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Midway, UT 09/28/2010

Kelly and Judy let us crash their weekend at The Homestead in Midway. The autumn colors are so pretty up there right now. We had fun just spending the day together...mostly swimming.

Jack is a bit serious in these photos but he just loved swimming...he even got "dunked" several times and didn't seem to mind.

Tristin and Kyla

Baby Ian is getting so big...

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Classic Hummus 09/22/2010

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For my last birthday my friend, Katie, got me a subscription to Vegetarian Times. The September 2010 issue has a recipe I like for classic hummus...and hummus with a twist.

Classic Hummus

3 C cooked chickpeas, or 2 15-oz. cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained twice, hot or warmed in microwave
1/3 C lemon juice
1 clove garlic
½ C tahini (add up to 2 C)

I also added:
1 more garlic clove
2 tsp. salt or more
2 T olive oil or more
1-2 T toasted sesame seeds or more

Puree warm chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic and 2/3 cup water in food processor 3-4 minutes, or until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl if necessary. Add tahini (pureed sesame seeds), and puree 2 minutes, or until mixture has consistency of soft cream cheese, add 1 to 2 T water, if necessary. Add optional ingredients and blend 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Classic, with a twist…
Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus: Blend in ¼ C sun-dried tomato pesto. Top with olive oil, chopped olives, and smoked paprika.
Parsley Hummus: Blend in ½ C chopped fresh parsley. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and Za’atar
Roasted Pepper Hummus: Blend in ¾ C roasted red peppers. Garnish with smoked paprika and chopped parsley.
Spicy Hummus: Blend in 1 T harissa (or 1 tsp. cayenne pepper mixed with 2 tsp. olive oil and ½ tsp. minced garlic). Garnish with 2 T olive oil, ¼ tsp. smoked paprika, and dash of chopped parsley.

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Uno Party 09/19/2010

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For Jack's first birthday party (a week early) I got ideas from this blog and this blog. I could have really gone overboard with the fun Uno theme but I think I kept it pretty simple. My parents helped out a lot.

The party is just getting started.

Jack's great-grandmother Kay and my mom.

The Hoovers

Grandma and Grandpa Clayton with their grand-boys.

Don't you want a cupcake with a sweet baby's face as a topper?

Jack was pretty interested in each present. Thanks everyone...the gifts were very thoughtful and just what he needs.

Jack's cake was a no oil, no egg, no milk, banana cake with homemade whipped cream for the frosting. He had eaten already so he didn't eat much but he sure loved the texture.

After most of the guests went home Jack got to have play time with his new toys.

I sure loved planning the party but having so many family members come and dote on my little boy just made the evening so perfect. I wish I took pictures of everyone.
Thank you so much! I love you all.

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DIY Roman blinds 09/12/2010

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I've wanted to change the blinds in our master bedroom for over a year and I finally did. I followed this tutorial from Little Green Notebook (with a few minor changes, actual sewing involved).

I wanted it to be simple and neutral. Here it is...