Monday, December 31, 2012

Tides of Change

Today today is the last day of yet another wonderful year. As I reflect on its goodness I think of things like the miracle of modern medicine. As the year started with Mr. Man having a pace-maker implanted. It made us stop and be reminded yet again about life's fragile moments. I think about gran number fourteen's birth; another wonderful miracle of life.  This was the year I got my childhood dream car; it was so worth the wait. This year was also full of fun family visits! It has not always been easy to have miles separate us; probably harder for me than them but it makes my heart burst every time we visit to receive such a warm excited welcome! I hold on to the idea that if we lived next door or in the same town their excitement to see us wouldn't be as pronounced.

As I've thought of the last 730 plus daily posts I realize that maybe it is time to change things up. For the last two years I've had some sort of monthly or daily theme; this kept me always thinking, thinking about what I would write about next. This worked for then but it is time for a change. I hope I will write most days, but I might not. But this year my thoughts will be directed to the moment I'm living in. No more themes, just stuff, my stuff.  The good.  The real.  The everyday!

So, let the New Year begin. With all its goodness. With all its potential for wonderful growth. I'm excited to ring in the New Year and be part of all that it has to offer for me!

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Mark 12:30

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."


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Saturday, December 29, 2012

Generation Gap




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Friday, December 28, 2012

Gaming

At family and friend get togethers a favorite thing to do is play games. One of our favorites is Mexican Train Dominos. Because after all when you play together you stay together!


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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Warmth

It is no secret that I’m not a fan of cold weather or any of the things that go along with it like snow and ice and things.  So today I’m thankful to be inside.  Where the temperature is nice and toasty.  Where I can watch the grans play with their new sleds from the window!  It just works better for me that way!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Ahhhh

Love the ahhhhhhhhhh after Christmas!  The opportunity to sit back and relax.  To just be able to enjoy the company of those you are with.  Yes, one of the best parts of Christmas is the ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Now This Is Christmas…

Luke 2:1-19

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

This is being the true meaning of Christmas.  May we remember it always!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas Eve

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

~~Clement Clarke Moore (1779 - 1863)

Sunday, December 23, 2012

John 12:23

"And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."


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Saturday, December 22, 2012

Did you know??

“CHRISTMAS GIFT!”

"Is a greeting used on Christmas morning, with the first person saying it traditionally receiving a gift. The custom, which has been traced back to as early as 1844, is no longer observed but 'Christmas gift!', which used to be a far more popular Christmas greeting than 'Merry Christmas!' is still heard among older people."

images3

Friday, December 21, 2012

The Anticipation

I can’t decide which is my favorite thing.  The actual holiday or the anticipation of the holiday.  It seems the build up can be almost as exciting as the actual event.  So much to do.  So much to plan.  Such a busy time.  And then poof the day arrives and it is over.  Wow, how did that happen so fast.  The planning takes month and then we are done.  It is a toss up for me.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Prayer

Thankful for the power of it,
The answers that are found,
The peace that it gives.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

These Words

"Christmas is a time for remembering the Son of God and renewing our determination to take upon us His name. It is a time to reassess our lives and examine our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Let this be a time of remembrance, of gratitude, and a time of forgiveness. Let it be a time to ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its meaning for each of us personally. Let it especially be a time of renewal and recommitment to live by the word of God and to obey His commandments. By doing this, we honor Him far more than we ever could with lights, gifts, or parties."

~~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Visions of Caramel

I wasn’t kidding the other day when I said I found my mother’s caramel recipe on a scrape of paper!  Here is that paper.  Plus there is a bonus recipe also on the same paper!  Punch and Caramel!

Caramel

I love her note to herself, “good” caramel candy.  She is right it is good.  And easy!

This caramel is a two part process.  Here is the recipe as I made it on Saturday.  Oh and turn off your cell phone and the TV and put the kids to bed and if the door bell rings don’t answer it.  Caramel wants your full attention, it will not tolerate interruptions. 

2 cups sugar

2 cups karo syrup (white)

Combine the sugar and syrup and cook to 244 degrees. Once everything gets mixed together well and the sugar is dissolved no more stirring is needed.  I know her recipe says 230 but I’m thinking that’s not enough; just sayin’.  I like my caramel a bit more chewy.  There is an excellent caramel tutorial here.

Preheat 1/2 cup of butter and 2 cups of whip cream.  I just put it in the microwave for a couple minutes.  You don’t want it to boil or anything you just want to warm it up.  Once the sugar mixture reaches 244 add the warmed up butter and whip cream.  Stir, stir, stir while adding the cream mixture into the hot sugar mixture.  Then once the two mixtures calm down because they will bubble up like crazy continue stirring until the mixture reaches 244 again.  This will take about 20-25 minutes to get back up to temperature.

Remove from heat and add 2 tsp. vanilla and 2 cups of chopped nuts, if you are feeling like you want nutty caramel; otherwise just pour the goodness into a buttered 13x9 glass pan.

Let cool, then cut into small pieces and wrap in wax paper.  Give it away or you’ll be wearing it on your hips for a good 3 months!

As to the cranberry punch.  I haven’t tried it but it looks tasty.  So if you try it out let me know what you think!

PS Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad where ever you are.

Monday, December 17, 2012

All over the Board

Fair warning this post is all over the board.  There could be a lot of “so’s” so there you have it.  It was the events of Friday that have filled my mind for the most part of the weekend.  My heart can’t stop aching for those families in Connecticut.  We hear it so often that life can change in a moment and I know that and try to live without regret but those events just seem so unimaginable…..so so tragic.  I wish more people had God in their life.

So Saturday I was doing a bit of baking and candy making.  I made some caramel.  I looked through a box that has some of my mother’s recipes; I was hoping to find her caramel recipe.  It was there on a scrape of paper.  It is strange how her handwriting invokes so many memories for me.  It would be easy to just retype her recipes and I will someday but I still like to look at her handwriting, it makes me feel like she is talking to me; I think she is.  My caramel turned out good although I did have a couple of questions for her, it has been a while since I’ve made candy but she was with me; I felt her presence.  Now I just need to wrap it.  Hope I can do that before we eat it all.  It would be easier just to eat it.

So I found myself at the computer numerous times through out my day Saturday.  I just couldn’t stop reading about Friday’s tragic events.  I was looking for answers.  I have this thing about why.  I always want to know why.  Sadly I know there is no logical why and there will be no answers.

So there is a blog I read from time to time.  And apparently not as often as I thought.  But Sunday morning I thought, I wonder what Barbara’s thoughts are on the events of Friday.  So I went to her blog only to learn she had passed away October 30th.  I couldn’t believe what I was reading; in fact at first my mind didn’t understand what I was reading.  Who died?  I just started bawling.  I know I had looked at her blog just before the election probably days before she died and now to learn this.  My heavy heart just got heavier.

This day I ache for all who mourn.  I ache for the parents and grandparents.  I ache for all who have lost hope and faith.  I ache for those whose life has changed forever.  And I pray for all of the above.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

3rd Nephi 12:16

"Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."


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Saturday, December 15, 2012

Friday, December 14, 2012

The Favorite Song

Sometimes I get stuck on a song that I can’t stop listening too.  The song this year that I can’t get enough of is “Carol of the Bells.”  It has quite a history.  You can read about it here.
These artists have produced some of my Favorites:
  1. The Piano Guys
  2. Cast in Bronze
  3. George Winston
  4. Jenny Oaks Baker
  5. Jim Brickman
  6. John Tesh
  7. John Williams (Home Alone)
  8. Mannheim Steamroller
  9. Mormon Tabernacle Choir
  10. Pentatonix
  11. Barlow Girl
  12. Kenny G

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Music of Christmas

I’m thankful for the music of Christmas.  I love they way it makes me feel.  I love the spirit it brings with it.  I can’t get enough of it.

Check out tomorrow’s post for some of my favorites!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Remember

Remember all the blessings of the day;
Remember some days won’t last forever;
Remember life is too short to fill it with worry;
Remember to just believe;
Remember to be thankful;
Remember who you are and how you want to be remembered;
And always, always remember the reason for the season!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Bacon Candy

Does the word bacon just make your mouth water?  Do you have visions of goodness dancing in your head?  This little bacon trick is probably nothing new to the internet world but in my world it was a fun fancy way to twist things up when serving up the goodness.

You will need some wonderful bacon.

2011-12-02 16.30.47-2

And some of these things:

2011-12-02 16.33.36

And then you will go like this:

2011-12-02 16.34.09

And then you will do this:

2011-12-02 16.34.53

And then you will have a whole pan that looks like this:

2011-12-02 16.32.09

Then just bake these babies for about 25-30 minutes at 400 or until your deserved doneness.  I’m a crispy bacon girl. 

And if you really want to enhance the goodness of the bacon, dredge each slice in a mixture of brown sugar (1/2 cup) and chili powder (4 teaspoons) this amount will cover a pound of bacon.  I did and it was better than candy.  Sadly in my excitement for the goodness of the bacon candy, I dredged it, rolled it, baked it and ate it and forgot to take pictures of it. 

It was heaven!!!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Game Changer

It is interesting to me the influences of marriage.  The union of two people, full of love for each other, willing to please the other; well at least in the beginning of the marriage!  These compromises can really be game changers in life.   This memory surrounds not just game changers but team changers.  Last night we were watching football; the Detroit – Green Bay Game.  Growing up Mr. Man was a Green Bay fan.  The poor boy grow up in a state without any professional sports teams.  That was foreign to me.  He was drawn to the Packers because he didn’t like the Cowboys; both the big name teams of the day.  Plus a player on the Green Bay team had played for the University of Idaho.  So it was  natural for him to love Green Bay.  Then marriage came and that changed everything; it was a game team changer for sure!  Today Mr. Man is a proud fan of the Red and Gold of the 49’ers!  And that’s how it happened.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Luke 12:9

"But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God."


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Saturday, December 8, 2012

Where did it go…..

This day got a way.  I wouldn’t call it a blur, it was actually quite wonderful.  But slip away it did!!2012-11-30 19.59.37

Friday, December 7, 2012

Lights

Simply put my favorite lights are the lights of Christmas and appreciate all those who go the extra mile to light up my world!

LIghts

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Our Home

I’m thankful to come home each night to our home.  I’m thankful for a roof over our head.  For all the walls that surround us.  For its warmth and comfort. It is our perfect home and each day I’m thankful for it.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Excitement

This time of year there is a definite excitement in the air.  It is full of energy and delight.  Every where you turn there is evidence of the Christmas season.  Each year I try to be a bit more prepared than the last.  This year I started my planning and preparing back in September.  I was excited about my ideas and things I wanted to do.  And so I proceeded with my plan.  The thing is now it is December and the planning and preparing is done; not the wrapping, something has to wait for December right?  But after all is said and done I feel like I have lost some of the excitement.   When I was younger Christmas wasn’t even thought of until after Thanksgiving.  We didn’t decorate until December 10th or was it the 5th.  Either way now I think why go to all that work of decorating only 15 or 20 days before Christmas.  So I’m working on getting the excitement I felt back in September back in my life. Because as my Dad always said, (no matter the time of the year)

“Christmas is Coming!”

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

If it ain’t broke…

……there is no need to fix it!  I just love how the internet intertwines the world. You jump here, you jump there and in all that jumping you can find some really good stuff.  So as you know I’m a great lover of the potato, it’s just not a secret!  So when I found this recipe for potato goodness I thought why re-invent the wheel.  Just follow the link to goodness!!

Monday, December 3, 2012

Grandma Great

Yesterday I received an email from one of my SIL’s.  She was announcing the birth of her great-granddaughter.  What, I have a SIL that is a great-grandmother!  That is crazy to me.  But it got me to thinking about my own maternal grandmother; I don’t really have any memories of my great-grandmothers.  But my grandmother, yes many memories of her.  So what really popped into my mind is what my children called my grandmother.  She was known to them as Grandma Great!  This then set my mind to thinking.  So I’m not much of a fan of being called “grandma” and therefore I’m not known as one.  So then what would I wish to be called?  I believe if I live to see that day I would like to be known as GG!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.


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Saturday, December 1, 2012

The Real Fall

Although the calendar said the first day of fall was September 22nd, here in California we really don’t see fall until the temperature really drops and the rains come.  And generally in our neck of the woods the big rains don’t appear until January and February.  This year it has been different.  The rain, rain everywhere has started.  Last night we came home to this, along with some minor flooding in the garage:2011-12-01 08.42.48-1

2011-12-01 08.43.28-32011-12-01 08.44.10-42011-12-01 08.43.44-42011-12-01 08.44.01-3

And this little tree was full of bright red, yellow and orange leaves just 5 days ago.  But then the rains came.  Now that is fall!!

Friday, November 30, 2012

If it’s gonna rain…

Stay inside!

If it’s gonna rain,

Make soup!

If it’s gonna rain,

Read a good book!

If it’s gonna rain,

Watch a movie!

If it’s gonna rain,

Pop popcorn and sit by a fire!

If it’s gonna rain,

Shop online!

If it’s gonna rain,

Take the dog for a walk!

2012-11-29 20.26.31

On second thought she is happy to take herself!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Guest Writer

It is hard to believe another November is almost gone.  I know a repetitive statement but truth nonetheless.  Even harder to believe is that we have been back at work almost a week after our gallivanting Thanksgiving adventure!

But all that said I must send a big thank you to my guest writer who helped me out in my absence.  I loved reading about what was going on in her world.  In fact it was such a great thing for me I should have my “guest” write for me more often.  Just sayin’

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Forgetfulness

Not exactly a wonderful word when first thought of.  After all at my age I prefer to think I remember everything or at least everything that needs to be remembered.  Yesterday I thought of a wonderful word to use for today.  But I didn’t write down.  So at this point all I remember is that the idea was wonderful just not what the wonderful word was.  Pooh!  But then I thought you know sometimes forgetfulness comes in pretty handy.  When the children were younger and they insisted they told me something, I use to tell them I wasn’t ready to receive that information.  Just like yesterday’s word; I just wasn’t ready to remember that wonderful word.  Not all is lost, it will come to me sooner or later.  But in the meantime I am going to be happy that forgetfulness can at times be beneficial.  Because there are some things in life that need to be forgotten. 

The end!! 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Something New

I don’t remember having a fondness for this little gem, the (at least for me) dreaded spaghetti squash.  But I have a friend at work who loves, loves, loves, it! So I gave it a try and guess what.  I have moved over to the spaghetti squash lovin’ side.

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And with this tasty little gem I made this:

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It is kind of a spaghetti/chili sauce all in one.  This is how I made the sauce:

1 lb. of ground turkey

1 onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 – 2 oz. can of diced chilies

28 oz. can diced tomatoes

2 tsp. ground cumin

2 tsp. dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

Cook the turkey and onion until the onion is translucent and the meat is nearly done.  Add the garlic, green chilies, tomatoes and spices.  Let it simmer over medium to low heat until it reduces to your liking.  I simmered it about 30 minutes and it was perfect.

Serve over the spaghetti squash and you will be hooked. 

I am! 

Monday, November 26, 2012

So Many Miles…..

Over my many, many blah, blah years of living I have traveled the road between California and Utah close to one million times!  Each trip unique.  Each trip has a story. The trip from California and Utah back in the day was about a 13-15 hour adventure because we had to slowdown for each town; today the trip can be shorter because the freeway bypasses each town.  The one I’m remembering today is from my childhood.  We were making the trip at night time in my dad’s truck which had a camper shell.  I’m not really sure where we all sat.  This was in the day before seatbelts and there was no extended cab business.  So my thinking now is that the parents were in the front and maybe one child in the cab and two children in the back of the truck safely under the roof of the camper shell.  This particular trip took place before my youngest brother was born.  (I can’t even imagine this mode of travel today!)  As we travelled over the forever roads of Nevada my parents became tired and decided in Wendover to pull over and take a nap; it was in the wee dark hours of the morning.  They locked the three of us in the back in hopes that we would continue to sleep and they in turn planned to sleep in the cab.  This was NOT okay with me.  I knew the only way out of this situation was to wake up my baby brother; who I’m guessing was under the age of 2.  And it worked!  My Dad moved to the back of the truck to sleep and I moved up front with my mom to help her stay awake while we continued on our journey over the never ending Salt Flats!  And here is where the big part of the memory comes in.  My mom was very tired.  Driving and tired are not friends.  I do clearly remember my mom’s struggle to stay awake and me shouting at her to do just that.  I will never forget that trip and the lesson….don’t drive when you are tired!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Mark 11:25

"But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."


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Saturday, November 24, 2012

Happy Birthday Shout Out!

It is birthday time for this girl of mine
 
 
Wishing her all things wonderful!
Love.You.So.

Friday, November 23, 2012

One Little Word

*Guest post by D2*
 

My favorite thing of the week, by far, can be summed up in one word.

One little three letter word.

Nap


Enough said.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am most thankful for this day.  My most favorite holiday ever!  And this I might add is all that is left of it!

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Wishing you blessings and goodness on this day!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Wonderful Words

* Guest Post by D2 *

My mother loves words. Perhaps you've noticed. She has most definately passed this love to me.

I've been thinking the past few days of words. Of my favorite words.

I've come to the conclusion that it's hard to pick favorites. They change each day.

Right now, though, they would have to be: Dada did it.

Let me explain.

My Boy has a speech device he uses at school. He named it "Blue." It consists of 6 or so buttons which can be recorded with different sounds or words or phrases. When he pushes one he'll here what was recorded at that spot. He is able to use it to communicate with others during class and during his therapies.

He and the other 3rd graders have been doing reports on Indians. They were to work in groups and then present their reports to the class. My Boy and his teachers worked with him to formulate the things he would share. Then they sent "Blue" home in hopes that my husband could record each of the phrases on it. This way when My Boy pushed his button he, and everyone else, would hear a male voice.

It was all very magical. Expect for the part where I didn't remember "our" homework until Sunday night. After kids were in bed. I had planned to have My Boy say a few words along with the harder ones that my husband would say. Oh well. In the end it was just my husband.

Then Monday morning as we were taking "Blue" back to school I handed it to My Boy and asked if he'd like to hear. He pushed each of the buttons and beamed when he heard his dad's voice saying the phrases he had worked to put together.

Then he said: Dada did it

It was magical. With the challenges he has we don't here two or three words put together very often. We also don't always hear words completed (he often just says the first sound). So when I hear him completing words and using them in a sentence that applies to the situation there are no words to describe how they sound.

They just are wonderful words.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Potatoes

Who doesn’t love potatoes?  Don’t be raisin’ your hand if you don’t; just move on…….  Personally my life without potatoes would be nothing.  After all Mr. Man is a former “russet” himself.  Yes, it is true his high school mascot was a russet potato; hold the jokes we’ve heard them all! Anyway, I love all things potato.  And this recipe is my current mash potato favorite.  Seriously who would want to eat them any other way.
The Best Mashed Potatoes Ever
5 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 egg whites, slightly beaten
4 tablespoons butter

In a large pot of boiling water over medium-high heat, cook potatoes until tender when pierced with a fork; remove from heat and drain. In the same cooking pan, mash potatoes your favorite way; with a potato masher, potato ricer or electric mixer. Mash potatoes until there are no lumps. Add cream cheese, sour cream, onion powder, salt, pepper, egg whites, blend well. Spoon into a sprayed (Pam or the like) large casserole dish or crockpot dish. Allow to cool slightly, dot with butter, cover, and refrigerate.  You can refrigerate these 2-3 days before your event! If preparing ahead, place in an ovenproof baking dish.  Bake at 350 degrees, loosely covered, 40 minutes or until steaming hot in the center!  They will be perfect every time.  Trust me on this one!
I would share a picture of the goodness but I ate them all!

PS  This is my 1,000th post since I began this crazy blog....CRAZY!!!!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Each The Darlings

*Guest Post by D2*

The other day I took family pictures for a family with two children. Teenagers. One boy, one girl. It was a nice change to the little kids I'm used to. I didn't have to sing and dance or stand on my head to get their attention. A very nice change. I couldn't help but notice that they really were a happy family. A family that loved each other. Even so I also couldn't help but notice that the oldest, a girl, was the "darling" of the family. I came home and told my husband that I related. That I was that "darling." He laughed at me.

I'm not sure if I really was the darling. But I do know that my parents tried to make each of us feel we were mighty important. With just three children it's something I think about often. With four it could have only been harder. I can remember one Valentine's Day my parents asked each of us, without others around, what we wanted for dinner. I chose hot dogs with Ranch Dorritos. Of all the things I could choose. So we each held onto, what we thought was the secret, that we were the ones who got to choose what we all had for dinner that Vanetine's Day. While my parents prepared dinner we were ushered into our rooms to wait. We were all surprised to come out and find that they had prepared what we each requested. Four kids. Four dinners.

Like I said I'm not sure if I was the "darling" I just know that they worked to make us each feel special. Maybe we were all the darlings.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Doctrine and Covenants 11:18

"Keep my commandments; hold your peace; appeal unto my Spirit;"

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Get With The Picture

Hello!

This is D2 filling in for mother while she's off galavanting.

I'll be popping in a couple of times in the next week so she can sleep well at night knowing she'll still have a post up on her blog everyday.

Today will be easy, its Super Snapshot Saturday, just pictures. So she says. I am a picture taker so it does seem easy enough. But like my mother, and her mother before her, I like to add a little more. Take it one step farther if you will.

When I was thinking of a picture to share a small part of me wanted to just throw some pictures down of my kids. But this blog is about much more than just them. Then I thought of pictures from my childhood which lead me to pictures of my mother. Being a mother. While I'm pretty good at taking pictures of my kids I'm not so good at getting in the picture with them. At the time my parents were raising little people picture taking wasn't as easy as it is now. It's a whole lot easier to look at a computer folder full of pictures than it is a shoe box under your bed. So there are not what I call a ton of pictures of us kids up to our day to day antics. And there are even fewer of my mother in them. The ones I do have, I treasure. It's a good reminder for me to get in the picture with my kids. Even if it's comfy pant day #7 and day 2 without a shower, they still need to see me being their mom.



The same can be said for them!
 
 


Friday, November 16, 2012

Sleepy Girls

You know when your kids are fast asleep and all you hear is the clock ticking?  You know like this…. 

2012-11-15 22.45.00

That’s a favorite time for me!!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Things and their reasons

I'm not so thankful when a curve ball is thrown.  But I do know everything happens for a reason.  And for that I'm thankful.  For I know when one door closes so rapidly behind me another door is waiting with open arms.  It is at that time that I will look back with fondness and not with regret.  I will move forward with grace and remember again all things happen for a reason and tomorrow there will always be sunshine.  It is just the way I march through life.

To my dear sweet friend “B” if you are reading this know that you will always be in my heart and that will never be taken away.  No regrets, only fond yesterdays and happy tomorrows.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Giving

We are rapidly moving into the season of giving.  Of course if you are a retailer that season started back in August or something.  Ridiculous. I personally love to give.  So with that in mind the word of the day is giving.  Which reminded me of a story I’ve shared often but will share again.  It goes like this:

A man is asked if he had two houses would he be willing to give one up.  Of course he replied, a man only needs one house!  He was then asked if he had two cars would he be willing to give one up.  Of course he replied, a man can only drive one car!  Okay, so far so good.  He was then asked if you had two horses would he be willing to give one up.  To which he replied, No!  He was then asked, why he would not give up one horse?!?  He replied because I have two!  He was willing to give what he didn’t have but not what he had!

What are you willing to give??

A question I ask myself on a daily basis!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Donuts

I hope you won’t be totally disappointed over the fact that this post isn’t a recipe for donuts or even a great picture of yummy donuts.  Rather it is a post about standing firm for what you believe.  Let me explain.  In the September 1996 issue of the Ensign there was an experience shared that after all these years has stuck with me.  I read a lot but this one single story has stayed with me like no other.  It was written by Robert Layton, a member of the church in Alberta, Canada.  The title is “What about Abstinence?” It is impressive.  I share it here because it has had a profound effect on me; not just because of the obvious subject matter but because of the other things in life which we might need to avoid and simply don’t.   I know it is long but it is worth the read.

I was holding a notice from my 13-year-old son’s school announcing a special parents’ meeting to preview the new course in human sexuality. Parents could examine the curriculum and take part in an actual lesson presented exactly as it would be given to the students.

When I arrived at the school I was surprised to discover only about a dozen parents there. And I was the only Latter-day Saint father. As we waited for the presentation to begin, I thumbed through page after page of instructions in the prevention of pregnancy or disease. I searched for the word abstain and any related words but found the idea of abstinence mentioned only in passing.

When the teacher arrived with the school nurse in tow, she asked if there were any questions before she began. I asked why abstinence did not play a noticeable part in the lesson material.

What happened next was shocking. I was verbally assailed by the other parents. “How stupid are you?” one sneered. “Idiot!” someone else muttered. There was a great deal of laughter, and someone suggested if I thought abstinence had any merit, I should go back to burying my head in the sand.

Through it all, the teacher and the nurse said nothing as I drowned in a sea of embarrassment. My mind had gone blank in the unexpected attack, and I could think of nothing to say.

The teacher explained to me that the job of the school was to teach “facts,” and the home was responsible for moral training. I sat in silence for the next 20 minutes as the course was explained. The other parents seemed to give their unqualified support to the materials presented.

“Donuts at the back,” announced the teacher during the break. “And since we’re all getting along so well, I’d like you to put on the name tags we have prepared—they’re right by the donuts—and mingle with the other parents and get to know them.”

Everyone dutifully stood and moved to the back of the room. As I watched them affixing their name tags and shaking hands, I sat deep in thought. I was ashamed that I had not been able to come up with an argument that would convince them to include a serious discussion of abstinence in the lesson materials. I uttered a silent prayer for guidance.

My thoughts were interrupted by the teacher’s hand on my shoulder. “Won’t you join the others, Mr. Layton?” The nurse smiled sweetly at me. “The donuts are good.”

“Thank you, no,” I replied.

“Well, then, how about a name tag? I’m sure the others would like to meet you.”

“Somehow I doubt that,” I replied.

“Won’t you please join them?” she coaxed.

Then I heard a still, small voice whisper, “Don’t go.” The instruction was unmistakable. “Don’t go!”

“I think I’ll just wait here,” I said.

When the class was called back to order, the teacher looked around the long table and thanked everyone for putting on their name tags. She ignored me. Then she said, “Now we’re going to give you the same lesson we’ll be giving your children. Everyone please peel off your name tags.”

I watched in silence as the tags came off.

“Now, then, on the back of one of the tags I drew a tiny flower. Who has it, please?”

The gentleman across from me held it up. “Here it is!”

“All right,” she said. “The flower represents disease. Do you recall with whom you shook hands?”

He pointed to a couple of people. “Very good,” she replied. “The handshake in this case represents intimacy. So the two people you had contact with now have the disease.” There was laughter and joking among the parents. The teacher continued, “And who did the two of you shake hands with?”

The point was well taken, and she explained how this lesson would show students how quickly disease was spread.

“Since we all shook hands, we all have the disease, and there is no escaping that fact.”

It was then I heard the still, small voice again. “Speak now,” it said, “but be humble.” I noted wryly the latter admonition, then rose from my chair. I apologized for any upset I might have caused earlier, congratulated the teacher on an excellent lesson that would impress the youth, and concluded by saying I had only one small point I wished to make.

“Not all of us were infected,” I said simply. “One of us … abstained.”

Monday, November 12, 2012

These Two Places

There are two places in my world where I am always thinking about and in tune with my parents.  Anything car related I am thinking of my dad.  Car driving, car buying, car looking, car year knowing.  Back in my youth when the next year car came out the style was always different; too costly in this day and age.  But back then I knew which model was what year; he made sure of that!

81269_Rear_3-4

This 1969 Chevelle SS 396 was my personal favorite!  It was sweet!  And every opportunity that was mine I got to drive it; not often but enough to remember!

The place where my mother is always there for me is the kitchen.  She loved to cook and create great food.  If she had a specialty (although she was good at everything) it might have been her candy making.  She loved to make it, she loved to eat it and mostly she loved to share it.  But there is another thing about her cooking I remember and that is at any church event she was in the kitchen.  From dime-a-dip dinners to elaborate affairs.  She was there.  Her organizational skills were second to none.  If it could be done beforehand she was on it.  I love that.  And I’m pleased to say I’m the same way; no last minute dash for me.  Make the list, make it again, check it off and be done.  It is peace of mind.   And one more thing.  She was never in a kitchen without this and either am I!

Apron 

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Matthew 11:11

"For, behold, it is I that speak; behold, I am the light which shineth in darkness, and by my power I give these words unto thee."


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPat

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Cut-n-Up

So in the recovery process of a flood one has to remove all areas affect by said flood.  When that happens you have something that looks like this:

This is a corner of my office, it is actually cut out like that all around the floor!2012-11-09 15.28.55

This is a view of one of the harder hit offices!!2012-11-09 15.30.01

These two pictures are a view of the hall!!!2012-11-09 15.29.172012-11-09 15.29.51

This picture is of our front office!!!!2012-11-09 15.30.20

They are making great progress but working while that progress is happening makes for interesting days!!!!!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Seeing the Bright Side

It is amazing what a flood will do for you.  It rushes in with no concern for what it touches.  All things in its path are fair game; although divine intervention does play a major role.  As much as the flood of water has no regard for what lies in its path divine intervention will step in and put His foot done.  And thankfully in the events of this past week He did just that.

So now as the demo begins, carpets up and all cabinets out we will start to see a new beginning.  It is a major do-over that wouldn’t have happened without such a flood.  Is it inconvenient; yes.  Is it loud; very.  Was the timing right; not at all, but then it never is.  But in the end we will have ten fresh new office spaces.  We will have new carpet, new paint, new furniture.  And this is the major plus, tons and tons and tons of stuff that has been collecting over time will no longer be!  It is a beautiful thing!!!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Water

I’m thankful it was clean water and not

dirty water or ocean water or muddy water!

I’m thankful it was on a weekday and not a weekend!

2012-11-06 07.46.312012-11-06 07.48.45

I’m thankful our server was spared; although our phone system was not!

Photo Nov 06, 6 03 50 AMPhoto Nov 06, 6 02 41 AMPhoto Nov 06, 6 02 53 AMPhoto Nov 06, 6 03 32 AMPhoto Nov 06, 6 03 01 AM2012-11-06 08.36.30Photo Nov 06, 6 04 18 AMPhoto Nov 06, 6 04 43 AMPhoto Nov 06, 6 06 11 AMPhoto Nov 06, 6 14 45 AM2012-11-06 15.43.412012-11-06 15.44.30

All of the above courtesy of this little guy who decided he was tried of doing his job!  Not so thankful for that!

2012-11-06 11.38.04