Project

Several people have asked for pictures of my most recent wedding cake, so here you are. This was my project a few weeks back. Since having completed this we have had a lot more blog worthy stories come up, that I hope to share in the following days, hopefully not weeks.

So Yummy

I have wanted to share this salad recipe that we enjoy during the summer months for some time, and now I can, since I have pictures to accompany. This is a recipe that I have taken from my parents, and though it is very basic and most likely you have all enjoyed the same salad, I wanted to share how I prepare it. Did I mention that this recipe is so so easy?

Hey, even better, right?

This is a recipe for Chicken Caesar Salad. I begin by marinating chicken breasts in Yoshida's. For our family I do two chicken breasts. You can allow them to marinade overnight if you wish...at least 2 hours ahead is good.

Jump ahead now to the assembly of this salad. The chicken is best when grilled on the BBQ.

I should add that I will not include exact measurements, since you can adjust to the number of people you are serving.

While the chicken is grilling, I prepare the rest of the salad, beginning with the lettuce.

The Parmesan follows.

Next, I add these croutons, which we happen to like a lot. If you must buy croutons these are the ones you should get. They can be found at Costco.

Once the chicken is done cooking, slice it up and add to the rest of the salad mix.

Finally, finish the salad with your favorite Caesar salad dressing. We happen to buy this dressing at Costco, since we go through it pretty fast.

And, there you have it , the finished salad. Since this is such a simple recipe, we have been having it a lot on the Sundays we have Late Service. It comes together quickly, and tastes so good.

A slice of warm bread and a glass of sweet tea are somthing that I like to complete this meal with.

Just Alike

While I was washing dishes this evening and watching the boys as they helped daddy in the yard, I had a revelation of who Levin reminds me of.





Remember Pig Pen from the Charlie Brown comic? He always had a cloud of dirt swarming around him, just the way Levin does as he plays in the dirt.

Sound the Alarm

Saturday marked 100 years of service for the 38th St and McKinley Fire Station. They held an open house for the public to join them in celebrating-thanks for the hot tip Grandma Ann. The structure itself was something to enjoy. I could not believe the crown molding around the ceilings, unlike what you would even find in more modern homes these days,let alone in a fire station. There were so many little nooks and crannies that shared a small piece of the way things used to be.

We all had a great time, and though Levin started our unsure of whether he wanted to sit in the fire truck and spray water, he did not remain that way. Philip on the other hand was just fine watching while standing close by mommy or daddy.

Of course, now both boys have been wearing their little plastic fire hats all around the house, playing out the part of firemen. Not sure what will happen when the hats totally crack or get smashed. We already had a huge meltdown after one of the strings came unglued from a hat. Thankfully, that was an easy fix. Let's just hope they are over the excitement of the hats, once they reach the end of their days of service.

Levin informed me yesterday morning that when he gets bigger, that he could drive a big fire truck, so he could come save, mommy, daddy, and Philip. Nice that he thinks that way. One wonders what he will really become when he grows up, seeing as any job involving driving big trucks seems pretty exciting to him.

Start 'um When They're Young

Apparently, you're never too young to mow the lawn at our house. Of course, both boys were more than pleased to be able to help daddy work. Now the only trick is to try and keep them this eager to help...hmmm....any tips?

Sweet Conversations

Levin's quote of the day (speaking to Philip), " No, I'm blessed, I sneezed".

Through the River Jordan and Safe on Heaven's Shores

We received word this evening, that Jason's Grandpa Van Gilder went home to be with the Lord. (The boy's Great Grandfather) Though we knew his time was drawing near, we were rather surprised since at last report he seemed to be remaining stable.

This is the first of Jason's Grandparents to pass away, and what a blessing that is for him to have known his Grandpa for so many years! We are comforted knowing that Grandpa Van is now up in Heaven with our Lord, where there is no more pain or suffering.

The above picture was taken last April and is the most recent photo with all the Van Gilder sons together. Probably the last four generational photo of Van Gilder boys for some time to come.