Fresh Cream of Broccoli Soup

I got this recipe off of the blog the chronicles of windy ridge two weeks ago and I've made it three times since. The kids made it with me tonight and Carly and Ridge had so much fun cutting up all the veggies. We added zuchini, yellow squash, and carrots and seasoned with a little salt or garlic salt. The kids gave it a 10 out of 10! It's sooo good.

Fresh Cream of Broccoli Soup

Ingredients:
· 4 celery ribs, chopped
· 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
· 1 large onion, chopped
· 5 tablespoons butter
· 2 bunches broccoli, trimmed and coarsely chopped (about 8 cups)
· 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
· 1/2 teaspoon pepper
· 2 tablespoons cornstarch
· 1/4 cup water
· 1 pint heavy whipping cream
Directions:
In a large saucepan, saute celery, onion & garlic in butter until tender. Add the broccoli, broth, and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until broccoli is tender. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream; cook 10 minutes longer or until heated through. Yield: 6-8 servings. Of course we double, triple and sometimes quadruple recipes at Windy Ridge. Best enjoyed in front of a crackling fire served with bread*

Grateful.

Sometimes I get so busy doing "things" that I don't venture outside except to take my kids to school. A couple of weeks ago, Sean kept the kids while I went for a little ride by myself. I went to the garden and enjoyed the sunset. It was quiet. It was peaceful. It was beautiful. It was wonderful!

I prefer enjoying things like this with my family, but once in a while it's nice to do it alone and to be able to reflect on life and goals and to chat with my Father. (As a mom, it's easy to let the everyday chatter and commotion get in the way of well needed heavenly meditation. Don't you agree?)

I love being outside. Everytime I am outdoors I am amazed at the world our Father has made for us. It fills that little reservoir that slowly leaks away with the crazy things happening in the world today.

My Dad brought me up appreciating the beauty around me. Do you notice it? I'm so thankful he shared his testimony of the beauty of Creation and our Heavenly Father's love for us.

Tonight I took the opportunity to take the kids out on a walk and to run around the field across the street.

Again, it was wonderful! The sun was shining. The weather was nice. The kiddos were happy. We live in a beautiful place. I'm just grateful.

Cute little Ty again...

Tonight when I put Ty to bed, he said "Mom, can I tell you something? Will you stay with me? I get scared when all of my moms leave the room."

I giggled and asked how many moms he has. He said only me, but he doesn't like it when I walk out the door.

So I stayed and sang and we snuggled for a little while...and eventually he ended up down stairs on my lap again.

I guess all his moms are suckers for little sweeties.

Funny Ty.

The kids are doing an art project at the kitchen table and I'm listening to them from the other room.
Ty in excitement yells: "Whaaat a cow!!"
Ridge says: "Ty, you mean, Oh my goodness!"

Or maybe...holy cow?

Happy Birthday Carly!

Carly recently celebrated her 8th birthday with some of her best girl-y friends at a fun girl-y party! What girl-y party would be complete without with pink roses from dad, fluffy pink decorations, yummy pink candy and cupcakes and pretty pink glasses to drink some yummy pink punch! The girls spoiled Carly and in turn, each girl was spoiled with her own girl-y pink and black apron to take home. These girls are so wonderful and full of spunk and fun. I am so glad that Carly is surrounded by such sweet girls. I am so excited that they have the opportunity to be a support to each other as they grow up. Afterall, don't we all hold our childhood friends dear to our hearts, even if we have been out of touch for years?
Happy Birthday Carly and thanks to all who made her day so special!

Welcome Spring...

These pictures were taken during spring break. It was so fun to have the kids home all day for a whole week! I loved it. The weather has been getting a little too warm for March, but it cooled back down into the 70's again today. Perfect and sunny. What a beautiful day...just right to fly some paper airplanes, watch a puppet show or enjoy a picnic!

We've got some WINNERS!

Ok, Katie, Stephanie, and Holly...you're my girls! I'll be thinking up something cute to make you! Hmmm. This is actually a little intimidating...but fun! So many possiblities...I'll try not to keep you waiting too long! Thanks for playing!

A fun little contest!!!! Interested?

I saw this on my friend's blog and thought it sounded like fun!
Here's how this works:
The first 3 people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make no guarantees you will like what I make.
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It will be done this year.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be.
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch is that you must re post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 3 people who do the same on your blog. The first 3 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did, win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post of picture of what you win when you get it! Who's in?

Love and napping

I just want to post this cute picture of Sean and Ty taking a nap today. They looked so peaceful and cuddly. I wanted to join in, but I don't think we could all fit on the couch! Darn.

Also, I forgot to post our Valentines crafts this year. We have a family tradition of decorating our table and the light above for a fun candle light Valentines dinner. We made conversation hearts (out of salt dough) and painted them red and black and then hung them from our chandelier with long pink ribbons. They were so cute. They have now made their way to a vintage tea cup holder in another room. They were fun to make and I'm already excited to take them out next year!

We also made this pretty "LOVE" banner. We love it! It's in our living room and it's a good reminder to be a little kinder to each other. At least it works for me!

Fishing Derby and Farming

Today, we started out our morning going to the Skousen farm and planting a garden plot with some friends. The Skousens own a large farm and have kindly let us plant a community garden (our whole Stake was invited to join in). We only needed to purchase the seeds, plant them and then come each week to weed it. Awesome! We planted watermellon, cantelope, pumpkin, zuchinni, tomatoes, squash and cucumbers. Can't wait to see them grow. We are so excited!

Today was also the annual fishing derby for our city. I dragged a reluctant hubby and 3 very excited kiddos to the park. 150 kids and their families all around 1 pond stocked with fat catfish. It was fun. Ty caught his first fish. And then his second and third. He skunked Carly and Ridge as they didn't catch any! As you can tell, Carly was a little miffed that she never caught one. But in the end, said it was so fun! Ridge was a trooper and actually had an excellent cast!

When Ty caught his fish, he reeled it in just to the edge and then it wiggled and splashed him. He was so excited up until that point but that ruined it. He bolted. He wasn't getting near that thing!