Lick N' Switch

Last Saturday, we attended the free Halloween activity at Officer's circle put on by the U's College of Social Work and the Bennion Service Center. I attempted to help Owen decorate a cookie, but he snacked more than decorated. Joey attempted to help Owen with the fishing pond, but Owen lost interest the minute his line was cast. He'd much rather eat junk or dance by himself to scary Halloween music.

Owen is still to young to appreciate all the hard work that went into the themed houses and games, but he was very excited for the candy. He'd grab a piece, enjoy it (wrapper included) until the next house, then deposit the used piece of candy into the bowl in exchange for a new one. Fortunately, most people were amused, or at least humored us.

Owen's first piece and favorite - a sucker.

Not really sure what all the hype is about.

Trick or Treat!

Fall Favorites

Owen is growing and learning so much. Here is what he has been up to, or more appropriately what he has gotten into.

Owen loves eating snacks while watching a Baby Einstein's or Signing Time video. He learns the sign at the same time he learns to speak the word. His latest two are "cookie" (OREO - he is taking after his momma) and "banana." He also loves starting yogurts. He has never had more than half of one, but he likes to eat them in theory.

Owen loves building towers. He learned this skill early one morning. After each addition, he would stand, clap his hands, try to jump and scream. Needless to say his sleeping father was not amused.

After the wreckage.

Owen still loves his blankies and binkies. He always has to have two blankets and he holds them by their tags, which are now frayed.

Probably playing "ghost" with his dad.

Music moves this kid. He loves playing the guitar, piano or rocking out to the ABC song. Notice his rosy cheeks? This kid is in heaven on the playground or anywhere outside.

Wallets are his new best friend. I am waiting for the day when I go to pay for something and my debit card is missing.

First of all, credit to me for posting this flattering picture of myself. Owen loves stickers. He particularly likes putting them on his belly, my nose or shirt. He is being "crafty" while I make cards for card club.

This picture is hilarious, but I included it because Owen loves his momma. Two nights ago, in the middle of the night he was crying and calling out for me. "Momma," "Momma" is all I heard from the other room. For the first time, Owen has used my name in the right context. Hallelujah! I was happy to hear my name, even at two in the morning (let's just not make it a habit).

Halloween Party at Grandma's

My mother insisted that we celebrate Halloween this year as a family even though she would be out of town on the 31st. We gathered for pizza and games (7, 11 or doubles) over the weekend. Rather than bringing a favorite candy bar to add to the pot, people brought their favorite treats. My mom brought a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory caramel apple for herself and chocolate turtles for my dad. My sister brought chocolate caramel popcorn from Artichokes and Company. The rest of us brought the usual stash of junk food: OREO's, sour cream and cheddar chips, and a host of candy bars. Joey walked away clearly victorious winning both items from RMCF and a handful of candy bars. Apologetically, I asked my mom if she wanted her treats back and she sheepishly smiled and pulled out a hidden stash of of turtles and apples "just in case" she didn't win. Smart woman.

10 Minute Pumpkin Fest

Two weeks ago, my family made the 90 minute drive to Thanksgiving Point during rush hour traffic to attend the Scarecrow festival. The kids were just getting into the swing of things when we realized we were at the Pumpkin Festival, not the Scarecrow Festival. You'd think this wouldn't be a very big deal, (especially after paying the $10 admission fee and finally seeing your kid smile after a long drive in the car), but it was to my mom who quickly got our money refunded and we made the walk to the South side of Thanksgiving Point to attend the Scarecrow Festival. This festival is a charity event, but not as much fun as the Pumpkin Festival, which in my opninion is worth the entrance fee.

Here are some pictures from our 10 minute stay at the Pumpkin Festival. Sammie and Owen climbed into the "cow train" and headed out into the pumpkin patch. As they were returning, I suddenly realized that Sammie was alone in the car. I panicked, obviously, and wondered how Owen had escaped and where he was now. With a wildly beating heart I ran to Sammie and found that Owen had slid down into the seat and was noosed by the seat belt. Only mildly relieved.

Sitting happily before the ride.

The rescue mission.

Fall Hikes (Naps)

We have certainly enjoyed the fabulous Fall weather. Red Butte Canyon and Bonneville Shoreline trail have frequently called our name. Inevitably, Owen falls asleep halfway through our trek, but we won't complain. Beautiful Fall.

Owen and Joey on Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

Owen sleeping after an evening hike with friends.

Witches Brew

Last Saturday, the Primary had a Halloween Carnival complete with face painting, spider racing, and a cake-walk. The children had a picture scavenger hunt and their prize was a spooky witch's brew buffet that I helped make.


Witch's Brew
Monster Brain - Popcorn
Newt Eggs - Whoppers
Mummy Jewels - Reese's Pieces
Ghost Eyes - Caramel filled eyeballs
Vampire Fangs - Candy Corn
Witch Hair - Twizzlers pull-aparts
Poisonous Worms - Gummy Worms (there are gummy everything these days: rats, spiders, fingers, etc. - add your favorite to the mix)

Caramel Apples, Take Two

Several people have requested that I share some insights on the caramel apple- making process. I am happy to divulge my secrets, but must admit the process is much less glamorous than it might first appear. Most of the following tricks I have learned through trial and error. Mostly error. Here's what I know:

• I start the process making the apples according to the back of the Kraft caramels package. I reduce the water to 1 1/2 T (the package calls for 2 T). I find that the caramel runs less and sets up firmer with less water.
  
• After the caramels and water have thoroughly melted together, I let the mixture cool slightly before I dip my apples. Although warmer caramels make it easier to dip the apples and make a smoother, prettier apple, it also tends to run off the apple when settling. I like the caramels just warm enough to slather onto my apple with a spoon. It sets up quickly on the apple and doesn't run as much.
  
• Place the apples on a Silpat sheet or thoroughly buttered piece of waxed paper.
  
• Let the caramel-dipped apples cool for 30 minutes to an hour before the next step. If any caramel has run down, reposition the caramel with your hands, molding it back onto the apple. It will make a terrible looking apple, but the flaws will be hidden by the yummy chocolate yet to come. The key is to make sure there is plenty of caramel all over the apple.
  
• Melt 12 oz. of chocolate over a double boiler. The chocolate needs to be good quality chocolate, especially if you are using white chocolate. I can use store brand milk chocolate, but I always use high quality white chocolate. I use Ghirardelli or Guittard. Melt the chocolate over low heat. Once it is melted, allow it to cool slightly before dipping the apples.
  
• Cover 2/3 of the apple with the chocolate and then dip into your favorite topping. Return apples to Silpat to cool.
  
• Good combinations: white chocolate with crushed OREO's or Butterfingers, white chocolate with cinnamon sugar (tastes like an apple pie), or milk chocolate with m&m's.
  
• Cut the apples in eighths to eat - do NOT try to eat it off the stick, it will make a horrid mess. The picture posted previously shows how to make the cuts.
  
• Eat a big bite for me!
  

Let me know how the apples turn out for you, or if you have any questions. Yum!

Comedy Relief

Yesterday afternoon, while waiting for my next piano lesson to arrive, I thumbed through my mom's large stack of catalogs/junk mail. The latest edition of Newport News had many interesting finds, but this "boot" was particularly exciting. The description reads: "Sweater-knit shoe-boot with patent leather-look . Pull-on style." I showed it to Joey and he actually thinks they might be on to something. Socks built right into your shoe. My only question is, why would anyone wear a thick, sweater sock with pumps?
While searching for the shoe above online today, I came across this dynamite pair of silver shoes. The only place these would be appropriate to wear is either a Halloween party or one of my music videos. Their caption reads: "Soft leather ankle boot with elegant ruched front." Ooooh. Elegant. Good news ladies - everything is on sale and comes in multiple colors.

Thank Heaven for Little Girls

Owen and I are especially grateful for all the darling little girls in our lives right now.
Meg, Owen's second mother and cousin, takes incredible care of him. From the time he was little, this six-year-old had him on her hip the whole time she was with him. She loves him with a pure love and he loves her.

Paige, Meg and Owen (3 weeks)

Meg's younger sister Paige is Owen's new found partner in crime. At 18 months, Paige was a proven climber - she could find her way onto any roof top or hidden cabinet in your house. Recently, while at her house, I turned around to find Paige (now four-years old) standing on the kitchen counter trying to pull Owen onto a stool so he could join her on her four and a half foot-high ledge. Softly, under her breath I heard, "It's okay, you can do it," while Owen dangled in the air.

Owen's sister from another mother is Sammie. While he wears her out because he can't talk as well as she (Sammie might have a better vocabulary than me), these two are best friends. Sam said to her mom, my sister Katie, "Wouldn't it be fun if Owen came to live with us when he learns to talk better?" She will report to me on all Owen does and I know that if he got into trouble, she'd be the first to tell me. We're thankful for that.

Owen and Sammie, Christmas 2006

Lastly, I am grateful for all the darling little girls in our neighborhood and ward. Owen is in heaven when he goes to primary with me. He systematically goes down the rows, hugging each child and rubbing his face into their bellies (his version of a kiss). Not exactly reverent, but definitely pure in intent.

Monday, while at the playground, he immediately found darling Vivi. She took him by the hand and helped him to the big, twisty slide (she is aware that Owen has had too many bad experiences on that slide - 360's and backward somersaults included). She sat down and then helped him onto her lap where she wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tightly as they cruised to the bottom. He got off and clapped with joy. He now loves the slide, and Vivi.

Nicole, another one of Owen's favorites, saved the day Monday. A child grabbed Owen by the collar and flung him around. It happened once and Nicole quickly picked Owen up off the ground. This child again grabbed Owen by the neck and flung him around. Down he went, this time in tears. Nicole helped Owen up, hugged him and then turned to the perpetrator and said, "You be nice. Owen doesn't like that." Owen is a smart boy. Hang out with a cute, smart girl and life will be smooth sailing.

Rest assured, Owen is well cared for and loved. Thank heaven for that.

Caramel Apples

It's October, which means caramel apple season. Chocolate covered, cookie dipped, caramel apples. After five years of marriage, I have finally perfected the system of how to make one pretty fabulous caramel apple if I do say so myself.


The real reason I am writing this post about apples is that I recently stumbled upon a product that will make everyone's apple-dipping days easier. Kraft now has caramel chips designed especially for cooking. This means you do not have to spend an hour unwrapping the entire bag (or four or five bags as is usually the case when I am making large batches) of caramels - it is done for you. The little chips work perfectly for apples. One word of warning: the small chips have a small layer of wax coating on them to prevent the chips from clumping; they are not very delicious when eaten plain, but are perfect when smothered with chocolate and your favorite cookie. If you are a muncher, you will have to stick to the traditional, individually wrapped caramels. I haven't decided which I like better - eating caramels or having extra time. Happy dipping!

What's in a Name?

This is just for fun. Some are clearly better than others. My "witness protection" name is very catchy while my gangster name is anything but. If you have a name that is particularly amusing, let me know!

1. My rock star name (first pet and current car): Candy Civic
2. My gangsta name (favorite ice cream flavor and favorite cookie - I condensed mine slightly): Mint Chocolate Chip to the Chip
3. My “fly guy/girl” name (first initial of first name and first two letters of last name): S. Wi
4. My detective name (favorite color and favorite animal): Green Fish
5. My soap opera name (middle name and city where you were born): Marie Salt Lake
6. My Star Wars name (first three letters of your last name and first two letters of your first name): Wilsh
7. My superhero name (2nd favorite color and favorite drink with “The” in front): The Blue Water
8. My Nascar name (first names of your grandfathers): Kenneth Reed
9. My "dancer" name (name of your favorite perfume/cologne and your favorite candy): Cool Water Swedish Fish
10. My witness-protection name (mother’s and father’s middle names): Marie Jennings

Meatless Main Dishes

Call for meatless main dish recipes! Due to the large number of kidney stones hanging out inside of me, the doctor has prescribed a low animal protein diet. Fortunately, this is not a lifetime diet, but just until I get all of my blood work/lab work done that will hopefully indicate the cause of the tiny rocks.

Consequently, I need yummy, filling dinner ideas. If you have any suggestions or ideas please leave a comment - I could use all the help I can get (and I think Joey would agree).

Grandma's Cookie Jar

My Grandma Beck's house was synonymous with night games, Grandpa's big blue chair, blue shag carpet and of course a kitchen filled to the brim with sweets and processed foods we were rarely fed at home.

Like many, we were only allowed sugar cereal on special occasions, i.e. Christmas and birthdays. Consequently, I went crazy when I stayed at my grandma's house. I remember one afternoon methodically eating one bowl of each of the sugar cereals she had stored on top of her refrigerator: Captain Crunch, Cocoa Krispies, Cocoa Puffs, Captain Crunch Berries, Lucky Charms . . . and the list goes on and on. I topped out at 13 bowls. I was long and lean as a child so I am not quite sure where it all went.

In addition to the stash on top of the refrigerator, she had a particularly large cart that housed a dozen different types of candies, cookies and sodas. Mother's pink and white circus animal cookies and OREO cookies were always staples. Without fail I would ask my grandma if I could have a "couple" cookies within five minutes of walking in the door. She would happily smile and I would head to the OREO cookie jar - cream with a navy lid. I loaded up my pockets and every 30 minutes or so I would sneak back inside to refill my pocket. I always left her house on a sugar high.

Owen has found the same spot in his Grandmas house (my mom). While she does not have quite the horde my Grandma had, she consistently has the cookie jar filled with OREO cookies. Owen is starting to take after his mother in many ways. He knows exactly where the cookie jar is and will stand and point (and occasionally squawk) until the nearest adult will lower the jar for him to grab the goods.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Life has been crazy this month with all that has gone on with our family and for me personally. I wanted to document my birthday, although a month late.

Just under a month ago, I celebrated my 26th birthday. I must admit it was a week of fun. I only have one picture of the day, but if I had it on video, I would have been holding a fork in my hand the entire time. My brother took me out to eat at Cucina's two days before. He was a perfect gentleman, most of the time. He is one of my favorite people in the world. The night before my birthday, I enjoyed take-out with my sister and we let our kids go crazy in her house. It was fabulous.

On my actual birthday, I was greeted in the parking lot at 10 am by my brother holding a box of 2 dozen mint chocolate cookies from Schmidt's bakery. A nice little mid-morning snack I'd say. I then met my parents and siblings for lunch at Paradise Bakery. Their fire roasted garlic tomato soup is to die for and you get a free cookie with every lunch - in addition to the chippers you can sample while waiting in line. No one ever complained about being given a cookie, at least not me.

Joey arranged for some fabulous babysitters (Ted and Holly) who took excellent care of Owen so I could enjoy a night on the town sans baby. We went with some good friends to Happy Sumo to enjoy Vegas and California rolls and miso soup. As if I hadn't had enough to eat yet that day, we topped it off with chocolate from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Their apples are to die for and their ice cream isn't too bad either. We each found the treat that was calling our name. A couple of us then went to the Bourne Ultimatum the third installment of the Bourne series. Absolutely fabulous - intense, but a must see.

At the risk of looking completely glutenous, my family went to Ruth's Diner the following Saturday morning for breakfast and presents. The celebrations continued Sunday evening at Joey's mom's house for dinner with the Wilson's. This is where the one picture surfaces - blowing out the 26 candles on my Baskin Robbin's mint chocolate chip fudge cake.

I know, this is starting to look ridiculous, but in my defense, I loved every minute of it.

Goodies and thoughtful notes contined to trickle in the following week. It sounds like I was "treated" well on my birthday. I feel fortunate to be one year older and blessed with such great friends and family who made me feel like a queen for over a week. Birthdays are the best.

As Good As it Gets

Saturday night was as good as it gets.

I was able to attend the General Relief Society Meeting with my mom and sister. This meeting was wonderful for all of the obvious reasons in addition to the fact that this was the first time in over a year I have been able to attend a church meeting without a distraction. Yes, I love my child, but I was tremendously grateful to sit quietly and be spiritually fed. I cried through half the meeting; clearly I needed this.

My dad picked us up outside the conference center and we drove to Bountiful to enjoy an ice cream at Nielsen's. An OREO concrete at Nielsen's in good company - what could possibly be any better than that?

The icing on the cake (as if you need more after Nielsen's) was that I got to play soccer Saturday night as well. With a very full belly, I headed to Kaysville to play indoor with some friends. I was subbing for some teammates and loved every minute. The facility is great, the people are nice and I played pretty well (don't ask me how with 2 lbs. of custard in my stomach). I owe any goals I scored to my friend - he is so good he makes you look better. It was heaven.

I couldn't have asked for a better night. It was bliss.