Happy Birthday to me!

So I know this is old news, and many people would be shocked to learn this but I turned 30 in June.  It's true.  So while this isn't recent news I want to make sure and have this documented in the blog.

It was quite a day.  Actually, quite a week.  School was coming to an end and summer was just around the corner.  I had plans to be helping out at the coffee shop and just like every year my birthday was the same weekend as the strawberry festival.  And this year to add to the fun Matt's company planned a company party at the wings and waves water park on my actual birthday.  (Yes, I think they did that on purpose) So, my big 3-0 day was packed.  Just the way I like it. :) The day was starting with me at the coffee shop. The Strawberry Fest was in full swing and it was a great day at the shop!  At about noon I hit the road and headed home to meet the family so we could make our way to the water park.  We felt quite privileged to have our party there considering it wasn't opening to the public until the next day.




 It was so great to get to experience that with a small-ish group.  The lines were short and so we could do all the slides and other fun stuff without waiting forever.  Matt and Madels are the dare devils of our family so they went on all the crazy slides while Jude and I stuck to the kids slides and the wave pool.   Fine by me!
We were at the pool for several hours and enjoyed a nice lunch and of course spent some time in the arcade!  This is where Matt started stressing.  I didn't get it at the time but looking back I can see it!  He was rushing us and I just didn't get it.  Why would we have to leave early?  We had plans to be at my parents house for dinner but we still had plenty of time to get there.  So off we went.  Speeding back to Salem.  Once we were home the rushing continued.  A few quick showers and a little make up for me and we were on our way.  We pulled into my parents drive way to see the normal vehicles.  The ones I expected to see for my bday dinner.  We took our time getting out of the car  and headed to the back yard.  I am almost going to start crying again!

When I came around the corner I was SURPRISED! I can't even describe how I felt.  I immediately started bawling!  No not cute tears, not a little cry, full on ugly bawling!  It was awesome.  It was so crazy.

There were so many people there.  My family and many of my friends had pulled a fast one on me.  I had received texts, phone calls and facebook messages throughout the day from most of these people!  And there they all were.  It was so awesome.

Not only had Matt and my sister went to a lot of work to invite all the people I love, they provided quite the spread of food!  Lindsey, Mom and I'm sure many others worked all day friday and saturday to put this beautiful table together.  What a gift!

Linds also did a s'mores bar!  It was so fun.  She even made the graham crackers and some of the marshmallows!

There is never a shortage of food when Mom and Linds throw a party!

Fun sign made by my dad!

Lindsey also took lots of time putting together a wall of photos and a great scrap book.  Full of sentiments from many friends and family. 

We had a wonderful night full of laughs and of course many many more tears from me.  

Thank you so very much to Shawn Garber for taking all of these pictures.  I was so busy bawling my head off I didn't even have a chance to think about taking any.  

It was such a great day!  Full to the top just like I like it.  I am so very thankful for my amazing family and wonderful friends.  I wouldn't have had it any other way. 

The King Family Christmas Tree!!!

"We're kicking off our fun old fashion family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols"  
So while the Griswolds headed out into an snow covered field, numb up to their eyeballs the kings,  headed down the open road and ended up here............

Yep, that's right.  We bought our tree at Rite Aid this year.  At first I was quite sad about it.  Most years we make an afternoon out of getting our tree.  We find a tree farm and bundle up and head there after church.  We have fun wandering through the trees trying to find the BEST tree available.  Matt gets to cut it down and we drag it back to the car.  Sometimes there is hot chocolate waiting at the end and candy canes or other times we just head home and start pulling out the decor.  Another part of our tradition is making a big pot of golden cream soup and warm our freezing selves back up before we start the best part.  The "best" part usually includes arguing over who's ornament is whos.  Me untangling lights for most of the time.  Matt putting the lights up.  Me getting sad/mad because another ornament has broken.  And of course the best part, trying to decide who gets to put up the star!  But through all of that we have found the secret to keeping the peace.  Video camera!!! Hahah I set the camera up and just let it roll.  And guess what?  Everyone is a little nicer, a little happier and all around a little more fun! It's amazing how we behave when that thing is on.  Madels is definitely her mothers daughter and spends a large amount of time jumping up and down in front of the camera, and Jude mostly tries to avoid it. 

Too bad that beautiful flocking job didn't stick around.

Yep, we did that!  Good thing the house isn't far from Rite Aid.  I actually held onto the top of the tree from inside the car while we went up the hill to our house! We must have been quite a sight.

Matt King, the best tree lighter I know.

Cutest light helpers I know. 

We can never remember who put the star up last year so this was our solution this year!

What a beaut!  The kids are so happy with the tree!  They walk in the room and just gush about how much they love the tree.  It smells sooooo good and I love the glow of the lights through our front window. 

So although this year's tree hunt didn't start out like I had planned (hello story of the last few months!)  it turned out like it always does.  My family was together, we made memories and we have a beautiful tree decorated with love! :)  

So what are your favorite family traditions when it comes to putting up the tree?  

Merry Christmas from The Kings!!!

The Super Bass-O-Matic!!! AKA Vitamix!

So several years Matt's cousin Lacey was talking about how she got a vitamix at the fair.  She was sooo excited.  I said, "isn't that just a blender?" Uh NO it isn't.  I didn't get it.  But now I do.  Sorry Lacey for doubting you.  The thing is amazing.  So far I have only used it for blending smoothies but my goodness that thing rips through it all.
Seeds from berries???? They don't stand a chance.
Ice cubes? See ya!!
Kale?  Smooth as your mutha!

Matt and I have always loved starting out the day with a smoothie.  Our main recipe was simple, Spinach, strawberries and lemon juice.  It was good but now it is even better.  But since the VM has entered our home we have reached a new level of wonder.  I have never consumed more fruits and veggies.  I basically will put anything in that baby.  Today I took pictures along the way to share with you!

It's a beast.  

One thing I really like to add to my smoothies is Odwalla Super Food.  Main reason is, it is great for you.

It has all kinds of good stuff in it.  And secondly my kids love it.  So when their smoothie is totally green from me adding kale or spinach I just say the superfood made it green and they are good. 

I used about 1 cup.

Next I added Kale.  This food is full of it!  Full of everything you need for the day.  It is a cancer fighter and much much more!  google it.  You will start eating it.  

I added 2 stalks.

Today I used plain yogurt.  Sometimes I use greek yogurt.  About 1/2 cup.

Strawberries.  

A handful

Flaxseed.  Good source of fiber, protein, and omega-3's  I don't mind it in there but it does change the texture a bit. 1 serving is 2 tablespoons.  I did 6 tablespoons today.  (for a 2 serving batch)

I had lots of grapefruit that needed to be eaten so I peeled one and added half of it to the mix.

Half a banana for a smooth texture.  

There it all is.  Isn't that pretty!

Start blending.  And be amazed.

There is nothing this thing can't handle.

And there you have it.  Everything you need to start your day right! 

Just think I have already had about 4 servings of fruits and veggies today! Add in the yogurt and flax and I have some protein and fiber!  

I added it up and for 1 serving (this recipe made 2) it was about 325 calories.  Not too bad.

So to those of you who love to blend things, pass on your recipes!  And to my friends, if I start acting like Dan Aykroyd please stop me! hahahaha I love the bass-o-matic!

The Kings are back in the Kitchen!

Looks like we took a little kitchen hiatus there, but have no fear! The holidays are upon us and we are back in full force in Cocina de la King's! 

This video is our absolute favorite treat to bring to holiday (or any day for that matter) gatherings.  It is a very welcome addition on any table of treats.  I really like to be able to have a light item among all of the other wonderful savory dishes. 

We call it "The Pears" yep they're that famous in our family.  So here you have another episode of Cooking with the Kings, with special guest Grammy!!!

Ahhhh I have just spent far too much time trying to get this video uploaded!!! NOT Working.  I will give it another whirl tomorrow but I am pretty sure I have tried everything I know how to do.  

I am not sure that I have ever actually seen a written recipe for this item.  My mom received this recipe from a friend at work so I am sure it is floating around somewhere but I am going to give you my best direction.

I like to do about 1 lime per pear.  This will give you plenty of juice and zest.  And do make sure you get Asian pears.  We have tried with a regular pear and it just isn't the same.  

1. Wash limes and pears.

2. Zest limes

3. Combine lime zest and some super fine sugar.  (Here is where a printed recipe would come in handy)

Do about 1/4 cup sugar per lime.  

4. juice limes.

5. slice pears.  We like to do ours quite thin. Cut into 16ths.

6. In a gallon zip-lock bag combine pears, lime juice and half of the zest sugar mixture. 

7.  Allow to soak for at least one hour in the refrigerator.  But probably no more than 4-6 hours

7.  remove from juice, place on a platter and sprinkle remaining zest/sugar mixture over top.

And there you have it.  My kids snarf these things!!!

Today Jude and I got the urge to get started on the holiday treats.  We were going to make the cookie press cookies but it appears that the press was either thrown away (very good chance) or still packed away somewhere very special!  So we decided to go with the best cookies ever.  No Bakes!!!  If you haven't made these cookies you must walk straight to the kitchen with this recipe and make them now.  They are soooo simple.  I wanted to film Jude but he said he would rather just do photos.  So that's what we did. 

You can just see the excitement in his eyes!  He doesn't have to take turns pouring with sissy. :)

Strep one:

Assemble ingredients. Including one adorable son. :)

Pour into pan.

Stir

Add butter

Pour some more

Pat with semi-clean hands

Stir a little more

And finally plop!

I am trying to make sure and enjoy these afternoons that I have with Jude! First grade will be here before I know it. And then what will I do?!?!?!? Hahaha.  

No Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar

1/4 cup cocoa

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup butter

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup peanut butter

4 cups quick oats.

Cook the sugar, cocoa, milk and butter over medium heat until it starts to boil.  Remove from heat and cool one minute.  Add vanilla, salt, peanut butter and oatmeal.  Stir well, then drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper and cool.  

Thanks for stopping by.  What is your favorite holiday treat?

A fun weekend with Grandpa and Grandma!!

So there is really only one way to say this,  I have AMAZING grandparents!  There is pretty much no way I could tell you how wonderful they are.  So you are going to have to take my word for it.  Let's just say, my grandpa will HAPPILY rub my feet every single time I ask(which reminds me I forgot to ask for a foot rub this weekend) Bummer  and my grandma is the best kitchen helper EVER!!!    Anyhow, over the weekend they were here at our house in Pullman!  They had driven to Mexico for a vacation with their friends and were making their way back home.  They made stops along the way at my Uncle and Aunt's house in Tucson and some other friends in Arizona as well.   From there they made their way to Idaho to see Grandmas sister and BOOM next they were here!  I think it is great that somehow on their way home from Mexico they ended up in Pullman.  :)  What a wonderful treat for us.

 Here they are with my kids, their great-grandchildren.

If you remember back to my first blog post in Pullman you will see that these are the very same extraordinary grandparents that drove our U-haul over here with us when we moved!!!  They definitely deserve a major award.  

Perhaps?????? 

So Friday afternoon they pulled in.  The kids and I were so excited and met them at the door with lots of hugs and kisses!  They had been in the car for 6 hours so we spent a little time letting them stretch their legs out and asking all kinds of questions about their trip so far.  We were also excited to show them all the great things in Pullman and so our first stop was, Sella's Pizza!!!  Yummmm

Once we were home Papa taught Jude how to crack his nose! Ouch.  :) 

And then for some reason the kids and I decided to torture them by bringing out the game SWAP!  Oops how did I already forget how lame that game is?  Oh well the kids still seem to like it and it was fun playing games all together. 

The next morning we were up and at 'em again, ready to go!  Matt made a delish breakfast and basically stuffed us all to the top!

Here's is a small portion of our wonderful breakfast!

And what do you do as soon as breakfast is cleaned up?  Start eating lunch!!!  We were still so full we opted for snacks in front of the football games!  

Matt and Gramps also took a tour of Matt's job site and were able to see the crane being delivered.  

The kids and ladies chose to stay home and stay WARM! 

Later that afternoon we took a drive south to see the snake river bluffs.  Matt has been wanting to take the drive for a while and this seemed like a great time for that!  I of course forgot my camera so I only took a few on the phone.  During our trip we saw several deer on the mountainside.  Thankfully Papa had thought to bring his binoculars so that was a lot of fun for the kids, and for the rest of us too.

We most definitely did NOT need the binocs to see this guy. :)

The drive was quite beautiful!  There were lots of people out bird hunting and fishing!  We thought they were nuts to be out in such cold weather but we have been assured that this is nothing yet!  Looks like the cold weather is just starting.  

Once we had made it to Clarkston we hopped out at Costco and had a very leisurely stroll around the store.  Sometimes it is so nice to be at Costco with no where to run off to. 

This was our view as we crossed the Snake River into Clarkston. 

Somehow we missed sample hour at Costco, but since we were all still quite full from lunch and breakfast it was just fine!

When we got home we had a nice relaxing evening ahead of us.  We reheated our leftover pizza and snacked on cougar gold cheese! The kids wanted to get Gramps and Grams in on family fun night so we all sat down for a game of rummikub! Our bananas weren't quite ripe enough so we did strawberry shakes and we were full (again) so we skipped the popcorn!

Once the kids went to bed the real competition began!  G&G had learned a new game in Mexico and had been playing along the way.  It is a version of the card game golf, but in this game you play with 9 cards.

And if you have ever played this game you know how valuable these bad boys are!  

We had some good laughs that is for sure!   This game was right up Matt's alley.  It has a great level of strategy and I am sure he will figure out the best one very soon!

Sunday morning G&G went to church with us.  It was lots of fun taking them there.  Isn't it funny how you notice EVERYTHING that happens at church when you bring someone with you?  Thankfully we attend an amazing church and had such a great sermon and we all really enjoyed it.

 Afterwards we hit up Cougar Country for lunch.  The kids and I had not yet gone there and so it was fun to try out another fun Pullman place.  

G&G wanted to get home at a decent time, (And I am sure they were ready to be in their own home and bed after traveling for over 5 weeks!) so they left once we were home from lunch.   We sent them off the same way we greeted them with lots of hugs and kisses and I love yous! 

We are so very thankful that they took the time to come spend a weekend with us.  It is a memory that we will carry with us forever.  I am lucky to have such fantastic grandparents and how awesome for my kids to have a relationship and great memories with their GREAT grandparents!!! 

Madeline and I had plans to go see The Nutcracker Ballet with her brownie troop that afternoon so we headed there in the afternoon!  It was so so fun to get dressed up with my girl and spend the day together.  She absolutely loved the show!

And stay tuned for a post about this awesome appliance very soon!!!