St. Thomas

This is pictures from our wonderful 10 year anniversary, St. Thomas trip.

So it all began on June 2 @ around 5:30 my mom shows up at our door. (my mom lives in ID) My response was,"what are you doing here?" I was then told that on Sunday the 6th, Marshall and I will be leaving on a plane to St. Thomas and my mom was here to watch the kids.

My mother-in-law had spoiled me the previous month with a new swim suit and sandals. (which I was so grateful for when I was told where we were going and when!! She's the best!!)

When we arrived at St. Thomas we pick up our rental car, a soft top Jeep, (I love Jeeps!!)


We stayed at a little Villa, we had a beautiful view of the ocean, great pool, and we loved Leah!! Seriously we felt like we were staying with an old friend. We had beach towels, chairs, and a cooler in our room. She also had snorkel gear that we were able to use.

We first went to secret harbor where we went snorkeling for the first time, it wasn't the best snorkeling, but it was a great beach with not very many people. Also, we had my favorite food of the trip there (mahi, mahi sandwhich with pineapple). That is where we also saw the Iguanas, up close and personal.

We then went to Coki Beach, where the water was so clear! It had really good snorkeling, if you could get past the fish coming after you! They feed the fish dog biscits there so the fish think you are going to feed them, after you pass those fish and get over to the rocky area the snorkeling was great.
The next day we took the ferry over to St. John's

We first went to Trunk bay, it has the most wonderful sand (it's like powder). You felt like you were swimming in a large salty pool. They have a really cool snorkel path with information under the water, about the fish, corral, and everything else.

We then went to Annaberg trail. That is where we took a pretty hike to the beach and swam (snorkeled) mostly swimming, the island with the snorkeling was way out there. By the time we got there, we realized if we wanted to make sure we got on the ferry back to St. Thomas that day we better get started swimming back. It was still allot of fun just swimming, walking, and talking.

The next day we took it easy. We bought gifts, but mostly sat around and visited with Leah. I can't believe we didn't take pictures with her. We went out to a local pub, don't worry we didn't drink, but they had the best pizza and view. We then finished our trip watching the flyer's game. It was a wonderful, relaxing trip. It was nice just having time with Marshall. I am forever greatful for a wonderful husband!!

Spagetti casserole changed to spagetti Bake

For dinner last night I made a family favorite meal only I revamped it to be healthy.
This recipe is made so you can make 1/2 of it for dinner and freeze the other 1/2 for another night. I just used what ever vegetables I had in the fridge. My kids (5, 3, 1)loved it, they both (5 and 3 yr old) wanted seconds, they may have picked out some peppers and mushrooms, maybe I should make them smaller next time :).

Spagetti Bake
cooking spray
1clove of garlic
1/2 package of chopped firm tofu
1 package of fresh spinach
1C sliced red peppers
1C sliced green peppers
1/2C sliced carrots
1/2C sliced mushrooms (even though I'm the only one in my family who eats them)
italian seasoning (I have no idea how much I used, until it looks or tastes right I guess)
1 can of no salt added diced tomatoes
1 package of wheat spagetti (we get ours from Winco in the bulk section, it actually tastes really good)
2C mexican blend shredded cheese (I eye ball it, but because I'm trying to make it healthy I had to limit how much cheese I put on it)

Cook noodles as directed on package. Spray pan with cooking spray let in get a little warm and add garlic and tofu (take out extra water from tofu with paper towels on both sides and press lightly) cook on med. heat for around 3 min., add spinach, peppers and carrots then cover with a lid. Cook another 3 min or until the spinach is getting soft. Add tomatoes and italian seasoning simmer for another 3 min.
Then layer noodles-sauce-cheese 2x
Bake on 350 for 35 min.

Mom's healthy pancakes

Ok so the family photo I posted did not come in clear. I am having computer issues. I can't seem to get my pictures on the computer, for that matter our dvd player on the computer isn't working either. I know I need to get more computer savy, maybe if I could have peace when I am on the cumputer. Ok enough venting. I actually wanted to say I am going to post a very yummy and health recipe. My whole family loves them. It's pancakes!! Okay so they are now called mom's healthy pancakes. I have revamped them several times and this is as healthy as I can get them.

I must warn you that I make them with just eye balling amounts. I tried to make it a recipe, it's pretty close, but for some reason it always turns out better when I eye ball it.

2C wheat flour
4tsp baking powder (I do a heaping TB)
2TB sugar
1tsp salt (see I just go shake, shake, shake over the bowl)
1/2TB (once againg I shake it in)
2TB powdered milk (if you don't have powdered milk 1C milk 1C water)
1ripe banana (1/2 banana substitutes 1 egg)
1TB vanilla
2C water
Mix and enjoy, well of course after you cook them.
We do still use syrup and butter...one step at a time.

Family Photo

My Brother took a family photo of us while we were in Idaho. We liked this spot because it has a part of California in Idaho. (the graffiti) We had a wonderful time in Idaho. The kids loved playing in the snow. JT helped grandpa feed the cows and gather eggs. They loved sledding, we would tie the sled onto the four wheeler and make the round out in the feild. Ashtyn did know if she liked it at first, but by the end she didn't want to stop. I think the best part was the fun they had with there cousins. Marshall enjoyed the chopping wood and hanging doors in the barn for my dad (my dad just had shoulder surgery), and I of course enjoyed watching all of the hallmark christmas movie. Really Christmas can't get much better.