Spring Time in San Antonio...

We spent last week in San Antonio with John while he attended a conference. It was nice to stay at a hotel and have a break from cooking and cleaning.  In a new city I always make it my mission to find a pretty park, a good museum, and some local cuisine. 

This is the cowboy art museum.  Yeah, I am not that crazy;)  Instead we opted to spend two different days in the children's museum.  I am learning catering to the kids is much more enjoyable and less of a spectacle:)

The only thing that would have made the vacation better would have been a little more time with John.  He was busy being wined and dined by vendors.  He went to a rodeo, several lunches and dinners, and enjoyed box seats to the Spurs.  

I found a new flowering love in San Antonio...the lilac tree.  They were so pretty juxtaposed with the Spanish architecture and smelled like heaven.  

I instagram-ed about being a side show at the Alamo.  We were quite the site with an overflowing stroller and a big baby bump.  People kept saying things like, "bless your heart," or "you are a brave woman."

We took a river boat tour twice.  It was fun to learn more about the city.

This yummy Tex Mex place was located next to a beautiful old cathedral where Davy Crocket was laid to rest.  Looking up at the old church spires on a perfect spring day while we enjoyed the delicious cuisine was divine!

Nice park:  Check

Fun museum:  Check

Good food:  Check

San Antonio gets Texas-sized stars in all areas.  Can't wait to go back.

My Masterpieces...

Kimme and I have challenged each other to do an art project once a week.  The problem is James and Rissy always want to join in on the fun.  My art work always ends up being hurried and sloppy.  Sometimes it is hard to be patient when I have dreams of being a polished painter.  So I have to think of my kids as my canvases... and for now, I couldn't be more happy with how they are turning out...

 #charcoalchallenge 

Friday, I'm in Love...

 Today was a good day.  The kids and I took our morning walk around the temple.  Seeing all the beautiful Tulips inspired me to spruce up my own beds.  So we took a trip to the store and along with the plants we also bought a popcorn machine.  Rissy and James love being outside and the weather has been perfect.  After planting the afternoon away, we took a hot bath and then popped and ate three bowls of popcorn.  John came home and we read books and baked homemade pizza.  Now I am relaxing my baby bump (that feels like popcorn popping in my belly).  I am feeling very content tonight.  I am so thankful for family, flowers, and photos of the two.

Looks Like Rain...

Valentine's 2014

Rissy and James woke up to the Tunnel of Love in the living room.

We took our traditional Valentine's walk at the temple. 

And had the breakfast of champions (or cupids anyway)..lots of chocolate.

The best part of our Valentine's weekend has been the wonderful spring weather.  Sending all our love, Jessica

Banana Foster, You Light Up My Life....

Banana foster is one of my very favorite desserts and I have only had it a handful of times.  John bought rum to make it for me about four years ago and then we kind of forgot about it.  Last Friday he reignited the flame for this fruit flambé and I've been craving it ever since.   

Banana Foster

(Serves 4)

While the bananas cook, scoop the ice cream into individual bowls so that the desserts are ready to serve once the sauce has been flambeed.  

1/2 cup of packed dark brown sugar

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 a stick)

1 cinnamon stick

1 strip of lemon zest (2-inch)

1/4 cup of dark rum

2 large, firm, ripe bananas, peeled, halved lengthwise, and then halved crosswise

1 pint of vanilla ice cream

1.  Combine the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon stick, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of the rum in a heavy-bottomed 12-inch skillet.  Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is thick, about 2 minutes.

2.  Reduce the heat to medium and add the bananas, spooning some sauce over each piece.  Cook until the bananas are glossy and golden on both sides, about 3 minutes.  

3.  Off the heat, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of rum and wait until the rum has warmed slightly, about 5 seconds.  Wave a lit match over the pan until the rum ignites.  Return the skillet to the heat, shaking the pan to distribute the flame over the entire pan.  When the flame subsides (this will take 15 to 30 seconds), divide and pour over ice cream.  

Maybe It's Maybelline...

Because look at those lashes:)

Before the Sagebins left they treated us to a fun day at the zoo.  Jamie packed a delicious homemade picnic and paid for us to feed the giraffes and ride the carousal.  It was a perfect day playing with the kids, having mommy talk, and enjoying nature.

 Rissy likes to brush her locks in-between the goats.  Lovely;)

Funny jokes and and silly secrets between best friends:).  I feel proud as a peacock to be a parent to my two kids.  XOXO, Jess