August is just clipping along and we are always busy here on the farm doing all kinds of jobs and fun things too. The girls are becoming such little farm girls. Lily is getting so big, you will hardly recognize her when you next see her. Such big blue eyes, and usually the cutest smiles.
Leah is very adventurous and loves to get out of the house and explore.
We have two new kitties, Figaro and Fergus. Fergus is very shy and doesn't like his picture taken. Figaro loves us all and loves to be petted.
Leah will hang out with whoever is going outside.
She loves picking my flowers. she tries to put them behind her ear. She won't let me help, so I have lots of flowers strewn behind her when she comes over.
This baby loves to ride on your hip and look out at the world. Heaven forbid if you try to face her toward you as you walk.
A very good place to sit.
She loved the raspberries and couldn't stop eating them. It was good she couldn't reach them all.
The funniest thing happened yesterday. In the morning I was talking to A.A. on the phone and doing dishes. I was telling A.A. that Leah is a real character and loves getting in my closet and finding my red heels and walking around the house in them. Just then, I looked out my kitchen window and who did I spy coming down the road toward my house? Yes, Leah. Without her Mama, all by her little self. Well almost. As she got a little closer I could tell she was wearing her mother's high heels and had a large yellow rubber chicken with her. She was so funny, that I had to run and get a picture of her and her friend.
As I got out close to her, she saw me coming and just sat down - on the backs of her mom's heels. With the chidken.
Then, when she saw I wanted to take a picture, she sat her chicken out to the side to show him off, and gave me a real good pose.
This was the funniest thing that happened all day - maybe all week. Roni laughed so hard when I told her the story. We all think she is charming and has a great sense of humor with her rubber chicken friend.
A good picture of the sitting on the heels.
Leah is learning how to get around, maybe a little faster than is good for her. Her mother was stunned that she got away from her so fast. Morgan didn't even know she was gone until I took Leah home.
Morgan picked raspberries today and Leah helped make jam. I gave Leah the wooden spoon and, of couse, Leah had to taste the mashed berries.
Then she got mad when we took the spoon away and moved her off the stool.
And then the Crying, screaming, kicking, thrashing on the floor, and . . .
pulling out hair.
She acts just like Alan when I tell him no more raspberry jam. I find it so much more amusing when she throws fits than when Alan does.
And Lily had to have her turn at misbehavior. This was all because her mom went out on the tramp with Leah.
Wow, what a little nursing will do for one's disposition.
On a different note, it's that time of year. You know . . . Zuchinni time!
Here's what I made for dinner tonight. It is from the Lion House recipe book, but ala Shelley.
Baked stuffed Zuchinni.
Here's what I used minus the bread crumbs which I forgot to get in the picture. 1 lb Italian sausage, three zuchinnis, one onion, one green pepper, garlic, mozarella cheese and some cheddar too, tomato paste, two cups of bottled tomatoes, beef soup base, fresh thyme and oregano. Oh and the bread crumbs, or cracker crumbs, or whatever. You know, something to give some bulk to the mixture.
Dice up the onion
and the green pepper and saute it with the sausage.
Add the herbs and the garlic. Cook till veggies are kind of soft.
Meanwhile, slice the zuchs in half lengthwise, and cook in a microwave until middle is soft. Or you can boil them is some water in a saucepan. I find that the microwave is a little easier to use and won't overcook the zuchs.
Scrape out the middle of the zzuchs and drop that mushy goop into the sausage mixture.
Add as many bread crumbs as you think will thicken up the mixture. I think I used, probably, maybe, approximatly, 1/2 - 3/4 cup. You know, just do what you think looks good. At this point, you may want to taste for seasoning.
Sauce is made by combining tomatoes and tomate paste and soup base. Heat in a saucepan till bubbly. Then take off heat. At this point heat your oven to 350 degrees.
OK, I forgot to take pictures of the rest of the process, but the rest wasn't hard. Shred some cheese and add to the meat mixture. You can use parmesan chees too. So, pack the meat mixture into the zuchinni shells. Then, sppon the sauce over the meat. Really pour it on. If you're like me, you may have made too much sauce. so either save the sauce for the next time you make spaghetti, or give it to Morgan like I did. Bake the zuchinni for 20 min on a foil lined baking sheet covered with foil or in a shallow casserole with the lid on. after 20 min take off the cover, and heap on some more cheese and return to the oven for 10min more.
These were our leftovers. They'll be et tomorrow for lunch by hungry men.
Try adding your own things, I think muchrooms or different herbs would be fun too.
Now, for some important information: Zack's farewell meeting will be on July 16 at 1:00 p.m. For all of you who are his cousins, and reading this, we would really like for you to sing in the musical number. The song will be "I'll go where you want me to go", but not that melody. We will be practicing on Saturday, so try to get here on Sat or earlier for the practicing. Zack will also be singing with you. We will not stay to all of the meetings on sunday, but will come home after sacrament meeting and have a big lunch for ALL family and Zack's friends.
As for motel room availability; (Jorgensen families) Jenny, if you're coming on thurs, just plan to stay with us that night and then get a motel room for the other nights. For Sara, John and Rebecca, Anne Adele, Lizzy and whoever else, in Ashton, there is the Rankin Motel (208) 652-3570, and The Ashton Inn (208) 652-3699. Of these two, I would probably recommend the Ashton Inn. In St. Anthony, there is the Guesthouse Inn (208) 624-3711. Both the Ashton Inn and the Guesthouse Inn are on line, so you can look them up and find out more information $$$$.
Please leave me a comment, telling me when you are coming to Ashton, who is coming, etc., so I will know and can plan accordingly.
Morgan says that Noah and Becky will be staying with her. And the big bedroom upstairs will be available for Josh's family. I hope we can all have a great time together for a few days and I am looking forward to seeing all of you.
