Rachael Eliker's Blog, page 80

Billion Graves

Taking photos and recording gravestone information.I set a goal to index 1,000 records this year through Family Search Indexing and while I'm well on my way to achieving the goal, today we did a different sort of family history. Jack discovered a site called Billion Graves, whose goal is to photograph and record information off of tombstones so people can search for their ancestors' information.
The original tombstone had fallen and cracked, so it was encased in concrete and replaced by two ne...

Happy Adoptiversary!

The only thing Raven loves more than snow is mud.A year ago today, Jack shocked all of us--me the most--by walking in with Raven. Not only was it incredibly that he'd finally agreed to get a dog, but he actually allowed her in the house. I felt rather spoiled getting my way.
The year has gone quickly, and kind of like the kids, she feels like she's always been a part of the family. She went from an incredibly timid, underweight dog in need of rescue from the rescue who didn't kn...

Mermaids

When setting family goals at the beginning of the year, the girls decided they would like to take swim lessons. Though I never took lessons as a child, I had ample time to practice my swimming when we took yearly trip to the Ozarks where we'd spend an entire week swimming in the pool and lake. By the time I was Kate's age, I was practically a mermaid.
 So, we decided to sign the older girls up before the summer swim season. It was hilarious watching them kick and float and paddle, gigglin...

Chicken Ranch Roll Ups

Not in the mood to cook? In a rush? These burritos deliver a delicious meal in a snap. Assemble then grill, bake or pan fry them and they're ready to serve in 20 to 30 minutes.
Ingredients:

4 to 6 large tortillas
3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup shredded cheddar
1 cup frozen broccoli florets
1/2 cup Ranch dressing

In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients except tortillas thoroughly. Divide into tortillas and wrap all ends tightly. Pan fry, grill or bake for 15 to 20 minutes, t...

Longsuffering

Yes, Kate dresses herself most days.If I had to describe Snickers and Hercules in one word, it'd be longsuffering.

Copycat Olive Garden Vinaigrette (No Packets Required!)

Jack and I went on a date a few weeks ago to The Olive Garden and (where else?) Menards. Since then, I've been craving a big, ol' Olive Garden Salad, without having to pay the restaurant price. So, I assembled the lettuce, olives, croutons, tomatoes, peppers, red onion and parmesan cheese and just needed a copycat recipe for the vinaigrette. Unfortunately, most call for adding a package of salad seasoning which I didn't have on hand. A little research and tweaking later, and we have a vinaigr...

The Shoe Closet

The shoe closet is finished!A few months ago I decided to start tackling what we affectionately call, "The Shoe Closet." It's got a lot more than just shoes--it's roomy enough for the wrapping paper, holiday decorations, all seasons of coats and lots of other knickknacks and things that don't really belong laying around, so they end up living in the shoe closet when not in use.
Ready to paint and recarpet!First and foremost, it needed a new coat of paint. I just happened to have enough left ov...

Road to the Regalia

Nadia and Winny are returning in Road to the Regalia, the sequel to Headed for the Win! To celebrate its soon-to-be-released sister book, Headed for the Win will be on sale for $0.99 this weekend. If you haven't already gotten your copy, pick one up and let me know what you thought with an Amazon review!

To purchase Headed for the Win, click here (affiliate links).

Moved Out

Our beautiful barred rock girl.We were so excited to find chicks early in the year, not only because they're sooo cute, but because that means they'll be ready to lay for longer this year than our supposed-to-be-girls last year. We've enjoyed watching them grow and feather out but once the weather got warm enough, they were moved outside. Chickens stink.
I worried and fretted a good portion of the night that they'd be too cold or they wouldn't be able to fend for themselves but come the n...

Poutine

Yum...I have long been wanting to make poutine, not because it is a particularly sophisticated or healthy dish, but because it makes me nostalgic and reminisce about my adventure as an LDS missionary in Montreal, QC. Poutine, in its basic form, is little more than fries, cheese curds and gravy though I've had it jazzed up with bacon and sauteed veggies. Either way, it's sinfully delicious and something I can cross off my 2015 to do list.

Ingredients:

French fries (here's one of our favorite way...