Family time

I hope everyone has been enjoying their summer thus far! I have been keeping busy-sometimes busy doing nothing:) This summer's highlight has been Colin coming home from his mission and his siblings coming home to greet him. (I will post photos as soon as I find my camera:/ ) Along with Colin, Mike, Chelsie, Lindsey, and Evan, we were joined by Grandma and Grandpa, Megan, Margaret, Brit and Donna plus girls, Susie, Bill, Erin and Brent and their family, Ryan W., Ryan and Ali, Kay and Jay and their grandchildren! It was such a blessing to see these people that we love so much and to be the recipients of their love in return. As always I wish the time could have been stretched out, but one thing I have realized is to enjoy the little moments that come and treasure the memories they create.

Take along lunch:)

This photo was from Dirt du jour, a gardening message I get each day and I couldn't resist sharing it. The bags are made by a French company called Bacsac (check them out on the web). There is a store in the states that carries their things in Washington D.C.-Loopee Design- which may need a visit this summer. I also learned it is time to start your pumpkins! We can compare notes in the fall.

Vanilla Roasted Berries

I'm posting this so I can find the recipe. It looks delicious and I love berries-a win/win! This is from a very pretty blog called "Poppytalk".

Vanilla Roasted Berries
(adapted from Ina Garten)

1 pint blackberries
1 pint strawberries
3 tablespoons vanilla sugar (or more if you like things sweet)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preheat oven to 350F. Place berries evenly on a parchment paper-covered cookie sheet. Sprinkle with vanilla sugar, salt and pepper and balsamic vinegar. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Cool slightly until the juices thicken, about 5 minutes. Serve warm over ice cream, yogurt or whatever your heart desires.

mothers

I saw this New Yorker cover on another blog and had to share it with you. I think it is both beautiful and sad as it illustrates the different ways women might feel about motherhood. To my mother, and all those that mother: Thank you! What a beautiful gift women have been given from God; the desire to love, teach, and nurture anyone in need. Sometimes, though, the importance of this gift is being drowned out by the lure of the worldly. The saddest part is that sometimes women are the ones calling out against motherhood the loudest. As sisters, we should be helping and encouraging each other to be our individual best. We need to appreciate the contribution that each of us makes to our world, be it the playroom, or classroom, or boardroom, or courtroom, or backyard. As to why we should never forget why we have the urge to "mother" those around us I found these words beautiful-

"Don't be lured away from the plan of God to the ways of the world where motherhood is belittled, femininity is decried, and the divinely established role of a wife and mother is mocked. Let the world go its way. You follow the plan of the Lord for the greatest measure of true, eternal achievement, and the fullness of happiness." - Richard G. Scott

Mother Theresa wisely spoke that "If you judge people you have no time to love them". Thomas S. Monson said "Life is perfect for none of us. Instead of being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life". Isn't that what true mothering is?

Blueberries!

I couldn't believe my eyes-there were ripe blueberries on my blueberry bush. Call me crazy for being excited, but fruit usually doesn't grow that easily for me. So here are the first 12 berries of the season, and they are happy to see you!

(You caught me. I ate 3 on my way to find the camera.)

New goals for a new year!

This year I have decided to try out new things. Nothing too dare-devilish, more on the just nice side! So far I have taken a class on sauces for meat at the Laguna Culinary Arts School-super fun, made a cloth shopping bag-you will want one, and as of last Thursday: I'm not going to the store for anything except milk and fresh fruit/veggies for one week. The tricky part with this goal is that prior to my big decision, I neglected to check out our bread supply, which consisted of 2 heels. So on Friday I was busy making whole wheat bread and hiding it so it would be used for sandwiches, not snacking. The excitement also increased when Evan invited 4 of his friends over for Sunday dinner. The great news is that my refrigerator is looking less stuffed (by a ton) and now I will be able to use my imagination in creating dinners and lunches for the next 4 day. I know I can do it- that is partly why I chose this challenge. We buy too much stuff and there it sits. It is kind of a spring cleaning/muscle stretching for the cook- ie me:) This goal also includes not purchasing things for everyday use, like crafts, cleaning, seminary, and so on...! The neat thing that I have already discovered is how much more I appreciate gifts that are given to me! A sweet couple brought over a Valentine cone with candy inside. What a windfall! I hadn't bought candy for the holiday prior to my decision-how fun it was to be the recipients of some. It has only been 4 days and I'm already seeing the benefits.

Everyone- have a wonderful week!

My Aquabats!

How could I not post this photo!? Evan is front left and Colin is on the right. Behind right is Dane and Travis in above Col and Ev. They were Aquabats for Halloween. Thanks to Aunt Susie for the hoodies!