Shotgun Cheri

It is getting late and I am so very tired from our week of camping BUT....

I had to post a quick note about a new discovery!! This week while we were up in the mountains I discovered a talent I didn't have ANY idea I had .... I am a darn good shot with a BB gun!! John bought 2 BB shotguns and a BB handgun for our trip ... I was extremely accurate with the shotguns and I was feeling pretty "Charlie's Angels" with the hand gun! I had a LOT of fun shooting at targets and shooting Pepsi cans out of trees...

Brian, our friend who came with us on our camping trip, handed me his fancy BB shotgun with a sight on it for my first time ever to shoot a BB gun ... it was pretty heavy and awkward ... but I hit the bulls eye .... first try!

Now I will admit I have shot a real shotgun ONCE before ... about 12 or 13 years ago. My grandfather was a big game hunter (he would go on safari in Africa for months at a time....) who took John and I out shooting with his old buddies. I just thought it was a fluke that I hit the clay pigeon with the double barrelled shotgun... maybe not?

I also discovered this new talent with the BB gun is only slightly better than my talent with a slingshot! WHO KNEW!! My kids thought it was pretty cool they could point out any tree and I could hit it square with a paint ball!


So if I don't answer the phone the next time you call .... I just might be outside practicing my SKILLS.... :)

Back to the Future!!!

Last week Uncle Dave called with exciting news!! While driving home from a dance recital in Queen Creek, he and Kendall spotted a De Lorean parked outside a mechanic's shop. Lucky for us he decided to stop.....he found out that this was the ACTUAL car from the Back to the Future III movie!! So.... he called us and the next morning we jumped in the car and drove to the same shop. Our kids just saw all 3 Back to the Future movies so it was really fun and exciting for them!! They even got to take turns sitting in the drivers seat.

It was AWESOME!!

Complete with Flux capacitor... (sp?)

Mr. Fusion.....

The plates say "88NGONE"

YIKES.... My not too distant FUTURE!!



Thanks Uncle Dave!!!!

My Wonderful, Amazing Girls

I don't think as a mother I could be more blessed. Heavenly Father was kind enough to send me some really amazing kids. This post is dedicated to my oldest 3 girls..... Katie, Rachel and Olivia.


Katie is the oldest.... she will be 12 in October. She is your typical oldest child - talented, hard working, a true over-achiever. She helps me so much every day.... without complaint. She unloads and loads the dishwasher, cleans counter tops, helps make dinner, watches over Sophie, helps the younger kids with their chores, changes diapers, babysits.... and SO much more! If I need ANYTHING I know I can ask Katie for help.... and with 6 kids I ALWAYS need help! This is the first summer that Katie has been old enough to lean on .... I am just trying not to lean on her too much. I was an oldest and I remember how tough that can be sometimes!

Rachel is only 14 months younger than Katie. Rach is 10 1/2. She is my motherly, animal lover. She LOVES horses and reads book after book about them.... just like I did at her age! She is so good to play with her younger siblings. She spends hours and hours playing Barbie's, horses, stuffed animals, dolls, My Little Ponies, etc. with Olivia and Sophia .... but because OLIVIA wants to. She will sit and play video games and Webkinz with the boys ... because THEY like to. She is just a GREAT big sister. She is going to be one of those great babysitters that will actually sit and PLAY with the kids she is watching.

Olivia is 6 1/2. She is just an all around happy, sweet little girl. She is stuck smack in the middle of our crew but will never be lost in the crowd. I had a woman come up to me the last day of school and just go on and on about what a happy, easy going kid Olivia is. How she "goes with the flow" and ALWAYS has a big smile on her face. She is very thoughtful and kind. At least once or twice a week I will find a note from her laying on my pillow, my bathroom counter or on the handle of my door ... just a little note that says "I love you mommy!".... and sometimes she will tape a piece of candy on it too!

So.... I have one to help me keep the house running smoothly, one to help keep the other kids happy and occupied while we work and one that works to keep ME smiling and my spirits up.

How could I possibly ask for more!

That sad little girl inside.

For the last 3 days I have tried to help my friend as much as possible by watching her kids, making her family meals, running errands....anything to help lift their tremendous load. Today I helped that friend touch up her paint, do a last load of laundry, do a final walk through and pack up her car. I kept losing control of my emotions over and over throughout the day, but I would quickly turn my head or walk into another room until I had myself under control again. I know I wasn't the only one struggling.... I saw the red eye rims and that tell-tell sparkle in another friend's eyes through out the day as well. It wasn't until we said our final goodbyes and gave those "can't let go" hugs that the emotions finally let loose like a bursting dam that I couldn't control. I tried to be brave.... I tried to be "big". When my other friend started to sob I completely lost it..... and cried like a baby.

Its not like we won't stay in touch..... I am really GOOD at keeping in touch with friends. WE have moved a LOT in our marriage. With our blogs, email and the good 'ol phone, keeping close shouldn't be hard. So.... why all the tears?

I guess deep down we are still THAT little girl that can't always be brave. The little girl that is afraid of change, afraid of loss...afraid of the knowledge that life may never be the way it is right in this moment. The sad, little girl who just lost one of her best friends.

I guess its OK to be that little girl... just for a little while. Until we can get those emotions under control and we can be big, strong grown-ups again. Once we can remember that the closest friends always are just that.... close.....no matter how far away they are physically.

Midweek Dessert Recipe...

When I was pregnant with Sophie, I craved 2 things.... banana milkshakes and lemon meringue pie. This recipe is a combination of my favorite recipes that together make a KILLER pie!! And I should know .... I made it every week at the end of my pregnancy!!

Lemon Meringue Pie

Pie crust for 9" pie

Lemon Filling (from Parade Magazine 4/01/01)
1 1/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. tepid water
4 large egg yolks
1/3 c. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbs. finely grated lemon zest
2 Tbs. unsalted butter

Meringue (from Debbi Fields):
6 large egg whites, room temperature
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 c. sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare pie crust as directed. Prick crust all over with fork, then line with foil and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake in the center of the oven for 8 minutes. Remove the foil and beans or pie weights; bake until light golden, about 5 minutes more. Cool on rack.
Prepare the filling: Combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt in saucepan. Slowly add the water until smooth. Cook over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Boil to thicken, about 1 minute; remove from heat. Whisk egg yolks in separate bowl. Whisking constantly, add 1/4 cup hot sugar mixture into eggs. Slowly stir the egg mixture back into the saucepan; whisking until smooth. Stir in lemon juice, zest and butter. Return to heat. Bring to a boil stirring constantly, and boil to thicken for 1 minute; remove from heat. Cool for 30 minutes. Pour the filling into prepared pie crust.
Prepare the meringue: Beat the egg whites until frothy using an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the cream of tartar. Increase the speed to high and gradually beat in the sugar - 1 Tbs. at a time - until stiff peaks form. Spoon the meringue over the filling making sure it extends to the edge of the crust. Swirl it decoratively into peaks. Bake the pie for 6 minutes or until the meringue is golden. Cool for 30 minutes on wire rack and then chill for 2 hours.

Midweek Recipe

Asparagus, Leek and Proscuitto Risotto

1 lb. Asparagus**5 c. chicken broth***3 Tbsp. butter**1 Tbsp. olive oil***1 cup leeks***1 1/2. c. arborio rice***1/2 c. white wine*2 oz. proscuitto***3 Tbsp. parmesan*3 Tbsp. parsley, fresh

Warm chicken broth in a pan over low heat.*Cut asparagus into 1 1/2" pieces. Cook in boiling water for 2 minutes; drain. Place in cold water. Drain and set aside.Thinly slice leeks up to green. Chop prosciutto.Melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add leeks and saute for 5 minutes. Add rice and continue to saute for 3 more minutes. Add wine; continue to stir until all liquid is evaporated. Add 1/2 c broth at a time, stirring until evaporated until all broth is used (about 20 minutes)Add asparagus, proscuitto and parmesan.

A Couple More Reasons...

I thought of a few more reasons why I love my husband so much!!!.....

36. John makes delicious homemade 100% whole wheat bread for our family (and frequently for a few others as well...) every week! (and has for a couple of years now....)
37. He really likes my friends and is so glad I have them! (He told me so just yesterday girls!!)

38. He tells me every day that he doesn't want me to lose any weight (even though I would like to lose 10...) because he really likes me to have a shape. He likes an hour glass figure... no sticks for him!! ( I REALLY like this one.... it goes well with #36.... with honey!)

TWO Midweek Recipes!! (to catch up!!)

For April, Laura, Erika and Jen:

Rocky Road Peanut Butter Bars

Cream and pat into a 9x13 dish:

1 1/2 c. flour

1 c. butter

1 c. brown sugar

1 egg yolk

1 tsp. vanilla

bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

Immediately after taking out of the oven, pour 3/4 pkg. mini-marshmallows on top.

Slowly melt:

1 c. peanut butter

1/2 c. butter

10 oz. chocolate chips

Pour on top and set in the freezer for 1 hour.

Cut into bars and serve.ENJOY!!!

_____________________________________________________

Herb Garden Grilled Chicken

Great for a summer night BBQ!!

Meaty chicken pieces (bone-in)

1/2 c. lemon juice

1/4 c. olive oil

2 Tbsp. fresh oregano, minced

2 Tbsp. fresh thyme, minced

2 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, minced

4 medium cloves of garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. salt

In a shallow pan, mix together lemon juice, oil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic and salt. Add chicken, turning to coat with marinade. Cover and chill overnight.
Drain chicken, reserving marinade. Place on a grill over medium hot coals and cook, basting several times with reserved marinade. Grill 20 minutes, turning once, until juices run clear when thigh is pricked.
**Note - Place a few sprigs of fresh herbs on the grill when cooking meats and poultry. The intense aroma will add subtle flavor to the food.
Serves 6.

Why I LOVE My Amazing Husband SO Much...

Over the past few years I have had so many people ask me how I can manage to have 6 children... all born in 9 years.... and still be a sane and functioning person. My answer is simple and always the same....because of my husband, John. HE makes it possible because he is the best husband and father I could have ever hoped for.

The following are reasons why I LOVE, APPRECIATE, ADORE and LIKE my husband so much: (In no particular order....)
1. He always helps me with the kids ... NO job is too much to ask of him.
2. He KNOWS my favorite chocolates and flowers (star gazer lilies) and always gets them on special occasions (and sometimes for no special occasion...)
3. He reads his Scriptures without fail every night.
4. He loves to brush my hair ... one of the reasons I decided to grow it back out.
5. He is an AMAZING father.... Our children completely idolize him.
6. He is the only man I know that reads books on how to be a better parent....He even bought a whole library of Cd's on how we as a couple can be better, stronger parents.
7. He listens to me complain about my midsection and yet doesn't say a word (usually) when I grab a Dr. Pepper, the biggest chocolate chip cookie or make homemade caramel sauce...and pour it all over my ice cream sundae!
8. He demands and expects our children to treat ME with the utmost respect.
9. He does the dishes at least as much as I do... if not more.
10. He does the laundry if I get behind.... without asking or being asked.
11. He enjoys shopping with me ...whether its at the grocery store or Macy's.
12. I love that he is excited to see me and the kids when he gets home from work.
13. I LOVE that he is so patient but is always firm ...He is a big believer of only asking once and ALWAYS following through.
14. He loves to surprise me with one of my favorite treats (Hawaiian shave ice) that he picks up on is way home from work (and he hides it because its just for me!)
15. He loves my cooking and will try anything!
16. He enjoys watching movies with me ... even if they are chick flicks he would rather not see ... just because of how much I want to see a particular movie... even Jane Austen!
17. He loves sports but will usually turn them off if I ask him to (and I have a really good reason...)
18. He supports me in my crazy dog breeding hobby.
19. He has let my sisters live with us rent free multiple times.
20. He loves boats and water sports and wants our kids to love them too.
21. He loves clean sheets and clean towels and takes notice of those things!
22. FHE is a HUGE priority for him.
23. He loves our babies.....
24. He supports me 100% on my "girls night out" as well as my girls weekend trips .... because he knows I come back a better mom and wife!
25. He has become the total handyman and mechanic.
26. He is one of the most unselfish people I know.
27. He lets me volunteer to do costumes in the latest Gilbert Fine Arts Play that took me away from the family for hours and hours.... day after day.... for weeks!
28. He loves to take us on vacation .... whether it be camping with our trailer or going to Kauai.
29. I love that he loves his calling in Young Men so much .... and aways does his best.
30. He loves history ... especially WWII.
31. He LOVES to read ... and will read almost anything I will. (I even talked him into reading The Host!!)
32. He encourages all of us to try new things ... he even got me to go repelling! (and I am TERRIFIED of heights...)
33. He is so handsome!!! :) (I had to throw that in!)
34. He NEVER gives up.
35. He wants ME to be the best I can be.

There are so many more.... I am sure I will add more later....

Happy Anniversary John ... Thank you for 15 of the best years of my life!

Books, Books and More Books...

I have had a LOT of fun losing myself between the covers of a variety of different books over the past few weeks. I LOVE to read and will try just about any subject.....whether it be historical, adventure, mystery, fantasy, romance....fact or fiction....ANYTHING! A good friend asked me about a couple of the books I just finished so I told her I would write about them on my blog!

I finally got a chance to read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner. I found it to be a very thought provoking and touching story about the women of Afghanistan. Although a tragic story, I found myself completely absorbed in a world I know little about.

Next I decided to read something a little lighter so I jumper into State of the Union by Brad Thor. This was all action and intrigue ... like reading a season of 24. John really likes these and I have to admit I do to! The continuing saga of Secret Service agent Scott Harvath and his fight to save our great nation!

After I finished the action book I hesitantly started Stephenie Meyer's latest book, The Host. I know everyone has been split on this one but I have to say... I am firmly in the "LIKE IT" group. It was different from her Twilight series and very much science fiction but I thought it was great! I couldn't put it down and read it cover to cover in 2 days!

Last week John went to the Library and brought home two books for me I had never heard of but I thoroughly enjoyed them both. First was Searching for Eternity written by Elizabeth Musser. It was a little slow moving and depressing at first but the storyline eventually sucks you in. It is about the French Resistance during WWII and the Butcher of Lyon. It had me in tears more than once describing the atrocities committed by the very sick and absolutely evil Klaus Barbie.

The second book John got was The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. I actually stayed up most of last night reading this touching story of a couple and their three grown children. The husband in the story writes his wife a love letter every Wednesday without fail their entire marriage starting on their wedding night until their deaths. A true love story that left me inspired!

Next on my list is Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, The Book Thief and maybe The Dragon Prince. What can I say.... I love variety!!

A Little Melancholy

So... yesterday I spent 2 hours in the dentist's chair getting a few old filling repaired in preparation for my braces. Today I spent 2 hours getting my braces on. So far they don't hurt too bad ... and I have discovered an added bonus with these suckers .... they store snacks for later!! YUM! :)

Thursday my little sister is moving away. I guess at 23 she is old enough to spread her wings and be on her own without me. Its not like she hasn't moved away before.... she has lived with us 5 times since she was 14 years old..... but for some reason this time is HARDER. NOw she is taking Hayley too ....

2 weeks from tomorrow one of my VERY BESTEST FRIENDS is moving across country to Philadelphia. I fondly refer to her as my "drinking buddy" ... We like to hit the hard stuff.... Dr. Pepper and Cherry Coke... NO diet for us! She is my inspiration, my ear, my shoulder, my advice, my co-conspirator, my SISTER.

JOHN BETTER BRING YOU BACK TO US!!

So... a melancholy post for a melancholy day from a bit melodramatic me.....