My reasons why

There are many reasons why I love this country. I can't imagine living in a place that restricts my freedom, faith or family. It is a blessing to live here, despite what others complain about. Putting all of that aside, I love living in the United States of America because I am able to feel pride on the 4th of July (even if I do roll my eyes at a certain Neal Diamond song!) I am able to have a grand time at a too-long parade with my family, watching Tyler plug his ears at the loud fire engines. In America I can run a 5k in the streets of my hometown with my two best friends (Steve and Whitney) and walk to and from the festivities and feel safe.

I love large family dinners with the adults laughing and kids running around. I love seeing Tyler and Hannah wonder at the sights and sounds of the fireworks. I love spending the day with the people that matter most. I feel it a privilege to live in this country. I appreciate those who keep me and my family safe, and thank Heavenly Father for blessing me to live where I do.

What is summer made for?

The answer is grilling salmon and devouring fruit pizza. I got the pizza recipe from a good friend years ago and look forward to making it each summer. And while we grill salmon all year long, it just feels good to enjoy it out on the patio!

Fruit Pizza
2 packages sugar cookie dough
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
1 c. orange marmalade
Fruit ( I used strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, and bananas)

Frosting
1 package cream cheese
1 stick of unsalted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 lb. powdered sugar

Slice cookie dough into 1/4 inch slices and place on a baking pan. Press together for the crust. Heat and strain marmalade. Spread zest over cookie dough, then top with the chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 14-17 minutes. Cool completely. Spread the frosting over cooled cookie, then top with fruit. Reheat the marmalade and brush or drizzle over the fruit. Refrigerate until you want to eat!

(The fruit pizza I made last night!)

Now, this salmon recipe is our favorite...EVER. I have been to a lot of restaurants and usually order the salmon. While there are some good recipes out there, I always come back to this one.

Salmon (enough marinade for a whole salmon from Costco)
2 Tbs melted butter
2 Tbs olive oil
4 tsp soy sauce
4 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbs fresh parsley
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp pepper

Mix ingredients together and pour over salmon. Make sure both sides of the fish are covered in the sauce. BBQ on medium heat for 7 minutes per side (depending on thickness of salmon). Serve with lemons.

So there you have it. Two things dear to my heart. I would say I hope you enjoy them, but I am so confident, I am going to say that I KNOW you will enjoy these when you make them!

Summer time and the living's easy

While we might complain about the hot (or in this case cool) temperatures of the season, life is usually pretty good in the summer. I enjoy the general attitude of relaxation and care-free feelings. Well, minus the stress that comes with a husband study for and taking the Bar in just over a month. And looking for a decent house to rent (which is harder than it seems). Put that aside and what do you get? A great time doing fun things with the kids.

Hannah has become quite the personal stylist. Almost every day she will try to put on her shoes, ask me to put her shoes on, or talk to me about her shoes. What can I say? She is all girl!

Tyler LOVED his first session of swim lessons. I think he was a little "enthusiastic" for his teacher! At least he passed the level.

A fantastic day at the zoo. Why was it fantastic? Well, the kids got so tired, that I am able to put them to bed a little early!

I hope each of you are enjoying your summer so far!

S.C.U.M.

What is S.C.U.M. you ask? It is the name of the coolest Dirty Dash team. What does it stand for? Someone's Coming Up Muddy. That is a pretty mild description of how we really were after the race. I had mud under every toe nail, dried into every wrinkle on my skin, and could practically taste it in my mouth. Did I have a good time you wonder? ABSOLUTELY! Who wouldn't have a good time running 3 miles while hurdling over hay bales, running tires, climbing over walls, crawling through tunnels, and wading through a pool, all in the mud while being sprayed with cold water? Good times indeed.

My friend Whit and I before the race:

Part of our team after the race. I should have gotten a picture of my skin to show how truly dirty I was. I felt like an elephant with dry, old skin!

That day created quite a few lasting memories. And I will always remember how much I loved my hot shower when I got home!

Lucky Number Seven

Seven years ago this Saturday Steve and I got married. I thought it would be fun to share my favorite pictures from each of the last seven years.

On our wedding day June 4, 2004. To say we were excited was a total understatement! I don't know if many people know this, but we both said we knew we would get married after our first date. CRAZY!!!

During the first year, we were most happy just to be together. Whether it was hiking, camping, doing dishes, or studying in the Engineering buildings on campus, we just loved being together.

Our second year brought graduation from BYU, moving to Boise, getting to know a new city, and a new job. One of my favorite things about Steve is his love of exploring...despite my occasional protest!

In 2007, our third year of marriage, we had the greatest change ever...Tyler! I am pretty sure that Steve kept me sane during those first few weeks with a newborn. Tyler made us a family!

In 2008, we were still enjoying Tyler, Boise and our home. But we left Boise to return to law school and start a new adventure together.

Our fifth year of marriage brought another bundle of joy. Hannah joined our family. Steve and I really learned that we make a great team. We have an unspoken language between us. When we are trying to get somewhere with the two kids, he knows his job and I know mine. Somehow we get out the door on time and with everything we need.

In 2010, Steve and I realized we have to make time for ourselves our else we'd go crazy. These two beautiful kids brought us closer together, yet at the same time they take all of our time. We have loved looking forward to at least one date a month.

That brings us to 2011. This is our seventh year. It is going to be a lucky (blessed) year for us. First we went to Hawaii. Next came graduation, a move, and a job in Salt Lake.

And who know what else this year will bring? I guess that is the best thing about marriage, you never quite know what will come next, but you are blessed to know you will face it with your best friend. Happy Anniversary sweetie!