Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas!

We wish you all a Merry Merry Christmas!





Porter Family 2011 - By The Numbers


55 members of the Porter Family - camping at Heber Valley Girls Camp


365 days this year that Quinn thought it should be her birthday


14.26 Teague's time at the 2 mile state cross country meet. His team took 1st place.


6 weeks Aunt Carla and Grandma Holly lived with us. It was a sweet, peaceful time in our home.


555 feet to the top of the Washington Monument on Teague's trip with his grandparents and cousin.


2 new knees and counting for Kenyon


5 Metcalf sisters and parents make the 7 mile walk around Lake Union in Seattle. We also did our share of shopping, eating and celebrating.


4 Chinese Governors and State officials that Gavin performed for in Chinese at the Utah State Capitol


16 Elise's number on the #1 girls U10 soccer team


1 boat, 25 rides with 12 excited cousins, 3 grandparents, and 9 aunts and uncles at our first trip to Bear Lake. Endless fun and excitement


And of course another year full of countless blessings, our friends and family.

Friday, December 2, 2011

A Veggie Dish You Will LOVE

Jane and my Mom have now challenged the family to increase our plant food intake. Eat a variety and larger proportion of veggies and fruits. That is all good but sometimes I can't come up with any more veggies to serve or a different way to cook them to make little people happy.

Until tonight. Thanks to Jane for pointing us to this recipe we had an amazing dinner. It will not disappoint. And it is a beautiful. Definitely one of the advantages to adding a variety of fruits and veggies is the color on the plate. It is much more appetizing. One thing we all love around here is roasted veggies. I would say that I roast our veggies 3 nights out of the week. So much more flavor. This recipe does just that.

Even Gavin (the pickiest of them all) said, "This is actually pretty good." Score.

(picture from Eat, Live, Run)


Here is the recipe but check out her blog here

*My notes - I added a can of rinsed black beans to the veggies after roasting. I think you could also add some zucchini but it wouldn't need to roast as long so maybe add them half way through? Not sure. I did use the bigger pan - 8x11.


Stacked Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas
Serves 4-5
adapted from The Roasted Vegetable by Andrea Chesman
Ingredients:
1 poblano chile, cut into matchsticks
2 red bell peppers, cut into matchsticks
1/2 head of cauliflower, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 small sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 medium onion, halved and slivered
1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
3 T heat-safe oil like grapeseed or coconut
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt and black pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups homemade or store bought salsa/pico de gallo
2 ounces baby spinach leaves (about 2 big handfuls)
9-10 corn tortillas, halved (try making homemade tortillas!)
2 cups shredded cheese (I used a cheddar-Monterey Jack blend)
sour cream and thinly sliced scallions (green onions) for garnish, if desired
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a large shallow roasting pan or rimmed cookie sheet.
Place poblanos, red bell peppers, cauliflower, sweet potato, onion, and corn kernels onto cookie sheet. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle the cumin and minced garlic over top. Add a generous pinch or two of salt and black pepper, then use your hands to mix everything together. After everything is coated well, spread the vegetables evenly in the pan. Roast for 30-40 minutes until vegetables are tender and begin to brown in spots. Stir or shake the pan every 10 minutes for even roasting.  Remove pan from oven and reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
Prepare a 9x9x2-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray. In a small bowl, stir the cilantro into the salsa. Spread 1/4 cup of salsa into the bottom of the baking pan. Add a layer of tortilla pieces, to completely cover the salsa. Top with 1/3 of the vegetables, a handful of spinach, and 1/3 of the cheese. Make a second layer of tortilla, salsa, vegetables, spinach, and cheese. Top with with a layer of tortillas, salsa, vegetables, and cheese. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
Let it sit for 5 minutes and cut into squares. Serve with sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced scallions.
Nat’s Note: I’ve gotten a lot of comments about not being able to fit this into a 9x9x2 pan. If you find that you have a hard time as well, simply use a 9×13.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Sugar Free November - DONE.

S0...did you join me in 30 days of no treats (minus Thanksgiving)? How did you do?

My kids rocked it. Seriously. They did it without very little compliant and they did not cheat (that I am aware of). They even said no at birthday parties and friends homes when offered treats.  Life, your health, your self control - all better when you make a change like that to your eating. We will do it again.

I want to keep doing it for so many reasons but man I will be back to sugar for December (however we are going to try and be more careful and thoughtful about what and how much we put in our mouth. One of our families favorite holiday treats can be found at your local Chick-Fil-A. Oh my. And then there are the mint M&Ms. I better stop. 

Monday, November 21, 2011

A survival snack

Update: We are doing great around here without sugar. I am so impressed. But we can't wait for some Thanksgiving dessert.

Here is another really easy and yummy treat.

Pumpkin Seed and Dried Cherry Trail Mix
The recipe came from here.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups baby pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1 cup slivered almonds
  • 3/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
  • 6 tablespoons pure Grade B maple syrup
  • Coarse salt
  • 1 cup dried cherries or cranberries (If you have a Harmons -best dried cherries are in their packaged bulk food section or WinCo or I hear Whole Foods).

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds, almonds, and sunflower seeds and the syrup until evenly coated. Spread the nuts and seeds out, in an even single layer, on the lined baking sheets and season with salt to taste. Bake the nuts, stirring several times with spatula or wooden spoon, until just golden, about 20 minutes.
Cool the nuts completely on the pan, then add the cherries and toss to combine. Store cooled trail mix in an airtight container at room temperature.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Crazy Temptations are Making This Hard

I have done fairly well on this little no sugar challenge until today. I have felt cravings ALL day. Maybe spending half my day in a doctor's office again is starting to get to me. Then I stopped a Costco for some chicken but it felt like the whole store was one big chocolate covered something. But then it really hit when my neighbor brought over these huge gooey brownies with marshmallows and frosting. They looked divine and then I opened the bag and smelled them. Oh the torture. I went through the longest mental battle. I get a treat a week but I had decided that Sunday would be the day this week.

Oh. My. This is good for me. And I am just going to keep telling myself that.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Afterschool Snack

Everyone was happy with our snack today.

picture from delightful delicacies

These Lara-like bars are so yummy. Super easy to make. And they satisfy the craving for a treat. Plus they are pretty good for you too. So nice to have something that is made of just a few real things. Nothing extra.

Check out the recipe here.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Healthy Snacking


picture from Word of Wisdom Living

One essential way to make it through this no sugar deal is to have snacks and options available. This is one of my favorites. And it really helps my kids. Prepare a snack plate. A plate full of good options and you will be surprised...you will eat it and so will your kids. Read about it here.

My sisters talked me into trying almond butter. I am not much of a peanut butter fan. Unless it is a peanut butter cup or a peanut butter cookie. But we all agreed that almond butter is pretty good and a good way to add some healthy fat and protein to a snack. Yesterday we liked it on celery and apples. Today we had almond butter and cooked apples on french toast (no syrup for me and a little pure maple syrup for the kids).

One of my most favorite snacks - Nova Granola. Jane makes it. You can read about it here. She has lots of good ideas about granola and healthy eating in general. You can even order some from her. It makes a yummy snack and an excellent gift.                    (picture from Jane)

Thursday, November 3, 2011

A Very Happy 3 Year Old


This little girl has been begging for her birthday for many months. All summer long she would tell complete strangers, "it's my birthday." She is smart. She figured out really fast that if she told her Aunt Monette that it was her birthday, she would get a little treat. She worked that one.

She loved all the attention today and knew all the details. Quite the birthday diva.

She was thrilled to have a party with her friends. Since she turned 3 on the 3rd it was her GOLDEN birthday so we went all gold.

Rather than cake we had pumpkin and chocolate whoopie pies. Oh my. Turns out she just wanted candy. Oh well.

The kids love hitting a pinata to pieces. It was full of gold chocolate coins, of course.

We love Quinn and are so grateful she is part of our family. She makes all of us happy (unless she is in Quinzilla mode - destroying some little project or thing that belongs to someone).

Quinn loves to pray. She she comes up with some great things to add to our family prayers. Today for example "Bless Teague to not be hit with a basketball." ?

Quinn loves her friends. She is very social. But we are working on sharing at the moment.

Quinn loves to watch shows.

Quinn is very concerned about anyone that is hurt - especially Kenyon.

Quinn really loves her brothers and sister and wants to be just as big. She thinks she can wrestle, play hide and seek, soccer, and scooter just like them. She doesn't mind being with me but she really loves to be with them. And they are good sports about having a little shadow. But watch out she might steal your candy or chapstick and not even be sad about it.

PS Thanks to Jane, Kristine, and Egan for all the party help. If you want lots of good party ideas on any theme - email Kristine. But she should start charging. Brilliant. Egan can design anything - she always saves the day on my invites. And Jane is an awesome photographer despite my really crappy lighting in my house. And she did lots of my errands. Hooray for being off track. :)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

No Sugar Day 2

Guess who turns 3 in half an hour? I will post about her tomorrow. She kills us daily. I wish I kept a better record because she says some of the funniest things.

But to the point of the post...

This is hard. But hooray for people joining me. It definitely makes it easier. In fact, I have to try so hard to be encouraging and motivating to the kids that I can't really worry about how much I would love a handful of chocolate chips or any of their candy in the cupboard (which why am I keeping that?).

One of my favorite blogs that motivates me to be healthier is Word of Wisdom Living. You should read it if you don't. Every week he offers a new challenge. This week it was perfect. It was about the power of friends. I am grateful for awesome friends and family who are trying to make their lives healthier even when it is hard.

Today felt harder than usual. Because I was starving the entire day while I sat in a dumb hospital waiting room. The only option was free Lorna Doone's in a basket or a junk in the vending machine. I did bring a baggie of veggies with some hummus. But I thought we would be done before 7:30 pm. Wrong.

Kenyon had a 30 minute little procedure to stitch up an open wound on his knee. Simple really. But no...we checked in at 12:30 and left at 7:30. All I wanted was some M&Ms to get me through that.

Then I came home and just made a gazillion whoopie pies for this little darlin's birthday. And that was tempting. Someone please come eat them tomorrow night. I can't be left with all of them.

Today I am thankful for awesome friends who take care of my kids for way more hours then they wanted to and all the kind offers of meals and help and prayers. Thanks.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Come on...Try it with me!

Sugar-Free November - 1 MONTH!

For all of you who are saying "Good idea but I can't do it (or don't want to)"... Come on. If I am going to try it then you can too. And you get a free pass on Thursday because it is Quinn's Golden Birthday!

Seriously, I know this will be hard. And Gavin is even more addicted but he is willing to try.

We decided to approach it as an experiment. How do we feel? What difference does it make? Can we do something hard (I know that is kind of lame in the scheme of hard things but it is hard for us)?

I have been thinking about this challenge for months now and thanks to Jane, I am forced to commit. So now I am challenging you. You can make your own rules but make them good. I say at minimum: no candy, cookies, desserts, pop, treats. You decide. Things loaded with sugar. I am not studying every label. You can have one free serving of a treat once a week. So probably not 3 brownies on Sunday night - just one.

Join me? 1 Month (Thanksgiving Weekend is off. Just go for it.)

Couple links Jane sent me to help motivate. Here and here

Halloween Robbers


This year we went with the robber/burglar theme. Someone in my family may have been concerned that I promote this type of behavior. Clearly, I do not. But the kids thought it was fun and such an easy costume. Way too late to make it happen, I realized that Kenyon and I should have dressed up as police officers. That would have been perfect but I don't think of things in good time.

It was a very successful Halloween for candy. Thanks to my friend and trick-or-treat partner Jen (who always has great ideas), my kids gave up HALF of their candy to the Air Force to be used in care packages for soldiers. Brilliant. And then my sister Jane (who also always has good ideas but a little more challenging) challenged us to go sugar free for November. My kids agreed to the challenge but we are all totally scared. (we are allowing one treat a week and the weekend of Thanksgiving off) I am putting this out there in hopes that it will keep us accountable. But trust me - the fact that I have 4 bags of Halloween candy downstairs is KILLING ME!

PS - our family definition of sugar free for November is not as crazy as truly sugar free. We are just eliminating treats, candy, cookies, pop, etc. Traditional dessert and treat type items. I am not studying every label and doing stuff life that. Maybe some day.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Our Halloween Tradition


For a whole year the kids talk about this Mystery Halloween Dinner. Saying that they love it is an understatement. They might like it more than Christmas. Well, maybe not but it is very close. They count down the days. They love the surprise. They love the names for all the food.

On the menu this year:
Mummy Heads (Chicken Pot Pie inspired from this )
Crunchy Skeleton (veggie platter - Egan's creation)
Pumpkin Brains (apricot jello with green grapes mixed in - Egan)
Candy Corn (tortilla pizza created by Jane)
Bug Juice (green gatorade, 7Up, gummy worms and dry ice)
Forked Eyeballs (pumpkin spice cake balls)

This year - an added surprise were the Surprise Balls. Another family tradition but typically at Christmas but kids love them anytime.

My sister posted this dinner as well as other amazing parties on her blog - Attend. Check it out. I love her blog and all her ideas.

And big thanks to Egan and Jane who really made this dinner a success but did not get pictured. :(
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Friday, October 14, 2011

Cross Country - A New Adventure

Teague joined the Jr. High Cross Country team this year. He loves it. He runs miles after school every day with his team and then does crazy circuit and ab workouts. He has worked so hard and made some great improvements.

Out of all the boys in grades 6-9, he made the Varsity team (7 best runners).


Yesterday they competed at the State Championship run in Herriman. And it was a hard, hilly course. His team took 1st. He was a little disappointed with his run but he really did great and he has 3 years to make some great improvements.

He loves this so much that he even used his own money to pay for spikes.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

A Sisters Trip to Seattle


I don't know if I am blogging yet. Kind of having an blogging identity crisis. Or maybe it is more than blogging. I don't know. But I did just get back from an amazing trip to Seattle with my sisters and my parents. Dreamy weather, packed schedule, beautiful sites, good company and really incredible food. Sounds like I am exaggerating. But it is all true.

- a mini favorites party (we all brought 6 of one of our favorite things)
- paddle boarding on the Sound
- a walk around Lake Union and Green Lake
- tennis
- lots of shopping
- home cooking
- yum pizza from a Wood Fire Tuscan food truck
- Pike Place Market
- Kubota Gardens
- UW Volleyball game
- a visit to a few of our old stomping grounds
- a birthday party to beat all birthday parties

Thanks to Kenyon for letting me go and doing double the work for a bit. I bought the family white bread as a treat for while I was gone. They didn't even miss me they were so happy.

And thanks to Jane for being the photographer. Otherwise this post would not exist.

And thanks to the greatest parents. They are awesome hosts, tour guides, cook, and company.
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Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Twitter Bird

The standard Sunday dinner conversation: "What did you learn at church today?"

Gavin was telling us something about a story his teacher told. He said, "You know those birds that fly and give you messages?"

We really didn't know where he was going with this yet so we weren't guessing right.

Finally Teague says, "I know what he is talking about. That twitter bird. It brings messages right?"

Total sign of the times. Because the answer, we later found out, was "carrier pigeons." My kids didn't know what that was but they apparently know about the Twitter bird.

Too bad the kids don't follow me on Twitter. Maybe they would finally hear me.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Don't Be A Hater

I know that some of my family and some of you will roll your eyes at this. Too bad.
Oprah Winfrey
(image from Oprah.com)

I am an Oprah fan. I actually haven't watched much in the last couple of years - just an episode here and there. But I have watched my share over her 25 year season. And I think she has done so much good. Sure I disagree with her and she can be so obnoxious at times but I have learned a lot and loved lots about her show. When I have had time, she has been a good 4 o'clock friend. I have learned lots of interesting things, loved her favorite things, used a gratitude journal, been motivated to serve, used a netty pot, been totally inspired by stories of survival, tried to spend wisely (or at least thought about it), wished that Nate Berkus could save my house, cried and laughed. So I am kind of sad to see it come to an end.

I watched her surprise tribute farewell show. It was pretty cool. Yes she is a little cheesy but when you hear the list of accomplishments - dang it is awesome. They spotlighted the scholarship fund she set up for Morehouse College and all of the good that has done - 415 scholarships.

And THEN...Kristin Chenoweth (aka Glenda from Wicked) came out and sang one of my all time favorite songs - For Good. You have to watch it. Oh my gosh. She is awesome. The song is awesome. Try not to cry.


I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...
I have been changed for good...

I am so grateful for the good people in life that have changed me for good. Even a little bit of Oprah.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Get Your Vintage Poster TODAY!

I have talked about this little company and my super talented niece-in-law before (see here). Well she is doing something awesome and super generous. Check it out. And order yours TODAY (duh - you should order her stuff anyway but today you ONLY pay shipping)! You will love it.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

U2!

What a show! I kept thinking all day that I should sell my tickets. So glad that I didn't. It was really incredible. I can't even figure out how to describe the stage. It is gigantic and incredible.

The U2 band and crew have clearly figured out how to put on an unforgettable show.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Rhubarb Hand Pies

Even if you think you don't like rhubarb or you have never had it. Make these today. Or pick another filling.

I had never had or made a hand pie until today. And I am in love.

And I have lots of rhubarb. You are all welcome to it.

I found the recipe here

My picture is first. The other picture - from the recipe blog So Good and Tasty is so much better. I really need to take some photography classes. And her crust looks a little flakier than mine.

See if I knew how to take good pictures of food I would show you what I made for dinner tonight. I absolutely loved it. I said it was my most favorite spaghetti and meatballs ever but the kids did not completely agree (but they ate it all because they knew there were hand pies).

Spaghetti Sauce (adapted from Our Best Bites) - Fire roasted tomatoes, swiss chard, zucchini and spices.
Turkey Italian Meatballs (adapted from Our Best Bites)
Homemade French Bread
Grilled Corn on the Cob

Downside to dinner -it took me the whole stinking afternoon to cook it. And I didn't get to sit and read my book like I wanted.

All the yummy veggies from our Bountiful Baskets this week. We got SO MUCH swiss chard. So we will be having swiss chard smoothies instead of kale this week.

Friday, May 20, 2011

My favorite thing

at the moment.... I might say that it is the Margo cookie from Ruby Snap. Thanks Jul. I am seriously hooked.

But since I am trying to make some serious attempts at healthier eating (like very limited treats, fish, and kale smoothies), I don't get to enjoy the Margo as often as I would really like.


Nap time has always been one of my favorite things. And Quinn is one of my favorite people.

But lately, my MOST favorite thing is - Quinn with her microphone singing her little heart out. She kills us with the things she says and the cute songs she sings. She even takes her microphone to bed with her, which is a bad thing when she doesn't feel tired but so cute when she finally gives in.

Monday, April 25, 2011

A Family Tradition -Bunny Buns

bunny buns I am sorry that I am late on this post. You really needed it by Saturday. But go ahead and make some today. Or come snag one from me because seriously they are tempting me.

The original recipe for Bunny Buns was posted in the Friend magazine in 1980. My mom made them that year and we have never gone an Easter without them.


Bunny Buns

1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup milk, warmed not quite to boiling
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons grated orange peel
5 1/2 cups flour, sifted
Glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup hot water, 1 teaspoon butter
  1. 1. 
    Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. 2. 
    Sprinkle yeast in the warm water and set aside.
  3. 3. 
    In another bowl, blend milk, sugar, shortening, and salt. Cool until lukewarm, then add eggs, water with yeast, orange juice, and orange peel.
  4. 4. 
    Stir in flour a few cups at a time to make a soft dough. Let stand for 10 minutes.
  5. 5. 
    Knead dough 5–10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until dough is smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface. Cover bowl with a clean towel and put it in a warm place. Let dough rise for 2 hours, or until double in size. Punch dough down and let stand for 10 minutes.
  6. 6. 
    On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle 1/2 inch thick. Cut dough into strips 1/2 inch wide and 14 inches long. Roll between hands into rounded snake shapes. Cut one strip into pieces 1/2 inch long, and roll into balls.
  7. 7. 
    Place one long piece of dough on a greased cookie sheet. Place one end of the strip over the other to make a loop; bring the end that is underneath up and cross it over the other end. Place a ball of dough on top of the bottom loop.
  8. 8. 
    Cover bunnies and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes, until nearly double in size. Bake at 375ºF (190ºC) for 12–15 minutes.
  9. 9. 
    For the glaze, stir powdered sugar, water, and butter together. Frost bunnies with the glaze while they are still warm.
 So sad that our family picture is not in our Easter attire. Not that we actually wore anything special but we definitely looked better.

Egan and Jane planned an awesome Easter Egg hunt full of games and challenges. It was very exciting.

PS - If you are ever a Bishop - don't ask a whole family to speak on Easter Sunday. Serious Stress. But truly it kept us focused on the meaning of Easter and the kids were super speakers!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Surviving Well

Survival - that is the word in my head lately. I wonder why? No actually, WE are surviving quite well. You can't believe how well Kenyon is getting around. Still slow and deliberate but hundreds times better than before surgery. I hope to post evidence soon. :)


But I have been listening and reading stories that seem to keep pointing me towards this survival topic.


Like the fireside I attended on Wednesday with the Jacksons, there are endless stories of other people who face unbelievable trials, sadness, pain, obstacles, you name it. Some how they make it.


Molly Jackson suggested in her talk that we read The Survivor's Club by Ben Sherwood. He shares stories from around the world about surviving impossible odds and asking the questions - what does it take to surive and what kind of survivor are you? I am looking forward to reading it.The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life

Usually I don'g blog too much about the books I read because I do that more on Goodreads. But I can't resist today. The book I am listening to is Unbroken by Laura HillenbrandProduct Details Oh my word. Get this book today. This true survival story is incredible.

Between a Rock and a Hard PlaceAnd what about this story? Between A Rock And A Hard Place. You know the story - this guy gets his arm stuck under a massive boulder for 5 days and finally cuts it off and hikes out to a rescue team. But read it and you will be amazed at what it takes to survive. I don't know if I have it. But what I was reminded of from Molly Jackson is that you don't know how strong you are until you are faced with the situation.


One of my favorite books about survival is Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl, a surivor of the Nazi concentration camps. One line has always stuck with me "...everything can be taken from a man but one thing:  the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." And this one from Frankl - “Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to control how you will respond to the situation. You cannot control what happens to you in life, but you can control what you will feel and do in response to what happens to you.” 


Lots to think about. And of course I was reminded of it again in this General Conference talk by Elder Oaks. It is about desire - but that is ultimately what made all these individuals survive - their desire. He said, "Let us remember that desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. In addition, it is our actions and our desires that cause us to become something, whether a true friend, a gifted teacher, or one who has qualified for eternal life."