Beautiful Back

So, I often get asked questions about what my little guy's back looks like. People are filled with so many misconceptions about Spina Bifida. I really get asked if his Spine is actually sticking out of his back...I really do! I think people think what is underneath his onsie is something frightning. I would much rather share with people everything there is to know about my son's special needs than keep it a secret and have them assume the worst...you know? I hope this is making sense!
Christopher always has a onsie on because I hate having anything elastic directly on his skin. I'm sure it's not a problem seeing as though the latex is underneath fabric..but it really bothers me. So my point with that is no one ever see's his back. I just want people to know that his back is just like everyone else's only he has a scar...I just love his little back. I am so grateful that Christopher was born in a time when We could find out while in Utero his condition, and that we had plenty of time to perfectly plan his arrival and have him placed in the best hospital under the best care where he could get the surgeries he needed to be as heathy and happy as he truly is today. So to me that scar on his back is the most beautiful thing in the world. Yes he has a large scar on his back and yes he has a pipe in his head( As one Adorable 4 yr. old innocently pointed out...sorry Mel). But because of them my son is able to lead a very normal life! So here is a picture of Christopher's back straight out of the bathtub.I can get away with these pictures now but not for much longer. He is too young to oppose of them right now! :)

My three sons

James had a huge band concert tonight. I have never seen this boy look more Handsome. Gosh he sure is growing up fast. He will be 12 in May! Mutuel, passing the Sacrament.......crazy to think he is already this old. What a blessing James is to me. He is the dream son I tell you. Never Disrespectful and always wanting to make sure I am happy. Seriously one of a kind. Now when it come to 2 of his siblings that's a whole other story, which only makes him Human right? He is so fabulous though with his "Baby", he would bend over backwards to do anything for him. Anyways, here are a few pictures from tonight.

foodie favorites

Ok, These are INCREDIBLE! And they are Spencer's absolute favorite thing. When you make these you must double the recipe, because I promise you if you dont you will regret it!
I adapted this recipe from a great blog called kaitlin in the kitchen. She has fabulous recipes...go check it out. But, make these rolls first!
OOh, and i am going to start posting my favorite recipes on this blog from now on, so maybe i will be better at it. My sister is inspiring me.

Six Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites


Ingredients:
1 Package Active Dry Yeast
1 Cup Warm Water
1/4 Cup sugar
1/2 Teaspoons Salt
3 Teaspoons Olive Oil
2 1/2 to 3 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
8 Ounce Package Six Cheese Blend (mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, asiago, fontina and romano), shredded (Cloby Jack is wonderful too)
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
2 Teaspoon Dry Italian Seasoning
3 Tablespoons Butter (I put about 5 tbs. in...I love butter)

Optional - Marinara or Ranch, for serving


Directions:
Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Add salt, olive oil and 2 1/2 cups flour. Attach dough hook to mixer, and kneed about 1 minute on medium low speed. Continuing on medium speed, add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time until dough clings to hook and cleans sides of bowl, about 2 minutes. If dough is too dry add another 1/2 cup of water and continue to kneed. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top and bottom. Cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled. Punch dough down, and take a ping pong sized piece of dough and make an indention for the cheese and fill each with 2 tablespoons of cheese, then take all sides and pinch them together to completely close the cheese in the dough ball. Place pinched side down in a greased pan. Repeat until you have used all the dough. Melt the butter and then add the garlic and Italian seasonings and mix well. Brush butter mixture over top the bites and bake for 15 minutes in a pre-heated 450 degree oven, or until they start to turn golden brown

Our little Dryer Dweller.....and " I DRAW?"

Here are some cute new Pictures of our little Christopher. Gosh he is so stinkin cute...if you don't mind me saying so! Christopher is so into drawing lately. The first thing he says when he wakes up in the morning is "I Draw Mommy, I Draw Daddy?" So we get out the pencils and pens and paper ans he starts drawing away. He concentrate's so hard when he is doing it too. I love this because this is one thing he can do in his life with no difficulty at all. I am invisioning my son to be an amazing artist one day!

And..If we are wondering where our Christopher has dissapeared too one of the first places we look now is the dryer! He loves climbing in their. It takes him a while to climb in, but the satisfaction on his face after he conquers the climb is priceless!

yum,yummy,yumminess!

I am so addicted to this salad. This is my friend Colleen's salad, and my friend Lorilee recently made it for a Relief Society party and it reminded my of it's yuminess! So of course I must share! Make this and I promise it will tickle your little taste buds!

Superb Spinach Salad (Alice Drake)

1-2 bunches of spinach (I only used 3/4 a bag)
1 head of lettuce
3/4 pound mushrooms. sliced
3/4 pound grated swiss cheese (I used 1 cup of shredded parmesan cheese
1 red onion chopped (I forgot this)
1/2 bacon browned and crumbled
1/2 cup slivered almonds cooked in 3Tbsp sugar until crispy and brown (I browned mine in butter since I am staying away from sugar)

Dressing
1/3 cup vinegar
14 cup oil
1/8 cup yellow mustard
3/4 Tbsp poppyseed
3/4 Tbsp minced onion
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp salt

mix dressing in a blender or with a whiskilee recently made for a relief society get together and reminded me of it's yuminess! So I of course must share! By the way...I have made it twice since then :)