Name That Tune

There's a right way to live and be happy;
It is choosing the right every day.
I am learning the teachings of Jesus;
They will help me and show me the way.


Choose the right way
and be happy.
I must always choose the right.

-Primary Children's Songbook

The Boy has started to love Primary (it only took 6 months). We play the Primary songs on Sunday mornings before church and he often likes to sing along...

"Choose the right way
and the left way"

It only makes sense.

Come and Get 'Em...Please!

This is our harvest over the last week (minus one zucchini).

When we were buying plants for our garden we decided to experiment with some "super sweet" tomatoes, not realizing that they were cherry tomatoes. About a month ago, the wind blew all four plants down and I was bummed thinking we wouldn't get that many. Not so! They have gone bonkers! I really can't eat all of these (as I'm the ONLY one in my family who does). Please, if you will be in the general vicinity of my home this week, come and get some!

In case you don't know what you would do with cherry tomatoes, might I suggest a few delicious recipes for you to try.

Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette

Heat 1 Tbs. olive oil in a large frying pan and add 1 to 1 1/2 c. cherry tomatoes. Season with plenty of salt and ground black pepper and leave to simmer gently for 5 min. Add 1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar a pinch of sugar and 1/3 c. fresh basil, roughly chopped. Cook for an additional 1-2 min., then stir through cooked pasta (penne works well).

Lemon Orzo Salad

1 c. orzo (I found it at Target)
1 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. lemon juice, divided
1/2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 c. diced dried apricots
1/3 c. crumbled feta cheese
1/3 c crushed cashews
salt and pepper to taste

Cook orzo to pkg. directions, rinse in cool water and drain. Toss with oil and 1 Tbs. lemon juice. Add remaining ingredients, toss, add 1 Tbs. lemon juice and toss.

Roasted Tomatoes with Pasta

2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved (this is a total guess, I usually just fill a cookie sheet with them)
2 sprigs rosemary
1/2 c olive oil
8 cloves garlic
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
coarse salt
pepper
1 lb. pasta cooked to pkg. directions
1/4 c. oregano, basil, thyme
1/2 c. crumbled feta

Pour half of olive oil onto cookie sheet and spread evenly. Sprinkle with garlic and rosemary. Wash and cut tomatoes in half and lay on cookie sheet (cut side down). Sprinkle with vinegar and remaining oil, salt and pepper. Put under broiler for a few minutes until pulp has softened and skin blisters (I like to take the skins off, but that's optional). Place pasta in a large bowl, toss with ingredients on the cookie sheet, herbs, and cheese.

Even if you don't take my tomatoes, these recipes are really worth a try (at least I like them).

Godfrey Family Campout 2010

The annual Godfrey Family Campout was last week. It was originally scheduled to be at a campground in the Uintas, but the rain washed it away and the only place we were able to find to accommodate my grandparent's very large family was Gray's River in Wyoming. It was beautiful.
We found out the day before we left that Mark would not be able to go with us. So I ran to the dollar store and purchased entertainment for the 5 hour drive -- just me and the kids. Huge thanks to Adam and Keira who let me follow them up so I wouldn't get lost.

After our arrival we set up and played a bit in the river (okay, so Adam played with The Queen in the river, it was too cold for anyone else -- thanks, Adam). My mom prepared some family history and told stories of our ancestors. I found out that I'm an 8th generation Mormon (on both my grandpa and grandma's side) and that I have an ancestor who crossed the Delaware with General Washington! Pretty fun stuff!

After the campfire, we bundled up and snuggled in for the night -- 35 degrees when we woke up. I made the kids snuggle in the sleeping bag with me until Lucy (my cousin's 8-year-old daughter) made a campfire -- THANKS, LUCY!

The next day rained quite a bit, but we managed to have some fun!
We were able to go on a short hike between rainstorms. Talena carried The Boy almost the entire way (could I ask for a better family? Nope, I got the best one!). My 80-year-old grandma even came...awesome!
There were plenty of ATVs. The Boy mooched a few rides, but The Queen was happy to play on them while they were quiet.
I need to thank my whole family for helping me out so much! Thanks for helping me up and back, and hauling most of my stuff. Thank you for playing with my kids, feeding my kids, taking pictures of my kids, setting up my tent, taking down my tent, and letting me sleep in yours! I couldn't have done it without you! I'll bring Mark with me next time!

Silly Aunty

He's Home!

Yesterday my little brother came home from his mission to Argentina. The day was pretty much laid back and spent with family. Happy to report he is doing well and adjusting beautifully (does ANYTHING phase him?).

Anyway, we are so proud of your service and so happy to have you back with us, Mo!