Holly & Andy's Wedding

I flew to Ohio the first week of July to attend my cousin Holly's wedding.  It was by far the most elegant wedding affair I've seen put together, which is no surprise at all if you've met Holly.  The evening couldn't have been more perfect for the happy couple.

Most of my time was spent relaxing and just catching up with the fam.  We had three busy days for wedding activites, and aside from that I mostly hung on the front porch with Grandma, Aunt Karen and Uncle Greg.  Fireflies lit up the sky at night, such a treat as we do not have them out west.  And I had stromboli ordered to reminisce from when I was a little girl, my Dad and I loved that stuff! 

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Knight!

Proud Mother and Father of the Bride.  

Andy with my beautiful Grandmother

Me with Phil's parents, who drove down to join us for the occasion.

They won the Anniversary dance, 46 years strong!

Happy Camp 2012

Happy Camp this year was north of Upper Payette Lake near Burgdorf Hot Springs.  Adria and I only went up for a quick overnighter.  We missed out on most of the fun, but had a lovely time just hanging at camp and staying warm by the camp fire. 

The weather was interesting to say the least, we arrived around 2:30 on Saturday, got setup in nice weather and right around the time we were done the skies opened up with sleet and rain.  We partied around the campfire all night complete with canopies and umbrellas, and LOTS of firewood to keep warm.  The girls made a delicious beef stew and biscuit concoction in the dutch oven that fit the weather perfectly.

All throughout the night it snowed, sliding off our tents in big, noisy chunks.  We woke up to 2-3 inches of very wet, icky snow.  Kendahl's new 10x10 canopy in the kitchen area collapsed.  Needless to say these poor ladies had been in this weather for 3-4 days and were over it completely.  We went without the usual breakfast hour, and just got straight to packing and heading out.  We stopped in Cascade on the way home and had breakfast with a few of the other girls.  Thankfully Boise was sunny, warm and perfect for setting up and drying out our camping gear. 

No matter the weather, we are HAPPY Campers!

Hot Springin'

Good Morning!

A view of Upper Payette Lake on our way home

Update on Dad

Dad's walk in support of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network on May 5th  was a huge hit!  He raised $980 - well past his goal of a mere $250.  So happy we could all band together and help him for a great cause, and one that has so suddenly affected our family.
Dad told us on the phone later that day he felt good to know he was not alone in this, he was able to talk to many of those in a similar situation.  But on the other hand it was also tough to realize that this is a long lasting affair, something that will require frequent and constant surveillance. 

Here's the crew that gathered for the walk in Troy, Michigan on May 5th.  And to include us, they sent us shirts too. 

Dad, Uncle Dave, Marie, Kristin, Jimmy, Sue, Rhonda, Paula and Mom

Here's a nice video put together of the event and our family at the 2:24 mark

Cancer strikes again

It is with dismay that I share the news of my father-in-law Jim recently being diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. We’re thankful in the fact it’s been caught early and he is scheduled in May to go in to tackle the latest tumors discovered. The initial diagnosis was found last summer when he and Mom were out here visiting us for the Fourth of July. He had had a case of diverticulitis and during a CT scan in the ER, something else had popped up on the screen. He was told at that time to enjoy the rest of his vacation, but once he got home to get in for a checkup. This is now his second time finding and addressing the tumors.
 Like Dad does, he’s staying strong and keeping a positive spirit as best he can. He, along with many members of our family, will be walking in support of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network on May 5th in Troy, Michigan. If anyone would like to donate to his walking campaign, here is the link. http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=196127

 
I know not many of you know Phil’s dad. He is the Fire Chief of his community back in Michigan of many years, a teacher, and of course the amazing family man we all love so very, very much.

Just thought I’d share in support of this wonderful cause, most importantly just asking for your positive thoughts & prayers.

Springtime Inspired

My beautiful manicure from Jen's new technique of using foils. 
English rose...

Phil's latest project

Phil has been quite busy and excited with this project lately. He has two 1962 Cub Cadet Lawn & Garden tractors that he's had lying around for years.  He's rebuilding one for his Dad, and the other for himself.  I think its pretty cute if I do say so myself. 

Before:  Rear end/axle

After:  The frame and rear-end/axle

This is a snapshot off the internet of what the end result will look like. 

Chicken with Lime Dressing

This recipe is from my South Beach Diet Cookbook.  I was a bit hesitant to try this one, but thought why not its something different.  So glad I did, Phil and I both loved the outcome.  And when I say loved it, I mean oohhhing and ahhiiing with each bite.  So yes, this is one to try if you like Chicken, Lime and Avocado.  Refreshing, light, and full of flavor!

Lime Dressing
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (I prefer parsley)
1 tbsp chopped onion
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp sugar substitute
1/2 tsp salt

Chicken
1 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pound out to 1/2 in. thickness
2 medium avocados, peeled and pitted
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp picante sauce
1 tsp + 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 red bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup sliced almonds ( I found a black pepper blend at Winco, delish!)
2 tbsp whole wheat flour

To make the dressing:
In a large bowl, combine lime juice, cilantro, scallions, oil, sugar substitute, and salt. 

To make the chicken:
In a large glass dish, combine the chicken with 3 tbsp of the lime dressing.  Cover/refrigerate for 10 minutes. 
In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with 2 tbsp of the lime dressing.  Stir in the lemon juice and picante sauce.  Reserve the remaining lime dressing.
Heat 1 tsp of the oil in a large nonstick skillet.  Add the pepper, and cook while stirring occasionally for 6 minutes or until peppers are tender and lightly browned.  Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.  Remove to a bowl and toss with the almonds.
Remove the chicken fro the dressing and pat dry with paper towels.  Sprinkle flour over both sides of the chicken. 
Heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add chicken and cook 6 minutes on each side until cooked.  Place chicken on serving dishes, top with the pepper mix, and drizzle the remaining dressing over that.  Serve the mashed avocado mix on the side.