Before Adam left for his mission we wanted a family portrait and my parents were so kind to set up a date and hire a photographer so we could remember this time in our family's life. End of December and January were so cold outside and an outside shoot would only have resulted in photos of blue lipped, cold and grumpy kiddos and adults. We did an indoor portrait and I'm so happy to have this memory of our family. My parents were also kind enough to include each family getting their own photo. Thanks Dad and Mom! I truly thought that much wouldn't change much while Adam was away but we've got a little one on the way from my oldest brother Jared, wife Carrilyne. They're the couple on the left side with the 4 kids closest to them. Love these kids, excited for another from this precious family.
Just look at this group! We have so much fun together and each person is so special and imporant to the family. I love them all and truly know that families bring the ultimate happiness. Look at those smiles! This is what happiness is all about.
Oh Yeah! I wore like 4-5 inch heels so that I could be in the back with Mr. Finch! Still the shortest person in the row. Probably the only time i've ever been in the back!
Mr. Finch and I are always on the look out for fun dining experience. I'd heard of and even seen the Waffle Love Food Truck out and about in Utah County. The only food truck that I'm really aware of and something I wanted to experience. I watch food trucks all the time on the food network but never eaten from one! I know a weird goal to eat out of a truck...yet it's a desire, plus I've only heard divine things about the leige waffles with decadent toppings.
Friday night we ventured down to Utah county, ran errands, and found the parked truck. We decided to indulge and order two waffles to share:
Waffle, 1/2 strawberries, 1/2 raspberries, biscoff cookie spread, creme chantilly=Rich!
Waffle, Strawberries, Nutella Spread, Creme Chantilly=Chocolatey Goodness!
We had a St. Patrick's Party with my family yesterday. It was also the day we picked to celebrate the four ladies that have birthday's in March and April. So Happy Birthday Carrilyne, Madison, Holly and Adrienne! Holly has been wanting to do a murder "who done it" mystery party for a very long time. She decided this would be the event. She put in so much work and it turned out so fun! I'll have to figure out how to include the guest list with some of the characters becuase she wrote such fun things that in some cases, not all, hinted at the person's likes and personalities. With kiddos involved it was not a murder, but a theft! The precious Deidre Yellow Diamond was stolen! It was a hoot!
Who was I: Ms. Finch, Head Housekeeper
Who was He: Mr. Finch, Butler
Guilty: We were innocent! Despite accusations!
Everyone played parts and the evening was a success. Almost all of us had never participated in a murder mystery dinner and it went so well. Dinner was also amazing thanks to Lord and Lady Rockwell (Dad & Mom). With the Help of my nieces Ms. Libby and Ms. Ellie, fellow maids, we served the first course salad-yum!, Then "Irish stew" and "Irish Soda Bread" With a Key Lime Cheesecake for dessert. Lucky us to have such a beautiful meal, celebrate some birthday ladies, and have such wonderful company.
Holly made these fantastic paper banners for the chandelier at the Manor. Every room had a hanging banner with it's name i.e The Lounge, The Parlor, The Library...where the jewelry theft occurred
The Staff: The Butler and the Head Housekeeper, see that flour...a Clue!
Above: The Gathered clues Below: The Diamond found, Shelley the Duchess the thief!
Below is the rough draft of the guest list everyone got in envelopes with their personal information for "Their Eyes Only"!
Such a fun night! Thanks Holly and Dad and Mom for such a great night and St. Patty's!
March 1st was Pig Day and the 2nd was Dr. Suess Day. Holidays i grew up celebrating. Mr. Finch was a good sport and i think he's really starting to enjoy these unconventional holidays scattered into our lives making fun and humorous memories. I asked the Mr. what he wanted for dinner to celebrate Pig Day. He picked pigs in a blanket with boxed mac n' cheese. I know...we truly were little piggies! I'd never made pigs in a blanket and had to consult the internet. Dessert was my family's traditional pig sugar cookies. We've always made them, every year.
For Dr. Suess Day I shared a book that seemed just perfect for my mister. He's not a morning person and starting the day is definitely the hardest. I wish he could stay in bed longer but he's so good to head off to work. Luckily for us, this year, Dr. Suess was on a Saturday an he got to rest in a bit before we celebrated with classic green eggs and ham. My childhood was filled with books and Dr. Suess books were among them!
I'm glad to make these memories with my little family of the Mister and I. I hope others recognize the benefits of celebrating and living in the present. Look up a holiday, make a dessert, wear lipstick, make today special!
Happy Birthday Mother Dear! My mom celebrated her birthday on Feb. 24th. My Dad was traveling for business on her birthday the first time in their marriage-which is really amazing if I think how much my Dad has traveled. We asked if we could stop by and had some dinner and cake. My sister Holly volunteered to make the cake, my mom said anything...or a minnie mouse cake; teasing my sister because we always made quite interesting requests for birthday cakes growing up. Holly delivered! The cake was as tasty as it was darling!
I'm so blessed to have my mom in my life. She continues to be my best example of a loving wife, mother, friend, and strives to be Christ-like in all her doings. She is truly one of my best friends and I am so thankful for her. The LDS Primary Song seems to fit perfectly and be written to describe her. I hope to be like her. "You make home a lovely place". Love you Mama!
I tried making homemade tortillas last week with encouragement from my sister, Holly. Not one was round but they did their job holding our BBQ Pork tacos together. This is the recipe I used, I think I over kneaded the dough and will probably try other recipes if I come across it. I'm going to keep trying, there's some that use olive oil i'll give a go since I always have ingredients in the cupboard. Ole`!
Tortillas (I halved the recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus a little extra for rolling the tortillas
- 5 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup very warm tap water
