spicy green chili black bean + cheesy polenta burrito bowl

One thing I've been realizing lately is how often my dinners are of the Mexican variety. We love salsa, avocados, cilantro, limes and cotija around these parts more than the average person, I think. It must be because David and I are both from areas where delicious Mexican food abounds so our standards are pretty high and I'm also always looking for new ways to invent things. So, when I saw this polenta black bean burrito bowl, I was like, "I will be making you." Of course, I made a few changes to suit my personal preference and I think it was delicious! It also is pretty much gluten free (you may have to use some sort of fancy gluten-free taco seasoning, but I don't know all the rules for being "gluten-free") but hey - it's easily adaptable! This recipe looks daunting because it's long but trust me, it's a quick and easy meal!

Caramelized Peppers and Onions
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced (I didn't have one and wish I had!)
kosher salt

Heat the olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers and stir frequently until just softened for 5-7 minutes. Generously sprinkle with salt, stir, then reduce heat to medium-low for abou 30 minutes until fully golden brown and caramelized. Stir every few minutes.

Green Chili Black Beans
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 small can diced green chilies

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup salsa (I just used Pace cause I always have it on hand for this kind of thing)

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon seasoned salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Pour all in a medium saucepan and stir occasionally over medium heat for about 15 minutes. 

Taco Meat

1 pound ground beef (I used organic, grass-fed)

1 packet taco seasoning

1/4 cup water

Brown meat in a large pan over medium high heat. Drain fat and add taco seasoning and water (amount of water may vary depending on the brand of seasoning). Let simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.

Cheddar Polenta

1 cup dry polenta grits

1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
few splashes of hot sauce (I used Cholula)
sea salt + black pepper

(I used Bob’s Red Mill polenta grits but check your package for instructions). Bring water and chicken broth to a boil. Slowly stir in the polenta grits, add a few pinches of salt, and reduce heat to simmer. Stir occasionally for 5 minutes. Stir in the cheese, hot sauce, and a few pinches of black pepper, then cover for 5 minutes before serving. If it thickens too much add a bit more water and heat over medium-low until smooth and creamy.

Guacamole

2 avocadoes

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1 lime, juiced

Mash the avocado and add the lime juice and a few pinches of kosher salt. Stir in chopped cilantro and taste (add more salt if desired). If you’re not serving this right away, press saran over the surface [touching] of the mashed avocado and keep refrigerated.

For Serving

1 head of romaine lettuce, cleaned and chopped

2 tomatoes, chopped

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

2 limes, cut in wedges

Here's how I layer my bowl: polenta, black beans, taco meat, caramelized onions and peppers, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes and cilantro with lime squeezed on top.

hello europe!

We are leaving for Europe today and here is a picture of Fritz saying, "Wait, you are leaving me for almost two weeks? Don't be surprised if I shun you and refuse to sleep through the night as punishment when you get back - SUCKER!" I am going to miss my boys something fierce but I am SO excited!!!!! Like, too excited to sleep! I have a few posts scheduled while I'm gone and then I will to have awesome pictures to share when I get back as well as some travel tips that I've been writing down as I've prepared for this trip (it's been five years in the making!)

consolari

Last weekend David and I went to the EVMCO concert at the Mesa Arts Center. It was an incredible concert and I'm not just blowing smoke here. I have been to (and performed in) countless choir concerts over the years while in junior high and high school, summer programs, two years of vocal performance in college and two more years of choir and music performances in college and I can honestly say that most of those concerts are BORING. Choir concerts are generally attended out of duty to family or friends but this concert was amazing. I had chills all over my body and tears in my eyes during the entire concert.

As we watched the concert of about 400 people I couldn't help but notice how the concert hall was way too small for this group. They had singers overflowing off the stage and standing up the rows to make room. Near the end of the concert, they made an mind-blowing announcement. They will be building a state of the art, world-class concert hall in downtown Mesa so that this amazing group can perform. I audibly gasped and couldn't believe what I was hearing. This is HUGE!

A few things I am really excited about and impressed with:

1. This project came to be out of grief for the loss of a baby. Christi Worsley (she and her husband are funding the project) told about how her daughter had given birth to a stillborn baby who, as she held her newborn said "I never got to hear his song". She wondered "How do you heal a young mother's broken heart?" and as her daughter sang in the EVMCO choir she did just that. She said that singing guided her through the process of grief. I love this because I know personally how music can heal the soul.

2. The style of the concert hall will be in a European, neo-classical style. Personally this excites me to no end because I am so incredibly sick of the modern and/or brown buildings here in the Phoenix valley. Christi Worsley said, "When I visited with the Architect about the vision of Consolari I told him it had to be transcendent, that we must be able to feel heaven touching earth. That was a big challenge as I did not describe the physical look but the spiritual look. The windows are prominent to show the beautiful night time sky here in Arizona and to allow a view of the stars. If you look closely the chandelier is made up of angels and trumpets. The colors in the hall will promote the peace we are looking for. The choral loft will be one of the largest in the world as well as a world class, state of the art recording studio for larger ensembles to record." How exciting is that?

a rendering of the interior of the hall - I am so excited!

3. Not only is this going to be a concert hall but also a conservatory for musicians. They're currently talking with Julliard and Eastman to establish a program within the concert hall. I love this because it's so much more than performances. In today's world where school music programs are being cut left and right, it makes me happy to hear that there will be opportunities for children and youth to gain exceptional music training in this area, especially because I think there's a great need for it with the talent here.

4. The concept of "music heals the soul" is the entire base of this project and they're keeping with that by having a rose garden "in memory of the children that didn't get a chance to sing their song". You can plant a rose bush in memory of your child which I think is an incredibly beautiful thing. Christi Worsley mentioned that this idea came from the song "Come to My Garden" from the Broadway musical "The Secret Garden". When I read that, I just started crying. If you've heard that song, you know what I'm talking about.

I am so glad that there are people who see the value of having a concert hall like this so that many can enjoy and be edified by beautiful music. Consolari is planned to be completed by December 2017 and I cannot wait! You can read more about the plans here and like it on Facebook here.

being a bear

You know that getting-to-know-you question of "if you could be any animal, what would you be?" Well, I do and I never know what to say. A gazelle cause it's thin and graceful? I wish. A dolphin because I love to swim? Nope. A horse because I'm strong and majestic? If only. So, after much deliberation I've decided that I would be a bear and let me tell you why.

by the black apple

1. I love the forest.
2. Their babies are crazy cute (more proof).
3. I would get to eat salmon every day.
4. And also because apparently, I have some mama bear instincts in me.
5. This post is random but whatev.

oatmeal nuggets

Part of my parents' every day routine is making a big pot of steel cut oats before their morning walk. After we moved in, they had to double (maybe even triple) that pot of oatmeal because it is now my boys' daily routine too. I normally blend a bunch of it in my magic bullet with a touch of honey, almond milk and half a banana for Fritz but my mom has figured out a new favorite way for the boys to eat it - she calls them "oatmeal nuggets" and William thinks it's the coolest thing ever. Basically, she puts the leftover cooked oats in the refrigerator where it congeals. Then when it's cold, you can scoop out little "nuggets" and Will and Fritz love eating them with their fingers. Who knew cold oatmeal could be so tasty? Leave it to GrandMary to think of something like this!

will's favorite things

At William's preschool they do a weekly spotlight on one of the students. A couple of weeks ago it was Will's turn and they ask the parents to help their child make a half sheet of poster board of some things about them. So, one Monday night William helped me decide what he wanted to put on there. Of course, the dogs were a no-brainer but it took some prying to get him to name some other things.

Here are a few favorites of Will lately:
- dogs (any and all)
- setting the table for dinner
- pancakes
- hot dogs
- scrambled eggs
- chips
- picnics
- doing puzzles at the library
- playing "duns" (guns) with his cousins
- riding his Skuut
- wrestling with Fritz

I love this boy. I'm learning every day how to be his mom and most days I just hope I am not ruining him forever. He's a very determined, strong-willed person and I'm trying to learn how to help mold those traits positively. He responds well when I hug him and touch him and loves when I tell him how great he is - this makes me think that physical touch and words of affirmation are his love languages. Friday was a rough day for the both of us - there was a lot of battling about this and that. That evening, as he was getting ready for bed, we were home alone. Fritz was already asleep, my parents were at a concert and David was helping a co-worker move. It was just the two of us. After reading Will a few stories, I scooped him up and held him like a baby. As I stroked his face, I looked him in the eyes and told him how good, kind, smart and fun he is. The delight in his face as I did that . . . it was like he was eating the most delicious dessert in the world. It confirmed to me that his sweet spirit needs that reaffirmation that I admire and love him. The next day was a good one with him. He was more happy and generally easier to reason with. I know it's because he felt my love and also because I had boosted his confidence. We all need to feel loved and admired and sometimes I forget that my children are people too! :)

chili lime salmon + cabbage spinach salad

My mom and I have this awesome deal going on while we live in their house. She hates to cook and I don't like dealing with whiny children while I am making dinner. So, while I make dinner for my family and my mom and dad, she takes the boys on walks or plays with them outside so I can cook in peace. The boys love it too so it's a win-win-win all around! It is basically heaven and I'm already dreading the end of this perfect arrangement when they go on their mission this fall.

The other night my brother and his wife were coming over for dinner and I didn't know what I was going to make until my mom came home with a couple of big fillets of salmon. Now, let me vent here about fresh fish for a moment. I'm all about using frozen chicken, frozen ground beef, frozen turkey, frozen shrimp and frozen other various cuts of beef but when it comes to fish - there's just no comparing fresh vs. frozen. It is just infinitely better when it's fresh and that was just reaffirmed the other night when I made this meal.

I started out with this recipe by Gwyneth (cause she's my fave) and then I modified this recipe for the salad and it was a delightful meal. I recommend it (obviously or else I wouldn't be putting it here on the ol' blog) and I think everyone else at the dinner table would too. Plus, it was really easy and fast and who doesn't want that??

P.S. Sorry about the lame photo - my camera broke so I had to use my iPhone.

Chili Lime Salmon 

Juice and zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons maple syrup
3 teaspoons sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 pounds salmon fillets
1/2 bunch cilantro, cleaned and chopped

Heat oven to 425°. In a bowl, whisk together juice, zest, maple syrup, sriracha and salt. Place salmon on a cookie sheet lined with a large piece of aluminum foil. Pour lime-maple mixture over top. Loosely wrap foil around salmon and roast until cooked through and flaky - about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with cabbage spinach salad (recipe below).

Cabbage Spinach Salad with Sesame Lime Honey Vinaigrette
1 small head green cabbage, shredded

2 unpacked cups baby spinach, loosely chopped
2 cups frozen peas
1/2 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cucumbers, peeled and diced
½ cup chopped green onion
½ cup sweet chili garlic sauce*
6 tablespoons honey
5 tablespoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons wasabi paste* (I didn't have this and it was fine but I bet it would've been even better with it!)

Cook the peas according to directions. Drain and let cool slightly. Combine cabbage, spinach, peas, bell peppers, cucumbers and green onions in a large bowl. Toss to combine. Cover and chill while you make the dressing.

Whisk the chili sauce, honey, oil, vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce and wasabi paste until well mixed. Pour dressing over salad and toss well (optional: serve with crushed peanuts on top). 

* I usually buy Trader Joe's sweet chili sauce but I didn't have any so I made my own. I modified this recipe and it was super easy and great in the dressing. While I was making it, I thought "Wow, this smells disgusting" but when I put it in the dressing, it was delicious! Here's the recipe:

1/2 cup rice vinegar

1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons white sugar

1/4 cup water

3 tablespoons fish sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

3/4 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 3 tablespoons cool water

Place all ingredients (except the cornstarch/water mixture) in a sauce pan or pot. Bring to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat to medium and let boil for 10 minutes, or until reduced by half (it will be really strong smelling at this point but don't freak out). Reduce heat to low and add the cornstarch/water mixture. Stir to incorporate and continue stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool before using. 

dream car

Well folks - I'm officially a mom - we got a minivan! It has basically changed my life. Sounds ridiculous to say that but it's true. David and I have been talking about what our next car would be for months. He was really not excited about getting a minivan but after weighing all the pros and cons, the Honda Odyssey won. We were not planning on getting a bigger vehicle until we had another child because, well, it wasn't a necessity. Then when we moved to Arizona we realized that David's old truck had some issues with it that needed to be fixed and it was going to set us back a few thousand dollars. So, instead of investing more money in something that we were going to sell anyway, we decided to spend that on a family car.

I was super excited when we decided on the Odyssey but when I finally got the keys to it and drove home in my awesome new "space car", I was downright giddy. I get really excited when I have to run errands and William does too because he loves to push the buttons for the automatic sliding doors. He also got a new car seat/booster and now whenever I tell him that it's time to get in the car he says, "I get in my new car seat in the COOL car!" Just making sure he specifies, the "cool" car as opposed to my old, "lame" car!

P.S. Yes, it is ironic that my doppleganger is the girl from the Toyota Sienna commercials.
P.P.S. No, I'm not pregnant though this picture makes it look like I am. Note to self: don't wear that shirt anymore until you actually are pregnant.

on beauty

"I wish I had a different nose"

"I always wanted blue eyes"

"If only I had tan skin"

"My face it too round"

"I need braces for my crooked teeth"

These phrases have passed my lips many times during my lifetime. I am guilty of looking in the mirror and picking apart almost every feature on my face. As I've grown up, I've come to accept and even embrace some things about my appearance. I've started to accept compliments about my big, brown eyes and have been grateful that my teeth are pretty straight for never having braces. And yet . . . many mornings I wish I looked differently in some way or another. 

Why do we do this? I know I shouldn't and I often give in to my weakness of insecurity BUT . . . I also know that I am a daughter of God and I am important to Him and He loves me the way He created me (big nose and all). There's an incredible peace that comes from recognizing who I am and what I am worth. I can't forget the words I heard spoken at a conference for young women in 2005:

I plead with you young women to please be more accepting of yourselves, including your body shape and style, with a little less longing to look like someone else. We are all different. Some are tall, and some are short. Some are round, and some are thin. And almost everyone at some time or other wants to be something they are not! But as one adviser to teenage girls said: “You can’t live your life worrying that the world is staring at you. When you let people’s opinions make you self-conscious you give away your power. … The key to feeling [confident] is to always listen to your inner self—[the real you.]” And in the kingdom of God, the real you is “more precious than rubies.” Every young woman is a child of destiny and every adult woman a powerful force for good.

I want you to be proud you are a woman. I want you to feel the reality of what that means, to know who you truly are. You are literally a spirit daughter of heavenly parents with a divine nature and an eternal destiny. That surpassing truth should be fixed deep in your soul and be fundamental to every decision you make as you grow into mature womanhood. There could never be a greater authentication of your dignity, your worth, your privileges, and your promise. Your Father in Heaven knows your name and knows your circumstance. He hears your prayers. He knows your hopes and dreams, including your fears and frustrations. And He knows what you can become through faith in Him.

- Elder Jeffrey Holland

I watched this video on our perceptions of our own beauty and as I watched the reactions of the women, I felt the tears start to flow. A little bit out of shame that I would also be guilty of negative criticism of my appearance but also out of love and joy that people generally see the good in each other. If you haven't seen it, watch and realize that you are more beautiful than you know.

spring wins

Yesterday was plain lovely. The boys and I played out in the backyard for a while and there was a beautiful breeze, the grass was lush, the birds were singing, my mom's David Austen roses were blooming and the air smelled of citrus blossoms. All in all, it was the perfect Arizona spring day.

I pulled my mom's parachute (yes, she's awesome and has one of those fun parachutes from gym class in 6th grade) and I whipped it up and down on the lawn while William ran underneath over and over. Then I pulled him across the grass on it and he laughed and begged for "more!". Then we laid on it and looked at the trees while Fritz tackled and slobbered all over us.

My mom came out to pick some grapefruit off the tree and water her plants, so we meandered over to the citrus trees and rose garden. Frederick helped pick a few and we snapped some pictures because it was so pretty out there. I always said that autumn is my favorite season, but I think I've changed my mind. Spring wins.

sleepless

So, here was my night last night:

10:00 p.m.: go to bed "early"
11:00 p.m.: baby monitor blares with Fritz screaming
11:15 p.m.: feed Fritz a bottle*
1:00 a.m.: William wakes up calling for me
1:02 a.m.: he says he needs his blanket over him and also, a drink
1:03 a.m.: I go to the kitchen and bring William a glass of water
1:04 a.m.: he's asleep
2:00 a.m.: I hear a door slam and see a light on the bathroom - Will is going potty
2:05 a.m.: as I'm drifting off to sleep, I hear a knock at the bedroom door
2:06 a.m.: "I need a drink", says William
2:07 a.m.: (sigh)
2:40 a.m.: I still can't go back to sleep and so I look at Instagram on my phone
4:00 a.m.: Fritz wakes up screaming (I lay there and hope he goes back to sleep)
4:10 a.m.: no dice
4:12 a.m.: feed him another bottle
4:30 a.m.: back to bed
7:00 a.m.: rise and shine from Fritz
9:00 a.m.: a certain 3-year-old is still sleeping in my bed
9:01 a.m.: I am jealous

before bed the other night - "here Fritz, I read you a story".

I'm tired. Sometimes being a mom is exhausting - physically and mentally. Praying for a nap today.

*P.S. Frederick used to sleep through the night like a champ but lately he wakes up a few times a night like he's having EXTREME hunger pangs. I'm confident it's because he's having a growth spurt (he's grown a lot in the last week) and even though I have been trying to feed him copious amounts of food at dinner so he'll be full during the night, he still wakes up a couple of times just screaming for more! I resort to a bottle because it's convenient but I know that I'm going to have to wean him off soon - just not until after my in-laws are done babysitting him (I'm not that mean). Any tips?

sickies

The last couple weeks have been a doozy with my boys' health. They're usually pretty healthy but Fritz has had this lasting cough for a few months and seemed like he often had a runny nose. It wasn't until that turned into a full-fledged crying, screaming, no-sleeping fest that I decided to take him to the doctor where he told me that my sweet baby had a horrible ear infection. I gave him an antibiotic for that and after that was finished, I took him in for a diaper rash turned fungal infection and he had another ear infection! That's two ear infections, a fungal infection and I'm pretty sure he has a milk intolerance (which contributed to the cough and runny nose). I've since stopped giving him all dairy to see if that helps.

And then, poor William. He caught an AWFUL stomach flu bug that has had him laid out for an entire week. I think he lost 5 pounds from not eating, has mild dehydration (which is getting much better after giving him Pedialyte) and sleeps all day long. Literally, all the time. It's very sad. So, I was getting worried because he just seemed to be getting worse and took him to the doctor. His pediatrician diagnosed the flu bug (which I expected) but he also looked in Will's ears and the poor boy has two horrible ear infections - like "the worst ear infections I've seen" kind of ear infections. The doctor had me look in Will's ear with the magnifying glass thing and I was pretty grossed out. I think they're both on the mend but it just breaks my heart that they're so sick. They've never had ear infections or any health problems like this before and just can't seem to get well! I'm pretty sure the culprit is that dang spring pollen!

In conclusion, it appears my boys have horrible allergies. Allergies that give them runny noses, which lead to post-nasal drip, which leads to ear infections cause it has nowhere to go. I am lucky that I don't suffer from seasonal allergies but I wish that my boys didn't have to suffer through this, especially since you can't give small children allergy medication. Does anyone have any advice?

P.S. Sorry for the lengthy health log but I wanted to record it. Sounds weird but you'd be surprised at how often I go back through my blog looking for stats and other health information on my kids. Does anyone else do that?

coconut lemon vanilla cake

There's something really refreshing about lemon desserts. I'm definitely a chocolate peanut butter kind of girl but I also really LOVE the lemon stuff, when it's done right. And lemon especially at Easter and at an outdoor party? It just makes sense. This is the cake I made for Frederick's birthday. It was really easy and everyone was freaking out about it. I will definitely be making this again!

Disclaimer: if you don't use the Trader Joe's products that I suggest in the recipe, I can't vouch for how good it will taste. I'm sure it will turn out but it may not be exactly the same.

Cake:
2 boxes Trader Joe's vanilla cake and baking mix (made with Madagascar Bourbon vanilla)
4 eggs
2 sticks (1 cup) butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup cream of coconut
1 cup milk
1 jar Trader Joe's lemon curd (you can also make it yourself - a good recipe here)
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted*

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray four round cake pans with cooking spray. Pour cake mix in a large bowl and set aside.

In a medium bowl whisk together eggs, melted butter, cream of coconut and milk until well combined. Make a well in the cake mix and pour in the wet mixture. Whisk together until smooth. Divide batter evenly between the four pans and smooth the tops (this will be a four layer cake, if you didn't realize).

Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and then invert onto cooling racks to cool completely.

To Assemble: Place a dollop of lemon buttercream frosting (recipe below) on the center of a cake platter. Place one of the cake layers on top. Spread on a layer of frosting and smooth out. Place the second cake layer on top. Spoon on a generous layer of lemon curd and smooth over cake. Add the third cake layer on top and spread on another layer of frosting + another layer of lemon curd and smooth over cake layer. Add the final cake layer on top and spread on a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake (this is called the "crumb coat"). Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Remove cake from refrigerator and spread the remaining frosting over the crumb coated cake. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired.

*I also served this with some toasted shredded coconut on the side. I had originally intended to use it to create a little nest on top of the cake but decided not to since a few people in my family don't like coconut (crazy people!)

Lemon Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup butter
1 cup shortening
2 1/2 pounds powdered sugar
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1-2 teaspoons milk, as needed*

Beat butter and shortening together until smooth. Add 4 cups of powdered sugar, one at a time, beating to combine. Add lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla and combine. Add the remaining powdered sugar and beat to combine. *Add a little milk to get the consistency you want (start with just a tiny bit and add as necessary). If you add too much milk or if the frosting is too runny, you can add a little more powdered sugar.

girls weekend

This last weekend was seriously chicken soup for the soul (ha! Remember those books?). It's amazing how a few days of relaxation, having wonderful adult conversation over delicious meals and just being without our kids really rejuvenated us. I flew to San Diego on Thursday night and Lela picked me up from the airport. I spent the night at her house and the next morning we had breakfast, hung out and I got to snuggle her sweet boys. I've missed them so much! Zane really wanted to come with us and snuck in the backseat of the car as we were leaving. When I turned around, he had buckled himself in and gave me this thumbs up. I died laughing. He's the best.

Lela and I went to Dry Bar that afternoon and got our hair done since Stephanie and Kristi couldn't join us until that evening for dinner. I love getting my hair washed and blown-out. It was so relaxing and fun to get pampered. I really loved how bouncy my hair felt.

Unfortunately, about 10 minutes after we left my hair looked horrible when the wind got its hands on it. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. Dry Bar was really cute though - I just wish they wouldn't have been so conservative with the hairspray! I'm not afraid!

The next morning, we woke up, got massages and then headed to Con Pane for lunch. I had to laugh when I realized we had stayed there for over two hours, talking! We are really good at that. :) After lunch, we got pedicures and it was heavenly. I wish I could get a pedicure every day of my life.

Beautiful, pregnant mama, Kristi

We also ate at some of my favorite restaurants and it was fun to get all gussied up to "go out with the girls". P.S. Do you see recurring outfits from me? That's because I pretty much wore the same thing the whole time. I was obviously ill-prepared.

We went back to Dry Bar with Kristi and Stephanie the next morning since they missed out on the first time. It was fun again but I didn't like my hair half as much the second time. Kind of a disappointment but it was still really fun!

Lela and I like stripes. 

I think my ultimate favorite part of the whole weekend was one night when we got back to the hotel after dinner, all got in our pajamas and started watching YouTube videos on my iPad. We were all crammed on one queen size bed and I opened up Photobooth and we started taking some pictures. I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard. It was the "I-think-I'm-going-to-die-because-I-can't-breathe-in-between-all-this-laughing" kind of laughter, which is the best kind don't you think?

I love these girls so, so much. Thanks for the wonderful weekend! Let's do it again soon - like, next week?? ;)

granite flats

I have been watching Granite Flats on BYUtv and I am impressed. A lot of times "family friendly" shows can seem really low-budget and kind of cheesy but this one had me interested from the beginning. Just like most pilots, this one is a little rough around the edges at first but I think it's worth continuing to watch to see where it goes. I am always wanting to support good, clean media entertainment and I'm so happy that there's something that I'm actually excited to support. I wish my boys were older so they could get excited about watching it too. The costumes are awesome, the videography is interesting and the story-line left me wanting more. Plus, Jonathan Morgan Heit is adorable. It premiered tonight and I really recommend it!

I love 60's stuff and the costumes made me think of other great retro movies and shows that I loved when I was younger (like Gidget - which, now that I think about it, is really dumb) and since it feels like summer in Arizona already, I started thinking about how fun retro swim stuff is. Check it out:

Swim Cap
Yellow Colorblock Tote
Retro Sunglasses
Vintage Swim Suit
Sandals

And lastly, please support Granite Flats! If you don't have BYUtv on cable, you can also watch it:
- Free with the BYUtv app
- Free with your ROKU
- Free on the BYUtv website

ladies night and the feeling's right

I'm off to San Diego to spend time with these girls. A few months ago (before I knew we were moving) we all went to dinner and talked about doing a girls trip. A few weeks later I got the news we were moving to Arizona and since that day, I have been living for this coming weekend. The thought of girl time with my favorite ladies, getting massages, going to The Dry Bar to get our hair done and giggling until 3 am every night in our hotel room makes me so happy. This week has been a doozy so I'm especially excited.

P.S. Don't worry, this is just us Mormon girls enjoying some sparkling cider on New Year's Eve.

a quilt for freddie

My sister-in-law, Sarah, is incredible at quilt making and is also incredibly generous with her talent. When David and I got married, she made us a special quilt that I love and then she made me this quilt when William was born and it's so beautiful! Their family wasn't able to make it to Fritz's birthday party but she brought over a package a couple of days before. I resisted opening it until the party and once I did, everyone ooed and ahhhed over it when I held it up. I love it! Thanks Sarah!!!! You've done it again!

from Sarah's post

on the fritz: one year

I'm being a little repetetive here with posting about Frederick turning one but I wanted to do a little update about what this sweet boy is up to at one-year-old.

The best words to describe Fritz are:
- fearless
- active
- interested
- social
- happy

He loves: vegetables (especially zucchini), scrambled eggs (takes after his brother!) and his teddy bear.
His hobbies involve: smiling, tackling people, running really fast.
He does NOT like: reading books (sigh - we're working on it), getting his diaper changed and/or getting dressed or sitting in church (basically any activity that doesn't involve constant movement, he can do without).

Stats:
Height: 31.75 inches (95%)
Weight: 22.5 pounds (45%)
Head: 18.74 inches (75%)

I love this sweet boy. It's been really fascinating to see how different his personality is from William's - just proof that each little person has their own unique spirit. Frederick is truly a happy soul. People constantly comment on his smile - it truly comes from within. Everyone can see that he is just happy to be alive. I often get really terrified that he will injure himself though. He is really curious with no sense of physical boundaries. He's a tough little boy though and bounces back up after falling down but I sometimes worry that he'll push that limit too far some day. Please be careful, Fritz! I love you so much!

cake smash

Watching your baby dig into their first birthday cake is really fun. Maybe it's because their fat, little hands get covered in frosting or because their chubby cheeks are smeared with lemony goodness that you just can't resist licking it off . . . is that weird? I've been off sugar too long. Ha! Anyway, I made Fritz a coconut lemon vanilla cake with lemon frosting (just a smaller version of the adult one I made minus the lemon curd - recipe later this week). He liked it and had quite a bit of it for a small fry.

We put him in his high chair and he squealed and begged for the cake while I got the candle in it and situated everything. Then he was just really pleased while we sang to him. Typical Fritz - always a smile on his face.

And then William came over to help. Mostly he took a few little licks and ran off to play again. I was hoping he would help Fritz really get in there but then again, William didn't even do that with his first smash cake so I don't know why I was expecting that.

 Happy Birthday sweet boy! I love you a million times over.