Jam Session

Last weekend my Father-in-law played his Indian flutes at a "gig" in Gilbert. He has 2 CD's and Shane plays the diggerydoo in the back ground and another gentleman plays base. It was a bit sureal to see these men I love "jamming" in front of a crowd and actually getting tips for a job well done. I am told that there are more "gigs" planned in the future...who knew they would love it so much. I think they need matching outfits though...don't you?

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Nathan, as you know has been obsessed with airplanes in the past. He has not given up that love, but instead has increased his love for trains and cars. I pulled out Jacob's old train set and he has played with it for two hours straight. He is so smart and makes all the correct sounds while pushing the train around and around.

Vegetarian Quiche

I do get so tired of making the same old meals weeks after week. I also have picky eaters so really I can only try new entrees every once in a while. Tonight I made this amazing vegetarian quiche which I found in a vegetarian magazine. Can you say yummy, not to mention pretty to look at! It is very simple...for those who are not huge fans of veggies (me included) it is flavored really good.

Pilsbury Ready to Bake crust

10 oz pkg frozen spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

10 or more cherry or gape tomatoes, halved

3 eggs

1 1/2 cup low fat milk

pinch of nutmeg

Mix eggs, milk and nutmeg in a small bowl. Layer cheese, spinach, onion in pie crust. Pour egg mixture over spinach and place tomatoes through out. Bake at 350 for 45-50 min.

Refreshing Dessert

This is an east way to get a refreshing summer treat! Mix 2 small boxes of raspberry jello, only doing the boiling water part of the recipe to dissolve the jello. Using a mixer, blend two tubs of whipped cream cheese and only large tub of cool whip together. Refrigerate and add fresh raspberries on top. Oh so delicious!!!

Jalapeno Cream Cheese Burgers

We had this amazing dinner on the recommendation of a co-worker of Shane's and it was yummy. First you take ground beef and make two patties pretty thin...maybe 1/8 to 1/4 inch, think depending on your taste. Then mix the cream cheese with the jalapenos and green onions. Place a spoon full of cream cheese mixture in between the two patties and press the edges together. We cooked them on a George Forman grill because we ran out of propane. For the adventurous you can mix mayo with some Tabasco for a little extra kick. Lettuce, tomato and a side completes the meal! Yes, it has jalapenos in it, but it is not extraordinarily "hot". There is some wonderful spicy flavor, which we love, but a perfectly acceptable amount of heat for those less adventurous. Please try it and ENJOY!!!

Morning at the Zoo

I found out that members can get into the zoo at 6:00am this summer so we tried to get up early and beat the crowds. We did not end up getting there as early as we wanted, but we were able to visit the new splash pad. It has a cave, slide and waterfall. And a bonus, we were home before lunch and everyone is napping now, including Shane! The kids had fun I think...at least that's what their smiles say to me.

When did this sweet baby of mine start looking like such a little lady?

Gotta love the pure joy on her face...very cool shot!

Oh those boys...aren't they so cute?

Those look like perfect "pinching" booties!

Summer Learning for me...yippy!

My Mom and I signed up for a non-credit photography class this month. We start class on Tues, June 16 and it goes on for three weeks. I am super excited!!! I may be able to take a decent picture most of the time, but this class is going to teach me how to use my manual settings and work on catching the right light with the correct shutter speed/aperture. I have desperately wanted to take a class like this for some time but all the classes I had seen were using a 35mm film camera and I prefer my digital. The other part that makes me super excited is that I get to get out of the house for three Tues nights...ahhhh that is so cool! As I am getting more and more comfortable with having a newborn again and realized just this morning that I am ready for a couple hour break every once in a while. And I have to thank my amazing hubby who is more than willing to be at home with a newborn and 4 kiddos while I get this break. So, look for my 'assignments' to show up here in a couple weeks!

Dbacks Game

On Saturday we had the privilege once again to go to a game as a family. The Diamondbacks organization is amazing and just like last year they dedicated a whole game to foster care awareness and we we able to get discounted tickets. The kids LOVE going to the games...when we got to our seats Nathan just sat down, started clapping and yelling "BASEBALL, BASEBALL, BASEBALL" over and over! He made friends with a fellow fan sitting next to him and was captivated by the game the whole time we sat there. As you can see they enjoyed pizza and snack bags provided by a local charity. They also each got a hat and it was Stephen Drew Bobblehead day. I will admit however that two adults to five kids is not the ideal baseball viewing ratio, but still very fun. I love watching their expressions as the game and plays go on.

Not the best pictures, but still shows all the fun we had!