Chicken Pot Pie

It has been brought to my attention (many times actually) that it is high time I got this recipe up for many to enjoy... here goes


Chicken Pot Pie

1 cup carrots (cut small)
1 1/2 cups potatoes (cut up small)
1 cup peas
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
2/3 cup milk
2 1/2 cups cut-up cooked chicken or turkey
pie Crust ( to follow)

Cook carrots and potatoes and drain, set aside. heat butter in 2 quart sauce pan over medium heat until melted. Stir in flour, onion, salt and pepper. Cook stirring constantly until mixture is bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in broth and milk. Heat to boiling stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 1 minute. Stir in chicken and vegetables.

Heat oven to 400*. Prepare pie crust. Roll 2/3 of pastry to fit into a 9x9x9 ungreased pan. Pour chicken mixture into pastry lined pan. Roll remaining pastry to fit top of filling. Turn edges over and cut slits in top. Bake about 35 minutes or until golden brown.


Pie Crust

2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup Lard
1 TBS white vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 lg egg
1/4 cup cold water

Sift flour and salt. Cut in lard until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Mix water, vinegar, and egg together in separate bowl. Add to flour mixture and toss with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry cleans the side of the bowl. Do not over mix.

Hill Family Blog

Just a note to let you all know that the tnhill family blog is finally revamped and running. Check out our cute kids....

Feed that Christmas Spirit!

That time of year is here where we try to keep everything under 50. 50 events, 50 Christmas Cards, 50 stamps, 50 school activities, 50 billion clients, 50 million things to do, 50 additional pounds... The problem is, this is the season. The season for relaxing, enjoying our families and keeping in mind the important things of life. This year I decided to work on all my 50's. I am going to savor the flavor of this time of year. Why not? Life is too short. So, skip the malls and the overcrowded lines at Fred Meyer. Stay out of those overdone boutiqes and for heaven sakes whatever you do keep away from Walmart. I'm having my milk delivered and enjoying a quiet evening at home with my favorite kids, favorite husband and definately our favorite cookies.

Ready for the Playground

If you look forward to this time of year and just can't wait for the snow to fall, chances are you belong on what this year Warren Miller calls "The Playground". Every year my husband and I look forward to the newest Warren Miller film to come out welcoming winter and encouraging everyone to get out on the slopes to enjoy what he feels is heaven on earth. Wheather you are a beginning bunny hiller or advanced enough to jump out of a helicopter this film always gets the blood pumping and the heart racing. It prepares the mind and spirit for the spoils of winter. Watching this years film reminds me once again that people are amazing, people are crazy and I've got some serious hills that are calling my name. I'm ready for the playground..

Hoping for the Best

Life is not what you expect but it is what you make it. My life is changing in many ways that I feel will make it at least..well..different. Starting the first of November my studio will be closed and will have a month to finish up orders and get things out to customers. My family is overjoyed a the idea and will actually be able to prove they do have a mother. I myself am looking forward to watching my kids grow up, helping with homework and school projects. Actually listening and taking time to enjoy the chaos of the household. It's not like I haven't done this before. I actually tried being a mother once a few years ago. I wasn't that great at it and didn't have much committment. It is a long story that I may talk about sometime after eating too many sweets and staying up too late but it isn't something you really want to go over and never want to go through yourself. Long story short...There is Good, Better and Best. I'm working on the Better and hoping for the Best.

former olympians

Recently my friends Pual and Jole kicked some ice in the winter olympics. Movies were made and the rest is history...

Oh how I love the Fall

Oh how I love the fall. This is the season of harvesting, children going back to school and family portraits. It is cooler weather and high school seniors. It is slowing down to watch the leaves change. The final crop of hay coming in from the field and the thought of spud harvest around the corner. I love the smell of the grain being harvested and the dust in the air. I love watching the anticipation of my children as they get ready for a new year at school. New teachers and new classrooms. I love hearing the news of old friends in the classroom and the hope of new ones for the coming year. I love the thought of new peaches all ready for canning and preparing the jars for homemade jam. Rodeos and state fairs and the smell of scones and hot dogs lingering in the air. I love new pencils and fresh new boxes of crayons. Sweatshirts in the evenings while still wearing sandals. Remembering Maine in the midst of "leaf peeping season" and the covered bridges in Vermont against the red, orange and yellow leaves. I love corn on the cob and fresh apples from the tree. Oh how I love the fall!

The Core IV

Paul, Nanette (cousins), Sherri and Joel (not cousins) have been friends since most of us can remember. Friends came and went over the years. Some still stick (Carrie and Michelle) and others we look back and wonder why they even tried to keep up. The years went by and we all have families and seem to be living in different directions but getting together has never been better. I know why while growing up we laughed, cried and lived to visit each other. Fact stands that the bond is still strong regardless of time or place. That is a rare and priceless thing these days. We remain the core IV.

What I deserve

This is the time of weddings, family reunions and any excuse for a get-together. Our get-together is coming up this weekend. I plan to hug my favorite cousin, chat it up with long lost friends and eat a lot of freakin' delicious food. No work, minimal computer time and true reasons to stay out in the hot sun. Sorry customers, this weekend belongs to me. I deserve it.

Just hanging around

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Some days don't you just wonder why life hasn't turned out the way you planned? I mean I really don't think that everything has to be just that perfect but man.. somedays are still worth dreaming about.

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A great day!

Yesterday was July 4. The day of independence. For some reason year after year we still feel pulled to the hot, sticky long ordeal we fondly call "the parade". My children have yet to indulge in the fine times of decorating bikes or a riding lawn mower just to make their way down the streets packed with hordes of people waving and shouting approval at others not smart enough to stay home in the air conditioning and out of the blazing heat. Once again we also joined the group arriving early to secure the spot we've called our own for the past 10 years. Every year we swear we won't ever do this again and yet there we are. We mumble and grumble a bit but end up agreeing that this year was "a pretty good parade" and quietly comment to mostly no one that we're glad we made the effort. We always set up at the start of the entorage so we get everyone fresh out of the gate and have a quick get away as soon as the last horse and carriage is pulled past the line. No waiting for the pooper scoopers we're in the vehicles before they even put their shovels to the pavement.

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Following is the food. This varies from year to year but somehow ended up grilling at our house this year and eating way too much. My sister recently moved from Arizona to Utah a couple of weeks ago. Her family visiting kept things hopping so that naps were not an option. They didn't mind the heat and so we sat and visited on the porch all afternoon while watching the kids take turns try and kill themselves on our go-cart. They got pretty good at going just fast enough around the corners to skid several feet while turning the wheel just right and continuing on to the roundabout where tearing around the circle kicked up just the right amount of driveway to look really cool and then making it to the side yard to finish up with cookies in a cloud of dust and finally resting a the starting point ready for the next driver. My sisters kids almost have their parents convinced to let them use their pooled money of $267.58 to have Todd buy parts and work with them to build their own go-cart so they can work on killing themselves in the comfort of their own property. Trips are being planned even as we speak to meet in Pocatello at the parts stores and junk yards to start this new adventure.

Later we drove out to the thriving metroplis of Menan, Idaho. Home of possibly 1,ooo people that quadruples close to sunset every year on the 4th of July as the Volunteer Fire Department puts on a truely spectacular firework show in the center of town. We meet friends there every year and set up with blankets and camp chairs in the middle of the park while the kids run wild until the siren wailes and lets us know that the show is about to begin. This is my favorite part. By this time is has cooled off, the kids are tired enough and entertained enough to actually sit in one spot and the fireworks soar high above in amazing color of red, white and blue. By the time we arrive home and carry sleeping kids in from the car it is way past our bed time. We drag ourselves to bed and drift off to sleep. As we are lulled into slumber by the fireworks of neighbors still going off in the distance we hear ourselves saying "Now that was a great day!"

Robin Spencer

I just happen to have the best friend in the ENTIRE world. She is somewhat of a wonderwoman to me. In case you haven't met Robin Spencer let me just say.. you are really missing out. You actually become a better person just knowing she is in your life. Since I don't say it enough... Thanks Robin for all you do, You are the Greatest!!

Bun in the Oven

From time to time I get to do a little commercial work. This time is for a new store specializing in maternity, baby and childrens items called Bun in the Oven. It has been quite a project but I have really loved the change in pace. Here are a few of my favorite so far. I will be happy to see these in print.

Over the Edge

Over the Edge

(Hillbillies loose in suburbia)

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"Laugh out loud funny." - Entertainment Tonight

"Two thumbs up!"- Ebert & Roper

"A Wonderfully Funny Family.." - Good Morning America

Seattle, city of my birth

Funny how the mention of something can bring such a mix of feelings. Seattle has always been a mix for me. Until now. I'm adopted. Most of you know this. Did you know I was born in Seattle? Yep, that right. New Sweeden Hospital. Seattle, Wa. It is a wonderful thing for me. Being adopted that is. I feel quite fortunate to have a wonderful family and a great set of parents not to mention how greatful I am for the way I have been raised with the knowledge of the gospel in my life and a strong testimony of who I am, why I'm here and what happens to me when I depart this fine existance. I have wondered a time or two of the different world I may have wandered if I had indeed been kept and raised in this city. Never having visited only gives to the imagination. I only tell you this because as odd as it may be, going to Seattle was in a sense like home for me.

The entire reason for going on this trip so soon after returning from the last is simply..I love my niece Shalisa. She graduated with honors from Spanaway Lakes high school. I was fortunate enough to be there. Although they live in the burbs we spent a bit of time seeing the fabulous city of Seattle. Here are a few pics from the trip.

And the reason for going.. This is my brothers family, Love you guys! Thanks for a great time! Seattle really is a beautiful city! Congratulations Shalisa. I'm looking forward to you being closer to me this fall.

Check out this renovation...

Things are really coming along at the store. Click here to find out what's new...

Fieldtrip to Oregon

Well friends. Today I am going to tell you about our adventure to Oregon. A pretty little place called LeGrande. We traveled afar to see D'Andre (Todd's nephew) graduate from High School. We stayed in a cute little house outside of town that took us a long time to find but was worth the searching. It happened to be a tiny place called Haynes which I so oddly kept calling Hines for some reason. It is close to Baker City, Sumpter and Anthony Lakes.



This is Anthony Lakes. It is a very beautiful and downright chilly place. The lake is fed by all the snow that almost never fully disappears and is small enough to actually walk around in about 30 minutes. Which we all did. Even Meg.

This is D'Andre. He is a proud graduateof LeGrande High School. He is on his way to Ogden, Utah to play football at the University there. He's on scholorship because he is a born football player. Watch for him in the Pro's in a few years. Sohie is his younger sister. We think she's great too...

Aside from going to Graduation (in the gym where it was God Aweful hot and extrememly stuffy and 3 hours long) just a side note...I went to the park with the kids..good move on my part eh? Anywhoo...Aside from the graduation, we spent most of our time just hanging out enjoying the peace and quiet. No cell phone service, no internet and no cable. I enjoyed this a great deal and spent many hoursa on the back porch reading.. Yes.. reading.. Nothing heavy and intimidating.. just novels with simple plots and anything not requiring brain power. LOVED IT!

One thing that we really enjoyed was taking an old fashioned train ride to Sumpter. In case you are wondering, Sumpter at one time was the largest Gold mining town in the West. The entire valley was dredged twice and hauled out more gold than any other mining company. Once the valley was turned upside down the second time people pulled out and now remains a summer tourist town. It is small quaint and has GREAT ice cream... but I digress.

My family really enjoyed the train ride on the Sumpter Valley Railroad. I quote..."Operating between the McEwen and the historic mining town of Sumpter, the steam-powered excursions of the narrow guage Sumpter Valley Railroad offer an enjoyable way for the whole family to spend the day." Indeed it was quite enjoyable.. We learned fun stories and lots of history. In the pictures above my children were waving their arms out the window of a fast moving passenger train... Luckily the conductor was really cool and not a mass of evil...

So after a week of beautiful Oregon and the relaxing vacation we traveled home and made it in less than 8 hours with kids all in one piece. I almost can't say that about my husband. He did most of the driving.

Stay tuned next time for a fieldtrip to Seattle which began a short 10 hours after my arrival from Oregon...This time with my mother..

Snow in May?

Is it just me or is it absolutly RETARDED that we'd get a snowstorm in May? Well, yesterday morning I wake up to beautiful green grass covered by the white stuff and more of it coming from the sky. Now don't get me wrong..I live in Idaho because I love the changing seasons. But MAY?? It will probably be 80 degrees today...

Welcome to Mackay

This weekend I went to the thriving metropolis of Mackay, Idaho. Where? you say... Exactly. Upon entering this fine city my first realization is no cell phone service exists for my provider. Surprise, Surprise. Next I realized that I could probably find my destination quickly by traveling all six streets but decided to ask the folks at the local gas station where I might find the elementry school. Once inside I hear a rather involved discussion going on between the two employees present. "I told him he needed to be here...I'm just wondering why he hasn't shown up yet!" "he know's how important this is.." "I called him on Wednesday..Why hasn't he come?..." "Does he realize it is the rodeo this weekend?.." "If we run out of Mountain Dew we're finished....." Yeah! Welcome to Mackay.... (poor Pepsi dude..)

Progress...

Oh Sherri, I'm in Love...You are so good to me! We worked on the storefront today and am so much further ahead than I thought I would be. To see the progress click here. I guess I better start picking out the paint!...

Happy Mothers Day!

Holidays don't usually become me. I'm better off just ignoring the fact that this is suppose to be a "special" day and happily going about my business. Don't get me wrong... Holidays are a great time to remind people.. Most of the time someone just forgets to remind my family... Oddly enough, It's just almost expected anymore.. I'm just not holding my breath for next year...

blog of renovation

Due to the difficulty of the job ahead. I have now created a new blog dedicated to the renovation of my new soon to be place of business. I will need imput and comments from all of you as to get a public feel for what people may want in a beautiful upscale Photography studio. Viewing and commenting can be directed here.. Now don't be shy..my livelyhood is on the line..

monkey business

Actually Joel.. I prefer monkey's myself... sell that for $29.99 and I'm buying..

Coming soon to a storefront near you...

We couldn't let another minute go by without scooping up this fabulous beauty of a storefront. Did I say storefront? Yes as a matter of a fact I did. Nanette Hill Photography goes retail. Sort of.. Lets just say i'm coming out of the closet.. literally. This beauty of a building will be mine complete with deposit, signed lease and monthly payments made to the man. Yet wait there's more... don't forget endless hours of remodeling, revamping and of praying that this space will soon be forgotten as the "check to cash" and become the "Oh my Lord! this place is amazing"... stay tuned for details coming soon to a storefront near you...

Seriously, Nice Job there!

So the day after a wedding gives headaches and body slothfulness that we in the business fondly call "wedding hangover". Imagine carrying equipment, putting up with (often) retarded family members and making sure you are EXTRA pleasant, EXTRA patient, and EXTRA attentive for 8-12 hours straight. No breaks, pleasant laughter and not usually recommended to tell people how stupid they really are... Why do I keep doing this?? I ask myself on a regular basis and realize that simply put.. I'm a people person. Couldn't survive without them. I joke often about the island in a far off place away from everyone and everything to get away but the truth is.. I just wouldn't last long. "Chatty Cathy" I think they call it. It really is a God given talent I think you either have or you don't and BABY! I'VE GOT IT! OK so I digress.. When I decided to tell you all about this little drunkenness problem of mine and the problems it causes the day after such a social occasion I looked for a great illustration and found this awesome t-shirt..

and speaking of awesome it reminded me of something...


So when I saw cousin Paul recently he gave me a fine treasure that I am proud to display. Generally speaking 1st place in anything is a wonderful accomplishment but to be first at this... See picture as follows...



it goes to prove what I've always claimed... Yes, I'm good in the sack. and as it says in the center of my precious medallion.. "Seriously, Nice Job There!"

TANG- A symbol of mothers love for her family

"In 1957, after two years of research, General Foods Corporation first launched Tang powdered beverage in the US in test markets. Tang was introduced in Canada and Venezuela in 1959, and in Great Britain and Peru in 1961.
The brand’s biggest claim to fame was as a passenger on board manned space flights. The Gemini 4 astronauts were the first to bring Tang along on their mission in 1965. In fact, a special drink dispenser was designed for Tang for the mission. The brand continued crossing atmospheric borders over the ensuing 10 years, during which it was served on all manned Gemini and Apollo space flights.
Today, more than 10 percent of Tang business comes from the US, where the brand is available in both powdered and ready-to-drink formats. Most Tang drinkers in the US are “tweens,” children aged nine to 12.
While there are many different taste preferences for Tang around the globe, Kraft researchers have found that consumers’ perceptions of the brand are quite similar across all markets: Tang is a symbol of a mother’s love for her family. "

Kraft Foods 1995



Since my birth I have had a love for the sweet goodness of Tang. Most recently since my desire for change included giving up Dr. Pepper and eliminating it from my life, I returned to the orangy love that has been blessing my tastebuds for 36 years. Now officially I can say I once again am showing the symbol of true love for my family..now if I could just get my hands on the special astonaut drink dispenser.....