Several Updates…

I have a lot to update today so I’m going to just jumble it all up into one big post.

First of all I have had my heart warmed today. Jenna's teachers neighbors have been in the process of adopting children from Haiti for quit sometime now and when the earthquake hit they were very grateful that their 5 children in Haiti were unharmed. They went to Haiti this last month to bring their children home. As well as bringing their own children home they brought 66 children to America for several other families who were waiting to get their adopted children out of Haiti. The family is from here in Pocatello, they have 3 children already and are bringing home 5 more from Haiti. I was so overwhelmed with gratitude for all my blessings and so touched by this story that I had to share it. Here are a couple blogs that tell their story  www.dezynes.blogspot.com and www.onthewingsofmiracles.blogspot.com. They are needing help with clothing and things for these children that they are bringing home and I’m planning on donating clothing from my girls that they no longer use and might help this family. Also I’m going to pick up some extra household items for them. If you can help I’m sure they’d be greatly appreciative. I’m giving my stuff to Katy Swan at Syringa Elementary, she’s Jenna’s teacher and this families neighbor and friend. I hope this touches your heart like it did mine.

A Great Recipe!!

Here is a Recipe that my family has decided is one of our favorites. We have started cooking a Ham at least once a month just to have leftovers to make this wonderful soup..

Delicious Ham and Potato Soup…

3 1/2 cups Potatoes peeled and diced
1/3 cup Celery diced
1/3 cup onion finely chopped
3/4 cup ham cubed
3 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granulated
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1 teaspoon pepper
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons flour all purpose
2 cups milk

Instructions:

1. Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minute. Stir in chicken bouillon , salt and pepper.

2. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve Immediately.

We like to leave out the Celery and add a can of whole kernel corn.
Very good!! Enjoy!!
 

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY GABEY BABY!!!

Gabe turned 1 last Tuesday and we celebrated on this last Saturday. I can’t believe a whole year has gone by and he is getting so big. He crawls everywhere and gets into everything. He has 8 teeth now and can go up and down the stairs. He walks along everything he can get a hold of. He lets go and balances on his own really well now too. Yesterday he even took a few steps. He gets so excited when the girls clap for him when he walks. It won’t be long and I’m sure he’ll be toddling all over the place. He yells everywhere he goes and has fun playing with Isaac and his sisters. He loves to play with Isaac’s Batman toys so he got some of his own for his birthday. He also really loves any kind of car that can fit in his little hand.

David made him a great cake for his birthday. David loves being creative with the boys cakes. I make the cake and he decorates it.  We missed Grandma and Grandpa Saville at our little party but are so happy to have them where they are. We are looking forward to seeing them in a couple of months.  Anyway here are some pictures of Gabe and his party and a video of some of his first steps.

Race Track Cake

The Gift Giving Line
 
Dad helping unwrap…

Grandpa and Gabe playing with new truck…

First bite….

Second Bite…

End Result…

After a bath…

Jenna is not quite big enough to hold Gabe up to get him balanced and started but when I videoed Katie helping Gabe I rotated the camera to Portrait and then the video came out side ways so we had to re-video him so here it is..