Seven Eight and Under

We made our way down to Aunt Tina's house to help out while Aaron graduated from police academy. I spent 24 hours taking care of 7 kids (8 mo to 8 years). Quite the chore, but it was good to see the cousins. Eating pizza from Lotsa Motsa! Amber and Gracie

Tyler and Ava

Megan and Breck

Bruno couldn't get enough loves. If he wasn't so slobbery I would have enjoyed it. Did I mention he laid next to my bed and farted as I tried to fall asleep. I'm still not sure if I actually fell asleep or passed into unconciousness. The kids having a go at feeding Yuma the pregnant horse.

Jesse being his happy self as he was continually ignored and placed on the floor to be stepped on by children and dog....no joke.

Breck and Ava trying out Ty's John Deere.

Here Comes The Sun......

We were able to walk to the park the other day and enjoy the good weather!

Jesse Boy's first time on a swing.

The view to the West. Gracie's school on the right hand side.

Hearty Shepherd's Pie

It's high time I added a recipe, and frankly it's high time that this Shepherd made a Shepherd's Pie for once. We thought this recipe was great. Breck ate it, so it is kid friendly depending on the child. We loved that it incorporated cream cheese. Mmmm.........

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion chopped
1 can Cream of Celery soup
2 cups cooked veggies (canned, frozen, or fresh) (ex: peas, carrots, green beans, corn)
1 cup fresh mushrooms (washed and chopped)
1/4 cup water
1 tsp crushed rosemary
1 tsp garlic powder, divided
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 cups prepared instant mashed potatoes
1 pkg cream cheese, softened and cubed
1/4 sour cream
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Directions:

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until beef is no longer pink, drain. Stir in soup, vegetables, rosemary, 1/2 of garlic powder, salt and pepper; heat through. Transfer to a greased 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.

In a large bowl, beat the mashed potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream and remaining garlic powder until blended. Spread over top of beef mixture. Sprinkle with parmesan.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 25 minutes or until heated through and potatoes are lightly browned.

Flashback Friday

Poor quality picture huh? I got a laugh when I discovered this picture this morning. I had completely forgot about "flashback Friday" until I found this. In August 2002 Ryan and I, along with my brother Jesse and his wife Melanie, went and stayed at Bear River Lodge. We had an awesome time riding four wheelers, spotting wild life, feeding fish, playing cards and bbq-ing. We found this sign along the way. To my relief we never saw the inhabitants of 'Beaver Creek Nudist Ranch.'