Close Encounters of the Wild Kind

We had a fun romp to the North side of Tuscon to visit with some wildlife today. It was a petting zoo, but did my children pet the animals? NO THEY DID NOT! You teach your children all their lives to "look but don't touch." Here was their chance to actually look and touch at the same time, but they didn't buy that. They stuck firmly to the lessons learned in their youth. However their motive to obey came to light when my teenager said, "Seriously mom, who would want to touch a dirty animal?"

It was really fun seeing all of the different animals, and by the end of the visit, Kendrick and Brigitta did pet some of the animals and even fed the camel.

I've heard of the tortise and the hare, but what about

the tortise and the Wallaroo?

Brigitta doesn't quite trust him after reading the sign;

CAREFUL, I CAN BITE.

"What are you lookin at?"

Brigitta thought these were the cutest Easter bunnies ever.

They are really Patagonian Cavys.

Shantell, Ty-Kell and Brigitta.

Notice that the camel is stripping the tree

of it's leaves behind them.

This has to be the strangest thing we have ever seen.

I wonder who his stylist is?

Kendrick thought that this Alpaca looks like a cross

between a poodle and a Llama.

Grandpa and Ty-Kell.

Both of them, absolutly adorable!

Once the camel realized Brigitta had food,

he grabbed the branch from her hand

faster than I could snap the picture.



Thanks Tyrone, Aimee and Ty-Kell for inviting us.

Sourdough Biscuits

These impressive sourdough biscuits are great with any meal. They are moist and light with the perfect sourdough taste.

Before you begin you will need to refresh your starter the day before.

Sift together twice:

2 3/4 Cups flour

1 Tablespoon sugar

2 Tablespoons dry milk

1 Teaspoon salt

1 Teaspoon baking powder

1 Tablespoon baking powder

Cut into dry ingredients:

1/3 Cup butter

It should resemble cornmeal once you have cut in your butter.

Next add:

2 Cups freshened starter

Mix well. Place the ball onto a heavily floured surface and knead gently until the dough is smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Roll dough about 1 inch thick. Fold in half and roll again to 1 inch. Repeat this process for 3 or 4 more times. This will give your biscuits a "flaky" texture. Flour your surface as needed to keep the dough from sticking.

Cut out the biscuits and place on an ungreased pan.

If desired, brush the tops with melted butter. Let stand covered for 30 minutes to rest.

These are one of our favorite biscuits,

especially drizzled with honey.

Well this will be my last sourdough entry for awhile. The family tells me it is time to move on so I will just set it in the refrigerator and let it hibernate until next month. Until then I think I will share some of our favorite main dishes made from whole wheat.

Enjoy!

Look Who's Driving Now

I went outside this morning to work in the garden and found

Padme cruising around the backyard in style.

My Greatest Treasures

It is only March and the temperature is beginning to soar.

Before it is too hot to play outside, we had a fun get away.

Brigitta has just taken a break from rock climbing to pose.

Tatianna has absolutely no fear and so Kencrick,

her loyal bodyguard, is always there to protect her.

Dallin has just spotted Brigitta.

He just lights up whenever she comes near him.

He sure loves his Aunt.

Cooling off a bit from the heat.

Dallin and Ty-kell had such a great time playing

together that they couldn't be distracted, even for a picture.

My greatest treasures, Grandchildren.

Arianna, Tatianna,

Dallin and Ty-kell.

My Super Heroine

Brigitta has always had a vivid imagination. When you speak to her it is difficult to tell that she is only five years old. Just yesterday as she playing with one of my piano student's siblings, she stated with confidence, "I'm not really from here. I was transplanted from a different world." Then in a hushed tone she continued, "Don't tell anyone this, but I am a super hero!"

Shortly after that statement they took their play further away from where I was teaching and I was unable to hear the rest of the conversation. Curious though, I later asked her between piano students, "Brigitta, just what is your super power?" She replied without hesitation, "I can take my thoughts and put them into other people's heads. I can make them do anything I want them to."

I had to chuckle. I thought we gave into Brigitta because she is so irresistibly adorable, as well as the youngest of seven children. Who would have guessed that all of this time she has been putting thoughts into my mind with her incredible super powers.

Totally drained from a hard day of "saving the world."

Making Friends

I have just been tagged by my good friend and Co-Grandma, Tricia Clayton. (Her daughter Aimee, married my son Tyrone.) She is playing the tag game, "Making Friends Monday," and I have been officially tagged because I visited her site.

If you have come to my blog consider yourself tagged also. Now, don't just sit there, copy and paste the questions and play along with me. When you are finished please leave a comment so that I can visit your blog and learn more about you. :) Have fun!

What is your blogger name? Sabrina (Not too creative is it?)

Who tagged you? Tricia Clayton

When is your birthday? August 9

How long have you been blogging? I am relatively new at this. I started in February of this year and am really loving it.

Tell me your five most favorite body parts. I am grateful for my hands because without them I could not serve others or play the piano. I am grateful for my mouth because I love to sing. I am grateful for my ears to hear the sound of a newborn baby cry, children's laughter, beautiful music and all of the other sounds which we often take for granted. I am grateful for my eyes that allow me to see the beautiful creations of God. I think that my feet would have to be next for without them I could never keep up with my children or grandchildren.

What do you wish most for your birthday? When my children were younger I would always tell them I wanted a perfect day which consisted of a beautifully clean house (which I didn't have to clean myself) and children who obeyed with complete exactness. Do you think that is too much to ask for one day out of the year? However, this year I would really love a Bosch Universal Plus. My Kitchen Aide recently died and with all of the bread making I do, it would sure simplify my life.

What color are you nails right now? My nails have always been their natural color. If I do paint them it is with clear polish. As a pianist I cannot grow them out so therefore I cannot show them off.

Have you had any depressing thoughts lately? I consider myself to be a worrier, however instead of becoming depressed over something, I take the challenge to find away to overcome the obstacle. I almost never have depressing thoughts.

What’s your plan for the next month? I am so exited for next month because it is the month before my missionary comes home. Yea! I have a list a mile long and already have each week mapped out of things to do to prepare for his arrival home. I can hardly wait!

At what age did you have your first crush? You know I think I have always liked boys. As a very young girl, my mother said I preferred playing with little boys. Come to think of it, maybe that is why Brigitta is constantly talking about how many boyfriends she has.

Have you attended any school reunions? Am I really old enough to have one?

Are you a clean freak? My children would say YES, but I do not consider myself a clean freak. I do love a clean and orderly home but with children around that can sometimes be difficult.

What era do you wish you were born in? My favorite show is Little House on the Prairie. I could see myself living in that era very easily, however I do love my modern conveniences. But then again? No really, I believe that I am in the era that I was meant to live in and I am happy with it.

Are you a vegetarian? No, however we eat meat only once or twice a week. I cook from my food storage at every meal and so it would not be difficult to switch.

How many pillows do you sleep with at night? I sleep with three pillows because I suffer from GERDS and have to be elevated.

Are you a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? I am a very light sleeper.

What is your ultimate dream job? I am living my ultimate dream job. I am a mother! I love all stages of motherhood. The anticipation of a new baby, holding a newborn for the first time, watching them take their first steps and every other stage of their lives. I love my teenagers and the close relationship I have with my married children. And let us not forget the joy of being a grandparent. Motherhood is my ultimate dream job and I am so thankful for it.

What is your dream car? I don't have one. I am a very sensible person and cars are to get me places not make me look good.

Do you wake up easily in the morning? Absolutely! I think it is a bit of a curse, you see, I have a built in clock that wakes me up at 4:00 every morning without fail. It doesn't matter what time I go to bed, I am always up at 4:00.

Do you like hairy men? No! I love a clean shaven man.

Which would you prefer: a two-hour spa massage, a two-hour Thai massage, or a two-hour foot massage? I would have to say the two-hour foot massage. In fact I could use one right now!

Have you ever wished you had a different name? My full name is Mary Sabrina but I have always gone by my middle name. The Mary comes from my grandmother and therefore I love my name and would never change it.

Have you ever passed gas in public and pretended like you didn’t smell anything? I really hate to admit it, but yes. If I did not tell the truth my children surely would.

What is the most extreme sport you have ever done? Extreme sport? Ha! Ha! Well being the reserved person that I am the most extreme sport that I have played would have to be softball.

Would you prefer traveling in Europe or Asia? I have always loved the Sound of Music and because of it I have a great desire to visit Austria. My choice hands down is Europe.

What is your favorite food? Mexican

What is your most embarrassing moment while out on a date? There are some things that are just better left unsaid.

TAG!

YOU'RE IT!

Don't forget to leave a comment so that I can visit your blog.

Why Mormons Build Temples

Our family is saddened that the producers of HBO have taken our

most sacred practices and misrepresented them out of context

and understanding in the show, "Big Love."

In response, I would invite you to watch the following which

beautifully explains why we as members of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

build temples.

YouTube - Mormon Messages: Why Mormons Build Temples

Arizona All-State Choir

The results are in from the Arizona All-State auditions

held Saturday, March 14th.

SHANTELL made the ALL-STATE choir as a Freshman!

We are so excited for her, however there is a conflict. She recently won the "Young Artist's Competition" playing Robert Shumann's Piano Concerto in A minor and has been asked to be the featured soloist with the Tucson Civic Orchestra on the same day as the All-State performance. We will just have to see what happens.

CONGRATULATIONS SHANTELL
We Love You!

Classic Sourdough Bread

The night before baking, mix in a very large bowl a batter made of:
2 Cups sourdough starter
4 Cups lukewarm water
5 Cups flour

Mix well. Don't worry if there are still lumps. Cover lightly and leave overnight at room temperature. The next morning stir down the batter and return 2 cups to your permanent sourdough container.

Add
3 Cups lukewarm water
1/4 Cup sugar
2 Teaspoons salt
1 Cup powdered milk
1/4 Cooled melted butter, or oil

Stir in about 5 cups of flour and mix well. Gradually add an additional 5 to 6 cups of flour until too stiff to stir. Turn out and knead well, adding flour as necessary until the dough is smooth and stands about 1/3 high or more as it is wide when resting. Place in a greased bowl, let rise until double. Punch down. Let the dough rest 15 minutes. Shape into 5 loaves, place in greased bread pans, 9 x 5 x 3 inches.

Brush tops with melted butter. Let rise until the tops are even with the top edge of the pan. (This takes several hours) Bake 40-45 minutes at 375 degrees. Turn out immediately onto cooling racks. For a soft crust, rub with hard butter while still hot.

Makes 5 loaves

Freezes well

Popcorn Tree

One of my children's favorite songs

as they have grown is Popcorn Popping.

It is a fun song of springtime and blossoms

popping on an Apricot tree, complete with actions.

This morning Brigitta was so anxious to show me something.

"Mom," she yelled excitedly, "The song is true!"

Sure enough there is popcorn

beginning to pop on our apricot tree.

New Hairdo for Brigitta

Fixing my daughter's hair has always been a challenge for me.

Maybe its because I have always worn my hair short.

Here is my latest experiment with Brigitta' hair.

I did take a front picture but it turned out blurry :(

Refreshing your Sourdough

It just dawned on me that there might be those who do not know what it means by 'sourdough that has been refreshed'.

In all sourdough recipes, the term 'fresh starter' means starter that has been fed within the past 8 to 12 hours and allowed to freshen at room temperature.

For fresh starter, take a cup of your stored starter one day ahead of time, and add equal amounts of warm water and flour (the amount of flour needs to be slightly greater) and stir well.


The amount of water should be what is called for as 'fresh starter' in the recipe. Allow it to sit over night at room temperature, covered loosely.

When you get up in the morning it should be alive with bubbles.

Now all you have to do is to measure out the amount of fresh starter needed for the recipe, and return the remainder to the storage container, stirring it in well, and continue on with the recipe.

Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies

Shantell came home late last night and informed me that she needed cookies for school today. No problem I thought to myself, I have just refreshed my sourdough. :)

Now before you gag on the thought of sourdough cookies let me tell you how amazing they are. There is just a hint of sourdough taste. The texture of these cookies is soft and moist. They melt into your mouth with the very first bite.

Just to make sure, I text Shantell during her lunch period to get comments on the cookies. Her friends thought they not only looked delicious but tasted fantastic. When she mentioned they were made out of sourdough they couldn't believe it. As a side note, I only asked her for comments from the girls because we all know that boys will eat anything.

Here is the recipe:

4 ½ Cups all-purpose flour
2 Teaspoons baking soda
1 Teaspoon salt
1 Cup butter, softened
1 Cup shortening
1 ½ Cups granulated sugar
1 ½ Cups brown sugar, packed
2 Teaspoons vanilla extract
1 Cup sourdough starter
4 Large eggs
2 (12 oz) packages semisweet chocolate chips
1 ¾ Cups chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt, set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, shortening, and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, beating until well blended. Add vanilla and sourdough starter, mixing well. Stir in flour mixture until just mixed. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 2- inches apart onto baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn baking sheet around after 6 minutes to ensure even browning. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool completely. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature.

Makes about 5 dozen

Hope Through Difficult Times

Everywhere we turn we are bombarded with news of our downward spiraling economy. As Latter-Day Saints we have been warned and forewarned for years and counseled to prepare for such a time.

Our late Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley in a General Conference 8 years ago said:

"The economy is particularly vulnerable. We have been counseled again and again concerning self-reliance, concerning debt, concerning thrift. So many of our people are heavily in debt for things that are not entirely necessary. As we have been continuously counseled for more than 60 years, let us have some food set aside that would sustain us for a time in case of need. But let us not panic nor go to extremes. Let us be prudent in every respect. And, above all, my brothers and sisters, let us move forward with faith in the Living God and His Beloved Son.

Are these perilous times? They are. But there is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes. We can be an influence for good in this world, every one of us.
May the God of heaven, the Almighty, bless us, help us, as we walk our various ways in the uncertain days that lie ahead. May we look to Him with unfailing faith."

Well the time is here! It would be so easy to get caught up in the gloom and doom but I have resolved to press forward with faith.

Thomas Paine said;

"The harder the conflict,

the more glorious the triumph."

As we gathered our children together for family council this week we discussed the economy and how it has affected us. We then brainstormed and came up with a list of things that we can to do to help make it through these difficult times.

• Get back to the basics (gardening, food storage etc.)
• Give thanks daily for the blessings we have.
• Be humble and willing to work.
• Help others in need.
• And most importantly, Look to the Savior in all things.

As we enter into these difficult times, let us for forth with faith that the triumph will be glorious.

Parmesan Dinner Rolls

You've just returned home from church (and for us, ward choir) and you want to just sit and relax, but the family has other plans. They are looking forward to that wonderful Sabbath meal they have come to expect. I have the perfect recipe for quick dinner rolls that are absolutely delicious. A gourmet bread that looks and tastes like you slaved in the kitchen for hours. These rolls are so quick and simple to prepare. They only need one rising period and then they go straight in the oven.

ROLLS

3/4 Cup warm water

3 Tablespoons active dry yeast

6 Teaspoons sugar

6 Tablespoon butter melted

1 1/2 Cups warm milk

1 Teaspoon dried oregano

1 Teaspoon dried basil

1 1/2 Teaspoon salt

3/4 Cup wheat germ

1/2 Parmesan cheese
5 1/2 Cups flour

TOPPING

1/2 Cup butter melted

1 1/4 Cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 Teaspoon garlic

1/2 Teaspoon dried basil

1/2 Teaspoon dried oregano

Pour water into a large mixing bowl and add yeast and sugar. Stir and allow to stand until it is bubbly about 5 minutes. Stir in cooled butter that has been melted, warm milk, oregano, basil, salt, wheat germ and Parmesan.

Slowly add the flour just 1-1/2 cups at a time until a stiff dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead for about 5 minutes. It should feel soft and elastic and look smooth and satiny.

Divide the dough into 24 portions. Roll each portion into a ball and dip in melted butter followed by the topping mixture. Place evenly spaced into 3 greased pie pans. cover and let rise until the rolls fill the pan and have more than doubled. Bake at 375 until golden brown for about 20-25 minutes.

Note: You can cover and refrigerate before rising for up to 24 hours. Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and allow to rise covered on the counter and then bake.

I have received so many calls and comments on the sourdough

and am excited to hear about all of your successes,

but please leave the comments on the blog so that

everyone can enjoy and cheer you on as well. :)

Thanks!

Time Well Spent

This past Thursday and Friday the schools throughout Tucson were out for Rodeo Weekend. We have never participated in the rodeo, however we have enjoyed the weekend as time together with family. This year was a bit different because the kids had a bout with the stomach flu. Once everyone was well we did manage to get to the park, which is Brigitta's favorite family activity.
We also helped Cameron, Michele, and Dallin move in with Michele's family while waiting for their new home to be built.

All it all it was great just being together and serving one another.

What more could we ask for?