(Jenni) The Little Things

Thursday was a fun day for me and Sal. It was warm outside and we both wanted to get a little sunshine. I was able to enjoy not having any homework and could read what I wanted to read and not a boring old text book. This was a day free of any worries; just a day to be Sally's mom and listen to the birds sing.I loved watching Sally explore everything. I wondered just what she was thinking as she looked at every rock, weed, and so on. I love this picture because it reminds me that you need to stop and look at the little things in life.

(Sarah) Cheesey Potato Soup

Lately we have been on a kick to try new things because it seemed like we were eating the same things over and over. Not wanting to heat up the house but still have hot food, we have been using the good old crockpot. This week I made cheesey potato soup. It was so good!!!!

Mother's Day

For a long time Thayne has always bought me a Mother's Day flower to wear to church. This morning when I woke up, I said, well what color is my flower so I know what to wear today. The house went silent. Thayne looked like he was going to die..........HE FORGOT!!! He was feeling bad about it................so he asked what he could bring me for breakfast. I told him toast and milk.
Church was kind of sad............it was the last time Carl would be singing with the primary for Mother's Day. I watched him and I couldn't be more proud of my little man. For the past eleven years, I have loved being a mother and my kids are everything to me.
When I got home from church, Carl was hiding around the corner. He was so excited and had the biggest smile on his face. He was holding the prettiest spring flowers and said, "Happy Mother's Day Mom!" My heart melted.
Come to find out, Carl's primary teacher had asked Carl what he was going to do for me. Carl told her he wished he had some flowers to go in my vase that he gave me last year. Next thing he knew Brother Crockett came and got him. They went to his house and Brother Crockett helped Carl cut flowers from his yard. I love the people in Declo.

(Mom) Daisy

I had so many ideas I wanted to try. This is probably closest to my original idea though, and I love how it turned out. Like usual it took forever for me to find the stuff I had bought to decorate with. The finishing touch was Daisy Duck peeking out from under the flower.

(Jenni) Daisy Scrapbook Page

Ok, I know I wasn't the first one to get this scrapbook page done, but I was the FIRST ONE TO POST!!! Go me!!! The picture doesn't look half as cute as the page. There are a few cute 3D things that don't show up too good in the picture. Oh Well. Can't wait to see what all you come up with!

(Mom and Jenni) Easter Aprons

Mom always makes the girls a holiday skirt. It drives me nuts that she gets them done in time for them to wear them once. I told mom I hate not getting the wear out of her hard work. I thought it would be fun to make some aprons. Mom got really excited. The cool thing is we made them with scraps and things mom had. I only had to buy the ruffle material and the ribbon. Mom thought they would be so fun to wear to color eggs in.

We had so much fun together making them. I cut all the little things out did the stitching. Then me and mom got our sewing machines out and spent the night sewing. It was so fun. I told mom that I bet she never thought we would be sewing together.

When we were sewing I screamed. I was on the opposite side of the table. I had a pin stuck in the bottom of my foot. I screamed for mom to get it out. She started to laugh and thanked me for passing her a pin. We both laughed hard. She thought she would be funny so she asked if I would pass her another one. HA HA HA! We didn't want to leave Daisy out. She is so little that an apron just wouldn't work. We made her a bunny bib instead.

Everyone loved them expect for Miss. Sally. I was heart broke. All that time I spent on making them and she wanted nothing to do with it. .......Guess what she asks to wear now that Easter is over. Yes, the apron. That would be Sally for you!!!

(Mom) Easter Egg Hunt

This was so much fun! All the kids went out together at the same time. They could each find 12 plastic eggs and all the hard boiled eggs they wanted. They also had to find four of the same color mini eggs in order to get a quarter from Aunt B. It was so fun. We wished Daisy and Rebekah could have been there. We all thought Rebekah would have loved being apart of the hunt. It reminded me of the good old Easter hunts at Grandma Jensen's with the cousins.

(Jenni) Easter Bunny Picture

THE EASTER BUNNY!

The adults had gone to town early Saturday morning to go Easter shopping. We ended up at Kings and there happened to be an Easter Bunny there taking pictures with kids. I so wished I had brought Sally and Kailee for pictures.
Me and Brittney ended up loading them in the van and taking them to Kings. I was so glad I did. Sally didn't want anything to do with the Easter bunny until he showed her his basket full of her favorite candy ever, TOOTIES ROLLS. She went right over to him and sat on his lap.

(Brittney) Chocolate Covered Easter Marshmellows

Brittney didn't have my sd card so I posted this for her. This was her big Easter thing. The kids LOVED them!

Thayne's Birthday Pie

Thayne's birthday was on Saturday. The same day as Carries reception. It was crazy and so I didn't get a cake made for him. I thought we could wait until Monday (my day off).

I made a chocolate cake for Thayne while he was at work. Sally saw me get it out of the oven and said, "WOW! YUMMY!) I told her that she couldn't eat it and that it was hot. She looked so sad. She then went and got her high chair and pushed it close to the stove. I reminded her not to touch. Her eyes were so big and she just sat there staring at the cake. I left the room for a SECOND all to find my little angel covered in cake. Not only was it all over her, but all over the floor. She knew I was coming back, so she went running. I about died laughing. It really was funny. Poor Thayne I thought.

I wanted to do something for him, but I didn't have the stuff to make another cake. I had seen this recipe on a blog called jamiecooksitup. I new I had the stuff to make so I did. It was awesome. Thayne's birthday was saved! I made it again for Brittney. She had seen it too on the blog and wanted to try it. It was so easy to make. Hope you try it!

(I used crushed oreos instead of chocolate chips)

Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Pie
http://www.jamiecooksitup.blogspot.com/

Time: 15 minutes prep + 4 hours to freeze

Yield: 1 nine inch pie Recipe adapted from Mary Erhart45 Oreo Cookies (about three sleeves)

4 T melted butter1 half gallon Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, softened

1 C hot fudge1/2

an 8 oz container Cool Whip

Mini Chocolate Chips (optional)

***Note: You'll want to let your ice cream hang out on the counter for about 15 minutes before making the pie.

1. Put 30 of your Oreo Cookies in a small food processor. Grind them up into fine crumbs and pour them into a small mixing bowl.

2. Pour the melted butter into the crumbs and stir to combine.

3. Press the crumbs into a Deep 9 inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crumbs evenly into the pie plate.

4. Put the remaining Oreo Cookies into the food processor. Grind them just for a few seconds. You just want them to be coarsely chopped here, not smashed to smithereens. Unless you like crumbs in your ice cream. If so, be my guest. Smash the heck out of them.

5. Scoop your softened ice cream into a large mixing bowl. Add your chopped (or smashed to smithereens) Oreos to the ice cream and fold them in.

6. Spread the ice cream out evenly over your tasty crust.

7. Carefully spoon the hot fudge onto the ice cream and spread it around. Yum. Why isn't there any of this pie left in my freezer!? Darn kids. Ate every last crumb in 24 hours.

8. Spread the cool whip on over the top of the fudge.

9. Wrap that bad boy up with some plastic wrap and get it into the freezer. Let it remain there for at least 4 hours.

10. Take the pie out of the freezer about 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle the top with mini chocolate chips, if you so desire. Then....slice it up....serve it up...put your feet up....and enjoy! You deserve it!

(Sarah) Easter Basket Cupcakes

We had a dinner party for Easter with some friends. This is what I made for dessert. The whole family helped. Zach helped to frost and put on the "easter eggs", I did the baking, frosting, made the grass, and made the handles, Rebekah did the taste testing, and Daisy napped so we could get it all done.

Orange Juice

Carl went and helped with me at the Bountiful Basket thing. We got oranges and made fresh orange juice. Carl thought it was cool to make. We all thought it was a great treat!

(Sarah) SOOO GOOD LASAGNA

This is a once in awhile treat for our family. We share it will Grandma Olga because it makes so much. We also had garlic monkey bread. For a special touch I sprinkled fresh parmesan cheese on top.

* 1 1/2 lb ground beef

* 1 lb ground italian sausage

* 1 onion

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 2 tsp ground oregano

* 1 tsp ground basil

* 1/4 tsp salt

* 1/4 tsp pepper

* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano

* 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce

* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

* 2 cups small curd cottage cheese

* 1 (5 ounce) package grated parmigianno-reggiano

* 2 tbl freshly chopped parsley leaves

* 2 large eggs lighly beaten

* oven ready lasagna noodles

* shredded mozzarella

Preheat oven to 350

In a large saucepan, combine ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until meat is browned and crumbled, drain

Return meat to pan and add oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Stir. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce and paste. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30-45 minutes.

Spoon 1/4 of sauce into bottom of a 13x9x2 inch pan. Place 3 uncooked lasagna noodles on top of sauce. Do not overlap noodles. Spread 1/3 of cottage cheese mixture over noodles, top with 1/4 of sauce and 1/3 mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, endiing with sauce, reserving 1/3 of mozzarella cheese.

Bake 45 mintues. Top with remaining cheese and bake 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

March was so much fun and it's not even over yet. I am so glad we got together and did fun sister stuff. Going shopping was fun; wish we could do it more often. The day went way too fast! The girls had a blast playing and the boys lived on the play-station. What a fun time we all had together. I am hoping to post some pictures. Add some if you can to this post and write what you liked best about our time together. Love you all!
Flasher!

(Sarah) Valentine's Rice Krispie Treats

I know its not much but it works. I made rice krispy treats and use the spray on red color. I don't recommend it. It smells gross and tastes just as bad! LOL! But I meant the challenge!

Warner Girls Valentine's Day

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY FROM THE WARNER FAMILY!

(Jenni) Felt Valentine Cake

I love how fun this turned out. I even went to WalMart and got a cake container.

(MOM) BE MINE

Mom made this all by her little self. Not only did she make one for herself, but for all of us girls. I really think it turned out awesome. GO MOM!

(MOM) Valentine's Day Crafts

Mom made some really cute dresses for the girls. Please take pictures and add to this post.

(CWS) Scout Hiking Belt Bag

C loves to sew...........crazy, but he does. He was so excited to be able to make these at scouts. I was asked to go help. Wasn't too crazy about it, but had fun once I got there. They were so easy to make, and a great way to use up old jeans. I might even make another one.

(Jenni) Chicken Normandy

This is one of the last recipes I made with Grandma Sarah before she died. I have had it written down forever, but I just made if for the first time. One thing about grandma, she was an awesome cook. I think both of my grandmothers were/are actually! This is a great freezer meal and simple to make. Let me know if you try it.

Chicken Normandy

Ingredients
1 package (6 ounces) stuffing mix

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2-1/2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1-1/2 cups milk
• 
  TOPPING:
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

• In a bowl, combine the first three ingredients. Spread half into greased 3-qt. baking dish.
• In a bowl, combine the chicken, onion, celery, mayonnaise and salt. Spoon over stuffing; sprinkle with reserved stuffing mixture. Whisk the eggs and milk; pour over top. Spread with soup.
• Bake at 325° for 40 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese; bake 10 minutes longer or until a meat thermometer reads 160°. Yield: 12 servings.

To freeze……..do everything except the soup and cheese. An hour before cooking, remove from freezer and poor soup over the top and bake 325 for 40 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese the last 10 minutes.

(Jenni) Chicken Pot Pie Freezer Meal

My friend made this chicken pot pie as one of our freezer meals. It was so good! I thought I would share it for Valentines because of the cute little hearts! This made two meals for our family! It feels you right up. My friend is an awesome cook even if she doesn't think so.

4 C. cubed cooked chicken
4 C. frozen cubed hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 pkg. (16oz) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained
1 can condensed cream of onion soup, undiluted
1 C. milk
1 cup sour cream
2 TBSP flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 pkg. refrigerated pie pastry

In a lg. bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients. Divide between two 9 in. pie pans. Roll out pastry to fit the top of each pie. Place over filling; trim, seal and flute edges. Cut slits in top or make decorative cutouts in pastry.
Cover and freeze one potpie for up to 3 months. Bake the remaining potpie at 400 for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown.
TO USE FROZEN:
Remove from the freezer 30 minutes before baking. Cover edges loosely with foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 425 for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 350; remove the foil and bake 50-55 minutes longer or until golden brown.

Felt Valentine Cookies

I can't stand the WalMart plastic play food and wanted so badly to get somecute food for Sally. I decided to make my own and this started a new craze!! I now by felt by the yard..........it has taken over my life!

The funny thing is my dad and Thayne both thought they were real cookies until they went to grab one.

(Jenni) FHE

My friend gave me this awesome idea found here. I was excited because I have tons of toothpaste (mostly free due to coupons).

First, we tried to get out all the toothpaste as fast as we could.

Carl wasn't too sure if it was really ok. We went around as fast as we could trying to get it all out.

When it was all out, I told every one that we now had to try to get it back in. There was no way that was going to happen. Then we talked about our words and how you can't take them back one you've said them.

This week we are going to leave the toothpaste tube out in sight and remember our lesson.

(Jenni) Ladybug Cupcakes

Sarah, I saw this and thought of Rebekah. Hope you get a chance to make these. I thought they looked sooo darn cute! Here is a link from where I found them.

(Jenni) Teach Me to Walk in the Light

OK, you know if I read a book it has to be good!!!

I had to go to the dentist and had too much time to kill. I got the bright idea to go to the DI and get a book. Little did I know how much I would learn from reading it. There are so many things in the world today that scare me to death about raising children in today's world. Thayne and I just went and learned about drugs and drinks that are right here in Declo, Idaho. It was so scary and a big eye opener. I wish more people would have been there to be aware of that crap. Anyways, this book is amazing. I am going to include on this post some articles from ensigns that this book includes. Mainly for me because I would like to read them. Great Sunday activity for me right!
Take Time for Your Children Ensign Nov. 1993
Reach out to our Father's Children Ensign May 1981
Will You Run Away With Me? Ensign Jan 1983
Be Not Deceived Ensign Nov. 1983

(jenni) earring holder

Ever

 since I started making earrings I've needed a place to put them. To keep them organized and keep them in sight so I would remember to wear them.

This is what I came up with

I don't know what this is called. I bought it at Porters. It's some kind of canvas with holes. Let me know if you know what it is.

Old picture frame with no glass anymore.................didn't want to throw it away. :)

Cut the canvas to fit........do not put backing back on frame. Add earrings and hang them on the wall. So excited about this project. Total coast was $1.00

(Jenni) At it again.....felt flower clips

Ok, I need to be slapped.........I should be doing homework, but I can't stop crafting!
Here is a link for this flower's directions. The only thing I did different was I made the circles .5 and 1.0 so they wouldn't be too big for pony tails. Try it, it is soooo easy!

I couldn't stop....I made a big red one and LOVE it! Just in time for Valentine's Day!

(Jenni) The Easiest Felt Flower Clip

Little Sally sure looks like a big girl. Don't ya love the oreo smile?

I saw this on a blog and went a little crazy. Sally now has one in many colors. I love felt. I have made play food and now, clips. This was so easy. It took all but  5 minutes to make. Click here for complete instructions.

Sunday Cake

Does this not remind you of Sunday dinners at Grandma's house. She always made the best stuff! Even her leftovers were out of this world. I remember the chocolate cake frosted with nuts on one side (just for dad because he doesn't like nuts). I had leftover buttermilk from making the cafe rio stuff, so I thought, why not make Grandma's Sunday Cake.

2 1/2 C. flour
2 C. sugar
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C. margarine
4 TBSP. cocoa
1C. water
2 eggs
1/2 C. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla

FROSTING:
1/2 C. margarine
4 TBSP. cocoa
6 TBSP. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
powdered sugar (about 41/2-5 cups)

Sift together in a large bowl flour, sugar, soda, and salt. Melt margarine. Add cocoa, and water. Bring to a boil. Pour over dry ingredients and mix. Add eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix well. Pour into a (greased and floured) cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, or until done.
Frosting:
Melt margarine. Add cocoa and buttermilk. Bring to a boil. Add vanilla and powdered sugar until frosting consistency. Spread over cake, which has cooled slightly. Sprinkle half with nuts.

(Jenni) Cafe Rio Burritos

I made these yummy burritos from Cafe Rio
We had them for dinner and lunch and dinner again.
It was so good!

Layne got the recipe from me..........he wants to make these again for a family dinner. He wanted to break my camera...........I don't know why. HOW MEAN!

Here is the recipe. I didn't make the black beans, but might try them next time. To change it up a little for the next night, cook the taco shells in an oven @350 over a bowl for about 5 minutes (just watch them, get them as brown as you want). I really liked it as a taco salad!

One more note: You can use any pork roast. I used a butt roast and it takes so much coke that I just bought a 2 litter bottle. I used most of it, and what was left I drank. lol

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Burritos w/Cilantro Lime Rice & Cilantro Lime Dressing

Sweet PorkIngredients:
2 pounds pork (I used boneless pork ribs)
3 cans Coke (NOT diet), buying the 2 ltr. is cheaper
1/4 cup brown sugar
dash garlic salt
1/4 cup water
1 can sliced green chilies
3/4 can enchilada sauce (I use Old El Paso brand, mild spiciness but any will work)
1+ cup brown sugar

Directions:
1. Put the pork in a heavy duty ziploc bag to marinade. Add about a can and a half of coke and about 1/4 c. of brown sugar. Marinate overnight.
2. Drain marinade and put pork, 1/2 can of coke, water, and garlic salt in crock pot on low for 6- 8 hours.
3. Remove pork from crock pot and drain any liquid left in the pot. Shred pork. (for those of you who have a Bosch mixer, place meat in mixer with wire whisks and mix on speed 1 for 15-20 seconds, it will be perfectly shredded!)
4. In a food processor or blender, blend 1/2 can Coke, chilies, enchilada sauce and remaining brown sugar (about a cup, you can add a little more or less to taste..). If it looks too thick, add more Coke little by little.
5. Put shredded pork and sauce in crockpot and cook on low for 2 hours.

Cilantro-Lime RiceIngredients:
1 c. uncooked white rice
1 tsp. butter or margarine
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
1 can (15 oz) chicken broth
1 cup water
1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tsp. sugar
3 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro


Directions:
In a saucepan combine rice, butter, garlic, 1 tsp. lime, chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook on low 15-20 minutes, until rice is tender. Remove from heat. In a small bowl combine lime juice, sugar and cilantro. Pour over hot cooked rice and mix in as you fluff the rice

Cilantro Ranch DressingIngredients:
1 packet TRADITIONAL Hidden Valley Ranch mix
1 c. mayonnaise
1 c. buttermilk
1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic
juice of 1 lime
1 jalapeno (I left this out, I don't like it too spicy)

Mix all ingredients together in the blender. That's it!

Black BeansIngredients:
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/3 c. tomato juice
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro

Directions:
In a nonstick skillet, cook garlic and cumin in olive oil over medium heat until you can smell it. Add beans, tomato juice, and salt. Continually stir until heated through. Just before serving stir in the cilantro.

Printables

I found this printables and thought they would be fun. They are free you just have to download them. You do have to set up a login, but so cute and easy!

(Jenni) Turkey Pot Pie

I love the show on PBS called EVERYDAY FOOD. I had so much turkey left over after Thanksgiving so I made this easy yummy pot pie. The carrots and celery were left over from the veggie tray. WIN WIN!!! You can also use chicken. Thayne loved it!
Here is a link to watch everyday food's chicken pot pie. Check it out!

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 medium onion, cut into medium dice

1 large carrot, cut into medium dice

1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface

coarse salt and ground pepper

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

3 cups cooked chicken, cut into (or turkey)

1-inch pieces (1 pound total)

1 cup frozen peas

1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 large egg yolk

.*I used a can of biscuits instead of the pastry.

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium. Add onion and carrot and cook until onion softens, about 6 minutes. Add flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is pale golden, has a slightly nutty aroma, and is the texture of cooked oatmeal, about 5 minutes.
2. Whisking constantly, add broth. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens, about 8 minutes. Reduce to a simmer and cook 10 minutes. Stir in chicken, peas, and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Divide mixture among four 12-ounce baking dishes; refrigerate until room temperature, about 20 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a lightly floured work surface, roll pastry to an 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4 equal squares, 1 inch larger than dishes; with the tip of a sharp knife, cut vents into pastry. In a small bowl, lightly beat egg yolk with 1 teaspoon water; top potpies with pastry and brush with egg wash. Refrigerate 15 minutes. Bake until pastry is deep golden and juices are bubbling, about 35 minutes.