Easter Cookies

I found this idea on one of my Favorite Blogs and thought I would share. We will be making These Cookies Saturday night.  I just love Easter and what it means to me and my family.  I can think of no greater blessing then to be able to be with my Family Forever in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Without Christ's atonement and resurrection that would not be possible.  To know that there is someone else who has felt everything I am going through in this life is a blessing beyond measure.  I am so grateful for my knowledge of the plan of salvation and what Christ has done for each one of us. Having children at home there are so many things you can do to teach the meaning of Easter.

What is a favorite tradition in your family??

Happy Easter to you and your family!

Spring Break Day 3-5

Spring Break this year was the BEST!  My friend Melissa and her kids came for a few days.  Our kids had the best time ever!!  The played in the water, made friendship bracelets, the boys made a wooden car, we ate lots of yummy food, we watched movies that made you almost pee your pants, we went shopping at Beals, we crochets, ate chocolate, the kids jumped on the trampoline,  and whatever else you can think of!  We decided this will be something we do every year!  

I first met Melissa when we moved to Morenci about 8 years ago.  She was the first to welcome me and we become fast friends.  Since then we have both moved and now live about 3 1/2 hours apart.  But you wouldn't know it!  She is the kind of friend you might now talk for months, but you pick up right where you left off.  We can talk about anything and everything together and she inspires me in my motherhood journey!  I have truly cherish her friendship all these years!  Everyone needs a friend like her!

Mini Triathlon

{Activity Day Girls}

The girls have been "training" for this event for the past couple months.  They both were pretty excited to participate in it.  Their leaders put a lot of time and effort into planning and making this happen.  Every girl finished and did very well! In our church children from 18 month through 11 years of age attend Primary.  For girls 8-11 they attend Activity Days twice a month.  I love that the gospel of Jesus Christ provides these girls with activities to build them as daughters of God and bring them closer to their Father in Heaven.

Blossoms & Babies

We are so happy to see blossoms on our fruit trees.  The kids went wild when they saw them.  They now know that blossoms mean sweet yummy fruit in the future!  I love Spring!

We went out and found that our Mama hen has had 4 babies hatch so far.  They are the sweetest little babies.  The mama hen is very protective and such a good mama.  The kids are loving the babies.  New life is always so wonderful to witness.  I think it animals teach children in many areas of life & love that we live where my children can have that experience.  What a blessing!

Make It From Scratch Monday: Homemade Yogurt

{Family Favorite}


We make 2 gallons about every two weeks.  It has saved us a ton of money and is healthier then the store with all the High Fructose Corn Syrup or Sugar.  We don't add sugar, just fresh or frozen fruit when eating.  I have added the option at the end though.  My Friend Melissa adds 1 can of Sweeten and Condensed milk and said it was delicious!  


Ingredients


*1 gallon of milk

*1 cup yogurt starter(you can use a small cup of plain Dannon , or you can use a cup from your previous batch.)


1. Place four quart glass canning jars, four lids, and four screw-tops in a large pot. Fill with an inch of water; cover with lid and heat to boiling. Boil for ten minutes. Leave the lid on the pot and move it off the heat until you are ready to use the jars.

2. Pour one gallon of milk into a large, heavy bottomed stockpot. Heat the milk to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.


3. Turn off and let the milk cool to 120 degrees fahrenheit(50-55 degrees celsius)


4. Stir one cup of yogurt starter into the cooled milk, using a whisk. Stir well to ensure that the starter is thoroughly incorporated into the milk.

5. Pour the milk into jars, and put the lids and bands on. Place them into a dehydrator (or other source to keep warm) and keep at 115 degrees.


6.  Leave in a warm place for four hours. When the four hours are up, place the yogurt in the refrigerator.  


{Enjoy!}

To make a delicious vanilla version of this yogurt, add 1/2 to 1 cup of sugar to the four quarts of milk when it’s cooling. Then stir in 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla, depending on your preference, and proceed as usual with the recipe.

Our First Recital

Loralie has a fantastic Piano/Voice teacher that she just LOVES!   Loralie is LOVING music and I am LOVING her passion for it.  Now that some of my children are getting older they are finding their niches and talents.  Loralie has a natural love for Music & Art.  I am so excited to see where these talents will take her.  

The Power of Moms Retreat

I just wanted to spread the word about an awesome Mom's Retreat coming up in May.  I am so excited to be able to go!  I have the BEST husband ever!!  Click below for all the details!  Two of my most Favorite authors are hosting it at their home!  So excited!!

A Crocheting Lesson

During Spring Break my friend Melissa came and stayed a few days with her children and we had lots and lots of fun, (which I will be posting about soon)!  One thing we did was crochet.  I have known for years how to make a chain but not much else.  Well, she taught me to make flowers and go beyond a chain.  Here are some things I have been trying out in my free time.  It is really relaxing to me and I am hoping the more I practice the better I will get!

{Crochet Bracelet}

{ A Pot Holder}