Sydney lost her 1st tooth!

While we were in St. George for the Tate family reunion in July, Sydney lost her first tooth! Sydney and Hunter both had a loose tooth with the new tooth growing in behind it. Crazy! Both were afraid to wiggle and pull the loose one out. I understand it is a little scarey, but the new one was almost as tall as the loose one. One night Sydney was brushing her teeth and her first tooth came out while brushing! Yeah! Hunter, whose tooth had been loose over a year, went up to Jonathan and said, "Dad, just pull it out!" He was determined to get his out since Sydney got hers out! Great motivation! He took some deep calming breaths and Jonathan yanked it out. FINALLY! Now, if I can get them both to get their other very wiggily teeth out!

Tate Reunion July 2011

This year for the Tate annual Reunion we went to St. George! It was hot, being mid-July, but we always find ways to cool down. We started the trip by heading up to Quail Creek Lake. This is always a huge hit! The kids love playing in the water and building sand castles in the sand! I guess Grandpa Tate's "molecule" got stolen the previous week at girls camp in Bear Lake. So sad! He replaced it with the "radar".


As usual...I couldn't get enough skiing in. Sure, I can wakeboard, but I stick to good old skiing. I skiied so hard the first day I could barley ski again on Thursday.

Grandpa and Grandma Tate are just amazing. I won't divulge their ages...most of you already know...but Grandpa is doing amazing at the "air chair", they both love whipping grandkids on the "radar", swimming, driving boats, hiking, etc. I hope that I can be as energetic, outgoing and in such great shape as them when I get older. What amazing examples they are!

Jonathan

Grandpa Tate doing the Air Chair

Grandma Tate

Granpa Tate and Sydney

Jonathan and Sydney

It averaged 104-105 degrees every day we were in St. George! To cool off we swam in the lake, went swimming at the club house and headed to the movies!

Sydney

Hunter

McKay

Grandma Tate with Browning Kids

Rachel and Sydney

We found a great hike in Ivins. There we hiked a 3.5 mile hike, finding every shortcut possible to shorten it for the kids. Sydney is only 6 and it was too hot at 10am. At the end we found some cool petroglyphs and rock formations. I think the hike would have been much better in the spring and fall when it is cooler. The kids were troopers and did a great job. At the top there is also fun paths to get down into the rocks.

Grandma and Grandpa Tate with Brownings

Eagle and Dinosaur rock formations

Ivins Petroglyphs

Grandma Tate with Petroglyphs

There is no greater thing than spending time with family! It is not easy to get away with Jonathan being Bishop, but it is amazing when we do! I love being able to leave everything at home, ie: work, callings, phones, internet, video games, and just be together. It is what life is all about!

Spencer Schmidt (Jon Schmidts Son)

There is nothing better than a guitar, piano and a great voice! I have to get the music for McKay!

Boy Scout Rap - Thirty100 (Kesha Tik Tok Parody)

Family Picture

I haven't had the chance to add the photo that we took as a whole family. I am having it printed and then am using PoppySeed Projects to finish them. I will post it when I am finished. Here is a sample of the picture.

Fun Photos

Jontathan and I have been busy attending wedding receptions! We have been to four in four weeks! One we attended was the Daughter of a teacher that works with Jonathan. At the wedding they had a photo booth where all those that attended had their pictures taken. Then, while waiting in line, we attached them to a scrapbook page and wrote a message to the couple. Fun idea and great way for the couple to remember who attended their reception. Here are the photos Jonathan and I took.

Deseret News Article on Families of Missing Persons

This morning a wonderful article on Families of Missing Persons came out. Here is the link: DN-Shattered This article includes the feelings and experiences of several families with missing siblings, children and spouses from Utah. My Mom's family included due to the disappearance of Reed, her brother, at age 15 over 45 years ago. I will never fully understand their grief, confusion or what-ifs. Over the years my mom and her siblings have shared stories of how much fun their brother was and how much they love him. Obviously I never knew Reed, but I know that myself along with many other of his "nieces and nephews" feel a connection to him because of the stories and family bond. We, as well as his siblings, wonder if he were alive today what his profession would be, if he would have kids and grandkids our ages. I am amazed and have learned from his 10 living siblings the importance of families loving and supporting one another no matter what. We can use our trials and tribulations in this life to form stronger bonds with family, friends,and our Father in Heaven. I hope and pray that the information in this article will touch peoples hearts, help them understand how these families feel and know how to help them.

In Search Of Answers

On October 11, 1964 my mom's little brother, Reed Jeppson, went out to feed his 2 dogs and was never seen again. He was only 15 years old. For the Jeppson family the past 45 1/2 years have been difficult because they have no idea what happened to Reed. Today is National Missing Persons Day and the police have reopened Reed Jeppsons case and taken DNA samples from immediate siblings. These DNA samples are being entered into two different missing persons databases to identify any potential remains. This enhanced image of Reed was created through various family photos, including his own and immediate relatives. The results of such age progression enhancement has been between 90%-95% accurate in other cases. Our family does not think Reed is alive...they want answers and to have his remains found to help give them closure. Click the following for the story. KSL, CONNECT 2 UTAH, SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, DESERET NEWS, ABC NEWS, CNN- ANDERSON COOPER, SLCPD on YouTube, SLCPD, USA TODAY, 5/28/10 DESERET NEWS

Craziness of Life

Don't you all agree that at times life just gets too crazy?!?! I feel horrible that I have not blogged for such a long time! Hopefully this week I can. I need to updats Sydney's 5th birthday, McKay getting his Arrow of Light Scouting award, having the cute Hakanson Kids over for 8 days and off-track time! Hopefully I will even find a good new recipe to share! Check back soon!

McKay's Wax Museum

Mckay is loving 5th grade and he has a very creative teacher. Ms. Simi has a theater and Navy background. Their latest project was to create a Wax Museum in their classroom. They had been studying the Revolutionary War and were each an important figure from the era. McKay chose John Adams. A great deal of research was done and a great project was put together. He (and Mom) learned about the Treaty of Paris which helped end the war between the British and American, John Adams role in getting the Declaration of Independence signed, and his other contributions. The students all dressed up and froze at their desks until a button was pushed. They would then come "alive" and give a brief history of their character. This photo is of McKay and his friends (Jackson M., Jackson W. and Tyler P.).

Winter Fun

The Browning Clan has had a blast in the snow! One big storm we built a snowman. Hunter called it Pekachu, McKay called it Mr. Freeze and Sydney called it Mr Snowman. With the snow melting we have found our snowman without his head and Sydney gets very worried about it! We had fun throwing snowballs afterwards.

A few weeks ago we headed sledding with Jonathan's sisters family. We love spending time with the Hakansons! The kids went off jumps, snow boarded, and sledded on sleds as well as their bellies! Even Josh had fun! We sure missed Uncle Joel Fuessel this year! We missed having contests on who could sled the furthest while not receiving a "foul".
Here is Hunter! He loves this "sled/board". I love his face expression...pure joy!

Sydney loves this little green sled! It is just her size and she always gets on it the same way...knees and elbows. Once she ends her ride she climbs up the hill and quickly gets on again!

McKay is into learning to snowboard. He is having a blast and doing some turns.

We can't wait until we get another good storm to hit the runs again!

Christmas

A few days before christmas we headed to see the lights at Temple Square! It is always so amazing and beautiful. The kids were so cute and couldn't believe how many lights there were. We always enjoy the many nativities...especially the ones from around the world.


Christmas Eve we headed to celebrate with all the Tate clan. Jonathan prepared a ham that was a huge hit! He took the bone out, seasoned and carved it. It tasted AMAZING! Thankyou Grandpa Browning for the recipe and teaching your boys the family gift of cooking a great ham! Next, we had our traditional talent show. Talents ranged from gymnastics, guitar, singing, piano and dancing! so much fun!



Here is a cute picture of Sydney playing with her Grandpa Tate!

The kids always love acting out the Nativity! They get decked out with crowns, staffs, robes, etc. Cousin Haylee was even a tree for the play. McKay and Hunter had fun being shephards and Sydney was her traditional Angel. After the fun they had a dance party in the costumes. It is amazing that we had 17 kids participate this year! Next year the triplets will join in on the fun!

Christmas morning was fun as usual! At least the kids did't get up before 6:30am. We were actually able to get them all into our room with out seeing what "Santa" brought.

Jonathan distributed the gifts to the kids as he does each year...wearing his Santa hat. He was also excited to get an ipod for christmas...which he upgraded to the itouch. Got to love the face here!

McKay was extreemly excited that he received the air soft gun and pogo stick he requested. We love our "special" child with his shatterproof goggles! He and Jonathan have a blast shooting at a sprite bottle in the basement.

Hunter is so into legos and received a few sets that he put together in two days!

Sydney is so funny! She asked for princess dolls (she never plays with them so she didn't get them), horses (not the princess ones) and a Nintendo DS. Just before christmas she changed her mind to everything crafty! Thank goodness her birthday is a month after christmas so she can get the crafts!


That morning Grandma and Grandpa Browning came over and saw all the kids got. They were so kind to give our family a telescope! We can't wait to use it. We also had the opportunity to head to the Hakansons (Jonathan's sister) and spend some great time with family!

Basketball Season

I am so far behind on my blogging!!! The holidays come around and life becomes so busy! So great that the kids are back in school and on a schedule. The boys are having so much fun with basketball this year. Jonathan is helping coach McKays team. It is so nice having McKay drive to practices with his Dad (I don't have to drive) and they get some good time together. McKay has a few buddies on his team...Caston Dastrup, Jackson Wright and Nate Davis (his Dad is the coach). He is aggressive and very good at guarding his man. His coach calls him "The Blanket" because he covers his guy.


Hunter is also loving basketball. He has a few friends on his team...Jacob Larsen and two other boys from his school class. He has a great time and is learning the game!

Christmas Goodies

Amazing that Christmas is just around the corner! Almost all of my shopping is done...thank goodness! My little sister Sarah and I hit the "Black Friday" sales and scored! At Toys R Us we each saved in discounts about as much as we spent! Everywhere we went we made friends in lines and helped each other get what we all wanted! We hope to see "Mike" on "So You Think You Can Dance" next year.

Now that the kids are back "on-track" I am trying to get our goodies for people made. I got a lot done today! Here is what my little goodie bags look like.

Inside is my traditional Peppermint Bark
recipe:
12 cut up candy canes
1/2 tsp. peppermint oil (extract)
2 lbs white chocolate

-line a 11x17 cookie sheet with wax paper/parchment paper
-melt white chocolate (I do in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time)
-mix in candy canes and peppermint oil
-spread onto cookie sheet
-refrigerate for 30 minutes and cut into desired pieces
-will stay good in fridge for a week

I also included my chocolate covered cinnamon bears
recipe:
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 tsp shortening
cinnamon bears/santas

-Mix chocolalte and shortening and melt (I do in the microwave for 30 sec at a time)
-Cover cinnamon bear with chocolate by holding bear with a toothpick
-place on parchment covered baking sheet
-refridgerate for 30 minutes
-will stay good in fridge for a week

Finally, last year my christmas goodies included caramel and chocolate covered pretzel rods. They were a huge hit! This year I first dipped the rods into caramel, then chocolate and ended by covering them with oreo or toffee bits. Amazing! Here is a photo:

Caramel Chocolate Pretzel Rods
8 large pretzel rods
5 1/2 oz soft caramel
2 tsp cream
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 tsp shortening
desired toppings

-line baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray
-melt caramels and cream (I did in microwave for 30 seconds at time and keep warm in crockpot or stove) an put on baking sheet.
-refridgerate 30 minutes to harden caramel
-melt chocolate and shortening (I do in microwave for 30 seconds at a time)
-coat caramel covered rods with chocolate let dry for a bit and roll into desired topping
-refridgerate 30 minutes.

Yummy treats for a wonderful season!

New Recipe

I have found another "winner" recipe for everyone in my little family! Last night we tried Orange Honey Grilled Chicken Strips (found on the blog "the sisters cafe"). They were so tender and delicious! The recipe calles for you to either use chicken tenders or cut the chicken breast into strips and cook on skewers. I chose to marinate the chicken breasts in the sauce for most of a day and just cook them on the grill. Very simple recipe and your whole family will love it!

Orange Honey Grilled Chicken Strips
1 to 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 TB butter softened
2 TB finely chopped scallions
2 TB fresh orange juice
2 TB chopped cilantro leaves (I like a little extra)
1 TB honey
1-2 TB grated orange zest, from ~1/2 an orange (I use just 1 TB)

Cut each chicken breast into 3 length wise strips. (I just bought chicken tenders and used those). Thread 3 strips accordion style, on each of 4-6 long metal or wooden skewers. If using wood skewers, soak them for at least 20 minutes in cold water before using to prevent scorching on the grill. To make the basting sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the butter, scallions, orange juice, cilantro, honey, and orange zest. Brush about half of the sauce on the chicken, covering each strip well. Set aside to marinate for about 15 minutes. If you have to let the chicken marinate longer refrigerate. Prepare grill to medium hot. Grill chicken about 15 minutes, turning several times, until the chicken is cooked through but still moist. Baste several times with the remaining basting sauce. Stop basting 5 minutes before the chicken is done. Remove the chicken from the grill and serve immediately. (Do not serve any of the basting sauce with the chicken.)

Let me know if you like them or if you have any other recipes I can try out on my family!

Halloween Time!

Amazing that it is Halloween! Thank goodness that the snow has melted and it won't be too cold for the fun! Still jacket weather! This morning was great! We had a fun pancake breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa Tate, headed to Sydney's last soccer game (in her purple Halloween costume) and are getting ready for the big night!


The past week the boys have been really sick, the doctor thought it was swine flu. The poor guys had temperatures, headaches, bad coughs and sick tummies! They were finally better and just in time for their school Halloween parties!
Here is a picture of Sydney and preschool teacher Ms. Brittany

Hunter with 3rd grade teacher Ms. Rollins

Finally, McKay with 5th grade teacher Ms. Simi

McKay is stil loving having so many neighborhood friends in his school class! There are four of them. Here is a picture of them at their school party.

Happy Halloween!