Sicily's Baptism

Saturday, March 26, was Sicily's baptism. She turned eight the day before.

It was wonderful to have so much family there for her special day.

The May side

The Dalebout side

Go BYU!

C'mon, BYU, you can do it! We'll be cheering for you!

Bronwen and her friend Madyson

One of Piper's favorite pasttimes.

Note: For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, #3 BYU is playing #2 Florida in a NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game tonight.

Mom's 60th

Yesterday was my mom's 60th birthday. My sisters and I gave her a midday party. We had two pedicurists and two masseuses (I had to check on that spelling) come to pamper us.

The beautiful birthday girl.

Our spread with bruschetta, chopped salad, fruit kabobs, and a cookie fruit tart.

Annie, Mom, Erin, Holly, Amanda

The pedicures and massages were heavenly.

Cupcakes with the whole family that evening.

Celtic Night

Here's to Sicily, my little Irish dancer. You were so cute performing at Celtic night last weekend!

Sunday Dinner

Nothing better than Sunday Dinner with the family. We do it twice a month. The host provides the main course, and everyone brings a side or dessert. Here's Dad, John, Holly, Mom, and Macy's back.

Here, Abe. Let me help you with that lasagna.

Dalton and Carter.

Amazing Red Velvet Whoopie pies for dessert.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Last weekend I watched an old favorite movie, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, made in 1967. It was on my instant cue through Netflix. If you like old-er movies, especially dialogue movies, this is one of the best.


The movie takes place all in one day. Joey suprises her liberal parents (played by Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy -- did you know they were long-time lovers in real life and Tracy died while making this movie?) by bringing home John, who she just met 10 days ago and who happens to be black. They want her parents blessing for their marriage.

His parents end up being invited for dinner and they're suprised also. Oh, it's a great movie. And Sidney Portier is in his absolute prime - gorgeous!

Annie's House

I visited my sister Annie at her house in Orem last week.

I love to visit Annie and Jed - they are great hosts. I always feel welcome and relaxed in their home.

Their house was built in the 1940s and she and Jed did a lot of remodeling. Check out their black floors. They painted them! I would never have the nerve, but they look awesome.
Annie came up with a perfect solution to the familiar TV problem: check out the two pictures above. The curtains are genius .

I love the dining nook. Jed built the benches (they lift open for storage) and Annie made the cushions and curtains. She found the chairs at D.I.

Striped walls in the hallway.

They completely gutted this bathroom. The chandelier is such a dramatic touch and I love the tile work on the floor.

And of course you remember our little project in their boys' room.

Love your style, Annie.

Little Babushka

We love Patricia Pollaco books, and we've read enough of them to recognize a babushka when we see one.

Arugula!

I'm always telling my kids, "Someday you are going to LOVE guacamole!" [or onions, or tomatoes, or spinach -- you get the idea] "Your taste buds just have to mature."

Well, my taste buds are finally maturing too. This winter I have discovered arugula. I used to think it was too bitter, but these two recipes I made from Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics changed my mind. And they were as pretty as they were delicious.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette

The squash, cranberries, and walnuts are roasted in the oven with maple syrup, put over arugula, and topped with a viniagrette and parmesan cheese. Heavenly!

White Pizzas with Arugula

The pizza crust is cooked with garlic, olive oil, fresh thyme and fontina cheese. When it comes out of the oven it is topped with arugula tossed with lemon juice and olive oil. The combination of hot and cold is fantastic!