A Summer Salad

My good friend gave me this delicious maple rub for grilling meats and it is just so yummy. If you can't find a maple rub in the store I included a recipe to make your own. Trader Joe's now carries maple sugar, so fun! You could also drizzle real maple syrup over the chicken with S & P before cooking too.

Maple Rubbed Grilled Chicken Salad

Combine chicken tenderloins and enough maple rub to coat the chicken ( equal parts maple sugar, salt and pepper)

Heat grill or grill pan to med/high heat and grill each side 3-5 minutes or until cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes then dice. 

Toss chicken with greens of choice, chopped tomatoes, fresh cooked corn, avocado and drizzle with dijon balsamic dressing.

Dijon Balsamic Dressing:

Whisk together equal parts Dijon mustard, oil of choice and balsamic vinegar until combined. 

Enjoy!

Camp Gutierrez

So hand foot and mouth has been going around and my boys caught it! Since it's so contagious we have been staying at home away from everyone...this week we had planned to go away for the night just the two of us, but the Lord had other plans! We wanted to make our hibernation a bit more fun and decided to camp in the backyard, it was a hit :) And an added blessing was getting to see my sister for a day, which wouldn't have happened if the boys were well and we had gone away on our little trip.

I am learning as I go along that life with kids is unpredictable and to hold my wants, plans and desires with loose hands and to trust God when He sees fit to allow my plans to change. And when I have a good attitude, stop complaining and trust Him, things can be more fun than I thought. What a novel idea! ha!

Having snacks and watching a movie under the trees

Having chili and cornbread with Auntie Leah

pretending to be a turtle coming out of his shell

A little ladder ball- Andrew beat us both, of course!

peanut butter Nutella S'mores

Andrew and Weston slept in the tent all night

Rhubarb Strawberry Apple Compote

I love the change of seasons and seeing what fun new things come in my produce delivery! I was so excited to get some Rhubarb this week- it always reminds me of my Oma and Opa who grow tons of it in their garden. 

This sweet/tart compote comes together quickly and is so delicious just eaten like applesauce or you can serve it over lots of different things- oatmeal, ice cream, grilled chicken or pork, toasted bread or like we did, on some GF pancakes :)

Rhubarb Strawberry Apple Compote

In a large pot combine 3 large Rhubarb stalks chopped, 5 apples peeled and diced, 1 small basket strawberries halved, 1/4 cup raw honey and 1/4 cup apple juice. Bring to boil then reduce heat to simmer until fruit breaks down and apples are soft. ( about 30 min)

A Weekend to Celebrate

He did it! See that big smile? Andrew is officially a graduate of the Master's Seminary! 5 long years of hard work have come to an end... we celebrated his last day of school assignments with a trip to the yogurt shop :)

Then family came in town for the graduation ceremony and parties.  

We are so grateful to the Lord for all that He has taught us; He is so faithful and good !

Weston and Grandpa bonded over bulldozers and helicopters. Here Weston is getting a bulldozer demonstration on the IPad. 

Saturday we had a small intimate party at the house with those who have been with us on this journey from the beginning. Then in the evening we went to a banquet hosted by the seminary for the graduates and their families. We went with our parents- a rare treat- while the kiddos stayed home with Auntie and Uncle. The dinner was so delicious and the senior testimonies were awesome to hear. 

Love this pic of my parents

Sunday was a full day! Mother's Day, Andrew preached, then we got ready for the ceremony and after party that night.

Here is the seminary choir singing at the beginning of the ceremony. 

It was so wonderful to hear Andrew's name being called from the list of names this year! We have seen a few graduations and have dreamed of this day! He graduated with a Masters of Divinity

After the ceremony we headed to the basement to celebrate with two other graduates ( Chance and Robert) and their families and friends. Thanks to everyone who helped with food and decorations!

Since Sunday was so busy we celebrated Mother's Day properly on Monday with a brunch tea party in the back yard. We are hardly ever together with our extended family on Mother's Day so this was very special!

I love these little boys so much and am so happy to be their momma!

All the mommas together

Our backyardigans

Our little munchkins have been loving this beautiful weather and hanging out in the back yard! We had a sweet surprise visit from our dear friends who have moved to Florida and it was great to see the kids play together again.

Thanks Kelsey, Carson and Juli for taking the time to hang- we love you and miss you!