The Graduate

Scotty had the opportunity to go to pre-school this year. He loved it!! They each had a speaking part at their graduation and many songs were sung. What a fun time we had. Here are a few pics from his big night.

Zing!

OK, so we have tried yet another new recipe and loved it. This is a super tasty garlic butter spread for corn on the cob. Cook the corn the way you prefer - grilled or boiled and then indulge. Mmmmmmmmm-mmmmmm!!!



Garlic Butter:

1 stick butter or margarine, slightly softened

4 cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon chili powder - we are wimpy so I used a little more that 1/8.

handful of fresh chives, coarsely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese

4 fresh limes, quartered

Combine butter, garlic, chili powder, and chives in a food processor and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside until ready to use.
Cook corn and smear with garlic butter, top with cheese, and sprinkle with lime juice. The picture above is obviously much more heavy on the chili powder.

WOW!!!! This is sinfully good!

Home

This past Saturday was a sad one in our family. Zack's childhood home was burned to the ground. They lived in that house for 23 years. The company that bought the property from the Churches offered to let the Pleasant Grove Fire Department use it for about 6 weeks to train their men. The Fire Chief was kind enough to call the Churches and let us come to see it in it's final moments.


The firefighters did some little exercises inside for a bit and then they came pouring out of the home and said that it was time. They started the fire in the upper west side (Matt's bedroom) and it roared down the hall to the massive balcony that overlooked their lovely living room. Then it went downstairs and consumed the rest. It was so hard to watch. The firefighters said that it took 8 minutes for it to become completely engulfed.I believe that it was at least a 6,000 square foot home that they built all on their own nearly from scratch. So much of their hard work brought so much joy to so many.

I believe that there was at least 200-300 people who stopped by to see it. So many people have been a part of that home. We even had our wedding reception there. Zack didn't want to go at all, but I thought it might be fun for the boys to go see it. Boy was I wrong. The minute we turned the corner and saw the little wisps of smoke, I burst into tears. We parked at the church next door and walked over. The firefighters were so kind and let us go right up to the front of the home.



Zack kept his distance, but finally joined the rest of the family. Everyone kept saying that his emotions were close to the surface - that is a big understatement. All of his memories, the good and the bad, I am sure came rushing back to him. Our sons also shed tears of sorrow, particularly Mikey. When his Aunt Kali asked him what his favorite memories were, he immediately said, "Chocolate chip pancakes". I am so glad that they have such great and warm memories of this home. I have a great sorrow for Scotty and Emily who never will. I think Scotty was too young to remember it. Zack's dad didn't even come. It was hard enough for him to see the enormous plume of smoke from across the lake In Saratoga Springs. To be honest, I am glad he didn't come.

Here is a great close up of the beautiful double sided fireplace we all enjoyed.

Here is the news clip from the fire. It's a bit choppy, but still neat to watch.

I have been going through so many different feelings and thoughts. Today, I am surprised to find that I am dealing with anger and then back to sadness. Zack and I are working so hard to make sure that our children have warm fuzzies about our own home. Thank you so much, mom and dad, for such sweet memories.