Strawberry Sorbet

I thought it would be fun to try my hand at a Pioneer Woman-esque food post (Hear that Ree? You're an adjective!) Anyway, I made an easy, yummy (and mostly healthy) strawberry sorbet.

Cast of Characters:

3 cups chopped, frozen strawberries (or raspberries, or any kind of berry) 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup warm water

Mix water and sugar

Stir until sugar is dissolved

Pulse strawberries in blender until coarsely chopped (I added mine 1 cup at a time to make it easier)

Add sugar water, and pulse until smooth

Pour into an airtight container, freeze until firm (about 30 mins.)

I don't have an after picture, because mine is still freezing. I didn't exactly use frozen berries :) But thats ok! See those cookies lurking in the back of a few pictures? That was today's dessert, sorbet is tomorrow's :)

Strawberry Sorbet

Prep Time: 10 mins. Freeze Time: 30 mins.

Serves 4

1/4 cup warm water

1/4 cup sugar

3 cups chopped, (fresh) frozen strawberries.

1. Stir together sugar and water, until sugar dissolves.

2. Pulse strawberries until coarsely chopped, add sugar water, pulse until smooth.

3.Transfer to airtight container, freeze until firm (about 30 mins-depends on the frozen-ness of the berries)

4. Enjoy!

Logan Utah Temple

Brandon and I first visited the Logan Temple in November 2007

We later returned, in October 2009

Logan Utah Temple

2nd Operating Temple of the Church

Dedicated May 17th-19th 1884

Dedicated by President John Taylor

Located in Logan, Utah

Exterior of Limestone and Sandstone

The Logan Temple was completely gutted and re-built in the late 1970's

It was rededicated in March of 1979

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Crocheted Baby Hats

I've finally picked up crocheting again, finally. My Grandma taught me when I was 10 or so, and I never really did anything with it. I would putter here and there over the years, mostly when I was bored or was feeling extra adhd. So in the last few weeks I've been feeling a lot of both of those, and decided to pull out my old yarn and hooks. I got on YouTube and watched videos over and over again until I remembered how to do certain stitches, and then practiced. Last week while at my Grandma's, I asked her to show me how to finish hats, I've made so many pieces and then never finished them, so I wanted to finish them! I've almost exhausted my yarn collection, and made 4 hats.  I'm guessing they would fit a preemie, newborn, 1 year old, and possibly an 18 month old. ( I tested my largest on my 2 year old cousin while at Grandma's and it was a little too small, so this is how I am measuring.) Anyway, I've had a lot of fun and predict that my future children will never want for a nice winter hat (until they are teenagers at least...) :D

Five Guys Review

(I decided to post this just for fun.) This last weekend Brandon and I found a place called Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Apparently they are pretty well known in other parts of the country, but I had never heard of them 'till we moved here. Anyway-we stopped in and tried it out, and lets just say...YUM although slightly more expensive than McDonald's (what isn't?) it's way below Red Robin, or something of the likes. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience, and can't wait until we are able to go back! If you ever run in to one, stop in and try it!

Mesa Arizona Temple

Brandon and I first visted the Mesa Temple in August of 2008

Mesa Arizona Temple

7th Operating Temple of the Church

Dedicated October 23rd-26th 1927

Dedicated by President Heber J. Grant

Located in Mesa, Arizona

Exterior is made of glazed terra cotta tiles

First Temple to offer an Endowment session in a language besides English (Spanish)

Re-Dedicated on April 15th & 16th 1975 by President Spencer W. Kimball

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Home Away From Home...Away From Home

This week I ran off to Preston, to visit my Grandparents. Oh how I love Preston. I spent many a Sunday during my childhood playing in the streets of Preston, and at Kings, and Stokes, and across the street from Grandma's at the track playing in the "sandbox". Once I even climed up the stairs of the Oneida Stake Academy building in the pitch black, to the bell tower-to help my grandpa ring the bell on Preston's birthday. I spent my days eating Banana Creamies Ice Cream Bars, and getting penny candy from the gas station down the street. Sitting at the corner of 2nd south and 1st east every summer, waiting to be thrown salt water taffy and hording chocolate milk, and if I was lucky, watching Adam get hit by a frisbee :) Sitting on the piano bench at dinner because I had the smallest bum, and eating thirds of Thanksgiving rainbow jello and Grandma's rolls. I have so many awesome, nostalgic memories from my time spent in Preston. I have so much fun going back now and remembering all of the things I used to do, and in some cases, continue to do. I love being in a home (and town for that matter) that is so laid back, and simple. If I could live with my grandparents forever, I think I might. Or at least next door. I'm so glad that I am closer now, than I have been in over 10 years. I can't wait to go back next month to sit at the corner of 2nd south and 1st east to wait for the salt water taffy and to wave at the pretty girls on horses.

Columbia River Washington Temple

Brandon and I were married here, on Saturday, August 16, 2008.

The Columbia River Washington Temple

107th operating Temple of the Church

Dedicated on November 18th, 2001

Dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley

Located in Richland, Washington

Exterior Granite is from Vermont and Italy

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Temples Dotting the Earth

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I've decided to start a new blog series. Once a week or so I will write a post about a temple that Brandon and I have either visited, or have been through. I decided that this would be a fun way to keep track of all the places we go, and at the same time learn some new and fun facts about each temple. Once I use up my list, I will just randomly post whenever we visit a new temple. Hope you will enjoy this as much as I will! :D

Appliquéd Onsies

I was feeling super crafty the other night, and decided to come up with a new project. This is what I decided to do! I had seen a few (emphasis on few) of these from my blog surfing, but had only ever physically seen one once. So I went to the store, got a few supplies (I love JoAnn's fabric quarters!) and came home and started dabbling with a few ideas that I had. Here is what I have so far, they are still in progress-but I couldn't wait to share them! I will post updated pics when they are done! (These are super easy and really fun. If you want one let me know :)

Sorry the picture quality isn't very great, I left my camera cord in Othello, so these are from my ancient cybershot.

This one I've dubbed "Stars and Stripes" (for obvious reasons) and it is for my un-nephew Heber :) I'm also making a toddler t-shirt version of it for his older brother Regan.

This one is "Love Me Tender" and it's still up for grabs :)

I'm still going to do some stitching and some embroidery on both of them, but I think they are just as cute plain like this :) I have a couple more to do, and I'm excited to see how they turn out!

Ironman!

Levi and Clare are in town (woo hoo!) Levi is competing in the Boise Ironman (70.3) on Saturday, and guess who gets to hang out with them! Anyway, I am glad that they are here, and glad that I get to have people I know come visit me! Looking forward to Saturday so we can cheer him on, Good luck Levi!

The Lord is my Shepherd

 One of my favorite Psalms is 23, David is declaring that the Lord is his shepherd, and because of that he will always be content, never be fearful of evil- I love this Psalm, and think it's the perfect reminder for us in tough times, that the Lord is always with us, and will always protect us when we put our faith in him. This particular set of scriptures has been on my mind for the last few weeks, because I have no idea how things are going to turn out, I do everything that I can, to try and get my life in order. I have to make decisions based on what I think is best, and by the promptings of the spirit. Even when it meant quitting a job, that I absolutely needed. I have faith that the Lord will help me find what it is I need to be doing. I just love that this Psalm helps me stop and reflect on all the blessings that I have in my life, even if in a worldly point of view, I have next to nothing. As a wedding gift, some of our close family friends purchased a Simon Dewey work fittingly entitled "The Lord is my Shepherd" we've had it up our entire marriage, and I now have it back in my living room, and can't help but to admire it often. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have that the Lord is always with me, when I invite him in.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

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