My Family and Mmmmmm Boy a Dirty Dr. Pepper How-To

Let me tell you about my family, extended family. I grew up in a childhood filled with love. I was nurtured and nestled by not only my parents but Aunts and Uncles and Grandparents who loved me. It was magic. I always had friends in my cousins. I was always included and our parents made it a point for us to see each other OFTEN. I think summers we just rotated around houses. Our Mom's had rotating summer classes like How-To Draw, or Make Whole Wheat Bread...I am pretty sure to give each other a break. (They were smart) We had family dinners at the park or at someones house once a month, what we call Family Home Evening. We had a nativity play EVERY Christmas that my Grandma had sewn all the costumes and wrote a script. We went camping for a week together every summer. Every family was expected to put on a "show." Watching these "shows" now makes us all howl with laughter. Well..and somehow there is a lost tape of the most recent "show" that was over the TOP AMAZING. Where is that? I want to see it again! It was a childhood filled with wonder, safety, and FUN. So when someone gets married, or has a baby shower, or comes home from a mission. We are expected to be there, to support each other. We are all grown and have our own families now. Sometimes it can feel like a bit of a hassle to get to these things, like another thing to do. That isn't right though, I have realized. It is important to support and lift each other up and when we meet like this I think we can all see how much we love each other, NO MATTER WHAT.

A fuzzy picture of some of us..lots of cousins are missing, and half of my bedspread over there. I promise I cropped this. UGH. Left to Right: Ben, Stacey, Jessica, someone behind..I bet Meghan and half of me. Probably circa 1988...

A few weeks ago my cousin came home from a two year mission for our church. We all went to his "homecoming" where he basically tells the congregation highlights of his mission experience at church. We then have a big party at someone in the families house to celebrate the return of the missionary. We went to my cousin Paul's house. It was lovely. I mean everything. The house, the beautiful brunch served, and his wife who happily hosted, provided LOTS of POP for this soda loving fam bam, and whisked around the kitchen toasting bagels and making sure everyone felt right at home. We all did.

It was in their home that we renewed our love for each other. We talked, laughed, ate and drank....the hit of the party, Dirty Dr. Peppers. Apparently, this is no new thing. However, to me it was. I had never heard of one and only ever enjoyed my virgin Diet Cokes. I am telling you folks making it dirty is the only way to go. It's a total game changer.

Oh AND they had an ice machine that made SONIC ice. I have decided that an ice maker would improve my quality of living so much. I am pretty sure there isn't anything I want more. I'm serious. I mean it's hotter than a corn kernel in a cast iron skillet, so why not cool down with a creamy, tasty drink. Your kids will love you. I am pretty much in love with Raquel for introducing me to this.


Dirty Dr. Pepper Recipe
Crunchy Ice- sorry you chumps like me are going to have to go buy a bag at Sonic. Fill glass to the TOP with ice
1 Can of Dr. Pepper (I actually love it with Diet Coke)
Two Squirts of Coconut Torani Syrup-  I bought sugar free, my kids can't tell the difference..Found at Smart and Final for about $3.00 the pumps are extra.
About 1 Tbsp. Half and Half (I used Fat- Free at home not as rich but....I am trying to stay on the light side of things)

We have had so much fun making these drinks. We have them for a treat Sunday night or for our own Family Home Evening on Monday. (Mommy has one more often than that but.......) I also bought some clear plastic cups/lids/straws at Smart and Final on the cheap. I bought black cherry syrup, coconut and mango. I also bought some Diet 7-Up and a squirt of Mango and a squirt of Coconut is so yummalishes.

Raquel has another recipe for these smashing drinks, here is a link to her blog: 
Rocky as Herself. You must read it. She is witty and smart and so ON the MONEY about life in general. You will see why we all love her so.


Crunch, Crunch, Crunch, Crunch......MMMM boy, Sonic Ice......XOXO The Sunny D