Tuesday, June 28

Fun 4th of July Recipe

Stained Glass Jello
(also known as Broken Glass Jello)
Yield: One 9×13-inch pan
4 boxes (3-ounces each) Jello (or store brand gelatin dessert) in different colors
14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (Knox)
Water
1. For each flavor, dissolve one box of Jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Pour into a square container that is about 6 to 8″ square and chill at least 3 hours, or overnight. (Try to use the same size for all four so that the blocks will come out the same. In this case the smaller the better – I used 8″ pans and felt my “blocks” were a little too flat.)
2. After chilling the flavors, cut them into small blocks.
3. Carefully mix the blocks in a 9×13-inch pan.
4. In a separate bowl, sprinkle 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin into ½ cup cold water. After the gelatin blooms, add 1½ cups boiling water and dissolve. Add the can of condensed milk. Stir and let cool. Pour cooled milk mixture over Jello blocks in 9×13 pan. Skim off any small bubbles that are created when you pour the condensed milk on the Jello pieces. Chill overnight or at least 3 hours until firm.
5. Cut into blocks or shapes and serve.
(Recipe adapted from The Food Librarian) and found on  the blog Brown Eyed Baker.

4th of July Family Ideas

Fly the American Flag! Feel the pride of being an American.  Tape a small flag on your antenna.  Line your walks with flags.  Decorate your flowerbeds with flags.  Hang a flag from your window.  give your neighbors cupcakes with small flags on the top.  Spread the patriotism.

Ask your family the following questions about the American Flag:  What do the red, white and blue colors stand for?  The stripes?  The stars?  Was Betsy Ross really the designer of the flag?  How many times has the flag been redesigned?

Answers:  The Continental Congress left no record to show hwy they chose red, white, and blue as the colors for the flag.  However, in 1782 the Congress of the Confederation chose these same colors for the newly designed Great Seal of the United States.  The resolution of the seal listed meanings for the colors.

Red: hardiness and courage
White: purity and innocence
Blue: vigilance, perseverance and justice
Stripes: the original thirteen colonies
Stars:  in the beginning, Congress stated that the flag should have 13 stars to represent the 13 colonies.  There is no historical basis for designating that each new state should be represented by a star, but in 1912 presidential orders added one star for each added state.

Betsy Ross she was seamstress who made flags for the American Revolution.  Some historians are convinced that she was the seamstress who sewed the first American flag, but others feel that she was not.  It still remains a mystery.

The flag has been re-designed at least ten times.

Talk to your family about what it means to fly the flag at half-mast.  It shows a signal of mourning.  The flag should be hoisted to the top for an instant before being lower to half-mast.   Then repeated in the same manner before lowering.  (Did you know that flying a flag upside down signals distress?)

4th of July Questions

The 4th of July is coming up and here are some questions to ask your family or just ask yourself:

1. What is significant about the date July 4, 1776?
On July 4, 1776 a historical document called the Declaration of Independence was signed and adopted by the American colonies to declare their independence from British rule.

2.  Just prior to this date, there a great tension between the American colonies and Great Britain.  America desperately wanted to break away from British rule.  Several things were terribly unfair. Name three.
The colonies wanted to voice their opinions when Great Britain made decisions that affected them.  They had asked Britain many time for a say in matters, but were denied.  In 1765, the British Parliament passed the Stamp Act, which required the colonists to pay a tax on newspapers, legal and business documents, and various other items.  The British government also said that the colonies must sell their furs, tobacco, wood, and other products to Britain only.  The colonies complained.  They felt that they should have the right to sell their products to whatever country would pay them the best prices.  The colonies also wanted to make their own furniture, clothing, and machinery.  but the British Parliament even insisted that they import all such manufactured goods from Britain, almost 3,500 miles away, taking several weeks or months to arrive in America.

3.  What was the Boston Tea Party?  Was it really a party?
Because a law was passed by Parliament placing a tax on imported goods, the colonists rebelled.  The tax was finally lifted on most items but not on tea.  In 1773, irate colonists boarded some British ships in Boston Harbor and dumped all of the tea overboard.  This rebellion was called The Boston Tea Party.  The colonists were then punished by Great Britain with some laws the colonists called the Intolerable Acts.  Because of these laws, the colonists finally decided the time had come to fight for their freedom and to break all ties with Great Britain.  The Revolutionary War had already begun with Massachusetts.  Now Great Britain increased their forces.  The war intensified.

4.  Who were the minutemen and what was their role?
Minutemen were volunteers who promised to be ready for military duty at a minute's notice.  They were trained to use guns and were prepared to fight with the militia.  One-third of all the new regiments were made up of minutemen.  Paul Revere was one of the most famous minutemen.  He rode hours through the night, on horseback to Lexington to warn the patriots there that the British were coming.  Revere also participated in the Boston Tea Party.  He was so familiar to the British in his role of minutemen that his name appeared in London journals.  He served as a special messenger on many occasions for Boston patriots such as Samuel Adams and John Hancock.

5.  Who was asked to write the Declaration of Independence?  Where did he write it, and how long did it take him?
On June 10, 1776, Congress voted to name a committee to write a Declaration of Independence.  The committee consisted of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman.  The committee asked 33-year-old Thomas Jefferson to write a draft of the declaration.  He had a reputation as an excellent writer.  John Adams said of him, "If George Washington was the sword of the Revolution, Thomas Jefferson was the pen."  To have a safe place to work, he rented a small room in the house of a bricklayer, Jacob Graff.  Although Jefferson drew on the ideas of many other thinkers and writers, he wrote the Declaration without referring to any books or pamphlets.  He finished the project in only two weeks.  Franklin and Adams made a few minor changes.  The delegates then began to debate Jefferson's draft.  Most changes were slight, except the paragraph in which Jefferson condemned the slave trade.  After much discussion, this passage was deleted.

6.  John Hancock was President of the Congress.  Why did he sign his name so large?  Why did the British put him on the top of the list as one of the most dangerous Americans?
John Hancock signed the Declaration first because he was the President of the Congress.  He was fiercely angry with Great Britain's King George III, so he signed the declaration "with great flourish."  He then said,  "There, King George can read that without spectacles!"  Hancock was on the top of the list of most dangerous Americans because he was the most vocal critic of the King.

7.  Those who signed the Declaration knew something terrible could happen to them if they signed this document.  What could happen to them and why?
Signing the Declaration was a serious thing.  If this new nation failed, each of the delegates whose signature was on the document could be convicted of high treason and put to death.  A short time earlier, a prince from Scotland had been accused of treason and beheaded in public ceremonies.  They knew the same could happen to them.  Eventually, 56 members of Congress signed.  The document because official on the day of balloting, July 4, 1776.  The original document was hand-copied 80 times that same night and distributed.

8.  When the votes were cast from each of the delegates of the thirteen colonies on July 1, 1776, it appeared that the Declaration wouldn't pass.  A horseman was sent immediately on the 80-mile journey to get something.  What was it?
On July 1, 1776, votes were cast to decide whether the colonies should separate from England.  Initially, Pennsylvania, south Carolina, and New York were not in favor of separating from Great Britain.  A fast horseman was sent on an 80-mile trip to the farm of Caesar Rodney, Delaware's third delegate, to get his vote.  Rodney w
9.  The Declaration of Independence was read publicly on July 8, 1776.  What British symbol was burned in a bonfire while the crowd applauded?
The Maryland Gazette reported that people entered the State House and pulled down the coat of arms of British King George III from the wall of the Supreme Court Chamber.  That night the coat of arms was carried to a nearby park and placed on top of a bonfire and burned.  The onlookers cheered as the reminder of King George went up in flames.
10.  The next day, July 9, word of independence reached New York City.  How did the soldiers react to the news?  People were released from jails and prisons.  Why were the people set free?
George Washington and his arm of 28, 500 soldiers were stationed at Bowling Green in New York.  By order, the Declaration was read to each brigade.  The men reacted to the news by yanking the statue of King George III from off its pedestal.  They melted the 1,000-pound lead figure to form into bullets that were used six weeks later in the Battle of Long Island.  George Washington was not pleased with this action.  He remarked that the act showed a lack of self-discipline.  The British had forced people in American into jails or prisons if they owed money and couldn't pay their debts.  When the Declaration was read, the people were finally set free because they were considered no longer under British rule.

Friday, June 24

Art Explosion

Come and enjoy with your children a free hour of
Art Explosion
let your kid’s creativity burst in one hour of fun and messy art experience, learn about our available program, enter to earn free art classes and much more.
Ages 2-14
When: Monday June 27
From: 9:30am to 10:30am
Where: 1756 Meadowview cir, Farmington Ranches
Coordinated by: Iraima Otteson
Please note: adult supervision is required for this free Activity!!!

Fireworks in Farmington on July 2

Harmon's Grocery Store will be setting off fireworks on July 2 along with having a barbecue.

What To Do This Weekend - June 24 - 26

What To Do This Weekend...............



FREE EVENTS
June 23 - 26 Utah Arts Festival in SLC

June 24 Movie in the Park in Centerville - Tonight's Feature Despicable Me

June 25 Farmer's Market at Pioneer Park


EVENTS THAT REQUIRE ADMISSION FEE


June 24 Utah Blaze is playing Kansas City Command

June 25 1st Annual Skills Run Wild 5k at 7:00 am, starting at Skills Fitness in Centerville

June 25 Real Salt Lake is playing Toronto FC at Rio Tinto Stadium

June 25 Savor the Summitt in Park City

Tex Mex / Barbecue Coming to Bountiful

If you didn't already know, the Sego Lily restaurant has closed down on Main Street in Bountiful.  This historic home at 305 N. Main will soon be home to a new Tex Mex / Barbecue themed restaurant.  The co-owner Chris Healy is asking future customers to submit name ideas for the new eatery, which is due to open early next month.  They can be e-mailed to hhealy26@gmail.com.

Movie Theater Openings

The Cinemark Theater complex in Farmington,  has pushed back their opening from July 1st to July 15th.  The Larry Miller Megaplex 14 is still on track for a fall 2011 opening.

Buy Fireworks to Help Out

Now that Farmington has lifted the ban on Fireworks and are allowing them to be in all parts of the city for the 4th and 24th, where are you getting yours?  Why not check out the Fireworks in the Costco parking lot in West Bountiful?  They will be open June 27th-July 4th & July 21st-July 24th.  The Rushton family is helping at this stand to help Lisa's nephew with his medical bills.

Friday, June 17

What To Do This Weekend...............

If you have not already left for RAGNAR like my cute group of neighbors did last night (Good Luck).......

FREE EVENTS

June 17- 18 Gateway in SLC Chalk Art Festival.

June 18 SLC 2nd Freedom Fest at Gallivan Center.

June 18 Nano Days at the Utah Museum of Natural History.

June 18 Kaysville's First Art & Music in the Park.

June 18 Family Fun Bike Ride Along Legacy Parkway sponsored by Centerville City 8 am. Meet at the north end of the Industrial Park (1250 W. 1275 N.) Bike along the Legacy Parkway Trail.


EVENTS THAT REQUIRE ADMISSION FEE


June 17-19 Mama Mia is playing at the Captiol Theatre (this weekend only).

June 17-19 Heber Valley is having a Pow Wow and Rendezvous at Soldier Hollow.

June 17- 18 Thanksgiving Point is having Kids and Canine Days.

June 18 Coalville is having their annual Pig Fest & BBQ.

June 18 Real Salt Lake is playing DC United at Rio Tinto Stadium.

June 18 Utah Blaze is playing Pittsburg Power.

Tuesday, June 14

Chalk Art Festival


The 9th annual Chalk Art Festival is this weekend at The Gateway shopping center in downtown Salt Lake City. The event is one of the largest street painting festivals nationwide. Go HERE for more information.

Monday, June 13

Solutions to 'I'm Bored Mom' this summer.........



Summer I'm bored Jars from Keepin The Castle

Here is my "I'm bored" mom solution. If it is an individual child complaining - then they can pick out of the individual I'm bored jar. If it is the family complaining or if that individual can convince the family they are bored, then the whole family gets to pick out of the family I'm bored jar. The catch is that almost 50% of the laminated strips that they can pick are chores. But there are some really fun ideas too. This is great for a rainy day activity when you are having a hard time trying to get your kids off the television. I have the printables for the list and toppers below. I wanted to keep my jars simple and not too fancy but I'm sure you could make these extra cute and add some ribbon!



Individual-
 
Vacuum a room of moms choice
Do the dishes
Wash 5 windows of moms choice
Dust 2 bedrooms of moms choice
Clean the toilets
Mop the Kitchen Floor
Wash the cars
Sweep out the garage
Pick up or organize a messy part of your room
Write in your journal
Read your scriptures
Wipe off the kitchen counters and cupboards
Clean out the fridge
Clean a bathroom of moms choice
Do a chore of dads choice
Read a book
Write a book
Make a nature collage
Color pictures on the side walk with chalk
Act out a book
Make an indoor clubhouse
Perform a puppet show or play
Find costumes for and perform a story in the scriptures
Have an indoor picnic or tea party
Have a picnic in the back yard
Make homemade play-doh
Write a letter to a friend
Play shop with fake money
Rearrange the bedroom
Help mom bake something in the kitchen
Have a story time with flashlights in a dark room
Make music
Draw some art for grandparents
Go on a bug hunt
Make a hat
Play 4 square outside
Make a kite
Make food art
Carve a bar of soap into an animal
Draw chalk outlines of yourself, handprints and footprints
Find a sibling and play a board game
Find binoculars to watch birds
Cut out a magazine and glue it for a collage
Memorize a scripture
Write a poem
Choreograph a dance
Make origami
Write your own story and illustrate it
Family

Pop popcorn and watch a movie
Visit the library
Make popsicles
Go on a bike ride
Go on a nature hike
Go to the museum
Pitch a tent
Go to the playground
Hunt for geocache
Go swimming
Visit the nearest state park
Weed the garden
Water all the plants and trees in the yard
Have a sprinkler party
Play any game of sports
Make or buy a bird feeder for the yard
Make a rubberband gun and have a war
Put things in a cup with a lid and try to guess their smell
Go to the airport and watch the planes take off and land
Scavenger Hunt
Go to the Mall with 5 dollars to spend
Go to a nursery and pick out a flower to plant
Have a paper airplane contest
Make tie-dye Tshirts
Go to the zoo or a botanical garden
Go to the pool
Go to the park
Play some water games
Make a slip-n-slide
Make an obstacle course
Go fishing
Get the video camera out and make some movies

Venture Outdoors Festival

 Salt Lake City, Utah
June 18th
Venture Outdoors Festival

Life's better outside! Join us for a FREE day full of outdoor recreation celebrating the vibrant East Millcreek Township and all the outdoor amenities Utah has to offer.
The 6th Annual Venture Outdoors Festival is a celebration of outdoor recreation. This unique festival, held in Millcreek Township, is designed to increase awareness, participation, and appreciation for the many recreational opportunities available in Utah. This free, family-friendly event features live music, recreation clinics, guest speakers, giveaways, creative children's activities, and great food all day long. Something for all ages, interests, and abilities!
So bring the family and your friends, because life is better outside!
Visit http://utahventureout.org for more info, complete activity schedules, and our great venture morning activities!

Saturday, June 11

Welcome Silas

Looks like Connor Smith is a big brother.  Silas McKay Smith was born on Friday, June 3rd.  Congratulations to Pete and Michelle!

Skills Run Wild 5k

Skills Fitness is doing a 1st Annual Run Wild 5k. You can register online at Active.com or getting a registration form at Skills. It is on June 25th at 7:00 am. starting at Skills Fitness Center in Centerville. There is more information at www.skillsfitness.com

Thursday, June 9

Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square will present the annual Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert on July 22, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The concert continues an annual tradition of commemorating the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake valley on July 24, 1847.  This year the theme of pioneering will be expanded to encompass the faith and sacrifice of servicemen and women.  The Choir and Orchestra will perform songs of faith and inspiration interspersed with video vignettes of real life stories of patriotism, valor, and service.  Special guest artists will join in the musical commemoration for an evening that will entertain and inspire.

Tickets

Free tickets for the concert are required. Tickets will be distributed through a random selection process. Those interested may register on the Internet at www.lds.org/events for the opportunity to receive tickets from Saturday, June 11, 2011, at 12:01 a.m. through Monday, June 20 at 11:59 p.m. Those without Internet access may register over the phone at (801) 570-0080 (local) or at 1-866-537-8457 (toll free). All registrations received during the registration period will have equal chances at receiving tickets in the random selection process.

Annual Junque Sale

Soroptimist of Bountiful is having their annual JUNQUE SALE.  Friday, June 10 8am-7pm & Saturday, June 11 8am-2pm at 1131 South Main Street Centerville.  Lunch, Bakery, & Snacks for sale as well.  All proceeds from this annual sale are donated to worthy charities in the Davis County Area.

Friday, June 3

In The Beginning............

Welcome, to my first post here in the Ranches.

I love to find new things and try them out.  I love meeting new people.  I love a great recipe (that my dear Keith can try out :) ).  Mostly I love to share these ideas with others.  With this in mind, I began this blog.   My hope is that this blog may be:

- An interactive place where we can all learn and share together.
- A place where one can share new places around Farmington and Davis County.
- A place where one can learn what is happening in the community around them.
- A place to share ideas, recipes, photos, and maybe a laugh or two.

Please invite your friends to come on by and share.