Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Anniversary Day and Weekend

Samuel and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary this last week!! I can't believe it has been three years! It has gone by so fast, but it also seems like we have known each other forever.
On the day of our actual anniversary, I made homemade banana pancakes and syrup, which I recently posted about.   It was a delicious breakfast and a nice start to the day.  We then watched the DVD I made for Samuel and he really enjoyed it. We then ran errands and had lunch, and mailed out a package to my brother to celebrate his one year on his mission!! we put in a whole bunch of pictures, bought him a new shirt, and got him some cookie crisp (his favorite cereal), crystal light lemonade packets for his water bottle, and some candy!! Just a few little goodies from home.  I miss him so, but I am so proud of him and grateful that he is dedicated two years of his life to serve the Lord.  Samuel and I then just relaxed and played with Amilee the rest of the day, nothing too exciting, but nice to spend the day together.

For the weekend, we left Amilee with Jolene. On Friday night, we headed to Roseville to go to a waterpark called Sunsplash.  It was so fun, and we did the Night Slides, which we great.  I didn't take any pictures, as I didn't want to risk getting my camera stolen, but here are some pics from the net of Sunsplash.


It was pretty fun!! we really enjoyed ourselves!! It was pretty funny thought because on the last slide of the night, they told me I couldn't go on the ride because I was pregnant, when I had been there for hours riding all the other rides.  Kind of funny!!
We stayed at Samuel's dad's house since we had plans in Sac the next day.  The next morning, we woke up and headed to the temple.





 We got there a little late for the session, so we decided to do sealings instead, and it was really nice, since we were celebrating our anniversary.  It was a beautiful session too. We were definitely close to the Heavens that day, and we were overwhelmed by the spirit that we felt.  It was nice to renew our marriage covenants and remember those promises we made to each other and to the Lord. I love doing sealing sessions.  They are beautiful!! We then went to Chili's for lunch; our classic spot and of course it was delicious!!

We were going to head home after that, but I was having some pretty strong contractions, and I was dehydrated, so after speaking to the dr, we decided to go up to Labor and Delivery just to get checked out and make sure everything was alright. And I was just dehydrated, which can bring on contractions, but it was nice to know that I wasn't having baby Maddyson anytime soon.  haha
We then returned home and we were very excited to see Amilee.  She did great for Jolene, and we definitely missed her, but enjoyed time to ourselves as well.  And luckily, Amilee was tired, so we were all able to go to bed early, which was great, since we were exhausted!!!  All in all, a great weekend and a nice anniversary celebration!!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The BEST Syrup!!

This morning I knew I wanted to make pancakes, but I also knew all we had syrup wise was blueberry syrup, and while good, it is definitely not my favorite.  So I wanted to make my own.  Last week, I looked and looked for the perfect syrup recipe and I couldn't exactly find what I wanted, but this morning, I found this.  This recipe is so easy and so delicious!! This is a lot like Magleby's syrup in Provo.

Here is the recipe:



Directions:

  1. 1
    Combine milk, sugar,and butter in small pan, bring to a boil.
  2. 2
    Add vanilla, stir, serve warm.
  3. 3
    Aprox 4 cups.


So good!!! I will make everytime I make pancakes or waffles or something!!!




Friday, August 19, 2011

a blah day................


Today is just a slight blah day, and not really for any particular reason.  Samuel wasn't doing too hot, because he is dealing with a lot of anxiety right now.  I don't know if anyone is familiar with anxiety, but it is very different than stress, and unfortunately, it runs in Samuel's family on both sides, and lately, Samuel has been very anxious.  I don't remember it ever really being this bad.  and it is hard for me to understand because I am really a low-stress person.  Even when big stress things are going on, I still tend to keep my cool and try to stay level headed, and lately, living in a house full of anxious people, this probably seems weird that I am calm and collected.  
I am learning more and more on how to deal with anxiety and how it affects Samuel and what not, and I try not to add extra stress or pressure to him, but it is hard work.  Hopefully it will get better. 

but as a side note, Samuel started back with Yuba College this week.  He is taking a tax preparation class, and so far he likes it.  Online school just really wasn't for him, but that's okay.  I, however, did sign up for online school and will be starting in October when all my transcripts are processed and what not.  I am excited to get back into the school mode.  This last year of no school really showed me how much I love school and miss it when I am not there...good thing I want to be a teacher.  lol   

I have been quilting a lot, and I am getting really close to being done with the comforter for my bed.  It really will be beautiful, and I am learning so much about sewing through this big project.  I have so many more ideas to do too, so this is great!! 

We are considering switching Amilee to a toddler bed; she really likes twin beds, like they are just her size, but we are not sure yet on our decision.  

I have been feeling a little like I am ready for the next chapter in our lives, and yes, I know, we have another child on the way, but I wish we were in our own place and living the way we want to live, and making our own little dinners, etc.  Not that I am not grateful that we are here; because I am, but some days are hard, and it is different when you go from being on your own to all of the sudden, not being on your own.  Samuel and I feel like we are here for a reason, whether it is to learn something or what, I am not sure, but I am ready to move on, and I wish our finances were in a place where we could, but they aren't.  And some days, that is really hard for me to deal with, since I want so much more.  But I trust in the Lord and in his timing, but it is hard.  You know?!?!?

Next week is mine and Samuel's anniversary; I am excited for some alone time and hopefully a really fun date!! I can't believe it has been three years already. It has gone by very fast and I am excited for many more years and eternitys to come.  

Friday, August 12, 2011

A Forever Family

   Forever families are made in the house of the Lord; in the temple of our God.  For Samuel and I, our forever family was created and sealed for all time and eternity in the Dallas, TX temple.


( I love this pic of Samuel...a little boy, ready to be married....haha)

  

   Today, I can't help but be filled with gratitude for my forever family that extends beyond the veil.  This afternoon, Samuel, Amilee and I attended a grave site service for a lady in our ward.  I have only known her since this last September, but I have grown to really love her.  She was our ward choir director, and I loved everything  I learned about her.  I am happy I got to know a little bit of her beautiful, kind and sweet spirit before she was taken back home.  But as I sat through the service, I expected to feel sad that I didn't know her better, but the spirit there was of joy and happiness of the knowledge of forever families and life beyond death through the plan of happiness.  I am so grateful for my knowledge of the gospel, and to know in hard times, like death, I will be reunited with my family again, and that we can be together forever.  Life expands beyond this earthly life. There is so much more than this.  This is just a short segment of time compared to what we have coming, and what we had before we came to this earth.

This is my forever family:


I believe there is life after death with our family and friends.  When we return to our Father in Heaven, we will be greeted with many open arms from family and friends.  Some we may have known well here on this earth, some we may not have known on this earth at all, but with joy, they will be waiting to greet us.  It will be joyous.  It will not be a sad event that we have died.  I can't remember who said it at the service, it was either Bishop Kim or President Johnson, but they said, we are not mourning that Lana is gone, we are mourning that we will no longer get to see her and we miss her, and I thought that put everything perfect.  That's how it should be.  A funeral should not be some sad event; it should be a celebration of that person's life; remembering all the good times and memories we made with them; and knowing that all is well and there are many more memories to come.  It is a beautiful plan.

I hope that my little Maddyson Elaine, who will soon join us on this earth, will have a chance to meet dear Lana before she comes to earth and bring some of her sweet spirit to share with us.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

A little down

On Sunday, I wore a dress that I thought looked super flattering on me.  I was actually okay with the way that I looked, and feeling good. And after Sacrament Meeting, I was speaking with one of the parent's of my primary children and they said, "Wow, you are looking huge. When are you due?  Soon, right??"  I was totally taken aback (wondering why someone would say something so inappropriate) and honestly, offended, and lost whatever ounce of self-esteem that I did have that day.  Was I really that big?  Did I look bigger than most people?  had I gained too much weight?  All these questions have just seemed to bombard me the last few days.

However, yesterday, I went to the doctor and she measured my stomach, and I am at 25 cm, and I am 24 weeks, so that is right on schedule, and my weight is great.  So i am doing fine, but it still bothered me that people may think I look like a whale; when I already have issues with getting bigger and gaining weight.
Oh, the joys of pregnancy and the things we do for our kids.  Good thing we love them and want them.




Sunday, August 7, 2011

Cheesecake Recipes and Pictures!!!

So the cheesecake turned out wonderful!!!
Cheesecake #1-Chocolate Peanut Butter with a strawberry jam drizzle

I added the strawberry jam drizzle to each individual slice! so good!! very rich though...definitely needs a good glass of milk.  This cheesecake was very simple to make!! and just try it...cheesecake seems like a scary task, but it really isn't too bad.
Here is the recipe:

CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE

CRUMB CRUST:

20 crushed Oreos
2 tbsp. melted butter

Mix and press into 10 inch springform pan.

FILLING:

1 1/2 lb. cream cheese
1 1/2 c. whipping cream
1 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. peanut butter
1 sq. melted unsweetened chocolate

Cut cream cheese into 1 inch cubes. Beat with mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add whipping cream and vanilla. Beat well (about 10 minutes). Very slowly add sugar and then add eggs 1 at a time beating well between each addition. Remove 1 cup batter. Add peanut butter to remaining batter and mix well. Spread in pan. Add chocolate to reserved batter. Swirl into peanut butter batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes; reduce oven to 325 degrees for 30 minutes then open oven door and bake for 30 minutes more (with oven on).


Just try it!!!



Strawberry Marbled Cheesecake...a little bit harder....
Now I forgot to take a picture, but this is exactly what mine looked like, but I used a spring form pan, not a tin.  But here is the recipe....


STRAWBERRY MARBLED CHEESECAKE

Crust:

1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons sugar

Cheesecake:

24 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
10 ounces frozen strawberries (thawed), in syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

Puree strawberries and cornstarch in blender. Heat in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened, then cool. Combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs and sugar; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.Bake at 350°F. for 10 minutes. Combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla, mixing at medium speed on electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour half of the batter over the crust then add half of the strawberry mixture by spoonfuls to the batter. Pour remaining batter into the pan then add the remaining strawberry mixture by spoonfuls. Swirl the mixture with a knife until it resembles a marbled effect. Bake at 300°F. for 50-60 minutes or until set. Allow cheesecake to cool then remove from rim of pan. Chill overnight before serving.
Serving Size: 12


This one was hard to get to swirl all pretty and nice, but however you swirl it, it will still taste delicious!!! Enjoy, and don't be scared!!


and of course, I enjoyed seeing Montez and baby Olivia.  They are doing well.  Montez is adjusting to being a new mom, and it is hard.  I think the first 6 weeks are tough, whether you have a good baby or a colicky baby or whatever, it is hard, and they don't tell you that.  Most moms make it out to seem amazing that your baby is finally here and it is so blissful and happy, when it really isn't.  It is hard getting used to a new sleeping schedule, trying to figure out nursing and to get through the pain, and not to mention, you are all hormonal and bleeding all disgustingly.  And you are sore and just not happy, and your baby just kind of stares at you, and you just want some sort of attention for all the hard work you are doing.  But after those six weeks go by, things get much better, a slight routine starts to set in and your baby can start interacting with you and smiling at you!! that makes it all worth it, but until that time, it is hard.  We discussed this at length!!  I think Montez is doing great, just experiencing the normal mom stuff!!!


I enjoyed our time together and can't wait to spend some more time over there!!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

It's a Cheesecake Kind of Night!!

I have been wanting to make cheesecake, and today was the perfect day!  I get to make some for my friend Montez, who recently had a baby and loves cheesecake and I get my craving fix all in one!! A couple of weeks ago I tried to make a peanut butter chocolate cheesecake with a strawberry jam drizzle and it turned out delicious!!!! we had Gene and Montez over to sample it.  gene and Montez are in our ward, and are a little bit older than us, but we love them!! we try to do a nice dinner date once a month with them, and more often if we can.  Here they are....

and they recently had a baby girl...Olivia Barrow...here she is....


So beautiful!! so needless to say, this was a perfect time to make cheesecake.  Montez loves cheesecake!! she has tried like every cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory!! it is pretty funny!  but I can't wait to go over there hopefully tomorrow to see them and their new baby girl!! so exciting!! pictures of the cheesecake coming soon!! 

Friday, August 5, 2011

Time Flies too Fast!!!

I am sitting here watching a movie, blogging and waiting on my homemade ice cream to get done, and I am watching Amilee, thinking that time has flown by too fast!! she will be 20 months here in a few days, and 2 before I know it, and I can't even think about where the time has gone.  This last year has just went by in a flash and I don't like it.  I still remember her being like this.....



And now, she is so big and grown up and looking like this....


she is not a baby anymore, she is a little girl, and growing into her own strong little personality.  She is so much like me, but yet like Samuel with her own little quirks thrown in too!! I love watching her grow and develop and do new things and become more proficient at other things.  It is amazing how much they learn.  But some days, I still miss my little baby.  I miss our rare, but sweet cuddle moments and the times when she needed me for everything.
I guess it is a good thing we are expecting another one for those days when I really want to have a little baby around here.  But I just can't get over how fast time is going and how it never slows down, even when I think some days go by so slowly!! Crazy what a thing time is~~

Monday, August 1, 2011

Poison Oak

Samuel went paint balling this weekend for some much needed stress-reliever time and he came home with this....

this isn't his hand, but this is what it looks like. He has a couple of spots on his body where it is pretty bad.  He is at the urgent care right now to get some medicine for it, so it won't get too bad.............

no fun for him!!!

First set of San Fran pics

Here are a few pics of us at Fort Point.















Good times at Fort Point!! I have more coming that I took of Parker and Amilee that turned out great, but I haven't edited them yet!!