My Turn....

It is Half way through the year and that means that it is my turn for a Birthday. I had a great time this year... Marty had a couple of great surprises for me. Thursday Night we went to the Carolina Opry and then Friday Night we went to Rioz and had Brazilian food.... MY FaVORITE!

Here is my new favorite photo....

Tomato Blessings

I can't believe how big my Heirloom tomato plants have grown here in South Carolina...
This is a page that I put together just for fun.

I used a new Digi Kit entitled "Blosom" from Sweet Shoppe Designs.

I also used this for this weeks Variety Challenge where you had to use a sketch, but make changes. So I used SBSC151... I flipped it upside down, used squares instead of circles and only used one large picture.

New.."From The Pantry" Challenge. Week #24

Summer is Here

And with that comes all my favorite activities, like EATING, hanging out at the BEACH, B-B-Ques, fishing, swimming, playing volleyball, family reunions and PICNICS! So my challenge to you is for you to fill your picnic basket with all those wonderful pictures of summer. You can use any colors of summer that you would like; you just have to start with a brown or kraft base. (You know… your picnic basket!) Fill it up! Using multiple pictures and colors. Along with my sample today I have included our family’s favorite picnic sandwich. Bonus Points if you use a "Burma Shave" slogan as part of your journaling.


Family Club Muffuletta
(Makes 4 – 8 servings)
Prep Time: 30 min Total Time: 30 min

What You Need!
3 tomatoes, sliced
2 green onions, sliced
1 green pepper, cut into strips
3/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
3 Tbsp. Italian Dressing
1 round Italian bread loaf (1-1/2 lb.)
3 Tbsp. mayonnaise
5 slices of Swiss Cheese or Provolone cheese
5 slices of Cheddar cheese
1 pkg. (9 oz.) Roasted Turkey Breast
1 pkg. (9 oz) smoked Ham
8 strips of cooked bacon
2 cups torn leaf lettuce

To Make It!
TOSS first 4 ingredients with Italian dressing; let stand 10 min.
MEANWHILE, cut bread horizontally in half; hollow out each half, leaving 1/4-inch-thick shell. Discard removed bread or reserve for another use. Spread insides of bread shells with mayonnaise.
DRAIN vegetable mixture; discard dressing. Layer meats, cheeses, vegetable mixture and lettuce on the bottom half of the bread; cover with top of bread. Cut into wedges.

My Sample page….. Jungle Park

Don’t forget to upload using the Keywords: SCS52WK24

The Gallery for this challenge can be found......HERE

Both of the photos below are using the same recipe, it is just two different fun ways of presenting it...

Happy Birthday to my SON!

OKAY! now I am starting to feel older... My middle baby turning 18 today! Does that make me really old or what???? He makes me feel really old... He acts so grown-up. He is so excited to be officially independent. He has his own job... He got his first Apartment all on his own... He pays his bills all on his own... He say that him and his Girlfriend can have a LIFE now all on their own.... hehehehe.... little does HE know!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SON!!!

WE LOVE YOU LOTS....

Happy June Everyone!

I am so far behind on everything.... I know I should be starting to feel older, because my birthday is coming up, but I don't. Maybe when It gets closer...

Moving was a pain... BUT IT'S DONE!

I really hate moving.... even though we have moved so many time I now have it down to a science, I still really hate moving. Once again we have been in the same small locational circle for our seven year span and so now we are moving on to a totally new lifestyle and culture. We, THE HARRIS', are taking on the SOUTH! South Carolina that is... We love the beach here and the people are very friendly, I am not sure that I am cut out to be a Southern Bell, but I do love the Calabash (southern fried seafood) Blue Crabs are my favorite.

Project of the Month....

Okay... so it's better late than never.... right?

Here is pictures of the project that the boys and I made last week before we left for New England. I laid them out in a scrapbook page and uploaded them that way for Jenn's IFC: "Red" Challenge. Also just to note that the poem is my own original work, so please don't copy it for anything but personal used.

CALABASH & the Blue Crab Festival...

I have found my new Food Heaven.... CALABASH (southern fried seafood) and deep fried Blue Crabs. I have included some before and after shots.... They are so good!

Sweet Treat at the BEACH...

Down at the beach where the Blue Crab Festival was being held there was a Guy making homemade Ice Cream with the Old machine pictured below... It was really cool.

Sad Day..... We lost a Good Friend & Aunt

Aunt Phyllis, 55, passed away peacefully at her home in Washington City Wednesday, May 13, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born Sept. 18, 1953, in Panguitch, to Robert Phil and Roene Adams Dickinson, and was the youngest of three daughters.

Phyllis was sealed for time and all eternity to her sweetheart, Kirkman Z. Mitchell, Feb. 16, 1974, in the St. George LDS temple. They are the parents of four children and the grandparents of seven grandchildren.

Phyllis loved to provide service to others and had a deep, unwavering faith. She always served with her whole heart in the many callings she had in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed attending the temple.

She loved sewing and quilting, but most of all she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her top priority was her family and she made her home a magical and welcoming place for all of us. She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, cousin, niece and friend to so many who loved her so much.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Kirk, Washington City; children, Mindi (Kenny) Jacobson, Coalville; Kody (Rachel) Mitchell, Washington City; Krystal Mitchell, Salt Lake City; and MaKayle (Luke) Larsen, Layton; grandchildren, Kaden and Kyler Jacobson, and Kelton, Rylee, Bitner, Kinley Mitchell and Kaisa Larsen; her Mother, Roene A. Dickinson; and sisters, RoLayne (Harry J.) Gardner, all Idaho Falls, Idaho; Lynda (Paul) Henrie, West Jordan; in addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Phil Dickinson.

Funeral services were held May 18, at the Washington Fields LDS 11th ward chapel in Washington City.

Interment was in the Kingston Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for all those who provided compassionate love and support to Phyllis, during her illness.

Expressions of love and sympathy may be made through donations to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, (801) 584-5800, or Primary Children's Medical Center, (801) 662-5959, or donate online.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, UT, (435) 673-2454.

New......... "From The Pantry" Challenge.

Welcome in the Summer…

In honor of National Salad Month, my new found friends and the yummy salad I had at lunch yesterday, I challenge you to the Colors of Summer…

The Challenge is for you to create a page, LO or DPS using the summer colors found in the salad below. Your challenge you to use bits of Coral (shrimp), Pink (Grapefruit), Yellow (Mango), Red (Tomatoes), and Orange (Mandarin Oranges) on a bed of rich Fresh Green (Lettuce and Avocado). You can add a touch of brown (Caramelized Pecans) if you would like. My first thought when I saw my salad yesterday was “What a nice way to welcome in the summer!” and my second thought was "And this would make a great SCRAPPIN' Challenge" or was it the other way around..... hum......hehehehe!

Shrimp & Citrus Salad
(Makes 4 main course Salads)

INGREDIENTS:
2 large pink grapefruits (peeled and sectioned)
1 large Mango (peeled and cubed)
1 large can of Mandarin Oranges (well drained)
2 medium Tomatoes (washed and sliced into wedges)
6oz Spring Mix / Salad Mix
2 avocados
1/2 lb cooked peeled shrimps (about 6 to 8 per salad)
3-4 sprigs dill
1 cup candied Pecans (optional)

For the Dressing:
Juice from grapefruit and 1/2 of a lemon
1/4 sweet red onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
A pinch of salt and pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon of poppy seeds

1. To remove sections from the grapefruits: Slice off the top and base of the fruits. Following the curve of the fruit, cut away the skin, zest, and pith so only the segments and central membranes are left. Slide the knife down each side of a section to cut it free of the membranes, letting the section fall into the bowl. Continue cutting, turning the membranes back like the pages of a book until you’ve removed all of the sections. Chill them and reserve the juice.

2. Wash and dry the salad mix. Halve each avocado lengthwise, cutting down to the pit. Twist the halves and pull them from the pit. Tap the blade of a knife sharply onto the pit, twist, and pull out the pit. Peel away the skin and cut the avocado flesh into lengthwise slices. Brush some of the grapefruit or lemon juice over the slices so they do not discolor.

3. For the dressing: Whisk the reserved grapefruit juice with the lemon juice, onion, garlic, mustard, poppy seeds, salt and pepper until mixed. Gradually add the olive oil, whisking constantly so the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly. Taste, adjust the seasoning and set aside.

4. Shortly before serving: Toss the salad mix with about a third of the dressing and taste for seasoning. Spread a bed of salad mix on 4 plates. Arrange the avocado slices and fruit and tomato sections like the spokes of a wheel on top and spoon over more dressing. Chop the dill and toss with the shrimps and remaining dressing. Taste, adjust seasoning, and spoon the shrimps into the center of the wheel. Sprinkle with candied pecans. Serve the salad as soon as you can so the greens do not wilt.


Please post your pages to the gallery using the Keywords: SCS52WK20

my Sample can be found Here.... Sandal Weather

Happy Mother's Day!!!!!

Happy Birthday to my SON!

Look OUT!!!!!!.... we have another driver at our house. Happy Birthday to my fourth Baby. He is traveling along that "Sweet Sixteen" scene. First dates... First drives... First Group Parties... First at a lot of things for him... He is starting to express his way into adulthood very quickly and we are very proud of him...


Happy Birthday my almost grown-up little one!

Tasty Taco Salad Make-Over....

FIESTA TIME!!!!

A year ago I posted my favorite Taco Salad Recipe on here and SCS. As I have spent this past year studying and learning how to make-over my favorite recipes into better tasting, lower calorie treats, I discovered the my loaded Taco Salad recipe that I thought was good for me was actually contributing to my down fall.... So staying with the Theme of the day and to pay tribute to National Salad month here is my Made-Over Tasty Taco Salad recipe for the day.

Tasty Taco Salad

Prep Time: 20 mins * Total Time: 20 mins * Makes:4 servings

4 whole wheat flour tortillas (8 inch)
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 cup of chopped white or yellow onion
1 small clove of chopped fresh garlic
1 teaspoon of dry taco seasoning mix
1/4 cup warm water
salt & pepper to taste
4 cups shredded lettuce or baby spinach
1 cup Finely Shredded Four Cheese
1 large tomato, chopped
1 medium cucumber, chopped
1 medium avocado, chopped
1/4 cup sour cream (about 1 tablespoon per person)
1/2 cup salsa (about 2 tablespoons per person)

CRUMPLE 4 large sheets of foil to make 4 (3-inch) balls; place on baking sheet. Place 1 tortilla over each ball; spray with low-cal cooking spray. Bake 6 to 8 min. or until tortillas are golden brown. (Tortillas will drape over balls as they bake.)
*by using whole wheat and baking shells instead of frying or using store bought chips you save 80 calories per person

MEANWHILE, cook meat with onion, garlic, taco seasoning mix, salt & pepper and warm water.
*by cooking your meat with the following ingredients instead of browning it in 2 tablespoons of oil you save 120 calories per person

FILL shells with lettuce, meat mixture, cheese and vegetables just before serving top with sour cream and salsa.
*by measuring and using sour cream and salsa instead of salad dressing you save 60 calories per person

So by making-over my Favorite Taco Salad, I have saved myself 260 calories... going from 580 to 320.

I hope you all enjoy! Happy Cinco De' Mayo

FYI.... "Going Green"

Hey did you all know that MAY is.....

National Salad Month

Here is a great link for awesome FYI information: Making better Salads

Life has begun in Myrtle Beach...

Wow.... If I could have only dreamed! ..... If someone, a month ago would have told me that I would now be living in on the beach in South Carolina, I would have probably either ignored them or maybe beat their craziness with a big stick... But Here I AM.... NOW LIVING ON A BEACH IN SOUTH CAROLINA!!!!!! In many ways a dream come true, we are once again employed, once again insured, once again in a fantastic ward, once again living by the ocean, once again becoming more empty nested, and the plus side is Marty Feels great. His blood pressure is way down!!!!

Anyway here are a few of our new surroundings...

Our New Itty-Bitty Living Space....

New >>>>>>> "From The Pantry" Challenge!

I know that I often cross promote here on my blog to different challenges at SCS and I would like do it again... This is such and awesome challenge and my immediate thought was what great scrapbook embellishments it would make!

Check out the Challenge here...... TLC216 Metal Stamping

So... I want to challenge everyone to make a scrapbook embellishment or two and add them to your page or LO and post it to both keyword challenges

Keywords are:
Here.................... FTP09MS
There................... TLC216


Challenge Ends 4-20-09 and I will be giving prizes for the best embellishments.

I will upload my sample when I get home tomorrow...

Happy Easter Everyone!

We will be enjoying a great weekend together at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!

SCS 52 Week Challenge #15

Sweet Rainbow layers of Goodness
We love Easter at our house... It is one of our big “Family” holidays and even now that we live so far away from our extended family, my DH & I still try very hard to make it a Family affair. The recipe that I have based the Challenge around today is one of our family favorites for Easter because everyone can help make them and I can't wait until we have grandkids so that we can share and “pass-over” the fun.

SO... based on the recipe included... Your challenge is to choose any one of the color combinations that you see in the cookies below. You will then need to use those three colors, (and only those three colors) , plus white or cream (you have to have the inside frosting of course...) to create your layout. Then to “Pass-over” the fun, your other part of the challenge is to either make an extra LO to share with your Secret “Word” Sister (ask Lela if you need a secret sister) or make a batch of cookies to share with a friend or neighbor.

There will be March Madness bonus points of 6 per upload entry if you scrap photos of You & Your Family Cooking...

Rainbow Egg Cookies
from Betty Crocker

1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 egg
3-9 different food colors (the Neon colors work the best)

1/2 Can Betty Crocker® Vanilla Frosting

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Stir cookie mix, butter, flour and egg in medium bowl until dough forms. Divide dough evenly among 3 bowls; tint each dough by stirring in a few drops of desired food color.

2. Shape 1/3 cup of each color of dough into a rope about 5 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. Place ropes side by side and a little more than 1/4 inch apart on floured surface; roll until 1/4 inch thick. Cut with 2- to 2 1/2-inch egg-shaped cookie cutter so each cookie has 3 colors. (see picture below)

3. Sprinkle with sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. (When rerolling dough scraps, carefully lay matching colors together.)

4. Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Spread frosting on bottoms of half the cookies. Top with remaining cookies.

My Sample... (with photo of DS's making these cookies)
Easter 2002 - DPS
Also... here is another take on this challenge.... Easter 2000

Please upload using keywords: SCS52WK15

Happy Birthday to my Sweetheart...

I remember the first time I met him... it seems like just yesterday!
And THAT was 25 years ago...
My how the time has gone by and yet to me he is still the same!
Love and memories will be treasured in my heart forever....
Happy Birthday, I love you Sweetie!