Stupid

A can of coconut milk + a chefs knife = stitches. My bottle opener is broken, has been for a while. But no worries, I have just stabbed the cans with a chef knife instead. Except this time, I stabbed my hand. Stupid I know. My brilliant stunt resulted in one trip to urgent care, one tetanus shot, three stitches, and a very sore hand. Tomorrow I am buying a bottle opener.

Winger's Sticky Chicken Salad

A while back Steve and I ate at Winger's. Steve ordered the Sticky Chicken Salad. It was good. In true Steve fashion Steve said, "I bet I could make this." He did. Since then it has become a favorite. It's ridiculously easy if you buy the chicken already breaded. However, you can always bread and fry the chicken yourself. I like to skip the mess. This isn't really a recipe as much as a "how to" since we never measure. (Sorry!) Ingredients: Chopped Romaine Lettuce - Craisins - Shredded cheddar cheese- Cherry tomatoes (optional)- 1 bottle of Lousiana Style Hot Sauce (like Frank's Hot Sauce) - Brown Sugar - Breaded Chicken strips - Ranch or Bleu Cheese dressing - In a saucepan combine equal parts hot sauce and brown sugar in order to make the amount of sauce you want. I always add the whole bottle, make the sauce, and then put the leftover sauce back in the hot sauce bottle. Then next time I can even skip this step! Heat it through and let it thicken a little. Toss the sauce over the breaded chicken. We like to assemble the salads individually, since some like more craisins, some don't like tomatoes, etc. So in each bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce, craisins, cheese, tomatoes, and top with chicken strips. Serve with ranch or bleu cheese dressing.

Playdate

This is Ruthie's and her buddy. Every Tuesday and every Thursday they have a date. It is one of Ruthie's highlights!

Spelling Bee

On Friday, Amy participated in the school spelling bee. She studied until I thought my brain would explode. She studied in the morning before school. She studied in the afternoon after school. And she studied in the evening until it was time for bed. Amy placed in the top 10 of the school. Her missed word was ninja. She actually spelled the word correctly, but before she began to spell she said the letter "i". Once you say a letter you can't "take it back". There was some controversy concerning her incorrect spelling. Previosly, another speller made the same mistake of saying a letter that did not belong, but his was in the middle of the word. However, he challenged the judges and so did his mom. The archiac tape recorder used to tape the spellers for such challenges did not provide a clear answer, so the speller returned to the competition and ultimately took second place. Apparently, there were some teachers who felt Amy's dismissal was unfair. Yet, Amy did a fabulous job and handled her defeat gracefully. Her parents were very P-R-O-U-D. (I would have posted a video, but blogger doesn't seem to like mine)

For the Love of Chocolate

We made chocolate cupcakes on Sunday for dessert. After mixing, I gave Ruthie a choclate covered beater to lick. Some chocolate dripped on her foot and this is what I found her doing. . .

All for the love of chocolate!

Talent Show

Lydia had the privilege of hosting the Centennial Middle School Talent Show. She and a boy named Que were asked to be the MC's. This was no small affair. It required a formal dress, new shoes, a tux for Que, and staying late after school for a week. The show was performed three times, Thursday evening for the parents, and twice on Friday for the students. It was a lot of fun, not only to watch Lydia and Que charm the audience with thier smiles and humor, but those kids truly were talented. There was a Led Zepplin drum solo, ballroom dancing, piano playing, juggling, singing, etc. etc. It was quite entertaining! If only I had been so brave (or so talented) as these kids when I was young! ( Am I sounding old or what?)

My Dad

Grandpa taking Ruthie to see the stream at a park in Provo Canyon Summer 08'. Ruthie is trying to sign "water" to Grandpa

Today is my dad's birthday. If you don't know my dad, then I believe you have not met one of the great men of this world. Here are five things I love about my dad:

1. My dad is an incredibly hard worker. He is constantly doing and often doing things for other people. He never stops (think Energizer Bunny) He has painted for me, done my dishes, vacuumed, taken out the garbage, babysat, vacuumed, wash my windows, mowed my lawn,repaired things around my house, cleaned my car, ran errands for me, and I believe this was all in one day. I could go on and on and on.

2. My dad is courageous and bold. He is a true missionary. He is never embarassed or timid about sharing the gospel with others, even total strangers. When he traveled a great deal he would always try to keep an extra copy of the Book of Mormon with him. If he had a copy when he left, it was sure to be gone when he returned. I loved to hear his stories he would share when he returned. From those stories I learned to never judge someone by their outward appearance and we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father.

3. My dad is wise. I still like to counsel with my dad and ask his opinions regarding the direction of my life. I trust him. I know that when he gives advice in a certain way and with a certain tone, I need to listen and take note.

4. My dad is loving. I grew up with my dad always saying, "how are my little sweethearts?" He always told us he loved us. He was affectionate and kind - "squeaky kisses and body crushers." I have no recollection of my dad ever critiquing or criticizing my choice of clothes, hairstyle, or makeup - even when there was plenty to criticize. He only complimented. He is the same with my girls now.

5. My dad is generous. He never hesitates to help others and to share. He often shows his generosity anonymously or very quietly. I have often been the recipient of that generosity.

So, Happy Birthday Dad. We love you and we are better people because of you!