Journal~

I have been so lazy about bringing a camera, I am burned out on lugging that huge thing everywhere.   I still feel obligated to keep my journal/blog updated, so I am quickly recaping.  Last day of school June 20th YEA!  Camping and boating for 7 days at Sunrise June 24th - 30th. 

We had mostly beautiful weather, and Jeff and I learned how to Wake Surf :) 


(This is not us by the way...sure you figured that out on your own...just an example I found)

Kylee and Jensen stayed home and worked, so we had just 4 of us.  One rainy day we went bowling with two other families, Lewis's and Child's.  Faith and Gage were inseperable the entire week.  Campground had grouchy old people running it, and they told Faith she couldn't ride her Barbie car...so we went and bought her a little bike as an early birthday present.  She loved it. 

4th of July week was busy.  Breakfast at the church with the firefighters, then party at the Hunsaker's with swimming and BBQ and fireworks.  Faith's 5th birthday party Saturday July 7th...Rainbow Unicorn Party ~ was a big hit and all the kids had so much fun. Thanks mom and grandma for the darling unicorns ~ kids LOVED them! Oh and Jeff had fun with the pinata legs :)

Camping/boating again July 9th ~ 12th at Sunlakes.(favorite campground)  Dallin brought a friend Bennett, Kylee,Dallin, and Faith came also.  Jensen again stayed home to work.  110 degree weather, and beautiful.  We all got very tan.  Sad day when Jeff ran into a submerged rock in the lake and did about 3500.00 worth of damage.   We were fortunate it didn't sink and no one was hurt.  Made the best of the vacation and swam and played in the water most of the days.  The nights we stayed busy going to local towns.  Grand Coulee Dam light show, Spiderman movie in Ephrata, and a Mexican restaurant for Faith's actual birthday.   They startled her when they put the hat on her and started singing.  Great little get away even with no boat. 

July 18th ~ 21st Tucker's sister's wedding.  I made the cake, and we got to go with family to her endowments, then the marriage.  It was so fun.  Reception was also so fun.  We helped quite a bit and enjoyed seeing the family so happy. 

July 22nd had Lind's over for dinner they are moving to Utah, said goodbye.  Love that family but happy we will see them when we visit. 

July 23rd ~ Group FHE at our house to distribute flyers for Jensen's eagle project.  www.walkthewall.org had root beer floats after.

July 27th leaving for Utah to visit family and take Jensen to EFY in Provo.

French HoT Chocolate Recipe ~ YUM

 

Chocolat à l'Ancienne

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients: (4 people)

28 fl. oz. Whole Milk
7 oz. Unsweetened Baking Chocolate
1 cup Crème Fraîche (or heavy cream)
1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
Pinch of Powdered Vanilla (optional)
2 tbsp. Cocoa Powder (for top)
1 1/2 cup Fresh or Canned Whipped Cream (for top)

How to Make It:

1. Heat up milk, cream, and sugar over a low flame. Bring to a simmer, but don't let it boil.
2. Take off heat and add chocolate (chopped into small pieces) and vanilla. Stir until chocolate melts and it becomes smooth.
3. Pour into mugs and serve with whipped cream and powdered cocoa.
Voilà!

NB: If you are making your own whipped cream: Take 1 1/2 cups of chilled heavy cream and whip until firm. Put in refrigerator and then make the recipe for the hot chocolate.

Variations:

1. For a lighter version, just use milk.
2. For a Spanish flavor, add 1 - 2 tsp. of cinnamon.
3. If you like your hot chocolate recipes very sweet, try adding a teaspoon (or two!) of vanilla sugar.
4. If you have a really strong sweet tooth, add caramel!!!

Serving Ideas:

Traditionally, French hot chocolate is served in a couple of different ways:

For breakfast. In which case you would want to serve it in a bowl, so that you can dip your toasted bread into it -- it's delicious and I highly recommend that you try this, either for breakfast or for a special snack.

Or you can serve hot chocolate with different pastries and French chocolates, such as truffles. In fact, hot chocolate recipes are an excellent idea for an afternoon tea…

International China Concern ~ Jensen's Eagle Project

I couldn't be a prouder mama! My son Jensen is taking on a big responsiblity for his upcoming Eagle Scout Project. He is in charge of the 2012 Walk the Wall in Auburn,WA ~ Our sweet Faith was in the promo video in China in 2009. ICC saved her life and countless others. They also educate,cloth,and shelter those to disabled to otherwise function in society. We need your support!


WalkThe Wall 2012 from International China Concern on Vimeo.

Sneak peek at Faith's birthday outfit!

Rainbow theme going  on here, isn't she the cutest thing you have every seen!!!