Hike to Stewart Falls

My kids, My friend Marci, and I all hiked to Stewart Falls yesterday. The kids did really well. It is about 4 miles round trip, so I was worried we wouldn't make it all the way. But they were troopers. They couldn't wait to tell Dad all about the awesome waterfall! They even said we should do it again with Dad!!
If you have never been.... You can get there through American Fork or Provo canyon. If you go through AF, then just follow the signs for the Alpine loop, if you go through Provo canyon turn towards Sundance. Look for the Aspen Grove parking lot and there is the trail. Beautiful scenery, Awesome waterfall, and plenty of bonding time! The mist from the waterfall was refreshing and the kids had fun playing in the water before heading back. Fun day!!

Grilled Cheesy Ham Packets

We made this for dinner last night, and it was Yummy!! I got this recipe from Pillsbury.com

Grilled Cheesy Ham Packets
1 slice cooked ham, 1/2" thick, cut into 4 pieces (I used small ham steaks!)
2 cups refrigerated new potato wedges
20 oz. Frozen broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and cheese, thawed
1 C. Shredded cheddar cheese

Heat grill**. Cut 4 (8x12") sheets of foil. Place ham piece in center of each. Top evenly with potatoes and vegetable mixture. Bring up foil sides so edges meet. Seal edges, making a tight fold, allowing space on sides for heat circulation and expansion.
Place packets, seam side up, on grill. Cover grill; cook over medium heat for 18-23 minutes, rearranging several times during cooking, until potatoes and veggies are tender. Carefully open packets and allow steam to escape. Sprinkle with cheese, close and let stand for 1-2 minutes.

**Or do in oven at 450. Place packets on a cookie sheet and remember to rotate.

Malibu Wraps

This is a Pampered Chef Recipe that we love. It's a good break from a sandwich for lunch!

Malibu Wraps
Get a spinach tortilla, spread with a mixture of cream cheese spread and pineapple preserves. Layer with spinach leaves, turkey slices (lunchmeat or deli sliced), cheese (provolone or colby-jack are good), cucumber slices, carrot slices, sprouts, and red bell pepper slices. Roll up and serve.

Beef Stroganoff Sandwich

We love this one on summer nights!

Beef Stroganoff Sandwich
2 lbs. ground beef
1/2 C. chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 loaf french bread
butter or margarine, softened
2 C. sour cream
2 tomatoes,diced
1 lg. green bell pepper, diced (opt.)
3 C. shredded cheddar cheese

In a skillet, brown ground beef and onion. Drain. Add spices. Cut bread lengthwise in half, butter both halves and place on baking sheet. Remove meat from heat, add sour cream. Spoon onto bread. Sprinkle with tomatoes, green pepper and cheese. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.
*NOTE* If you have picky eaters, you can leave off the tomatoes and green pepper. I do one side of the bread with them and one side without!

Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole

Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole
2 lbs. ground beef
1 can golden mushroom soup
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 pkg. (20 oz.) frozen crinkle cut fries

In a skillet, brown the beef and drain. Stir in the soups. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Arrange fries on top. Bake, uncovered at 350 for 50-55 minutes, or until fries are golden brown.

Lasagna Toss

This is not a pretty lasagna, but it is fast and easy, and the only one my kids will eat.

Lasagna Toss
1 lb. ground beef
2 c. green peppers, chopped (optional)
1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 2/3 c. water
1/4 c. Italian dressing
12 lasagna noodles, broken into quarters
1 c. mozzarella, shredded

Brown meat in a large saucepan on Medium heat, drain. Add peppers, sauce, water and dressing; bring to a boil. stir in noodles; reduce heat to medium low. Cover.
Cook, Stirring occasionally, 10-15 minutes or noodles are tender. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover: let stand 5 min.

Lemon chicken

Lemon Chicken
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1/2 c. water
1/4 c. lemon juice
2 tsps. dijon mustard (regular works too)
1 1/2 tsps. garlic powder
8 lg. carrots,thickly sliced (Or use baby carrots)
8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
8 c. egg noodles
grated parmesan cheese

In a Crock-Pot, mix soup, water, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, and carrots. Add chicken and turn to coat. Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours. Cook noodles according to package directions. Serve over noodles and sprinkle with cheese.

Taco Soup

Taco Soup
Brown 1 lb. ground beef and drain.
Add: 1 can kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
1/2 bag frozen corn
28 oz. can of diced tomatoes (blended, if preferred)
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 pkg. ranch dressing mix

Cook and stir until heated through. Top with grated cheese, chips, or sour cream.

Baked Potato Soup

Since it's cold enough for soup today... Yes, it is June! I thought I would post one of our favorite EASY soup recipes.

Baked Potato Soup
1 lb. potatoes (about 5) peeled and cubed
1 can chicken broth
1 c. milk
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp. chopped green onions
1/4 c. sour cream

Place potatoes in a large microwavable bowl; cook on high 5 minutes stirring after 2 1/2 minutes. Add broth and milk to bowl; stir. Cook 10 minutes, stirring after 5. Crush potatoes with a potato masher. Reserve 2 tbsp. of each of the bacon and cheese and 1 tbsp. of onions for topping, set aside. Add remaining bacon, cheese and onions to soup. Serve topped with reserved toppings and the sour cream.

Good workout at home

I got this out of "Shape" magazine 2 years ago. Hadn't tried it. Until today. As a mom, it's hard to find the time to work out. This took 30 minutes, well a little longer because I had to pause and breathe..., It took no equipment, except my body and a jumprope. It about killed me, but I loved it and will do it again. My kids had fun too, they didn't last the whole workout, but they did some here and there.

Time(min.) what to do
0-2 march in place
2-4 jumping jacks
4-5 speed skater
5-7 jump rope
7-8 crunches
8-9 jump rope
9-14 repeat minutes 4-9
14-15 squats
15-17 jump rope
17-18 push-ups
18-20 jump rope
20-26 repeat minutes 14-20
26-28 jumping jacks
28-30 march in place

Wow! Did you love it?