Freestone Park

In AZ we went to this really cool park by my sister's home in Gilbert. It has a train, rides, ponds, courts, streams, bridges, picnic areas, playgrounds, everything you can imagine in a park. The kids did some fishing, riding rides, and lots of running and playing. Their favorite thing though was this tire swing that Grandpa spun them around like crazy on. They giggled and squealled the entire time. It made my stomach queezy just watching them. When we finally convinced them to get off they were falling all over the place. All in all, it was a lot of fun and we will definately have to go there again!

Book tagged

Loralee book tagged me and here are the rules-

1. Pick up the nearest book (with at least 123 pages)

2. Turn to page 123.

3. Find the 5th sentence.

4. Post the next three sentences.

5. Tag 3 people.



So, the closest book to me is a book I'm reading called The Parenting Breakthrough by Merrilee Browne Boyack. It is all about teaching your kids to be responsible, capable people. It focuses on teaching them how to work, save money, and be independent. Who couldn't use a book on that? I'm actually really enjoying it (though I don't agree with her 100%). So if I go to page 123, here is what I get:



For example, my hubby and I definitely planned on having a Scouting family. My dad and brother were big Scouters, and I loved it. In fact, every guy I dated I would ask, "Are you an Eagle Scout?"



Not very interesting, but I do think it is a must read for parents. Even if you don't agree with her methods, it will make you realize that you need a plan to make your kids independent (they won't just naturally become that way on their own). So, those of you with kids- find a copy! I am willing to lend out mine when I finish :-)
Now, I tag Melissa Mitchell, Kendra McClure, and Hannah Nelson.

Easy Slow-Cooker Recipes

Kendra wanted the first recipe and I decided to add another one of my favorites. I should note that neither of these are spicy, but could easily be made so.

Chicken Oriental
1 Tbsp. hot chile sesame oil (or regular sesame oil with a little chile sauce added)
4 large skinless chicken thighs
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp. soy sauce


1. Spread oil around the bottom of the slow-cooker.
2. Put in chicken.
3. Sprinkle chicken with garlic and brown sugar. Drizzle with soy sauce.
4. Cover and cook on low 4-8 hours.
5. Serve chicken and sauce over rice.



Thai Chicken
6 skinless chicken thighs
3/4 cup salsa (I like Emerill's Gaaarlic lover's medium salsa)
1/4 cup chunky peanut butter
1 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp. lime juice

Optional
1 tsp. grated gingerroot
2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
1 Tbsp. dry-roasted peanuts, chopped


1. Put chicken in slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix remaining ingredients except cilantro and roasted peanuts
3. Cover and cook on Low 8-9 hrs.
4. Serve chicken over rice. Sprinkle with peanuts and cilantro.

General Conference

April 5th and 6th was General Conference. It was so great to watch. I always get impressions that answer my questions and show me how to be a better person. This conference was particularly interesting because it is the first time I really remember sustaining a new prophet. It is so cool to know that God works the same today as he always has, that we have a prophet and apostles to tell us what God wants us to know now. I really liked Elder Nelson's talk on being a better parent. I think I could do a better job of teaching my children the importance of God in their lives. I felt the spirit really confirm what he said about parents correcting their children quietly and privately, then show an increase of love afterwards. He also said that we should not try to control our children, but listen to them and teach them by example and persuade them in kindness. It gave me a lot to think about and aspire to. I also liked Elder Ballard's talk to young mothers, encouraging us to live in the moment and treasure our children now, to find time for ourselves, to not overschedule ourselves or our children, and to find time to pray, study, and teach the gospel everyday. Of course overall it seemed that the speakers were often telling us to be optimistic and determined, to serve others, and to be more like our Savior Jesus Christ. Conference is an amazing time to be uplifted by the word of God, inspired by the different Christ-like examples, and to renew our commitment to ourselves, our family, our church, and our God. What a blessing to listen to church leaders and to feel the spirit testify of the truths being taught!

swimming

The kids loved swimming in AZ. Matthew has turned into a little fish. He wore a vest the first time we went, but after that he was great. He would drop under the water and swim as far as he could before coming up for air and a little break. He got caught out too deep a couple times when he needed to rest and we had to go help him, but he soon learned his limits and always came back to the shallow part when he needed a rest. Andrew tried going under a few times, but was more content to be carried around or to play with toys in the shallow part. He was really sad to leave. Owen also loved the water and thought it was really funny to splash and have the water get in his face. It was really great to go with Grandma and Aunt Kendra and their cousins Jayden, Jenna, and Hyrum. Hyrum is just 6 months old but he loved the water too. They also liked watching their daddy stay under the water for a few minutes at a time (speaking of fish). Too bad it won't be swimming weather in Cleveland for another few months!

Amazing Jake's

We went to the coolest places while in AZ. Matt wanted to check out Amazing Jake's because Broc (a friend in his dental class from AZ) told him it was a lot of fun. We had a great time. We had to pay for the buffet to get in and then we bought as many points as we thought we would use. Each activity or game is a certain number of points. The cool part is the different activities there. The put the coolest stuff in the huge warehouse. There was lasertag, a go-cart track, arcades, play areas, rides, etc. We did the mini-golf, bowling, bumper cars, go-cart racing, games, rides, and I even climbed the rock wall. We all had sooo much fun. Plus they had a decent buffet (we liked the pizza and icecream) with lots of different places to sit- we sat in the sports bar section with huge TVs and caught sportscenter while the kids ate. With so much fun stuff to do I think they could've hung out all day. Why don't they have something like this in Cleveland?

Kyla's Birthday

I should probably preface with the fact that I love birthdays. All birthdays, but especially mine! My 27th was particularly fun. I woke up when the kids came to wake us up, as usual, but pretended to be asleep while Matt jumped up with them and shooed them out to get everything ready. Since we are still in AZ, he wasn't sure where the wrapping paper, tape, etc. was, so there was a little comotion as my mom helped. I dozed a little until the kids again snuck in to see me. I figured that meant that things were ready for me to 'wake up'. Everyone was excited and I had presents, colored pictures and cards waiting for me on the table. I opened them immediately to find a massager, some under armor headbands (to hold back my short hair when I run), a white under armor beanie, and some white north face snowboarding pants. Now I'm all pumped to hit the slopes... Everything really was great. The night before my family had a party for my dad (his bday is March 31) and myself (pinata and everything). My great sis also gave me the Enchanted dvd because her girls love it (especially Jayden) and with 3 boys I never get to watch any princess movies. I think it is a cute show. SO, basically I'm saying I racked in some good stuff :-)

After presents Matt and I went to TC Eggington's again because it is basically the best breakfast place in the world. After breakfast we came home and hung out for a bit before going to golf 9 holes. It was really fun. The weather of course is perfect here this time of year and I actually did OK. I beat Matt (if you count my huge handicap) and lets face it- I really like to win at things. After golf we went to downtown Phoenix where we put our name on the waiting list at the Pizzeria Bianco (we were there right when it opened, but there was already a huge line and by the time we got to the front there was a 2 hour wait- I guess that is what happens after being on Oprah). It was great because it is in the historical district so we got to walk around there and downtown- just one street over. The pizza was pretty good, maybe the best authentic pizza I've ever had. After dinner we went home and chilled before bed. 27 is really looking good so far. Every year seems to get better, I can't wait for my 30s!