Sunday, October 17, 2010

Peace and Focus

My recent connections with the blogging world have been few, at best. My time and energy have been stretched thin as I learn to adapt to ever changing circumstances. I take comfort in knowing that focusing on my family will bring the greatest sense of joy to a very full life and that sometimes good things need to be left out so we can accomplish better things. A recent General Conference talk from Elder Uchtdorf helped described this so perfectly. He said...

"My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most."

How this talk has helped me to focus my efforts on my growing family! This talk and many others from Conference have been so uplifting to me. I feel fortunate to have this perspective and to be able to follow counsel from inspired leaders regarding the path to finding peace and happiness in this life.

My husband has been such a strength to me. How grateful I am to have married someone so close to the Spirit. He has taught me countless lessons in the past few months through his example in handling new situations with perspective and wisdom.

I also feel such gratitude for wonderful friends who have brought us unexpected meals, called to see how we are doing, and stopped by for much needed visits. Recent tender mercies are apparent in our lives!

A special note to Grandma Fletcher who checks our blog daily: We love you Grandma! More posts will come as time and circumstances allow. We think of you daily amid our busy days and pray for your health. Thank you for the love and support you give to our family. :)

Friday, September 24, 2010

Preschool Time


Madeline is beyond thrilled to finally be in preschool. She loves having her very own classroom and teachers. Her favorite subjects are music and cooking. I don't think I've ever seen her so happy or so very grown up!

Monday, August 23, 2010

First day!

A day of mixed emotions for me... and pure excitement for Audrey, Brendan, and Kooper. We packed bags and left for school without a hitch, all went smoothly for these seasoned schoolers! Madeline was sad to lose her playmates, but is looking forward to some time with mom all to herself. She absolutely cannot wait until her preschool starts soon and counts down toward her first day each morning.

Some shots as we left the house this morning (Kooper left much earlier for seminary but we'll get a picture of him soon)...




Saturday, August 21, 2010

School approaches

No pictures to post, just deep in reflective thought over the enjoyable days spent this summer together. How special to have so many days in a row all to ourselves... no due dates or schedules, just real quality time. I will miss the simple pleasures of summer, although there is certainly a buzz in the air over school starting soon.

Oh how fast they grow!!

Oh to put time on pause just a little longer!!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

10 years ago...

What a wonderful journey it has been!








Monday, July 26, 2010

Kooper

This week marks a new beginning in our family as we welcome Kooper into our home. Michael and I spent the last few months preparing for this week, working through legal paperwork, speaking with school registrars, and praying for direction and guidance.

We are so excited for Kooper to be a part of our lives. He is a fifteen year old, warm hearted, intelligent young man with much potential. We look forward to bonding together as a family through the next few years and supporting Kooper as he grows and matures. We love you already.


Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Juicy Blues

We geared up for the heat and spent a fun afternoon picking blueberries together. What a perfect family activity!

The staff at the local orchard encouraged us to sample each bush to make sure we only picked the sweetest berries. We certainly filled our tummies and our buckets! We have a freezer full of berries and have enjoyed many scrumptious recipes starring these juicy blues. (See our favorite blueberry recipe below.)











Moist Blueberry Streusel Muffins


MUFFIN BATTER:
4 eggs
2 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups plain yogurt
2-4 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)



STREUSEL TOPPING:
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt


1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Line muffin tin with paper liners.

2) In a large bowl, beat eggs. Gradually add sugar while beating. Continue beating while slowly pouring in oil.

3) Stir in vanilla. Add flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix gently until blended.

4) Stir in yogurt. Gently fold in blueberries (the less stirring the better).

5) Prepare streusel topping by mixing all streusel ingredients in a bowl (cut in butter with a fork).

6) Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle each with streusel topping.

7) Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.


Enjoy!