We heart Books!

My name is Ashlee And I am a Book Worm. I have an excuse for not posting lately... and it is because I have been reading the Hunger Games series. I absolutely love reading but I don't read much. When I do I read though, I become completely enthralled and let housework, and other things go. In my defense, I promise that I did not neglect my kids and therefore child services do not need to be called.
I love reading and I was almost as obsessed with this series as I was with the Twilight Series. If any of my girl friends out there love to read, and I know some of you do, I know that you would like this series. I give it 5 stars out of 5 stars! If you do end up picking the books up and reading them,then I would love to hear what you think.Anyone that knows me, knows that I love reading children's books too! This love of children's books came when I worked in an Intermediate School library for several months before I had Kaleb. In fact, it is my dream to one day write a Children's book. With that said, I love that my kids have also been book worms lately... I love when Kaleb brings home his Scholastic Book orders home from Preschool. I get almost as excited as he does and we both like to sit down and look through the catalog together. I used to love book orders when I was a kid and loved when my parents would surprise me and let me pick out a book or two to order. I love the smell of new books and also love the anticipation of waiting for the books to arrive ... Yeah, I know that some of you are shaking your head thinking, "Yep, Ashlee has truly lost it and needs to get out of the house more!" Seriously though, I love passing down my love for reading to my cue kids. Recently, we purchased these books through Kaleb's book orders:

The kids love reading them with their momma and Both Kaleb and Karmindy are obsessed with Llama, Llama Red Pajama and Pinkalicious. I think I read both books on an average of 10 times a day. In fact, this morning while I was groggily trying to wake up I could hear Kaleb sitting and rocking his little sister in the Rocking chair in our living room and was reading Pinkalicious and Llama, Llama Red Pajama almost word for word to his little sister. It was really cute and I wished that I could've captured a picture of the darling act. It is so rewarding as a mother to know that your kids truly learn from you and your actions. I hope this love of reading books continues to be apart of my children's lives for years to come.

It's Official... Let the training Begin!

So one of my goals this year was to Run a 5K! I signed up for the 8th annual Running with Angels 5k. It will take place in June and will be held at Thanksgiving point! I am excited because the race will be held in their gardens. I can't think of a better place to take a stroll through. I haven't been to the gardens yet but I can't wait to see them. I hear they are amazing and so beautiful. I also can't think of a better race to run in. I really like the story behind this race. There is actually a book that is written by a woman who overcomes obesity and some devastating trials through running. Go here. I am running this race for several reasons. I know that I don't struggle with obesity but I do suffer from having a bad body image. I beat myself up about the way I look. I want to change that about myself! I have also gone through a rough patch with my little girls health. It is hard as a mother to watch your children go through hard things. I am not only doing this race for myself but I am also doing this for my daughter.

Back to running, I know a 5k may not sound like much to the avid runner but it is something and I have really had my heart set on. I also want to get back into shape. I would really like to lose the last 10-15 pounds of baby weight I am still carrying around after having Karmindy. I used to Run in High School and did Cross Country my freshman year. I decide that long distance wasn't one of my strong suits. Through trying new races and lots of practice, I learned that I loved the mid distance runs/sprints. During my Freshman through Senior year of High school I ran on the track team. My favorite event was the 400. It is kind of doozey! You must sprint the whole way and then really turn on the gas the last 200. I know I must be a gluten for punishment or in fact pain. Even though I like the mid distance races, I thought I would try giving long distance runs another try. So here goes nothing... If you see me out running in the neighborhood, honk your car horn and give lots and lots of encouragement because Heck, I think I am going to need it!

The Culinary & Crafty Queen

I have been wanting to create a blog that features my many cooking adventures and some of the crafty things that I make. Stay tuned for my new Blog: "The Culinary & Crafty Queen!" As many of my close friends know, I love to cook, love to eat and I love to share my creations that I make with them! I love trying new recipes and I delight in finding recipes that my little family will gobble up. I also like searching for recipes that are easy to make and taste like you slaved away all day on them but secretly you didn't. Because really, What mom has time to slave away in the kitchen all day?" Not me... It makes it Especially hard when you have little ones running around at your feet, begging for attention or those older kids who need to be Chauffeured to and from their many activities. I have many yummy recipes that I grew up on that my mom recorded down and passed on to me and a few recipes that I have collected through the past 7 years of marriage. I look forward to sharing my culinary adventures with you! So stay tuned for my new blog...

My first recipes come from a dear friend from High school. She is very talented. Check her out here. She also makes beautiful jewlery! I hope she doesn't mind me sharing these recipes. They are delicious! I made the Taco soup this past week and I made the Chinese Pork Ribs for our Valentines Day dinner with steamed asparagus with a yummy Hollandaise sauce over them. The kids went wild for not only the Pork Ribs but also the steamed asparagus.

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
adapted from RaisinKane aka Patti on allrecipes.com and from the kitchen of Melissa Yoder

The original recipe calls for a can of beer, so I changed it to chicken broth.

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped (I used half of a large onion)
1 (16 oz.) can red beans
1 (15 oz.) can black beans
1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (8oz.) can tomato sauce
2 (10 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chile
1 (1.25 oz.) package taco seasoning (I use mild)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
3 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts
shredded colby jack or cheddar cheese (optional)
sour cream (optional)
crushed tortilla chips (optional)

Directions:

Place the onion, beans, corn, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chilies and chicken broth in a slow cooker. Add taco seasoning and stir to blend. Lay chicken breasts on top of the mixture, pressing down slightly until just covered by the other ingredients. Set slow cooker for low heat, cover, and cook for 5 hours.

Remove chicken breasts from the soup, and allow to cool long enough to be handled. Shred meat with two forks; stir the shredded chicken back in to the soup, and continue cooking for 2 more hours. Serve topped with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips, if desired. Serves 8.

**This recipe makes a lot!! It made so much that I ran half of it over to a friends house so she didn't have to cook for the evening. The troops gobbled it up!


Chinese Pork Ribs
From Taste of Home's Quick Cooking and from the kitchen of Melissa Yoder.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup orange marmalade
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 garlic cloves, minced
2-3 lbs. bone-in country style pork ribs

Directions:

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, marmalade, ketchup and garlic. Pour half into a slow cooker. Top with ribs; drizzle with remaining sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until tender. Thicken cooking juices if desired. Serve with white rice.
** This recipe also makes a ton! We had a lot of leftovers! Next time I might sprinkle in a teaspoon of so of Red pepper flakes to give it some kick!

When I lived in St. George I worked for a Friend who owns Signature Suppers. It is a meal preparation company. I was paid to make meals on their menu for others who didn't have the time to cook. I loved it. These Chinese Pork Ribs remind me a little of a recipe that I made while working there. For any leftovers, shred the meat and save the juices from the crock pot.
The next night have this:

Asian Pork Wraps
Left over meat and broth heated (Refer to Chinese Pork Rib Recipe)
Soft Flour tortillas
One small bag of broccoli slaw( You can find this in the salad section of your favorite grocery store)

To make, heat the leftover meat and place on warmed tortillas. Place a handful of Broccoli slaw in tortilla. Wrap up and serve. Dip the Pork wraps in any left over juices. Very yummy!!

For dessert:

Light and Fluffy Berry Berry Cheesecake
I made this for our Valentine's day Dessert! It is a family recipe that I grew up on. If you are looking for a Cheesecake to make that isn't too heavy this is the recipe for You!

Ingredients:
1 8 ounce package of Cream cheese
1 packet of Dream whip, made according to directions.
1 can of Cherry, Blackberry, Blueberry or Strawberry Pie filling ( My favorite is cherry but I do like to mix it up from time to time)
1 pre made Graham Cracker crust ( You can just buy one to save time or make your own)

Make Dream whip according to directions on box. Set aside. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and then add the dream whip to cream cheese. Beat together until smooth. Then place into already made Graham Cracker crust. Smooth into pie crust and then top with your favorite pie filling. Refrigerate overnight so the flavors have time to blend. Enjoy!

All you need is Love...

Kaleb has thoroughly been excited this year for Valentines day. Went to Wal-Mart the first of last week and I let him choose the Valentines that he wanted to give his classmates in his preschool class. He chose Toy Story Valentines with pencils. He and I sat down when we got home and he addressed them to each of his classmates and enjoyed writing his name and slipping the pencils through the Valentines. On Friday, his class had their Valentines day party. He came home with his Valentine Truck holder that he made in class stuffed to the rim with Valentines and his favorite- the candy. It is so fun celebrating holidays with your little ones because the just light up with excitement over the small and simple things. I love it!

On Saturday Morning, Mark and I gave the kids their Valentines a little early. I was excited and couldn't wait but also since we have early morning church the next day I wanted them to enjoy their Valentines from us early. This year I bought the kids each a basket of their own and filled it with gummy life savors for Karmindy and M&M's for Kaleb. I also got Kaleb a pack of new matchbox cars and I got Karmindy a "My Little Pony." Kaleb and Karmindy each got a Valentine book from us. Anyone that knows me I truly love Children's books. I got Kaleb the book, "Guess how much I love you." It is written by Sam McBratney. I got Karmindy the book, "How do I love you?" it is by Marion Dane Bauer. In each of the books I wrote a little note to each of them telling them how much their mom and dad love them. I hope they will treasure them forever.The kids with their Valentine's day Baskets!

The kids loved their Valentines Day gifts. Karmindy has truly loved her My Little Pony and Has enjoyed carrying it around the house and brushing its hair with the brush that came with it.

For Mark this year, I also filled a basket with sweet treats, the kids' artwork they made their dad at story time at the library and I a book that I made him that counts the many ways that I love him. I have really gotten into making scrapbooks on line. The book was a hit with Mark!!Kaleb's BasketKarmindys Basket

Mark's Basket!

Mark's Love Book- A keepsake of the many things that I love about him!

I am so grateful that I have three people to share my life with. I Love my three Valentines! They bring so much love into my life!

Date Night...

It has been awhile since Mark and I have been out on a date. We usually trade with some of our friends who have kids the same age as ours. We have kind of gotten out of the habit since the beginning of the holiday season. Since the Holiday season is over, We decided that we needed to get back on track and get out this past weekend since it was of course Valentines Day weekend. We traded babysitting with our friends and they watched our kids for us on Friday night and we returned the favor Saturday afternoon. Mark and I enjoyed the opportunity to get away!! We doubled with some friends (The Hattaways) and went to Red Lobster for dinner and then after dinner we took in a movie at Jordan Commons. We went and saw the Lightening Thief. The trailer for the movie looked really cool but to me the movie was a flop. I did enjoy the Mythology aspect of it though. Both Mark and I decided it was a good concept for a movie but bad execution on the director/actors part. It was kind of cheesy! Oh well, you can't win them all! Even though the movie was a flop, dinner was yummy and most importantly I enjoyed getting out with my handsome Husband and enjoyed the company and socialization with friends. I can't wait until next weekend to get out with my Man!!

While the men are away...

The girls will play! For the past couple of weeks Mark and a friend (Jared Hattaway) from work have been getting together to go snowboarding at Brighton after work on Wednesday Evenings. While they guys are gone it has given me and Jared's Wife (Emily) a chance to get to know each other and also gives our kids a chance to play. Last night while the guys were gone, Emily brought her girls Cadence -5 and Melody-3 over to play with Kaleb and Karmindy. Kaleb loves playing with Cadence and they both go to the same preschool only at different times. They also have the same preschool teacher! During our get together, we made heart shaped pizzas and frosted red velvet cupcakes. The kids had fun making their own personal pizzas and frosting their cupcakes! Kaleb and Karmindy had a fun evening playing with Cadence and Melody. The kids aren't the only ones that had fun, I enjoyed visiting and getting to know Emily! It is so much fun to meet and make new friends!Kaleb enjoying his heart shaped pizza!My personal pizza that I made and my yummy salad with Olive Garden Dressing. Delish!The kids enjoying the fruits of their labors!Karmindy diggin' in to her pizza!

Jungle Jims Playland

This past Tuesday, the kids were invited to a birthday party for some of their friends(Jaxon and Claire Trimble). The party was held at Jungle Jims Playland in Midvale. Mark took the last part of work off and met us in town for the party. We had never been to Jungle Jim's before but we all had a blast hanging out with the Trimble/Mansfield families. Kaleb and Karmindy enjoyed riding the rides, playing the games, eating pizza, birthday cake and hitting the pinata. Kaleb really liked that he got to buy a special treat afterwards with his tickets that he collected from playing the games. He picked a black bracelet with Japanese writing on it and a couple of tootsie rolls. The kids had a fun time hanging out with their friends and so did we!!Kalebs absolute favorite ride was riding the flying saucer/ships!Kaleb and Karmindy riding the big trucks!The girls getting in some talk time. Both Karmindy and Claire played with Mark and my cell phones while Amy and Jeff were getting the pizza ready for the guests.Karmindy loved riding her horsey even though her enthusiastic look says otherwise!Kaleb loved the Merry-go-round!Kaleb and Jaxon(in yellow) riding the swings!Kaleb loved the bumper cars!Karmindy riding the speed boat!

When I tucked Kaleb in bed that night, I asked him what his favorite part of the day was he said, " Playing with my friend Jaxon and riding the rides!"

Here comes the Bride....

This past weekend (February 5th-7th) we drove to Southern Utah for my sisters wedding. It was on Saturday and it was all very nice. It is always refreshing to be present during a wedding in the temple and take the things that the sealer is saying to the couple that is getting married and apply it to your own marriage. I don't know about you but I know that I don't really remember what was said at Mark and my wedding. I was a little overwhelmed and preoccupied. I know that that is a little sad but I am sure that most couples don't remember everything that is said. After the wedding we did the usual family pictures outside in the rainy weather (ugh!) and then headed to their reception luncheon at the Bell Tower. Mark and I did just a luncheon for our wedding and we loved it. It saved us from standing in line for 3 hours saying hi to people that we didn't know and we could leave for our Honeymoon right after our luncheon. Kamberee and Ross did the same thing and I think they liked it a lot being able to not have the added stress of a Reception. I am sure my parents and Ross' parents felt they same.

I am really excited for Kamberee and Ross and it is so nice to see my sister so happy! Ross is such a great guy and Mark, Me and the kids adore him. There isn't a better match for Kam! I hope Kamberee and Ross have many years of happiness together! We love you guys!Kaleb congratulating Aunt Kam and Uncle Ross!Sisters, Sisters!
Kamie, Tiffany, Kamberee, Amber, and MeKaleb idolizes his Uncle Kaden and likes to follow him around! I just had to take a picture of these two cute men!I loved Kamberee's Dress. It is so gorgeous and I love the waterfall effect!Three of the most important people in my life.
My handsome hubby, my little man, and my cheesy little princess!
The four of us! My babies!
Boy, do they keep my life full and happy!

Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

One of my passions in life is baking! Even though it is one of my passions, it tends to get me into trouble from time to time because I like to eat what I create and the remnants show up on my daire aire!

I have been trying to cut back in my sugar intake lately and wanted something sugary this past weekend. I immediately thought of this recipe to help fix my sweet tooth. I got this recipe from one of the sweetest older ladies in my ward in Southern Utah. She made and delivered these cookies to my house one afternoon to help cheer me up after Karmindy's Heart Surgery. I loved these cookies so much that I didn't leave one cookie for Mark to sample. Hence the name Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin cookies. I promise, they really are that good!

Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

1 c. butter, softened
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teas. Vanilla
1 1/2 c. All purpose flour
1 teas. Baking soda
1 teas. Cinnamon
1/2 teas. Salt (opt.)
3 c. Quick or Old Fashioned Oats, uncooked
1 c. raisins

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Beat together the butter and sugars until creamy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
4. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well.
5. Stir in oats and raisins; mix well.
6. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cool for 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack.
Makes about 4 dozen cookies. You can also make bar cookies! Bake for 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes in a greased 9X13 metal baking pan.
Last of All ENJOY!!

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Beating those winter blues...

Since moving to Northern Utah, I struggle with the winter months. I welcome the first snowfall of the year but after Christmas and New Years, the snow, cold days and inversion bring on the winter blues for me. Even though this time is hard on me, it is also hard on the kids. It isn't like I can just send them outside, because it is freezing out!!

I always look for ways to keep the kids occupied during these cold months but finding things that don't cost a lot of money can be difficult. This past Tuesday, one of my friends called me and in an effort to to heal those winter blues, we both decided to get our combined four rambunctious, stir crazy kids out of the house. Our destination was the South Towne Mall in Sandy. I love this mall! It has many fun things for the kids to get excited about. They have escalators, elevators, a carousel, train rides and last but not least, the indoor dinosaur park. The cost of the dinosaur park= $0 dollars. It is a carpeted gym area. It isn't much but to four stir-crazy home-bound kids, it is Disneyland. On this little outing, it was fun to watch my own kids get crazy with excitement as they slid down slides, looked in the funny mirrors, stepped in the dinosaur tracks, spun the gigantic globe, and rode the swimming dinosaur. Kaleb and Karmindy had a blast and they enjoyed playing with their friends. Afterwards, I took them to the candy store and we got smarties and gummy bears. Our little excursion cost me a whole $3 plus the gas to get to the mall. Next time I might really slurge and let them ride the train and the carousel. From one home bound stir crazy mom to another, what do you do to help fight those cold, winter day blues??Karmindy riding the Water Dinosaur!Round and Round the gigantic globe goes, where it stops only Kamindy knows!Sliding down the dinosaur slide!Matthew, Luke and Kaleb having fun in a motorized car!Playing in the dinosaur hide out!
Kaleb's friend Matthew. My own kids wouldn't really let me take their picture but Matthew was up for it! I had to post this picture- too cute!

There is a new Sheriff in Town....

It isn't like this little lady doesn't run the household already! Karmindy is such a diva and has such a fiery little personality! The past few weeks she has just been a little Chatty Kathy. She is doing so well on saying words and communicating to everyone that is around. I am sure that we are the only ones that can understand her but that is ok. Karmindy loves to talk and I think she may give me a run for my money. I do have to get my "10,000 words in" for the day quota. I am sure that Mark would verify this little tidbit to be true of his wife. I do believe that Karmindy will have me beat once everything she says makes sense!

It has been so fun to see Karmindy's personality emerge the past few months. She really does love to entertain others but has to be in the mood for it or else she snubs you. I have learned not to take offense to this because she does it to others too. It is very funny when I take her shopping and strangers will get in her face and tell her she is "So Cuuuuttte!" She looks at them or turns her head away as if to say, "Hello! Thanks for stating the obvious! I know I am cute, and your wasting my time!" I think Mark and I will have our hands full with this little lady. I know we already do.
Kaleb got a lot of fun gifts from his birthday party, but there is one gift that Karmindy has taken a liking to. It is Kalebs cowboy guns. She loves to wear the holdster around the house and chase her big brother with the guns. Talk about a little tease.
When I took these pictures she was making a snorting sound with her nose but if you didn't know that little piece of info then it just looks like this little lady means business- which is all the time! What a character! We love you Miss Dee Dee!
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Aarrrrrgggg Maties!

For the past year Kaleb has been talking about having a Pirate Birthday party. He talked about this for months and months in advance before his birthday. I didn't want him to be disappointed and so after Christmas I went to work putting things together! Yesterday was the big day!

When Kalebs friends came to the door, we put a pirate dew rag on each of the kids heads and gave them a silvery skull ring to wear. After that the kids sat up to the kitchen table and colored and personalized their own pirate hat. I got the pirate hats from a restaurant down in St. George. It is called Pirate Island pizza. The pirate hats were seriously so stinkin' cute!

The birthday boy so excited for his party!A few of Kalebs friends personalizing their Pirate Hats!
LtR: Caleb Bradford, Jaxon Trimble, Kaleb, Sterling Lund and Sydney Searle

After the kids colored and personalized their pirate hats, we opened presents and then played a game, "Pin the Eye patch on the Pirate Skull." The kids had so much fun. I was really proud of myself too because I made the whole game. I drew the skull and decorated it and then laminated it and each individual eye patch.


After the game we all went back into the kitchen for cake and icecream. After birthday cake and icecream, we went on a treasure hunt. I am not very poetic but I am married to a man who writes beautiful poetry for me on occasion, so I ropped Mark into helping me with the Treasure hunt clues. I also made a treasure map for Kaleb since he was the Captain of his party crew.

Our Treasure Hunt went Like this:


Arrrggg Maties! Welcome to Blackbeards Treasure hunt!
To find the treasure it won't take long, all you have to do is play a little song! (The kids then had to go and find where you would play a song. We had the clue stuck to our piano)

#2-If you are cold, this is the place to be, It will have you warmed up in one, two, three. (This clue led the kids to the fireplace in our front room)

#3- when your clothes get covered in dirt and grime, this place will get them clean every time. (This clue led them to my laundry room, the next clue was stuck to the dryer)

#4- You are coming far along the path, now let's go and take a bath! ( This clue led the kids to the Bathroom Tub)

#5-You're almost there you Landlubber, lastly go where you would cook your supper. (My treasure chest with the kids goodie bags were hiding in the stove.)

The kids loved the Treasure Hunt! Mark and I only wish we would've written a few more clues because by the time the kids got into it and understood how to play it was over. Oh well, you live and learn. Also I am kicking myself because I forgot to take pictures of all Kaleb's friends that were at his party. Another thing that you live and learn from.

After the Treasure hunt we turned the kids loose and let them go play until their parents showed up to pick them up.


Mark and I felt like the party was a success! The kids seemed to have fun especially Kaleb. The most rewarding part of the day was when Kaleb came up and said thank you for throwing him a pirate party! I love the little rewards of motherhood. I am so Glad Kaleb enjoyed his 5th Birthday Party!
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