{the best granola ever}

Walking through Whole Foods, I spied the most yummy flaxseed fruit granola. Alas, it was $7.49 a pound! I thought to myself..."I could make that!" So I got all the ingredients, and it was definitely a huge success. Such a healthy and satisfying snack... Here is the recipe that I used (with a few of my own variations). I did double the recipe.

2 cups old-fashioned oats (not quick)
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup flaxseed (optional)
2 Tbs. dark brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup assorted dried fruit--I used mango, sour cherries, cranberries, and raisins all from the bulk
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup maple syrup (and/or molasses) I used half of each. You could also use honey.
3 Tbs. flavorless oil, such as vegetable or canola
1 Tb. water
1/2 tsp. cinammon

Adjust oven rack to middle position, and heat oven to 275 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch metal pan with cooking spray, then set aside. Mix oats, wheat germ, brown sugar, salt and Extra Ingredients --except dried fruit -- in a bowl. Bring syrup, oil, water and any Flavoring indicated below to a simmer in a saucepan over low heat. Drizzle over oat mixture, and stir to combine. Pour mixture onto prepared pan. Working a handful at a time, squeeze cereal to form small clumps. Bake for 30 minutes. Stir in dried fruit. Continue to bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes longer. Let cool. (Granola can be stored in an airtight tin for up to two weeks.)

For other ingredient ideas, go to http://www.usaweekend.com/06_issues/060226/060226cooksmart.html

{a lesson in perseverance}

At Tiny Town a couple weeks ago, our "meek and shy" daughter (hardly) demonstrated her skills. These two girls were chatting it up in their claimed playhouse, when Kate broke up the party. Notice the girls' legs up so that Kate could not come through... Most children would come running to their mom at this point, but Kate declared, "You are bein mean to me, an I'n donna put you in jail!" One picture says a thousand words!If looks could kill!She didn't care! Just made herself comfortable...Until she was queen of the castle!
I wonder what this story foretells in our vivacious Kate's future. She will overcome giants for sure.

{meyer farmly reunion}

We were reminded this weekend of just how refreshing family can be. With the Meyer reunion held at Mary's house in Wichita, we left Denver Thursday night anticipating a weekend of family fun. And fun we definitely had. I've also never seen so many kids in one place before! In keeping with the farm theme, we had wheelbarrow races, cattle round up (like a kid's easter egg hunt, but for cows), a weiner roast around the campfire, swimming, farm games, homemade ice cream, tractor and truck rides, seed guessing games, picnics with incredible food, and the highlight- grand(pa) ole opry. Here are a few of the pics... The rest are on Facebook and the family site (soon). Although I was not born a Meyer, I am more than thrilled that I have been adopted into the family. They say you marry your spouse's family. In this case, I am the lucky one. Already looking forward to the next time we all get together. I have an idea for that one: all the cousins and their spouses need to go out for an evening together on the town...

{here and there}

Wow! It's been a while since I last wrote! As usual, summer is underway, and with it, a host of things to do. Got my garden planted in mid-May, but the poor thing has had to battle with frequent spring rains and cool temperatures. So far, so good, but no products of my labor yet-except irises. Yay! After 3 years!

The last week of May, Jonathan went down to our property in South Fork, CO with 2 of his buddies from Wichita and put in the foundation for our cabin. It passed inspection and is ready to be built on. Our cabin floorplans were also just approved, so we hope to start building in July.

I went down to South Fork to see the finished product, then whisked Jonathan away for a weekend retreat in Telluride. A little R&R for our 6th anniversary. My brother and his wife were kind enough to take the kids with them to Kansas where they rendezvoused with my parents and siblings. The kids had a blast in the country while we got some much-needed time together and enjoyed the most beautiful scenery we've ever seen.

When we got back on Memorial Day, Kara (Jonathan's 18 year old sis) was at our house to meet us. She is living with us for the summer, and we couldn't be more delighted. What a joy for a mommy of 2 toddlers to have an extra pair of hands around the house! We only hope she is having as much fun as we are.

Enter the basement work... Our basement flooded last month, and much to our dismay, it was still in great disarray when Kara arrived. A literal booby trap to get to her bedroom in the back corner. This weekend, we got awesome new plush carpet, painted the walls, re-organized everything down there, and set up her room. Hopefully incentive for her to return after her week in KS for VBS!

So now we're packing for a family reunion in Kansas this weekend. We are excited to see family once again and catch up on all the news. We'll be seeing alot of you who read my blog- can't wait!