chocolate chip cookies

A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.

Stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I think not!

"Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap." - - Barbara Jordan

God Bless America

I must admit that I was not happy when I realized that the 4th of July would be on a Sunday this year, and a Fast Sunday at that! I mean, this holiday is all about the barbecues and the fun and the fireworks right?

Nope, I was wrong.
In church yesterday we had an amazing lesson about those who have sacrificed so much for our country and who have preserved the many freedoms that we enjoy each day; freedoms that I think we often take for granted. And then we talked about he who sacrificed everything for us, who descended below all things, who gave his life for us, even our Savior Jesus Christ. It was such a spiritual experience.
I have always loved U.S. history - the people, the stories, even the wars. I love reading and learning about how this nation was miraculously discovered, formed, and preserved despite heavy opposition. I firmly believe that God had a hand in all of this. What better way to celebrate Independence Day than by worshiping God from whom all these blessings of freedom have come? This truly is a blessed nation and I am so grateful to live in this country!

4th of July Weekend

Let me just start off by saying that I monumentally failed at taking lots of pictures this weekend as I had originally planned. For several various reasons, I just didn't get around to it. So here is what little I have; hope you enjoy them!


This past weekend I went with Tom to his family reunion up in the Valley. We camped out near Darby Canyon where his grandparents live. On the way up, we stopped to see my dad and wish him a happy birthday. We chatted and looked at old pictures of the family and even had a little ping-pong tournament over at my grandparent's place.


On Saturday morning, we watched the good old parade in Victor. I hadn't been to it in four years! I'll admit it was more exciting when I was younger, and I was usually in the parade dancing so I never really watched it. Ever since they stopped giving away free chocolate milk, it just hasn't been the same . . . that was my favorite part! Although it wasn't the most exciting thing, it was still fun to go just for old times' sake. Plus, there was a float for a local dental office which was throwing out free toothbrushes. This got me really excited because I had forgotten to pack my toothbrush and was in desperate need of one! This nice lady heard me yelling hysterically and ran up and grabbed one for me. She came back, handed it to me, and proudly declared, "And look, it's even pink!" If only she knew . . . :) so once again I am stuck with a pink toothbrush. I can't complain though, it is a pretty nice toothbrush and even has those gum-massager-things on the sides which I find quite nice.


That evening we went down to Huntsman Springs for the big firework show and speech by Glenn Beck. I couldn't believe how many people were there! I think that the population of the Valley tripled that night. It was a pretty good show and I really enjoyed it despite the fact that it was a little cold for the 4th, but that's Idaho for you. I don't really know much about Glenn Beck, but apparently he has been ruffling some feathers lately. I wasn't sure what his speech was going to be like, but I think that he did a great job. He simply spoke of our nation's history, and of people who played a key role in forming this great country that we live in. He also spoke about the virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

Sunday morning, the 4th of July, we woke up to the sounds of these birds . . . .

and hot air balloons!

These things are surprisingly noisy. It took me awhile to figure out what the noise was, but when I did, I ran out of the tent to take some pictures. I counted a total of 14 hot air balloons up in the sky!

It was such a wonderful weekend!

It's July!

Happy 1st of July! During the month of June I hit an all-time low in the world of blogging with only three posts. So I am determined to do better this month, starting today. . .

Here are a few recent highlights in my life:

• On June 27th we celebrated Eli's first birthday with cupcakes and presents.

Snickerdoodle cupcakes are soooo good!

• Last Tuesday night I went to a production of "Oklahoma" in Idaho Falls with Tom and his family. It was so fun! I still have those songs running through my head.

"I'm just a girl who cain't say no . . ."

• I have TWO job interviews in the upcoming week! This is a pretty big deal for me and I really hope that one of them works out.

• Most exciting of all, I am going up to the Valley to celebrate the Fourth of July! Camping, hiking, parades, fireworks, and good food . . . I love this time of year! Plus, we are celebrating my dad's birthday (which is tomorrow). Happy Birthday Dad!!

I'm determined to take lots and lots of pictures this weekend so be looking for them in posts soon to come! Enjoy your 4th of July weekend!

Cress Creek

On Friday, the 25th, I took Tom up to Cress Creek for a little hike. I'm really not much of a hiker, but this trail I can handle. It is short and sweet, and super beautiful! It's called Cress Creek because of all the wild watercress that grows in it. The creek's water is lukewarm all year round because it comes from a natural spring up on the mountain.

Me holding some watercress

From the top we had an amazing view of the valley below, and of the sun casting its light upon the river.




The weather here has been absolutely perfect lately. It's just a shame that all the bugs have realized this too, and are out and about. Already I have numerous mosquito bites. I forgot how much I dislike them!

On the way up we saw this abandoned stroller and thought that someone had left their baby inside!

Psych! It was only a water jug (thank goodness)!



We had such a good time!

Camping and Fishing

This past weekend my mom, Colter, Tom, and I went on a camping/fishing trip. This is something I missed out on last summer since I was in Washington, D.C., so I was really excited to go. I can't even remember the last time I went fishing and forgot how much fun it could be!



We went and camped at Warm River near Mesa Falls. The weather forecast predicted rain showers, but to our pleasant surprise it didn't rain at all! Aside from it being occasionally windy and a little chilly, the weather was great.

Tom is such a manly wood-chopper. :)

I woke up Saturday morning bright and early (5 a.m.!!!) and was ready to go. I couldn't believe that I felt that great so early in the morning, but it turned out to be a good thing that we were up early. We were down at the river before 7 a.m. so there weren't very many other people out fishing yet.

I was not too thrilled that my mom had the camera out right after we woke up.

Right off the bat we had great success at fishing. Within just a few hours I had hooked four fish! Two got away, but I am ok with that. (It makes me feel bad to kill them.) But we decided to keep the other two.


Tom also caught two fish that morning. We took them back to camp and Tom taught me how to gut a fish. When I was younger, I had always wanted to learn because I thought that it would impress the boys and prove that I wasn't a sissy girl. Well, I got my chance and it really wasn't that bad. I would much rather gut fish than rip the worms in half and put them on the fishing hook. Yuck, I hate that part. It's so gross, but Tom made me do it.

After we returned to camp and ate a delicious breakfast, we went back to the river for round two of fishing. It was pretty windy and there were more people out, so we didn't have as much luck this time. Tom caught a few little ones but threw them back in, and I didn't get so much as a nibble.
But Colter caught a fish later that afternoon and we were so excited for him! He would have been really disappointed if we had left without him having caught a fish.



We got to enjoy the fresh air, watch the sunset over the Falls, and eat amazing dutch oven food. It doesn't get any better than that! I can't remember the last time I was that happy. . . I just couldn't stop smiling! :)


After all the fun we returned home to much needed hot showers and inviting beds.

Banana Bread

As many of you may know, I have completely mastered the art of baking the perfect loaf of banana bread. (And some of you may have been fortunate enough to sample said bread.)

It all started a few years ago with my roommate, Brooke. She decided to make up her own recipe for banana bread and then made it quite often. I was given her recipe and made it a few times, but decided to make a few personal adjustments . . . and voila! My own breed of banana bread was born and has been a source of pleasure to many people ever since.

It has become my trademark of sorts. If there is a birthday, holiday, party, potluck, etc. you can expect banana bread from Kimberly. I think some of my friends get tired of it. Presents are supposed to be a surprise, but you always know what you're going to get from me.

Well, today I made a total of eleven loaves of bread. Can you believe it? Six big ones and five little ones. This was by far my biggest batch yet. For some reason we had tons of old bananas at my house . . . and what else are you going to do with old, spotted bananas?

Just the other day I was thinking - Wouldn't it be great if I could make a living by selling my banana bread?! If I could make a viable salary off of teaching aerobics and selling banana bread for the rest of my life I would be one happy clam! But, since that's not likely, I have continued searching for a more traditional job, and even had an interview this morning so keep your fingers crossed for me! But seriously, how much would you be willing to pay for a loaf of banana bread? I would like to know.

P.S. Have you noticed how many of my blog posts are dedicated to food? That should tell you something about me. :)