Sunday, June 1, 2008
Chapter 1
Friday, May 30, 2008
Breaking Dawn
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Couscous Salad
1 box of CousCous-prepare as directed (I used a garlic and olive oil one-Far East brand)
Add:
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup red & yellow pepper, diced
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
3/4 cup Garbanzo beans
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 medium carrot, chopped
diced tomatoes (I used grape tomatoes)
Avocado, diced
1/4-1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds

Dressing:
6 Tbsp lemon juice
5 Tbsp olive oil
1-2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp curry
1 1/2 tsp sugar
salt & pepper to taste
Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine. Serve right away or chill first.
Toph really liked it! The veggies are all so different and I love anything with avocado! The toasted slivered almonds really put it over the top! It was soooo yummy!
This recipe replaced the Jerk Apple Slaw Bacon Cheeseburger recipe . . . it was major NOT yummy!
Add:
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup red & yellow pepper, diced
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
3/4 cup Garbanzo beans
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 medium carrot, chopped
diced tomatoes (I used grape tomatoes)
Avocado, diced
1/4-1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds

Dressing:
6 Tbsp lemon juice
5 Tbsp olive oil
1-2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp curry
1 1/2 tsp sugar
salt & pepper to taste
Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine. Serve right away or chill first.
Toph really liked it! The veggies are all so different and I love anything with avocado! The toasted slivered almonds really put it over the top! It was soooo yummy!
This recipe replaced the Jerk Apple Slaw Bacon Cheeseburger recipe . . . it was major NOT yummy!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Spring Break Last Year
Last year we went with the Parry's and Smiths to San Diego and had a blast at the Wild Animal Park, Seaworld, San Diego Zoo and the Beach! I finally downloaded the pictures from my camera!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Parents and texting
Lauren's Blessing Day
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tag
How to play this game of tag. Post these rules on your blog. List 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts about yourself. Tag someone at the end of your post by leaving their name/names. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
3 JOYS: Seeing my hubs after work, time with friends and family, a good book.
3 FEARS: Mountain Lions (ever since I saw/read "Where the Redfern Grows"), tripping and knocking my teeth out, Driving on cliff roads.
3 current obsessions/collections: Blogging, scrapbooking my mission, trying nutritious new recipes.
3 random surprising facts about myself: I still think to myself in German (if that makes sense), I am a major Bon Jovi fan, I love to write (stories, poems etc.).
Tagged:Brandi
3 JOYS: Seeing my hubs after work, time with friends and family, a good book.
3 FEARS: Mountain Lions (ever since I saw/read "Where the Redfern Grows"), tripping and knocking my teeth out, Driving on cliff roads.
3 current obsessions/collections: Blogging, scrapbooking my mission, trying nutritious new recipes.
3 random surprising facts about myself: I still think to myself in German (if that makes sense), I am a major Bon Jovi fan, I love to write (stories, poems etc.).
Tagged:Brandi
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Childhood Books
I guess I am feeling ambitious today . . two posts and all but a few books that I read as a child popped into my head today and everytime I think of one I add it to a list of books to buy so my kids can read them too someday!
Today the book "The High Rise Glorious Skittle Skat Roarious Sky Pie Angel Food Cake" popped into my head! I read it when I was in second or third grade and thought that it was awesome! I remember talking to my mom about it and how amazing it was! My mom is an avid reader and always has something amazing to share or a new read to entice me to. She always has read the ones that we were interested in too! Some of my favs from childhood are Number the Stars, Summer of the Monkeys, Hatchet, Peppermints in the Parlor, The Indian in the Cupboard series, Nancy Drew's, The Boxcar Children books, The Polar Express, Anne of Green Gables, etc. Books are just awesome! Read!
Today the book "The High Rise Glorious Skittle Skat Roarious Sky Pie Angel Food Cake" popped into my head! I read it when I was in second or third grade and thought that it was awesome! I remember talking to my mom about it and how amazing it was! My mom is an avid reader and always has something amazing to share or a new read to entice me to. She always has read the ones that we were interested in too! Some of my favs from childhood are Number the Stars, Summer of the Monkeys, Hatchet, Peppermints in the Parlor, The Indian in the Cupboard series, Nancy Drew's, The Boxcar Children books, The Polar Express, Anne of Green Gables, etc. Books are just awesome! Read!
A Salute to Dian Thomas
As a kid growing up I remember scanning thru what I thought was the coolest book ever "Today's Tips For Easy Living" by Dian Thomas. I guess she used to be the genius crafty lady on the Today show. Anyways I loved that book and last fall I found a copy at Deseret Book! It was the holy grail of all finds! I would have bought everyone I know one . . . but their was only one . . . so now I am relishing it! The ideas within are brilliant as are the recipes! I made the Chili Chip casserole for dinner last night and Chris LOVED it!!! (It was very nummy!) So I have included the recipe . . .Chili Chip Casserole

1 lb hamburger
1 (8oz) can tomato sauce
1 (16 oz) can chili con carne
3 cups fritos
1 jalapeno chopped (optional)
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Brown hamburger in skillet over medium heat. Drain off drippings. Add tomato sauce and chili con carne. Stir in 1 cup of fritos. Heat until warmed thru. Add jalapeno and cheese on top for added zip. Top with remaining fritos and bake in oven for about 10-15 minutes until bubbly or hot. Serve with sour cream and freshly diced onion. Serves 4 to 6 people.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Risk Game Night
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Congrats Smiths!
My beautiful older sister welcomed son #3 today at 11:58.
Austin Rodney Smith weighs 8 lbs and is 20.5 inches long and looks like his brothers and is named after my dad. They are so excited to have him in their family! Big brother Brecky has been anxious to share his toys
with him and feed him applesauce. (Though they'll have to wait a bit longer before he gets down in the dirt with them.) Congrats Dan and Julie! He is perfect! Now you just need one more to have all of the ninja turtles covered!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Our Families
Monday, May 12, 2008
Happy 2nd Anniversary!
Hurray, hurray we are celebrating our 2nd Anniversary this lovely 13th day of May! These past two years have been full of incredible experiences and have taught us so much about each other! I knew that Chris was amazing before I married him but marriage has just made me appreciate him more than ever! He is seriously the kindest, funniest, most patient, loving and out-going husband! I could not ask for more! What can I say, I aimed for the stars and caught the brilliance of the moon and the warmth of the sun in the process. Each day with Chris is simply better than the one before! I am so blessed to have an honorable priesthood holder who respects and honors me everyday! I love you so much Toph! You are my hot bowl of chili! Happy Anniversary!
On our Honeymoon!
Friday, May 9, 2008
An Early Happy Mothers Day
My mother has always offered encouragement
when I thought that the world was out to get me.
She gave me ideas and inspiration for my future,
Sometimes we would find quiet moments together where it was just the two of us.
I still think of those times and relive them in my mind like they were yesterday.
I remember watching her work, her hands always busy, cleaning, cooking, wiping tears, trying not to pull her hair out in a house full of teenagers, reading a good book, sometimes breaking out some rock and roll on the piano. Some of my sisters have her hands, and follow her example.
She is the one who knew that one day I would be glad that I had taken piano lessons, and never let me give up on anything easily, or limit myself where she knew that I could succeed.
Her example is fearless, riding motorcycles, visiting new places, and trying new things.
She plans and prepares for parties, dinners, trips and weddings,
recitals, school plays, mission calls, and births, all with the excitement and dedication that only a mother could have for her children.
She had us eat vegetables, canned jam when she could, cheered the loudest, and sewed up a storm. All of which came from the heart because she loves us.
She set the example for the type of mother that I want to be one day, one who's mind is forever learning and turning, who thinks about her neighbors, never tires of her family, and who is always ready to share a great book or a good laugh.
For all this and more I hope that you have an amazing mothers day! I Love you Mom!
when I thought that the world was out to get me.
She gave me ideas and inspiration for my future,
Sometimes we would find quiet moments together where it was just the two of us.
I still think of those times and relive them in my mind like they were yesterday.
I remember watching her work, her hands always busy, cleaning, cooking, wiping tears, trying not to pull her hair out in a house full of teenagers, reading a good book, sometimes breaking out some rock and roll on the piano. Some of my sisters have her hands, and follow her example.
She is the one who knew that one day I would be glad that I had taken piano lessons, and never let me give up on anything easily, or limit myself where she knew that I could succeed.
Her example is fearless, riding motorcycles, visiting new places, and trying new things.
She plans and prepares for parties, dinners, trips and weddings,
recitals, school plays, mission calls, and births, all with the excitement and dedication that only a mother could have for her children.
She had us eat vegetables, canned jam when she could, cheered the loudest, and sewed up a storm. All of which came from the heart because she loves us.
She set the example for the type of mother that I want to be one day, one who's mind is forever learning and turning, who thinks about her neighbors, never tires of her family, and who is always ready to share a great book or a good laugh.
For all this and more I hope that you have an amazing mothers day! I Love you Mom!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Hubby of Mine
What's his name? Chris
How long have you been married? 2 years on May 13th!
How long did you date? hmmm, started in July, had a pause somewhere in their and picked up again in October so about 8 months
How old is he? 26
Who said I love you first? Mwah!
Who kissed who first? I did, he tried many times, but when I finally did he said I attacked him . . . or as Trey would say "Aunt Emily is the Cheetah and Uncle Chris is the Zebra!" (I beg to differ, a bit)
Who asked out who first? I invited him to a fireside with a group from our ward, but he asked me out on our first real date!
Who proposed? Chris did on February 28,2006. (But we had already been planning the wedding since November!)
Who is taller? Chris is . . . I am 5'2" he's 5'8"
Who does laundry? We both do!
Who does the dishes? We do them together. (I also adopted my moms system of wash as you work)
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Chris
Who pays the bills? We both do!
Who mows the lawn? Our landlord!
Who cooks dinner? I usually do, but Chris is always willing to and helps out! He really loves to spice things up!
Who drives when you are together? It depends on who is more tired and what vehicle we take.
Who is more stubborn? Toph! He is a Liechty!
Who is cleaner? We both like things clean but I am OCD sometimes!
Who has more siblings? Chris has 3 sisters, I have 4 sisters and 1 brother.
Who wears the pants in the family? I think we try to share the wearing of the "pants"
Whose parents do you see more often? hmm, I guess my parents, but we talk on the phone to Toph's parents more.
What is the last movie you saw: Ironman
What movies do you look forward to watching: Me Twilight! Chris not Twilight!
Who wakes up first in the morning? Chris!!! (unless I have to work early)
What qualities do you love about your hubby? He ALWAYS thinks of/puts me first, he warms my cold feet, he is so patient with me, he likes my cooking, he always makes sure we go on a date every week, he makes me laugh, his eyes and smile, he is just adorable!
How long have you been married? 2 years on May 13th!
How long did you date? hmmm, started in July, had a pause somewhere in their and picked up again in October so about 8 months
How old is he? 26
Who said I love you first? Mwah!
Who kissed who first? I did, he tried many times, but when I finally did he said I attacked him . . . or as Trey would say "Aunt Emily is the Cheetah and Uncle Chris is the Zebra!" (I beg to differ, a bit)
Who asked out who first? I invited him to a fireside with a group from our ward, but he asked me out on our first real date!
Who proposed? Chris did on February 28,2006. (But we had already been planning the wedding since November!)
Who is taller? Chris is . . . I am 5'2" he's 5'8"
Who does laundry? We both do!
Who does the dishes? We do them together. (I also adopted my moms system of wash as you work)
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Chris
Who pays the bills? We both do!
Who mows the lawn? Our landlord!
Who cooks dinner? I usually do, but Chris is always willing to and helps out! He really loves to spice things up!
Who drives when you are together? It depends on who is more tired and what vehicle we take.
Who is more stubborn? Toph! He is a Liechty!
Who is cleaner? We both like things clean but I am OCD sometimes!
Who has more siblings? Chris has 3 sisters, I have 4 sisters and 1 brother.
Who wears the pants in the family? I think we try to share the wearing of the "pants"
Whose parents do you see more often? hmm, I guess my parents, but we talk on the phone to Toph's parents more.
What is the last movie you saw: Ironman
What movies do you look forward to watching: Me Twilight! Chris not Twilight!
Who wakes up first in the morning? Chris!!! (unless I have to work early)
What qualities do you love about your hubby? He ALWAYS thinks of/puts me first, he warms my cold feet, he is so patient with me, he likes my cooking, he always makes sure we go on a date every week, he makes me laugh, his eyes and smile, he is just adorable!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Pumpkin Bean Burgers
I know that everyone was dying to get this recipe yesterday at dinner so here it is! Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cooking oil
1 cup BUSH'S® Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/3 cup quick cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
4 hamburger buns
Directions
In a large skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender; set aside. Mash the beans in a large bowl. Stir in the pumpkin, oats, sage, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mix in the cooked onion and garlic. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Shape the bean mixture into four patties. Place on a greased baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Or cook in a nonstick skillet for 4 to 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
For sauce, combine mayonnaise and ginger. Spread sauce on the buns and fill each one with a bean burger patty.

Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cooking oil
1 cup BUSH'S® Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/3 cup quick cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
4 hamburger buns
Directions
In a large skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender; set aside. Mash the beans in a large bowl. Stir in the pumpkin, oats, sage, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mix in the cooked onion and garlic. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Shape the bean mixture into four patties. Place on a greased baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Or cook in a nonstick skillet for 4 to 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
For sauce, combine mayonnaise and ginger. Spread sauce on the buns and fill each one with a bean burger patty.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Last Day of Finals!
Wa-hoo! Their is definately a feeling of excitement in the Liechty home today . . . it is the last day of finals! Chris is taking his last one right now and mine is at 1:00! We are ready to be done with this semester! As I was doing the dishes this morning I had the TV on to one of the morning shows and I had to laugh because REO Speedwagon was on one channel, Neil Diamond was on another and Steve Winwood was on another channel! It was quite entertaining but I got a little nervous when they danced or tried to get a little too groovy on the stage because they aren't as young as they were in their prime days! (I could just see a broken hip happening!) I am sure our parents probably rocked out to them! I knew some of the songs that they sang at least! I am just excited that NKOTB are coming back! They are now in/around their 40s so I am sure my kids will one day be like "who are the old guys prancing around?" Of course I was like 8 when they were big so . . . it has been 18 years since then! Holy cow!
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