Motherhood

I have never seen these pictures before and just came across them on our computer. (Heather, Sean must have gotten these from you.) The pictures of Carly took my breath away. She has grown so much. She is such a beautiful girl and I have my hands full with her growning maturity everyday. Sometimes she is such a wise spirit, funny and cute, interesting and responsible. And sometimes...she's eight and she doesn't know how to handle a situation and the little girl that she is emerges. I love her. I am thankful to be a mother of a daughter. She is my companion and playmate. {I love my boys too!} They are so awesome!

It's intimidating to be a mom. Everyday is a battle and a blessing. I find myself turning to my Father for guidance. Each of these little spirits are so different and I don't feel equipped with what they need. I guess we (mom's) just need to pray and listen and learn and grow right along with our kids. Enjoy the journey together. I just wish it would slow down a little!

“One of the greatest needs in the world today is intelligent, conscientious motherhood...Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness the first assurance that there is love in the world.” —David O. McKay

GREAT Cinnamon Rolls!

This is a great Cinnamon Roll recipe. I can't figure out where I found it, but I'll edit with the source when I find it. These rival Cinnabon's rolls! These are simple and kid friendly to make. My kids had so much fun making these.

Rolls:
1 cup warm milk (110 degreesF/45 degreesC)
2 eggs, room temperature (mine were cold)
1/3 cup margerine, melted (I used butter)
4 1/2 cups bread flour (I used regular)
1 t salt
1/2 cup white sugar
2 1/2 t bread machine yeast (I used regular)

Filling:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 1/2 T ground cinnamon
1/3 cup butter, softened

Icing:
1 8oz. pkg cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 t vanilla extract
1/8 t salt

Bread Machine:
1. Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press start.
2. After the dough has doubled in size turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, cover and let rest for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Roll dough into a 16x21 inch rectangle. Spread dough with 1/3 cup butter and sprinkle evenly with the sugar/cinnamon mixture. Roll up dough (along the longer edge) and cut into 12 rolls. Place rolls in a lightly greased 9x13 pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
4. Bake rolls in preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 miutes. While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, confectioner's sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Spread frosting on warm rolls before serving.

Regular Method:
Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk in a large bowl. Mix in the sugar, margarine , salt and eggs. Add flour and mix well. Knead the dough into a large ball, using your hands dusted lightly with flour. Put in a bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Then pick up with step #3. Follow the rest of the instructions as written.

We've been busy!

We've been having a busy and happy summer! Ridge and Ty both had birthdays and Carly was baptized. Aunt Christy and Uncle Aaron came to visit and our friends the Carlsons as well (no pictures of them though.) Katie got married and Sean built us a picnic table. Sean also went to the Aaronic Priesthood Encampment. Mom took us girls to see Wicked. And to top it all off, Sean and I just celebrated our 10th Anniversary! Lots of fun!


I couldn't get any more pictures to download so I'll update them later.