When life gives you zucchinis...

Make Zucchini Bread!
3 c flour
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
3 tsp cinnamon (the best part)
2 c sugar
4 c shredded zucchini
4 eggs
1 1/2 c oil
1/2 c nuts
20 cups of love...because you have to love what you make. so...don't forget this ingredient

place all dry ingredients in bowl. Make a well in cener and add other ingredients. stir until dampened. bake at 350 for 1 hour.

in the past 3 weeks I have tried a couple recipes and this one is my favorite. I love that it makes my house smell like cinnamon, therefore, fall.
My mom and aunts keep giving me these humongous zucchinis, and I keep eating them! What else do I do with them you ask? Well...

• I slice them, salt and pepper them and sautee them in olive oil and then sprinkle with cheese (a mexican cheese similar to mozzerella)
• I cut them up and add them to my spagetti sauce
• I cut them up and add them to chicken stir fry
• when I am feeling really lazy and I don't have much in the cupboards, I cut them up, steam them and add to top ramen (for me) or mac'n'cheese (for me and Owen). This way I don't feel like a complete failure. HA!

a little angel...

I had the honor and privilege of meeting sweet little Ava on 09/09/09. She and her twin brother were born at 27 1/2 weeks. Aden is doing good and getting big and strong. Ava was diagnosed with a heart condition months ago and didn't make it. I have been so touched by my brave friend Casi. I've never seen a more proud and loving mother than that night I met Ava. I know she will forever be in our hearts as a perfect little angel that came for just a short time. Love you Cas and Andrew!

Grandpa Hanson (with an "O")

We were very saddened by the news that Grandpa "Glenard" had passed away. Grandpa was a young 87 year old. He was golfing right up until he got sick just over 2 months ago. He was retired, but still working as an inspector for homes. Steve loved golfing with his grandpa. He loved spending time with his grandpa. We always joke about the size of the Hanson family (they had 8 children, 7 living, 28 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren...and that doesn't include any spouses!), but I must say what an amazing experience it has been. It has been really neat to see Cyndee and her siblings step up to take care of their mother and help one another as well. It has been neat to see the family together first for the viewing, then the funeral, and then for a family get together the next day. I think it goes to show what a great person, father, grandfather and so on that Grandpa was. The day after the funeral we all went to Grandma and Grandpa's house to play games and write memories of grandpa. It was actually a really fun time, although such a sad time. Owen loved his great grandpa Hanson. He love laughing with him and making faces with him. We really miss grandpa...Bear Lake and Sunday dinners will never be the same.

summer snapshots....part 5

Here is a nice mommy and son picture for you all to behold. I look at him and see so much of me in him. But when I see this picture, I'm not so sure. I can say that I love my job...that is being his mommy all day everyday. He makes me laugh and brightens everyday!

summer snapshots....part 4

Believe it or not, we did go swimming this summer, although, not as much as I would have liked. Owen wasn't really digging the water this year. He was more interested in the snacks on the poolside. We had fun going one day with Jassy and Lauren. These two love eachother. They just look at eachother and laugh for no reason. I am definitely hoping next year is the year Owen will literally want to "dive-in" and swim.

**click to enlarge and check out Owen's awesome tan lines from his sandals**

summer snapshots...part 3

Aaaah. Midway. I love it up there. So peaceful, all nestled into a mountain. We stayed at the homestead (my first time) and it was beautiful. Unfortunately, it was rainy, and Owen was sick. Puking sick. This doesn't exactly equal fun, but we still enjoyed ourselves.

summer snapshots...part 2

Who doesn't love a trip to Tooele? Well, we have reason to love it...it means we are visiting my grandma! Owen loves it there...she lives behind a golf course and there are golf balls-a-plenty.

summer snapshots....part 1

I am terribly behind on all of our summer fun blogging! AND SO....this is how I will update you and document how our summer went! Owen is obsessed with the BAH and BA. (do you know which is which? I do.)