October

Target has a new FRIENDS line... dang the crop tops or this would be in my wardrobe!

She's not a fan of ballet, but hip hop has her pumped!

Fun girls night to see Downtown Abby!

It's officially been one year since we moved here.

Finally time to host something.

We invited several couples over for a game night! It got a little naughty and a lot of funny around here. The Harris', Laineys, Monahans, Wests, and Kim and Jess Johnson came.

We played a game I saw on Ellen where you blindfold a couple and give one person a food to eat on a platter. If they guess the food correctly, the partner gets a turn. Best time wins. We did 4 foods total to each couple. Feeding people BBQ sauce and whole tomatoes is not a bad way to spend an evening haha.

I think someone is loved!

Even Della got in on the dog pile! We get to have this sweet girl while the rest of her family is on a cruise!

Watched the Women's conference session at mom's stake center then went to Cheesecake Factory afterward where we nearly shut the place down! Really good conversation paired with Tuxedo cheesecake.

I don't think I'll ever enjoy another yeast cinnamon roll after converting to this shortbread recipe! A good way to start conference!

Why did this make me laugh so much?

What if grown-ups got swept up in a nonsense parade around the house? Haha. Monkey see, monkey do!

Tried out a new park in Gilbert. Um... bad idea. It was huge and packed and when we got there all the kids scattered and I haven't had such anxiety since I don't know when.

Because when it's fall break, you have to go to some manner of trampoline park somewhere, right?

Got all the windows on the bottom floor framed. Now we need to paint!

Packing for Costa Rica was fun with my little un-packer!

Madi Packer, our babysitter, while we were out of town, was awesome. She had lots of fun activities to do with the kids.

Kristen was made for teaching! I love her positive affirmation song at the beginning of Let's Play Music!

Presents from Costa Rica! A sloth for Tanner!

Olive got an ornate hand mirror, Weston got a pocket knife, Collin got a soccer jersey and they all got authenic money, water bottle stickers and candy!

While I was shopping in the book section at Target, I find him on an end cap like this. I want to frame this!!

He saw a "foof book"

Shelley hosted a Favorites Party with the Lindblom cousins that was really fun. We've never done something like this before and most everyone came. We ate super yummy food in the backyard then exchanged gifts inside. I went home with toilet bowl cleaner tablets, the Room on the Broom book and spatulas! 

Trying to get some rest. He literally came and laid right on top of my head. Comfy.

Collin's friend at school invited him to her ward's trunk or treat party. She has a crush on him, but he just saw this as an opportunity for more candy. I really debated on whether to let him go and "encourage" her crush, but it turned out fine and as of this writing, she's on to the next boy, haha. His hot dog costume was my favortie. Pull it on and go! No make-up, mask, extra swords or weapons to buy, etc. You win, Collin!

I made a light and tender Pear Clafouti for our Sunday brunch with homemade whipped cream. The kids turned their noses up at it. Hmpf! They don't deserve me!

We get Grandma at our Sunday dinners about once a month. I smiled seeing Jefferson walking her up. 

Been playing with the idea of bangs for a while. 

Needed to switch up my look.

I asked Shelley is she wouldn't mind doing it one night and she said to pull up a chair after Sunday dinner! The best was my mom. Immediately nervous and asking me, "Are you sure you want to do this??" I had to laugh. I had no qualms. It's just hair! If it's awful, it'll grow back! 

The kids had no idea this was going on and Olive's face as she wandered past did not really help!

It's the new Jan Brady! 

Or Winnie Cooper!

I've been kind of shocked at the response I've gotten from people. Likeee, a lot of love. It's almost embarrassing how much some people have gushed. But it's definitely been reassuring the first few weeks getting used to it!

You cannot tell me this isn't funny!!

I'm telling you... my little salad eater!

Morrison Ranch Halloween Festival

Tanner is sporting one of Olive's old costumes (and loving it) and Weston put a hunter together since he can't wear his real costume til Halloween. Amazon reviews said the fan breaks easily so I didn't want it to break before the real night.

Mental note: eat dinner beforehand next year. Travis stood in line for overpriced food truck corn dogs most of the time we were there!

I started to get so nauseous on this ride! It went wicked fast and Olive wouldn't have stopped if I hadn't put on the brakes. Tanner's face quickly went from joy to misery-green.

Tanner was too small for most of the games.

Rolling down the hill was more his speed! He started out slow then picked up the pace in no time. He must have done this a dozen times!

The way I find them sleeping sometimes!

Playdates with his buddy, Fox! (Yep, a real child's name.)

I can't choose! Don't make me choose! 

It's my blog and I'll post 100 pictures of my sparkly unicorn if I want to!! :)

And Nacho Libre!

We had to explain his costume to almost everyone. Was that movie that long ago?!

Ok, I can't! That knee pop!! Tanner, your mother is obsessed!!

I wasn't sure if this was the last year I'd get to do a themed costume with the youngest who doesn't have an opinion yet, so here's to penciled on mustaches and saying "Get that corn outta my face!"

Marcie threw our family Halloween party! Here's all the themed food...

We ate and then sang our pretty, Lindblom voices out!

Oh David! Always good for a laugh!

Almost everyone was a good sport and took a turn!

Wilson Phillips brought out the immature karaoke in us! It was like we were transported back to 1993 in front of Grandma Evan's dresser mirror, headlining as Shining Moon Mania!

A hike to the Wave Cave! We left really early in the morning so we could get there when the sun was rising. Then we went to Henhouse Cafe afterward. It's always so good to spend time with my cousin! There's been some heavy extended family stuff going on that you can't just talk about to anyone. I've always felt safe with Leah. 

After over ten years of making these you'd think I'd have it down! Nope! The caramel slid down eventually making quite a mess. 

Just look at that mess! I had to take a picture of the background, because this represents my life when I take the time to make something yummy and/or pretty. 

Ok, now these. These unassuming pancakes are actually dynamite, infused with butter, topped in berry love. I made them because Henhouse has lemon mascarpone pancakes that are so good, but I ended up getting a benedict instead. Had to get my carb fill on my own! I try new recipes like Celine buys new shoes. Allll the time. But very rarely do I get to toot my horn, pat myself on the back and call for a sky writer when one works out. In my very humble opinion, this recipe deserves all three. 

I ended up making my own mascarpone because the grocery store didn't have any. And I used mixed berries instead of just strawberries. Try this today!!

Lemon Mascarpone Pancakes with berry sauce

NGREDIENTS

·         1 TBSP sugar

·         1 lemon, zested, and juiced (~2 TBSP), divided

·         1 cup all-purpose flour

·         2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

·         1/2 teaspoon salt

·         1 egg

·         1/2 cup mascarpone, room temperature

·         3/4 cup milk

·         1/4 cup butter, melted

·         2 TBSP water

·         4 TBSP sugar

·         16 oz. frozen whole strawberries

INSTRUCTIONS

1.    Combine 1 TBSP sugar with lemon zest and rub between fingers to release the oil from the zest and infuse the sugar. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; stir to combine.

2.    In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together egg, room temerapture mascarpone, milk, cooled melted butter, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

3.    Mix the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Let sit while the pan heats up over medium-high. Place approximately 1/4 cup of batter on a buttered griddle; wait until bubbles appear on the batter’s surface, and pop, then flip. You’ll want to lower the heat to medium, or medium-low as the pan continues to heat.

4.    Strawberry Sauce: before beginning the pancakes, or as the pancakes cook, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons water, 4 tablespoons sugar, and the strawberries to a medium-high saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes until strawberries soften. Mash the strawberries gently with the back of a spoon to desired consistency. The longer you simmer, and once the sauce cools, it will thicken.

5.    Once pancakes are cooked, serve with warm strawberry sauce. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

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It’s key to have the mascarpone at room temperature so it easily whisks in!

FHE carving pumpkins.

 I was impressed with their ideas and execution! 

Especially, my own, hahaha! I stepped in to help Olive and no one was more surprised than me when it worked out.

Eeets the most wonderful timeeee of the yearrrrr!!!

This potpourri is the first thing on my stove when fresh cranberries finally hit the stores! 

Our spooky, family dinner.... 

a healthy dose of food coloring for all!

We watched Hocus Pocus sipping on pumpkin milkshakes. Next year, we'll stick to Oreo, haha. 

HaLLoWeEn NiGhT!

Travis took the kids around while I handed out candy the first hour. 

Judge Judy for the win! I almost fell off my chair laughing! Poor child is a good sport!

Mrs. Doubtfire came in second. Bless this child, she had mask sliding into her eyes when she walked up!

Total crack up to watch him walk down the street! He got lots of compliments and even more candy! I think we weighed his bag and it was 9 1/2 pounds!

When planning costumes a month ago, was not planning on cold weather. Barely clothed Tanner was a trooper in the chill for the first hour and a half. Olive too. Then they were miserable and we called it. I just took Weston out after that while Collin ran the streets with his friends.