.:Love:.

My little brother, Ben, has been in border patrol training for the last 4 months.  During that time, his wife gave birth to twin boy and girl.  He has only been able to see them 2 times.  

This was the day that he finished his training and came home.  We met him at the airport and he got to hold his little girl.  I love how she put her head on his shoulder and her hand on his mouth.  We are all so glad that he gets to be with his family everyday now. 

Take 35...

Trying to get a cute pic of both of them looking at the camera is nearly impossible.

Example:

I give up.

Neighborly Love

We have the BEST neighborhood and neighbors ever.  I am positive of that.  Everyone is so fun and friendly and we love to all get together.  

Over Christmas time we had a progressive dinner with everyone and had a blast.  We had appetizers over here, dinner and salad at Jerry and Holly's, and dessert at Craig and Kerri's.  

Here is Ethan giving some love to Jerry and Holly's little girl, Katelyn.  He tells us all the time that he is going to marry Katelyn.

 The boys: Dave, Craig, Jerry, Trey

 The girls: Holly (and Katelyn), Eryn (and Sosie), Me, and Kerri

 Our newest neighbor, Sosie

 Eryn holding Katelyn

 Jerry serving up the prime rib dinner he made us!

We are so lucky to live here!

Valentines Day

The woke up Valentines Day to a fun heart shaped table and breakfast.

 We even made hats to wear. 

Girls Day Out

My beautiful baby and I ready to hit the Pinkalicous Play.

Blue Cheese and Carmelized Onion Squares

I have taken this appetizer to multiple parties and it is always a huge it!  It is so easy to make and people love it!  

Ingredients:

prepared pizza dough

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 large onions, sliced

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola

roll out pizza dough into a square shape and place on cookie sheet. 

heat olive oil and butter in saute pan and add onions.  Cook over med high for 5 mins till soft and turning brown.  Add rosemary, sugar, and salt and cook on low for 15-20 more min till soft and brown in color.  make sure to stir frequently.  

Spread onions on pizza dough.  sprinkle blue cheese over onions.  bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 min till cheese is bubbling and crust is golden brown.

enjoy!

Salsa Verde Turkey Burger

This recipe has become a staple in our household.  Not only is it healthy, but it is better than most beef burgers!  You will love this!

1 avocado, sliced 

1/2 cup mayonnaise (I use low fat) 

1 clove garlic, minced 

Salt

1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro  

1 pound ground turkey thigh meat 

1/2 cup salsa verde

  pepper Jack cheese 

4 kaiser rolls, split and toasted
red or green tomato, sliced

Directions:

1.   Mix the mayonnaise, cilantro, and garlic with a fork until well combined. Season with salt and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey and salsa. Divide the mixture to form 4 patties.
3. In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat (or panini press), cook the patties for 4 minutes on one side. Flip and top each with a slice of cheese; cover and cook for 4 minutes more.
4. Spread the cilantro aioli on the split side of each roll bottom. Top with a patty and 2 tomato slices and sliced avacado; set the roll tops into place.
   
   I find the turkey much easier to cook on a panini grill so that I don't have to worry about flipping the patties.  The turkey falls apart easily since it doesn't have a lot of fat in it.  I have also tried adding a beaten egg to the turkey mixture to hold together.  Best thing is to make patties ahead of time, place in freezer for an hour or so and then cook on panini press for 4 minutes.