Tamara Shannon

Oh. My. Gosh. So darn good. Watch out Spanky's ! Yeah, they're that good. I love Spanky's, so you know this is serious. When I don't fit into my bridesmaid dress this November, this is why. Sorry Brooke, but they were worth it. I can't take all the blame though. Taelor is partially to blame because she gave me the website. I'm so glad I didn't count how many I made, and I'm not going to try to remember, because Brent only ate half of one. (He's not hungry...he went a little overboard, as usual, at the Indian food buffet today and 7 hours later he's still not hungry...& I do NOT approve of improper disposal of food.)...and, ummm..yeah, I ate the other half. Like all of my recipes, yes, it's VERY easy. Here's the original recipe on Pioneer Woman . All you need: -String Cheese -Milk -2 eggs (unless you're making a crapton I suppose-use your judgement) -Flour (you're going to have to gauge the amount needed based on how m...

Ok, I try not to blog twice (or more) in a day. Why? Well, as you may have guessed, Brent doesn't think it's in my best interest as a blogger...maybe you'll get bored reading my blogs etc. So, I'm sorry. Note: you can come back tomorrow to read this blog if you're feeling overwhelmed. ;) I had a sweet, funny moment this afternoon with Brynlynn that I just have to share. She was a little fussy, I think because she didn't finish her afternoon nap; for some reason she woke up sooner. Anyway, I picked her up and we were playing on the floor-I was lying on my back with her sitting up on my stomach with her back resting against my legs. I was holding her hands, or rather she was holding a finger on both of my hands. I began moving her hands in and out and associating some random noise with each action (for instance, going out went something like "beep, booop, beep" and in would be "booop, beep, beep" or something). She was staring at me, ...

I finally had a chance to finish up one of my projects currently in process. I bought some wooden letters (from WalMart for <$2/ea) and then covered them in fabric. I questioned many times why we chose such a LONG name, which so many intricate letters! ...but, alas! It is finished. Now, I just have to figure out where I want to display it...and how...I still have a few other ideas for that. More pictures to follow...once it's on the wall. (p.s. sorry the picture is so dark...I took it with my iPhone)

Ok, here's another dessert that I really, really LOVE. I have to be honest, the first time I was offered some 'pistachio dessert' I didn't exactly start running in excitement. I had no reason to discriminate, especially since I don't think I had ever eaten anything pistachio before...I've since changed my opinion of pistachio pudding. I have to give a shout out to my friend Christy because she is the reason I have this recipe...before that, I don't know it's origin. Again, it's super yummy and, like everything I make, SUPER easy! ...why make dessert complicated? Though, that may deter me from making and then eating it...eh well! Enjoy! What you need... 1st Layer: 1 1/2 cup flour 9 tbsp butter flavored crisco (or 1/2 cup + 1tbsp...whichever way you prefer) 3 tbsp white granulated sugar 1/3 chopped nuts (I used pecans, well, because they're the best, but I suppose you don't have to) Combine all ingredients and mix well. Press into ungrease...

What I do while Brynlynn naps. This is why my laundry isn't done... Not sure if you picked up on this, but there were a LOT of pieces. Seriously, the price should be discounted to account for labor. I didn't get a picture/movie of all the parts spread out, but I should have. (& of course I'm kidding about not paying attention to them...kinda) Brynlynn seems to be enjoying it so far. We took her to Babies R'Us and set her in a few...this is the one she interacted with the most. Brent was so impressed with the low cost (italics=sarcasm) and the playmat that came with it. I had to remind him unless he is done at one, we can use the playmat in the future.

Just a warning, I am standing on my 'soapbox', so turn back now if you don't want to hear my rant of the day. I have strong opinions, so read at your own risk. :) I just watched this video, Mothers and Daughters , and had to share it. I watched a very disturbing episode of Oprah yesterday (the DVR recorded another episode for some reason). I won't go in to details, but despite all of the discussion I was very upset and surprised by the actions of the mother. She was basically the opposite of what a mother should reflect. She offered no love, support, encouragement and in this particular situation protection for any of her children. I particularly like how Elder Ballard mentions what expectations we as women are presented with today. Pointing out how, women are often made to look silly, and objectified. Our roles, that we are divinely given, are continually undermined . Women seek guidance on how we should look, what we should wear etc. from people that really do...

This past Father's Day, at my mom's house, we attempted to make homemade ice cream. None of us had ever made it before...no one except Brent. He got the recipe from his mom, but little instruction on the cooking process. Long story short, we had BlueBell. I found this recipe at KevinandAmanda and it's SUPER easy! ...and NO MACHINE NECESSARY!! Yay! Also, it's pretty yummy (to me). My world renowned food critic, Brent, was not overly impressed. He admitted it was good, but was too heavy/creamy for his taste. Well, I like creamy ice cream. Sure it's not exactly like the other kind, but a good, easy alternative. (Just between us, I think it's partially the nostalgia of homemade ice cream...if I made it at Christmas and told him it was his mom's recipe he might have another review. Maybe. Maybe not.) Try it!! Here's what you need: 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 can sweetened condensed milk (I used Eagle Brand) Any toppings, mix-ins you want! ....seriou...

My first blog recipe post! So the original recipe for this I found on one of my favorite blogs KevinandAmanda . She's a much better photographer, but I'm learning...trying. I found this recipe and had to try it! Here's what you need: (minus the garlic & ground beef...I forgot to put it in the picture) ...in case you were wondering what it looked like all together... Yum....my crust was a little more "done", but still good. Ok, so I didn't document the entire process. I'll try better next time. Here's the recipe: 1/2 lb lean ground beef, browned and drained 1/4 cup water 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (I didn't use this...because I forgot to buy it.) 1 pkg dry onion soup mix (I used an entire packet; it was a little much for me, but I'm not a big onion fan. Brent liked it.) 1/4 cup ketchup 1 tbsp mustard 1 garlic clove, minced (I used some garlic salt...I just added as much as I felt like. Not too much.) 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable o...

First, I want to express my gratitude to my dad, uncles, grandparents, great uncles, great grandparents etc. and all the other men and women that have served and continue to serve to protect the American way of life. Despite your opinion on the current situation and what the politicians say, do, don't do, but still say, the men and women serving this great nation deserve all our gratitude and respect for their willingness to serve and sacrifice. That gratitude should also be extended to their families who also sacrifice more than most of us. For your service, thank you. Here's Brynlynn showing her gratitude the only way she knows how...looking super cute while sporting the colors! "Well, then where do you want me to hold it, mom?" "Lets roll mom, gotta get my swim on." Chillin' with her cousin Hyrum . Cousin Noah wanted to join in on the crazy times in the 'baby pool'...not sure how Brynlynn felt about that... Wrinkly baby toes! Must be ti...

Notice anything unusual? Good news: I busted the jerk Binki Bandit before this binki disappeared. Bad News: this is NOT the original binki that went missing! ....the search continues.

Our pediatrician recommended rice cereal at 4 months; once a day, about 1T to get used to eating with a spoon. She does pretty good, but can only stand the Bumbo for so long. We tried this method and it seemed to work about the same. (In reference to the cereal shown-we like to give her options. JK! those were Brent's) I really just wanted to post this picture...so I decided to blog. Ready for church. Couldn't you just eat her up? The level of cuteness is sometimes unbearable.