Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

I made this on Sunday to go with our pesto pasta dinner and it turned out sooo good! A perfect recipe for an appetizer or party plus spinach and artichokes are super healthy for you. A slightly different recipe for a cold spinach dip was originally given to me by my friend Trudi, but I decided to make the hot one...This is super easy AND both cold and hot recipes are on the back of the package even though I omitted a couple items. This is what I always want to order when I go out to restaurants and I am so happy I can make it on my own now!

HOT SPINACH & ARTICHOKE DIP
1 packet Knorr Vegetable recipe mix (yellow package found on soup mix isle)
1- 8oz. package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup mayonaisse
1- 10oz. bag of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained (I used fresh spinach, cut it up, steamed it drained it on paper towel)
1- 14oz. jar artichokes, cut into smaller pieces
1/2 cup cheddar cheese or whatever kind you like
(I didn't add garlic cloves or water chestnuts like the recipe calls for, and used less cheese and it was still really good)

Add all ingredients together except for some of the cheese. Put in a 2 quart or smaller glass baking dish, sprinkle rest of cheese on top and bake at '350 for about 30 minutes or until hot.

Eat with sour dough bread, chips or whatever you like best.

I LOVE healthy yummy recipes, this is a winner for me for sure :)

Gratitude...

I've been feeling super strong about writing this post today so here it is. For those of you who are LDS, this post relates to the lesson given in Relief Society/Elders Quorum, so you may be able to relate.

Today our President gave the lesson and begun with "I've been praying for each of you to have experiences with gratitude this week...", as she spoke this with tears in her eyes I thought...Wow... the amazing experiences I've had this week have definitely taught me about this great blessing. Now reflecting upon the lessons of gratitude that stick out immediately in my mind about this week brings tears to my eyes and continue to when I think more about them.

There are two specifically.

Last week I posted about Joshua's grandma and her birthday which was such a fun memory to create. This week on Tuesday, Joshua's other Grandma on his Dad's side unexpectedly passed away. It has been a sweet experience comforting and being with my husband and his family this past weekend for funeral services. I was continually reminded how blessed I am for the people around me including family, grandmothers etc. And also reminded about how life can change so quickly! I am so grateful for my Grandma Ann and the wonderful relationship I have with her. The funeral made me miss my Grandpa Cal as well and made me think about my current relationships and if I am really treating people the best I know how and cherishing those I love.

My other experience happened this same weekend as well. Recently I have seemed to be somewhat...sad/moody due to birth control probably!, but also just getting used to changes in my life. Good changes, but different might I add! As I was having a particularly hard time the other night I called a dear friend. As I sat there crying she just listened... for I don't know how long. A little while later after we had hung up, she called and asked where I was and said she was ten minutes away and she's coming to me. She drove a 20-30 minute drive for me. As I hugged her, I felt so much love and care! I can't even begin to express my deep gratitude for true friends and good people in the world...it brings me to my most humble self.

My President asked us to describe what gratitude felt like. The only thing I could think was humility and peace. When people serve me or when experiences happen which bring us to our most thankful and grateful state, it is there where we find gratitude. Gratitude is simply a tender mercy from above. It leaves my heart feeling full, my eyes swelling, and my mind left trying to comprehend the love that others have that inspire gratitude.

I am so grateful for all I have. I have so much and have been so blessed. I am so grateful for all of you dear, angel friends who have sacrificed for me with your time, in conversation or in action. You have truly humbled me and I hope you know how much you are loved and appreciated. I am so grateful to God for all, and I am so grateful for my husband teaching me what real love is.

Gammy's 90th Birthday!

So...Joshua's Grandma Overly had her 90th birthday party and it was way fun. She is one of the cutest, spunkiest, sweetest women I have ever met and is an ideal Grandma. The family celebrated with lots of talented musicians, a video tribute and lots of yummy desserts! This included my darling trumpet playing husband! (Hot!) This was my first time seeing him play and it was awesome. Many of his boy cousins and brother also play as well...They serenaded their Grandmother with a Happy Birthday tune...Joshua's Mom and Aunts are also super talented singers and performed their talent very well! Impressive! Happy Birthday Grandma Overly!




The boys practicing...



Husband :)



They first started out "pretending" they didn't know
how to play and terrible noises filled the room!



It was funny...



Then they switched Trumpets...and...



Played "Happy Birthday..."



The Overly Sisters and their beautiful voices..!



Grandma Overly and her cake!

Happy Birthday...!

Halloween !!!

Josh and I love Halloween and decided that this very well is our favorite Holiday for different reasons however. He loves thrills and scary movies while I on the other hand love Halloween parties, dressing up, cute decorations and warm food!!! MMmmm. This year we spent Halloween at our families homes and had a yummy soup and pumpkin bread bowl dinner! We then watched the movie "1408" which I have to say scared me, but didn't leave me with the normal creepy feeling I usually get from scary movies! It was interesting and worth seeing I thought... The caramel popcorn we made was sooo good! And so easy, I will post the recipe for it. We also got to go trick or treating with Josh's family and cutest nephew Dallon. Here are some pics of the dinner and our Halloween party the night before with our awesome friends!

Katie, Britt and I carving pumpkins!

Ben and Brittany's sweet house and us out front...

The costume winners...Josh and I starring as...Eachother :)

And Jake and Katie starring as...Hulk Hogan and his hot ex!

I had to post this one...for Jakes purpose, of course ha...

Pirates of the Caribbean for our annual Hill family Halloween

party...Disney theme 2010, ow ow!!! Yes, he makes a sexy

pirate...

CARAMEL POPCORN

1/2 cup brown sugar
6-7 large marshmallows
1 stick butter
2 scoops corn kernels

Melt together in large pan and pour
on popcorn while mixing! De-lish.