Happenings.....

Christmas time brings lots of letters and updates so...... I thought it was way past time for me to post a family update!!  **WARNING**  This is my blog.... so I can brag if I want!!

Sophie:

Our little Sophie is growing up FAST.  She is in 1st grade and loving it!  (although mostly the social aspect of it....)

She started dance this year and although I am not sure its "her thing"....  she is definitely having fun with it!  Next she wants to try gymnastics..... which I think is probably more her "speed"!

Her biggest past time I am happy to say is art.  She loves to draw and color and paint.  Whenever she has a spare moment, she is in the loft at the craft table surrounded by paper, crayons, scissors and various other art objects!

Sophie also truly loves our pets.  If we have puppies here..... they will often be found cuddled on her lap as she colors!


Eric:

My guy Eric is in 3rd grade this year and is doing great!  He has developed a love of reading and has discovered the Percy Jackson series.  He played soccer in the Spring and is excited to play basketball this winter!  He has "big" plans of being a professional basketball player when he grows up......

Eric has had a big year!  He turned 8 and was baptized!  He also started cub scouts and had fun in his first pinewood derby in November.  And after a year of begging....he finally was able to start piano lessons... which he loves and is probably the best of all the kids at practicing!

Eric also made his stage debut this year as Tanner the Orphan in an original script of Cinderella (by talented director and friend Andrea McFeely) In the Fall he was cast as Little Daniel in Once on This Island at the Mesa Arts Center with Actors Youth Theatre.   He currently has roles in 2 shows!! Jolly's Christmas Toyland and Macbeth!  In Macbeth he is super excited to be the "bloody child"......

Olivia:


Olivia is in 5th grade and loves school!  She is in the gifted math and writing programs and is doing very well.  Her teachers always comment on how kind and sweet she is to everyone.

Olivia has continued with piano and started dance this year and is loving it.  She is hoping to one day do cheer like her big sister Katie and is taking dance and plans to get back into tumbling in preparation!

This year she had a lot of fun on stage in Disney's Aladdin Jr. and in Cinderella.  She is also really excited to be the daughter of MacDuff in the upcoming AYT performance of Macbeth!  She auditioned at Hale Theatre for Annie and although she did not get a part, she was excited to get a callback!  Later this month she is looking forward to a small part in an independent film!


Adam:

Where do I start with Adam?  My sister's family lovingly refers to him as our "All American Boy"!

Adam continues to excel in school and is also in all gifted classes.  This year he joined the student council and has even persuaded the principal to start a school play....  A Midsummer's Night Dream!

He turned 12 this year and is loving being in Boy Scouts.  His goal is to be an Eagle Scout at 13 and he is well on his way!  He is a very self-motivated kid!

He had a lot of fun playing flag football in the Spring and is excited to play again.  He keeps trying to persuade me to let him play tackle, but with his continuing struggle with migraines (which he takes a daily medication to control..) I am not relenting at this point.... Tackle can wait!

Adam has continued with theater and has had roles this year in Disney's Aladdin, Jr, Cinderella and Jolly's Christmas Toyland.  He even won the award for Best Supporting Junior Actor by Actors Youth Theatre!




Rachel:

Rachel started High School this year and LOVES it!  Her high school career started off with a bang performing with Highland High School's "Dracula"!  In a play consisting mostly of Juniors and Seniors, she was very excited to land a role as a Freshman! 

She has had a busy "Theatre" year this year performing in The Scarlet Pimpernel and Dracula and is starting rehearsals as a royal princess in Macbeth.  Over the summer, she also had her first experience working as backstage crew for Cinderella. (She was too old to be part of the cast!)

The rest of her summer was jammed packed..... starting with Trek a week after school got out.  The week after that, she, John and Katie left on an amazing 3 week adventure to Peru!  They spent a week in the Amazon, time in Cuzco, Lima, Iquitos and visited Machu Picchu!

In school she is taking all honors classes as well as Spanish II and dance.  Outside of school and theatre... she continues piano, loves hanging out with her friends and can often be found snuggled in bed.... holding a puppy.... with her nose in a book!



Katie:

When I started this post, Katie commented how different her "update" would be from the rest of the kids since she is not involved in theater.... she is too busy!

Katie has had a lot of fun being on the cheer squad for her Freshman and now Sophomore year.  Being the shortest cheerleader on both squads (5 feet).... she can frequently be found at the top of the stunts as the flyer.... Her favorite place to be!

Outside of cheer, Katie is very busy with her heavy course load in school that includes honors classes and Spanish III (which she actually loves!)  She is also taking voice lessons and was even chosen for a recording for our stake's Trek song. She may be small....  but the girl can sing! 

Along with her sister and dad... she had an amazing time in Peru.  They went on some pretty grand adventures going down the Amazon River catching baby alligators and swimming with Piranha!  They had a touching experience serving some of the needy children in Lima and hiking the Inca trail is something they will never forget!  



So... do I post an update for mom and dad??  Sure.....

John:

John has had a very busy year serving as Young Men's President in our ward.  It keeps him very busy but he truly enjoys working with the boys and watching their testimony's grow!

John also has been very busy with the dental office, our rentals and various other investments and businesses....

Returning to Peru was definitely the year's  highlight.  Spending one-on-one time with his daughters, visiting families he baptized so many years ago, seeing many amazing places.....  a trip of a lifetime!


Cheri: 

So.... I turned 40 this year.  Great.  My mom was 40 when I got married.... where has the time gone?

I have been busy this year as any mom of 6 kids would be.... especially 6 very busy kids.  I should paint my excursion yellow.....

This year I have had a lot of fun serving on the Board of Directors of Actors Youth Theatre as the Publicity Director.  We are opening a beautiful new theater across Higley from our house so a lot to look forward to for next year!!  (like a much shorter drive to rehearsals and performances!)

I continue to enjoy our doggies.... both goldens and Cotons.

But most important of all, I love being a wife and mother.  I have an incredible husband who loves to spend time with me.... even if its just a quick jaunt to the store.  He truly treats me like a princess.  He is a great dad who adores his children and truly loves being with them....  almost as much as being with his wife....  :)

I have 6 beautiful children who are happy and healthy and are pretty darn easy kids.  They are respectful and kind....have natural born faith .... and they love their mom and dad!

Its been a really GREAT 2012.... and I am really looking forward to 2013!

Merry Christmas... and a VERY Happy New Year!!

A Peruvian Adventure

John, Katie and Rachel had an amazing adventure this year.  They were able to spend 3 weeks traveling around Peru.  John was a missionary in Peru many years ago and has always wanted to return.  It was a great experience to go back.... with his 2 oldest daughters!

They visited Iquitos, spent the better part of a week traveling down the Amazon River with a guide, spent time in Lima, attended the Inti Raymi Festival in Cuzco and hiked the Inca trail to Mach Pichu.... and more!

It was the trip of a lifetime!

Here are just a couple of pictures from their adventure:

 suitcases full of donations...

In the Amazon.....

The girls collected clothes and toys and other donations from ward members to take to the children in some of the poorest areas of Lima.  It was an experience they will never forget...

 

Lima...

Visiting members John baptized on his mission!!

The Inca Trail and Machu Pichu

My Favorite Black Beans with Rice

1 1/2 c dry black beans

6 c cold water

2 c chicken broth

2 c chopped onions

1 c chopped red pepper

1 cup chopped celery

2 cloves minced garlic

2 tsp oregano

1 tsp salt

1/4 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

2 bay leaves

1 16 oz can diced tomatoes

2 Tbsp lemon juice

Hot cooked rice (we love Trader Joe's frozen cooked brown rice!)

Cooked green peas, sliced green onions for garnish

Rinse beans; combine with water in a 4 qt dutch oven. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Coven and let stand for 1 hour. (or... omit the simmering and soak the beans in cold water overnight in a covered bowl in the refrigerator). Drain and rinse the beans.

Combine the soaked beans, broth, onion, red pepper, celery, garlic, oregano, salt, red pepper flakes and bay leaves. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 2 - 2 1/2 hours or until the beans are tender, stirring in the undrained tomatoes for the last 15 minutes of cooking. Discard bay leaves. Mash beans slightly.

Stir in the lemon juice. Spoon beans into the soup bowls. Spoon rice on top of the beans. Sprinkle with the peas and green onions.

approx. 5 main dish servings.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2" cubes

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp ketchup

In a bowl, toss diced sweet potatoes with remaining ingredients and put on an oiled baking dish. Cook 25 minutes at 400 degrees or until golden and tender. Turn up the heat or put them under the broiler at the end to crisp them up a bit.

Combine:

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 4 oz can green chilies

1/4 cup chopped cilantro or more to taste

Cooked potatoes

Next:

12 corn tortillas, heated in oil or sauce to soften

Large can green enchilada sauce

Mexican blend cheese

Spread some of the sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Scoop about 1/4 cup bean mixture onto the softened tortillas and as much cheese as you want. Roll it up and place seem side down in the pan. Repeat until all are filled. Top with remaining enchilada sauce and sprinkle cheese on top. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. They are even better the next day!

You can garnish with sour cream, olives and chives if desired.

Spinach and Three Cheese Calzones

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb baby spinach

salt and pepper

15 oz ricotta cheese

1 cup grated parmesan

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1 egg

2 balls fresh pizza dough (I use Trader Joes)

Fresh refrigerated Marinara sauce

egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with a small amount of water)

Heat oil over medium heat, add garlic and cook 1 minute until lightly browned. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 4 minutes. Transfer to colander and squeeze out excess liquid so filling is fairly dry. Combine spinach, cheeses and egg in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Grease a baking pan and preheat oven to 400. Separate each ball of dough into 2 pieces so you have four al together. Roll the dough into 10" circles. Spoon a quarter of the filling onto 1 side of each circle and brush outer edges with egg wash to help form a seal. Fold dough over filling to form a large calzone. Roll up the edges and close tightly. Cut a few slits in the tops and brush with egg wash. Sprinkle baking sheets with cornmeal and place calzones on pan. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes until golden brown. Let rest 10 minutes before cutting to allow cheese to set.

Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

MY KIDS LOVE THIS!!!!

Ratatouille from "The New Best Recipe" Cookbook

2 large eggplants, ends trimmed, peeled and cup into 1" cubes

kosher salt (I have used regular)

2 large zucchini, cubed

1/2 cup olive oil

1 large sweet onion, chopped

2 tsp minced garlic

3 medium, very ripe beefsteak tomatoes (about 1 pound) cored, peeled and cubed

2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 Tbsp minced fresh thyme

ground black pepper

Lace cubed eggplant in large colander and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp salt. Toss to distribute evenly. Let stand for at least 1 hour and up to 3. Rinse well to remove salt and spread evenly over tripe folded paper towels.Cover with another triple layer of paper towels and press firmly with your hands until the eggplant is dry and feels firm and compressed.

Adjust one oven rack to the upper middle position and the second rack to lower-middle position. Heat oven to 500 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with foil.

Toss the eggplant, zucchini and 2 Tbsp of olive oil together in a large bowl. Divide the vegetables between the 2 baking sheets evenly. Sprinkle with salt to taste and roast, stirring every 10 minutes until well browned and tender, 30 - 40 minutes, rotating the baking sheets from top to bottom half way through the roasting time. WATCH CAREFULLY SO IT DOESN'T

BURN!! Set aside.

Heat the remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil in a heavy bottomed skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, reduce the heat to medium low, and cook, stirring frequently until softened and golden brown - about 15 - 20 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cook until they release their juices and begin to break down, about 5 minutes. Add the roasted eggplant and zucchini, stirring gently to combine. Stir in parsley, basil and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. ENJOY!!

Makes 4 main dish servings or 8 side dishes.

Bon Appetit!!

Spaghetti Squash with a chunky Tomato "Sauce"

1 Medium spaghetti squash

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 large sweet onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

2 tsp minced garlic

2 cups tomatoes, cored, peeled and cubed

2 Tbsp fresh basil

1 tsp fresh thyme

salt and pepper to taste

shredded parmesan

Halve and clean out the spaghetti squash. Pierce all over with a fork. Roast at 350 for 30 - 40 minutes cut side down on a foil lined baking sheet until soft. Let cool slightly... enough that you can handle it and scrape out the "noodles".

Meanwhile..... heat 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the sweet onion and cook at medium low heat for 15-20 minutes until golden. Add red pepper and garlic and cook until soft - about 5 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes and spices and stir and cook for 5 - 10 minutes until tomatoes have released their juices. Use a potato masher to create a "chunky" sauce.

Serve over the squash "noodles" and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Makes 4 servings.

** This is a recipe I just made up!! I used tomatoes, basil and thyme for my garden and it was amazing!!!

2011's Big Adventure part 1

This summer our family went on an amazing adventure! We flew to Charlotte, NC and then spent 3 weeks driving up the Eastern coast!

We started in South Carolina.... to visit my sister Mayme and her 5 beautiful kiddos! We visited the really fun zoo and a very interesting Civil War museum in Columbia.

Then we headed to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for my sister April's absolutely gorgeous wedding! My dad rented a beach house for a week. It was a really amazing experience... and it is now my favorite beach vacation spot!

On our way to our next destination, we stopped in Kitty Hawk to see the Wright Brother's Museum!

Our next stop was Manassas, VA....or as us Yanks would know... Bull Run! We even got to see a Civil War reenactment and demonstration.

We stayed at a fun hotel in Manassas and then would drive into Washington DC!

After Washington DC.... we drove to Gettysburg, PA!

Part 2 to follow when I have more time!