Zombie Apocalypse

Just in case, you know, the unbelievable happens, we're prepared. It's going on our wall, designed by the Zombie destroyer himself!
"In case of zombie apocalypse, break glass"

Finally, A Harris Road Trip

Ever since moving back, the thing I miss most is going on road trips with the five of us. There is nothing like cracking up in the car with the kids or at the kids and seeing something new.
Because Utah is so wide and spacious our little getaways will have to be a little more creative, otherwise we will need to travel over ten hours to get somewhere.
We headed to Logan/Bear Lake to relive some memories of the past. On the way, we stopped to check out some wood to build us a fine coffee table. Unfortunately the black walnut slab was a big chunk of change--here's Mat thinking about it--but no deal.

Since we couldn't afford the wood, we could afford the ice cream (except for me, my hips CAN NOT afford the ice cream right now, so I passed). We also found yummo milk flavors, rootbeer, mango, banana, and of course chocolate.

We took our food on the road and head to play at the beach at Bear Lake



We also joined Juandito Bandito at the Pickleville Play house.
hmm, tried to insert a picture of him, but the iPad is not cooperating! Google him.
The next morning we did some climbing and the headed home. Happy.

How Do You Follow Up Dentist Appointment?

We go to the Sweets factory where they make all sorts of candy.

It was on the way home, why not?
After we got home, Gretchen promptly started to scheme up a way to get more money. Welcome to her taffy stand!

I couldn't help but love her signs. Strategy.

five minutes after her first sale she threw up and was out for the rest of the night--missing her piano lesson and Becket's reflection award night. Unfortunately, Mat and I had to make one of those parent decisions and decide to split. One would stay with Gretchen and the other would go to Becket's recognition night. Hate those decisions.
Becket got an honorable mention for his video, sadly the video will not conquer the country nor the world, or the universe, but he was happy all the same.


It was nice to have the grandparent team too!

Mamma Comes For Visit

It was so nice to have my mom for a few days. I told Micah that she was staying for 3 days. When Rexine arrived Micah asks, "So, Rexine (my kids go by first names around here) you're staying for 3 wks?" Gretchen:"Just ignore her Grandma, she doesn't know the difference."

It was nice to have an extra set of hands for my regimented morning routine. Stations and jobs take some time in the Harris household, but I told my kids that if they followed this summer routine they could do whatever the heck they wanted (with in reason) for the rest of the day, prizes included. It's a win! Win! Even if it does take until 11 o'clock somedays.
After the girls first dance lesson--(they took it very seriously-Micah occassionally threw in some of her own hip shaking), we headed to This Is The Place State Park where Utah began. My mom hadn't been there so we showed her the living historic town of the pioneer west in style--the train.


Printing press
New baby piggies
Horse rides again, and again, and again
We stopped for some old fashioned Brigham donuts

We also headed to a Bees baseball game later that night. Rexine and the kids took their first ride on tracks.

Family night at the Bees game is a good deal $5 for admisson and a hotdog. We were feeling very American.

The Green Ant- A New Find

Found a store downtown, close to the libray called the Green Ant and I love it. It has a mix of mid century furniture and vintage clothing. We had a good time looking things over. We loved this 50's coffee table in the store. (Mat has this picture on his phone or I would show it to you) It was so unique, but the price unfortunately was eek! I bought a dress from the 60's I think. It has pockets and it swooshes. I'll have to fequent the store more often---

Labrums and Farewells

We met up with some old friends that we knew WAAAAAAAY back in college. I'm talking ancient years ago. They live just south of Brigham City, UT. Not a good picture, maybe because I have dropped my phone a time or two?

Moped rides for MaKayla and Micah. Squeals and Thrills!

Ryker was not happy about sharing his helmet, nor his sister, nor his moped:)
Their pet bird Twinki got showered with annoying attention. Jenie said if you're going to have a pet, a bird is the one to get. You can leave it, it doesn't stink, you can potty train it---eh, I dunno.
>
Good times

It was also my cousin's farewell, so we got to be there for that! This mother (my aunt) has done a wonderful job raising her boys. I'm sure he'll do well in Mexico.

FYI The Brigham City Temple open house will be from August 18th- September something. It's looking pretty peachy (peach trees planted all around).

Happy Father's Day Mat

I love the father of my kids.  Thanks Mat!

You Gotta F your F

Gretchen coming up from the downstairs:"Mom, Micah has to F her F!" Surprised at her offensive, yet innocent language I fearingly asked: "What does F your F mean?" Gretchen: "Face your Fears, F your F!" She then proceeds to talk and explain in her fast pace usual way:"She is SO scared to go down into the basement that I thought she should just go, F her F. This way she won't be scared anymore and she'll go down by herself. But SHE won't. She'll never F her F. " sigh. Me: sigh

Beginning of Summer Gift

  To honor blessed summer, we got the kids a surprise summer gift, their very own Camelback. Oh, it's a big deal.  They drank their bladders dry and ate their snacks before the hike was over, not to mention the pit stops too.




I love summer almost more than my birthday. Give me a hug summer and let the fun, relaxed times begin.

Summer Entertaining

We picked out our first patio set after fourteen years. I'm very excited about it, of course! Summer seating means summer entertaining! Mat was the first to eat his dinner outside

Micah's Face is Back!

Turns out Micah had an allergic reaction (most likely to chlorine after talking to some of you) after getting into the hot tub Monday night.  After some Allegra doses and Benadryl, the hives and swelling worked themselves back down to normal skin color. I even had her apply some ice.



She's a happy camper and completely back to herself!

Recipes

Been in a mood to cook lately.  Here are some keepers in the House of Harris

Displaying the guac and the healthy cookie batter dip

 

Pineapple-Black Bean Guacamole

Better Homes and Gardens

Makes: 18 servings
Serving size: 2 tablespoons Yield: 2 1/3 cups total

Prep: 15 mins Chill: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• 2
  medium avocados, halved, seeded, and peeled
• 1/4
  cup bottled green salsa (salsa verde)
• 1
  tablespoon sour cream
• 1/2
  cup finely chopped fresh pineapple or canned crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2
  cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1
  fresh jalapeno chile pepper, seeded and minced*
• 2
  tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 2
  tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1
  tablespoon minced garlic
• 1
  tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4
  teaspoon salt
• 1/4
  teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4
  cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Tortilla chips (optional)

Directions

In a large bowl mash avocados. Stir in salsa and sour cream until combined. Stir in pineapple, beans, jalapeno, onion, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, salt, and cumin. Cover and chill for 2 hours or until ready to serve. Sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese. If desired, sprinkle with cilantro and serve with tortilla chips. 

Cookie Dough Dip
Inspired by this awesome recipe.

• 1 1/2 cups chickpeas or white beans (1 can, drained) (250g)
• 1/8 tsp plus 1/16 tsp salt
• tiny bit over 1/8 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup nut butter (You can get away with using only 3 tbsp. If you use peanut butter, it’ll have a slight “pb cookie dough” taste, so if you don’t want this, try the recipe in this link instead. Just don’t bake it.)
• up to 1/4 cup milk of choice, only if needed
• Sweetener (see note below, for amount)
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips or Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips
• 2 to 3 tbsp oats (or flaxmeal) (You can omit for a thinner dip.)

Add all ingredients (except for chocolate chips) to a good food processor (not blender), and blend until very smooth. Then mix in the chocolate chips.  (Some commenters have had success with a blender, but I did not. Try that at your own risk, and know the results will be better in a high-quality food processor such as a Cuisinart.)
See the following link for: Sugar-Free Version.
Sweetener Notes: I used 2/3 cup brown sugar when I first made this for the party. Liquid sweeteners (agave, maple, etc.) are fine as well, as is evaporated cane juice. You can easily get away with less sugar– some people will be perfectly fine with just 3 tbsp for the whole recipe! And if you don’t want any sugar, be sure to check out the “no-sugar” version linked above. (You can also use stevia, if you like the taste of stevia-sweetened desserts. Try 2-3 packets of NuNaturals stevia, and add more sweetener if needed. I wouldn’t recommend serving an all-stevia version to party guests, though.)

Serve with fruit and grahams.

My Alteration of  Lemon Bulgar Salad

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups uncooked bulgar
• 1 1/4 cups boiling water 
• 1 cup diced seedless cucumber 
• 1 cup diced seeded plum tomato (about 2 tomatoes) 
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
• 1/4 cup chopped red onions
• 1/2 cup artichokes
•  1/2 cup grilled corn
• 1/2 cup olives
• 1/2 cup feta
• 1/2 shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup baked sweet potatoes seasoned with Lawery's season salt
• 1/2 cup of any other vegetable you want (get my drift)
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
•  

• Preparation

• Combine bulgar and 1 1/4 cups boiling water in a large bowl. Cover and let stand 30 minutes or until bulgar is tender. Drain; return bulgar to bowl. Add cucumber and the next 4 ingredients (through onion).
• Combine rind and remaining ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle over bulgur mixture; toss well. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.
• Serve over spinach, red leaf lettuce, kale whatever.

I also did one similar to this with spaghetti, but I added balsamic vinegar, mozzarella cheese, feta, and parm. I sauted my zucchini, onion, and garlic in a sauce pan first.

String Art

Mat just finished this welcome sign with nails and string. Pick your font, blow it up big, pound in your nails and randomly wind away.