Annie Gunn's

Last week Micah and I went to the most amazing restaurant - Annie Gunn's. "Annie Gunn's is known for its' heartwarming, nurturing, robust dishes that encourages us through the seasons with foods inspired by the richness of country life."

When I looked at other reviews of the restaurant most of them read like this: "I had the best steak I've ever eaten in my life at Annie Gunn's." Me too. I was amazed to find such rich, fabulous food in such a relaxed atmosphere. If you're a St. Louis native or just visiting, I'd recommend this restaurant over and over again (if you can afford it!). Thank you so much to our friends Steve and Chris!

(Below) Chef Lou's Cheese Presentation Featuring a Selection of Artisanal and Domestic Farmstead Cheeses:
A Daily Selection of Four presented by server with House Made Quince Butter, Imported Olives, House Made Spiced Nuts, Seasonal Fruit and Warm Baguette

Grilled Aged Filet Mignon with Cabernet Cracked Pepper Butter and Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes, Butternut Squash and Asparagus

YUM!

Autumn Fun

What's For Dinner?

M- Spaghetti & Meatballs
Tu- Turkey piccata w/ broccoli slaw salad
W- Ellisa's pasta bake
Th- Sloppy joes w/ glazed carrots
F - Southland chicken w/ fluffy fruit jello
Sa - pizza picnic
Su - Chicken cordon bleu burgers w/ ranch potatoes

Swagbucks

So you may have noticed the really big banner above this post for "Swagbucks". Here's how it works:

1. SEARCH

Search the web using www.swagbucks.com and receive results from Google & Ask.com.

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So click on the banner above and get started! (When you click on my banner, I get potential swagbucks.)

My angel boy

The preschool Jack goes to is run by a baptist church. We've been so pleased with the way they've run their program and all the things taught there. Everyone is very friendly and I know the kids are in an environment learning good Christian fundamentals. The kids have brought home some pretty interesting things in the past but this one takes the cake:
I love it! I move it around the house so when I open a drawer or cupboard there's my angel Jack peeking out at me.

Yellow Pepper Soup

Because as Ellisa says, "It's not really fall until you make a batch of yellow pepper soup."







Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. olive or vegetable oil

6 cups chicken broth

1 Tbsp. butter or margarine (opt.)

1 bay leaf

6 medium sweet yellow peppers cut into 1 inch pieces

½ tsp. salt (opt)

¼ tsp. pepper

1 large onion, diced

1 cup buttermilk

1 medium potato, peeled and quartered

sour cream

1 garlic clove, minced s

nipped chives (opt)

Directions:

Heat oil and butter in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; sauté the peppers, onion, potato and garlic until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Add broth, bay leaf, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaf. Cool slightly. Puree in batches in a blender. Return to pan. Stir in buttermilk; heat through. Serve hot or cold. Garnish with sour cream and chives. Yield: 3 quarts (12 servings)

Two Little Monkeys

Jack and Nathan got the cutest matching monkey jammies. Enjoy the pictures of our silly little boys.

What's For Dinner?

Here's the menu for a couple of weeks:

M: Ham linguine
Tu: Corn dogs
W: Lasagna
Th: Baked potato soup
F: Fajitas
Sa: Papa John's (courtesy of the Johnson's... thanks guys!)
Su: Chicken & cashew stir-fry

M: Sloppy joes
Tu: Chuck E. Cheese (per the birthday boy's request)
W: Crock pot stroganoff
Th: Stuffed squash
F: Chicken cutlet BLT's
Sa: Leftovers
Su: Yellow pepper soup

1st Day of Preschool

Jack started preschool on Sept. 8 and is loving every minute of it. Here he is on his first day:

Cool backpack, dude.

Nathan wishes he could go too!

At school

What's for Dinner?

Campbell's Select Harvest Tomato with Basil soup has saved dinner at our house many times. Tonight at 6:45pm I had no idea what to feed everyone, until.... Tomato Soup saves the day! We had it with cheese quesadillas. The kids love it and I can feel good knowing they're getting a full serving of vegetables. We also dip grilled cheese sandwiches in it or just eat it plain with oyster crackers. So the next time you don't know what's for dinner after a long day you'll know what to do... Tomato Soup!

It's Great to be Eight

Harrison turned 8 years old on August 27th. He had a fabulous day! Here he is eating orange chicken from Panda Express (his request for birthday dinner).

Getting ready to blow out the candles

Opening presents

Nathan REALLY enjoyed the cookies and cream ice cream cake

On Saturday morning Harrison played in a flag football game.

Saturday afternoon he was baptized.

Our family
(Really, this was the best we could do. I'm going to post a blog showing all the funny faces everyone made during this photo shoot.)

It was so great to have some special family visitors come share Harrison's weekend.
Thanks for coming Rachel, Grandma Julie, Grandpa Buck and Sarah.

Another special visitor...Grandma was here too! Thanks for making a special trip to remember with us forever.

It really is GREAT to be 8!

What's For Dinner?

No really... I'm really asking this time. I need good crock pot recipes or casseroles I can make ahead of time and put in the oven while I teach piano lessons or run off to mutual. Share any favorites please!

Here's what's on this week's menu:

M - Baby back pork ribs with corn on the cob and rolls. (It was delicious.)
Tu - Easy chicken noodle soup
W - Crock pot beef in gravy over rice
Th - Angel hair pasta w/ chicken and steamed broccoli
F - Hamburgers

What's For Dinner?

[Insert something about good intentions here.]

Five of these recipes come from the newest Sandcreek Ward cookbook. Enjoy!

T - Chicken Provolone pg. 140
W - Chicken Casserole pg. 166
Th - Ham linguine pg. 128
F - Pork chop supper pg. 189
Sa - Grilled cheese sandwiches w/ tomato soup
Su - Malibu chicken pg. 130
M - Spaghetti & Meatballs

Jack's #4

Jack had a great 4th birthday. It was fun to have Aunt Holly and cousin Aubrey here to share in the fun. We woke up bright and early and gave him a Hot Wheels Big Wheel to play with while Daddy went to work. We had chicken nuggets and played at the park for lunch. When Daddy was done with work Jack blew out the candles on his cupcake, opened presents and we all went to Chuck E. Cheese. The birthday boy had a super long, fun-filled day!

What's For Dinner?

I like to plan the week's menu ahead of time, but am not always that organized. I thought if I did a regular post called What's For Dinner? I'd boost my drive to get it done and maybe share a few good recipes in the process. Let me know if you want to try any of these and I'll send you the recipe.

July 21-27:
T - Awesome Sloppy Joes
W - Crock Pot Chicken
Th - Mexican Crock Pot
F - Chuck E. Cheese (Jack's birthday request)
Sa - Chicken Cutlet BLT
Su - Spaghetti & Meatballs
M - Garlic Chicken Farfalle

Beautiful Ballerina

Our little Rio took dance lessons this year from Dance Explosion. She was in a combination tap/ballet class and really enjoyed it. Rio did a super great job at both dance recital performances at the end of June. As soon as I figure out how to upload video, I'll post again. It's too sweet to miss!

FAAA Baseball

Harrison has been playing baseball this year with the Florissant Area Athletic Association. He plays 1st base for the "Detroit Tigers". He's got a natural feel for the game. His very first time up at bat he hit a triple. Harrison gets on base every time he's up now and has made some impressive plays at 1st. Here he is playing first base:

Making a play at 1st

Up to bat

Running the bases

Scoring a run!

Graduation Day

Micah graduated from Washington University School of Medicine on May 15, 2009. He looked so distinguished and scholarly. Here are a few pictures of him on the big day:

On campus before the graduation ceremony

With his #1 fan

After being "hooded" and receiving his diploma

His diploma (which states that he'll get a real diploma upon completion of his field assignments in December) and tassel

Way to go Micah! I couldn't be more proud. :)

A Perfect Mother's Day Card

Does it get better than this? Right now I can't imagine that it does...

Another Testament

Our dear Bishop asked us to read the Book of Mormon in only 4 months. I truly felt that he was inspired in his request and since beginning to read in January have seen blessings in my life and in the lives of my family in abundance. I completed it this week and would like to add my testimony to those before me... I know this book is true!

Memories Make Us

Love you, Dad.