For Christmas my wonderful sister in law got my husband and I Wicked tickets and also offered to babysit our 4 kids! So of course leading up to the day we were just so excited and could not wait. My husband made reservations at the Stinking Rose in Beverly Hills. I was leary about trying a new restaurant...especially Italian. But, I must say it was amazing and so worth it.
So we get to the restaurant where we were seated immediately. They are BIG on garlic and I was also afraid about being overwhelmed with it but, I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't even know garlic was basically in everything!!! Ha! I had the Filet Mignon which was to die for...it came with spinach and garlic mashed potatoes. Yup...amazing. It was probably the best I have ever had!!!!!! Dale had an asparagus pasta....of course with garlic..hahaha! Dinner was quiet and peaceful. Spending time with my husband is great...I really cherish these moments.
We left the restaurant to immediately head over to the Pantages theater where we saw Wicked for the 1st time! I love it! Glinda the good witch was hilarious!!!! The music was breathtaking and I laughed and cried. It was really GREAT! I want to take my oldest son and daughter to see it! They would absolutely LOVE IT!!!
The whole night was great! Thank you Delarie...we truly had an amazing night!!
Denise xoxo!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Mammogram & Ultrasound
So today was the big day. I went in for my Mammogram and Ultrasound this morning.
I drive up to this big building and I pull into the parking structure where I had to drive all the way up to the top to park. As soon as I walk into the Breast Care Center I have this feeling come over me. It's kinda hard to explain. I felt sadness for myself and a little scared. So as I walk in to see a lot of older woman who are bald from Chemo and a lot of older woman who are their for testing as well. I take the elevator with other woman up to the 2nd floor where I was going to have my testing done. I walk into the office and immediately everyone looks at me...everyone. I needed a sign that had said "yes, I'm young and, yes I'm having a Mammo"! or something like that. Anyways, It was weird...and uncomfortable. The whole thing is just weird.
So they call me back and tell me I need to undress...I wore a strapless dress so I could just take my bra off....My idea was genius! So then I wait...with other half naked woman...in a room. Once again...weird. They finally call my name where she has tons of questions for me and I in turn have tons of questions for her....of course hers were by far more important than mine..ha! The whole thing was over in about 10mins. AND...PAINLESS!!! YES!
Then she has me sit...again....Another tech calls me into the Ultrasound room where she does her test.
So in the end they did find the lump I was complaining about and the Pathologist is recommending I see a Surgeon. I'm worried. But, I know I will be ok..whatever the outcome is I'm fine with. I'm actually not nervous if I do have cancer. It's my path. I have a very supportive family and I know we will all be fine ;)
Denise xoxo!
I drive up to this big building and I pull into the parking structure where I had to drive all the way up to the top to park. As soon as I walk into the Breast Care Center I have this feeling come over me. It's kinda hard to explain. I felt sadness for myself and a little scared. So as I walk in to see a lot of older woman who are bald from Chemo and a lot of older woman who are their for testing as well. I take the elevator with other woman up to the 2nd floor where I was going to have my testing done. I walk into the office and immediately everyone looks at me...everyone. I needed a sign that had said "yes, I'm young and, yes I'm having a Mammo"! or something like that. Anyways, It was weird...and uncomfortable. The whole thing is just weird.
So they call me back and tell me I need to undress...I wore a strapless dress so I could just take my bra off....My idea was genius! So then I wait...with other half naked woman...in a room. Once again...weird. They finally call my name where she has tons of questions for me and I in turn have tons of questions for her....of course hers were by far more important than mine..ha! The whole thing was over in about 10mins. AND...PAINLESS!!! YES!
Then she has me sit...again....Another tech calls me into the Ultrasound room where she does her test.
So in the end they did find the lump I was complaining about and the Pathologist is recommending I see a Surgeon. I'm worried. But, I know I will be ok..whatever the outcome is I'm fine with. I'm actually not nervous if I do have cancer. It's my path. I have a very supportive family and I know we will all be fine ;)
Denise xoxo!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Urgent??
Well, I got a call from my Dr's office regarding my referral for the Mammogram and ultrasound. I guess my Dr flagged it as URGENT! Wow, as if I wasn't worried enough. The nurse called me 3 times saying how important it was that she speak to me TODAY! So it seems that the Breast Center is fitting me in because of the urgency of the matter. Urgency? It's really an urgency??? OK, I guess with my history....I can see why. It's just scary to hear the word "urgent".
I go and check in at the Breast Center @ 9:45am to have all the testing done. Then from there I guess they will instruct me and I'm sure it's a waiting game. Wish me luck!
Denise xoxo!
I go and check in at the Breast Center @ 9:45am to have all the testing done. Then from there I guess they will instruct me and I'm sure it's a waiting game. Wish me luck!
Denise xoxo!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz size – southwest style, if possible I used petite diced tomatoes w/ sweet onion)
1 packet enchilada sauce mix (or if you can’t find this, mild taco seasoning works well too, this is what I used)
1 1/2 C water
1 can (8 oz)tomato sauce
1 can ( 10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 C milk
3-4 boneless chicken breasts (I only used 2 chicken breasts)
1 can corn, drained
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz size – southwest style, if possible I used petite diced tomatoes w/ sweet onion)
1 packet enchilada sauce mix (or if you can’t find this, mild taco seasoning works well too, this is what I used)
1 1/2 C water
1 can (8 oz)tomato sauce
1 can ( 10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 C milk
3-4 boneless chicken breasts (I only used 2 chicken breasts)
Directions:
In crock pot, mix the enchilada packet together with the water and tomato sauce. Add cream of chicken soup and milk and whisk together until smooth. Add chicken. Pour drained black beans, drained corn and diced tomatoes on top of that.Cook on low 6-8 hours.Before serving, take out chicken and shred or dice, then put back and stir it all together. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, lime, avocado, or tortilla chips.
Homemade Tortaillas
Recipe: Homemade Flour Tortillas
| | |
Ingredients
- 2-1/2 cups All-purpose Flour
- 2-1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 cup Lard Or Vegetable Shortening
- 2 Tablespoons (additional) Lard Or Vegetable Shortening
- 1 cup Hot Water
Preparation Instructions
Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a large wooden bowl. Stir together.
Add spoonfuls of lard or shortening (use 1/2 cup PLUS 2 tablespoons), then use a pastry cutter to combine the ingredients. Cut mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Slowly pour in hot water, stirring to bring mixture together. Lightly knead dough 30 to 40 times, or until it becomes a cohesive ball of dough and is less sticky. Cover with a tea towel and allow dough to rest for at least an hour.
Roll into ping pong size balls, place on a tray, cover with a tea towel, and allow to rest for another 20 to 30 minutes.
When you're ready to make the tortillas, head a dark or cast iron griddle to medium/medium-high heat. One by one, roll out balls of dough until very, very thin. Throw tortillas (one by one) onto the griddle. Cook on each side for 20 to 30 seconds, removing while tortillas are still soft but slightly brown in spots. Remove and stack tortillas, and cover with a towel to keep warm. Serve immediately or allow to cool before storing tortillas in a container. To warm, nuke tortillas in the microwave, or wrap in foil and warm in the oven.
Helpful tips:
* Make sure the water you pour in is very warm.
* Allow the dough to rest, both after kneading and after forming into balls.
* Roll out very thin.
* Get the heat right on your stove: Too hot, and the tortilla will burn in spots. Not hot enough, and the tortilla will begin to crisp before you can get it to brown. I get my stove between medium and medium high heat; that seems to do the trick.
* Use a dark griddle or cast iron skillet to brown the tortillas.
* Cook just long enough to lightly brown the tortilla in spots; don't cook too long or tortillas will crisp. You want them to be soft and pliable when you serve them.
* Finally: Have fun! And enjoy them. They're absolutely scrumptious
I made these and my family loved them!!!
Add spoonfuls of lard or shortening (use 1/2 cup PLUS 2 tablespoons), then use a pastry cutter to combine the ingredients. Cut mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Slowly pour in hot water, stirring to bring mixture together. Lightly knead dough 30 to 40 times, or until it becomes a cohesive ball of dough and is less sticky. Cover with a tea towel and allow dough to rest for at least an hour.
Roll into ping pong size balls, place on a tray, cover with a tea towel, and allow to rest for another 20 to 30 minutes.
When you're ready to make the tortillas, head a dark or cast iron griddle to medium/medium-high heat. One by one, roll out balls of dough until very, very thin. Throw tortillas (one by one) onto the griddle. Cook on each side for 20 to 30 seconds, removing while tortillas are still soft but slightly brown in spots. Remove and stack tortillas, and cover with a towel to keep warm. Serve immediately or allow to cool before storing tortillas in a container. To warm, nuke tortillas in the microwave, or wrap in foil and warm in the oven.
Helpful tips:
* Make sure the water you pour in is very warm.
* Allow the dough to rest, both after kneading and after forming into balls.
* Roll out very thin.
* Get the heat right on your stove: Too hot, and the tortilla will burn in spots. Not hot enough, and the tortilla will begin to crisp before you can get it to brown. I get my stove between medium and medium high heat; that seems to do the trick.
* Use a dark griddle or cast iron skillet to brown the tortillas.
* Cook just long enough to lightly brown the tortilla in spots; don't cook too long or tortillas will crisp. You want them to be soft and pliable when you serve them.
* Finally: Have fun! And enjoy them. They're absolutely scrumptious
I made these and my family loved them!!!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Not too worried...ok, maybe a little.
About a month ago I found a lump on my left breast and I didn't think too much of it at the time. It was very tender and hurt. I thought it would go away.....it didn't. But, it no longer hurts. Well, I made an appt and went this morning to get it checked out and make sure everything is O.K.
When my mother was 31 she got breast cancer for the 1st time. I was very, very young. My mom had it in 14 lymph nodes and had a mastectomy. It was very bad. She still never showed anyone how much pain she was in. I do remember helping her after her surgery. She went through chemo and was ok for about 8 yrs. She lost the long and painful battle from Breast Cancer at the age of 42. I was 16. I was home schooled during my Sophomore year to help her and take care of her. I was at her bedside everyday...till the last day. My sister was 14 and a mess....understandably.
My grandmother (mom's mom) had Breast Cancer when I was 2yrs old. She was fine and led a pretty healthy life. She passed at age 82 of Pancreatic Cancer.
My grandfather (mom's dad) had cyst in his breast but never cancer. Yes, men get Breast Cancer too.
This whole experience is a little too close to comfort and I am a little worried. I guess because my daughter is the age I was when I lost her and how her loss has impacted my life...good and bad. Good....that I appreciate people for who they are and all of their flaws. I love life a whole lot more! I promised her I would go to school and make something of myself...which I did. Bad....well, the obvious..I miss her and want a mom...that would be nice. To see her smile and hear her contagious laugh. I would love for her to see her grandchildren. Meet my wonderful husband....I can go on and on and on...their is so much.
Well, we will see what happens. I went to the Dr this morning and she is sending me to the Breast center to have a mammogram. Kinda nervous but, anxious to get it done.
xoxo Denise
When my mother was 31 she got breast cancer for the 1st time. I was very, very young. My mom had it in 14 lymph nodes and had a mastectomy. It was very bad. She still never showed anyone how much pain she was in. I do remember helping her after her surgery. She went through chemo and was ok for about 8 yrs. She lost the long and painful battle from Breast Cancer at the age of 42. I was 16. I was home schooled during my Sophomore year to help her and take care of her. I was at her bedside everyday...till the last day. My sister was 14 and a mess....understandably.
My grandmother (mom's mom) had Breast Cancer when I was 2yrs old. She was fine and led a pretty healthy life. She passed at age 82 of Pancreatic Cancer.
My grandfather (mom's dad) had cyst in his breast but never cancer. Yes, men get Breast Cancer too.
This whole experience is a little too close to comfort and I am a little worried. I guess because my daughter is the age I was when I lost her and how her loss has impacted my life...good and bad. Good....that I appreciate people for who they are and all of their flaws. I love life a whole lot more! I promised her I would go to school and make something of myself...which I did. Bad....well, the obvious..I miss her and want a mom...that would be nice. To see her smile and hear her contagious laugh. I would love for her to see her grandchildren. Meet my wonderful husband....I can go on and on and on...their is so much.
Well, we will see what happens. I went to the Dr this morning and she is sending me to the Breast center to have a mammogram. Kinda nervous but, anxious to get it done.
xoxo Denise
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Fun Times!
Well ,Last night was Bunco Night with my Bunco Babes group! I was the host for this month and I prepared a veggie lasagna, salad, bbq hot links, and fruit. Yummy, it was delish! Well, we ate and talked so much we didn't even get to our Bunco game...ha ha ha!!
When I 1st agreed to do Bunco I had no idea what it was and I knew my church played Bunco so I assumed it was safe...ha ha. No, Its gambling! Ha ha! Since I'm Mormon gambling is a no no....but, I don't do it for the money or anything I really do it for fun and I get to spend time with new friends I have met through this group. I have won once but give it to my tithing....I guess that's how I justify it. I don't know if it's right or wrong but I feel pretty good about the decision I have made.
Well, today one of the ladies from my Bunco group came to my church's play date with her adorable kids. The Bunco group I feel is good for me and, now we get to share more than just that 1 night a month together. It's nice to meet new people and share and learn from other mommies. Its great actually! It's also really good for our kids! Fun times...fun times!
xoxo Denise
When I 1st agreed to do Bunco I had no idea what it was and I knew my church played Bunco so I assumed it was safe...ha ha. No, Its gambling! Ha ha! Since I'm Mormon gambling is a no no....but, I don't do it for the money or anything I really do it for fun and I get to spend time with new friends I have met through this group. I have won once but give it to my tithing....I guess that's how I justify it. I don't know if it's right or wrong but I feel pretty good about the decision I have made.
Well, today one of the ladies from my Bunco group came to my church's play date with her adorable kids. The Bunco group I feel is good for me and, now we get to share more than just that 1 night a month together. It's nice to meet new people and share and learn from other mommies. Its great actually! It's also really good for our kids! Fun times...fun times!
xoxo Denise
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Did someone say Big Boy Undies?!?!
Well, Jayden is officially potty trained...phew! Sooooo, Monday morning he woke up and like I do every morning I went to change his diaper. This is our conversation: Me- Jayden lets change your diaper. Jayden- No mommy I don't want to put a diaper on. Me- Do you want big boy undies? Jayden- Yes! It was really that simple...done. Potty trained! Yup.....
So that was Monday. On Tuesday we went to Disneyland with no diapers...yes, the very next day!!!! I went with lots of underwear and clothes just in case. But, to my surprise I didn't need them. Not 1 accident. Nope, not 1!!!! We are so proud of him!
YAY Jayden!!!!!
xoxo Denise!
So that was Monday. On Tuesday we went to Disneyland with no diapers...yes, the very next day!!!! I went with lots of underwear and clothes just in case. But, to my surprise I didn't need them. Not 1 accident. Nope, not 1!!!! We are so proud of him!
YAY Jayden!!!!!
xoxo Denise!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
All these ideas and not enough time!
We are starting a backyard renovation. It's going to be a very slow process because of time. We don't have a lot of time to work on it. With Dale only having 1 day off it makes it kinda hard.
My kids eat a pretty well balanced diet. Drink Almond milk..yum! They don't eat meat. They love veggies and fruit and I feel that Organic produce is expensive in the stores and I always tend to just buy whats on sale. I hate it! So this is a must in my mind.
The transformation on our backyard is gonna be amazing and I can't wait.
So this is the plan:
Denise xoxo!
My kids eat a pretty well balanced diet. Drink Almond milk..yum! They don't eat meat. They love veggies and fruit and I feel that Organic produce is expensive in the stores and I always tend to just buy whats on sale. I hate it! So this is a must in my mind.
- Vegtable and herb garden
- Fruit tress- Apple, peach, pomegranate and lemon
- I would like to have chickens as well...we will see!
The transformation on our backyard is gonna be amazing and I can't wait.
So this is the plan:
- Create a budget and price out everything.
- Contact a contractor for Sprinklers, any brick or cement work and patio covering.
- Create a Layout. Get plans made up. Figure out where things will be placed.
- Clean out Backyard.
- Have the Patio, Sprinklers along w/sod and brick work done.
- Since we have a chain fence we plan to somehow make it a little private by either covering it or adding individual coverings.
- Put up swing set, sandbox and splash pad..yes a splash pad (its a must with young kids...better than a pool...no drowning accidents and so worth every penny...which isn't very much.)
- Decorate!!!!!!
- And....enjoy!
Denise xoxo!
Happy New Year!!
Happy Happy New Year!! 2011 was a really good year for me! Anything and everything good has happened to me in the last few years! 2011 was no exception to that. I had another baby which made a total of 4! She is such a joy and I couldn't imagine life without her!
As for my partner in life, Dale is an amazing father, husband and friend and I feel every year we become closer. Dale has been this amazing person in MY life and I knew from the moment I met him he would change my life. Since 2006 he has been consistent with who he is and what he's about. Not once has he ever treated me badly or made me feel inadequate. He's amazing and it feels really good (blushing) So, this past year has been ahhhhmazing to say the least. We have been married 3yrs and 2012 will bring our 4th yr wedding anniversary and hopefully another bun in the oven!!! I really feel like the luckiest girl in the world and I'm so glad our lives worked out they way they did. I'm glad I went through all the pain to get to him. I'd do it all over again...no question on that! It's la la la la LOVE!
And my kids! Awww, what can I say! They are amazing....precious....adorable.....cute...funny...I can go on and on..ha ha! They are my W O R L D!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so lucky that from day 1 I have got to spend every min with them as a stay at home mommy!! Janae is an amazing big sis...she is my Angel. They and I...we are so blessed to have her. I'm just glad God gave me these kids and I promise I will always do right by them.
My friends, family and Church!! They are great to us! Our friends are always there for us all! Its so nice to have people who support and love you...yup, best feeling in the world and I just want them to know how much I love them and appreciate all they do.
And our Church...wow, what can I say. I have been a member of the LDS Church since 2010. Best thing I have ever done for me, my kids and my relationships with people in general. I belong to the best Church...the real truth. They love us unconditionally and I admire each and every one of them. They teach us not to be judgemental of anyone else and to respect everyone. I try...I'm not perfect but, I try. I love our ward and God has really blessed my home with the Gospel and we try to live by his words. Not pretend or do it for show but really live it. Really embrace his commandments. It has been life changing and I thank my heavenly father everyday for the blessings he has bestowed on us all.
Well, goodbye 2011....it was a GREAT year! Lookout 2012! The Sutton Family has more GREAT memories to make!
Love you all and God Bless you all!
XOXO- Denise
As for my partner in life, Dale is an amazing father, husband and friend and I feel every year we become closer. Dale has been this amazing person in MY life and I knew from the moment I met him he would change my life. Since 2006 he has been consistent with who he is and what he's about. Not once has he ever treated me badly or made me feel inadequate. He's amazing and it feels really good (blushing) So, this past year has been ahhhhmazing to say the least. We have been married 3yrs and 2012 will bring our 4th yr wedding anniversary and hopefully another bun in the oven!!! I really feel like the luckiest girl in the world and I'm so glad our lives worked out they way they did. I'm glad I went through all the pain to get to him. I'd do it all over again...no question on that! It's la la la la LOVE!
And my kids! Awww, what can I say! They are amazing....precious....adorable.....cute...funny...I can go on and on..ha ha! They are my W O R L D!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so lucky that from day 1 I have got to spend every min with them as a stay at home mommy!! Janae is an amazing big sis...she is my Angel. They and I...we are so blessed to have her. I'm just glad God gave me these kids and I promise I will always do right by them.
My friends, family and Church!! They are great to us! Our friends are always there for us all! Its so nice to have people who support and love you...yup, best feeling in the world and I just want them to know how much I love them and appreciate all they do.
And our Church...wow, what can I say. I have been a member of the LDS Church since 2010. Best thing I have ever done for me, my kids and my relationships with people in general. I belong to the best Church...the real truth. They love us unconditionally and I admire each and every one of them. They teach us not to be judgemental of anyone else and to respect everyone. I try...I'm not perfect but, I try. I love our ward and God has really blessed my home with the Gospel and we try to live by his words. Not pretend or do it for show but really live it. Really embrace his commandments. It has been life changing and I thank my heavenly father everyday for the blessings he has bestowed on us all.
Well, goodbye 2011....it was a GREAT year! Lookout 2012! The Sutton Family has more GREAT memories to make!
Love you all and God Bless you all!
XOXO- Denise
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