the onion soup mix which is shocking since onions are one of my favorite things to eat..but it is just perfect in this recipe, not to overwhelming.

Life has been CRAZY!!!

2010-04-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Life has just been a whirl wind the past week or so! Lots going on and hopefully I will be able to fill you all in soon. We are all fabulous here at the Johnson home. Gracie and I took a fabulous walk today and the temperature couldn't have been more perfect! Luke is doing great! He was able to golf today which was the first time since August and he did amazing! Hopefully that means it will be a great golfing season for him:)

I am so excited to get my garden going! Luke is going to till it for me this weekend and then hopefully we can get some crops growing! Gracie is even excited about it this year! We planted some beans in cups awhile ago and they are huge and so fun to watch grow each and every day!

The hounds are doing great too and love to get out and go on walks!! I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy this gorgeous weather! Know you are all loved!!

Oh...and I just made the most amazing meatloaf ever! Luke hates meatloaf so I NEVER make it but he is working nights this week so I attempted it. I got the recipe from a great website and it calls for Rice Krispies as your filler instead of oatmeal or bread crumbs which is half the carbs and calories and might I say..the best meatloaf ever! Soooo easy! I did it in a muffin tin to so I have a bunch of individual meatloafs I can toss in ziplocs and throw them in the freezer! They look like little cupcakes and that is the reason picky Miss Gracie is eating them now;)

My Weakness....

2010-04-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Dimples!!

Fiber 1 Frozen Muffins...

2010-03-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

You all are going to love this post....

A few weeks ago I was shopping with my cute friend Janis and we came across these Fiber 1 Frozen Muffins which I had a coupon for making them 99 cents a box which is a steal! I talked her into getting a box too... I have been trying to lose weight now for awhile and fiber seems to fill me up so I thought these would be perfect for me! Well, I asked Janis how she liked them and she said she did but that they gave her the poops...so I had to try them myself. Yep, you guessed it. I think they are helping me lose weight because I manage to poop pretty much every hour on the hour. They taste pretty darn good, but not sure I am going to indulge in another box. I have one muffin left in the freezer and I don't know if my bum can handle it. It has been snowing today so I didn't get to walk the hounds, but I think I have walked miles, to the toilet that is...

So...don't waste your money on the total cleanse diet, this is sooo much cheaper and cleans you out just fine lol.

Anyways, hope you all have a fabulous, poop free night! xoxo

Pomegranate Slushes

2010-03-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

The people at POM were so wonderful! They sent me some of their pomegranate juice to try so I made it into slushes last night for Gracie and I and it was sooo yummy! You have to try it! Good for you too!

Pomegranate Slushes
1 1/2 c. of ice
1 can of diet sprite
8 oz. pomegranate juice
1 lime

Throw it all in the blender and squeeze the juice of 1 lime in there and chop it all up! It is such a pretty color too!

Home & Garden Show

2010-03-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

This past Friday and Saturday I had the opportunity to help with the Home and Garden show at USU and it was such a great experience. I met sooo many wonderful people and I can't thank Sarah enough for thinking of me when she was picking people to help! I never imagined how much work went into each and every year and now I have a pretty good idea lol.

I also got to go to the USU gymnastics meet against Sacramento with Shalon and we had a blast. We were wondering why we haven't been going all season and are sad it is almost over! There is always next year!

So glad it is officially spring even though today is cold and windy and it looks like rain is in the forecast, you can still feel that spring is in the air! Hopefully I can get out and walk the hounds more! My goal is 5 miles each walk instead of 3, even if it takes all summer!

I don't have anything else to exciting to report. We played Ticket to Ride last night with Richard and Megan which was a blast even though they decided to hose me any which way they could, it was still fun. I like to think of it as...I had to let them win to make them feel good:) I wish that was the case. I think they are practicing when we aren't there and then playing the "we don't know how to play" card and I fell for it! Gracie has so much fun playing with Trey and Jack! Here is a pic she snapped of Trey and Gracie.

I am getting some major garden fever. I LOVE garden veggies and can't wait to get them in the ground! It will be fun to have Gracie help. Luke planted some bean seeds with her this past week so it will be fun to watch them grow! Have a wonderful day everyone!

Happy 40th Anniversary Mom & Dad!

2010-03-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

Well it is my cute parents 40th wedding anniversary this Saturday and I will be working a 12 hour shift at USU so I won't get the chance to wish them one on Saturday, so I thought I would do it now. They were able to get away and go to Texas for a week and have the time of their lives and I am soo happy they were able to get away from their busy lives for a little while and have some alone time! My parents have the greatest marriage out of anyone I have ever known in my 34 years. They have always set such an AMAZING example for me and I love them more than they will ever know! Here's to 40 more Mom and Dad! I love you!!! Oh, and I thought this background would be perfect for them since their wedding flower was Daisies!!!

My cute friend asked me to work at the Home and Garden show this year tomorrow and Saturday and I am so excited just to earn some extra cash! It will give Gracie and Luke some good father/daughter time! I could tell he was taking mental notes this morning while I was doing her hair since he is going to have to do it while I am out of town next weekend lol.

I get to spend tomorrow night with an amazing friend at another gymnastics meet at USU and I can't wait! And then next weekend we are taking a much needed Girl's road trip to St. George and I am sooo excited! I can't believe we are already nearing the end of March. It is so crazy to me just how fast time flies and how we need to enjoy every second! I attempted to go on a walk today but Gracie has a little bit of a runny nose and it was really windy, so the walk was cut way short, but at least we got to go and see Peanut and Grandpa for a minute.

I hope that everyone had a fun and memorable St. Patties Day. You do realize we are all going to blink and it will be St. Patties again! I am just getting way to old, way to fast! Have a super fun and safe weekend everyone!

Busy, Busy, Busy...

2010-03-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have been running around lately like a chicken with it's head cut off! It has been a great week though. Thursday night I was able to teach my cute Janis some of my couponing tips on an outing to Smith's and then Arby's for a much needed coke! Love you cutie!

Friday was a hard day but fun. My cute friend had to put her 9 year old St. Bernard down from an injury it just couldn't seem to recover from and it just hit me so hard. I think in the next life I am destined to work with animals for how much I love them! Friday night was a blast. I spent it with my cute friend Shalon. I am trying to form a love connection, so we went to the USU gymnastics meet since my old gymnastics coach is the head USU coach now...I introduced the two and I think there just might be a date in the near future! Wahoo! Then we were able to go and spend the later part of the night with a friend to celebrate his bday! Nothing better than being with friends!

Saturday we got a call from my little brother that said he had been in a car wreck and was about 20 minutes south of Tooele with his two friends. They were on a guys trip and were on their way home in that nasty storm and slid off of the road into 4 feet of water and had to swim to shore lol. The car I think won't be salvagable..poor Richard! But luckily they are all safe! I am sure it is an adventure they will never forget! So Luke was able to go pick them up and bring them back home:)

This week is going to be a fun and busy week too...so much to do and so little time! I hope everyone has a fantabulous week!

RIP Corey...

2010-03-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

I regret to inform you that my cute Corey Haim passed away this morning from prescription drugs at the age of 38. It just breaks my heart! He is by far one of my favorite actors from the 80s! It seems to me like everyone in Hollywood is dropping off now! Maybe that is just a sign that I am getting older but 38 is way to young to go!!! He did have an amazing life, at least in the 80's! I bet that cute Corey Feldman will miss him greatly.

Yesterday I went to my OB/GYN appt and had the opportunity to talk to him about my feelings on having one more baby. Those of you who know me know I went through hell and back to get Miss Gracie here, but sooo worth it. It is just so hard to see everyone my age having babies and I can't be one of them! We have tried the adoption route and it just didn't happen for us! Well, the doc told me I actually have a 40% chance of making it through another pregnancy, that is the good news. The bad news is what it will do to my body if I live through the pregnancy. The baby would have to be delivered months early and I would have to have steroid injections all the time to get the baby to grow quicker. It will pretty much do a number on me where I could be on dialysis and in renal failure at a much younger age so he asked me if it was worth bringing another baby in this world to not be here to take care of it...There is always that small, teeny tiny chance everything would be ok, but going off of my history, that won't happen. So, with much regret and sadness, I am going to have to get rid of that thought in the back of my head that we could possibly have one more. I would much rather be here with my cute Gracie so I can raise her and see her go through school and date, graduate, get married... I hate the fact that she will be an only child and if anything were to happen to Luke and I she would have no one, but I need to just focus on the good stuff. Life is to short not to right??? Having just Gracie means she will be spoiled rotten and I am just fine with that:) I have never wanted so many that I couldn't afford them or give each one of them the attention they deserve each and every day, but just one for her to have someone. I grew up with several friends that were only children and they all seem happy:)

I know right after I had Gracie I KNEW I would never think of having another one with what had happened, but I think you forget a lot of that stuff over the years. I was the only girl yesterday at the doctor that wasn't pregnant and it just is so hard, but I do know and my doctor convinced me that Gracie truly is a miracle and so am I to be here! Thank you Dr. Kirkman! He truly is the best!!!

Tonight Luke and I are hoping to finally make it to the stake president for the 2nd part of getting our temple recommends! Not that we make it to the temple often, but I hate knowing I don't have a recommend in case something were to happen and I needed to be there!! I hope everyone has a fabulous day and is able to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather! It is daylight savings Sunday so that means it will be even lighter later! Wahoo!!

Spring is in the Air!

2010-03-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

I am loving the warmer temperatures and the fact that it is staying lighter later at night! I have some serious spring fever! The snow on our side of the mountain is just about gone. I am ready to see some green grass and flowers in bloom! Gracie loves hearing the birds chirp every day!

I don't have anything to exciting to report! Luke and Gracie were sick on Sunday but seem to be back to normal so that is good! I got a call yesterday from the doctors office letting me know that my April appt wasn't going to work since he was going to be out of town and wanted to know if I could come in today, so I am off to the doctor lucky me! I hope you all have a wonderful day! xoxo

Happy Birthday Again!!

2010-03-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

It seems like everyone on the planet was born in March or April that I know! Today is my cute brother Matt's bday! Hope it is amazing for you Matt and that you have a giant piece of cake for me! I just got back from walking the dogs 3 miles and unfortanetly got low on the walk. I am trying so hard to lose weight right now and when I do that I tend to get really low blood sugars which sucks. Last night I did the elliptical before I went to bed and about 2 am I woke up sooo low! I couldn't even move which is so frusturating to lay 6 inches away from Luke and I don't even have enough in me to open my mouth and tell him I need sugar and quick. Somehow, someway I was able to slowly get up and make my way to the fridge for juice and then crashed on the couch until I had enough energy to walk back to the bed. The rest the morning I tend to feel like a train ran over me but I am just so grateful I was able to get juice! Diabetes sure can be a pain at times!

Tonight I am going to a concert with one of my closest friends and I can't wait! I don't think there are many things in this life that beat spending the night with an amazing friend!

Yesterday Gracie and I went to a friend's house for a play date and had a blast! With Gracie not having any siblings it is sooo good for her to get out and socialize and Steph and Harli were amazing company! Can't wait for next time!

I just found an amazing deal online for those of you that love Heely's! They are 6.20 right now at www.6pm.com which is a killer price! The shipping is around 7 bucks but it is a flat fee so order a few pairs to make the shipping worth it! Order a pair and put them away for Christmas, you do realize we are going to blink and it is going to be Christmas again lol.

I hope everyone has a productive and amazing day! It is sooo gorgeous out there so go and enjoy!

Happy Birthday!!!

2010-03-02T08:45:00.001-08:00

Today is my oh so cute Jon Bon Jovi's birthday! We celebrated by having eggs and waffles for breakfast and since he LOVES seafood, I was thinking of clam chowder for dinner....Most of you that know me have known that I have been in love with this man since his first single "Runaway" was released way back in 1982. I hope he has an amazing bday and knows that his #1 fan is celebrating halfway across the country!!!

Gracie has been watching Shrek more than her other movies lately and the other day she walked up to me and said:"Mom, Do you know?" and I said:"Do I know what sweetie?" and she looks at me with her huge eyes and says:"The Muffin Man?" I thought it was the cutest thing ever. Now she makes it a daily point to ask Luke and I if we know him and where he is lol. She just cracks me up. She loves watching her shows in the laundry basket now and I have to admit, if I could fit in there with her, I would too!

I am off to go walk the hounds on this gorgeous day! I hope this post finds everyone happy and healthy! Now go half a piece of cake on behalf of Bon Jovi! xoxo

Great Deals

2010-02-26T13:58:00.001-08:00

I ran into Walmart this morning for one thing and happened to pass by the toddler clothes...they had the cutest 2-piece long sleeve tops with leggings on clearance for 2 bucks! Wahoo! So Gracie got 5 new outfits and a pair of pants for 11 bucks! You just can't beat that! On my way out of Walmart there was a homeless guy out there with his dog and sad to say, but my heart goes out to the dog more than the homeless man. Good thing I carry dog treats in my car. I stopped and gave that man the dog treats and some cash. Cutest dog ever!

I did well at the grocery store too. I managed to get an over-flowing cart for under 100 bucks and some amazing deals. I need to get in the hang of taking pics again of my great finds but at the moment, I am way to lazy lol.

Luke left for an overnight adventure with a friend to Wyoming to the snow cross. So jealous! He should have a blast but I am also looking forward to my night with Gracie and the hounds..I was thinking toenail painting, movies and popcorn! Can't go wrong with that!

Yesterday I did 3 miles with the hounds and to my amazement, it was a breeze! Usually I am panting by the end and I was actually ready to keep going! I think it was just because it is getting so beautiful outside and it was so good to get out for a little awhile. I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! I am excited for Bountiful Baskets in the morning. It is my newest addiction. I love fresh produce and you get such a great deal for your buck. I highly recommend! And hopefully another walk with the hounds! Dusty got his stitches out Tuesday and looks amazing! So that is great news! Happy Weekend!

U2 tickets and Figure Friendly Soup

2010-02-25T08:39:00.000-08:00

I have been really trying to expand my cooking abilities over the past year and have come up with some amazing recipes which I will try to share with you every now and then. Last night we did soup that I thought tasted similar to the Pasta Fagioli at Olive Garden. I got this recipe from my cute Mom years ago. Have you ever noticed, at least in our family when we cook spaghetti I always have meat sauce left over and I hate to toss it. Well my Mom said to take it and freeze it even if it is only a cup. So yesterday I pulled the bag out of the freezer and let it defrost. I put it in a big pot and filled the pot about half way up with water and added chicken bouillon to it. We buy the big container of bouillon from Sams club so it is already in powder form so I used about 2 heaping tablespoons of that and brought it to a boil. Just taste the broth and see if it is salty enough and go from there. I then added a can of tomato sauce, a package of whole grain shell noodles and a can of pinto beans and let it cook until the noodles were done. I put it in bowls and topped it will a little shredded mozzarella and paired it with cornbread and it was fabulous. Low calorie and was perfect on a cold night. I am all about the easy and the recipes that don't have 20 ingredients....

Gracie managed to fall down our stairs 2 days ago which scared the living daylights out of me since the bottom of our stairs is tile, but I never saw a red spot or bruise, so I think it just scared her and me more than anything!

Oh a happy note, I was able to get amazing seats for the U2 concert because of some amazing connections..I am so excited to see them. We saw them like 5 years ago and it truly was the best concert I have ever been to. It is an experience I can't even describe. For those of you who know me, know that Bon Jovi is my favorite and I have been blessed to see him 5 or 6 times in my life and I can honestly say they don't even come close to U2. I don't know what I am more excited about, the concert or my company! I am going with Luke, my little brother Mark and one of my closest friends from high school!!! My older brother Matt and his cute wife will be there too if his wife doesn't have their baby then since that is their due date! U2 is such a humanitarian group which I love! I will be sure to take the camera so I can post pics. We are so close to the stage! Oh I can't wait!

My Little Gracie Bug

2010-02-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

So I woke up this morning with a horrible migraine which is really rare for me to actually wake up with one. I kept running to the bathroom to puke and right back to the bed to bury my head under the pillows on my icepack. Meanwhile Luke is at work and that means Gracie has free roam of the house...she actually did amazing! Last time she had free roam of the house while I was in the shower for 4.2 minutes, she managed to cover Daisy in Mentholatum. Head to toe, entire jar poor dog! Back to earlier...Gracie kept coming in reminding me that it was time for breakfast and I kept telling her a few more minutes so she would come in and rub my arm every few minutes. How cute is that? Luckily the Imitrex has kicked in and I am feeling much better. I ran outside to go get Millie and Daisy to bring them in and when I came in I noticed the vacuum had found its way to the middle of the living room. Nice hint Gracie lol. I sure do love their little personalities at such a young age! Thank you to Gracie for always making me smile! Love you cutie!

An Extra Hug...

2010-02-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

Seems like so many of my friends right now are sick or hurt and I feel so helpless! I found out that our cute neighbor who has battled mouth cancer the past year but finally in the fall was able to beat it, is now dying from lung cancer! It just doesn't seem fair! Bad things shouldn't happen to good people! I wish it was an inmate on death row dealing with this and not her!

I have another friend whose little girl had surgery last night to remove a brain tumor and the surgery went really well, so let's keep our fingers crossed and have faith!

And last but not least a close friend of mine broke his ankle badly last week and had surgery on it this morning and the surgery was a success, so hopefully he will have a speedy recovery, especially since his wife is having a baby in May!

Just makes me stop and think about how grateful I am for my health and the fact that I am not hobbling around on crutches or having to go to chemo twice a week. You just have to really enjoy every second of every day and let those around you know how much you love them! Life is to short to argue or fight.. I know easier said than done, but I am so grateful and blessed for my amazing family and friends. I don't know what I would do without faith or my Heavenly Father who get me through each and every day. I love you all more than you will ever be able to know and am so grateful that each one of you is a special part of my life. Give your kiddos and spouses and animals and friends an extra hug for me today. xoxo

Another love...

2010-02-22T08:28:00.001-08:00

So early this morning I got up and pulled out my crock pot liners to throw dinner in the crock pot and I forgot just how much I love them! Everyone has got to try them. I used to always use my crock pot and then set it in the sink for hours to soak to get the baked on food off which was annoying. Now all I do is pull the liner out and wipe my crock pot out and it is clean! Everyone must try! There are around 2-3 bucks for a box of 4 and it will be one of the best investments you make! Last thing I want to do is scrub a pot for 20 minutes after a long day when all you have to do is pull the liner out and chuck it!

Now for the yummy part. A cute friend of mine shared this recipe with me months ago and I honestly make it once a week and you have got to try it! I was very hesitant since I hate cream cheese but don't judge it until you try it!

Cream Cheese Chicken
4-6 Boneless Skinless Chicken breasts
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 packet of dry Italian seasoning mix
1 8 oz block of cream cheese

Put the liner in your crock pot, lay your chicken breasts in the bottom. In a bowl mix your soup and packet of Italian seasoning and then scoop over the top of the chicken. Mixture will be think which is just fine since it liquefies in the cooking process. Then take your block of cream cheese and cube it into about 15 pieces and lay them on the top of everything. Put the lid on, turn it on low and check back in 8 hours to rock your taste buds! I like mine over rice or noodles but half the time I just want to eat it so I just eat it plain! Your kids will love this too! Gracie is so picky and she loves this! I would recommend using store brand items since you can save a ton that way and can't taste the difference. Western family soup and seasoning packet and even cream cheese! I want to hear what you people think of this when you try it! So easy, so simple and sooooo delicious! Have a great day!!!

Won Ton Wrappers...

2010-02-18T11:17:00.000-08:00

I have decided that your possibilities with won ton wrappers are endless! I used them to make manicotti a few weeks ago because it is lower in calories and carbs, so that means less insulin for me... it turned out delicious and was soooo easy to make and I am here to tell you I will never go back to manicotti noodles again! Yum!

Today I thought I would be ambitious and attempt cheese sticks and my oh my..also divine. Just take a won ton wrapper and half of a cheese stick and roll it up, wet the sides and plop it in oil for a minute! Out comes pure little sticks of heaven! Great for me since I am trying to lose weight, not..but again sooo worth it! Would be fabulous with a yummy dipping sauce for a party or something, but let's face it, I don't need a party to stuff myself full of these little babies! yum! Apparently you can make crepes with these wrappers, so that will be my next little adventure next time I pull the wrappers out!

Happy Day everyone!

Date with the Ice

2010-02-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

Nothing to exciting to report....Yesterday I put on my Sorel Boots and decided to walk the hounds. Put on my Ipod shuffle, bundled up and headed down our slushy, icy driveway and was doing great until I hit the end of the driveway and hit some ice. The first thing I could think of as I was in mid air was the fact that I have a broken tailbone, so to do everything in my power to avoid it...so what do I do? I land on my elbow and side and smack my head on the ice instead! Luckily I was only seeing birds and lollipops for a little while and all I had to show for it was a horrible headache all day yesterday, but today...the walk was sooo much better! Started out with the coat and 2 miles in was ready to take it off! I did 3 miles finally and it literally killed me. How pathetic am I? I am so ready for warmer weather so I can get my butt back in gear! I am ready to drop this winter weight! Oh who am I kidding, the weight was there long before winter lol. Hope all is well in your world.

Forever Friends

2010-02-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

So I know this is a total shock, but I am finally updating my blog! Wahoo! I will add pictures soon...

For the past few months I have really been thinking about a very close friend of mine from the past whom I have lost contact with. I have searched high and low for this friend. I knew for sure she had to be on Facebook because I thought everyone was, but no she wasn't. I googled her name and was shocked to find out she had a kidney transplant 2 years ago and that is all I could find out about her. So yesterday I decided to call her parents and find out where my little friend was. As luck would have it, she was there! We talked for hours. She really made me think about all of the wonderful things that I take for granted on a daily basis. She is 29 years old and truly an inspiration to me. She was able to receive her brother's kidney after a battle with dialysis. Now due to the transplant, she suffers from epilepsy and has had a stroke with bleeding on her brain. As strange as this may sound, it was so comforting to talk to someone who was going through some of the things I have in my life, like the strokes and bleeding on the brain, memory loss, loss of sensation in the arm, hand and fingers....I can't even begin to imagine what she goes through on a daily basis, but I am so grateful that I was able to find her again! She has a beautiful 7 year old little girl who she is fighting to live for each and every day. I can't wait to actually see my friend which I hope will be soon, but just wanted to share with everyone how much I love you and just how special you are all to me in different ways. Everyone of you has touched my life in so many ways and I can't thank you enough for that. I am so truly blessed for my health and the opportunity I have to raise my little Gracie. I am so grateful that I am able to stay home with her and watch her learn and grow. I truly feel like one of the luckiest people on the planet. I need to focus on the things I don't pay attention to each day, like walking and breathing.

I am going to do my best to start blogging more! Facebook won my heart over and I have neglected blogging terribly, but I will do better!

I hope everyone had an amazing Valentine's Day! Mine was fabulous! I got to spend it surrounded by those I love! Luke, Gracie, Mark, John...

Until next time.....