Table for Eight

There are so many good good people in the world. And sometimes I think I forget to take note of all the extraordinary kindness that's shown to me or my family. So, I wanted to take a second and write down three really special moments we had this week, moments I hope I will try and reciprocate for other people.   1. Introduction To A Service Dog. We saw a "service dog" on our way to the store Wednesday and we were immediately smitten. The puppy's name was Rarlyn and she was a beautiful dog; we were eager to learn more about her and what she does. But I was a little nervous about taking the trainer's time, because I imagine a lot of people stop them as they go about their work. (This probably comes a little from my experience post-Survivor. I am usually reluctant to stop people in public places now. Ha.) Anyway, we ended up in conversation with Rarlyn's trainer and I couldn't believe how kind she was. She gave us a mini-overview of the work she ...

A rainbow house. Isn't this awe-maze-ing? There's a definite possibility that I'm going through some type of existential crisis. I think it has something to do with one or all of the following: -- our oldest/first kiddo leaving home   (to serve a service mission for 2 years) -- turning 43 -- completing a life-LONG goal of playing Survivor (For those of you that know me, I first applied for Survivor at age 30! So it really is incredible that I was able to eventually get cast and play ... twice. What the what? My point here, that goal is done. I need a new one.) -- not working out regularly (My post-Survivor fitness and eating routines have been horrible. I'm the heaviest I've ever been. In my whole life, dangit.) -- missing our beloved family dog, Ozzy (had him for 10+ years) -- coughing for 34 days straight (I caught some type of bronchitis or cold in July and haven't stopped coughing since) I know none of these are "real proble...

(c) Chef-in-Training, 2013. I know it's summer, so the last thing on most people's To Do List is "Make Cauliflower Soup." But this is INCREDIBLE cauliflower soup. Like, my kids can't stand cauliflower, but they get it EVERY time we go to Zupas . (PS: Zupas doesn't know me, but if you are in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona, they have locations near ya. Jussayin'.) Anyway, I have a huge bag of cauliflower, so we decided we are going to try and copy-cat Zupa's recipe for Wisconsin Cauliflower soup tonight. And just in case it doesn't turn out supa, we're making bread. (You can always fill in the gaps with a big chunk of bread. Carbs have a way of making everything A-OK.) My bread. (Tee hee) Here's the complete recipe, in case you'd like to try it, too. It's from Chef In-Training (which is a beautiful blog, PS): http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/09/copy-cat-zupas-wisconsin-cauliflower-soup/ **** PS: In other...

Kind of random, but I'm making pesto today for the first time. Ever since Elder Meehan left on his mission, I feel the need to try new things. I guess it's my way of distracting myself, getting lost in new things?  Oh, who knows?! (And probably, who cares? Ha ha ha.) It's a way to pass the time-- that's all I'm sayin'. But back to my point! Today I'm making pesto at Janae's--using her basil, her AWESOME BlendTec blender, my homegrown garlic, my olive oil ... and my $49.99 per pound PINENUTS! Yup, you heard me: Pinenuts are $49.99 per POUND here in Utah. What in the honk?  Funny, yesterday I tweeted about how expensive pinenuts were and people immediately replied "pesto doesn't really need pinenuts." WHAT?!  That's not what FoodNetwork says.  Now, I may only be able to afford two tablespoons of pesto, but I'm making it according to The Iron Chef's recommendation, people.  Work with me here.  I do...

Our whole fam--dropping Elder Meehan off at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. Well, this was a HUGE week for our family: Elder Meehan (Jay) began his service as a full-time missionary for our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). It was really an emotional week, filled with highs and lows.  We're so happy/excited/proud of Jay for serving a two-year service mission. But it's definitely hard to say goodbye for two years. (We will only have written contact for the next two years. And a phone call on Christmas and Mother's Day.). It's a bit like sending him off to college AND Survivor in my mind: It's going to be an awesome adventure, filled with experiences that are life-changing. He's one amazing kiddo to do this (and we are fortunate to be able to send him). Here are some of the photos from his send off at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. (We are fortunate to live in Utah because we were all ...

When Bam was little she used to talk about taking photos with her mind--and keeping them "for always." She would look at something, blink, and then tell me, "I just took a picture with my mind." Funny how someone so small could say something so profound. Because my memories really are visual--photos--of experiences, times, places in our lives ... just like Bam said. And this photo above is one of the ones I've got committed to my memory--for always. Jay, Dad and I love you.   So. Much. We are so grateful to spend our days with you. You teach us so much and make us laugh so hard. We can't wait to see what the next chapter brings for you, for us all. XO. PS: I love that you learned to do a backflip. It's the first of many challenges you can cross of your bucket list. I love it.