Babies

When I hold this little guy - time stands still.  I escape into this world where it is just baby Ben and auntie Mel.  It's a wonderful place. I seem to forget all my worries and cares.  It is a place of sweet noises, warm snuggles, baby smells and quiet.  I like it there...I think I just might visit there again tomorrow...if he isn't busy, that is :)

For The Love of Dogs

Kennedy 1999-2010

 

We lost a great friend today.  My oldest sister's dog, Kennedy died this morning.  She was the first Westie to join our family and we just loved her.  I will miss her nose peeking out of the fence as she greeted us to Grandma and Grandpa's house.  She was so generous with her love and only asked for a belly scratch in return:)

Rascal 1998-2009

We had a sad time before Christmas also.  My middle sister's dog, Rascal, passed away from cancer.  She too was a beautiful, loving dog.  She never new how big she was which I thought was the cutest ever! She also was a great escape artist!

Dogs, or pet's for that matter, give such unconditional love. 
They ask so little, yet give so much.

 Hug's to my sisters, neices and nephew :)

"Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really."

-Agnes Sligh Turnbull

Book Group With Josi Kilpack

Our little neighborhood book group had a very special guest this month.  If you will indulge me to remind you of this post http://steinerstory.blogspot.com/2009/10/culinary-mystery.html  My Mom has had a year or so of some rough health problems and her love for cross stitch and reading have really been great positive things for her.  She is the voice in my head to always be the best "me" and do what I can for others.  She is selfless and a great example of Christlike service.  I love you Mom :)  Back to my story... I just had a wild idea of how fun it would be to read one of Josi's books for book group and see if she might be willing to come.  Well - it took me a week to get my nerve - lol - but I did and here we are!

I made "High Tea Lemon Cookies" and "Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons" both recipes found in her book "English Trifle".  Kenna helped dip the macaroons. Yum!

My friend Nikki who is an avid reader and she heads up our little book group. She is also known to my extended family as "Henry's Mom"...I have many cute pics of little H on my blog.  She has helped me find so many great books!

My wonderful Mom and Sis!

My awesome friend Carrie and partner in crime who opened her lovely home for our evening. Her and her sister's have been readers of Josi's books also so it was fun to plan the night with her and she made a delightful "English Trifle" ....... of course!  I think you can find some of the recipes on line also at http://www.josiskilpack.com/ but I would suggest just reading the books of course! It was a delightful night of her great stories and insights of how she got started writing and we laughed and enjoyed it so much. Thanks Josi!

Cooking

I enjoy cooking. Our current kitchen situation often deters my enjoyment a little but sometimes I have the oomph to dive in and make a mess like you see here =) When I have made a basic goulash before...it seems to have more of a strong tomato taste and I have not known how to season it to make it more yummy!  I really liked this recipe and so did the family so I thought I would share it! If anyone would like to borrow my little kitchen here...it's clean now....and it's free tomorrow. I'm not cooking ;)


Budget Friendly Goulash
1 T oil
1 large onion chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb gound beef
1/2 t salt
1/2 t black pepper
1 green pepper, chopped
1 T chili powder
1 t paprika
1 T tomato paste
2 cans dices tomatoes (I used italian stewed tomatoes)
8 oz - your favorite pasta (we love mini bowtie)
Cook the onion and pepper in the hot oil.  Add the hamburger and cook until done.  Add remaining ingredients and simmer well and add to cooked macaroini when ready to serve.
We also added kidney beans. Yum.

New Year - New Installation!

Shawn had a few days over the weekend to work on the kitchen. The wall oven cabinet and utility pantry are ready to be installed! They are so tall =)

It's so exciting to have a few more cabinets done!



I have my moments where I complain an awful lot - It has been rough at times without our kitchen for the past eight months but our Dad is such a great guy and works so hard for our family.  He get's frustrated at times (see pics below - ha ha) but he is very talented and is building us a beautiful kitchen! We are ALL learning patience, hard work, and to ALWAYS, always have a sense of humor!

It's A Boy!

My neice had her sweet little boy this morning. Congratulations Amber, Mike and girls! He is a keeper!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to All! We spent the morning at our wonderful neighbors rolling tamales! This is the funnest traditional that they inlude us in and we love it! Thanks Hollie and Jimmy!

We hope this year well be a healthy and happy year for all our friends and family! We love you all!

Christmas Day

Hmmmm..maybe my new years resolution is updating our blog? - ha ha.

Christmas Morning!

Lunch At Grandma & Grandpa Steiners

Steiner Family Party

Every year we head up to Logan for the Steiner Family Christmas Party. I "heart" Logan. Grandpa Steiners sister's are so great and we always have such a great time!

HERE COMES SANTA......













Kenna and Kristen enjoy the barbies Santa brought them :) (just kidding....but it made my heart so happy to see them playing with the little girls gifts!!!!!)



Jeff , Todd, Kenn, Spencer and Jake get down to business and have a blast with the "tub o soldiers"

 Grandma Steiner handing out the ornaments that she get's for the grandkids each Christmas.  Thanks Grandma!