Fun Blog!

Three posts in two days. That is a record for me! It is Mother's Day and two of my children are sleeping. Maybe I should take a nap, but I opted for a few minutes of un-interrupted computer time. My sister has a degree in Elementary Education and is super creative when it comes to kid's projects. She just started a blog: tmorourkefamily.blogspot.com You definitely should check it out! If you have questions about child development or needing birthday ideas, be sure to leave a comment! Also, if you know anyone who teaches preschool, they will be sure to get some ideas too. So enjoy and Happy Mother's Day!

My Mother's Day presents: a used table and chairs I bought for myself for $60 (total steal), a box of chocolates, a cute card and a Paxton smile caught on camera!


Ignoring the crackers and crumbs on the floor, you will notice the great table that also has a leaf and a total of 8 chairs. Woohoo! I bought it from Lexi's dance teacher and she said, "How about 50 bucks?" I gave her $60 and still felt guilty about not paying enough for it.



So be honest, have you ever seen a cuter 7 week old? He was very smiley as we were leaving for church this morning and Greg was able to catch it. Greg spiked his hair and his shirt says "I Love Mommy."

Portrait Party

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Recipe

Here is what has been happening at the Dart House:

*Greg graduated Summa Cum Laude with his Masters Degree in Instructional Technology. Way to go Greg!
*Alexis got to perform at the Miss Ephraim Pageant with her dance class and her recital is coming up.
*Greg traveled to Mesquite and Cedar City for work and the whole family tagged along.
*Denali tripped and fell in the pool at the hotel. But she's fine, it just was scary.
*Denali has regressed and has at least one accident every day. =(
*Paxton has learned to smile and does it often. Although we haven't caught a good one on camera yet.
*Dawn is behind on everything as she is adjusting to having three children.
*We planted some vegetables: carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.
*We know nothing about gardening and are hopeful to get at least one of each. =)
*Spring is here and we are loving it!!

So here is a recipe as promised:

Sweet-and-Sour Meat Loaf

SERVINGS: 4
CATEGORY: Main Dish
METHOD: Microwave
TIME: Prep/Total Time: 15 min.
Ingredients:
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 5 tablespoons ketchup, divided
• 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons onion soup mix
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the egg, 2 tablespoons ketchup, mustard, bread crumbs, dry soup mix, salt and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into an oval loaf.
Place in a shallow 1-qt. microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 10-12 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink and a meat thermometer reads 160°; drain.
Meanwhile in a small bowl, combine the sugars, vinegar and remaining ketchup; drizzle over meat loaf. Cover and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes longer or until heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Yield: 4 servings.

It is only 4 servings, so I double it if anyone is joining us for dinner. I also bake it in the oven at 350 for an hour. I haven't tried it in the microwave. I just enjoy the smell of it baking. It's easy and very yummy. My girls love it. If you try it, let me know what you think!