Pure Life in Paradise

Hello...hello....hello...

2009-07-22T08:57:00.006-06:00

Is anyone still there?

I'm going to write like there is actually someone who will be reading this after 3 months without a post. I'm good at pretending, always have been. You should try it. It gets you through a lot of tough moments unscathed.
"No my child is NOT flinging himself all over the grocery store floor, SCREAMING at the top of his lungs for candy. Nope, just not happening!"

Here are our beloved blue bins, ready for another adventure. Can you see how used they've gotten in our year in Costa Rica? They were the BEST thing I brought besides my "familia".

Here we are in our van taxi at 3:30 am getting packed up to head to the airport. Look how wide awake our little Paige is. I love it!

This is quite blurred but worth posting for me. A picture of our little family together before we separated for a month and a half. At this point Wes was getting pretty sad to have us all leave. I, being the all attentive wife, didn't even notice that he was smiling through his tears. I was thinking..."5 kids, one adult, 2 flights...can I do it?"
That's why I love this man. He loves his family.

The sun rose as we were getting ready to board our plane. Our two little tikes were so excited to get on the flight.

Aiden sitting as a "big boy" during our first flight. The kids were great travelers.

We have been busy with getting settled into U.S. life. We've had Paige's birthday (Christmas in June), beach days, pool parties, FREE summer movies, lots of family time and for me, COUPON shopping! I heart coupons.
Wes has arrived and we are a happy family once again. We are holding our life in Costa Rica as a training for the rest of our lives.

Just a Nice Day Today...

2009-05-28T22:37:00.004-06:00

I finally convinced the kids to go on a walking tour of our little city here. Up until now, I got the "I don't want to's" for whatever {lame} reason they came up with.
But today...they all agreed. I think the idea that we are REALLY leaving is sinking into their minds.
I took this shot just around the corner from our home as we headed out.
We spent about half an hour with them coordinating the photographers angles and shots. Every once in awhile I give up that power and let them go at it.
Every city in Costa Rica has a church...with a park and ours is no exception. We just hung out...ate some ice cream and watched the birds.

I just snapped this shot of one of the many streets here. I remember when we first arrived...I felt uncomfortable walking down the roads here. The sidewalks are crumbled cement and dangerous. It's a marvel that women here can traverse it in HIGH HEELS. Just amazing.
Now I feel comfort in the old homes and businesses, small sidewalks and interesting sinkholes.

I wouldn't let my kids go home until we found this wall. I LOVE IT! We pass it every Sunday on our way to church. The colors are so vivid and the message is great. I crack up when I see the barbed wire scrolling over the top. That just comes with the territory.

Better get to bed...I leave in 6 hours to pick up mi amigas.

Goodnight!

I woke up this morning...

2009-05-27T08:40:00.003-06:00

and realized I have 2 more days to finish up last minute packing before my "girlfriends" arrive. I like to complete work under pressure. Two things I love...change and a challenge! Maybe reasons to why Costa Rica worked for me.

It's interesting though...kind of like the end of a pregnancy where you are so tired of being pregnant that you don't care how the baby is going to come out!! That's where I am here...since I got back from my trip to the states...our hot water heater went out. We went 2 weeks without a hot shower or bath.

Now all our water is out. It's been over 24 hours without water. Oh the fun that entails. Of course in between these loses we've had electricity, Internet and phone outages. It's just time. Time to get this baby out however hard it may be! :D

Thought you'd like some pictures of dinner by candlelight thanks to one of our many power outages.

Tuscan Summer Chicken...

2009-05-26T10:32:00.003-06:00

I made this for the first time last week. Oh my!!! Delish.

Tuscan Summer Chicken
25 min
Makes:
4 servings
What You Need

4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup pesto
2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes
1 cup KRAFT Finely Shredded Italian* Five Cheese Blend
Make It

HEAT large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cover skillet with lid. Cook 5 to 7 min. on each side or until chicken is cooked through (165ºF). Remove chicken from skillet; keep warm.
REDUCE heat to medium. Add cream cheese, water, pesto and tomatoes to skillet. Cook, uncovered, 2 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
RETURN chicken to skillet. Cook and stir 1 min. or until chicken is coated and heated through. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.

As you can tell...this recipe is from Kraft. Oh so good. OF COURSE....I did things a little differently. :D

I used low fat cream cheese, I didn't use shredded cheese at all...it's too expensive here and I used shredded chicken...much cheaper than chicken breast. Enjoy!!!

Have You Found this Yet?

2009-05-24T14:20:00.002-06:00

A new internet LDS radio has been launched. Click here to get it. Also...when you arrive on this site you can download scripture stories for children on your IPOD. Or just listen through itunes. Can I just say that the LDS church is so COOL!!! :D

Enjoy!

Check Out this Great Article...

2009-05-24T10:22:00.002-06:00

on Touch at

www.simplekids.net.

The site is a branch of my favorite site www.simplemom.net.

Love it!

40% off at Borders...

2009-05-23T09:33:00.003-06:00

in stores Monday only !

Get your coupon here.

These are Few of my Favorite Things...

2009-05-22T20:36:00.004-06:00

"Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes..." Sorry...need to get that out of my head.

Give me another minute...

There...I'm good.

As you know I've put together a package of my favorite things here. Lorena...(who will won the opportunity to be the recipient of these treasures) offered me the chance to put her gifts on the blog before I send the package out.

Since the first batch of pictures came out blurry. Yeah...I'm a professional photographer but this little camera takes some getting used to.

I'm going to take a new set. Also I haven't been worried about getting the package in the mail here. I'm having my girlfriends take it back with them to mail. It will get to her much sooner.

Are you curious to see what she's getting?

Here goes...

Alright...I'm too lazy tonight to retake the pictures...you are going to have to pretend they are clear and beautiful.

Here is my "clear" photo of Dulce de Leche". They use it on everything sweet here. You will find it in chocolate cakes, tres leche, and as a doughnut topping. I love it heated and poured on ice cream. But the main reason I put it in the package is because of the handy, dandy opening. Love it! Twist off and enjoy.
This is dish washing "paste". It is made for cold water since most homes/shacks here don't have hot water. My favorite detail is that since it is a paste...the kids don't go through it as fast as they do the liquid stuff.
Yumm. It's amazing these have survived. They are the best "galleta" {Cookie} They are a butter shortbread cookie and I love to crumble them up and use as a pie crust. Most snacks here are individually packaged...not as a single serving package...but because once they are opened they become soggy with all the water in the air.
Now I know that you can get these in the states...but they are very popular here. I've seen them scattered on top of birthday, cupcakes and handed out as a afternoon snack. The individual colors actually taste different.

A surfboard key chain will make it to Lorena's home because that was our favorite activity here. Even my little guy headed out with the instructor to surf (when he was just 3).
Oh my vanilla. This secret weapon has benefited many a recipe of mine. If you haven't had vanilla from South or Central America...you are really missing out!
This is a little coconut shell purse...with a few colones inside. They are HUGE compared to U.S. coins.
Awww. This is better than dry Ranch dressing. Mix this up with 8 oz of sour cream and yummmy!! The difference is it has more cilantro inside. I heart cilantro.
You have to have a Costa Rica gecko magnet. In Costa Rica you hope a gecko family takes up residence in your home. They eat mosquitoes. Bon appetite!

In Honor of Nik and Emily...

2009-05-22T05:00:00.001-06:00

who are to arrive for a GRAND tour of Costa Rica in 1 week from today.

I found this article entitled:

10 terrific reasons to take a Costa Rica vacation

Tired of the humdrum? Need to get away and relax? I have just the place for you. Costa Rica. Here are 10 terrific reasons to take a Costa Rica vacation.

1. You’ll find great airfares and travel bargains to Costa Rica right now. They did that!

2. There are 780 miles of pristine coastline with hundreds of great Costa Rica beaches. Uncrowded beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Definitely going to see some of this.

3. Like nature? Imagine a tiny little country with more species of butterflies than on the entire African continent and almost as many different species of birds as in the entire continent of Europe. Many of you will recall the picture I have of Paige with that orange butterfly on her head.

4. It boasts a park on its Osa Peninsula which National Geographic calls the most biologically intense place on the planet. In fact, tiny Costa Rica has nearly one-fifth of all the species of plants and animals in the world. Imagine that! Did you get that??? That is amazing!

5. Costa Rica has more than 100 volcanoes, including some that still erupt and others where you can literally walk into. There is even one where on a clear day you will be able see the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans at the same time. We won't be seeing these...I've gone 3 times before and NEVER saw the top.

6. Thousands of Americans travel to Costa Rica for cosmetic surgery, dental, or other medical care because the quality of care is world-class but often only about a one-third of the price in the States.

We will include this in our next visit. :D

7. Some folks come to take Spanish lessons in schools that also teach them how to surf! Or yoga. Or sexy latin dancing. Or all of the above. I won't be able to provide any Spanish lessons...but snorkeling is on the list.

8. How about fantastic weather year-round? If you get too warm, drive a few miles into the lush mountains. Swim in warm waters every day of the year. Beautiful weather!!!

9. Like a good fish story? I do. This will not be the story about the one that got away. Bring your camera or video camera. You will have proof! You can fish every day of the year for an unimaginable variety of fish. The Caribbean is filled with huge tarpon. Sailfish and marlin (I hooked a 450 pound, 13 marlin recently) are common. Not to mention whales and sea turtles. I get sea sick...sorry.

10. Costa Rica is just a short flight away”or take a cruise. Hop on a plane or luxury liner, leave your worries behind and prepare to meet some of the nicest folks anywhere. You will make new friends. Lots of them. Let's see...your flight is only 6 hours, right?

And, for being a good sport, I have your first Spanish lesson as a bonus. Remember the words Pura Vida! It means the great life and you will hear and use it every day. Pura Vida (pronounced...poo-da vee-da) Practice that one now. You have to know it to get off the airplane!

See you soon!!

I'm on the 7 day countdown until they arrive (at 5 am mind you). Good thing I love them! :D

Now the Video...

2009-05-21T10:28:00.003-06:00

The strange noise you hear is the rain pouring down incredibly hard.

Random photo's and Video...

2009-05-21T09:45:00.004-06:00

Did I mention I LOVE having a small camera? Since the beginning of my photography career I've only known the huge photography devices. This little guy is amazing and CHEAP. Love it.

I never thought I could find the perfect place to live as far as weather goes. Well I've discovered it here in Heredia. Gorgeous mornings mixed with blue sky, birds in song and a slight breeze. Then late afternoon thunderstorms and showers.

Just perfect for me.

Yesterday the kids brought up this to me.
Breakfast at the computer. How lovely is that? I think it's better to get this on a random day than even on Mother's Day. I sure wasn't expecting it.
This is Dallin, Paige and Troy in front of our house here. Notice the BARS that decorate and protect every house. The top room window displays amazing views of the city lights. About once a month we get our own firework presentation. This is my sweet girl soaked to the bone after a nice run in the rain.

More of the Contrasts Here...

2009-05-16T23:44:00.008-06:00

Things have been quite exciting here since I returned home to the land of paradise. It seems like I was gone so long that it took about 20 minutes for my youngest to warm up to me.

Ouch!

In case you haven't heard...the munchkins and I (all 5 of them) are headed back to Southern California in a few weeks. Just a 2 month pit stop before we arrive in Colorado.

YAHOOOOOOO!!!

Opps, did that escape my throat??? Sorry...our condo has been out of HOT water since I got back. And did I mention the cable has been out for 4 weeks. We don't watch very much T.V. but I love using it as an incentive. With all the kid's channels in Spanish...I can also chalk it up as a language class, right?

I do have mixed feelings on the subject of leaving of course. I know we will never have this opportunity again. I love what this country has done for us as a family, as an American of the United States and as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint. Boy are we blessed.

When I was back in the states a few weeks ago...I just knew it was time. I sat in a public library and I think I cooed out loud!

No really! I did.

The idea of city sports and public school will send me into a frenzy of giggles.

Hee, hee.

Hee, hee....hee, hee!

See...

I want all that again and I want my kids to have that and it is time. For every time there is a season, right? This season is over...no regrets but looking forward to our next season.

Changing the subject now...
The beginning of this week I watched my little (adorable) nephew while his mom had some important work to do. I got to watch him at her hotel. It was amazingly fantastic!

Here is my sweet girl on the private stairs that lead to our suite.
The pool surrounded by Tarzan vines. You can't tell from the picture but a river runs under the pool.
This is the restaurant of course.
Out our balcony view of the city.
Corridor through the hotel.
Had to throw this cute one in. I love these chairs.
This mini pool was in our room...
in it's own room of course. Nice. I think my sweetie and I need to try out this hotel by ourselves.

In case you were wondering it's new and called The Beacon. (in Escuzu)

How Cool is This???

2009-05-15T00:05:00.003-06:00

I just found this on one of my FAV cooking websites, gourmetmomonthego.com

She hallowed out half a watermelon then set her jello inside and poked chocolate chips in the half set jello. How adorable? I usually don't mess with food for kids that takes too much time...but with this I would get ALL the watermelon and they could have ALL the jello.

SWEET!

Speaking of sweet...it's been raining this afternoon with deliberate crackles and pops of thunder, LOVE IT!

So I had to bake something. I made cinnamon rolls, actually sticky buns. You know where you don't frost them but let them simmer in a caramel sauce and the flip them over so the sauce seeps into every nook and cranny and slides down the sides.

Yeah...I made those.

This time I used maple syrup, butter, sweetened condensed milk, Karo syrup and....hazelnut coffee creamer.

Can you say "Zouzers?"

My best yet...great way to end the day.

A Little About my Adventures...

2009-05-13T21:31:00.007-06:00

So Women's Conference was just what I needed. What a way to start the day off having 13,000 women in a HUGE conference center singing a hymn about our love for the Savior. I always get choked up during the songs.

One of my favorite moments was as President Beck was delivering a nice message...she suddenly stopped...got choked up...and said:

"FIGHT!"

"We need to stop playing the victim role as women and FIGHT! Fight for our homes, our families, our children and our standards!" (I'm going off memory here)

It was just an inspiring moment for me!

I'll talk more about other talks I loved, Sunday.

Friday night I had the pleasure of having a girls night with some special friends of mine from our short life (1.5 years) in Utah over 10 years ago. What a wonderful night that was for me. It's amazing that even though I hadn't seen 2 of the 3 women in 10 years...we just took off where we left off. Actually I think we took off further than we left off. What jewels these women are to me.

Then I headed to my Uncle Ron's place. There is this white board that has welcomed visitors for years. I was excited to find this note waiting for me. Isn't it just grand when traditions stand strong?

My uncle is the chef of the family. I sure wasn't missing my In-N-Out while at his home. We had Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad with dried cranberries and the most interesting soda I have ever had.
Thanks Ron! (wink, wink)
My aunt Sheila drove from Colorado to hang out with us. She is my mother's sister and I just LOVE her!
She taxied me around Saturday to get all my errands done. Whew! We both have this talent of asking someone a question that would completely put them on the spot, but in the nicest way.

So you can imagine how it is when we both get together. Love it!
I didn't find In-N-Out but I did find this. Old School Burgers. I might even say it's better. The bun was larger and softer but the taste, although close, wasn't exactly the same.
BUT...the french fries were 50 times better. Oh yeah baby.

I ate pretty healthy on this trip but I will admit here and now that after devouring this meal for dinner Monday night...I went back for seconds Tuesday at lunch. It was so worth it!!
I had to throw this shot in. Since Wes's plane didn't get in the night before I had to leave...I didn't see him and most importantly (just teasing) I didn't get to grab his nice rolling luggage. Instead...

I made this. Pretty creative. If I really had time I would have taped a skateboard to the bottom. That would have been useful!!!
That little white dot is the moon. Couldn't pass up this shot from my airplane window.
These shoes hit the trashcan yesterday. They have served me well. They have traversed this country with me though dangerous sidewalks, muddy streets, $4.00 movies and crazy taxi rides. They recently came to their demise as two rather cavernous holes broke through the bottoms as I walked miles (and miles, and miles) did I mention miles? on this Utah/Colorado adventure. I had to take a farewell picture.
I was so lucky to head up to Colorado to my amiga Emily's home. Her and her husband Rob were great hosts. Their kids were just AWESOME! Poor Jake...I made him stand outside for a picture before he headed off to school on my last day. All their kids are just amazing.
Do you remember when I posted about my night (BY MYSELF) in my hotel room!
I had to take a picture to memorialize that experience. Look how rested I look.
NICE!

J.P.'s Big Daddy Biscuits

2009-05-12T08:44:00.002-06:00

J.P.'s Big Daddy Biscuits

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon white sugar

1/3 cup shortening

1 cup milk

Directions:

1.	Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2.	In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually stir in milk until dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.
3.	Turn out onto a floured surface, and knead 15 to 20 times. Pat or roll dough out to 1 inch thick. Cut biscuits with a large cutter or juice glass dipped in flour. Repeat until all dough is used. Brush off the excess flour, and place biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet.
4.	Bake for 13 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges begin to brown. This recipe is wonderful, but do you want to know what makes them go from 4 star to 5 star? Two things. First, after you make the dough and cut your biscuits set them on a sheet of aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray and let them sit in the fridge for 30 minutes. This lets the baking powder react and creates the "HUGE" biscuit effect. Also, add more butter or even better add more butter flavored Crisco. WOW! You can't go wrong with these. In all honesty, I usually add these to a meal last minute when I know I just need something else added to dinner. But when I do decide ahead of time and put them in the fridge...watch out...your kids will fight over them.

And the Winner Is...

2009-05-10T17:17:00.002-06:00

!!!!!Lorena!!!!!

Congratulations Lorena.

Thank you everyone for playing along. I LOVED checking the comments you left. What a fun week for me!

I wish, of course that I could send everyone a package. This blog has been the best thing for me while we adventured here in Costa Rica. I have felt I was still in the loop with family and friends. When events happened here...I was better able to handle them thinking "This will make an interesting post!"

Let's have fun with this...

Lorena would you like me to take a picture of each item and tell you what you are getting? Or do you want to be my special guest speaker on my blog when you get that package? Your choice. I'm warning you it will take WEEKS for it to arrive.

Nothing I can do about that...sorry.

Thanks again everyone!

Tomorrow... I will post about our "exodus" plans. Yes, we have decided to leave this paradise.

On The Road Again...

2009-05-07T10:12:00.003-06:00

It's 10 am...I leave to head home in an hour. This has been quite an eventful trip. I had a wonderful time with my uncle and aunt in Utah, Women's Conference was divine, hanging with my friend Emily and her family was a TREASURE and the pleasure of brushing only my set of teeth every day has been refreshing.

However...I now miss my crazy life and am ready to head home.

I can't wait to sit with my kids and draw a winner in our contest. I have TONS of fun stuff to send.

Yippe!

I shall be home and snuggling my kids in 11 hours. I'm ready for the countdown.

The Mile High City...

2009-05-05T08:46:00.002-06:00

I'm here in Denver...patiently awaiting a visit with my girlfriend (from high school) Emily. I'm looking at homes today...if things go well....we might settle down here in this beautiful land.

We will see.

I had a fantastic night, all by myself, alone in a hotel. LOVE IT! Sleeping in, staying up late, T.V. in English, comfortable bed and reading until late in the night! Can we say AWESOME mommy RECHARGING time?

Things are going well considering Bank of America's mess up! Telling me I could get to my money here! It's just added to my adventure here, which has truly been a clone of the Amazing Race!

Most of me LOVES it! Yesterday I was done racing around trying to figure things out. I just needed a quiet night at a hotel.

Now I'm ready to go again! Can't wait to meet Emily's family!!!

Much Better Today...

2009-04-29T17:38:00.002-06:00

I have traveled from Salt Lake City to Provo with a shuttle, bus, train and then bus again. I ROCK!

I have to say it's much easier figuring that out in a country that speaks English than a country that speaks Spanish.

Kudos to my cousin Joanna who did just that for 3 months in Costa Rica.

So I am in Provo at the Provo library. Just STUNNING!

I'm trying to figure out a way to have my husband transfer money to me. Quite the challenge when my bank (Bank of America) tells me I can enter any "branch" in Utah and get a new debit card AND THERE ISN'T A BRANCH IN UTAH!!!

Lovely! So 2 phone cards later and 1 hour of searching for a payphone that works...I'm here hanging out on the library computer. NICE.

So hopefully I'll be off soon with money in my pockets to traverse this great city.

See ya soon!!

I Have NOT Forgotten....

2009-04-29T00:29:00.003-06:00

we have a contest. One of my sons...who will remain NAMELESS for now...messed with my password settings in my computer and now I can't get on my computer at all!

What does that effect you ask?

My cooking
Calling anyone out of the country
My flight to the states
Contact information from my friends I'm meeting up with here
My home finding plans

MY BLOG!

So here I am at 1 am my time {after 18 hours spent at airports on 3 different flights} posting a post to let you know that tomorrow when I can think I will get online and make more sense.

I hope!

Interview with Dallin...

2009-04-25T10:20:00.005-06:00

Me: Dallin, on a scale of 1-10, how much do you like Costa Rica?

Dallin: Probably a 9.

Me: What adventure was most fun for you?

Dallin: Zip Lining. No, no, no, no...the flood!

Me: What is your least favorite thing about Costa Rica?

Dallin: They don't sell DS chargers here.

Me: If you could change 1 thing about Costa Rica what would it be?

Dallin: That there would be a Best Buy store here.

Me: If you could change 1 thing about the states what would it be?

Dalliin: That they would have Platanos. (chips made from plantains)

Me: What is your favorite food here?

Dallin: Plantanos and gallo pinto (rice and black bean dish served with sour cream)

Me: What adventure do you wish you'd have done here?

Dallin: I wish I had taken surfing lessons for more than just 2 months.

Me: How would you finish this sentence..."Dear Costa Rica,
Thank you for...

Dallin: all the paradise and at least TRYING to fix the roads.

Our Arrival..

2009-04-24T23:12:00.004-06:00

I didn't realize how miserable we all looked when we first arrived.
From start to finish it took about 20 hours of travel time to get to our new headquarters.

Paige was STARVING and the last 30 minutes of our trip she spent making sure we all knew it! Of course she didn't want any food I had packed.
It's interesting that everyone looks so tired and sad... I remember feelings of utter bliss to have survived the 3 am layover in Miami with a 3 and 2 year old.

We Are FEELING the Love...

2009-04-24T06:20:00.003-06:00

thanks for all the comments everyone! Yippe.

I just have to tell you about last night.

Remember my husband is out of the country...did I mention that? Probably not...just in case some crazy person was following my blog. Anywho...the kids have been as sweet as ever, NOT! You know how it is when the man of the house is gone...they just seem to push things a little more. Or maybe you don't.

So it's been a long 2 weeks for me.

Last night somehow all 5 of them are striving to find a way to sleep in my room. Remember, Wes and I only have a full mattress. {Or did I forget to mention that too?}

So after much discussion {argument} we settled who would sleep where. One of my sons was quite scared after watching ghost whisperer. {I would love to tell you it was my oldest, but that would be just mean, so I won't} After such a long week with him....I just had to tease him about being terrified. Being the oldest of 5...it just comes naturally! {I'm quite talented at it too}

I didn't realize that I had freaked him out pretty bad. Paige then suggested we sing a primary song to help him. Next thing I know we are all singing those comforting phrases that teach and calm us.

Even my 10 year old who doesn't like to sing was chirping along.

It was just one of those GREAT mommy moments.

Interview with Paige...

2009-04-23T07:31:00.004-06:00

I sat down and interviewed my little angel and here is what she had to say.

Enjoy!

Me: Paige I'm going to ask you some questions about Costa Rica, o.k.?

Paige: Why?

Me: To put on the blog celebrating our 1 year anniversary week!

Paige: {said while beautifully mastering a front flip on my newly made bed} alright, shoot!

Me: Paige, on a scale of 1-10, how much do you like Costa Rica?

Paige: 1 trillion, million, billion!

Me: {taking mental note to go over some points in math} Alright, good!
What adventure was most fun for you?

Paige: Being baptized in the ocean and having my grandpa Krepps there.

Me: What is your least favorite thing about Costa Rica?

Paige: When we were flooded and also how everywhere you turn it's GREEN!

Me: {that's a negative?}
If you could change 1 thing about Costa Rica what would it be?

Paige: That people litter.

Me: {Me too!}
If you could change 1 thing about the states what would it be?

Paige: Drugs.

Me: What is your favorite food here?

Paige: Arroz con camaron {rice with shrimp} and mangos. Not together though...separate.

Me:What adventure do you wish you'd have done here?

Paige: zip lining, quad tours and lived in a mansion.

Me: {yeah a mansion would be nice}
How would you finish this sentence..."Dear Costa Rica,
Thank you for...

Paige: being helpful, adventurous and beautiful. Thank you for existing!

1 YEAR TODAY!!!!

2009-04-22T08:41:00.006-06:00

Wooohoooo! We've made it!

When we left for this adventure I told Wes that I would stay at least 3 months but no longer than a year!

Look at me...by tomorrow I'll have "gone the extra mile" by staying 1 year and 1 day!!!

I've got kids climbing all over me screaming for breakfast, "How rude!"

I'll continue my post after they are filling their tummies. But, we have a contest!!!

Anyone who comments on a post from NOW until Saturday will be entered into our contest. You can only be entered once per post. We love comments and the well is usually dry here so of course our contest is going to be used to pull a comment or two out of you. Hee, hee!

The prize, you are wondering???

I can't tell you.

O.K. I'll tell you a little bit. It will be a package sent to your home with a FAVORITE item from Costa Rica from EACH of our 7 family members.

You can bet I'll be sending over our PERFECT vanilla. Yumm! And of course I'm going to have to throw in the best seasoning packet I get here. Oh just delish!!

I know the boys and my honey will have something cool to send too, but you should be worried about what my sweet little girl will send.

Be very afraid! (I'm probably teasing here...I have no idea what she'll decide to send.)

So as we create a box for you with our favorite Costa Rican treasures...I'll also have my kids on as guest speakers to tattle more on our experience here.

We'd LOVE to have you join us!

Tootles!!! See you later this afternoon.

What should we do to CELEBRATE!?!?!?

Shawna's Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies...

2009-04-21T09:55:00.005-06:00

So tomorrow is our 1 year anniversary of our life here in beautiful, crazy, full of trials and blessings, Costa Rica.

I can't believe it. An entire year? Are you sure?

Then again I think..."It's only been a YEAR?!?!?! Are you sure?!??!"

I would love to post a traditional Costa Rican recipe today. I have 1 that I love made with Chiotte. (I've spelled that all wrong I know) It's made with that funny green squash that looks like a crinkly grandma face. Well I love the dish but my kids do not, so I'm not going to waste your time and post it. Even though it would make for a great post.

In it's place I'm going to post the recipe that made us feel like a family even venturing through this strange land.

It's my FAMOUS {in my own mind} Chocolate Chip Cookies.
This recipe means so much to me. If you can bare with me, I'll explain. If not, just skip down to the end of this post and get the recipe.

My mother, whom I adore, always made the PERFECT Chocolate chip cookies. They were thick and chunky. The kind that you would love to sink your teeth into just out of the oven. The kind that made us pass on cookies that others made because we had already had the best!

They were that good.

My mom used this talent to start a tradition in our family when my oldest was young. On New Years day she would come over and teach her grandchildren to make her cookies. They had so much fun making more of a mess than cookies. It was a moment in time when, as a mother, you watch your mother let your kids get away with things you were never aloud to!! I LOVED it!

Now my mother has returned to her Father in Heaven. She left 3 years ago. I, of course miss her so and even now as I type this the lump in my throat grows and I'm typing through my tears.

ANYWHO!!

I have tried to duplicate her recipe and it's a hit and miss. Mostly miss. Even when I follow her directions EXACTLY!

So I have worked hard to create this recipe that works for me 99.9% of the time. It is a great hit everywhere I take them. One of my traditions with my kids is that if it rains they get homemade chocolate chip cookies. When they are at school and it rains...they love to look forward to coming home to gooey cookies. So fun!

In California it wasn't too difficult to follow through on this...but Costa Rica has dropped more rain from it's sky in one week then we got all year. This tradition of home baked cookies has brought our family closer together. It was one of the few things that we brought with us from the states. Living here has raised my gratitude level for family traditions. You can bring them with you no matter where your family beds down at night.

So here it is.
Enjoy.

Shawna’s Best, Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups all purpose flour
½ cup white sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
1 egg
¾ cup butter (NOT softened)
1 egg yolk
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 ¾ cups milk chocolate chips

Directions:
1. preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar and white sugar until blended. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in dry ingredients until just blended by hand {very important you do this by hand}. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon. Scoop cookie dough with a large cookie scoop and place 3 inches apart.
4. Bake for 15-17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
5. Enjoy!!!

I scoop these with a large cookie scoop. I also double the recipe. ☺

Another trick I LOVE...
Double or triple your batch, then scoop the cookies and place them in a ziploc bag in the freezer. Then when you are in the mood...put out exactly how many you need. Pop them into the oven and presto...you are the homemaking QUEEN!

You can also FREEZE the cookie. Then set it out on the counter for a few minutes to thaw just a tad. It's like eating cookie dough and a cookie. The best of both worlds.

You aren't left with tons of dough/cookies to temp you!! And your kids and SWEETHEART want to kiss the ground you walk on. Win win situation.
I have to give mi amiga Christine B. credit for this. Good job Christine! High five!

{Dang-it, now that High-Five kid's show is stuck in my head!! Oh well, better just go with it.}

Contest tomorrow!! See you then!

Deals From TARGET...

2009-04-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

the happiest place on earth!

I used to LOVE walking into Target when we lived in the states. The yummy smell of popcorn and my favorite color, red, everywhere.

Did you know that companies pay for fragrances that smells like popcorn so they can fan them at you when you walk in the door? Yep, studies show that customers spend more when they smell popcorn.

There have been times I've smelled the popcorn and looked over to find the cute popcorn bin EMPTY.

Right now when you spend $50 you get FREE SHIPPING. Sweet.

But I have something better. Enter this code { TCPTSTFS } and you will get $5.00 off of your purchase of at least $50.

So I ordered 3 separate orders of $50 and got FREE shipping and $5 off each one.

Hey, don't laugh...every bit helps.

Plus everything I ordered was in the CLEARANCE section. I bought Paige a full pj set for $3.90 and shoes for $4.90. The girls clearance was amazing. Check the 75% off first.

Shoes are so expensive here and they don't last more than a month. I bought all the boys Converse...you can bet a picture will be coming soon.

Think about it...you can shop from home and you won't be tempted by the dollar bins. Nice.

Sale ends on the 24th so hurry!

You Have Been so Patient

2009-04-18T16:10:00.010-06:00

My Camera charger died a few months ago. I feel like my left arm is gone! {and I'm LEFT handed!!!}

I have finally ordered a charger and will be picking it up when I head to the states for some added spiritual upliftment. {and to have a week where the only teeth I brush are MINE} Oh the JOY!

I'm headed to Women's Conference...alone. None of my CLOSE amigas are going, sniff, sniff. But I am pleased to have private time to really ponder what I'm learning.

I remember when this was taken. It was the year all the stars aligned and we were able to go together. I recall on this trip knowing that this would not happen again for a long time. It was just PERFECT. I will think of all of you while I'm there. :)

I love being a mommy...but I do know how to get away and not worry.

Want in on my SECRET???

Prayer.

Yep. I say a little prayer to my Father in Heaven and ask for help to let me relax (and that my husband returns my children ALIVE).

Works every time. {at least so far} I can't wait to test my secret again.

So thank you for hanging with me as I used old pictures and copied recipe pictures for my...recipes.

In a few weeks I shall return with probably more pictures than you'd like. Ha! Ha!

So everyone...enjoy some MORE old pictures of my crazy family.

AND can you believe that Wednesday marks our 1 YEAR anniversary in Costa Rica?

Yahooo!!!! Another goal accomplished!!! Time for a little give away, don't you think???

Kids on a traditional Costa Rican cart.

The first day of {mommy's home schooling the oldest 3 so the little ones are headed off to} preschool.
Memories of Paige's baptism day.

During our CRAZY rainstorms the kids would enjoy being outside. Look at that umbrella of ours.

My favorite path we found out driving one day. I'm using this in a post about this Costa Rican life path we took.

Our home was the 3rd home on the left at the end of this road. This is the road I walked everyday to the grocery store.
Dallin and Paige...enjoying Costa Rica's puda vida!
My honey taking my sweetie to be baptized. It was a perfect day.

Do I or Don't I??? { Galvanic Spa }

2009-04-15T05:00:00.004-06:00

That is the question...

I've been wondering if I post about what we've been up too.

"Yes, of course you should post about it Shawna. It's awesome...why wouldn't you want to tell your friends?"

then that inner voice speaks again...

"No, don't bring it up on the blog...you don't want this to seem like an undesired sales call in the middle of dinner!"

but...."this is such an incredible product...why not SHARE it with all your friends? Let them enjoy it as much as you do!"

O.K. so I've decided to tell you.

I've always wanted to host a "My Favorite Things" party. Have you heard of them? It's a copy cat of "Oprah's" Favorite Things Show. Except without the thousands upon thousands of dollars in prizes.

Come on...I'm living in Costa Rica with 5 kids...let's not go there.

What you do is invite 10 friends and have each of them bring a basket with 9 items in it to give away. The item would be one of their favorite things. Before this product my item would have been my Pampered Chef large cookie scoop along with my PERFECT chocolate chip cookie recipe. Yumm.

But that all has changed. What I would bring in that adorably decorated basket now would be this:

(Of course if your interest is peaked...don't call the number at the end...email me. I can get you one in as little as 24 hours in the states, Canada and of course here in Costa Rica {I've got connections}).

Like what you see?

O.K. well here is the Science of it (I always want to know HOW things work):

Isn't that incredible?

I have one and use it once a week. If you know me you know I'm much more concerned about my spiritual health then my wrinkles. I love laugh lines because it means I've LAUGHED, often.

This ageLOC stuff is medically incredible. The one thing that bothers me on my face is the lines that go from my nose to the edges of my mouth. I'm so glad I'm not standing in front of you now because for the rest of this conversation I know that is where your eyes will be...on my mouth lines.

Can I say that they are leaving my face. SWEET!!! I'm pretty pleased. I've got a few friends that were devoted Botox'ers and now have left that poison for this. It just works better and has longer lasting effects. Did I mention it's cheaper?

So if you are interested in having one of these babies in your home...email me { photo mom 5 at gmail dot com } or leave a comment with your written out email. I'll get back to you.

Have a great one...I'm headed for my Galvonic Facial.

Jealous? :)

BBQ Sauce...

2009-04-14T09:58:00.004-06:00

I always double or triple this recipe just to make sure I have it on hand. I pour it in the crockpot with chicken or ribs and let it simmer all day. Sometimes I use it to create BBQ baked beans.

"I need a napkin...my mouth is watering!"
I forgot...I'm the mother...that means I've got to get my own napkin. Excuse me a moment...

O.K. that's better.

Without further aduo... (no idea how to spell that)

Big Al's K.C. Bar-B-Q Sauce

INGREDIENTS

2 cups ketchup
2 cups tomato sauce
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 1/4 cups red wine vinegar
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
4 teaspoons hickory-flavored liquid smoke
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

In a large saucepan over medium heat, mix together the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, wine vinegar, molasses, liquid smoke and butter. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, celery seed, cinnamon, cayenne, salt and pepper.
Reduce heat to low, and simmer for up to 20 minutes. For thicker sauce, simmer longer, and for thinner, less time is needed. Sauce can also be thinned using a bit of water if necessary. Brush sauce onto any kind of meat during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

I'm back...(want to make sure you know it's me speaking and not Big Al)

So here in Costa Rica I have yet to find Molasses so I don't add that to mine and it still turns out mouthwateringly delicious. So enjoy...

Love ~ME

It's Easter Morning...

2009-04-12T07:07:00.002-06:00

May your family have a wonderful time together with family and friends.

Enjoy this lovely video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and join with us as our thoughts are brought to the needed sacrifice our Savior made on our behalf.

He is risen!

Welcome Easter...

2009-04-10T22:15:00.006-06:00

It's late Friday night...the Elders just left and the town has basically been shut down since Thursday.

When my honey said the town shut down for the holiday, I didn't know he meant "shut-down" completely from Wednesday to Sunday. Did you know that it is illegal here to drink from Wednesday to Sunday? Did you know that you can be arrested if you are caught?

Not that I plan on drinking...just thought that was interesting.

So the stores around us are closed but for the Easter Bunny's sake (and the tradition) I hope I can find a few of the bigger ones opened tomorrow.

So if you are like me and have yet to prepare for Sunday morning festivities...you might want to check out my gringo friend Robbie's blog. She had the COOLEST idea for dying eggs.

Can you guess how she did these???

Me neither. So head over to "hotmomsrus.blogspot.com"

It's 3 AM, scratch that, 4 AM...

2009-04-10T04:09:00.006-06:00

and one of God's creatures has decided to belt out the most beautiful lyrics somewhere outside of our home. It is absolutely music to my ears, except that I want to sleep!!!!

I've tried to ask the bird to leave, but he insists on presenting his lullaby here at our home at this hour.

So I've conceded and here I am, listening and typing. {Thinking about using the rocks my son collected from the park yesterday as a weapon}

Anyway, I wanted to show you how we get around town {country} here. Most streets do not have names. We use churches {that are connected to parks}, banks and broken down houses as a reference; anything that would stick in someone's mind.

A direction to a school for troubled teens I used to visit went something like this:
Go right about 5 kilometers. Turn left and go all the way around the blue church. Drive for 2 kilometers and turn right again after the train tracks. When you pass the 3rd white house (shack) turn left. "Hummm...is that house considered white or cream? Augh!!!" Turn left at the street with 3 small and 4 large electric lines passing over it.

O.K. maybe those aren't the exact directions but you get the picture. Right?

Here are the directions to my friend's house we visited the other day...
{I put the directions in a different order so no one could surprise my friend and just show up on a day her maid isn't there. Aren't I nice?}

At the bottom of the
hill as you start back up, you will come to a fork with CR Bank in the middle of the fork, stay left and continue up the hill
• Your first possible left turn is just past the Cruz Roja sign – DON'T TURN
HERE
• At your second possible left, turn left – this is the
Country Day School road which you will come to in about 2.5 blocks. No sign,
but CDS is on both sides of the road and looks institutional and school-like
with huge chain link fences.
• Keep going till you have to turn right at a No Hay Paso.
• You will come to a wide yellow speed bump just before a dangerous
intersection, continue on straight thru the stop
• Continue straight up for about a mile. You'll pass a dark
orange condo on the left: Keep going.
• At the top of the hill, the asphalt road you are on takes a 90° curve to
the left. BUT a new gray brick road continues straight ahead of you: take...

Is that funny or what? There are many days I think about Utah and the EASY South, North, East and West directions there. Oh, and street signs. I've spent many moments on the phone trying to explain to someone that the best way to get a hold of me is email.

It really is.

But get this...through all this CRAZINESS, the other day I told my sweetheart..."Honey, I've been thinking I might just want to retire here."

Smack...he hit the floor in a dead faint.

Crossing the street in Costa Rica from Peter Krupa on Vimeo.

40 years ago, yesterday...

2009-04-09T13:07:00.005-06:00

my sweetie entered this world. Can you believe he's 40????

I can't! That means I'm headed there...in 4 short years.

So in honor of my honey's special day, that was yesterday {hey, we were busy} I would like to post my favorite things about him.

1. He has a great since of humor...even when he doesn't know he has a great since of humor. Maybe I just think everything is funny. Hee, hee.

Yeah, I do.

2. He is an honorable man. {this species can be difficult to find nowadays, almost extinct}

3. This one I can't mention...{hee, hee} but I love him for it!!!!!

4. My man is a proud pappa!!!

5. He is very in touch with his "spiritual" side.

Can a woman want for anything more???

Happy birthday Wes! To the next 40 years, together!

Crisp-and-Creamy Baked Chicken

2009-04-07T08:37:00.006-06:00

Oh so divine!

{and easy} Which makes it more divine.

I got this from my FREE Kraft magazine. {www.kraftfoods.com)" Did you know that if you go online you can signup for a FREE magazine sent out every 3 months and packed full of easy recipes with beautiful pictures?

Did I mention it's FREE? I think this would be a great {FREE} gift to any new bride or college student just leaving home.

Just my personal opinion. :)

O.K. ready for the recipe?

Crisp-and-Creamy Baked Chicken

Prep: 10 minutes Total time 35 minutes.

4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6 T of Shake N Bake Extra Crispy Seasoned Coating Mix (I just use seasoned bread crumbs)
2 cups of instant rice, uncooked
2/3 cup (1/2 of a 10 oz can) cream of celery soup ( I used 1 cup of low fat sour cream mixed with powdered ranch dressing, YUM)
1/4 cup of milk (if using sour cream use less milk)
1 cup shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese (I use whatever cheese is cheapest here)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat chicken with coating mix as directed on package. (I dipped my chicken in milk and then the seasoned breadcrumbs) Place in greased 13x9 baking dish.

BAKE: 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Meanwhile, cook rice as directed on package.

BEAT: soup and milk with wire whisk until well blended. Pour evenly over chicken; sprinkle with cheese. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is milted and sauce is bubbly. Serve with the rice.

How Many Days Can I Go Without Complaining?

2009-04-02T22:04:00.006-06:00

{Said in the Tootsie Roll commercial voice, the one with the owl} One...two ooh, three...CRUNCH!

I guess we will never know...

Except I do know..it took me 79 days before I complained. So lame. Especially when I thought the day would never come.

{My daughter saw the above picture and said, "Mom, why is that guy naked?" In all my years watching that commercial...I never noticed that! Hee, hee.}

Anyway, the situation I'm frustrated with...my laundry attitude.

Living in our other home, you might remember that we didn't have a washer and dryer. We had a clothes line...and I had to pack up our dirty clothes twice a week and get them to the next little town to wash them at my sister in laws. Such a struggle. Especially since living by the beach we had plenty of wet, soon to be mildewy clothes. It was ROUGH!

Moving here we acquired a GLORIOUS washer and dryer. They are so beautiful and my most coveted items in the house.

Then yesterday morning, I woke up and the first thought that went through my head was, "Was I drooling?"

Oh no...I meant the second thing that went through my head. "Augh...I have to do laundry today!!!"

Can you believe it?

I swore I got it! I understood how good and easy life is with these modern utensils to help me through my chores. I really thought I would NEVER complain at the luxury of having a washer and dryer again.

How long did forever last? 79 days, exactly.

Don't worry...I quickly realized my folly and changed my laundry attitude. I reminded myself of my blessings and hopped on the "gratitude wagon" again.

Whew!!!

Tonight my son Dallin and I took a casual walk to our favorite bread store and had an interesting conversation on our way home.

Dallin: "Remember when we used to complain about having to put dishes in the dishwasher? giggle, giggle"

Me: "yeah..."

Dallin: "I'll be so thankful when that's all I have to do."

Me: "Me too."

Dallin: "Costa Rica sure has changed us."

Me: "Yep."

{I just need to fight harder not to change back. Being human can be so frustrating some times.}

Disneyland's {opps can't say that!} Cornbread...

2009-03-31T08:12:00.002-06:00

This could be titled "Corn Bread Cup Cakes" because they are so sweet and yummy. I don't cook them in a skillet, but in a 9x9 pan or muffin pan. Do whatever you are most comfortable with, but you have to try these! I figure most of you still have some cold weather left in your month {I saw your weather report} so enjoy.

Amusement Park Cornbread {you can print it here}

SUBMITTED BY: Trish
"A delicious cornbread that will transport you to a magic kingdom of flavor. This recipe can also be used for cornbread muffins."

INGREDIENTS

* 2/3 cup white sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/3 cup butter, softened
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 eggs
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 3/4 cup cornmeal
* 1 1/3 cups milk

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8 inch skillet.
2. In a large bowl, beat together sugar, salt, butter and vanilla until creamy. Stir in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and cornmeal. Stir flour mixture into egg mixture alternately with the milk. Beat well until blended.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.

These deserve a little honey butter...don't forget to mix some up.

Is There Anything Better...

2009-03-30T19:59:00.003-06:00

than sitting down after a long day of cooking, cleaning and refereeing and realizing your little ones have come to snuggle?I wonder how long they have been waiting to hang out with mommy today?

Life is so good...

and I refuse to let it pass me by without noticing.

This is my daughter. My one and only daughter. She is the most interesting and entertaining child I have ever met or heard of.

I was working on the computer one night and she too just wanted to be by mommy I guess. I didn't notice she had escaped her room but when I finished up my work, there she was, sleeping on the hard tile. I believe she decided to use my waterproof mascara to become a fair Indian maiden.

Or was that permanent marker?

Anyway, she is amazing.

The Writers Club...

2009-03-27T05:00:00.000-06:00

So I found this "writer's club""...not that I'm a writer or anything. In fact there are no talent prerequisites, that's why I can join.

I thought this was a fun, easy idea. Write your day out using only nouns. A little more difficult than I imagined; I do love my adjectives.

eyes
sunlight
snuggles
laugh
breakfast
school
school
school
school
sandwiches
mop
windows
fights
toys
playground
snuggles
laugh
balls
swings
sunlight
tag
home
bathrooms
floors
computer
dinner
snuggles
laugh
baths
laugh
teeth
pajamas
snuggle
bed
mosquitoes
mosquitoes

Makes you think my life is perfect over here, huh? {minus the mosquitoes}

O.K. so I can't stand it. How can you really tell a story without descriptive words?
Here's my new list.

sleepy eyes
crisp sunlight
slight snuggles
quiet laugh
steamy breakfast
starting school
tough school
interesting school
done school
yeah school
quick sandwiches
drenched mop
grimy windows
constant fights
distractive toys
rickety playground
abounding in snuggles
contagious laugh
bouncy balls
rusted swings
cheery sunlight
running tag
comfy home
needed bathrooms
shiny floors
friendly computer
delicious dinner
tons of snuggles
content laughs
bubbly baths
wet laughs
squeaky teeth
toasty pajamas
sleepy snuggle
chilly bed
buzzing mosquitoes
dead mosquitoes

Tah-dah! Day done!

Stranger Friends...

2009-03-25T08:57:00.006-06:00

I've been thinking a lot about this lately. {Actually, since yesterday as I was headed to meet a so called "stranger friend"}

What is a stranger friend you might ask? {Humor me on this one}

A stranger friend is someone whose blog I visit, often. It's a friend, as in someone I know a lot about, but a stranger, as in we've never met.

A few years ago, this "term" would have seemed silly. I mean, how can you know so much about someone and they know nothing about you? Can they even be considered a friend if your relationship is one sided?

Hmmm...

Also, why do we {those of us who have open blogs} feel so comfortable to put so much of ourselves out there...for free?

Yesterday my husband and I were invited to "hang out" at the home of a woman who I have been "stranger friends" for just over a year. I found her blog when this crazy idea to move here first entered my little head.

Her name is Saratica.

Before we left to meet her, I got a little nervous. What if she doesn't match up to the friend/person I think she is? How weird is it going to be for me to meet her, knowing her beliefs in politics, religion and such...and me just a stranger to her? How will this work out?

"Oh Shawna...not to worry."

Everything was wonderful. She invited my husband and I in with such graciousness. Her 2 boys were handsome and so polite. Her husband was as funny and gracious {opps, that's not very manly} entertaining as she was. He whipped up a chocolate pizza for all to share and we talked and laughed around their kitchen table, just like old friends. {Yeah girls, I said a chocolate pizza, boy does he have a way with woman!}

Now I realize... anyone who has moved to this exotic land already has so much in common. We've gone through culture shock {which is REAL by the way}, struggled with a new language, learned a new currency and tried to understand customs that seemed so strange to us.

It only took us a few minutes to put a face with the commonalities...and we are no longer strangers.

This is the reason I have a blog. The more friends the better...if I can help someone with their stressful day with kids, finding a new recipe for the family, share a new perspective on a situation or just make someone laugh...I'm all for it!

Also, as I'm climbing my way out of a CRAZY day with 5 active {insane} kids, things seem less strenuous knowing that later in the week some "stranger friend" of mine might get a chuckle out of it.

Good day/night my stranger friends.

And don't be afraid to leave a comment now and then. :)

I'm glad you're here.

Strawberry Cream Pie...

2009-03-24T10:39:00.004-06:00

I know I've raved about every recipe so far but watch out...this will knock your socks off. That is if you like fruit tarts. It's kind of my version of the tarts we had for my girlfriend's bridal shower {"Hi Nikkinunu!"} oh, maybe 15 years ago {March 18th}. Happy anniversary by the way. :)

Oh, so yummy!

I've put together a few recipes to make this.

First, use my {I mean Ruth's Grandma's} homemade pie recipe. Really easy I promise!!! Go on, you can do it!
***Cut the recipe in 1/2, you only need a bottom crust here.

Ruth's Grandma's Pie Crust

Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups shortening
3 tablespoons white sugar

2 teaspoons salt
1 egg
1/2 cup water

Directions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, shortening, sugar, and salt. Blend together with a pastry cutter until crumbly.
2. In a small bowl, mix egg with water. Blend into flour mixture. Chill in refrigerator until ready to use.
Now you need to bake the crust:
Roll out the crust to fit in your pie pan. Cut the edges off. Put aluminum foil on top and fill with dry beans or rice. {this will keep the crust from bubbling up} Bake @ 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until toasted and baked.

Now for the insides...oh this is yummy! I'm not a fan of vanilla ANYTHING! I can't believe anyone can stand at an ice cream store and order vanilla ice cream.

Really, someone does that?

But I needed a filling for my "tart pie" and found this delicious concoction.

*** this recipe you need to double.
Old-Fashioned Vanilla Pudding

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup evaporated milk

1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat.
2. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolk; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in butter and vanilla.
3. Cool for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to dessert dishes. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
After this has cooled {I don't wait an hour} pour into your baked pie crust. {Of course you have removed the foil and beans/rice} I use beans because they can be used for meals still. The rice can not be used again. Sorry.

Now you can cover the top with your favorite sliced fresh fruit. But this is what I do...

I take half my strawberries and make a pie filling with them. (Those of you in the states can just buy the can if you'd like) Then I spread that on top of most of the pudding filling. I then take the other half of the fresh sliced strawberries and toss them on top of that. {My mouth is watering} Then for color I add about 5-10 slices of kiwi.

Not only does this pie/tart {whatever you want to call it} look gorgeous, it's like creamy summer for your tongue.

Who doesn't like that?

Last week my son accidentally dropped the last piece of pie out of the refrigerator onto the floor. The entire house went silent! My husband was mortified!!!

Let's just say that I hadn't mopped in a few days, but every last drop was cleaned up and went into waiting tummies.

Yeah, this is eat off the floor, don't let anything go to waste, GOOD!

"Life is Like a Box of Chocolates...

2009-03-22T21:08:00.004-06:00

you never know what you are gonna get. "
-Forest Gump.

Or you can be like me and take the tiniest bite out of every one, then put them back...that way you always know. Oh, that used to drive my brother Robbie CRAZY! So then I started carving out a circle out of the bottom. It produced the same result and he never knew.

A few weeks ago I presented a youtube clip entitled "CREATE". It just moved me. I decided then and there it was time. I was going to dust off my fancy camera and use it every Sunday. Scratch that creative itch so to speak. I mean, geeesh...I'm living in beautiful Costa Rica!

Oh I was so thrilled.

Then as I was planning my adventure, my battery charger died on me. So funny. This is when I look up to heaven and {in my minds eye} picture everyone watching how I handle this one. {I got this perspective from the "Life is a Football Game" talk I mentioned earlier. It works wonders when your kids really mess up. You know, painting your girlfriend's brand new carpet with multiple colors of popsicle syrup.

Wow, was that pretty. My daughter did that.

And get this; the friend is still my friend. "Hi Teresa!"

So, although this wasn't as drastic, I was disappointed. I can't easily order a new charger or drive somewhere to pick one up.

Then I came up with another idea to scratch that itch. {And make a little cash too} All I'm going to tell you is it involves my Photoshop talents, my computer and the Internet. After 2 weeks of {blood, sweat and tears} getting the {web} shop ready...my Internet goes down. It's been down for over a week.

I look up to heaven again, "Really...is this happening?" and let out a frustrated giggle.

So as of 3 hours ago...my Internet is back.

I whisper a "thank you" to whomever fixed it and write this post to explain to my dad why I've had so many posts about recipes lately. {I don't need a camera for those posts.}

I do have a picture to show you how last week went.

So enjoy your week! And I should be up and running at normal speeds again.

Does anyone here in CR have the Canon battery charger CB-5L and would be willing to charge my battery? Anyone?

My sweetheart just taught our oldest how to shave {I can't believe this is happening so soon!} and I couldn't photograph the event.

Augh!!!

Meatball Sandwiches...

2009-03-17T21:37:00.004-06:00

O.K. here it is, Tuesday night and I´m finally getting around to posting my (awesome recipe that is going to change your life). I can dream can´t I

Well, I have an excuse, our internet has been out for 3 days. Do you see how devoted I am...I´m sitting here at a internet cafe, it´s almost 10 pm, just so I can follow through on my promise. (I´m listening to Bryan Adams in Spanish...how funny)

So here goes.

Hearty Meatball Sandwich

Ready In: 1 Hour 40 Minutes
Servings: 6
"A cross between meatloaf and meatballs, this sandwich promises to hold together without being messy."
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/3 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup marinara sauce (I use 2 cups of sauce)
3 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, salt and pepper, garlic powder, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Form the mixture into a log, and place it into an 8x8 inch baking dish.
3. Bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the center is no longer pink. Let stand for 5 minutes, then slice into 1/2 inch slices. Place a few slices onto each hoagie roll, cover with marinara sauce, and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over.
4. Wrap each sandwich with aluminum foil, and return to the oven for 15 minutes, until bread is lightly toasted and cheese is melted. Let stand 15 minutes before eating. Each sandwich serves 2.

So make sure you use the Marinara sauce recipe I posted last week.

Now, I always have to do something different...this time it wasn´t much...I just rolled the meat mixture into balls and cooked them in a sauce pan until no longer pink. They hold together so well.

Oh, and I toast my rolls first, not a fan of soggy bread.

These are so good...I think this will show up at our dinner table tomorrow.

Enjoy!

It's Been a Spiritual Week for me...

2009-03-15T11:52:00.007-06:00

and I needed it. My 4 year old has been asking me, "Mom, tell me about Jesus." all week long. I've even walked in on him re-telling the adventures to his younger brother. Does it get any better than that?

Church life has been tough here. The first 9 months took a lot of effort just to get to our building and back. I'm very thankful for Gene who faithfully picked us up in his "bus" every Sunday. He never let us pay gas or help in any way. All we had to do was be ready by 7:45 am. I'm sad to say that we weren't always ready on time.

Even when we were, it still took about 8 minutes for all of us to get car seats buckled, food and supplies aboard and all the kids in. I'm sure we were there to help Gene with patience. He never complained to us and I will never forget the sacrifice, a then stranger, made for our family.
{above picture is our previous home with over 2 feet of river water hanging out}
We have moved from that {LIFE} part of the country and are in an easier environment. Now we are just an 8 minute taxi drive away from church. Sundays are so much easier. It doesn't take the entire second half of my Saturday to get ready for Sunday. There are 3 women, Ticas, that can speak some English so I can get the gist of activities that my little ones need to be at. It's been nice.

I'm going to be honest here...{if you don't want to know, come back tomorrow}
This past year I haven't been at the TOP of my spiritual game. I've come to know for myself that when you are struggling with "survival" it's difficult to take your eye off that goal and concentrate on other things that used to take up time. Like in my case, personal scripture study. I've been good with family prayers and family scripture study but my personal study time has "fallen by the wayside" let's say.

I started out by the shore in my little row boat, keeping my eye on the shore {my testimony} as I paddled and drained the water from my vessle making sure I kept it afloat...little did I know how far I had floated away.

Now that the struggle to live here in Costa Rica is all but gone, I have realized the route I need to take to get back to shore. It has been a wonderful journey for me. I LOVE the scriptures again. I'm thankful for the heroes that have figured out how to "survive" and stay just as close to the Lord even in trial. What examples. The last thing we need to do is put Christ and our testimony on the shore as we jump in a boat and try to handle our "storm" alone.

I don't want anyone to think that my testimony has been lost this last year {with my dramatic story}, I just haven't spent the time I should've in strengthening it. I'm coming to realize that the last year could have been more full of peace and comfort if I had been better to bring my scriptures along.

We know how healthy it is for our kids to see us enjoying reading. It will make them more apt to LOVE reading themselves. I've done well with this. My kids love to read. How much better it will be for my children to see me LOVE reading the words of the prophets and our Lord Jesus Christ.

So with the above said I want to share with you some of my favorite new found blogs, favorite DVD's and talks.

Scriptoriumblogorium{www.scriptoriumblogorium.blogspot.com} is what we are using for FHE scripture study. She has great posts about scripture references and if you click on the button on the right she's got a book posted there about Isaiah for teenagers. It's FREE {as far as I can tell} and right there on the blog. We are using the Isaiah book for seminary type study in our home school program {starting in the AM}.

Also, I heart John Byetheway's way of presenting gospel subjects. He has a talk about Sunday worship, The Best 3 Hours of the Week. This is great. You can find by searching onBYU TV.
But my favorite Byetheway talk is "Heroes; Lessons from the Book of Mormon. This is AWESOME! It's almost 100 minutes long. We are implementing it into our family home evening, 30 minutes at a time. He gives such great insight to the Heroes we sometimes glide over in our study. This is a GREAT way to get your family excited about scripture study.

Troy Dunn has a tape out there {hopefully it's in CD form now} called "Life is a Football Game". This is bust your gut funny! I heard it when I was about 16 and it changed my attitude about life. I've just found it and I'm ordering it for my oldest. How much better for him to hear it 4 years earlier than I did. {Actually how much better for me that he hears it earlier!!!} Maybe this is why I named my son Troy....hummm.
{Deseret Books has it and 4 other talks of Troy's for $19.99}

Did you know that the LDS church has a You Tube channel? Also another way set the mood for Family Night.

For us since, we don't get our church magazines in English, we go to
LDS.org > then "Gospel Library" > then "magazines. You can search through The Friend, New Era and The Ensign, plus there are "extra" buttons to check out. In the "Friend" you can "listen" to gospel stories, play games and print coloring pages. SWEET!!!

So please enjoy! Let me know what resources you love for gospel study.

My Grocery LOVES...

2009-03-11T05:00:00.001-06:00

I thought I'd post a few pics of some things I've come to love here.
Of course I love this little guy, but the head of lettuce is what I'm referring to here. So fresh and yummy. I loved the ferria {farmers market} in Jaco. I've found a grocery store here however that has produce just as fresh and with a "lower" price tag. Be still my heart!
Most of the canned goods here come in this cool invention, a pull top. This is my evaporated milk. How easy is that. Because of this my can opener has retired early. Anyone need a can opener?
I'm sure you think this is ground coffee. But alas, it's the closest thing I can find to brown sugar. It's Caramel Sugar. It compacts like our C&H from the states but tastes quite a bit different. I've been told it's healthier than our traditional sugar but that means as much to me as "diet ice cream"....NOTHING!

My S-I-L's amiga just brought {smuggled} me in two HUGE bags of brown sugar. Yes I was as giddy as a little school girl and I'm not afraid to admit it!
I bought this to make a squash recipe that is native to Costa Rica. I was so excited to have learned how to make this, bummer is my family wasn't as excited as I was! Oh well, I'll just use it as a food coloring or make-up if the economy gets as bad as it is in the states. :)
I found this definition on Wikipedia:
Achiote is growing in popularity as a natural alternative to synthetic food coloring compounds. While it has a distinct flavor of its own, it can be used to color and flavor rice instead of the much more expensive saffron. The tree that it comes from is called the "lipstick" tree.

I thought this was interesting. I took this picture in my "not so friendly" neighborhood grocery store. {If you visit here, take it from me, Costa Ricans really don't like it when you take pictures in their stores}
I believe these are quail eggs but I'm not sure. Aren't they gorgeous? I loved all the detail in the shells.
It's funny, the eggs underneath them {what we are used to using} seemed so weird to me our first few months here. I wouldn't eat them {although I feed them to my family}.

A few days ago I saw the BRIGHT white, perfect eggs that I was used to in the states. I was surprised by them and had forgotten how flawless they are. Many times with our brown eggs I have to pull feathers off that have decided to attach themselves. In one batch you will get so many variables in sizes and color. How weird it must be to use a perfectly bright clean egg. I wonder how long it will take me to get used to that...

I might just feed them to my kids until I'm ready.

I HEART this seasoning packet. What's so different about it you ask.

It has dried onion, laurel, cilantro {my favorite} and garlic. What's NOT to love! I use this to make a version of Ranch dressing that blows the competiton away. Sorry Hidden Valley!

If I can't find this in the states I need to pack a suitcase full when we head back. Anyone seen this around? Anyone...Now this is cool! It's an anti-biotic that comes with a top you snap in and the applicator fits right in. You turn it upside down and no spills with the perfect measurement.
Funny thing is when I went to pick this up I didn't have to wait. They just handed it to me. Sweet.
I went home and opened it and it was just powder. I tried my best to read the directions and figured out that I needed to add water up to the line inside. So I did. Only to have my husband come home and tell me it needed to be boiling water. Oh, well. So now we all know why we have to wait 1 hour to get our medicine...it takes that long to add the water.
I love this! Jelly that squeezes out of a bag. This costs about 550 colones {just under a dollar}. Are you jealous now? No more finding fragments of jelly in my peanut butter.

Since I bake so much now, this is how I store my flour, in a covered plastic bin. We go through so much that this just works for me.
I have to end with these guys, courtesy of Troy. I don't know if you can see the faces he drew. As a mom I so enjoy finding surprises like this around the house. I hate to say that they perished today to serve my little fam our breakfast.

They will go down as heroes in our {stomach} hearts.

Marinara Sauce

2009-03-10T22:33:00.006-06:00

Make sure you print this off and stick it in your recipe book. If you don't have a recipe book, buy one just to keep this recipe!

Awesome Marinara Sauce

PREP TIME 15 Min
COOK TIME 30 Min
READY IN 45 Min
Original recipe yield 4 cups

* 2 (14.5 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 6 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/3 cup finely diced onion
* 1/2 cup white wine (or substitute chicken broth)

DIRECTIONS

1. In a food processor (or blender) place Italian tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat sauté the finely chopped onion in olive oil for 2 minutes. Add the blended tomato sauce and white wine (or chicken broth).
3. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This is so easy and much better than the jars {or even worse} the cans you open up from the store. This will freeze easily too. You can add a tablespoon or two of sugar if you like your sauce more sweet. I use this as my pizza sauce, the base to Minestrone soup and as the sauce in my {to DIE for} meatball sandwiches. I'm posting that next week. Stay tuned!

For those that are interested, this is how I make it CHEAPER.
Instead of buying canned Italian tomatoes, I chop my own and add 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
Instead of canned chicken broth I use water and chicken bouillon.

Looks like I made my Tuesday deadline by one hour. I promise next Tuesday to have the recipe posted in the a.m.

Enjoy!

Pictures from the week.

2009-03-05T13:22:00.007-06:00

We see rainbows here all the time. We haven't had a "real" rain like the deluge we would get in Jaco. I'm sure our San Jose skies do know how produce those and we will

Our little one loudly protesting time out.
This is what I got as soon as he realized he was being photographed.

Aiden, another budding photographer of ours, took this shot of Landon and I. Not too shabby. One of my FAVORITE things about our new home is this. Around the corner we have a yummy bread store. I get to practice my Spanish all the time. Today Dallin and I headed there all by ourselves. Quite nice, huh Dallin?
Their hot chocolate and "croissant with ham and cheese" inside are our favorites. I have to stay away from the croissant "figure" itivly speaking. (Anyone get that? Stay away- to keep my figure, hee, hee...he. Ahem.)

When you walk in you grab a tray and tongs then pick your selections. On the whole the bread {pan in Spanish} is pretty good. It tends to be a bit more dry than we are used to. We don't buy cookies in Costa Rica anymore because they are always "crispy" and we like chewy. The one and only cookie we bought here we thought they burnt it, but no, that is how they all are. :)These are filled with cream cheese and jam. We have yet to try these but they posed for me so well I had to take a picture. {the price is about 80 cents)
This is our favorite selection case. Soft, squishy bread found here.

I had to throw this one in. Paige made a paper version of the Mayflower for school and decided it made a great hat. Love that stance.
We don't have any decorations in this home of ours. Last week I decided it was about time we got some. I bought 11x14 sized poster board and we went at it on Family Night, creating our own art. I really liked what Dallin did here, I wish I would have stopped him. He ended up painting the entire board black. He saved it by making it his version of Starry Night.
Troy designed some sort of eyeball. I'm sure a psychologist would have a field day with him.

We attached tape to the back and hung our precious artwork. I'm hoping that in a few weeks they won't care if I start over on the other side. What do you think?
Our youngest two did their own works of art and of course I had to hang them. {watercolors of course}

CREATE...

2009-03-04T05:00:00.000-06:00

This is just beautiful.

For the friends of mine who don't belong to the same church as I do, this is a talk by one of our apostles. It was directed specifically to women and our desire to "create".

I have many creative friends. This is for you! And to the friends that don't think they are "creative". This is especially for you.

Enjoy.

I told you it was a gorgeous piece. I can’t leave without talking about what that talk inspires in me.

I remember a time in my life, B.K. {before kids} when a photographer buddy of mine (Tamera Graybill) and I used to take off every Sunday late afternoon, cameras in hand, and drive. We would find the most gorgeous scenery to capture on “film”. I wasn’t the scenery type back then, I enjoyed photographing little rug rats more. I didn’t see the “challenge” in a subject that did exactly what you wanted it to.
However, it was majestic.

In the calmness of the moments before we pushed our shutter buttons a testimony of gratitude for God’s creations were born and reborn every time.

I do believe we are all born like Him, in the sense we feel joy when we create. We desire to “create” things that didn’t exist before. That can be a smile we’ve created on someone else’s face, a photograph of one of the most beautiful sunrises (like my friend Teri just captured) or a child that just arrived into a waiting family.

There is fulfillment in creating.

Tamera, I wish you were here to head out with me. I’ve decided to start our tradition again.

Bourbon Chicken...without the Bourbon!

2009-03-03T08:14:00.005-06:00

Bourbon Chicken
adapted from Blog Chef

Ingredients:
2lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons oil (for pan-frying)
cornstarch (for dusting)

Sauce:
1 garlic clove (minced)
¼ teaspoon ginger (I used ground ginger)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ( I use Cheyenne pepper and 1/2 what it calls for )
¼ cup apple juice
1/3 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoon of your favorite jam ( I use raspberry)
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
½ cup water
1/3 cup soy sauce

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, and if you choose lightly dust with cornstarch. Heat oil in your wok (or saucepan) and fry chicken bits in batches until lightly browned. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

In a bowl combine all sauce ingredients. Pour into wok and bring to a boil. Add chicken bits back to the pan, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with rice.

That's it!! So yummy and very, very easy! This is one of my top 10, delish. Always turns out.

Enjoy!

Would You Like Syrup with That?

2009-03-01T14:52:00.002-06:00

Thanks Shelly! I guess I should have posted our favorite syrup recipe with the pancakes.

That is, if I didn't have 2 little guys pulling on my arms to pry me away from my computer while trying to write my last post, I might have thought of that. :)

Here is our Syrup Recipe:

Simple Maple Syrup

1 cup of boiling water
1 cup of white sugar
1 cup of brown sugar
½ teaspoon of maple flavored extract
½ teaspoon of butter flavoring

Boil water in a saucepan, add sugars and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in maple flavoring and butter. Serve warm.

Homemade Pancakes...

2009-02-28T12:48:00.006-06:00

I've had this recipe for a few years. Cooking from scratch can save so much money {in most cases}.

The title is "Fluffy Pancakes, but no matter how many times I made them, although good, they were NEVER fluffy! I tinkered and tinkered with the recipe, adding more baking powder, more salt, then less salt. Nothing worked.

Until now! {I'm so excited} Doesn't take much for me, huh?

It was the butter! Too much.

So here it is, Shawna's Famous Fluffy Panckaes

{I can call them mine because I changed the recipe so much, RIGHT?}

2 cups of flour
2 tablespoons of sugar
4 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup of milk
1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons of butter, melted

In medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

In separate small bowl melt butter. Then combine the egg, milk and butter; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. If the batter seems too thick, add a little milk. You want them on the thick side...don't make them runny.

Pour batter by 1/2 cupful onto a greased hot pan. Turn when bubbles form on top of pancakes; cook until the second side is golden brown.

On a similar note...I've decided to start posting some of my favorite recipes. I've collected some knockouts! Watch out "Rachel Ray"!

Here in beautiful Costa Rica...I can't run to the grocery store and get everything I've been used too in the states. So I run to my computer and look up how to make it. I've made homemade marshmallows, enchilada sauce, peanut butter, frosting, cake batter, buttermilk, condensed cream of mushroom soup, butter, noodles; all with the help of the Internet. I try various recipes and then "fix" them to make them just perfect.

So now (after 11 months) you can imagine how many "from" scratch recipes I have. In the states I was spending about $1,300 a month on groceries. Don't freak out, remember I have 7 mouths to feed, 1 bum to diaper and that included my make-up, cleaning supplies, soaps, shampoos and such.

Our first 3 months here we got it down to $950 per month. Now it's at $675 per month and we are eating BETTER than we EVER have. If I could get stores here to take coupons that would be much lower, but that isn't a tradition that has made it here yet. :)

So meet me on here every Tuesday for a new recipe that you can trust is "yummy". I have about 55, so that will last us at least a year.

Horseback Riding...

2009-02-28T05:00:00.001-06:00

the saga continues:

While my aunt and my cousin were visiting we decided that horseback riding on the beach was a must! I'm glad we did. Another "to do" on my bucket list crossed off.

My sweetie and I decided that since we couldn't pay for all of the kids to attend every adventure while our "delightful" visitors were here we would take one child on each outing. Paige chose riding the horses. Here she is with Lecosta, the owner of our stallions. {They had just fed the horse some pineapple rind)
Joanna and Paige anxiously awaiting our adventure.
And here we are, pro's! The horse that Paige and I were on was the youngest of the group BUT sure was the slowest. We tried EVERTHING we were told to do to make him speed up.
Nothing.
Paige changed his name to Molasses.

It fit!

Lecosta's help, Jose, cut pineapple for us. Yummy. You haven't had pineapple until you've had white pineapple.

See that machete he's holding? Everyman here has one of those. You will often see them walking around with one casually in their hand like it was a lolly pop.

U.S. Map Game...

2009-02-26T05:00:00.001-06:00

Think you remember where the states reside in our beautifully designed U.S. of A.?

Check out this game I found from www.rocksinmydryer.com . The object of the game is to place the state where it belongs on the U.S. map.

Easy enough, right?

The problem is that the borders aren't outlined like our tests from 5th grade. Remember those?

I did really well with the states that were around my home state. I, of course, got Texas and Florida. But finding exactly where Delaware lives....hummm. Or South Dakota.

Enough introduction...enjoy the game !

Women's Conference...

2009-02-24T08:34:00.000-06:00

So I've been thinking about attending Women's Conference in a few months.

Really thinking about it.

Can we afford it? I seriously "want" to go.

I really need to go.

Then I realized something. {enter my light bulb moment} I'm searching for something outside of my situation that is already available here.

Just like someone {not that I've ever done this} putting off exercising and getting in shape until they lay down BIG money for the newest gym or home equipment. Then having the home equipment break about the 3rd week! {Eh...hemm.}

Everything you need to get in shape is already within your reach. Some good tennis shoes, water and good food.

So here I am, putting off my spiritual growth, expecting something in Utah to provide that for me; when everything I need is right here within reach.

Those things are
* personal conversations with my Father in Heaven
* scriptures opened and studied more often
* serving others
* watching and/or reading spiritual messages
* and MORE personal conversations with my Father in Heaven

Now, I'm still planning on heading on over to BYU for women's conference, don't get me wrong! There is fantastic advice given.

Besides, have you ever sat in a colossal building and sang "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" with over 7,000 angelic women's voices testifying that same truth with you?

It's something to do before you pass from this life.

The difference is this year I'm going PREPARED. I'm not arriving on campus gasping for more spiritual oxygen, I'm bringing my tank with me and full.

That is IF I decide we can afford it. :)

Old Navy Deals....

2009-02-23T08:11:00.003-06:00

This is a pretty good deal. It's 30% off of their NEW arrivals.

Yeah! This is where I shop for clothes in Costa Rica, good ol' www.oldnavy.com

Costa Ricans can be found wearing ON all the time. I'm not sure how they get them here but I order online and have them shipped to whomever is coming here next.

Then I wait.

But it's better than not having them. :)

And if you add Pipperlime shoes to your order, FREE shipping. {But their shipping is CHEAP anyway so try not to get sucked into that.}

The promo code to enter is NEW30 .

Enjoy!!!

I'm Thankful for...

2009-02-20T23:45:00.009-06:00

photographs.
They are my connection to the ones I miss and love. I even get disappointed when people don't have their pictures on their Facebook profile. Carolyn, you've got to get yours uploaded. :)

I just bought a 5x7 frame the other day {10 months into our stay} so other than the one glorified print, my other photographs reside on this beautiful plate. I hope they can survive until frames arrive home for them. I have to admit I love them displayed this way...where they can be picked up and handled. It's the closest I can get to hugging the rest of my family.
To all our friends and family, "Thanks for sending us your fantastic Christmas cards!" My kids were just thrilled to open these on Christmas Eve. We love you all so much...sniff, sniff.
For my last picture {the one that lives in the frame}, I have a beautiful memory. This was taken oh, 3 or 4 years ago at women's conference. Let's see, we've got Sharla, Penny, Cindy, me, Kristin and in front, my buddy Christine. All smushed up in the middle is Christine's ADORABLE aunt, who, if it's possible, might be a tad bit sweeter than Christine. {Just a TAD though}

This was a moment in time when all the stars seemed to be aligned. We were all able to attend WC together, no one was nursing a baby, or ready to deliver {although Kristin was about 6 weeks away}. We laughed, cried, grew closer to our Heavenly Father and each other. It was a great weekend..."clap, clap, clap and a little shrill"-just for "mi amiga" Cindy.

So I'm thinking about heading over to Utah for women's conference again in May.

Anyone else going?

Day Four of Preschool...

2009-02-19T23:40:00.005-06:00

2 little ones home with bad colds. The one thing about home schooling and living in CR is my munchkins have been so healthy.

It's been a long day and night of coughs, runny noses and sore throats. On the bright side, I've been the human blankie all day.

Love it!

It's 11:40 pm and everyone is FINALLY asleep.

Whew.

It's A NEW Day...

2009-02-16T19:44:00.005-06:00

Our two little ones have FINALLY started preschool.

I have been homeschooling all five of them {and NOT very well I might add} How do you teach 5 kids, one with ADHD and switching between a 12 year old and a 2 year old? I know many do it, plus hold huge jobs at church, run home businesses, have dinner on the table promptly at 5:30 and have a spotless house. The only thing I do well is dinner on the table. It's my thing.
Here is our youngest taking his "pack-pack" off. They were both so thrilled this morning. {Pretty close to my level of excitement.}
I handed the camera to Troy, didn't he do such a good job here.
There are bars everywhere here in Costa Rica. Stealing just isn't really considered a bad thing. So everywhere you look you'll see bars. Even in my little guy's preschool. This is Aiden during P.E.

Last night Aiden asked me, "Mom are we really going to preschool or are you just kidding like last time?"

Ouch!

Wes and I have told the kids they were going to preschool 2 times now over these last 9 months. We've gotten them all pumped up and then backed out at the last minute. Once when the "actual" price was double what the paper said it was. The other time, we realized the money needed to pay a taxi to get the kids there everyday would be just too much.

"Yes Aiden, you are going to preschool! I'm not kidding this time!"

My Favorite Spot So Far...

2009-02-11T05:00:00.001-06:00

Isn't this gorgeous, beautiful, breathtaking? It's a bar about 15 minutes north of our old digs. For about a $3.00 {non-alcoholic} drink, you get to sit here {the highest point on that side of Costa Rica} and watch the sun slide into the ocean while being set to music.

I'm warning you...it's severely romantic. {Thank goodness Wes wasn't with us or we would have number 6 on the way for sure.}

So if you are visiting Costa Rica and happen to be near Jaco, make sure Villa Caletas is on your list. Don't go to the restaurant, too expensive and the food isn't worth it. {ouch, I hate to say things like that!} Make a quick left as you are facing the restaurant entrance and you'll be sitting in heaven.

Now, back to reality. We had been in our new home about 2 weeks when all of a sudden the electricity seemed to be at 10% power. WHAT?!?!

This meant that I could barely dry my hair. So tragic! The clothes dryer, microwave, stove top and big toaster oven {where I do all my baking} didn't work at all. Then, hold on to your hats and make sure you are sitting down, my computer wouldn't work!

Yep, so weird {insane!!!}.

We were to wait for our landlord's electrician to get here in a about a week. Thank goodness my sweetheart thought better of that plan and hired our own electrician.

I have to tell you this...the ad he replied to in the phone book was "Hire a Husband". Is that the funniest thing you've ever heard? My husband called and hired his own "husband". Hee, hee.

Hee, hee.

It's still funny to me. O.K., o.k., I'll stop!

Hee, hee.

Anyway, the electrician he hired was WONDERFUL. This is what he found...
The meter had experienced an electrical fire! It was quite fried, full of charcoal and melted plastic. After quite a "bill" {one that covered our rent for the month} we are up and running again.

Life is good!!!

Happy Birthday to You...

2009-02-10T01:37:00.004-06:00

Well, one month that is! Our little baby Cash is 1 month old today.
He has been an angel added to our lives. My kids are head over heals for him...especially my youngest fellow. He talks about his buddy Cash often. I can't believe there was a time when he wasn't with us.
It has been sad for me not to live close to that little guy anymore. I am a pro with little baby boys and it seems natural having him around. Thank goodness Rusti has brought him to visit a few times.

So happy 1 month baby Cash. We love and miss you {and your mommy!}

In Case You Need This...

2009-02-10T00:39:00.004-06:00

Sugar Cookies for Valentine's Day...
I added red food coloring to give a pink swirl look to them. {Swirl meaning I was too lazy to mix it all in}

The best Sugar Cookie Recipe on Earth!!! Even if you overcook them {burn them} they will still bend softly in your mouth. I'm not telling you how I know this.

So in case you need the perfect sugar cookie recipe by the end of this week, here you go. {I've posted this before}

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies
Submitted by: Jill Saunders {thank you Jill!!!}
Rated: 4 out of 5 by 2333 members Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 8 Minutes Ready In: 3 Hours
Yields: 60 servings

"Whenever you make these cookies for someone, be sure to bring along several copies of the recipe! You will be asked for it, I promise!!!"

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups butter, softened 2 cups white sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt DIRECTIONS: 1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight). 2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. 3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.

One more tip from Shawna, remember when you roll your cookie dough out, don't use flour but powdered sugar to keep the dough from sticking.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle...

2009-02-07T17:28:00.003-06:00

I highly recommend this novel. I just finished it yesterday, among children pounding at my door to get to me.
It's been a long time since I read a book that was this deliciously written! Another tip...spend the money to buy this book in hardcover. You will want to lend it out or keep it around your house for years. This will be a classic for sure.
What surprises me the most is that this is David Wroblewski's first attempt at a novel. Are you kidding?

Props to David!

The basic plot to this novel is young boy, born mute, works with his family to raise special dogs. Don't let this throw you off if you aren't a "dog person" involved with the deaf, or a boy. I'm neither of the three and still thoroughly enjoyed this story, so much I had to post about it.

So if it is not in your budget to go out and purchase a new book, remember you also have the library, friends and papperback swap. Post if you have read this book and let me know what you think.

Enjoy your day! Enjoy your book.

Just a TEASE...

2009-02-05T05:00:00.001-06:00

Look at the fruit I get to enjoy ALL YEAR LONG! I have yet to get a bad watermelon.
I forget most of my gringo friends are enduring winter.

Thinking of you!

Finally Getting My Act Together...

2009-02-04T05:00:00.001-06:00

I've actually sat down at my computer with my camera AND the sync cord. The kids are downstairs with my sweetheart...and I am LOCKED IN, upstairs.

Boy, I'm good.

I have a few family pictures to share.

Troy got 100% on guitar hero. If any of you have tried to play with your kids, you know how difficult this is! He barters the game {it's a friend of his} for time on his "rip stick". It's worked out well for both Troy and his friend.
This is what I am soooooo pleased about. Having a dinning area to eat our family meals. The table is one of those plastic, fold down ones from Costco {or our version of Costco} so it's a tight squeeze. The table cloth on top is a shower curtain {the material kind, not plastic}. I highly recommend using one of those when you have little ones at the dinner table. Everything just wipes right up!

Making sure that we have been able to sit as a family for meals has been a battle. I've realized how important it is to me since living the "puda vida" here. At first we didn't have a table big enough. Then we ended up rearranging things to slide 2 tables together. Next, I actually placed a big board on top of a little glass table. That worked well as long as no one leaned on it. One day I needed to take the board off and Paige forgot. Next thing you know, she is lying on the tile floor covered in glass.

I don't know how she didn't get hurt, but she was fine.

So today, as I set my table for Sunday dinner...I was very {emotional} thankful for that opportunity!
Thursday, as I came back from my little jaunt to the grocery store, I worried when I couldn't find our youngest. Panicked, I raced upstairs to look and this is what I found. My sweet one, sound asleep!

Dallin said, "Yah, he fell asleep here about half an hour ago." Dallin just continued to work on his blog.
"What! You let him stay like this for 30 minutes!" I was so outraged that I made Landon wait another 5 minutes while I got my camera. Sorry little one! But it was too cute to pass up.

My perfect angels picked the most beautiful flowers for me the other day. {They look so innocent!}

Our First Sunday in our New Ward...

2009-02-01T19:07:00.004-06:00

I've had so much going through my mind about our Sunday experience. As most of you know, it's been pretty tough for our family on the Sabbath. Between the 45 minute bus ride, 3 kids with car sickness, no air conditioning, from start to finish being gone 5-6 hours, the language barrier, not many kids the same age as mine, preparing 3 meals before 7:30 am and attending a tiny branch; I really struggled with Sundays.

Then, I struggled with the fact that I struggled with Sundays!

"Why can't I just enjoy it?" I'd ask myself. {Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the members, but I NEVER looked forward to Sundays.}

I always thought that if I had been a pioneer for our church, I would have rocked. I would have driven the wagon out west, set-up camp, taught my kids about the Lord, helped others in need, cooked the meals and fought off Indian attacks, all without complaint!

Now, I wonder. Maybe I'm not as VALIANT as I hoped I was. :)

As I sifted through my thoughts, I came to this conclusion:

It's all about service...you love "whom {or what} you serve. I did serve...but the language barrier created a wall as to how far I could serve.

I was in the Primary presidency...I prepared things, organized and worked hard. But the depth of the relationship I could have with most of the other members was stunted...because of lack of communication. I couldn't tell someone that their testimony meant alot to me { I didn't even understand what they were saying} or explain that I knew how hard their trial was and was there to help in anyway.

I only smiled and said, "Hola."

So I've determined that I'm going to get this language down!! I'm going to stop fighting it and pony up! {and I've been blessed with more understanding and empathy for those pioneers who struggled with the journey west.}

Like I mentioned earlier, we attended a ward today, not just a branch. {A ward is a group of church members (usually 200-800 people) that attend LDS church services together. A branch is a smaller group, not big enough to make up a ward {usually 20-150 people).

It was just wonderful! Troy had a group of 4 or 5 boys in his class. Yipppe!!! We are now close enough that he will attend young men activities during the week. The primary actually had more than 2 classes. And sacrament meeting was overflowing. We all felt so welcomed. It was interesting for me to note that our ward is made up of members from many different (Spanish speaking) countries, so they were all doing a bit of translating from their native terms. We have families from Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama.

The best thing is, I can't wait for Sunday.

More of our adventures...

2009-01-25T08:40:00.006-06:00

Here is my travel advice {if you are near the Jaco area}...get to Punta Leona. It is a private beach community and if you know someone who lives there, you can probably get in. If not, I believe you can pay about $20 for a wristband. We, of course, have our connections. :)

On this side of Costa Rica {not counting the peninsula} there are only 2 white sand beaches in the area. 1 is Punta Leona {about 15 minutes north of Jaco} and the other is {about 45 minutes south of Jaco} Manuel Antonio. The rest of the beaches are called "cinnamon" which is a creative way to say dark brown.

A trick, if you can get into Punta Leona, is to head to the restaurant that is open early in the morning. {I'm sorry but the name eludes me} The food is decent, buffet style, {you'll pay about $40 for 3 adults} but if you get there before 9 am, chances are you will get a great monkey show. They come down from the trees and are pretty sneaky fellers. I was holding out a piece of banana and the mommy monkey did a basketball fake-out move and swiped a cinnamon roll instead.

I was left looking like a fool, holding my piece of banano.

So intead of taking a "monkey tour" at $25-$35 per person...you can save money and get breakfast out of it.

Yummy.

My aunt Sheila took this picture of me bathing on the beach...aren't I a HOTTIE! {hee, hee}
Our view to the right of us...
Our view to the left...

Of course, me and my beautiful cousin.
Can you believe this scenery is only 15 minutes from my house?
Mother and daughter beauties. Look how a plant has grown all over the steps. I'm telling you...everything grows here.
The view from down low.

Do you see the bug in this picture?

Look hard.
It's called the leaf bug. It was just unbelievable. It even looked like a piece was taken out of the back to look more like a leaf that was disintegrating.

Cool!

Yes...We Have Relocated...

2009-01-24T03:30:00.005-06:00

So as you know my aunt and cousin have been visiting and right in the middle of that visit {Tuesday} Wes and I decide it's time to move. Not to the states, sorry, but into the big city {San Jose area}. So now it is Friday and we are moved in. {Well, everything but a few furniture pieces}

Let's just say that when I make a decision, I'm usually quick on the draw. I dropped my sweet cousin and her mother off at the airport by 10:30 am, drove home the 2.5 hour drive, packed and cleaned our house and was headed to our new diggs within 24 hours.

It was easy, especially because {how do I say this delicately} I HATED our house.

Now is when the guilt arrives for not being grateful for "that which I was given".

So to relieve that "emotion" I have written a note to my former casa.

Saturday January 24, 2009

Dear former house,

I'm sitting here from my upstairs master bedroom suite, computer at my desk, with 5 full bars of Internet strength to tell you, it's o.k.
I left in a hurry without much warning. I know you tried your best. You gave our crazy family all that you had. You kept the rain off our heads and that was important. You let us tie up our hammock to the bars on your front window and tried to stay strong before you just couldn't hold on anymore. You tried with Wes and I to keep the stinky sewer water from entering our back kitchen door. We were a team the three of us that rainy night, but we just weren't strong enough. The weekend when I came home with all 5 kids to find the 2 pipes broken in the bathroom, well that was bad. With Wes gone, all the bedrooms under water and no one to call to help; we worked together to keep the situation from getting worse.
I'm sorry that I didn't appreciate you more. You did your best. I will never forget you.
Never. {Believe me on that one!}

Sincerely-
The woman with the 5 crazy kids.

P.S. Enjoy the peace and quiet. You deserve it.

Now I'm on to:
my own laundry room
a little bit more space
bigger bedrooms for all of us
closets {YIPPE!!!}
Internet
HOT water

What I will miss:
air conditioning
having an oven {I will have a stovetop but not an oven, augh}
the beach 4 blocks away
my friends Teri, Albanie {who's leaving anyway} Wendy, Michelle and Tracy.

I Have Returned...

2009-01-21T22:01:00.007-06:00

and I have news... but first a summery of my adventures with my auntie and sweet cousin.

First of all they were just a "pure delight" to have around. I was able to forgo many of my household duties thanks to the support of my sweetheart and munchkins. Thanks guys.

This is the eco-lodge that we stayed in. It used to be an scientific observatory for the Arenal Volcano. The lodge is embedded in the Arenal National Park and was just divine. The grounds were immaculate and lush. It seems to be the closest Hotel/Lodge to the volcano and was quite the drive to get in. Our car with manual transmission made it that much more exciting. In fact before they put the two bridges in you had to 4x4 in.
Thank you bridges!

Just added proof to support my "lush grounds" claim.

We found this hanging bridge off one of our trails to the waterfall.

Here is the Arenal volcano...well at least the bottom half. There are only a few weeks in the year where you are able to gawk at the top. It's usually covered in fluffy clouds. We did hear some crackling and popping as the lava was heading down. That was excitement enough.

Oh my favorite moment...reading a book, on the balcony, a little rain drizzle...yummy. The only thing missing was a hot chocolate in hand.

LOOK at the size of this leaf...really...it's of Jurassic proportions.

Just a "GORGEOUS" waterfall we found on one of our hikes.

Same waterfall...just the two old ladies were added. Actually my aunt looks younger than I.
{If you don't know her, you've really missed out on a treat!}

To be continued...same station...same time...next week.

Oh, and for the news..."We are moving...to the city and we are so excited!"

A Request to My Costa Rican Amigas...

2009-01-15T13:23:00.004-06:00

My cousin (who adores animals) and is here learning Spanish, would like to volunteer/work here in Costa Rica for a few weeks to a few months. She´s 21 and taking a semester off to do this.

What do you think?
Do any of you sweet ladies know of an opportunity for her? Anyone have a connection for us?

Thanks in advance!

We are off traveling the country...should be back in a few days with PICTURES!

Can we say ROAD TRIP?

Yippeee!

My Little Nephew has arrived...

2009-01-10T17:47:00.006-06:00

Last night at 10 pm after a quick call from my s-i-l that she was in labor, I called a taxi and headed to the hospital. Did I mention it was a 2.5 hour drive through curvy jungle roads, in a vehicle that at times was going so slow I thought we might roll backward off the cliff, that ended into a 3 hour drive when the taxi couldn't find the hospital and thought it might be a good idea to park on the freeway while he called friends to try and get directions? I didn't...well that is a post for another time.

This post is about my sister in law who knocked out natural labor like nothing I've seen before. (I'm so proud of her!) Now my 5th nephew has arrived, baby Cash. I'm smitten to say the least.

Here is his debut...

Been up for over 30 hours...I'm headed to bed. :)

I'm So Excited......

2009-01-09T22:05:00.003-06:00

and nervous! Rusti just called and her little baby is on the way!!!!! Did I say I'm EXCITED!!! She wants me to be there for the delivery...but I doubt I will get there before this little one arrives!!!

Wish me luck!

Have You Checked Out Spark People?

2009-01-09T20:49:00.002-06:00

If you haven't...you might want to. It is the season for it.

You know, the "I ate too much these past 2 months...I need to do something about it...but money is tight right after Christmas" season.

I'm more sensitive to this situation because unlike most of you, heading into winter with sweaters and long pants...we are still and forever will be in "summer mode". Swimsuits, suntan oil and flip flops are the attire here. In fact a friend and I are headed to a resort swim club in the morning with all the kids. I've pushed home school to the afternoon so we can delay school just a little bit longer.

So let me tell you a little about www.sparkpeople.com . It was created by the original creator of google.com
It's FREE and has many tools to help "us" with keeping up with a healthy lifestyle. {Basically, it will give you the extra push to lose the weight you gained over the past few months.} Not that "I" gained any...yeah right!

So check it out... www.sparkpeople.com

I'm starting my excercise...tomorrow...I think. :)
Enjoy!!!

It's Been Rockin and Rollin Here...

2009-01-09T12:18:00.004-06:00

but we are all o.k. An earthquake that measured 6.2 visited us a yesterday. The epicenter was 3 hours away from us but sure had our house rolling. 13 people died which is pretty sad. The homes just aren't built with the standards set in the states.

Thanks for all of your concern...we are healthy and happy.

All I Can Say is "Yummy!!!"

2009-01-08T05:00:00.001-06:00

I'll call these "Shawna's Apple Banana Crumb Bakery Muffins" How's that?

I'm sorry that many of you {including me} are striving to lose weight right about now. So to keep the playing field level...I'm going to give you this AWESOME muffin recipe!! That way I won't be the only one struggling not to make them.

See how great I am? :)

These are just plain fantastic. I found them as basic banana muffin recipe and added my magic. So here goes. Your mouth and stomach will thank me for these; so will your kids and husband. However your thighs won't.

Did I mention they have a cinnamon-and-brown-sugar streusel topping?

Shawna's Apple Banana Crumb Bakery Muffins

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 bananas, mashed
1/2 cup of apple, chopped small, leave peel on.
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 9 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers. {Keep this batter to 9 muffins, don't use all 12. Fill the muffin cups to the top, that way they create those wonderful bakery style muffins.}
2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, slightly beat the egg. Then add sugar, egg and melted butter. Fold in banana and apple. Now stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

Con mucho gusto! {You are welcome!}

So I tried to find a picture of a bakery muffin that looked as good as this one does...no luck! I guess I'm going to have to make them again tonight so I can take a picture for you all.

Shucks. What I do for my blogger friends. :)

Adios Elders...you will be missed.

2009-01-07T05:00:00.002-06:00

We have had great elders serving in our branch since we first arrived here 8 months ago. Mothers of these fine young men, I have done my best to feed them and make sure that they don't loose too much weight on my watch.

Today is a sad day for us as we will be losing the Elders that we have spent the last 3 months here, Elder Silva and Elder Howell. Here they are decorating Christmas cookies a few weeks before Christmas. {What can I say, I've got little ones around the house and this is what we do} I was quite surprised that they seems excited to be making these creations, either that or they are great actors. Probably a little of both.

To the mothers of Elder Howell and Elder Silva I want to say to you:

Thank you for raising sons that have the great desire to serve the Lord. They have been a wonderful influence on my sons {and daughter} and our little branch. You would have been so proud today to see them as I did, bearing their testimonies in a foreign tongue. I thought of you and wished you could have seen what I saw today.

Thank you.

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-04T20:39:00.003-06:00

I am posting...just so you all know I'm still here. {The plethora of pictures I have to post will have to wait for another time, they aren't here with me and my internet connection}

We had a wonderful Christmas and great New Year. Today has been filled with resolutions, new chore charts, a stronger desire to pump up our Family Home Evening lessons and turn scripture reading into scripture study. I love "change" I always have.

To a New Year...may it be filled with learning opportunities we can handle...the wisdom to stop and see the beauty around us...tender mercies that go noticed...and PLEASE don't let it be WORSE than 2008. {Did I just write that?} I meant 2009, let it be fine.

Cheers!

Random pictures

2009-01-02T05:00:00.001-06:00

This was taken up North from us on one of our mini vacations. This was quite the wiggly creature. It's a brittle starfish and quite creepy. On this trip I had one of the most relaxing 10 minutes of my life {but since then haven't had a relaxing moment to write about it, until now}

It was beautiful...try to imagine...all my kids at the beach below me {with my honey}...me up on a cliff about 30 feet above them...silently swinging in my hammock, book in one hand... glass of ice water in the other...ocean breeze massaging my pedicured feet.

Hold on, I need a moment to wipe the tears of joyful remembrance from my eyes.

That hand coming in from the left is, of course my delicate little daughter's. She caught this little guy on the same trip mentioned above. My little sweetie doesn't look too sure about this big tummied fellow.

Wes' sister Brie was here for Thanksgiving and we enjoyed a nice "gringo" style meal at Lemon Zest here in Jaco. Delish.

O.K. I know the picture is sideways, but I'm on a strange computer and can't figure out how to switch it.
With that said, I have to show you this amazing invention. The magnetic escalator. WOW! Isn't that cool? There is a store in San Jose called Hiper Mas. Pronounced E-per-moss. It's owned by Wal-Mart and the prices for items found in the states are decent here. Except for the make-up which can go for over $35 for Loreal liquid make-up. Crazy! Anyway, you get your cart on the bottom floor and take the MAGNETIC escalator up.

Merry Christmas...

2008-12-29T08:25:00.013-06:00

to all our friends and family!!!! {and our lurker friends} As you can see by the presents behind my little guys, living in Costa Rica did not affect their present intake. :) Santa found us just as we had hoped.
Our Christmas season was filled with decorations, hot weather, Christmas music, walking to the beach, decorating sugar cookies and much of the same we would have experienced in the states.

It has been difficult to enjoy our necessary cups of Hot Chocolate and warm sugar cookies with the weather as warm as it's been, but the kids didn't seem to mind.

Most of our presents were brought in from the states. If we were to purchase presents here we'd either pay double the price as in the states for brand name or purchase a toy from overseas that just wouldn't survive the day. {Very cheaply made but expensive} So we shopped on the Internet and had everything shipped to my mother-in-law. She, like the angel she is, brought it all in with her; four boxes worth of presents and supplies.

So I'm warning all of you ahead of time, we would love to have you come and stay with us, however you will probably get a request or two for a few bags of brown sugar, baking soda or the like. Just fair warning. :)

Aiden got this red bike from Santa, however later we learned he had actually asked Santa for a yellow bike.

I hope Aiden will be able to deal with the rojo.

I love Christmas morning hair. :)

Landon wanted me to be a cowboy mommy. Both the little ones wanted a cowboy hat but Santa only brought one. That wasn't the best decision on Santa's part.

You are Going to Love me For This One...

2008-12-19T16:20:00.004-06:00

this recipes is AMAZING and incredibly easy.

It just can't be this easy and that good...but those of you that trust me and make this one will sing my praises forever.

Actually you should be singing "mi amiga" Mehgan's praises, it's her recipe.

But I am the messenger. That should count for something.

So {drum roll please} here goes:

I will call them Mehgan's Magic Miracles, what do you think?

3/4 cup Butter
1 Cup of Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup approximately of chocolate chips
Saltine Crackers.

Place tinfoil on a cookie sheet, lay the crackers down evenly with the salt facing down. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

Melt the butter in a sauce pot, add sugar stir briskly until it boils. Continue stirring rapidly as the mixture congeals and gets thicker, approx 5 minutes. You want it to stay a golden colour. Pour over the crackers, then sprinkle chocolate chips on top and place in the oven until the mix starts to boil through the crackers. Let them cool.

That's it.

They are delish. Sorry I don't have a picture. In the end they will look like a thin piece of chocolate covered English toffee.

Enjoy!

Last Call for Christmas Cards...

2008-12-18T15:25:00.003-06:00

If you'd like to send us a Christmas card we would REALLY love to get it!!!

Wes's mother is coming down for Christmas. If you send it out to her today or tomorrow she'll bring it down to us.

Oh, and THANK YOU for taking the extra effort to get it to us. :)

The Banagas Family

c/o Colleen Foote

32801 Silver Charm Court

Menifee, Ca 92584

So for gifts this year we have decided the kids are getting 3.

One from Santa, we talked to him to confirm this would be o.k.

One store bought and brought in from the states. (Toys here don't last more than an hour or two)

And one handmade.

I have actually had a great time hand making the 3 gifts that are done.

Yes I know Christmas is in less than a week and I have 2 left. (AUGH!!!) :)

So I made a tutu for PAIGE with all the frills. It's is adorable, I hope it can survive what she will put it through. I'm sure it will end up on our dog at least a few times.

Aiden and Landon are receiving super cute Superman capes. What boy doesn't deserve one of these. We've always tied towels, sheet or pillowcases to create them...that is until now. Now they will have professional supercapes.

I think I will keep this tradition. (the hand making of presents...I don't know if the 3 present idea will fly.)

A little Catch-up...

2008-12-16T12:55:00.012-06:00

We ran out of Internet...so here is a week's worth of photos.

What is sweeter than 2 little boys, fresh out of the bath wrapped up in a white towel (or sheet because laundry wasn't done)?

Nothing.

My friend Costa Rica has helped catapult my children's imagination to higher levels. I'm so thankful. Here my little guys have found pet snakes to play with. {Daddy's belts}
Paige made this caterpillar out of a broken ornament and tape. {I think she was involved in the crime, breaking the ornament}
But isn't Henry the caterpillar beautiful? He gave her at least an hour of entertainment.

This is the designer wrench my sweetheart created for me when he changed out our shower head. He thought the juice was off in the bathroom, but alas it wasn't. :)

It was quite scary...the electricity in the entire "casa" went off for a few seconds and with the scream that came from my honey's mouth at the same time left us all quite concerned. Turns out the sparks that were flying were the reason for his yell.

Whew!!

I had to throw this one in for good measure. Paige has given me a hard time with taking medicine lately, so I've had to be a little creative. I pull the capsule apart and then plan my creative attack. I thought this was funny...I spread the capsules on the frosting of a homemade cookie and the medicine looked like white sprinkles.

Smart, huh?

Nope...she caught me! Wouldn't even swallow it.

Back to the drawing board.

Cute (freaky) Snowmen..

2008-12-11T05:00:00.002-06:00

I saw this over at skiptomylou.org . Candy corn for noses and candy eyes for...eyes. Put them on small white powdered doughnut and you are the domestic queen!

Wouldn't this be adorable for Christmas morning?

Cookie Exchange and Saving Money...

2008-12-10T09:34:00.003-06:00

Kelly from www.2passthetorch.com had this idea to share:

How to host the perfect Cookie Exchange Party
1. The husbands and kids went to one house, with snacks to share and beverages.
2. The wives went to a house directly across the street, with beverage and six dozen cookies, in half-dozen packages (so each woman arrived with 12 small bags containing six cookies each.)
3. We put our cookies on the table and opened one package as a sampler. This left 11 bags of half-dozen cookies to be exchanged.
4. We enjoyed conversation, drinks and snacks and when the hostess rang the bell, we each chose three baggies from the table. About 10 minutes and lots of laughter later, she rang the bell again. We each chose three more baggies. And so it went until most the cookies were gone.

There were probably 15-20 women at the gathering and we stayed for about three hours. But the system would work no matter how many women attended. Thanks to my very smart neighbors for creating such a perfect and fun way to host a cookie exchange!

So here is the money saving idea:

Check this out...tons of promotion codes for shopping online or in the store. Very cool! Don't ever shop online without a code! Please.
www.retailmenot.com

14 days left!!

Did you know...

2008-12-10T05:00:00.001-06:00

goodreads.com has a Mormon book club?

Me neither.

Want to check it out?

Go here. I just joined. I'll start with January's book.

Enjoy!!!

Old Navy Deals...

2008-12-09T10:46:00.005-06:00

I wish I could really present you with a gift card...but finances won't allow it this year. Maybe next year. However I have something almost as good.

This promo code 20FREESHIP . There it is. Isn't it beautiful? Enter that number/word in the promo box at check out and get 20% off your order plus free shipping if your order reaches over $100.

You can do what I did and only go through their clearance items (make sure you do a search under clearance for the size you are looking for or you'll be frustrated with how many items aren't your child's size).

My breakdown:

Initial cost of the items plus shipping $278

But since all my items were clearance it was only $147 and change with shipping.

Then after entering my magic promo code it plummeted to $120.32

Can we all say, "SWEET!"

This is ONLY good Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday and online only. (shipping is only $7.00 so if you don't want to get to $100 it's not that big of a deal.)

Merry Christmas!

It's Getting Hot in Here...

2008-12-09T05:00:00.001-06:00

So our weather is opposite of all of you who live north of Mexico. Us southerners are headed out of "rainy season" and into "dry season". Now that I'm ready to stop making the cinnamon rolls, soups and hot chocolate {although it was a stretch to try and feel that it was cool enough to make those} you are ready for them.

So in honor of Christmas {and winter for you} I'm going to throw a great sugar cookie recipe at you. And free of charge, a few tricks I've learned.

TRICK # 1
When rolling out your sugar dough, use powdered sugar instead of flour to prepare the rolling pin and counter so the dough doesn't adhere. Don't worry, it won't make them too sugary. I promise.

It will however make sure that you don't get floury dry tasteless cookies. Trust me on this one.

TRICK # 2
If you are using shortening instead of butter, put plastic wrap into your measuring cup before you add the shortening. Then when you have packed it in, you just pull up on the plastic wrap and pop the shortening out.

This ensures you get all of it out and you don't have a greasy measuring cup to clean afterward.

TRICK # 3

Did you know you can purchase something called "butter flavoring". It's lovely. Add a little to this recipe {or your homemade rolls} and watch out! You'll have your sweety asking for these cookies even more than he asks for....ahem....water.

Your welcome...oh and don't double this recipe like I did. It already makes 60 servings.
This is courtesy of www.allrecipes.com

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies
Submitted by: Jill Saunders
Rated: 4 out of 5 by 2071 members Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 8 Minutes Ready In: 3 Hours
Yields: 60 servings

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.

Seven Month Mark

2008-12-07T22:57:00.005-06:00

Just a picture of what a typical street looks like here. Costa Rica does have it's U.S. type streets but not very many of them.

So we have reached the seven month mark...I'm going to take a moment to pat myself on the back here.
{pat...pat...pat}

I've come up with an analogy for my relationship with Costa Rica. Do you want to hear it?

I figured. {Just humor me} Here goes.

When I first met my friend "Costa Rica" she was beautifully dressed, calming and full of adventure. I wanted to be like her. She seemed perfect.

Then I got close enough to see many brown spots, crows feet and a few occasions when she decided to behave with less than stellar character. {Our floods, struggling with the language and the difficulty of raising a large family here} I had to ask myself if I still wanted Costa Rica as a friend? Did I?

No, I was angry and disappointed.

I quickly learned that I couldn't avoid her. She was everywhere; the store, in town and even in my home. I then decided to stick it out and see what I can learn from her. Boy have I sat at the feet of this instructor. And now, finally, from this view, she is again beautiful to me.

I don't expect her to be something she's not. Her crows feet and quirkiness are what make her more attractive. I'm not trying to make her {Costa Rica} into what I think she should be and then be disappointed when she doesn't conform. I'm starting to love her for who she is...and our relationship is blossoming.

We've Been Busy...

2008-12-05T08:04:00.009-06:00

I haven't posted much...partly because of our Internet situation and partly because we haven't been here.

When my sweetheart and his sister have appointments out of town we usually all head out and enjoy a short weekend trip. Lately we've been adventuring through Costa Rica.

I wanted to post a few shots of Punta Leona, I'm not sure I'm spelling that correctly {but most of you won't know that}. Wes sister from LA came to hang with us for Thanksgiving. Did I mention my honey, our two oldest and his visiting sister had lofty plans to escape Costa Rica and head into Panama? Did I also tell you that they {accidentally} went an hour into the country without having their documents stamped? Did you know that you can't cross into Panama with a rental car?

We've learned so much this last week.

When someone {with HUGE guns} finally stopped them in Panama..he just keep repeating their version of "Oh my ___! Oh my ____!"

Finally out of the kindness of his heart {or fear of having to complete a lot of paperwork} he gave them back their passports and said..."Head for the border and don't stop! I never saw you!"

So here we are, spent the money to get the kids their required time out of the country, and no stamp on the passport to prove it.

Soooooo back to what I started to post...here are some pictures of our time at Punta Leona.

My guys castle building {although Troy clearified he was building a fort}.
The younger ones in line for sand packing.
Paige started a sand fight...and won. {Until Wes threw her into to ocean.} Yuck! I hate having sand everywhere.
The beaches are so beautiful here, these are Wes' little sisters. Rusti is due in 5 weeks...doesn't she look great! She gained about 3 pounds a month. Doesn't it make you SICK! :)
More sand sculptures.

My sweetie, his sister Brie and our little Dallin enjoying family time on Thanksgiving day.
Our Thanksgiving day hosts had a boat which kept the kid's entertained most of the day. See Paige playing "little mermaid" at the front? It brought back memories of the Williamson's boat that was stored between our homes when I was a kid. Such great imaginative memories.

What about this view? They were getting ready for a beach wedding. Too bad the rain came 20 minutes after this shot.

Have a happy {no sand} day! I'm off at 12:30 {10:30am your time southern Ca) for my girls getaway. I can't wait.

I've Been Asked to Explain our mail system...

2008-12-02T16:02:00.006-06:00

how the mail works here.

I remember when we lived in the states and I would question Rusti about sending her a birthday card or such...she would try to explain it to me...but we mail receivers just can't seem to comprehend the no mail concept.

So here it is:

Basically, Costa Rica does NOT have a government run mail delivery service. The equivalent of our United States Postal Service. Many roads don't even have a street name much less a house address. Our home is home # 43 in our housing tract, however we don't have a street name. No one has mailboxes...oops that is not true. I did find a cute housing tract here that has mailboxes however they are better spider homes then mail deliverers. Of course I have a picture of the mailboxes...somewhere.

So we can get a package shipped here, but it comes through Miami and then we pay a small fortune to pick it up here at the local DVD rental store. Oh, and we have to keep checking in with them to see if it has arrived. They won't call and tell us.

So mail here gets delivered through private companies like UPS, but the mail takes forever...and is costly.

The missionaries here get their mail through the church's pouch system. I'm not sure exactly how that works.

I have to throw in a picture. I took this in San Jose (the Costa Rican capital) last week on one of our adventures.

This flower is absolutely huge! I made Wes stop the car and let me out to take this shot. I dedicate it to my BFF MaryAnn.

Anyone Interested in Studying Abroad?

2008-12-02T11:39:00.003-06:00

I found this on one of the Costa Rica "news" blogs I follow. I don't know if anyone is interested but I thought I'd put it out there. :)

Scholarship opportunity for study in Costa Rica

There is a highly regarded study abroad program which offers intensive Spanish immersion in one of the most biologically diverse countries on the planet. Take a good look at Costa Rica ¡Pura Vida! for the summer experience of a lifetime. Partial Scholarships covering two-thirds of all costs are available. Priority application deadline for these $3,466 grants is fast approaching:

Scholarship application deadline is Dec. 5; Priority application deadline is Feb. 6, 2009.

Costa Rica ¡Pura Vida! combines intensive language instruction, individual homestays and field trips to three areas of the country. Students will experience unspoiled national parks, a marine biology sanctuary open only to scientists, a village of 12 families in the midst of the Cloud Forest, and birds, animals and tropical flora beyond compare.

Who is eligible? High school students aged 15-17 with two years of basic Spanish and course in biology by June 2009.

Program dates:

June 26-July 22, 2009 and July 10-Aug. 5, 2009

Interamerican University Studies Institute is a non-profit educational exchange organization linking the Americas since 1986. More information at www.iusi.org or 800-345-4874.

Posted in Stories |

If Anyone Was Wondering...

2008-11-30T20:40:00.005-06:00

YES we would love to get your Christmas card. My kids are a little concerned that Christmas just won't be the same this year. They are right, it won't. However if you would like to still send us a Christmas card that would be AWESOME.

Really, really awesome.

But remember, Costa Rica does not have a mail system. So if you would send your Christmas greetings to my mother in law (see below address) she'll bring them with her when she comes. She's coming on the 20th of December.

Oh, I'm so excited!!! I'm not going to tell my munchkins, I'll just keep it a surprise.

Merry Christmas everyone!

The Banagas Family

c/o Colleen Foote

32801 Silver Charm Court

Menifee, Ca 92584

We LOVE Jo...

2008-11-25T21:57:00.004-06:00

Actually, that's Mrs. Sanservero to my kids!

Jo, ah-hem, Mrs. Sanservero, sent us a package!!!! It was just beautiful and the first package we've had mailed to us. Well not to us, but the local video rental store finally got it and we paid them the charge to have it sent into a country that doesn't handle mail.} After weeks and weeks of anticipation we got it in our HOT little hands.

What was in it you might ask?

The Friend. {lots of them!!!}

Magazines for children put out by our church once a month with great stories about choosing the right and helping others. And the best benefit for my little ones, it is appropriate for them to read during church. Church that is completely spoken in a foreign language to them. {I can hear the hallelujah coming from their little lips right now as I past them out during Sacrament meeting last week.}

Or was that from my lips as I looked down our family aisle and saw my sweet reverent angels reading so fervently?

That might have been me.

Anyway, Jo, thanks so much from us...all of us!!! That was a great treat that will continue to give for the entire year. My kids are very thankful! You are so considerate to think of us in this way!!! {Can I put any more exclamation points to show how appreciative we are?!!!!} :)

Catching Up with Pics!

2008-11-25T21:34:00.004-06:00

This is what happens when you leave your "just turned 12" year old son home with 4 crazy kids while you get out of the house with your sweetie for that much needed alone time.

They will get a lesson in how to repair a broken window the following day. At $200 a lesson, not bad for a night out!

Landon {the youngest} threw a shoe at Aiden {the next in line} and Aiden ducked! We've now taught Aiden not to duck and take it like a man. :)

This is Troy and Dallin at the amusement park with some Costa Rican spending cash, a little under $20.00. I failed to mention earlier that not only is the park inexpensive but so is the food! You can get a HUGE drink for about $1.75. Not too shabby! Most entertainment here is inexpensive. Movies are $4.00 for adults. NICE! {Especially when you are carting around a familia of 7.

Speaking of cart {did you get that lead in to the next pic? hee, hee} Here my kids are on a traditional Costa Rican cart.

I'm thinking of getting one for us. What do you think? I believe they don't try and charge the 80% vehicle tax on these.

Gotta love this! I don't know if you can see all of my "boys" but it starts with Wes in the far left, Troy, Dallin, and Aiden. They all slept over at Rusti's and this is the shot she got in the morning.

Have a great day everyone!!!

Some More Pics...

2008-11-20T19:46:00.005-06:00

of our little get away. We all had so much fun!!!! This shot was taken right as we got there. The weather was just beautiful and believe it or not, not too HOT. Can I kiss the feet of the "woman" who thought to make a stroller into a car! Please, I love ya!!!
Paige having a blast on one of the kiddie rides. She is my little dare devil, who would have guessed, huh? She went on absolutely everything she could, and as you can imagine, the height restrictions here are lower. You would faint at some of the rides they deem safe for little ones.
My only girl, what a sweetie {when I'm not trying to force math on her}. "Love ya, Paigee pooh!"
Landon thought a ride was too loud. Quite ingenious to use what he already had on hand, his ears.

Dallin, again playing the survivor man and trying to catch dinner.

In The Mood for Chocolate Pudding...

2008-11-19T03:08:00.002-06:00

here's a little tip.

Of course you are using the Jello brand that you cook. I know none of my friends would stoop to the instant pudding.

Right?

So when you are adding the milk, use half canned condensed milk and half regular milk. Oh, you'll never go back. It's so much thicker and creamier and if you put it in the fridge to get cold, it won't separate and get watery like it does with 100% regular milk.

Just a little tip from little ol' domestic me. :)

Enjoy!

We Had a GREAT time...

2008-11-17T07:26:00.007-06:00

this weekend. Rusti has a rental house in San Jose {about a 2.5 hour drive} from here. We packed up our stuff, rented a car, and left. Did I mention we rented a car? I'm not sure I did.

WE RENTED A CAR!!

Yippe!!! It was the most exciting part of the trip for me. No, I'm just kidding.

Actually I'm not!

We haven't bought a car here {yet} because with the 80% tax, I really didn't feel like paying almost double for a vehicle. I did decide to keep our rental car for another day after we came home. Heck, it's only $35 a day, and I couldn't believe the freedom that $35 bought.

I even went to the hardware store and bought PVC pipe and connecters to make a mini closet for my boys. Remember, closets are a rare commodity here. How much fun is that?!?!?! Whew, relax Shawna.

Baby CASH should be here in about 8 weeks. We are so EXCITED!!!!

This is Landon riding the kiddie train, although he took the faster roller coaster quite well too. {Better than Aiden} One of our stops was to San Jose's amusemnt park, better than Disneyland in my view. Not as elaborate but I didn't have the constant nagging feeling of being ripped off. Only $10 to get in with unlimited rides. Very nice.
Before we dropped off my sweetheart we stopped and fed the ducks. I forget how nice {and CHEAP} it is to do this.

The main reason for going to San Jose was to drop Wes off at the airport for a Miami business trip. So in the 48 hours he has been gone, we've had the internet disappear forever, a large earthquake, my house flood and 2 pipes burst. Oh the adventure!

We are off...

2008-11-14T10:35:00.008-06:00

on a little {much needed} trip. We are getting out of dodge, as they say.

I thought I'd post 1 more of my "organizing" ideas.

Since doing our laundry is such a difficult task for us right now, I get so {irritated} concerned when I wash towels that don't look or smell dirty. Sometimes they even make it into the laundry pile still folded. I'm sure none of you women out there know what I'm talking about.

So I painted each of my kid's names on a towel. It's been great, I now know who left their damp towel mushed up on the bathroom floor. Hee.. Hee! {said with a crackling witch voice}

And the kids get this towel for the week! Yep, you might find that unhealthy, but I've found if you hang it up to air dry, the towel is actually still nice, even by Friday. It might be the heat here that drys everything so fast. Either way, this is it, all they get.

Already my laundry pile is down about 2 loads, and hey, I'll take that!!!!

If I lived in the states I would call my friend Linda Burgess who has a embroidery company out of her home {I'm not sure if that is true yet, but the business women in me has tried to push her into it} and have her embroider my kid's names on their towels. When Dallin was baptized, I had her embroider his name and baptism date along with a "choose the right" logo on it. It turned out awesome.

So there you go. I hope your Friday is going well and wish you all a moment of bliss today.

Court is in session...

2008-11-12T05:00:00.001-06:00

please come to ORDER!

We {I} am finally getting my hind end in gear. It's almost like I'm nesting {though, NO, I'm not pregnant.} That rumor already went flying around my home base, Riverside, a few months back. I might
be getting those desires while watching Rusti rearrange her house.

We have been in desperate need of change here and since my most desired form of change {moving} looks like it might be farther off than I'd hope {yesterday}, something else has to budge. So I have created forms. Yep, you saw my dinner plan form a few weeks ago, now I have a cleaning schedule, house of order plan {rules}, home school schedule, monthly planner, and my most prized, a Family Home Evening planner with an odd and even month so that we all rotate evenly. Tahdah!!!!!

O.K. now I'll get down off my chair and put my arms down, but hey, "isn't this GREAT kids?!?!"

Oh the groans that can come out of their mouths. Amazing.

In fact tied for first place with my FHE planner, would be my House of Order Form. It's just a nicer way to say, "Our Family Rules".

Instead of saying "We will not lie", I stated, We will tell the truth." All of our rules are what we WILL do not what we WILL NOT do. I like to concentrate on the positive.

I had just finished typing out our 11 rules and pushed print when Paige grabbed the list out of our printer before it was done and left it smeared and wrinkled. I raised my voice {ever so slightly, ahemm} and realized the list was incomplete. I then added "We will speak softly to one another" and had to giggle.

Since then I have added 2 more rules:

We will treat animals with respect &
We will not put our bodily fluids or gasses in other's spaces. (I had to do a NOT in this one)

So when my sweet, adoring little ones disobey one of these rules they get to write them 25 times, (give or take their age and the situation) Let's just say Troy has that second one down pat today!

The other one they've written a lot of is "We will complete our responsibilities without being reminded". Thank heavens for our "Family House of Order Plan", now all I say is give me 25 of number 7, you haven't done your dishes yet. :)

It is so much better than, "Did you do your dishes?" "Where's Dallin?", "Why aren't your dished done?" "I've now added another day." "Anybody know where Dallin is???"

Dallin has added so many days of dishes that instead of having them for a week, it's been over 5 weeks! See my problem with the previous system?

IT'S NOT WORKING!"

So here's to implementing new systems.

I forgot to mention that I made all these charts on 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper, put them into a 3 ring binder, bent it backwards so it stands like a presentation on our kitchen table and we can easily flip through each plastic protected chart. Oh, life is good.

Happy days are here again....
If you want a copy of any or all of these, just email me and I'll shoot it over.

Enjoy your day!!!

It's Family Night...

2008-11-10T16:21:00.006-06:00

Tonight is our "service" family home evening.

{For those of you who don't know, every Monday night we make sure not to plan anything so we can be together as a family, hence the title, Family Night or Family Home Evening.} If you want a great place to get more family night ideas you can go HERE or my FAVORITE place LDS Living Magazine. I love LDS Living Magazine because they not only have great lessons, but they have a scripture, thought, object lesson, story and directions for dessert. Does it get easier than that?

So tonight we're having our "service" family night. We are making these DELISH homemade doughnuts and then delivering them to some of the families here.

I believe I have posted this before but I'm going to give you my FAMOUS {in my own mind} doughnut recipe.

First for the dough you can either buy a pre-made biscuit dough, use your favorite bread dough recipe or use mine.

Shawna's Homemade Bread Dough

in your bread machine pan add the following:
1 cup of warm water
2 teaspoons of yeast
3 tablespoons of sugar

Stir a few times and let sit for 10 minutes.

Now add
3 cups of flour
1/4 cup of oil
1 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Now push the dough setting on your breadmaker and in 1.5 hours, it's done.

How's that for easy?

Now flour the counter slightly and roll the dough out to about an inch think. Dip your large cup into flour and cut out the doughnut shape. Now find a smaller size to cut out the doughnut hole. (I used a lid from a container in my bathroom {which I washed thoroughly!}

Lay them out on a cookie sheet and let them rise for 15 minute in a slightly warm oven. (only if you use bread dough)

Heat oil in a small pot on your stove, about 4 inches high. My burner goes from 1-6 and I cook between 4-5) Carefully place your doughnut in the hot oil and rotate from front to back until dark golden. Then place on your cookie rack {that is on top of your cookie sheet}

Now, what makes these doughnuts so YUMMY is the topping. I got this from Pioneer Women Cooks, it's her recipes for her homemade brownie topping.

Melt 1 3/4 sticks butter in a saucepan.
Add 4 tablespoons cocoa, stir to combine, then turn off heat.
Add:
6 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 lb minus 3/4 cup powdered sugar
{here I add a little less powdered sugar than it calls for, you want the topping to easily adhear to the doughnut without being too watery that it doesn't stick}

Stir together then dip doughnuts into topping. Put sprinkles or chopped nuts on top if you'd like and ENJOY!!

Happy Family Night!!!!

I have Been Humbled...

2008-11-08T16:35:00.004-06:00

Last night I grabbed one of the "free" tico newspapers around here, flipped through the pages and was stunned by a photograph.

It was a picture of a little girl about the age of my little girl, sick and miserable in a petite dirt floored hut. What got me was her younger brother, maybe 5, holding a cloth to her head taking care of her. I don't know where their mother was. The desperation in his face was not a trait a 5 year old should even know how to portray.

I was emotionally humbled and glad that I couldn't read the words depicting more of their situation. The 1,000 {words} the photograph released was all I could bear.

It categorized my previous {whinny} post, irrelevant!

My friend Costa Rica has painfully schooled me again. I do have it all. Our living conditions are bearable and even if we complete our entire stay here, I will be FINE.

Last night during prayers, I scratched off my once important desire for a bigger place, and replaced it with a simple plea for these 2 children battling the world.

I wonder what God thinks when he hears our prayers sometimes.