Power Foods

While in Costco last week I came across this little cookbook. I'd seen it before but am trying to resist the urge to buy things I don't need. I decided I needed it. The book lists 38 of the most healthy foods and 150 recipes for using them in a variety of forms and meals. Selections include fruits, berries, vegetable, nuts, grains and lean meats and protein sources. Also included are 12 healthy foods you should eat organically due to the high levels of toxins in these foods. Costco even sells some of these organic food items, such as apples and they are same price as the regular ones so you don't kill your food budget!
Another interesting list are foods for specific health concerns ranging from allergies to type 2 diabetes.
The best part is that all recipes look really yummy and lend themselves to all kinds of possible substitutions if you see something that isn't a family fave. Enjoy!

Lights...Camera...Action

Well it's not the Utah Shakespearean Festival but it was just as much fun. And very sweet. And the spirit of Christmas was there. Christmas Eve nativity program is never a disappointment. Grandpa served as narrator, Ethan insisted on being the photographer, Savannah as Mary, Mike as Joseph and the rest of us were shepherds.
If only someone had thought to close the closet door.

Baby Henry's Blessing Day

Baby Henry was blessed in his parents ward in American Fork, Utah on January 2, 2011. We had a small gathering of family immediately following to have some lunch and socialize before the family headed back into the various directions from whence they came. Here is baby Henry with his paternal grandparents and aunties. The proud and handsome parents. Henry's maternal grandparents and aunties plus one uncle. The uncles were missed in their absence. I'm sure baby Henry felt the excess of estrogen in the room. The dear one at four weeks. So beautiful.

Lovely Henry with his grandma who misses him so much. I am so grateful to have been able to spend such precious time with my sweet family.

Who's next? I almost have enough flyer miles for another trip!

Five Fruits and Veggies in a Glass

I know it's not much to look at, but it really is tasty. I was in the mood for a healthy drink this morning and remembered a demo from the Vita Mix man at Costco. Mix a handful of spinach, a sliced carrot, half of a large banana ( or a whole small one), 1/2 cup crushed pineapple with the juice, and a peeled and quartered Granny Smith apple. Add four ice CUBES and a squirt of honey and blend. Make a large glass full. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Ethan!

Ethan is five today! Yay for Ethan! While we were in Utah we had a family party for Ethan and had some real fun! This years theme was "space" so mom had the house decked out like outer space, complete with a "moon cake" and stellar gifts!

Constellation puzzle. Moon cake with craters~Not a birthday party picture, but a cute one anyway. Getting ready for another family food bash! Ethan ~ We hope being 5 is the best ever!

Love, Grandma and Grandpa

XXXXXOOOOO

Newly Remodeled Laie Hawaii Temple

During our Thanksgiving getaway to Hawaii we were able to attend a session in the Laie temple. The remodel had just been completed and the dedication was the Sunday we were there. We always seem to plan our trips when there is no church and special meetings instead. We were lucky to get in after a two year closure. The color scheme and patterns and designs were just lovely - I'd love to decorate my home with all the fabrics and wallpapers and carpet designs. We made it to the last session before the Thanksgiving break as well so we were double blessed. The Laie temple was originally built and dedicated in 1911 or 1919 or something like that so it's very old.We were excited to eat in the cafeteria but it had closed for the day so a sweet sister recommended the Hukilau Cafe just down the street in the neighborhood. We usually succumb to only one lunch plate per trip because our arteries can't handle more than that. This one was really yummy! Deep fried shrimp and teriyaki beef and Cooldad had some kind of pork dish.

The cafe. It probably gets its name from the nearby beach with the same name, and the song.

The view from our room. We've never been this high up before and the view was lovely on three sides. Perfect weather every day. What a beautiful world we get to live in! Someone put a lot of time and thought into it! And I appreciate it very much!

Mahalo!