Another Scripture Journal

It's been quite awhile, and I'm still studying Lehi's dream and Nephi's vision from the Book of Mormon. There is so much in those five chapters alone, it's so amazing to read and ponder these holy words, my words​ are inadequate for describing the power I feel as I read! (1 Nephi 8 and 1 Nephi 11-14)

I feel again to share a simple thought I've received in this morning's study:

Scripture Journal

I have felt over the past few months that my personal study of scripture is lacking. I've also been inspired by 'sketch notes' I've seen on Instagram and Pinterest. A few weeks ago I chose to combine these two impressions and have been benefitting so much from my dive into the scriptures.

This morning I studied in 1 Nephi 11. I was looking forward to learning more about Nephi's vision of the tree of life, but before even getting there, the scriptures taught me again, through Nephi's example, the pattern of seeking revelation from God. 

A whispering in my mind tells me to share and to do. So here it is...

Lime Ice Cream

My neighborhood is having a "Favorite Things" party next Friday and I'm planning to bring one of my favorite recipes, Lime Ice Cream.  I found the recipe on AllRecipes a super long time ago but I can't find it there anymore.  Thankfully, I've printed the recipe out, but still, this thing should be online for the rest of the world to know about, it is that good! And so, being the good person I am, I will post it here and make sure it gets on pinterest, because, really, I love this ice cream! It is truly one of my favorite things.

This picture is my place holder until I make the real deal this weekend.

Lime Ice Cream  
found on AllRecipes.com in 2007, from "field editor Betsy Hedeman"
(I wish I could take credit for this!)

Prep time: 20 minutes
Ready in: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
2 c. milk
1 1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup lime juice (1-2 limes)
1 1/2 tsp grated lime peel
I cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:
In a saucepan, combine milk and sugar. Cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture reaches 175 degrees F. Cool to room temperature. Stir in the lime juice and peel.  Freeze in an ice cream freezer according to manufacturer's directions.

Transfer frozen lime mixture to a bowl; allow to soften slightly. In a small mixing bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into softened lime mixture. Allow ice cream to firm up in your refrigerator freezer for 4 hours before serving.

Enjoy!I love to serve this with a few fresh raspberries on top, it's irresistible and so very fresh!

And, someday, I'm going to do this with the ice cream:

from: suziesweettooth.com

My mouth is watering...

Big Weekend for Carter

Carter's had a weekend of firsts:

Saturday was his FIRST soccer game where he scored his FIRST goal!  It was so fun to watch him play. And he wore his soccer uniform for the next three days. Literally.  The look on his face after he scored his goal was sooo adorable.  A moment of time I hope to always remember. I was so grateful to be there, normally I work on Saturday mornings, but-my morning clients canceled their sessions, giving me just enough time to be there for his first game and goal.  I feel like I was given a tender mercy.

On Sunday, Carter gave his FIRST talk in church. He was awesome and not shy at all.  He was asked to talk on how Heavenly Father answers our prayers, and I think he learned a thing or two.  The next day, Carter spontaneously prayed 3-4 different times.  In one of those prayers, he prayed for the rain to stop and was very happy when it did an hour later....I think he's a believer. =)  (We recorded his talk after church that day but I am having a really hard time uploading videos to my blog or You Tube...grrr)

August 24th & 25th, 2013

True Pig Tails

Avenly's hair is getting longer...but still not long enough for a true set of pigtails, but I tried anyway!  It didn't last for too long, but it was cute for the 5 minutes it lasted.

August 23, 2013

Just a Day's Work

The day is finally here and Carter's soccer season has officially begun! He had his first soccer practice today and his first soccer game on Saturday. I might be more excited about this then he is, but I really try to hide it. :)

And Miss Avenly...she didn't get a very good nap today so by the end of Carter's practice she was pretty tired, but bedtime was just two hours away, so I made the decision to keep her awake those few hours. During those hours I had planned to have dinner, have family home evening, and mow the lawn and I was determined.

I don't know whether to say Avenly mowed the lawn for her first time tonight, or brag that I mowed .31 acres with one hand because I was carrying Avenly the whole time...seriously. She was sooo tired. She just walked behind me crying so hard. I laid her down to sleep and she screamed and screamed like never before. I fed her dinner. She ate, but that didn't change anything. Finally after I was halfway through, I remembered my baby sling. That would at least help I figured. And for the rest of the ride, she sat, quietly in the sling, finally falling asleep near the end. And yes, it was dark by that point.

After this experience, I think maybe, if I was asked to do it, I could walk across the plains, because I imagine it would be similar --at least as hot and sweaty-- to mowing the lawn with one hand while carrying a 15-month old. Makes me wonder if pioneer women made baby slings?

August 21, 2013

County Fair

I have been wanting to take Carter to a carnival/fair for a few years now to test out his courage on the rides.  We finally made it to the county fair this year.  Our first priority was the rides.  We showed Carter all the rides and let him choose a few to ride on.  He choose 2 merry-go-ride-esque rides (boring). We compromised on the roller coaster and the motorcycle merry-go-ride.  Carter was the only one on the ride and a little shy about looking at us (maybe he realized it was a lame ride...ha ha).  Finally, near the end of the ride, we convinced him to put his hands in the air and we got a glimpse of a smile!

Carter was less shy about the roller coaster ride and totally loved the Children's Tents where he got to see- but would not touch -tarantulas, spiders, and scorpions.  I wouldn't touch them either, so I don't blame him.  And the 3-Little-Monkey's tent has some really fun toys.  Carter was only persuaded away from the sandbox by the vacuum like tubes that sucked balls across the roof of the tent.

Avenly was there too.... =)  She enjoyed the fair from her stroller and had lots of fun cheering Carter on for his first rock climbing experience-which he was awesome at! And when he broke a board with a newly learned karate chop.  I have videos of both but can't seem to get either to load...bummer.

The very best part about going to the county fair was being with Nate, Carter and Avenly.  This summer has kept Nate busier than ever, and I had to weasel my way in to get a Saturday night all together, one of a few this summer, and definitely cherished!

August 17, 2013

Sleepover Pup Tents

Ever since we moved into our new home, Carter has been begging for a sleep over. And, my brother's family has been getting their home ready to sell all summer. So I got the great idea to help my brother and his wife out by taking their kids away for a few days, accomplishing two goals in one move-Yeah, I multitask like that. :-)

I had one niece and one nephew for two nights and on the last night we had my other brother's kids come stay over. 5 extra kids total, ages ranged from 3-11. Yeah, I'm over ambitious like that. :-)

For the most part it was fun. We saw The Croods at the dollar movie, made our own ice cream in a bag and our own pizzas, and we attempted a hike (that's a whole other story).

Mostly though, I'm excited about the pup tents Nate made for each of the kids to sleep in. We also took them outside too provide some shade the next day. I love that Nate was as  excited about the idea as I was and whipped them out like they were nothing. (PS, we found the pup tent idea on pinterest and it came from here.)

Now we just have to organize the garage so the tents can go there. The garage: our final frontier in our new home.

July 31 to August 3, 2013

Thank you for the awesomeness

Carter one night prayed "thank you for the awesomeness." Nate and I smiled at each other but said nothing. Carter said it again a few days later and I commented about it to a friend that was with us. Now Carter says it in most prayers, and while it's not as cute as it was the first few times, I still love it. And then I found this picture on pinterest and figured out Carter is really saying thank you for my mom, so it's back to being super cute that he thanks Heavenly Father for the awesomeness.

Lawn Swallows Children

Disclaimer: Our home was empty for three years before we bought it this past February. Because of that, our lawn was 'one summer away from needing to be replaced' per the many lawn care professionals who *had* to stop at my door this last spring.

But we've been able to keep our lawn green and bring back the grass in many of the bald, dead-looking spots. We just have not been the best at keeping up with the mowing. But, it's progress right?

Sunday night we were out talking with some neighbors when their kids buried Carter in the very tall weeds. Maybe we should put more attention to mowing the lawn...we might lose a kid out there. :-)

July 28, 2013