I was updating our recent post because it was wacking out on our blog. I just clicked on this "mormon message". I love it.
THANKSGIVING DAILY
Friday, December 10, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
A holiday thought
Seriously, this blog is turning into the "Andrea Wanlass" blog. I have family updates coming, but this is something that I am so eager to share with everyone who takes the time to read our blog.
Yesterday I had a very unique opportunity. All day I had been feeling extremely humbled and so close to my Heavenly Father. Life has been hitting our family so hard and it's beginning to be seen as a blessing, even in the midst of a GREAT trial. lots of prayer and softening of my heart has been taking place.
I had a photo shoot at 3:30 and had my mom watch Maycee. I love this little family I took pictures of, they were so sweet. It was so comforting to meet another family who has been experiencing the same things we have. The photoshoot ended early and I began heading home. Instead of taking the freeway, I decided to go up Main St. As I drove past the temple I felt impressed to walk on the grounds for a shot time, maybe take a few pictures. The moment I got out of my car and walked on the grounds, the most overwhelming feeling of peace filled me. I felt the spirit so strongly..so wonderful. I love that feeling on the grounds, it's a recurring feeling each time I visit. I took a few shots of the temple and decided to watch the Luke II video in the Visitor's Center. I was the only one who was in their along with a sister missionary. She was so kind and sweet toward me, we got along so well. As we talked after the video, she began sharing about a wonderful "mormon message" that she had just watched. I asked her about it and she said, "do you want to watch it?" I of course replied, YES! She turned it on and it was the EXACT thing that I had needed to hear. I am so thankful for Heavenly Father's hand in my life and for the ways he has blessed it. This message was a reminder of what I need to have on my mind daily.
During this holiday season, Shem and I both have felt how important it is to focus on the importance of Christmas. We do not have the means to give eachother gifts, so our gift this year is the gift of a love for one another and our Savior. Please watch and keep in mind the importance of Christ's birth and how it relates to this message; what His ultimate purpose was in coming to Earth. Enjoy.
Yesterday I had a very unique opportunity. All day I had been feeling extremely humbled and so close to my Heavenly Father. Life has been hitting our family so hard and it's beginning to be seen as a blessing, even in the midst of a GREAT trial. lots of prayer and softening of my heart has been taking place.
I had a photo shoot at 3:30 and had my mom watch Maycee. I love this little family I took pictures of, they were so sweet. It was so comforting to meet another family who has been experiencing the same things we have. The photoshoot ended early and I began heading home. Instead of taking the freeway, I decided to go up Main St. As I drove past the temple I felt impressed to walk on the grounds for a shot time, maybe take a few pictures. The moment I got out of my car and walked on the grounds, the most overwhelming feeling of peace filled me. I felt the spirit so strongly..so wonderful. I love that feeling on the grounds, it's a recurring feeling each time I visit. I took a few shots of the temple and decided to watch the Luke II video in the Visitor's Center. I was the only one who was in their along with a sister missionary. She was so kind and sweet toward me, we got along so well. As we talked after the video, she began sharing about a wonderful "mormon message" that she had just watched. I asked her about it and she said, "do you want to watch it?" I of course replied, YES! She turned it on and it was the EXACT thing that I had needed to hear. I am so thankful for Heavenly Father's hand in my life and for the ways he has blessed it. This message was a reminder of what I need to have on my mind daily.
During this holiday season, Shem and I both have felt how important it is to focus on the importance of Christmas. We do not have the means to give eachother gifts, so our gift this year is the gift of a love for one another and our Savior. Please watch and keep in mind the importance of Christ's birth and how it relates to this message; what His ultimate purpose was in coming to Earth. Enjoy.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
My very own CROCK POT recipes
I love cooking this time of year. Who doesn't? Crock potting is my favorite form of cooking right now considering it's easy. Also, the result is usually "comfort food". Yes, fattening, steamy, feels-good-going-down food. Last week I bought prepackaged chicken thighs at Costco (the fridge to freezer packs). I had previously purchased chicken breast with the same packaging, but it's a little bit pricier than the thighs, so I decided to try the cheaper of the two. Yes, thighs have more fat, but isn't that what makes them tastier?! Anyway, this week I tested out slow-cooking them. Barbara had made the best roast a few weeks ago and I loved the way she cooked it, so I tried it out with the chicken. She had stuck the roast in (frozen) and put cream of mushroom soup all over (somewhat as a protector from drying out) as well as a lipton onion soup mix. Anyway, she cooked it a whole 19 hours and it was SOOOOOOOO good. She had stuck it in on a Saturday night for Sunday dinner. I'm not kidding, that roast was the best roast I have ever eaten. At dinner, we were even debating on whether or not it was beef (maybe pork). Nope, it was beef. Anyway, back to the chicken...the inspiration was from Barbara, so THANK YOU! I'm so excited to cook these recipes and pass them down to my daughters!
Creamy Mushroom Chicken (by me, yes I'm a genius)
4 frozen chicken thighs
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1-2 tsp. crushed rosemary
1 bay leaf (my favorite for ALL chicken recipes)
Fresh ground pepper
1 Tbsp. olive oil
Put olive oil on bottom of pot. Set chicken inside. Douse the chicken in the cream of mushroom soup so that it is completely covered. Sprinkle the rosemary on top. Set the bay leaf on top of chicken(slightly push is down into the soup). Sprinkle some pepper over the top (to your liking).
Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
Trim fat (if you can find it, haha), remove bones, and cut into bite-sized pieces before serving.
This was yummy over "Near East" wild mushroom and herb couscous. (I wish we had some mushrooms and I would have sauteed them with onions to add to the flavor of the chicken.) I also made an apple-walnut spinach salad with "Girad's" white balsamic dressing and feta cheese. That's my favorite dressing for the season and almost all the time. Maybe some roasted butternut squash would be yummy with this. Hmmm, maybe next time. http://http//www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-butternut-squash-recipe/index.html
Creamy Rosemary Chicken Stew (By Me)
4 chicken thighs
1 can cream of chicken soup
4 md-lg carrots peeled and sliced into 1 inch pieces
1/2 white onion chopped
4 red potatoes cut into 1 inch pieces peeled or with skin (both are yummy)
3 ribs of celery chopped
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2-3 Tbsp. crushed rosemary
fresh/dried Italian parsley
2 tsp. poultry seasoning
8x8 square baking dish
Add olive oil to the crock pot on bottom. Set chicken inside. Sprinkle poultry seasoning directly on chicken, then cover with cream of chicken soup. Sprinkle Rosemary on top and set bay leaf on top pushing it slightly down in the soup layer.
Cook on LOW 7-8 hours. (On HIGH 4 hours if you need to shorten the cook time)
At the 2 hour mark on the crock pot, meaning two hours left, put onions, celery, potatoes, and carrots in a large pot with water covering all the ingredients. Cook on med-low heat for the remaining two hours. Once the chicken is yummy and tender, remove the bones and skin/fat. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside (not back in crock pot). Check veggies. If they are all slightly tender, you did good. I personally don't like overcooked vegetables, but not crunchy ones either.
Put both cut-up chicken pieces and cooked vegetables in serving dish. Spoon the creamy mixture that was left in the crock pot over the chicken and veggies. Sprinkle top with dried/fresh parsley. Enjoy!
This is so delicious. It is unlike any other chicken stew I have made. The secret ingredient is the cream of chicken soup and always using a bay leaf.
Tastes great served with some cooked Rhodes rolls and a mixed salad.
*For both recipes, they serve 3-4 people. You can serve more people by doubling all the ingredients and using a family-sized can of soup.
Try out my recipes and let me know how they were. Let me know, too, if you have any suggestions or improvements. Good luck!
Creamy Mushroom Chicken (by me, yes I'm a genius)
4 frozen chicken thighs
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1-2 tsp. crushed rosemary
1 bay leaf (my favorite for ALL chicken recipes)
Fresh ground pepper
1 Tbsp. olive oil
Put olive oil on bottom of pot. Set chicken inside. Douse the chicken in the cream of mushroom soup so that it is completely covered. Sprinkle the rosemary on top. Set the bay leaf on top of chicken(slightly push is down into the soup). Sprinkle some pepper over the top (to your liking).
Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
Trim fat (if you can find it, haha), remove bones, and cut into bite-sized pieces before serving.
This was yummy over "Near East" wild mushroom and herb couscous. (I wish we had some mushrooms and I would have sauteed them with onions to add to the flavor of the chicken.) I also made an apple-walnut spinach salad with "Girad's" white balsamic dressing and feta cheese. That's my favorite dressing for the season and almost all the time. Maybe some roasted butternut squash would be yummy with this. Hmmm, maybe next time. http://http//www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-butternut-squash-recipe/index.html
Creamy Rosemary Chicken Stew (By Me)
4 chicken thighs
1 can cream of chicken soup
4 md-lg carrots peeled and sliced into 1 inch pieces
1/2 white onion chopped
4 red potatoes cut into 1 inch pieces peeled or with skin (both are yummy)
3 ribs of celery chopped
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2-3 Tbsp. crushed rosemary
fresh/dried Italian parsley
2 tsp. poultry seasoning
8x8 square baking dish
Add olive oil to the crock pot on bottom. Set chicken inside. Sprinkle poultry seasoning directly on chicken, then cover with cream of chicken soup. Sprinkle Rosemary on top and set bay leaf on top pushing it slightly down in the soup layer.
Cook on LOW 7-8 hours. (On HIGH 4 hours if you need to shorten the cook time)
At the 2 hour mark on the crock pot, meaning two hours left, put onions, celery, potatoes, and carrots in a large pot with water covering all the ingredients. Cook on med-low heat for the remaining two hours. Once the chicken is yummy and tender, remove the bones and skin/fat. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside (not back in crock pot). Check veggies. If they are all slightly tender, you did good. I personally don't like overcooked vegetables, but not crunchy ones either.
Put both cut-up chicken pieces and cooked vegetables in serving dish. Spoon the creamy mixture that was left in the crock pot over the chicken and veggies. Sprinkle top with dried/fresh parsley. Enjoy!
This is so delicious. It is unlike any other chicken stew I have made. The secret ingredient is the cream of chicken soup and always using a bay leaf.
Tastes great served with some cooked Rhodes rolls and a mixed salad.
*For both recipes, they serve 3-4 people. You can serve more people by doubling all the ingredients and using a family-sized can of soup.
Try out my recipes and let me know how they were. Let me know, too, if you have any suggestions or improvements. Good luck!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Our little munchkin
I just love Maycee, nothing new saying that :). Last week we discovered that she had teeth! We had no idea she was even teething! But I will say that a few weeks ago I was ready to rip all my hair out because she was being quite difficult. I guess that explains it. But we love her two little teeth. It is absolutely precious! Our little girl is growing up. And, aside from crawling tons, she is pulling herself up. In fact, the other day, she pulled herself up one step into the entry way. It was a piece of cake! Fortunately, we haven't had to chase her up the stairs yet but I wouldn't be surprised if she is attempting the stairs before Thanksgiving. TIME FLIES! Where has it gone? Our baby girl will be a 1-year-old in no time at all and there are Christmas decorations in the stores. Wow.
Cute little teeth!!!
One more thing about Maycee....she is a little owl. She makes the Zoolander face and makes a "who" sound. HILARIOUS! She was really into that sound a few weeks ago. She just cracks me up. She is always doing something to get me to laugh. Oh Maycee, you are loved!
Cute little teeth!!!One more thing about Maycee....she is a little owl. She makes the Zoolander face and makes a "who" sound. HILARIOUS! She was really into that sound a few weeks ago. She just cracks me up. She is always doing something to get me to laugh. Oh Maycee, you are loved!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Halloween Post...
Scroll down to Nov. 1st....that's when I began the post. FINALLY they're all up. Enjoy!
Trevor Dayley Photography Workshop
I went to an extremely helpful photography workshop given by Trevor Dayley. What a talented photographer. Every hour spent there was totally worth it. I learned how to better use my DSLR camera as well as some editing tips. A model came so we could practice our techniques. The pictures turned out fabulous of her. And so now, I'm finally where I want to be with furthering photography. My intentions have been to be able to capture special memories of my children and extended family. But, who knows, maybe I'll do it as a side profession. I'm sure that's what it will come to.
And I'm so thankful to have this opportunity for the next few months as I prepare for nursing school to be able to have such a fun outlet.
Here's my history: I remember as a girl, Chris (my bro) took photography in high school. I don't remember his pictures, BUT I remember having the desire to do it too! In junior high, where I had the opportunity to take photography, I ceased it. And in 8th grade, I recieved the outstanding photography student award! Keep in mind this was out of the entire school (grades 7-9). Not too shabby, eh? Seems silly, but it's a start. I got caught up in athletics and student government therefore I didn't continue developing my talent.
Through out my life, though, I have always been drawn to the arts. As a very young girl (age 6 or so) I took watercolor lessons from a wonderful old lady who was a great artist. I loved it! I learned so much about color and the importance of contrast, etc...even at a young age. But here's the problem, I jump from interest to interest. I moved on to piano (which I still play, fortunately) and then finally I came back to drawing in high school. Sadly, my teacher never gave what I thought exceptional grades (the A+'s). I was discouraged. He seemed biased as to WHAT art it. I don't take criticism well, considering I never tried improving my artwork in the class. Looking back I wish I had!
Anyway, I love art...whether it be visual or auditory (music). I have a great appreciation for it. So I hope as others view my art they may have an appreciation and look at it in a respectful manner. I have confidence that my work will only improve and the reputation that proceeds it!
http://www.trevordayley.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/modernphoto
And I'm so thankful to have this opportunity for the next few months as I prepare for nursing school to be able to have such a fun outlet.
Here's my history: I remember as a girl, Chris (my bro) took photography in high school. I don't remember his pictures, BUT I remember having the desire to do it too! In junior high, where I had the opportunity to take photography, I ceased it. And in 8th grade, I recieved the outstanding photography student award! Keep in mind this was out of the entire school (grades 7-9). Not too shabby, eh? Seems silly, but it's a start. I got caught up in athletics and student government therefore I didn't continue developing my talent.
Through out my life, though, I have always been drawn to the arts. As a very young girl (age 6 or so) I took watercolor lessons from a wonderful old lady who was a great artist. I loved it! I learned so much about color and the importance of contrast, etc...even at a young age. But here's the problem, I jump from interest to interest. I moved on to piano (which I still play, fortunately) and then finally I came back to drawing in high school. Sadly, my teacher never gave what I thought exceptional grades (the A+'s). I was discouraged. He seemed biased as to WHAT art it. I don't take criticism well, considering I never tried improving my artwork in the class. Looking back I wish I had!
Anyway, I love art...whether it be visual or auditory (music). I have a great appreciation for it. So I hope as others view my art they may have an appreciation and look at it in a respectful manner. I have confidence that my work will only improve and the reputation that proceeds it!
http://www.trevordayley.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/modernphoto
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Maycee's first Halloween!
Hanging out at our ward chili cook-off.
Her first face painting! Haha
{high ISO + low lighting = grainy photos}
Aren't they adorable together? Taking baths after a fun night!
Nixen! CRAZY hair!! :) So sweet!
This is Maycee's favorite pose lately. She dislikes me taking pictures of her.
Having fun with my extreme make-up and wardrobe.
Love the dirty tights and shredded sleeves...it was hot so I had to cut off Maycee's long sleeves. Oh well I suppose.
CAYLEB!
Emmalee!
Colin!
(he's "autumn" and Sienna is "spring") CLEVER!!
Sweet cheeks LAUREN!! As a little lamb!
Sienna and Chris! Her tutu was ADORABLEEEE!!!! Sharina, great job on their costumes!
Trick-or-treating on Halloween night! We had a blast! Thanks for the memories everyone. Love you all!!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Happy Birthday, Shem!
Shem turned 29 on the 8th! Woohoo! We did lots of celebrating, considering this is his last year in his twenties. It was fun getting together with family to celebrate. In fact, we got both sides (the Couch's and Wanlass') together at Joe's Real BBQ in Gilbert. Oh yeah, now that's the stuff! Anyone who has never been there should go! Great food and fun atmosphere! Here are some of the memories we made...
I can never get her to pose for the camera! Notice the shirt? "I love daddy SOOOOO much." She definitely does!
Such a little stud. This is Colin, Sharina and Chris' son.
Sharina and Chris (my bro)
Such proud grandparents!
Nixen is so adorable! I love his orange nose and hands!
Our cheesy group picture! Gotta love it! Look at Nix and Maycee...they're planning something mischevious.
Thanks so much to our families for coming to celebrate! Happy Birthday, Shem! I love you lots!
I can never get her to pose for the camera! Notice the shirt? "I love daddy SOOOOO much." She definitely does!
Such a little stud. This is Colin, Sharina and Chris' son.
Sharina and Chris (my bro)
Such proud grandparents!
Nixen is so adorable! I love his orange nose and hands!
Our cheesy group picture! Gotta love it! Look at Nix and Maycee...they're planning something mischevious.
Thanks so much to our families for coming to celebrate! Happy Birthday, Shem! I love you lots!
Monday, October 18, 2010
October Conference
I have not kept up with blogging lately. I've had numerous computer difficulties and it's making me crazy AND since Maycee began crawling I've not been able to get much done with anything. That includes getting ready everyday. Motherhood is by far the hardest thing I've ever experienced and I feel like such a bad mom at times. Messier, impatient, and not superwoman. So after a night of waking up multiple time with a hungry baby girl that is the lightest sleeper in the world, I'm attempting to catch up today as she catches up on sleep.
Maycee and I had the opportunity to go to Utah for this past conference. Shem couldn't go, because of school. We were sad to leave him behind, but excited to see grandma and grandpa. My parents drove us up there and it was long, but worth it.
We had tickets to see the Saturday afternoon session. I was sad Maycee couldn't go, but my mom stayed back to watch her while my dad, pops and grams, and I drove to Salt Lake from Ogden. It was enjoyable spending time with grandma and grandpa, and I was so happy to be able to listen to the prophet and his apostles speak. I will never forget the feelings and impressions I felt while there.
We also were able to celebrate my grandpa's 82nd birthday while there. He loves sweets and he has his special chair where he watches tv and his favorite snacks are on the table next to him. We decided to give him some nice containers that will help keep his snacks last longer. And my grandma made her traditional roast beef, yum!
We had a great trip and thank you pops and grams for having us! We will miss you til next time.
My Grandma enjoyed Maycee. Maycee is so easy to love.
Grandpas's Birthday!
We went for a walk to enjoy the beauty of Ogden. The trees on the mountains were beginning to change color. Fall!
In the Salt Lake Temple Visitor's Center.
Saying good bye. We can't wait to visit again!
Maycee and I had the opportunity to go to Utah for this past conference. Shem couldn't go, because of school. We were sad to leave him behind, but excited to see grandma and grandpa. My parents drove us up there and it was long, but worth it.
We had tickets to see the Saturday afternoon session. I was sad Maycee couldn't go, but my mom stayed back to watch her while my dad, pops and grams, and I drove to Salt Lake from Ogden. It was enjoyable spending time with grandma and grandpa, and I was so happy to be able to listen to the prophet and his apostles speak. I will never forget the feelings and impressions I felt while there.
We also were able to celebrate my grandpa's 82nd birthday while there. He loves sweets and he has his special chair where he watches tv and his favorite snacks are on the table next to him. We decided to give him some nice containers that will help keep his snacks last longer. And my grandma made her traditional roast beef, yum!
We had a great trip and thank you pops and grams for having us! We will miss you til next time.
My Grandma enjoyed Maycee. Maycee is so easy to love.
Grandpas's Birthday!
We went for a walk to enjoy the beauty of Ogden. The trees on the mountains were beginning to change color. Fall!
In the Salt Lake Temple Visitor's Center.
Saying good bye. We can't wait to visit again!
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