For Hire

2 Light Hangers

*Are willing to decorate your tree, even if it's already been done.
*Promise not to make a peep so nobody will know what they are up to.
*Call quick, their schedule is filling up.

A Recipe Worth Keeping

This last week the boys and I went to my parents ward party. They were doing a chili cookoff and a pie making contest. I was extremely excited to try out my skills from when my Grandma Porter gave me lessons last May. I ended up making a Cranberry Apple Pie and was so pleased that it turned out well! (That's not the actual picture above but it looked something like that.)
Out of about 30-40 pies, I was one of the 4 winners. I was thinking that might be the first time I've won anything! For those of you who've been asking for the recipe, I got it off of www.allrecipes.com. (One of my favorite sites). The only thing I did different was add orange zest to it. It truly is the perfect Thanksgiving pie.

P.S. If you want the crust recipe, email me: porter_jeni@hotmail.com

Lake Tahoe

I have officially been a blogging slacker this summer...and fall. :) I was copying all of our summer pictures to the computer, and wanted to share some fun memories. Lake Tahoe this year was such a fun vacation! We went out with Jeff's family and had a terrific time. We stayed at the very top of the mountain and had a spectacular view spanning the whole valley. Since many of the fam wasn't able to join us this year, we were left with a huge 2 bedroom condo all to ourselves. We were at the top of the hotel and there was an outdoor jacuzzi right next to our room. Can we say spoiled? Thank you Chris for taking such good care of us! The boys loved Lake Tahoe...especially seeing their 2 little cousins, Caden and Logan. We went to Virginia City, had a train ride, picniced by the Lake, and had a splendid Sunday service at the little ward there in Lake Tahoe. Everyone there was so nice. We definitely didn't want to come home.

P.S. If anyone is itching to can, I'm going to be at it this week. Applesauce, Apple butter, and apple slices. Don't you love fall?

Into the Woods...

Summer is drawing to its close and the bright colors of fall are beginning to pierce the mountains. The air is starting to crisp and apple canning time is almost upon us. This summer was unforgettable. Many gatherings, traveling, laughing and enjoying. Our favorites were definitely our back-to-back trips to Tahoe and Brianhead. My kind of trip is a trip into the woods. So, we felt right at home when we arrived at Brianhead. The cabin was breathtaking and the weather "perfect." The kids loved it. They adored searching for squirrels, trails, deer tracks and anything else "Papa Porter" would lead them too. It was so nice to play games all afternoon or simply curl up with a book whenever we chose. It was also so wonderful to be with Jory, hear of his experiences, and appreciate the great outdoors. Here are some memories. Hope to do this trip again soon. Thank you very much Ma and Pops!

A bit of this, A bit of that...

Life has given me few weeks that are as busy as this one. However, I had to clear my head for a few moments and thought I would try to play catch up on my blog. Summer has been crazy this year. I haven't quite figured if it's because life just gets busier the older you get...or if it's this particular summer. Anyways here is a quick glimpse at what we've been up to:

Jam, jam, and more jam. What's a girl not to love about that? I have a passion for canning and enjoy each step of the process immensely. So far this summer I've done rasberry, strawberry and cherry almond. Our peas and beans have been cleaned and frozen, and our corn is about to make its grand arrival. The rest of our garden produce we are hastily eating as it comes.

Home on the range. This is Will and Grant's favorite new movie. When I say favorite, it's gotten to the point where I wake up at night singing the songs out of the movie. Fortunately, they have a 1 movie a day limit and spend the rest of their time outdoors on the slip and slide or our little kiddie pool. They are soaking up every last drop of summer. Will is always by my side helping me with my every day chores. He has become a pro at weeding the flower patch and vaccumming the carpets. All his little brother is interested in is kissing. He smothers every one with great big open mouthed kisses. It's too cute.

Jeff has been running lately with work and school. Thankfully, they are building his new offices right here in Spanish Fork! Yee-haw! Not that the commute was that bad to begin with, but it will be nice to have him close. He has been a gem this summer helping his Grandparents at their place and serving everyone else he's able to. That one has a heart of gold.

So this weekend we take off to Lake Tahoe. We are thrilled! We have been looking forward to this trip for awhile. Jeff's family is headed up and have rooms at a lodge booked. I can't wait to tramp through the woods and see the beauty of Northern California. After that...

JORY COMES HOME!! We are a bit excited to have our little brother come back from El Salvador. He has been serving for 2 years and we can't wait to hug his neck. After his farewell, we head out to BrianHead. I've never been there but heard its gorgeous! My parents rented out a big cabin and we will just relax and let Jory fill us in on his 2 years away. After we get home, its back to another semester in school for Jeff...and onto my favorite time of year: Autumn. I will be sure to take lots of pictures and post them next month some time!! I hope everyone's summer's are going well. Love to all- Jeni

Why I Love Little Boys...

Bryce "Candy"

This past weekend we took off to Bryce Canyon. My sister-in-law Kami's family owns Ruby's down there and are so good to hook us up with great deals and a place to stay. Well...we had a blast! As many times as I'd been down to their place for blessings & baptisms, I had never seen the canyon. I LOVED IT!! You can't deny there is a God when you see this kind of nature surrounding you. We went down with my parents, Mirs & our wonderful friends, Pat, Shala & their little girl, Brynlee.
I had to share some fun pictures from our adventure.



As soon as Grant discovered there was rocks on the ground, he wanted nothing to do with me or my picture taking.



Oww!!! Miranda & Will looking much too old for their ages.



Ma, Pops & Mirs under a gorgeous backdrop.



Need I say more? We honestly couldn't stop gawking...the scenery is stunning! This is us on the Navajo Loop.



Talk about on the edge of the world!



Don't hate us because we're beautiful & white.



Pat & Shala. :) Loads of fun!

Will keeps asking to go back to Bryce "Candy." It was such a fun trip. We'll be back down in 2 weeks for Sadie's baptism. Hope to go down the Navajo Loop again!

Weekend Getaway

Whenever we're in need of good company, fun times, and a slow-paced weekend...we head on down to Holden. This weekend was filled with lots of activities and events in honor of Memorial Day. Last week was rough for me with Grant's "teething" nightmares and not a lot of sleep...I somehow ended up a little discouraged and knew a short trip would be just the thing I needed. Throughout the weekend...I tried to look for all the little things that make every day life "special." Here were my 5 favorites:

1. Stepping out the door in the mornings and being greeted with the smell of trees and land. It reminded me of the smells of summer camping.

2. Playing a good game of PayDay with my sweet husband and brother-in-law, Dan. I haven't sat down to a good board game in ages! I grew up playing games and need to take more time to enjoy them now.

3. Running into a wonderful couple on my way into church. I was late and Grant was fussy...everyone was already inside. There happened to be a truck parked outside the door with the nicest lady and man sitting inside. She gave me the sweetest smile and asked how we were. She told me that her husband was too ill to sit in sacrament, but they faithfully came every week and the deacons administered the sacrament outside to their awaiting car. They also had a portable radio there so they could hear the service. I was humbled by their faith and dedication. It was the reminder I needed to take my eyes off of my own problems and refocus.

4. Eating good ol' fashioned picnic food. Let's be honest...I paid for that on my run this morning, but it was 100% worth it.

5. Laughing. How good it was to stop and take time to have a good laugh! Laughter does amazing things for my attitude.

I have a saying in my kitchen that goes "Life doesn't get much better than this." Last time my Grandpa Porter was up from Arizona, he saw the saying and asked "Do you believe that?" I answered without hesitation that I did. This last weekend I remembered that in order for that saying to be true, I have to remind myself to stop and see the beauty that life holds. It's always there...I just need to take time to see it.

A Mama's Day

A mama’s day…
Is full of mischief and grins
Her work seems unnoticed at times

She can’t comprehend
The generations she’s touching
Motherhood gets sweeter with time

A mama’s day…
Doesn’t end when she’s fifty
There are still walks to be walked

Mama’s are there
In the most desperate of hours
Tending to their sweet little flock

A mama’s day…
Should be sunshine and flowers
Not full of hurt and pain

Little she knows
God’s hand is at work
Hoping she’ll dance in the rain

A mama’s day
Is quite delightful
Holding her little ones close

She knows a secret
Life is what you make it
Each second matters the most
-J.N.Stevens, May 2009

I'm so greatful for all the mama's who have enriched the lives of me and my family.
Happy Mother's Day everyone.

Baseball, Swimming & Strawberry Pie

Will & cousin Chace enjoying some nutritious ball park food!

Grant is baseball's newest fan...well at least of playing in the rocks at the ball park.

The boys enjoying a swim with Sherri & DeAnn.

After a loooooong winter trapped inside, a trip to sunny Arizona was just what the doctor ordered (especially for mama)!! The boys have gone crazy down here and had the time of their lives. We've seen baseball games, played with cousins, been covered head to toe with sand from the sand box, gone swimming, and visited relatives and friends. Besides Will getting carsick and Grant's teething, it's been a great spring vacation for the 4 of us. My Grandma Porter took an afternoon to teach me how to make her famous Strawberry Pie. I couldn't resist but share with the rest of you....

Strawberry Pie

Crust: 5 C. flour 2 1/2 C. shortening
2 tsp. salt 2 T. sugar
Cut together with pastry cutter or fork.
1 egg 1 T. vinegar
Beat together with fork first, than add enough ice-water to make 1 C. liquid. Beat well with a fork.
Stir liquid into flour mixture until well blended and roll out on floured surface. (Roll fairly thin). This crust will make enough for 2 pie's (both bottom and top crusts). If making the following pie, bake just the bottom crust at 350 until golden brown. Let cool.

2 baskets of fresh strawberries, rinsed and halved or quartered.
Combine the following in saucepan:
1 C. sugar 3 T. corn starch
3 T. light corn syrup 1 C. water
1/4 tsp. salt 5 strawberries, mashed
Cook, stirring until clear and thickened. Remove from heat.
Add 3 T. strawberry jello. Cool.

Arrange 1 bottom layer of clean dry berries in the cooled crust. Drizzle half of the syrup over. Arrange 1 more layer of berries and drizzle remaining syrup on top. Refrigerate for an hour or more and cover with whipped topping right before serving.
This recipe is AMAZING. You will not regret making it. If you'd like, buy a pie crust to make it a bit easier!

A little angry...

So the past little while I've heard of a lot of people going private. I didn't understand why, until my good friend Tonya clued me in. She said she had watched Oprah that day about child predators and decided it was time to go private. Well... I do record Oprah and watch it occassionally, so I turned it on while I cleaned this morning. Seriously, how sick is our world becoming?? The scary thing is that it doesn't happen just to kids in big inner cities, or kids in severly low-income neighborhoods...its happening everywhere. While I believe the internet can be such a great tool, I am saddened (and a little angry) at how its misused. Doesn't there come a time when enough children have been assaulted that the government steps in and regulates the filth that's passed along? Isn't there a button the techies at Microsoft can click to turn off pornography all together? :) I optimistically hope that one day the internet will be a clean place for society to use. Understanding agency though, I will educate my children from when they are young and in the mean time...I too will be going private. I'll get everyone on my list invitations emailed out. Send me your email if you would like one and you are not on my list already!

A-tisket, a tasket...A green & yellow basket.

I faintly recalled this nursery rhyme from many years past. I thought it would be fun this Spring to make my own "green & yellow" baskets. Hopefully the little guys can use them for many delightful Easter egg hunts. Happy Easter everyone!

Help Wanted

So, I have always had a passion for writing. For years, I have been wanting to write a novel and this year I became brave enough to put the story on paper. It's coming along quite nicely, but I am stuck! This is where you come in.... I need a name for my little town. The book takes place in early 1900's...in my mind the town is a combination of Anne of Green Gables, Meet me in St. Louis, Pollyanna, and Stars Hollow.
If you can come up with the perfect name for me, I will send you some beautiful hand picked stationary. (I'm starting to collect stationary and am quite smitten.)
Thank you for your help!!

Fresh & Fabulous!

I had to share...this is an amazing recipe. We loved it.

Carribean Chicken

Ingredients-
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried, crushed thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon allspice
4 chicken breasts
2 1/2 small limes, juiced (you should have at least 2/3 cup juice)
1/2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the salsa-
1 can corn kernels, drained
1 large mango, peeled and diced (see how to dice a mango)
2 thin slices of sweet onion (Vandalia or Walla Walla)
1/2 lime, juiced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
salt and pepper to taste


Directions-
1. Mix the salt, thyme, paprika, and allspice together. Rub the spices into the meat with your fingers. Set aside in a shallow dish.
2. Mix the lime juice, fresh ginger, and vegetable oil together. Pour it over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for two hours to marinade.
3. Mix all the salsa ingredients together. Refrigerate.
4. Discard the marinade and cook the chicken on the grill or stove top. (A portable grill works nicely.) Serve hot with the salsa spooned over the meat.

Truly scrumptious.

The sun is out, and so are we...

As the doorbell rings, Will tears towards it with Grant waddling as fast as possible trying to keep up. The great outdoors constantly beckons to these little boys and they are eager to answer. Although this family is richly blessed with all 4 seasons, we are grateful for the coming of Spring. Flowers blooming, birds singing, windows open, fresh air billowing through my white linen curtains, dirt under our fingernails, planting colorful buds, swinging on the porch swing. The earth is being reborn...and so are our spirits.

On a lighter note...

Okay, after my rant a couple of weeks ago, I'll keep this post a little lighter. So I have heard horrible things about "aluminum," the main ingredient found in pretty much every deodorant on the market. The side effects include amnesia and breast cancer. Yikes!! So anyhow, after doing my homework, I have switched to Tom's deodorant. I love it! My favorite scent is Apricot. I've been buying this at the health food store for awhile at 6-7 dollars a tube. However, I just found it at Walmart for 2.99!! While I love to support the smaller stores, that is savings I can't pass up!
I love to pass on any good deals I find. Anyhow, next time you are at good ol' Walmart, check it out.

It Starts Today.

Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or Non-Believer….it doesn’t matter. There is one thing we can all agree on; the quality of our entertainment is on a downward spiral. I’m tired. Tired of covering my children’s eyes whenever an inappropriate commercial appears. Tired of getting up and walking out of anticipated PG13 movies that should’ve crossed the lines to R. Whatever the rating may be, at the end of the day…I know “good” material from “bad.” I know what I should be watching and what I shouldn’t. I know what leaves me feeling peaceful inside and what doesn’t. Last night I went to a movie. It was PG13 and used every bit of that rating it could. I heard destructive language, women and men having affairs, females who were in serious lack of attire….and there I sat. I didn’t get up that time. My soul urged, and I ignored. I traded the value of my conscience to see “how the show ends.” I felt horrible inside.
Today is a new day. There is opportunity all around me. Opportunity for my family to stand for what we know to be right. Opportunity to support those few entertainment outlets who still bring good into our theatres and homes. Opportunity to walk over to my Television and quietly shut it off, no matter the popularity of the program. Opportunity to be the only one to get up and walk out of a packed theatre. And finally, opportunity to do right by myself, my husband, and those two little guys that God gave me to grace my home. It’s time to change the current. It starts with me…. It starts today.

Top Ten List!

The Top 10 Reasons A Day With Jeff is Priceless!

10. He can sing you every song made by Conway Twitty, Hank Williams, or any other country singer imagineable.
9. When you think you've found the best burger dive possible, Jeff will take you to a better one.
8. On any given day, Jeff can tell you how to get to Zion..."Take I-15 down to a little town called Holden."
7. When you are parched and out of anything to drink, Jeff will unfailingly pull out a crisp cold can of Pepsi.
6. Although he appears very manly, Jeff is always up for a good episode of the "Gilmore Girls."
5. He has a killer built-in navigation system. You can almost punch an address on his forehead and get the same results as a GPS.
4. If you're bored, nothing is better than locking Jeff in the house for the entire day with nothing to do and watching him squirm. Quite entertaining.
3. He'll go to any store with you...except the MAC counter. Every guy has their limits.
2. Call him "Chef Jeff." He is a barbequeing, dutch ovening, grilling man. And he's only lit the barbeque on fire twice.
1. If you have a pet, trade them in and rent Jeff. He is the most loyal, humble, and best friend anyone can have.
I love you Jeff. I hope our 5 years turns into 50...and so on.
Happy Birthday!

Too funny to not post...

So, I was scanning Craigs List the other day to see if there was anything good out there and came across this table. Isn't it great?! haha Jeff's always saying how he needs more desk space at work...and his birthday IS coming up. What do you think??!

My Sweet Willaby

Dear Will-
I can clearly remember the first day you came into this world. Surrounded by a dozen people in the operating room, my only hope is that you would be okay coming here early. The second I heard your little cry, my life changed. I knew you were sick...but I had no doubt you were a fighter and would come through okay. Looking back, those weeks were the hardest and scariest I've ever gone through. Seeing you hooked up to all those machines and fight for each breath, broke my heart. God took care of you though and you have grown to be the strongest, funniest and sweetest 3 year old I know. I love that you come climb into my bed at 6 every morning. I love that you call me a "princess." I love your loooong kisses you give me. I love seing your eyes light up every time we take you to the farm or you get to see your grandparents, cousins & friends. I love that you have to give Grant a kiss on the cheek every morning as soon as you wake up. I love that every night when we say its time for bed you say "Few more minutes." In short, I love every quality that makes up the little boy you are. As I climb onto my knees this night, I will thank God for giving us one of His most precious spirits. You are a giant among men.