Simple Abundance

Sisters...

There's nothing better!

Sweet Baby Girl...

Two weeks ago today (two weeks, really?) our sweet Rebecca June was born!  Whoa Nelly, I forgot the time, energy, worry, stress, laundry, and sleepless nights that come with having a newborn in the house!  But I also forgot about the tender moments and joy that only a new baby can bring into a home.  How we love our Becca!

 

 

Dear Rebecca,

Words can never express the feelings I have for you, our sweet new baby girl.  My heart is full when I think about the day you were born.  I loved spending the day in the hospital waiting for you with Daddy.  I loved holding Daddy's hand when the epidural wouldn't work and I was in need of comfort.  I loved it when they gave me a new epidural that worked and then I could be happy and wait for you with Grandma Anderson, and Aunties Lindsey, Ashley, and Emily too!  I loved that I was laughing with Daddy and my sisters when you were born and more than anything I LOVED that first look I got of you, my beautiful baby girl.

You are named after a dear friend of mine who I have admired since the day I met her.  May you be like her: happy, kind, clean, and good. 

I love you,

Mom    

Orange Thai Beef Skewers and Coconut Rice

I made this dinner a couple of weeks ago and it was honestly one of the best things I've ever made!  We loved it and need to make it again soon!

Orange Thai Beef Skewers
adapted from ourbestbites.com

• 1/4 C soy sauce
• 1/4 C seasoned rice wine vinegar
• 1 T honey
• 1T sesame oil
• 1 t ground ginger
• 1 t coriander ( I substituted a few chopped cilantro leaves)
• 1 orange
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2-4 t Sriracha chili sauce (you can buy this in the Asian foods section at most grocery stores...look for a rooster on the bottle.)
• 1 1/2 lb flank steak

First make your marinade in a bowl or large Ziplock bag:  Juice the orange and add the soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, coriander/cilantro, and garlic.  Then add Sriracha to your liking.  2 teaspoons was mild enough for my family.

Take the flank steak and slice it across the grain into about 1/4" slices, then add them to the Ziplock/bowl and marinate in the fridge at least 4 hours.  Preheat your grill, then take your skewers (pre-soaked in water for at least 30 mins. if you're using wood/bamboo ones) and thread on the strips of meat, just like you're stitching.  Place them on the grill.  These cook really fast. Overcooked flank steak will be tough and chewy, so don't over do it!  They should only take about 3-4 minutes on each side.  Serve piping hot off the grill!

I served these skewers with another fabulous recipe I adapted from ourbestbites.com, Coconut Rice.  The meat was sooooo great with this, we loved it!

Coconut Rice

2 c. white or Jasmine rice

1 can coconut milk

2 c. water

1 tsp. Kosher salt

Splash of white vinegar (optional, but it helps with the texture)

1-2 tsp. white sugar

Large handful of chopped green onions

Black pepper to taste

 

Combine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, vinegar, sugar, and onions in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Turn heat to low and cover for 20 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.  Allow to stand 5 minutes.  Add black pepper (if desired) and additional salt if necessary.  Serve with any Asian or tropical-inspired food.

Cute Pink Cake

I imagine the middle to be moist, light, and slightly lemony...but that's just me!

(image via http://angelahenrie.blogspot.com/)

I love peonies...

(photo via Farm Chicks)

Zach Turns 6!

This poor neglected blog!  We have been so busy around here...busy with end-of-the-school-year fun, getting ready for baby fun, Zach's birthday fun, going to Utah to be with Lindsey and Darren fun, Lindsey in town for a week fun...FUN, FUN, FUN!

Zach's 6th Birthday:  (it was a long time ago, but I didn't want to not post about it!)

Our little guy is growing up.  He is such a good boy, full of spunk, smiles and a touch of naughtiness thrown in for good measure!  We love you Zach!!

 

First ride on his new motorcycle!  (aka Mother's Heart Attack)

A few days later, he's a seasoned pro!  So cute!  (And can you see the Rexburg Temple in the background?)

Boston loves to ride too!  (Mom sits on the sidelines and takes pictures...) 

Red Hot Raspberry Jello

Does anyone make Jello anymore?  I hardly ever do, but I've had the ingredients for this since Christmas so I decided to go ahead and make it for our Mother's Day dinner.  Only two servings were left when we came home...maybe I should make Jello more often!

Red Hot Raspberry Jello

2 6oz. packages raspberry Jello
3.5 c. hot water
7-8 oz. Cinnamon Red Hot candies
3 c. applesauce

Put water and red hots in a pan on the stove and let them come to a boil.  As soon as it boils, poor the hot water over the two packages of jello that you have placed in a bowl and stir until dissolved (about 3 minutes).  Add the applesauce and stir.  Pour into 9x13 pan and refrigerate until set.  Cut into squares and serve topped with whipped cream.    

 

FHE Idea #5

Topic: Heavenly Father Answers our Prayers

Opening Song:  "I am a Child of God,” Children’s Songbook, p.

Opening Prayer:

Family Business: 

Scripture or Quote:  "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." (Mark 11:24)

Lesson:  When Jesus lived on the earth, many people came to listen to His words. They brought their children so Jesus could bless them, but the disciples told them to go away. Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). Jesus loved the children and blessed them.

The Primary song “A Child’s Prayer” reminds us of that scripture story and teaches us about prayer.  (I have the Children's Songbook CDs and we will listen to this song)

Heavenly Father, are you really there?
And do you hear and answer ev’ry child’s prayer?
Some say that heaven is far away,
But I feel it close around me as I pray.
Heavenly Father, I remember now
Something that Jesus told disciples long ago:
“Suffer the children to come to me.”
Father, in prayer I’m coming now to thee.

Heavenly Father loves you. You are His child. He wants you to pray to Him often—anytime, anywhere. The next verse of this song reminds you to pray.

Pray, he is there;
Speak, he is list’ning.
You are his child;
His love now surrounds you.
He hears your prayer;
He loves the children.
Of such is the kingdom,
The kingdom of heav’n.

The Song "I Pray in Faith" is great for teaching little kids how to pray.  I printed this flip book thingy (scroll down to where it says "Preparation For the flip book activity", then click on the picture and print it as many times as you need) and had them all made up for my kids to use as we sing the song and talk about the proper way to pray.

I begin by saying “Dear Heavenly Father”; (raise one finger—keep
fingers raised throughout the activity verse)
I thank him for blessings he sends; (raise second finger)
Then humbly I ask him for things that I need, (raise third finger)
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. (raise fourth finger)
[“I Pray in Faith,” Children’s Songbook, 14]

Activity:  The kids are going to paint small rocks that they can use as prayer rocks.  After the rock is dried, they can put them under their pillows...when they get into bed they will "bonk" their heads on them and be reminded to say their prayers.  Then, before they go to sleep they put them on the floor next to their beds.  When they wake up and get out of bed they will "stub their toes" on the rock and be reminded to say their morning prayers.

Treat:  Don't know yet! 

FHE Idea #4

Topic: Mothers!

Opening Song:  "Mother Dear,” Children’s Songbook, p. 206

Opening Prayer:

Family Business: 

Scripture or Quote: And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it. (Alma 56:48)

Lesson:  We will read Alma 56:45–48. Then we will discuss what the mothers of these young men taught them. 

Next, we will take turns sharing favorite memories about our own mothers and talk about why mothers are important and what good qualities all mothers share.

Activity:  We are using my "vintage" (ha!) scrapbooking supplies to make Mother's Day cards for our Grandmas.   

Breakfast/Brunch Casserole

It seems that every family has it's own favorite breakfast casserole recipe, and this is our family's.  My mom made it for dinner the other night and I was at her house later that evening and had a bite.  Oh!  It was so good I made if for dinner the next night for us!  Mmmm.  Enjoy!

 (Image via Google Images)

Breakfast Casserole

1bag frozen hash brown potatoes  (I have used shredded, potatoes o'brien, etc.  All have worked great.)

1 cube butter, melted

salt and pepper to taste

2 c. diced ham

2 c. grated cheese (I have used pepperjack, mozzerellla, cheddar, etc.)

1/2 c. diced green pepper

8 eggs

2 c. milk

Rinse your potatoes in a colander under cold water and then lay them out on paper towels to drip dry.  Pat the top of your potatoes with paper towels and then put them into a 9x13 baking dish.  Pour the melted butter over the top of the potatoes and salt and pepper them to taste.  Bake at 425 for 25 minutes and allow them to cool completely. 

Sprinkle the ham, cheese and diced green pepper  over the cooled hash browns.  Mix the eggs and milk thoroughly  with a wisk in separate bowl and then pour that over the potatoes, ham, etc. 

Bake at 350 for 45 -60 mins, until the eggs in the middle are cooked. 

Notes:  I always add some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to my eggs/milk mixture for a little kick.  I have also added a little finely diced onion with the green peppers.