Springtime Sunday Supper

This last Sunday we had the best dinner... our second barbeque of the year. We just love to fire up the grill! Our meals in the Spring and Summer tend to be lighter and healthier, and the grill makes it so easy! I tried three new recipes this weekend and I loved them all.

This is my new favorite salad! It was so easy, so delicious, and healthy. I've been eating the leftovers all week.

Black Bean and Couscous Salad (recipe from Allrecipes.com)

1 cup uncooked couscous
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
8 green onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained
salt and pepper to taste

Bring chicken broth to a boil in a 2 quart or larger sauce pan and stir in the couscous. Cover the pot and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, vinegar and cumin. Add green onions, red pepper, cilantro, corn and beans and toss to coat. Fluff the couscous well, breaking up any chunks. Add to the bowl with the vegetables and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve at once or refrigerate until ready to serve.

The chicken was also really good. I only marinated mine for a few hours, so I'll bet if you marinated overnight, it would be even better.

Easy Grilled Chicken Teriyaki (Allrecipes.com)

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
2 teaspoons sesame oil

Place chicken, teriyaki sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and sesame oil in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal bag, and shake to coat. Place in refrigerator for 24 hours, turning every so often.
Preheat grill for high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Remove chicken from bag, discarding any remaining marinade. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes each side, or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a fork.

Of course, I didn't really do the grilling. I did make the marinade...but Brandon is the Grillmaster.

Notice his Sunday afternoon uniform...hoodie and pajama pants are a must (for me too)!

The third part of our meal doesn't really need a recipe, but trust me when I say you must try grilling your asparagus. I used to hate asparagus, until I tried it this way. It is divine! It doesn't even taste like a vegetable...it just becomes nutty, buttery and melts in your mouth. I just cut off the woody ends, throw them on a cookie sheet, drizzle them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and take them out the Grillmaster. We probably eat this every Sunday in the summer. SO GOOD.

The final new recipe I tried was for Hello Dolly Bars (also referred to as 7 Layer Bars). I'm sure many of you have made these a million times...but I hadn't! Where have I been? Why didn't anyone tell me about these?

They are super easy, and sinfully rich. (You can feel okay about them after you have the above mentioned healthy dinner.)

Hello Dollies (Allrecipes.com, with some modification by ME!)

4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup white sugar
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press into the bottom of an 9x13 inch baking pan. Layer the chocolate chips, coconut and pecans over the crumbs. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool and cut into squares.

In fact, these are so good, I may never make them again. (Try to eat just one! I accidentally ate half the pan.) They are not good for my (upcoming) summer (swimsuit wearing) figure.

Man, we did some good eatin' on Sunday. The perfect ending? Enjoying the weather by taking a ride in the Jeep. I love Spring!

My Baby Doesn't Need Me Anymore

One day this last week, I left Addy with a friend for a few hours while Brandon and I went to the temple. I thought she'd do fine, but maybe cry a little bit first, because after all, where was her mama? When we came back to pick her up, my friend told me she didn't cry at all, was laughing and smiling the whole time, and she actually ran away from me and up the stairs when I tried to give her a hug. The nerve!


The next day, I went to a spinning class at the gym and thought I'd give the kid's area a try (she had never been there before). I dropped her off, anxious as can be, even peeking in on her a few times before the class started. She did great! She played with the other kids, ate a snack, and had so much fun. Again, the babysitter reported she didn't cry when I left and was smiling and enjoying herself. She actually started to cry when I tried to pick her up and take her home! Apparently, I'm not nearly as fun as the play area at Gold's Gym.


I guess I should be pleased that she is well adjusted and can hold her own and be independent in new situations. But a tiny part of me feels sad that she doesn't miss me, even a little bit...can't a girl show a little emotion so Mom knows she's needed? Apparently not.


I can't believe she's 18 months old. Goodbye, baby. Hello, brave little girl!




Stowaway, anyone?

Breathing a Sigh of Relief...Easter 2009

My neighborhood has a big Easter Festival every year at our neighborhood park. This year, I was in charge of planning, organizing and pulling off the whole event. I have been worrying and stressing about this for months, but finally, it is over and I can relax.





Me and the Easter Bunny (aka an 11 year old boy I bribed with 20 bucks)


Our event included...


Bounce houses:




Several Egg Hunts:



Addyson wondering what the grass on her hand is all about.




She loved putting eggs into her basket.


Prize bags (200 of them!):





Crafts and Games:








We also had face painting and refreshments. The best part of this event was the fact that about 250 people attended and all of the kids had a great time. The worst part was the fact that I had to yell into a bullhorn to announce the egg hunts. (Embarassing!) Luckily, it didn't rain on us and I had several willing helpers who helped lighten my load.


My mom was also here visiting this weekend. We dyed eggs and had another little egg hunt just for Addyson in the front yard.










We tried to get a family picture (Addyson and I both had new dresses) but guess who wouldn't cooperate?





We had a delicious Easter dinner of ham, cheese potatoes, fresh baked bread, green beans and strawberry shortcake. The weather was gorgeous and we spent most of the day hanging out in the backyard!




Grandma and Addyson got lots of quality time together.



The total cost of the Easter event (courtesy of the HOA): $800.


The price of Addyson's new Easter dress: $8 on clearance. Hooray!


The fact that the Easter Festival is over: priceless.

My Good Fortune

Did y'all hear about this?

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30011573/?GT1=43001

I read the article and thought about what a great story that would be to share with future children. And so, I thought I would share my engagement story with all of you (and for posterity)!

When Brandon I were dating, he was attending UVSC in Orem, Utah and living in an off-campus apartment with about 5 other guys. Their apartment was a total, utter disaster. The dishes in the sink were usually giving off a stench that said, "Wash me please! I've been in here for two weeks!" The dirty laundry on the floor told basically the same story. You get the idea.

Brandon and I had talked about marriage, but we weren't officially bethrothed. One of his roommates, Johnathan, was a quirky guy who liked to walk around the apartment practically naked except for a sock and cape. (That's another, very disturbing, story.) So when he told me that he wanted to cook a fancy Chinese dinner for Brandon and me, I wasn't too surprised. (After I saw him in the sock/cape getup, nothing could of surprised me about him.)

We set a date, and even decided to dress up for the occasion. On the evening of the dinner, Brandon drove to Sandy to pick me up and we drove back to Orem. I began to suspect that something was up. Here we were, both dressed up, planning to get married yet no ring yet...hmmmm. Could this be it, I wondered?

We got to the apartment and when we walked in, I was stunned. The place was sparkling clean. There was a fire going, music playing, and a beautiful table set with china and candles. Chinese food was simmering on the stove. No one else was around (fortunately, Naked Cape Man was just a set up). I immediately knew that yes, this was going to be it!


Our engagement photo, circa 2000-We look like babies!

We proceeded to sit down and eat the food (which had been purchased from a restaurant and dumped into pans), chattering nervously the whole time. At the end of the meal, Brandon asked me, "Aren't you going to eat your fortune cookie?"

I opened it, and inside the message read, "Will you marry me?" Brandon dropped down on one knee, professed his undying love, and pulled out a little black box with the most beautiful, diamond solitaire ring I had ever seen. Of course I said yes, and the rest is history!


One sad note: I didn't know it at the time, but Brandon's roommates had rigged up a video camera that was shooting in the corner the whole dinner and caught the whole proposal on tape. It even (embarassingly) included some post-proposal kissing, cuddling, and cooing. I was actually thrilled to have the tape to keep for all time and loved to watch it! Shortly after the engagement, I loaned it to my cousin who lived in the apartment next door. She returned it to the guy's apartment one day when Brandon was gone and it hasn' t been seen since! I think Brandon was secretly relieved to have proof of his lovey-dovey side disappear, but I feel remorse whenever I think about it.


I love proposals, and I cry each time I witness one on television, but I thought my proposal was perfect. I still smile whenever I see a fortune cookie!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

One of the things I love about teaching preschool are the hilarious things kids say to me on a daily basis. Today my co-teacher and I started laughing so hard we almost couldn't regain control in order to teach the class!

Here are two of today's gems:

1. We were talking about thinking hard and wearing your "thinking cap" and one little girl said, "My thinking cap is in the wash today!" Adorable.

2. We were discussing why shouting out in class (as opposed to raising your hand) is rude. A boy raised his hand (he got the message!) and said, " My mom says it's rude when my dad puts his hand down his pants. " We didn't quite know what to say to that one! Priceless.

Comments like that make me afraid to send Addyson to school one day. Parents, beware!

Splendid Tuesdays

Tuesday is, without a doubt, my favorite day of the week. Why, you ask?

1. I don't have to work. (I teach preschool on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.)

2. Brandon is at work all day (he's off on my other free weekday, Thursdays). It's not that I don't like having him home, but I enjoy my alone time when I can do what I want to do and he's not busting my groove!

3. Tuesday is my day to be productive and get things done. I usually reserve cleaning, laundry and errands for Tuesday. (Am I the only one who just likes to be home and do stuff around the house?)

Here's what a typical Tuesday is like for me. I usually get up and go to the gym before Brandon leaves for work. (Today: check!) I love being at the gym from 7:30-8:30 because hardly anyone is there. I come home, get Addyson up and fed, and get showered. I try to spend the morning cleaning and tackling my to do list, with a little blog reading and tv watching in between. When Addyson goes down for her afternoon nap, I usually write my lesson plans for the following week. I try to cook a decent meal for dinner. My reward at the end of the day: watching Biggest Loser and American Idol.

Having the whole day to myself feels like a luxury since I started working part-time. I love my Tuesdays! Now, off to wash my sheets.

What is your favorite day of the week?

To Die For...

I found the most amazing recipe recently for "Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips." It is SOOO delicious. I have made it twice and gotten rave reviews both times. It is the perfect Spring appetizer, dessert, or snack...and it's pretty good for you! You must try it. (The name "salsa" is somewhat misleading because there is no spice in it at all. It is all sweetness from the fruit, and is totally scrumdittilyumptious.)

2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries (I substitute frozen peaches that have been thawed)
1 pound strawberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor ( I use apricot preserves)

10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
butter flavored cooking spray
2 cups cinnamon sugar

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture.

Sister, Sister

Last weekend my little (20 year old) sister Roxy flew to Boise for a visit. I was so happy that she would spend her own money and time off of work and school to come see us! (She works for the US Postal Service, but no, she doesn't handle mail. )




We went out to eat at Goldy's, known for having the best breakfast in town.





We pampered ourselves with pedicures.






We nodded and smiled at all the right times when the Asian women at the nail salon said things to us that we didn't understand. (Does anyone else have this problem?)


I chose purple polish; she chose a lovely shade of green. (This will come in handy for St. Patrick's Day! )





We went shopping at Target and at the mall. We even saw the Weinermobile and had to document the occasion. (My bologna has a first name....)






I know you're singing the song in your head right now. Admit it! You are, aren't you?



We rented a movie (Nights in Rodanthe-I didn't love it), and we went to a movie (Confessions of a Shopaholic-it was cute, but it was late and I kept falling asleep). I'm not used to keeping single, 20-year-old hours!


We dined at Cheesecake Factory, we cooked dinner, and Roxy discovered that Addyson's hair is long enough to be worn in a ponytail! Who knew?





To follow tradition, we even got our photo taken in a booth at the mall.





Sadly, this was the best of the shots. Addy wasn't quite sure what all the flashing lights were about!


It was so great to spend time with my sister. She is so much fun and always make me laugh.

After Roxy left, I started discovering cute little notes hidden all over my house. I found this one in the laundry detergent box yesterday!






Just don't tell my brother.

The Great Houdini

Addyson is now 16 months old! I haven't blogged about her for a while, so here goes...


She started walking the week after her first birthday.


She adores books and loves to be read to.



She's as cute as a bug's ear.


She loves the bath and will splash and play as long as I will let her!


My dad has nicknamed her "Houdini" because she can climb onto or out of anything. Here she is on one of many daily climbs atop the kitchen table.



She is very good at standing up and turning around in the shopping cart, even with the strap in place.

She has several molars.

She says many words, including "dog," "light," "milk," "hi," "sock," and "shoe."

She still loves her binky.

She loves making interesting noises with her tongue.

She is great at giving hugs, kisses, and waving goodbye.

Her favorite pasttime is dragging the dirty laundry out of the hamper and all over the house. ( I love this one!)

She also likes to take off her socks and put them on her hands.

Playing with my cell phone is another favorite activity and she calls Grandma (on speed dial) several times each day.

I can't wait to see what she will learn next!

29 More Things

Because I came into the world 29 years ago today, here are 29 more things about me ( to add to my 100).

1. I have become a passionate recycler and cringe when I see plastic in the garbage can.

2. I check to make sure I unplugged my flat iron about 3 times every morning.

3. I've become a total germophobe since becoming a mother. I carry hand sanitizer and use it frequently. I disinfect shopping cart handles before placing Addyson in the cart. It still drives me crazy to see her touching the handle.

4. I love having a clean house but am not so good at keeping it clean.

5. I especially neglect my bedroom.

6. I believe that televisions do not belong in bedrooms.

7. I bear my testimony in my head every Fast Sunday in case I decide to stand up and actually say it publicly (this does not happen very often).

8. I want to be more brave about sharing my testimony.

9. I love spicy food and sometimes overdo it when I cook.

10. I haven't had any caffeinated drinks since I got married. I can't say I don't miss them.

11. I pretty much only drink water, but I enjoy an occasional Fresca.

12. I will have been married 9 years in June. How crazy is that?

13. Patience is not my best quality.

14. I want to be a more patient person, especially with my family.

15. My favorite breakfast is a toasted English muffin spread with peanut butter and topped with sliced banana, with a glass of skim milk.

16. I always have books checked out from the library, and some books requested that I'm waiting for.

17. I love Frank Sinatra's music... especially on the back patio, in the summer.

18. I love any food I can dip. The best ones are chips and salsa, chips and guacamole, pita chips and hummus, and apples into peanut butter.

19. I will eat peanut butter on anything.

20. I am an adventurous eater, and love trying new exotic foods.

21. It's kind of sad how many of these items are about food.

22. I enjoy camping, especially chatting around a campfire.

23. Hiking is one of my favorite things.

24. My nickname as a toddler was "Tooties." I don't know why.

25. On my first grade report card, my teacher wrote, "Nikole is very conscientious about her work." I'm still proud of that. (Thanks, Mrs. Bondiett!)

26. I walked to and from school every day I was in elementary school, even in the dead of winter. The school was a good 1.5 miles away.

27. I feel extremely blessed and am very grateful for what I have.

28. I feel the same inside as I did as a teenager, only now I have a home, a husband and a daughter.

29. I wish I was still young and carefree, and I can't believe how fast life has flown by!

Nothing Says Love Like a Knife

We had a low key, but great Valentine's Day weekend. Have I mentioned Brooke and Holly on this blog? Brooke was Brandon's neighbor and best friend growing up-and their parents have always been good friends. After they got married, Brooke and Holly moved to Ohio so we haven't really seen or heard from them in 9 years until they moved to Meridian in October. It has been so great having them here; they are practically like family and we do alot of things together. Anyway, Holly and I decided to plan a romantic meal for Brandon and Brooke that we had a few days before Valentine's Day.



Brooke and Holly

The four of us had chicken tortellini bake, a yummy winter salad, garlic bread, English Trifle for dessert and even sparkling cider! It was fun to eat by candlelight and use a tablecloth like grownups.






Unfortunately, not all of us acted like one.



That's Brandon nose peeking out of the side!



On Valentine's Day, we went to a Fondue Party given by our friends Stoney and Emilee. I made Cheddar-Bacon Fondue to dip bread and veggies in, and we had a chocolate fondue for fruit, pretzels, cake and marshmallows. Fondue is fantastically fancy fru-fru fun. (How's that for alliteration?) Not to mention extremely delicious and romantic.





Brandon's gift from me was a large batch of his much beloved favorite cookie, Soft Gingersnaps. I surprised him by leaving a basket of goodness in his car at work.




He surprised me with some roses, a new banana hanger (how's that for random?), and some fancy chef's knives! I was thrilled about these because I have had the dullest knives imaginable for years. (Might this be related to the fact that on more than one occasion I have caught Brandon pruning bushes with them in the yard?) Anyway, it was a very thoughtful gift because I mentioned to him in passing a few months ago that I really just wanted one or two good quality, sharp chef's knives for cooking and that I didn't need a whole butcher block. He remembered this and delivered on it like the good husband that he is.



I must say that cutting up sweet potatoes tonight for dinner was very exciting (and much easier than it used to be.) And Brandon, repeat after me: I will not use the knives for hunting, yard work or working in the garage. On second thought, just leave them alone and leave the slicing and dicing to me.

Wonderful Weekend

My parents came to visit this past weekend. As usual, we had a great time. I realize that their visits have more to do with seeing Addyson than seeing me, but I'm okay with it. She adores them, and it's a break for me since my mom did all the diaper changing, bathing, and entertaining all weekend.





I promise that I do Addyson's hair every day. I even put in a bow. Will the little stinker leave them in? Of course not.



We spent the majority of their visit playing Guitar Hero, which is so much fun. (Thanks, Brooke and Holly for letting us borrow it!)





Even Addy gave it a try.





It was so funny to watch my mom and dad rockin' it out. At one point my mom was head banging. No joke.



We had to humor my dad and go eat at his favorite place, The Rib Shack. I'm not much of a carnivore, but they do have really great barbeque. Addy loved the ribs.




So did my dad. We also had homemade veggie quesadillas (my favorite), homemade pizza, and we ate out at a Thai restaurant. Mmmm. I love curry.





My dad and I went to the gym together and attended a Spinning class. He's gotten really into it lately and spins all the time, so I gave it a try. I decided that I really like it, even though my butt is bruised and sore.



My parents also took me shopping for my birthday (it's not for a few weeks). I wanted a new dress for church, so my dad graciously watched Addyson while I tried on what seemed like a billion dresses. Mom and I were dying with laughter in the dressing room because I tried on a dress that was too small and I was afraid I was going to have to cut it off my body. My mom is the greatest person to shop with...I always find something great when I'm with her. I ended up getting a dress that I didn't even like on the rack but loved after she convinced me to try it on.


The new dress


My parents left after church Sunday and I miss them already. I love you guys! Please come back soon.