February Happenings

Well this month Valentines came and went, we didnt have much cash so our Valentines day was very simple. We got each other something we wanted and called it our treat. I also made Simon a handmade card. It wasnt much but its the thought that counts right? My nephew got baptized, first of the boys to be. It was a nice occasion. My cousin will be coming home from S Africa this week. I am sure he will be glad to be home. He gets to be whisked off to Hawaii to spend time with his brother who is already there with his wife. We have gotten alot of snow, it keeps coming down and then dissappearing only to be back again the next week or so. Simon got a new work schedule Horray! He finally gets Sunday's off. This is very nice for us.

February's Recipe

Growing up I wasnt a keen fan of Split pea soup, but over the years I have grown to like it. This recipe I found in Martha Stewart Living.

Split pea soup- Serves 6

8 black peppercorns cracked
3 sprigs of thyme, chopped - with extra for garnish
2 sprigs of flat- leafed parsley " "
1 dried bay leaf
2 tablespoons of safflower oil
2 medium carrots cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 celery stalks cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large onion cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 tablespoons of minced garlic
1 ham steak cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
1 pound of split peas
8 cups of water

1. Wrap peppercorns,thyme, parsley and bay leaf in a piece of cheesecloth and tie with twine.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat add carrots, onion, celery and cook until onion is translucent (see-through) for about 9 mins, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, ham and salt and cook for 3 mins. Add spices in cheesecloth ( dont untie) , split peas and water.
3, Bring soup to a boil, Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until peas are tender- 50-55 mins. Take out spices in cheesecloth. Season with a pinch of salt and garish with the fresh herbs.

Serve- this soup will keep in the fridge for 3 days.

Enjoy!

January Recipe

Once again my favortite magazine, at least at the moment has come through with some yummy recipes. Here is one which is heart healthy.

Chicken with roasted sweet potato salad.

Prep time: 15 mins Total time 30 mins.

2 sweet potatoes- peeled, cut in thin wedges
1 red onion- thinly sliced
3 tablespoons of olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper - think reg salt will do as well.
4 6 ounce boneless, skinned chicken breasts
1 bunch of spinach- stems removed
2 tablespoons of lime juice

Heat oven to 425 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet toss potatoes, onion, olive 2 of the tablespoons of olive oil, 1/22 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Roast till tender for 20-25 mins.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet, over med-high heat. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. anc cook till browned- 5-6 mins per side.

In a large bown toss warm potato mixture with spinach,lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Serve with the chicken- Serves 4- to serve more simply double the recipe.

Some sad news...

Some sad news, on Jan 4th, 2009 My grandpa Blake Harley Everett passed away. He was 92. For the past year my parents, Simon and I have been looking after him at his house. My brother Joe and also his wife also got the opportunity to help him, for many years. He and my Grandma married in 1938, they met when my Grandma was in the 9th grade. It was a real sudden passing, there was no indication that he would be leaving us that day or even that week. We had gone to Denny's ward to see Jonah, Denny and Catherine's 3rd son be blessed. My Grandpa loved to fish and hunt in his younger years, was an avid football and basketball fan up until his last day. He was a hard worker in his job at the pipe plant for 37 yrs and also was a very good farmer. He always had a project, if not for himself, he had one for us to do when we would visit. He is now with my Grandma who he has missed dearly for almost 20 yrs. I can't imagine how happy he feels now. To any of my relatives who may read this, we are thankful for all the kind words and deeds you have done for us at this time. I shall miss my Grandpa, but I know he is thrilled to be with his wife and family again.

Happy New Year!

Well, Well a new year is here! Here in Utah in the valley we have gotten quite a bit of snow. Its not done yet! Our family had a enjoyable Christmas, Simon and I went over to Joe's on Christmas Eve and also on New Years Eve. We were missing Chad who is on assignment overseas. We were happy to get a email from him though. Gosh, what will 2009 bring? Its tough to say at the moment. Let's hope our new president will do some good for the country. I really don't know how things will go, but I dont think anyone does at this point. I have been in Utah a year. In my Grandpa's basement where I started when I came here. Of course I have been here several times all through out my life but this is the first time it was where I lived since I was really small. How long will Simon and I be here? I am not sure at this point. I didnt set any resolutions this year, I haven't sat down to think of any, I have heard some 'experts' say its not good for your health to do. I don't about that. There are things I would like to do better and I am keeping them in my head. My parents will be in Iowa for a bit to take care of a bit of problem but hopefully they won't be long. While they are gone Me, my husband and my brother Joe will be checking in and taking care of my Grandpa. He is still quite independant at 92 years old. This is good because he can still do many things for himself still but not everything so between the 3 of us we shall make sure he is well looked after. This will be the second time for a long time I have and about the 5th time total for me looking after him. I look forward to Spring, its a little ways off but still I look forward to it.

Happy New Year all!

My awesome brother Chad

My brother Chad is heading off with the Army to serve overseas ( those who know him know where, for security reasons I wont disclose too much) He will be gone for a year. Chad will be serving his country. Let's support our Chaddie boy- write to him while he is away- if you need his address please contact me or my Mom. Warrant Officer Everett - we salute you!


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LIghts, Camera, Happy Kids!

For my nephew Adam's 4th birthday, Mom, Dad and I took my brother Joe's boys to Thanks giving Point to see the Christmas lights (Denny and his family were there also, in their car) With a $2 dollar off coupon we got to see them for $5 dollars ( per car) instead of $ 7. Brigham and Blake had a blast! They LOVED the lights. They were shouting Merry Christmas! as we drove past people, and looking at every single light display we went by. Blake kept saying " I wish Christmas Eve was tonight!"
Oh to be that young again! When lights dazzled us and we believed in Santa Claus.
After the lights, we went and saw some reindeer which were in a pen, the kids were interested in those also. Finally, we went back to Denny and Catherine's to open presents and have cake and icecream. Overall, it was a great activity. Everyone had a good time.

News.. Updates...

Since my last post, a few things have happened.. Thanksgiving for one. My husband and I and my parents went to my brother Joe's house for Thanksgiving. It was a lovely dinner, everyone did something for the meal. There was just the cosy bunch of us there. A competitive game of Scrabble was played afterwards. On Sunday was my Moms birthday. I won't reveal her age. Dad took her out to Red Lobster. They also went on a wonderful ride, around Goshen and Bursten Pond which I have actually swam in. The kitty in the picture thought my parents could not see it but as you can see they could! Joe had a nice Thanksgiving concert at the Provo Tabernacle last month also. It is a lovely building, I had never been inside. 4 choirs participated including a childeren's choir. The place was stuffed to the raffters, very well attended. My Mom told me that she used to go there for Stake Conference. I have a camera now, I just got to get the software for it ( as it was my Mom's and that Cd is in Iowa) but as soon as I do I can post some of the pictures I have taken so far. I have begun my Christmas shopping, infact 70% of it is already completed and I am quite happy about that.