Reed & Carol and family

wonderful new soup to try

2009-11-13T08:29:00.000-08:00

if I was good with the computer I would post a picture! but we all know better than that! I shared this with a few family and friends but I wanted to share it with everyone! this is now our new favorite soup it was a huge hit with the family... the only thing I changed was the amount of chipolet I added. use less and taste it as you decide how much to put in.

***BUTTERNUT SQUASH CHIPOTLE BISQUE

Double the recipe

1 medium butternut squash

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 ½ cups chopped onion

½ cup chopped celery

½ cup chopped carrots

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 to 6 cups chicken broth

3 tsp minced, canned chipotle in adobo

½ cup sour cream

Salt, fresh ground pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Pierce squash and bake

Scoop out seeds, discarding the stringy pulp. Put the seed in a sieve and rinse. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sauté onion, celery and carrot for 10 minutes. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes more.

Puree the saute vegetables and squash with 4 cups broth in batches in a blender,

Add more broth to get the desired consistency. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes

Meanwhile, toast the reserved squash seeds in a small occasionally until crunchy, about 30 minutes. Season heavily with salt and set aside.

In a separate bowl, stir 1 tsp of the minced chipotle into sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir the remaining 2 tsp chipotle into the bisque and ladle into soup bowls. Top each with a dollop of cream and a sprinkling of seeds.

Steelhead fishing in Idaho

2009-11-03T18:17:00.000-08:00

This is becoming a Swallow family tradition! This was the first year that Rylee, Kyle and myself came on the trip! But it will not be the last time we go!There will be no more " get away weekend with the boys" for Reed. We all had so much fun. I am sure that Susan and myself had the best time. We had a guide who was fun and took great care of us. Because it was so wet and cold, all the bets were that Susan and I would be the first ones in the bunk house and Reed knows how much I hate to be cold so he was a little worried when we were the last to show up. When every other boat was in but us they were sure that something had happened to us! but because of our wonderful guide who had extra rain gear and a heater, we were probably the only ones who stayed dry.
We were able to she Grandpa and Grandma Swallow at their home. It is a really cute place they seem to be very comfortable there.

How do they survive themselves?

2009-11-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

All I can say is "Need I say more" And people ask how Kyle got is foot ran over? From what I can tell the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! I don't even want to know why she is under the truck or who took the picture.

more wedding pictures

2009-10-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

Matt and Julie got married in Segin, Texas on Sept. 12 2009 we all had a wonderful time! it was the first time that my childern have all been together in over two years! Matt and Julie and Julies family put so much time and work into their special day! and it was worth it... I thought that everything that they did turned out wonderful and we had a great day! We are so glad to have Julie be a part of our growing family. We are very blessed.

Matt and Julies Wedding day

2009-10-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

Rylee Jean

2009-08-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

All I want to know is when did my little girl grow up! Rylee is my cowgirl all the way to the bone! I do love that about her... here are more picture that Ashley took for us, it's to bad it isn't her senior year. Just think of the money we could have saved! But I have to say that Rylee is more the my cowgirl she is a great example to me and everyone around her, she has a great personality and most importantly she has a beautiful strong testimony of her Savior Jesus Christ .

Grandpa and Grandma Mull

2009-08-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

While Ashley was here she took so many wonderful pictures of everything and everyone! She will do very well with her photography career, I talked my Dad and step Mom into allowing Ashley to take some special pictures for me, here are just a few, are they not just the cutest!

Birchbay

2009-08-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

Shortly after Kyle returned from his mission we took a trip to see family that live in
Birchbay close to the Canadian boarder, it was breath taking with the wonderful sunsets
we had a wonderful time seeing Moms side of the family it had been to many years since we had all been together, we all hope to see eachother more often...

Update on Cinch

2009-08-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

This is Cinch after three months! she still won't pose for the camera and reminds me of a mule with her big ears which Rylee calls her Devils horns, but her ribs no longer are showing and her butt is filling in, we are now just working on getting her muscles developed, the vet wants us to try and get 150 more pounds on her before winter. She had a little filly that only lived about 12 hours she was premature, I was a baby and didn't handle it all very well...Oh well what can I say that's who I am.

Happy Birthday

2009-07-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Reed who is FIFTY!!! can you believe it and his Dad Blaine, who share the special day, we won't mention how OLD Grandpa Swallow is...I am grateful to Blaine for being such a wonderful father to Reed and raising such a wonderful son. because of him I have a wonderful husband and my children have been blessed with a great father.

Home Safe and Sound!

2009-07-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been so slow to post a note about Kyle finally getting home off his Mission, but we have all been beyond busy! Mimi and Papa were there along with Aunt Renea, Keith, Shannel and Lucas and their sweet (sick little family it was not the most fun car ride home for them) I was a totally stress head driving everyone else CRAZY... but what joy when we saw him walk into the lobby, (bueno es q' yo hago lo q' me de la gana! TOMA TOMA) I wish I know what that said! it has been so much fun having him home and seeing the changes and growth! We have had so much fun as he shares stories from his mission, the Lord has blessed us all while he was away but even more with a safe homecoming!

You want me to do what !

2009-06-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

This is boone, he is so funny he is always finding something to play with. that is the tarp hanging out of his mouth, Rylee and I were using it with Lil Girl getting her to walk over it and not be afraid or it, one morning I looked outside and all three of them are running circles around the corral and Boone is shaking that tarp at them. I guess he wanted to speed up the process with Lil Girl. The tarp had been outside the fence who knows how he got it!

Cinch

2009-06-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

We would like to introduce Cinch, she is a bit of a mess right now, as you can see by the pictures. Well, I had been looking for a horse for myself to enjoy and not one that is Rylee's! Even though she is so good about sharing her boys with me... anyway with the economy the way that it is there are lots of people needing to thin down their herd or just can't afford their horses anymore. Well I had been emailing with this lady who needed to get rid of some horses for health reasons so she said.
When I got to her place there were a lot of horses that were in the same shape as the pictures you see of our Cinch and when she looked at me with those eyes of hers I couldn't leave her, and Reed was no better. It is a good thing we didn't have a stock trailer or Reed would have brought more home and we really will never be able to have more than 4 if we want to keep our pasture healthy.
Anyways as you can see she is in need of lots of TLC and we have had so much fun giving it to her, oh ya she should be having a foal the end of July or in August sometime we are praying for a little colt...
Reed Rylee and I have all felt the baby moving and kicking, and yesterday for the first time, it was amazing!! I will post updates as she improves. Reed got lucky and thought of her name and we all thought it was perfect for her. So it has stuck.

Spring Flowers

2009-06-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share some pictures of a few of the flowers in our yard. They sure are pretty and have a nice fragrance. They'll continue to look nice as long as we can keep the dogs out of the flowerbed. They sneak up on the birds in the bushes.

Look who is 23!!

2009-05-27T23:35:00.000-07:00

Happy 23rd Birthday Mark, as I was going through all my stacks of pictures before the day of digital cameras, I was looking for the perfect pictures of you, now I could have picked the adorable little baby pictures and cute toddler stage but I thought nah, lets go for the wonderful teen years! Mark allowed us to pick out his ringlets and this is what we discovered!

Mark was already worried about his muscles!

It looks like you put your fingers in a light socket to get a doo like this, back in the day it was coo.

We have shared so many wonderful birthdays with you and look forward to many more. We love you so much and think of you often. We wish we were there to celebrate this special day with you and to make you a "Red-Purple Cake"!! We are proud of your choice to serve your fellowmen through serving your country. We pray for your safekeeping as you look forward, never backward in this new phase of your life. We know you will be a good example to those around you and because of who you are, others will look to you for guidance and strength.

"REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE"

We'll Love You Forever, We'll Like You For Always!

Do you remember when ...you would always ask us to "Touch This" meaning your muscles? Some things never change!
Do you remember when...you used to run as fast as you could to get to our bedroom at night in West Richland? Thank you Ashley for taking our place.
Do you remember when...you used to take Rylee fishing with you every where?
Do you remember when...your loving parents would send you, Kyle and Matt outside to run laps around the house to get rid of all your extra energy to give us a break from rough housing?
Do you remember when...you kids tricked us by wrapping each others christmas presents, then telling the others what they got?
Do you remember when ...you used to sleep by the edge of my bedroom door so I couldn't go fishing without you? Do you remember when...a good day of fishing is never on a big boat, on large waves, in the ocean?
Do you remember when...a good day of duck hunting was coming home with one, two, and sometimes three limits? (Not from 3 people) These were all yours? Do you remember when...you hooked on to your first steelhead at Ringold with a bass pole and a Mepps Spinner? Do you remember when...you out fished your Dad? (Nah) You did have the touch. There are countless memories to talk about and many more to come. We are grateful to celebrate YOU on your day!!

Love, Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday Carol May 11th!!!

2009-05-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

Mom and Sweetheart, we want to wish you the happiest birthday of all!! Your only 39 right?? This is your special day to relax most of the time. Find time to sit back and let the day find you. Take in some of your favorite things, a nice piece of blueberry cheesecake, a good book to read, relax, enjoy a nice dinner and a beautiful sunset. Your Birthday is always a special day and we love you so much!!

Your the Bestest.

Reed

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY & HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART

2009-05-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

Mothers Day!

2009-05-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

When I went to the mail box today there was a long oblong package, covered in duct tape from Kyle, as I started to open it I found a soggy box, and inside the box was this soggy rose that Kyle had sent me from Spain! I Cried not because the Rose was almost beyond recognition, I was just so touch that he thought about it and sent it! This soggy little rose will always have a special place in my heart! He also had a special note that he had written to me.

Who would have thought it could happen again!

2009-05-04T17:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, I swear I am telling the truth! Reed went to get his hair cut on Saturday, in a real shop, (not some relative, sorry Mike) Anyway, we are visiting with the lady and the guard falls off the clippers and she doesn't even notice, she takes a swipe down the center of Reeds head, we now have a reverse Mohawk going on! You know me I can't stop laughing, and the poor woman is horrified! swearing that has never happened before! Well anyway we had to shave his head down to nothing as you can see, and If he has the courage to go back to the same lady she promised him a few free hair cuts! I am not sure that Reed thinks it is all worth it... But, he was a great sport as always!!

PROM

2009-05-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

Rylee Jean went to Zillah's Prom with her friend Cameron
Bounds he is a Jr. and he also attends school at
Zillah,

She went with a group of Friends they all went
out to eat at Outback. The dance was
held in an old barn in Yakima that has been
converted, Rylee loved it and said the place was great!
she said the food was good, good
friends, and good music! what more
Could you ask for.

Kyles Flight Itinerary

2009-04-29T15:52:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update for everyone, we got Kyle's
travel information on the computer the other day.
I am so excited! I can't believe he is coming
home so soon!!! Kyle will fly into the Yakima
airport at 11:45 PM On July 15th. Anyone
is welcome to be there with us. It is such a
tiny airport, I am sure we will be the only ones
there.

Boys will be boys !

2009-04-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Do they ever grow up? How does everyone like my
anniversary present! I requested the pellet gun for the
gophers, and skunks, also, to shoot Rip for digging in my yard! (I
haven't done that one yet, so don't worry)

Reed reminds me of Elmer fud always chasing after that
silly wabbit, except for he is going after all the birds that
are giving him grief in his garden.

The gun was suppose to be pink in hopes that "Elmer" would
leave my gun alone. But Rylee just laughs at me she says I would
just cry if I ever actually shot a gopher. she is probably right.

Meet Little Girl (Maybe)

2009-04-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

This is "Little Girl" we haven't named her for sure yet. It
keeps changing, she is a register Appendix Quarter Horse
exactly what that means? who knows! I guess I will have
to look it up. Addie this is your new baby I was telling you
about.

So far, Boone and Jake have done well, we still haven't
turned them out in the same pasture just yet...Little Girl
is very calm and we are having lots of fun with her.

She looks about as photogenic as Boone, She should be very
tall around 16 hands high when she is done growing, Rylee and I
have been studying the Parelli method for training her, that is
just a bit overwhelming there is so much to learn...

28 years together

2009-04-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

I know that the songs I picked are a bit sappy but after 28 years of marriage I can get a sappy once in a while, I hope you like this Reed, I just wanted to let you know how blessed my life has been because of you. I couldn't have asked for a better husband, better friend, I am your biggest fan, I love that you know me so well, will listen to all my hair brain idea even when you know that they will not work! You just smile and nod your head, then you let me figure it out myself (because you know how much I hate being told I am wrong)

You have always been a wonderful example to our kids of what a truly great father and husband is,Your love of our Savior Jesus Christ-your testimony of the church has always been such a strength to me and a blessing in our lives,

I love watching you as Papa, Addie has you wrapped around her little finger, now we have another little blessing joining us Lilly, I can't wait for even more grandchildren (Mark and Ashley are doing their part, they could us a little help from the rest of you) and more time for you and I. thanks again for being such a wonderful husband and all the joy and wonderful memories that we have had and the many more memories we will continue to make in the years to come. I love you

Uncle Mike did it!

2009-04-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

I had to set the record straight! I want My children to see who is holding the clippers in
his hands! that would be Uncle Mike! Not your sweet Innocent mom, I know that I am
very guilty of giving lots of bad hair cuts in my days to you boys, OK and girls but I
cant' take the credit for this one, and I now have the proof... Thanks Reed for being
such a good sport about it, he was going to be standing in front of friends and family
at his mothers funeral to give a talk 2 days after his hair cut, we told him know one
would notice. (He didn't believe us)

Reed playing (I mean working in his garden)

2009-04-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

This is where you will find Reed every spare

minute that he has, he has been busy digging
trenches laying water lines and planting all
the early spring veggies!! they will be so good to eat

and it does not seen to matter how old
they are boys will be boys and always
are playing in the dirt and getting dirty!

Popcorn popping on the apricot tree

2009-04-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

I looked out my window and what did I see? Popcorn popping on the apricot tree!

We have 2 apricot trees and one cherry tree, our closest neighbor has 5 apple trees that he
lets us have all the apples we want, and our grass in the pasture is also coming in really good.
I am so excited! I think it is safe to say that spring is finally here! I no longer wake up
at night to the sound of the heater kicking on, and me thinking there goes more money flying
out the window! And this morning while cleaning I opened up all the windows to let the fresh
air in. Life is good.

Texas

2009-03-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

I wanted to set this up ever since I got home from Texas, I had such a wonderful time with Mark and Ashley, Addie and getting to know Lillian she was born on February 14, Rylee and I flew into Dallas on the 17. Rylee was able to see a few of her friends but spent most of her time catching up with the family, we miss out on so much not living there. I am grate for Ashley for letting me be there for two weeks sharing on all the joy of a newborn. My mom would spend two weeks with me after each baby, she would take care of everything to perfection, go home exhausted telling me she didn't know how I did it all the time, well the truth is nothing ever looked as wonderful or ran so smoothly as when she was there. I have always hoped I could be there for my own children in the same way.
I didn't get to see friends on this trip, but I will hopefully be coming back while Mark is gone for a time to help out, so I hope I can see all the friends I missed out on this last time.
I also had the opportunity to meet Julies family, they are wonderful people Matthew is marrying into a wonderful family by the way Matt and Julie set a date!!! Sept 12, 2009. they will be getting married in Segin, Texas

Time in Texas

2009-03-15T22:10:00.000-07:00

New Assignment in Barcelona!!

2009-03-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Kyle is so excited to be serving the Lord in Barcelona. He only has 4 months left. He recently sent us an email saying that he was on missionary exchanges last week and was called by the Mission President and asked if would accept a calling to serve as one of the Mission President Assistants. He said he wasn't expecting that since he had just recently transferred. But he sounded thrilled for the opportunity to serve close to the Mission president and be able to travel with him all over the Spain Barcelona Mission doing Zone Conferences and Missionary Training. He has always been a good leader and a great example. We know he will do great in his new assignment. We are so proud of his accomplishment and his willingness to serve.

No pony to tall!

2009-02-16T00:35:00.001-08:00

I loved this video! it remimded me of when I was little doing whatever I could to get on my old horse Strip.

Time goes by to fast

2009-02-05T19:37:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that it has been 19 years since Nathan passed away, these pictures were the kids school pictures from 1989-90, except for Rylee, she was born in 1992. I just wanted to share a few of my favorite memories from that year, Carlie has always been the best big sister a family could ask for. After Nathan was born she was so mad that he was a boy, she wanted a little sister so bad. One day we were at the park with some friends and they didn't have any girls, so Carlie refused to play with Bryan because he was a boy, well Bryan told Carlie I will pretend I am a girl, lets just go play! she could deal with that, so they went to play.
Matt, Mark and Kyle all have these sweet innocent smiles that say who me? It couldn"t be me! Well trust me they could and they did, I was always amazed at the way there very creative minds would work together, One morning I came out of the bathroom to find an entire box of Costco cereal dumped on my kitchen floor, and of course you have to have a gallon of milk to go with that. I have been very blessed by the way my children have been close to one another and the love that they have always (well most of the time) shown each other.
Nathan was such a sweet patient little guy, Kyle called him Nate, and he would always steal his Binky, all the kids were good with him, My favorite times with Nathan was late at night, when everyone else was in bed I would hold him and rock and just relax, I wish we could have had more time together, but I do know that we will all be together again, I am grateful for the knowledge that I have of my Savior, and the gift of eternal life and families being sealed together forever. It took a long time to feel like I was ok again, but Nathan has always been there for us all Kyle has felt him on his mission there with him when things are tough.
Rylee was my gift from God that taught me it was OK to feel joy again. Who can hold a baby and look into their eyes and not be filled with the greatest joy and more love then you think is possible to feel. I want to thank all my babies, for the love and joy that they have brought into my life. I am proud of all of you and love you more than words can describe.
I am also very grateful for Reed, He is my best friend in the world the one person I can share everything with and I love him so much he has always been a perfect example to my sons and daughters of what it is to be a loving husband and father.
Well to all you young moms and dads, the time does go by to fast and the next thing that you know all your babies will have grown up, they will be getting married and starting families of their own. Treasure each day that God gives you, look for the joy in the crayon markings on the wall.

Guess who is having a Birthday?

2009-02-03T21:30:00.000-08:00

I am not sure how old mom is in this picture, but she sure is cute.

When I got the idea of sharing some of my thoughts about my Mother on my blog I was sad to realize how few pictures I have of her. On February 5th 1939 Bonnie Lula Higgins was born in Groveland Idaho,At home! you know how in the olden days there weren't any hospitals to be found!! she has always been a great example to me, she is kind, loving, has a good sense of humor and a great Mother and friend. She has taught me most things in life by her example. I knew I wanted to follow that example, at 70 years old she still works harder than anyone I know, (She also has a cleaner home than anyone I have ever met). As a teenager in her home we had to vacuum the house and dust daily, the windows she would have us do once a week (wait maybe she was good at getting us to work harder than anyone I know) I know that spiritually she has very high expectations and is way to hard on herself. I would say she is probably the happiest I have ever seen her, she and Kirk have a very kind and loving marriage and he has been a blessing in our families lives. I was blessed to have her their with the birth of all my babies and also to help me through the loss of our sweet Nathan, she has always been there to listen to me vent when I want to strangle someone, I always feel better after we talk. We all love her so much and want her to have a very happy Birthday!

ACN "A Life Without Boundaries"

2009-01-30T23:15:00.000-08:00

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Rylee's JV Basketball team

2009-01-30T13:24:00.000-08:00

This is Rylee's J.V. Basketball team! Rylee has not played basketball since probably the second grade, she thought that it would be a great way to be involved in the school and continue to get to know more girls at her school. Rylee has had her share of trials (which I will not go into! talk about my little drama mama, I would never have guessed she had it in her!!) but over all I know she has had a great experience and plans on playing again next year! the team will end the season with only one loss But for now she is looking forward to the season coming to a close so she can put more time into her true loves Boone and Jake.

2009-01-27T12:30:00.000-08:00

We all were so excited to have Daniel come to visit us at our home in Zillah, He flew into Pasco on Tuesday and was able to stay with us until the following Monday, the time went by way to fast. This photo was taken in Ellensburg where we went to watch Claire Schaef at a swim meet. She is eight years old now and while we were there she set 3 records at the meet and won all of her events. The little boy is Spencer Schaef, he is 4 and just what Todd deserves. (Sorry Heather)
Back to Dan, he is leaving for Barcelona Spain for his mission and will be gone for 2 years, he was so excited to be able to serve in the same mission with Kyle. Hopefully they will have the chance to work together. While he was here we played games and he ate, and ate and ate, I forgot how much food these boys can put away. He was also able to spend the day with our Spanish speaking missionary's, they all had a great time and Dan felt it was good for him, he and Rylee had lots of time to catch up on everything and go horseback riding. We were so grateful for the time we had with Daniel, and wish him well while he is on his mission.

"Blame it all on Ashley"

2009-01-16T09:03:00.000-08:00

All I can say is my house is falling apart and I am spending way to much time on the computer trying to figure out how to make this blog... and If I don't get Ashley fired with all my call to her at work asking 50 thousand questions, we will all have to count our blessings.

Christmas is over and we all had a wonderful time seeing Carlie and Dustin, Matt and Julie. we spent most of the time just trying to stay warm, the rest playing in the snow, or playing games and eating way to much food while we played games.

I haven't kept in very good contact with most of you, and all who really know me are not surprised by that. I am the worst at keeping in touch, but know that I do love you and miss everyone. We are doing good here in Washington, Rylee loves her school and LOVES having Boone and Jake (her horses) right outside our door so she can love on and play with her favorite boys whenever she wants.

Our next grand adventure that we are all looking forward to will be the Birth of our second grandchild Lily (she just underwent a resent name change) we can not wait for her arrival Addie has already started calling her silly lily. Baby's bring so much love and joy into our lives I will be so jealous of Mike and Krista because of all time they will get to spend with the grandbabies.