Carver Lake & New Wheels

There's a little lake nestled in the trees less than 3 minutes away. It's breathtaking with small old cottages dotting part of the shore and shaded walking paths along the rest. Our favorite part though is the park hidden back in the trees. Any day it's sunny...which hasn't been too often lately, we head to Carver Lake Park. I park in a camping chair with a book while the kids get their wiggles out chasing cotton weeds and playing on the grounds. I wish I could pack this park up with me next time we move. I'm in love with it. Here are a few pics I shot of the kids last time we were there. Woodbury is hosting their annual yard sale this weekend. This is unlike any yard sale I've seen before. The boys and I hit the sale all day yesterday and got some terrific finds!! We even found a new bike for Will. He had dad help him get the hang a "taller" bike yesterday. I have more pictures to post from Bree's visit and Will's program I'll get up next!

There's a reason it's so green here! The rain has been coming like crazy lately! It's fun though and the boys love the rainbows after the storm. We're just praying the tornado's keep missing our town. :)

Family Pictures

We finally got our family pictures back from earlier this year.
Jeff's family was doing pictures with everybody at once, so we had a few taken of our little fam at the same time.
Don't you love Grant's face in the first one? What a cheeser. :) I love it.

Cake and Missionaries

We are loving Woodbury. The people are fantastic out here and we are dreading the time we will have to leave. Also, the weather hasn't been too shabby either! Instead of the normal 40's that are supposed to be here now, we have been in the upper 70's all of last week! Since last week was Spring Break, the kids and I spent every day in the park, going on walks, going to the library, etc. We are loving getting to know this wonderful city.
So we had the missionaries over for dinner yesterday. What a fun experience! They are such terrific young men and left us with a wonderful message about staying close to our Savior so we can be ready to help others when he needs us. One of the Elders is allergic to dairy, so I searched online for the perfect cake recipe to make dessert with. I found a recipe that I fell in love with!! Not being a huge fan of cake, this is definitely one that is going in the recipe book. It is unbelievably moist!
*Since we didn't need an entire 9x13, I used my stoneware bread pan and increased the baking time a bit.

Chocolate Cake..minus the dairy
3 c. flour
1 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar
6 Tbs. cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 c. vegetable oil
2 c. water
2 Tbs. white vinegar
1 Tbs. vanilla extract

Mix all the dry ingredients in one bowl, and all the liquid in another. When the liquid ingredients are mixed smooth, pour it all at once into the dry ingredients and mix. Pour into a greased 9x13 and bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

I did a dairy free frosting with shortening, powdered sugar, almond extract and almond milk. Then I dusted it lightly with powdered sugar.

It's a Boy!

We got to see #3 today. It was a boy! Looks like we are on our way to creating our own sporting team. He didn't want to give us a peek, but the tech finally managed to get him to move. We are so excited to meet the little guy this summer. Now it's time for name picking to begin...hmmmm

Speechless

If any of you know me, you know I usually don't have a hard time talking. And it's not often I find myself without words. However, Will definitely rendered me speechless twice this week.

The first time I was asking the boys what they wanted the baby to be...a boy or a girl?
Will thinks hard on it for a few moments and finally asks in an exasperated voice..."Isn't there another option?"

So I guess I'll be letting you know if we come up with an Option C on the Ultrasound in 10 days.

The next time came when he was playing with his little transformer that rolls up into a ball. He was spinning it on the couch when the transformer popped open unexpectedly. His eyes went wide as can be and then he turned to me and said "Mama, did you see that? I finally have Jesus' power!!"

I guess it's time for a FHE lesson on the priesthood.

Sigh...funny times. Gotta love kids, right?

Hell's Kitchen...a Minneapolis Must

We were a little hesitant by the name.. but the clerk at the Origins store insisted it was the best place to eat in the Twin Cities. It definitely did not disapoint!
If you ever get up north here, eating at Hell's Kitchen is a must!
It's set up in a massive basement right downtown. There is a live jazz band playing music and the ambiance is great.
Dad treated us to a terrific dinner (we even sat at that table above) and EVERYTHING was homemade (they even make their own ketchup). Jer even took a walk on the wild side and ordered some Mango Jalepeno ice cream for dessert. Everything was phenomanol. Come and visit me. You'll love it. (Yes this is another desperate attempt to get visitor's. I'll keep trying).

Healthy Hearty Banana Bread

This recipe is my new favorite Banana Bread recipe.
It's healthy...for the most part, not too sweet, and each piece fills you up.
It makes a large loaf, or two small ones. The kids loved it! Enjoy.


Healthy Hearty Banana Bread

3/4 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. ground flax (I get the Costco kind in the big bag & keep it in the freezer)
5 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 c. rice milk - can use skim milk as well
1/4 c. fat free sour cream
2 egg whites
1 3/4 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 - 1 c. coconut (optional)In my opinion, the more coconut...the better!

Mix everything together and pour into a greased bread pan. Pop it in a 350 degree oven for 70 - 80 minutes, depending on the type of pan you use. (My favorite most beloved pan in my kitchen is my Stoneware Bread Pan)...see below.
I got it for my wedding and life has never been the same. I use it weekly for my Honey Whole Wheat Bread. If you don't have one, ask for one for Valentine's day. You'll love it. It's from Pampered Chef, but I'm sure you could get them other places.



Happy Cooking!