I need advise!

As some of you know our renters finally moved out.  I am thrilled just to have more space and to finally feel like I can use my entire house!  Problem is...our basement stinks.  It stinks like dog...wet dog, dog pee, and ok it's just stinky.  We've already had the carpets cleaned(which I'll never go with whoever cleaned them ever again.  They didn't help the stench, just made it worse...but our renters chose the carpets cleaners), nothing seems to help.  Does anyone know of some miraculous something that will get rid of this smell?  I'm really getting annoyed.  Please help!

Blueberry Banana Bread that will make you drool

photo by me...yes it really looks that delish when done

I am not joking when I say that this bread may cause an addiction.  I was on the search to get rid of my browning bananas and my last little bit of blueberries.  Luckily I found this recipe.  I wish I could take credit and say that I came up with the recipe but I don't understand baking in that sense.  I don't ever dare change a baking recipe.  I know it would fail. 

Blueberry Banana Bread
(from Daily Garnish)

Ingredients (one normal sized loaf or two mini loaves)

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
 2 tsp baking powder
 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
 1/4 cup white sugar
 2 large ripe bananas(about 1 cup mushed)
 1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if you must)

Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Start by combining flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, mash bananas with a fork until they are gooey and liquid-like.
Add sugars, eggs, and vanilla, greek yogurt. Whisk until everything is well combined and there are no lumps.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined.
At this point, fold in the fresh (or frozen) blueberries.
 Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and distribute evenly. Pop into the oven and bake for one hour, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before cutting...if you can resist!

Enjoy...I'm not even worried that you will or not...I know you will!

A Trip to the Zoo

The zoo was a lot of fun, maybe because at times I feel like I live at the zoo.  We were lucky to have Grandma Sheri come with us and Remee really loved her company, as did we all.  Even the animals were glad she came to visit. 

It was blazing hot outside but we survived by keeping it cool in any shade we could find.  I won't lie, I was a little jealous of the animals that had large swimming pools to cool off in.  That water sure was tempting!  Anyway, Remee loved her ride on the train.  The carousel was tricky but she liked it in the end.  Remee's big excitement was seeing the Rhino poop.  Maybe she finally figured out that everybody poops?  We had such a fun day. 

The wait is over!

Today we found out we are having another GIRL!  We are so thrilled.  Mike and I both really wanted another girl.  I asked Remee this morning if she thought mommy was going to have a boy or a girl and she said, 'gil'.  She's a smart cookie!  We are so excited.  We still haven't figured out a name but hopefully we will decide on one soon. 

Our 4th of July

What a wonderful way to spend the 4th...with family.  We were invited by Grandma and Grandpa to go hiking and fishing by Mirror Lake, and it was beautiful.  The air was smoke free and cool.  The hike was beautiful.  You could see trees and mountains for miles.  Remee had a lot of fun too.  Mike on the other hand, dropped his phone in the river where we went fishing.  Luckily it still works but I think he was stressing about it the rest of the day!  Remee met her first real fish (not of the Nemo sort) that Grandma caught.  She wouldn't touch it but she talked to it for a second.  The end of the day must consist of taking your toy lawn mower for a walk, hot dogs for dinner, root beer floats for dessert, and some fountain fireworks for spectacle. Talk about all American!!! We had such a fun, eventful day.  Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for all the fun times!

Utah's on FIRE!!!

As many of you know, I already have a strong disliking of Utah.  I'm a fan of water and temps below 90 degrees.  I yearn for lakes and oceans within minutes of each other.  I dream of tall evergreens and walks on the pier.  What I do not wish for is fire after fire after fire after fire!  We need some freakin rain here people!  My lungs can't handle any more of this smoke and dry heat.  I have had enough of sleepless nights because of coughing!  I'm in favor of a national rain dance!  Call in the Native Tribes and teach us something about talking to the rain spirits or something.  Come on Heavenly Father...I know you can make it rain!!!!

These are pictures of the fire that just started near American Fork canyon.  Thanks to the stupidity of people and their need for fireworks we are in for a few more days of smoke and no outdoor fun.  Talk about a red zone air day right?