Sick of it!

I am finally getting back to posing after a week and three days of miserable sickness. I was so excited to wake up this morning with energy and a non stuffy nose, until I looked out the window...WHAT? We have 6"+ of snow on our deck. I could not believe it, although I should have expected this early April Fool's joke from our Utah weather patterns. I had also put away all of our snow gear this weekend so I had to go digging in storage to get Daniel to school reasonably equipped for the a day in the snow (sans boots, who knows where those ended up). Oh well, now I will have to shovel instead of cleaning up my gross garden. 

We did have some non-productive outcomes from our sick time locked in the house, I spent a whole day trying to teach Mia to smile naturally; and here is what I got for my efforts.

I am thinking it is a good thing she is smart because engineers and doctors don't need gorgeous smiles.

I have a Nephew!

Archibald Gabriel was born at 1:11am Easter Sunday morning! He is such a cutie. I have been too sick to meet him, but I can't wait to see him in person. Congratulations Archie and Ariadna!

Tia Lacy

The Egg Coloring Adventure

We tried the Martha way, but I think the Egbert-Meikle way was a lot more fun. Daniel wanted all blue and Mia wanted pink. Poor Sam slept through the whole thing, but he will love looking for them all tomorrow.

Genealogy: I should be doing more of it!

Dave's great-great grandfather was Wilford Woodruff, the 4th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have known that since Dave and I were dating, but what I did not know until today is that the same Wilford Woodruff was also a Democrat (a prophet and a democrat).

This means my children come from a long line of righteous, orthodox, mormon democrats on BOTH sides of the family tree. It is nice for me to know that no matter what political affiliation my children choose they will have well grounded and centered roots from both sides of the aisle.

How great is that? And how is it possible that I have been dating Dave for 7+ years and I am just now learning about this? I have obviously been truant from doing my Woodruff-Meikle family research. Although I do wonder why Dave's mom Sharon Woodruff Meikle never let me in on this interesting tidbit...Our Meikle Family Easter celebration this weekend will be lively for sure.

CHOOSE THE LEFT!

I Got Annie

Who doesn't love a good musical about a cute redheaded girl?

Going with Trish and my sisters (Ariadna will be home with new baby Archie/Gabriel). I am so excited! I just hope I don't embarrass myself by singing every song out loud instead of in my head. "Maybe in a house all hidden by a hill..." 

Eggceptional Idea

This is an egg decorating idea from Miss Martha...We are going to give it a try tomorrow. I am sure ours won't be as pretty, but I KNOW we will have a lot of fun. Oh, and I am skipping the egg blowing part. Nothing lasts that long in our house anyway.

Tools and Materials
Egg blower
12 eggs
Several mixing bowls, shallow and deep
Measuring spoons
Liquid measuring cup
White vinegar
Food coloring
Spoon and fork
Olive oil
Paper towels

Marbleizing How-To 
With an egg blower, which is available at crafts stores, pierce the top and bottom of each egg, puncturing the yolk; carefully expel the contents. Rinse, and let dry.

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine 3 cups warm water, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 10 to 20 drops of food coloring. Place egg in dye, and leave it submerged until it turns the desired shade.

2. In a wide, shallow bowl, prepare a second batch of dye -- which will provide the swirls -- in a darker shade or a different color. Liquid should be no deeper than one half-inch. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Run a fork through this mixture, creating curlicues of oil on the surface.

3. As oil swirls, place dyed egg in mixture, and roll it once around the bowl to pick up oil streaks; remove the egg.

4. Gently pat egg with a paper towel.

5. Let it dry. You can experiment with color combinations: Vary the base tints and the swirls to achieve striking contrasts, subtle shadings, or multihued richness.

First Published: April 2003

http://www.wheelerfarm.com/pdf/CalendarSpringSummer2008.pdf

Wheeler Farm has a cute Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for Saturday morning at 9am. Plus you can go see the new baby animals.

In Need of Comfort

Our ward has a ladies night out once a month or so. Tonight all the lovely ward ladies are going to Cafe Med, but I since Dave's show is still going and I have exhausted all of our sitter options this week, last week and the week before too. I am going to be staying home alone with the 3 Meikle Ninjas.

I decided since life has been a little chaotic-crazy lately, it was time for me to make one of my favorite comfort foods. We all have those few dishes that when we smell and taste them we feel wrapped up in the cocoon of childhood again. For me, almost nothing can beat plain old cajun style red beans and rice (provident living points here too). You can't go wrong with simple yummy foods that stick to your bones and make you smile. And at 190 calories per cup you can be ahead in the weight game, for one day at least.

Red Beans and Rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1 pound ham cut, into 1/2-inch cubes
6 ounces smoked sausage, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices (1 cup)
1 pound dried red beans, rinsed and sorted through, soaked overnight and drained
3 tablespoons chopped garlic
8 to 10 cups water
Steamed rice
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Saute the onions, bell peppers, celery, salt, cayenne, black pepper and thyme for about 5 minutes. Add the bay leaves, ham and sausage and saute for 5 to 6 minutes. Add the beans, garlic, and enough water to cover the contents in the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 2 hours. Add more water if the mixture becomes dry and thick. Use a wooden spoon to mash about half of the mixture against the side pf the pot. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the mixture is creamy and the beans are soft. Add more water if it becomes too thick. The mixture should be soupy but not watery. Remove the bay leaves and serve with steamed white rice. I use brown rice, but that is not very authentic of me.

Sunday Sunset

We woke up Sunday morning with a snow covered land. For me (who really can appreciate the beauty of winter) one who is ready for spring it was a giant step in the wrong direction. And my cute early blooming flowers were killed off too (sniff). But Sunday ended on a good note because not only did Dave get to come home early with all of us for a wonderfully welcome change, but we had an absolutely gorgeous sunset that evening. Don't be too surprised if you see some of these images appear on a certain artist's canvas some day soon.

New Camera

I finally got a new camera after having our old one break down on Christmas Eve....This is me with two of my mini ninjas.

CHICKS Night Out

Just got back from YW tonight and had a lovely time. Chelsea the Uber-woman made this great dessert for the whole crew all by herself, so I have to share the recipe. Yum!

Banana Pillows
Serves 4.
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, from standard package (17 1/4 ounces), thawed
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/3 cup firmly packed light-brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
3 tablespoons heavy cream
4 bananas (1 1/2 pounds), peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick on diagonal
Chocolate shavings for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Roll pastry to 1/8 inch thick; cut out four 5-inch squares. Place on a parchment-lined baking pan; bake about 15 minutes, until golden. Remove from oven; set aside to cool.
Place butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a saute pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until butter and sugar are melted and combined, about 5 minutes. Stir in cream until mixture is smooth. Add bananas; gently stir until coated. Remove from heat.
Using a paring knife, remove and discard a 2-inch square from top center of reserved pillows; keep bottom intact. Fill with banana mixture. Dust with confectioners' sugar, and garnish with chocolate shavings. Serve.

New Lady Bug

Dave has a fun show going all week. It is the CNS show so, some of our profits go to charity, but it is a very good cause. The upside is Dave gets to reconnect with all of his good artist friends and I get to visit with everyone who stops by to take a look and the new Meikle's. Last night I stopped by our friend Fred's area and picked out a new ladybug sculpture and I am in love! Fred is very talented and such a nice guy. It was nice to visit and shop! I want to get back into pottery again...I guess that too is now on my "someday" list.

Sunday Sunday Sunday!

Be grateful,
Be smart,
Be clean,
Be true,
Be humble,
Be prayerful.
~President Gordon B. Hinckley

“Spirituality is the consciousness of victory over self, and of communion with the Infinite”
~President David O. McKay

Best Bread Ever

Here is the best 100% whole wheat bread recipe I have yet to find. If you know of a better one then you better holler it my way. This bread is so good even Dave "Mr. White Bread USA" Meikle will eat it. Whenever I pull these yummy loaves out of the oven they are gone within a day or so (if I am that lucky). I am now up to twice weekly bread making sessions. It is a good thing this is also incredibly simple to make. The current debate in our house is whether the bread is better topped with homemade raspberry jam or honey. Yum!

Wheat Bread

Directions for Bosch Mixer, but can be made by hand
makes 4 large loaves or 6 smaller loaves.

10 cups whole wheat kernels (yields roughly 12-16 cups freshly milled whole wheat flour)
6 cups warm tap water
1/2c. oil
1/2 c. honey
2 tbsp. dough enhancer
2 tbsp SAF instant yeast
1 1/2 tbsp salt
2 -3tbsp vital wheat gluten

Pour warm water into Bosch mixing bowl. Add approximately 6 cups flour on top of liquid. Then add dough enhancer, oil, honey, yeast, and gluten. Use the (M) momentary switch to mix well.

Add approx. 5 additional cups flour, and salt. Turn to first speed. Continue adding flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. Continue kneading on first speed another 10-12 minutes. Heat oven to 150 degrees.

Oil or grease hands and counter. Divide dough into equal portions and shape into loaves. Put into well greased pans. Turn off warm oven and place loaves inside with door closed. Let loaves rise till double in size approx 25-30 min. When loaves have doubled leave in oven and turn oven to 350 degrees bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from pans and cool on wire rack. Top of loaves can be rubbed with water or butter for shiny appearance. Wipe pans clean.

Thankful Things

I am thankful for my testimony of the Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ.
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

I am thankful for a Heavenly Father who loves all of us unconditionally.

I am thankful to a young man named Joseph Smith who had the willingness to ask and the courage to accept his call.

I am thankful for a husband who loves me and our children always and who willingly and selflessly works hard to provide for our family.

I am thankful for my children who provide me with countless hours of entertainment, laughs and cuddles (sometimes kisses too).

I am thankful for my oldest baby Daniel who despite being almost 5; still likes being my "snicker-doodle boy" and gives me loves and kisses (by request).

I am thankful for my middle baby Princess Mia who is smart and sassy and knows exactly what she wants just like her mother.

I am thankful for my baby baby Sam who is sweet and cuddly and can fall asleep anywhere (strollers, car seat, bouncers, floor, daddy's arms you name it).

I am thankful for my Grandfather Capson who spends countless hours serving others and is such a kind selfless man. I love his letters that recount his days and provide all of his family, friends, kids and grandkids with lots of entertainment. I also love his sweet testimony he bears through every letter he writes and every deed he does for others. And for the love he has for my grandmother, his 6 daughters, for his 23 grandchildren and 13+ greats. He is such an example.

I am thankful for my Grandmother Dorald Capson, who I never met in this life, but whose presence I feel every time I hold my newborn children for the first time. I can see her kisses on their cheeks every time I look at their faces.

I am thankful for my parents who are such strong and capable people. They are two of the brightest stars in the universe and I am grateful for their unwavering faith and the examples of hard work and endurance they are to their children.

I am thankful for parents who raised me to go against the grain, think outside of the box, stand for my convictions, speak my mind while still respecting others and to color outside of the lines. I am not thankful for my kindergarten teacher Ms Hewitt who would not pass me in coloring because I could not comply.

I am thankful for all of the strong women I know now and to those who came before me. You give me strength and a desire to be strong too.

I am thankful for a home in which to raise my family and create loving memories inside.

I am thankful for my baby brother Daniel, who I never got to meet, but who is an angel on my shoulder. And never lets me feel alone.

I am thankful for the satisfaction of hard work completed.

I am thankful for warm sunshine, spring rain showers, beautiful vistas and gorgeous landscapes. I never feel smaller or more in the presence of the Lord than when I am surrounded my the beautiful nature he created for us to enjoy and preserve.

I am thankful for rainbows. They remind me of miracles and the beauty promises kept.

I am thankful for kisses because they make me feel alive.

I am thankful for good friends to make me laugh and keep me on track.

I am thankful for service and the ability to forget myself.

I am thankful for love and its power to forgive and heal.

I am thankful for laughter and for the ability to never go a day without it.

Crazy Daze

Lizzy J was complaining that she could never leave comments so I updated my comment perms. Now ANYONE can give a shout out!

This week was beyond crazy and you probably guessed that since I have been blog silent.

Tuesday night was enrichment for the Foothill RS Crew; and yes, I actually went. I know shocker. It was a nice night away, but I have a hard time relaxing know that this giant pile of dishes would be waiting for me when I arrived home. But, Super Dave had fed, bathed, and placed my angels in bed all on his own and he even cleaned the rest of the house (minus the dishes). Mia even laid out her clothes for the next day which made our early Wednesday morning a snap.




The rest of the week was a flurry of YM meetings and b-ball game, Primary activity and work, work work. Then came Sunday and now that we have lost an hour I am extra tired. I think I am getting boring too....

No Wait! Last night we went to Mazza with the out laws and had an awesome dinner! I love their hummus and baba ghanoush talk about yummy! The adult conversation was nice too. We managed a neutral political discussion, awesome! And after a last minute sitter snafu Uncle Archie and major preggers Tia Ariadna came to the rescue and entertained the runts in exchange for free pizza. Uncle Archie is a favorite form of entertainment!

My Daughter the Democrat

As most of you know Dave and I have a mixed marriage. He is a steadfast born and raised Republican. I am a open minded big hearted Democrat. Despite our differences and many late night conversations (Dave LOVES to come into our room when I have just fallen asleep and whisper "George Bush was the Lord's choice" just to wake me up and get me going), we are careful not to influences our kids because we both feel they need to make the right (or LEFT) choice for themselves. But the other day I had one of the bets motherhood moments ever when my mother-in-law Mama Sharon as she is known in these parts told me Mia told her she liked Hillary Clinton.

My heart was full! I now know there is hope for the future and with Mia's quick mind and gorgeous smile who knows maybe we will one day she will be Madam President Amelia Kae Meikle (that is of course if she decides to keep her maiden name).

Later that same day she told me she likes boys with tattoos, so she could just as easily run off and join the circus.

www.HillaryClinton.com

Don't talk to the hand talk to the Holy Ghost!

Miss Mia loves to go to church. Another reason I am so sad to be stuck home with two and a half sick children today. I was hoping to go for a spell in YM (my new calling I love) and hear Chelsea teach (she is a rock star, so I am sure it will be an awesome lesson), but when all three naughties started with sickness and daddy Dave has Fast Sunday tithing woes looming; I got to be the stay home wonder nurse. Yuck!

Back to Mia, she loves to learn and remembers everything you tell her and absolutely everything she overhears anyone else saying too. Every Sunday she comes home from church and gives me a whole play by play of her two hours in primary experience. Apparently last week she learned about the Holy Ghost. All week she has been spouting the virtues of this gift from Heavenly Father, but my favorite Holy Ghost moment came one afternoon when she was mad at Dave. Mia came up to me and said "I am mad at Dad and I talked to the Holy Ghost about it and the Holy Ghost told me Dad is an idiot." Hmmm... out of the mouth of babes. I think no matter what this darling girls ends up doing in life, the rest of the world better watch out. Or at the very least watch what you say around Mia. 

Now I am off to make chicken soup and walk my croup infected kids around the block. 

Does the term Baby Shower really mean Hell?

Oscar Wilde said "Why is it we rejoice at birth and cry at death? Could it be because we are not the one involved in either?" I am not quite as cynical, but baby showers...uggggh!  Today was Ariadna and Archie's baby shower for baby boy Egbert AKA Archibald Gabriel Egbert. Ariadna has looked so awesome her whole pregnancy, I just hopes she sails through the next few weeks too. March 29, 2008 is the baby ETA. Yea! and Good Luck guys. I cannot wait to hold my nephew. I am really baby hungry. (I will post photos when I raid my parents iphoto library). And BTW I was happy to help throw you a shower. 

(Here are the pics I promised. Look at those deserts YUM! I just realized I look as pregnant as the pregnant woman OH S@*T!)

I was too crazed with life to cook and wanted to have some fun so I ordered the pastries for the shower from my favorite pastry chef Romina Rasmussen at Les Madeleines, who recently won Salt Lake Magazine's Dining Awards Best Pastry Chef. The pastries were amazing (all five dozen devoured). 

I love the Key Lime bars and I cannot wait for an excuse to order more. I just wish I could cook like that. I would be so fat and sooo happy too. I just found out Romina will also be doing food at the CNS Art and Soup where Dave will be showing his work too. Maybe I will be lucky enough to score some more goodies.

Sam has croup, so while the rest of the famdamnily is off to Bryant's big birthday bash, I am home with sicko and his running nose and nasty, I mean really nasty cough. Last night was sleepless until 5am (with a 7am wake up time) and tonight promises to be just as exciting. It looks like Dave and I will be doing the mom/dad split shift at church tomorrow. I feel bad leaving my baby home when he is sick he is a momma's boy BIG time, but Chelsea is teaching our joint YM lesson and I want to support her because I think it is her first time teaching the group since we were all combined in January, so I figure she could use a few friendly faces.