Family...It's about time!

We spent an amazing day at This is the Place Heritage Park for the John Pack Family Reunion. His descendants must be in the thousands and we met just over 100 Saturday. This is the Place is turning into an incredible pioneer, early settler, and even Native American experience. Our kids thought boredom would overtake them at first, but once they saw the fun they could have, they soon forgot their woes.

Panning for gold (you can even trade in your "dust" for a sweet treat)

Horsey ride

Mini-train ride around the mini-reservoir

Oh, and by the way, Ben was named as the newest President to the John Pack Family Association.

Microwave Mustard Cauliflower

1/2 med. head cauliflower

Place cauliflower in greased 1/2-quart glass casserole with 1 tablespoon water. Microwave, covered on High for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender; drain.

Combine and mix well:

1/4 cup mayonnaise

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 tsp. onion, finely chopped

1/2 tsp. mustard

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

Pour over cauliflower and top with 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese.

Microwave for an additional minute or until cheese has melted. Let stand before serving.

I've been amazed at how much my children gobble this dish up. Cauliflower isn't usually the favorite around here, but when I fix this recipe it is a hit with everyone. Oh, and the best part is its easiness. It can doubled for bigger crowds too.

He's not little anymore

Hyrum turns three today!

He made one of his first attempts at holding up three fingers . (We celebrated earlier this week with Grandparents Moss and Pack, and our good friends the Johnsons.)

He even got breakfast in bed. It was a little nerve racking for the mother, but Hyrum thought he'd died and gone to heaven!

As you can see he was the life of the party and was so excited about all the thoughtful gifts he received.

Thanks to the kids, especially Ally, we also had a first-class fishing pond.

His fish cake was a hit too. (Apricot Cake with Lemon Frosting...have I told you lately how much a LOVE being able to find amazing recipes on the internet?)

Although it is a bittersweet moment to watch your youngest getting so big, it has been a blast to watch him grow. When you need your heart to smile just ask Hyrum for a hug.

Rachel Ray Recipes

Ally thinks it is a must that I share her especially favorite recipe with you from Rachel Ray's 365: No Repeats.

SCRAMBLEWICHES

Ingredients:
1 Baguette (day-old is fine)
2 tbs unsalted butter
1/2 lb. deli-sliced ham, smoked turkey, pastrami, or corned beef
8 large eggs
A splash of milk
1 tsp hot sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 deli slices of Swiss cheese (halved lengthwise to fit bread), or 8 slices of Cheddar (2 squares per bread), or 6 slices of Provolone cheese (1 1/2 slices per bread, cut to fit)
Chopped fresh chives or flat-leaf parsley, to garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Farenheit.

Crisp the bread in the low oven, split it lengthwise, and hollow it out. Cut each bread in half again, across, making 4 boats. Switch the broiler on.

Heat large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add butter and melt. Add the meat and cook, separating the pieces, for 3 minutes, or until brown at the edges. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add to the meat and scramble, keeping the eggs a little soft. They will continue to cook in the oven.

Divide the eggs among the bread and cover with the cheese. Melt the cheese under the broiler. Take out as soon as cheese softens and melts. Do not brown or allow cheese to bubble. Garnish and serve.

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My other favorite from the same cookbook is:

MAC-n-CHEDDAR CHEESE with CHICKEN and BROCCOLI (It has a wonderful "kick"! It's a great recipe to try if you are sick of the boxed kind! I'd hold back a little on the spice if your kids aren't used to tasty meals. )

I AM A MOTHER

Motherhood:-An-Eternal-Partnership

(click this link)

I needed this today and probably everyday (especially when everybody is whining and vying for my attention). But I know despite all of my faults and the daily challenges, that it is a blessing to be a mother.