Coming soon.. and a personal update

Back in June my family and I went to Disney Land. It was AMAZING!

However, I don't have any photo's to share because Splash Mountain decided to destroy my camera.

Yes, this is the camera that I got to replace my old camera that was eaten by the Pacific Ocean.

Apparently I have HORRIBLE luck with cameras and water. So hopefully I'll get a new one for Christmas. (hint hint, wink wink, nudge nudge)

Until then all that I have is my little crappy phone camera. I'll do my best.

I have also gotten engaged to a wonderful man named Raymond Moya. And with him comes some wonderful people.

A daughter, Mazzy. My own personal Sunflower. She lights up my heart in the best way.

Mom and Pops. (Patty and his step dad who everyone calls Pops. They live here in town)

Daddy-o-In-Law and Colleen. (His dad Julio and his wife Colleen who live in Northern California)

And Siblings. Mike and his wife Michelle who live in Texas. Tom and his wife Vickie who are in Arizona. Brandon and his wife Melissa who live in Kentucky. His beautiful sister Dora and her husband JJ who live in Michigan. And last, but not least, Liz-Anne and her husband Michael who also live in Kentucky. (all of the siblings have kiddo's too! I'm an Auntie by default to a ton of kid's that I haven't even met yet!!)

There is also his Granny who lives here in the Willamette Valley and Pop's parents who live in California.

It's a little overwhelming to be honest. A HUGE family all at once, but they are all so wonderful. They call, message and post on facebook, stop by, or we go over to see them. I haven't met most of them, but I do get to talk to them thanks to Facebook. There is such a feeling of love and warmth that comes with them.

I suppose it's just pay back, seeing as how my extended family is pretty much big enough to populate a medium sized island. (Thank you Bradley and Cunningham Families!!) =)

A slight reflection

Last month I got to take part in something amazing. I got to see my best friend marry the man of her dreams. I didn't just get to sit there and watch it, I got to stand by her side and walk with her. I held her hand and hug her when she needed it. I helped her into her beautiful dress, and cried when I saw her Husbands face as he watched her be walked down the path by her mom and dad.

When the vows were said, I got to walk her giant dress back down the path and help her into the getaway suburban. I was a horrible maid of honor.  I didn't plan any games for her bridal shower. The club we were supposed to go to for her bachelorette party gave away our reservation. I cried during my speech when I promised her that I wouldn't. I didn't tell her when the best man was over an hour late. And I didn't go and buy my shoes until two days before the wedding.

But I was there.

And now, just 30 days later. I'm sitting in my new home, with my amazing fiancee and our children while she and her husband are sitting at OHSU. You see, her husband has pancreatic cancer. And he's fighting so hard. And she's putting on a brave face. Because the truth is, she is the strongest person I've ever met in my life. She is my best friend. Her family has been an example to me in all of the best ways. How to love, how to stand strong, and the true meaning of family.

She has had a year that I can't imagine. Her dad was ill. We took Salem hospital by storm. Her entire family and extended family. We took turns holding his hand, taking care of the babies, and taking care of each other. Most of the time it was just sitting in the waiting room, playing the Big Bang Theory board game and telling stories. Just after that hospital stay, he lost a part of his foot.

It was that week that Matthew proposed.

(I'll let you all in on a little secret. I knew he was going to propose long before this. She told me back in February when we went to a Blazer game. But I still pretended to be surprised.)

On September 8th, I got to watch him and her mom walk her to her future..

Today her family has once again flocked to the hospital. Matthew.s cancer isn't getting any better. I feel helpless. The best I can do is be here when she needs me. And I suppose that is exactly what she needs.

She comes from a large family where everyone is in everyone elses business. She always knows that I'm here when she needs an ear, a hug and some food.

I know that she knows she can call me whenever she needs to. I'll be here for her. I'll always help her stand up when she's afraid, to hold her hand when she needs some comfort, and to feed her whatever she wants because Taco Bell isn't suitable unless drunk.

But until that phone call comes, I feel useless. I'll stay at home and pray and cook. It is, after all, what I do best.

I am thankful that our friendship goes both ways. She has been there for me when I didnt' even know I needed her.

Oh My. I am an awful blogger. But here are some Cinnamon Rolls to make you forgive me.

It is true. I am an awful blogger. I haven't updated in months. The sad thing is that I have recipes ready and waiting on my camera.

These have become an instant favorite with everyone that has tried them. I am waiting one one review from Bethany over at A Fish Who Likes Flowers and her Amazing Boyfriend Matthew. I baked a big batch for my Fairy God Mother and her family, and made sure to make a small batch for Beffy and Matthew. They are supposed to be baking them this morning, so we'll see how they like them.

Also, a little side note. This is a recipe that you will need a big stand mixer to make. I'm sure you could do it by hand, but you'd have to have Super Man's Muscles to knead the dough that much.

Here's what you'll need.

For the Dough:

1 1/2 teaspoons of yeast (or one of those little packet things)
1/2 teaspoon  + 1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup hot water (about 115 degrees)
1/2 cup mile (at room temp_
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg + 1 yolk
2 3/4 cups flour (Plus more for kneading)
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter (at room temp and cut into pats)
6 oz cream cream cheese (at room temp


For the filling:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raisins
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger
4 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup butter (at room temp)


So this is a fairly long process, but it is SOOOOO delicious, it's all worth it. I like to make mine the night before and let them rise overnight, so all I have to do in the morning is make my coffee and pop them in the oven.

Start with your yeast, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and hot water. Pour it into your mixing bowl and gice it a quick stir with a spoon. Let it sit untouched for about 10 minutes until it starts to get foamy.

Add the rest of the sugar, milk, brown sugar, vanilla and egg+yolk. Mix gently by hand until every thing is blended.

Add flour and salt. Mix on medium speed until the dough just begins to come together. Turn your mixer on medium high and let it mix for 4 minutes. (be sure to watch the clock. If you mix dough too long it will be tough and chewy. And really, that would just be awful.)

Stop the mixer, sprinkle butter pats all around the mixer and start mixing again. Still on medium high for another 6 minutes.

While the dough is going, get a large flat surface well floured. (I use out big cutting board, I just put it on the counter)

Scoop your blob onto the floured surface. It will be pretty gooey. Get about 1/3 of a cup of flour and start kneading it into the blob

Just until it starts to resemble dough and not a gooey blob.

Place the dough in a well greased bowl and cover with saran wrap and then a dry towel. Place in a warm area (I put mine on top of our heater vents) for about and hour to an hour and a half. Just until it doubles in size.

This is when I make the filling. It's pretty simple. Put everything (except the raisins and pecans) into a bowl and mix until everything is incorporated. You can do it by hand or int he mixer, it all tastes the same.

>>Side tip. I really love the golden raisins in this recipe. But I will also use my grandmas home dried raisins that she sends me in care packages, because well, let's be honest... She's the best grandma ever. But since you can't get my grandma's home dried raisins (unless you're my sister or my cousin Heather), I'd suggest the golden raisins.

Back to the dough! When the dough had doubled in size place it back on your well floured surface,

Add another 3 tablespoons or so and knead until no longer sticky.

Place the dough back into the bowl and let rest another 5 minutes.

Now pull out a rolling pin and flour it up.

Roll your dough out until it's about 20 inches x 20 inches.

Take your cream cheese and spread it out over the whole thing. Be really gentle so you don't tear the dough.

Now fold your dough into thirds like an envalope. The fold the long ways into thirds again.

Place seam side down and SUPER gently roll out again until it's about 10 inches x 20 inches.

Time to spread out the filling until it's all covered. Now take the pecans and raisins and sprinkle over the top and them press everything down.

Roll your dough gently. Try and make the seam so it's on the bottom. Take a thin, SHARP knife and cut into 8-12 rounds (depends on how big you want them)

You should probably trim off the edges to make them all pretty, but I think that is a waste of perfectly good dough and just bake it in a separate dish to eat later.

Place your rolls into a well greased 9x13 pan and cover with saran wrap.

Let sit for 2 hours in a warm place or over night in the fridge to raise some more.

Before you bake them, brush with some melted butter.

Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.

I like to use a simple icing on top.

2 cups powdered sugar and 2 1/2 tablespoons milk. Mix well. Pour over hot cinnamon rolls.

The Most Wonderful Place in the World.

One of my hobbies that I don't get to really indulge in is taking random photos. So this week while on vacation I took an opportunity to strike out on my own for an hour or so and go on a hike.

While on the Cape Lookout Trail, I discovered some beautiful trees and cliffs. But when I went off of the main trail I found something even better. So here is a photographic guide to my hour of solitude.

I know it isn't really visible in the photo, but the white area you're seeing at the bottom of the photo isn't the sky, it's the beach.

An odd angle

Perfect for a tree swing

just another angle of the swing tree

The tiny trail I decided to follow

The top of my tiny trail

You can see clear to Sand Lake from up there

Looking West

Looking down. I was about 500 feet up

And the hated self photo as a reminder that I really had some time to myself =)

This next round of photos are just some that I took last week when I went on a day trip to see my friend Christina and her daughter Hannah while they were camping at Cape Lookout.

Hannah and Garrett Jaxson

We heart the ocean

Christina and I

Hannah and I

Sunset

Christina and Garrett

Christina and I. We didn't know the zoom was on

Garrett Jaxson and Hannah

Christina and Garrett

Disgustingly Rich Brownies

I have been slacking in terms of blogging, but seeing as how Bethany is the only regular reader, and I talk to her all of the fricken time any way, I don't feel too bad. =)

This is a recipe that I've been using since I was about 8. My neighbor down the street used to come over and we would make the batter and then sit on the back steps and just eat the raw batter.

When I was a kid, my mom got my older sister and I a kids cook book. Kids Cooking. A Very Slightly Messy Manual It has EVERYTHING in it. From Buried Treasure Muffins, to spaghetti, brownies, and even homemade play-doh and giant bubbles. It even has a recipe for doggy men treats. It is an all around kick ass kids cook book that I recommend to anyone who has a child that shows an interest in making messes in the kitchen (because let's be honest, that's how I started). 


And just a warning. This recipe is stupidly simple, and AMAZINGLY delicious. (Even my Fairy God Mother, who HATES chocolate, loves these brownies.)


I am embarrassed to admit that my "nephew" Mason, didn't know that you could make brownies and cookies "from scratch" I'm pretty sure he thought that all of that kind of stuff just came from the store. I had to make brownies!

What you'll need:

2 cups sugar
1/14 cup flour
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla (I always use more)
2 cubes butter (melted)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts, optional (I NEVER choose this option. I am adamantly opposed to nuts in my baked goods)
8 or 9 inch square baking pan
Non stick spray shit
1 medium bowl

Start with the cocoa powder and sugar, mix well.

Add the melted butter, stir well

Add the 4 eggs and vanilla, stir well (I'm beginning to notice a pattern here...)

toss in the flour and salt, mix well (but don't over mix, it makes the dough tough. Also, if you're going to add walnuts, now is the time)

Bring out your pan and non stick spray shit, and let them become friends.

Pour the batter evenly into coated pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.

The trick I have learned is to get a clean spatula and cover it in non stick spray shit and then try and smooth out the batter.

Let them cool for about 15 minutes (at least) and then plate them up.

Super simple, absolutely delicious brownies! They will dry out, so it's best to cover them with cling wrap while they are still warm, and don't let them sit out too long. And if you do, you can always pop them into the microwave for 15-20 seconds and they will soften up a bit. =)

Meatloaf, smeatloaf, double-beatloaf. I hate meatloaf.

Tonight's meal is brought to you by the drink: Coffee and the music of : She Wants Revenge, Placebo and The Naked & Famous

Meatloaf is one of those foods that I can get Garrett to eat every time. He LOVES it. He actually asks for meatloaf almost every time I ask him what he wants for dinner. He also LOVES to help me make it. I pour all of the spices in his hands and let him put them in the bowl, and if he wants to I'll let him help me mix everything up in the bowl.

It's one of those meals that is super delicious, super easy and not super bad for you if you buy lean burger. This can also be made with deer or elk burger. Or even just 2 pounds of turkey if you're on a strict diet. You can also add one egg per pound of meat if you'd like, but I forgot tonight, and it was still awesome. Moist, not soggy, but firm. 

The meatloaf was paired with cheesy mashed potatoes and garlic bread

What you need:
















1 pound ground gobble
1 pound burger
3/4 cups oats
1 large onion, chipped
2 LARGE tablespoons minced garlic
1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4 tablespoons chopped basil
2 tablespoons parsley flakes
1 tablespoon chilves
salt and pepper to taste (I use about a tsp of each)


1 1/2 cups Panko crumbs
BBQ sauce

large bowl
small bowl

non stick spray shit
baking sheet
aluminum foil

Dump the meat, spices, oats, onions, garlic, worcestershire sauce (and eggs if you choose to use them) into the large mixing bowl. Stick your hands in and mix it all together until well blended.

pour panko crumbs into the small mixing bowl

I like to form mine into individual mini loafs.  (about the size of two decks of cards stacked on top of one another

Once i have a mini loaf formed I roll them in the panko crumbs and place on the foil lined/non stick spray shit covered baking sheet. I try to make them all about the same size so that they all cook evenly. Out of this batch I got 7 mini loafs.)

Bake in a moderate oven (350) for about 45 minutes.

Remove from oven and pour the bbq sauce over the top and bake another 15-20 minutes until it's turned darker and the edges are bubbling.

Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes and serve!


For the Cheesy mashed potatoes 

5 medium sized potatoes
1/4 cup of milk
1/4 cup of butter
1/3 cup of sour cream
3/4 cup shredded cheese (I used Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar tonight)
salt and pepper to taste

Peel and dice the potatoes into about 1 inch cubes.
*Really weird step that you can skip, but I refuse to*
I dump all of my potatoes into the pot I plan on cooking them in and cover the potatoes with water then dump it out. I do this 4-6 times until the water in the pan is totally clear. this step removes excess starch and helps with the potatoes being just a little bit more creamy.

Fill the pan (with the potaotes in it) with enough water to cover the potatoes by about an inch and a half

boil until tender

Dump the potatoes into a large maxing bowl (I use out giant kitchen aid)

pour in everything but about 1/2 of the shredded cheese, mix well.

pour into an oven safe dish (don't forget that non stick spray shit IS your friend) top with remaining cheese

bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 and the broil (on high) for about 3 minutes until the cheese is awesomely golden brown and bubbly.