Let the festivities begin!

Well the 4th of July weekend started out on Saturday morning with everyone painting (I actually did too after I cleaned up the girls mess). Sammy was being silly, Maddie was serious, and Jake was well who knows-creating something!!!

Yard Sale anyone?

Friday morning I came downstairs to find the girls having a "yard sale." Sam was pulling out toys from the playroom and Maddie was counting out cards that were "money" so she could buy stuff. Then Sammy was sitting at the little table ready to check people's items out. I bought one of my movies and a necklace for $3 pretend dollars. Not bad. Does this tell you that I like to drag the girls to yard sales with me in the summer?

What do you do in the Summertime?

Lots and lots of swim time! We have been getting the little pool out here at our house as well as going to Seven Peaks since we have a pass there. The girls have been loving it. The last week it's been in the high 90's so swimming is a great way to cool off. Oh, and also eating lots of icecream cones.

On Baby front, last week I was dilated to a 3 and 90% effaced. I was really hoping he would come this week because my dr is oncall until Fri and then a different dr is on call for the 4th of the July weekend! We will see because the clock is ticking and there is only a few days left!!! I don't know if he will cooperate so I can get my dr. Jake just says he probably won't come until I give him an official name, but I think I just need to see him first:) Anyhow, if he doesn't come before next Wed, the 6th, my dr scheduled to induce me that day. So it's just waiting on this little stubborn guy!!

Happy Father's Day

We love you Jacob! Happy Father's Day to a great daddy and husband!!! Thanks for all that you do!!!

Rodeo

Well for the 3rd year in a row, we took the girls to the Strawberry Days Rodeo. They actually really enjoyed it this year and so Jake and I did too!!! They loved the animals, events, and concession food of course! They have been talking about it ever since and wanted to go back. Sammy actually cried when we left that night (although it was waaaaayyy past her bedtime) because she didn't want to leave.

On the baby front, I am due in less than 3 weeks. Yay!!! I have been having a lot of contractions and feel like he is getting big in there but hopefully not too big!!! My dr. app last week things looked good and I am dilated to a 2. I may have to be induced a week early in order to get the dr that I want to deliver me. So maybe I am less than 2 weeks away!!! And no name is final yet, I think I need to see him first. But the little fella will have a name when he makes his appearance!! We can't wait. Maddie keeps telling everyone that she is a big sister and I keep telling her not yet but soon!!! And Sammy has a dolly stuffed up her shirt everyday pretending to go to the hospital and have baby brother. So cute!!!! We are all very excited and anticipating his arrival.

I have a 5 yr old!!!

and I am finally now posting. Yes, I didn't have the internet for over a week and a half and it felt like forever!!! We had a VERY busy past two weeks with three different birthday parties for Sammy including one of those parties for her and my sister, Jake going out of town and then camping, my brother leaving on his mission to ROMANIA, and my sister in law and family coming to town (which meant I got to do a little scrapbooking-yay), and Sammy's preschool graduation. Needless to say, I am looking forward to a little break, even if it's only 6 weeks, before baby brother makes his appearance (and no, we don't have a final name yet!!) Anyhow, back to Sammy-she is now 5 and we are so happy to have her in our family!!!

Likes: learning to read, playing with her my little ponies and pet shops, watching movies, playing outside, swimming, playing with Maddie and friends, favorite food is still noodles, and she loves pink icecream.

Dislikes: getting dressed and undressed (she is VERY slow at this), getting ready for bed, showers, potatoes, and going to the store with mom (with dad, it is a different story!!)

More recipes and naughty kids...

yes mine have been very naughty lately so today I cooked two things that I really love. The first was this amazing chocolate cake that I got from my friend Diana that she saw on good things utah so I am not quite sure where it actually came from!!!

Amazing Chocolate Cake

1 pkg devil food cake mix

1/2 c. sour cream

Fudge Frosting

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. evaporated milk

1/4 c. cocoa

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 c. butter

Make devils food cake mix according to instructions on box and add sour cream to it. After it has cooked, make the frosting. Melt butter on med heat. Add sugar, milk, and cocoa. Stir and bring to boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a minute or two. Then stir in vanilla and salt. Beat mixture with wooden spoon for a couple of minutes and let mixture vest. Then beat again until thickened. Then punch holes all over cake and then pour frosting on top. Excellent to eat warm.

Then for dinner I made this. And yes, I made dessert first, who doesn't?

Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

which I stole from Jake's grandma Hadlock

3-4 chicken breast

A big bunch of fresh broccoli

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 c. mayonnaise

1 tsp. lemon juice

1/2 c. chicken broth

1 c. grated cheddar cheese

Boil chicken in small amount of water (reserve 1/2 c. for chicken broth) and season. Steam broccoli until crisp/tender. Heat soup, broth, mayo, and lemon juice until warm and add cheese and let melt. In 9x13 buttered glass pan, layer chicken on bottom, broccoli on top and pour sauce over top. Mix 1/2 c. crushed cornflakes (I also use ritz crackers if I don't have cornflakes which is what I did today) with 1 Tbsp. butter and then sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

NOTE: I have frozen this meal and it just isn't that great. I think because the steamed broccoli just doesn't do that well reheating up for some reason.