Friday, October 25, 2013

Cinnamon Rolls

Makes: 2 to 2 ½ dozen

Ingredients:

2 packages of yeast

½ cup water

2 cups of scaled milk

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of mashed potatoes

2 tsp. salt

½ cup of shortening

7 cups of flour

1 cup of raisins

½ cup chopped walnuts

Softened butter and sugar and cinnamon.

Soften yeast in warm water. Let stand 10 minutes. Pour hot milk over shortening. Cool to Lukewarm.

Stir in 4 cups flour, sugar, mashed potatoes, and eggs, salt and dissolved yeast. Stir raisins and chopped walnuts into dough. Slowly add remaining flour as needed to make a soft dough. Cover. Let rise until double.

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Divide dough in half. Roll into a 1/2" thick rectangle. Brush with softened butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Starting with long side, roll up jelly roll style. Press edges. Cut in 1" slices.

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Place on greased baking dish. Cover. Let rise until double in bulk. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.

Let cool then frost. I like cream cheese frosting.

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Don’t look at them for too long or they will be gone!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

This Girl

Today this girl is 11 people years old; in dog years that makes her about 57 years old. 

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Really not old enough to be grouchy but sometimes she just is.

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Here she is in search of the unknown but she knows something is down there. She is persistent that way.P1010190 She has had to endure a number of sisters and sometimes it has been easier than others.

Meeka and Belle

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Lola and Belle

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Kala and Belle

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Dottie, Kala and Belle

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Lately it seems she gets picked on more than she should; two’s company three’s a crowd.  So sometimes she gets special privileges.

2013-10-21 21.11.50 It is not always easy to be Belle……..but we love her just the same!!  Happy Birthday, Bellie, Belle!!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Eleventh Hour

Sometimes the greatest ideas come at the 11th hour.  I’m not a big fan of the 11th hour; I prefer the 1st hour and I’m even happy with the 6th hour.  But when a great idea comes along there is nothing to do but run with it.  So I did!

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Of course I couldn’t have done it with out the wonderful artist ability of D2! 2013-10-23 06.41.22

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Found

Happy to report I found one of the pairs of my missing shoes! This makes me happy!!




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Monday, October 21, 2013

Here we are on Monday…

It’s list time!

  1. Declaration: This WILL be a great week!
  2. Two yards of gravel……that’s like two tons!
  3. 2,000 pounds is a ton; a yard of gravel weighs 2,750 pounds. So that is over a ton.  This is good information should you ever be asked to shovel gravel.
  4. Moving two tons of gravel is harder the second day.
  5. Muscles yell. Muscles yell loudly. Tylenol is my friend.
  6. The aging process really isn’t is NOT for sissies.
  7. Finding the right doctor can be a daunting task.
  8. I want a doctor who knows my name before he looks at my chart; is that possible?
  9. Headed to the Sunflower state on Friday. Is it Friday yet?
  10. I’m reading the “The Newport Ladies Book Club” Series.  It’s good. I don’t sleep because of it.
  11. We are on the countdown people.  Just four days left to Step Up for Down Syndrome and we are going to have Two Much Fun. Click HERE to donate!  All donations are greatly appreciated.
  12. I love my life! I love the people who are in it. They make my hard days great!!! 

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That’s it!

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Sunday’s Scripture

Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity.

~~Moroni 10:20

Saturday, October 19, 2013

A House Built Upon Rock

Everywhere we turn in our yard there are rocks; many of them are unwanted rocks or the wrong size of rocks. Seems we are always gathering rocks or buying more rocks.  Today I spent the better part of my day moving this pile of gravel or baby rock as I like to call it.

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We had ordered it before thinking about the fact that Val would not be able to move it due to a heart and shoulder issue he is having; no lifting for a while.  And of course we ordered two yards instead of one.  So he supervised and I shoveled.  It was a slow process.  I think it was harder for him to watch me then it was for me to actually do the work.  I move slow and my idea of a full wheelbarrow I’m sure was different than his but he never said otherwise.  He patiently watched and never once complained about my numerous breaks.

I’ve discovered that when I am anxiously engaged in work of this sort I tend to do a lot of reflecting.  As I shoveled what seemed to be endless loads of gravel I remembered another time I was doing the same thing.  I had borrowed my dad’s truck to get a load of gravel. We love gravel, it covers a myriad of sins in ones yard and looks good.  At the time I didn’t realize how much or how heavy a yard or more of gravel would be.  After they loaded the gravel in the truck I slowly drove it home knowing that I had definitely exceeded the weight limit the truck could handle.  Once I got home I knew I had to get that truck unloaded before my dad saw how much gravel I’d put in his truck.  Val was at work so the task was mine.  I was much younger then ……….. 35 years younger in fact and 7 or 8 months pregnant!!  But the job got done slowly back then and slowly today. 

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I’m not afraid of hard work.  It reminds me that I have muscles that need more attention plus I love to see the end results.  Something else worth noting; the wheelbarrow in the picture, it has been with us more than 35 years.  I used it to unload my dad’s truck.  It is a bit rough around the edges, shiny paint gone and a few tiny holes.  But it has a solid wheel and it is still up for any job.

I love things like that!

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Results of today’s work.

P Dog run and area by the swing done!

Friday, October 18, 2013

Friday

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I’m glad for it!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Employee or Otherwise

"An employee with lousy customer service skills is really just a disengaged employee.  In other words, those that lack the ability to care about their job or take pride in their work."
Where do you fit?

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Sometimes

It is hard to believe we have been traveling over the hill now for eleven years!!  Back and forth.  Back and forth we go.  There are times when for a variety of reasons we just don’t make it home.  Love that we have a home away from home!

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Blessed!!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Heart of the Matter

The heart is an incredible machine.  It never takes a day off.  It asks for no vacation; which is amazing. Seriously who doesn’t want a vacation from time to time? Who doesn’t want to stop what they are doing and just do something else.

The heart is a hollow muscle that pumps approximately 4.7 - 5.7 liters (that's about 5 quarts) of blood per minute throughout the blood vessels to various parts of the body by repeated, rhythmic contractions. The average human heart, beating at 72 beats per minute, and will beat approximately 2.5 billion times during an average 66 year lifespan. That’s a lot of beats!

Sometimes in all that beating the heart just is not strong enough to keep on going on. Sometimes the heart just stops. When that happens those are just not good days. Nobody is happy then. Sometimes we get lucky and the heart gives us warnings and lets us know it needs some help. It needs our undivided attention. Maybe it needs a little tune up or just a little cardiac ablation to get back into that smooth beating rhythm.

I am grateful for the miracle of modern medicine and all it can do. But the miraculous effect of prayer…..now that is really what is at the heart of the matter!!

Monday, October 14, 2013

Monday Whys and Wonderments

  • Why is it that some days you feel on top of the world and other days you feel like the world is on top of you?
  • Who came up with Planks anyway?
  • Why does it have to be dark in the morning.  I would like it to be light from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  I think that is a reasonable request.  That’s how my world is going to be.
  • Could we just have more common sense people?!?  Seems like the number of people with common sense dwindles with every breathe I take.
  • Wish I could figure out how to get more sleep.  Don’t say go to bed earlier.
  • How does a grown women lose misplace a two pair of shoes?  This is making me crazy.
  • I used to have chocolate in my nightstand for a late night snack.  Those days are ancient history.  Sad.

That’s a wrap for my Monday whys and wonderments.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Friday, October 11, 2013

Times Three

Are you sensing a pattern here.  I promise hope this will be my last time post for a while.  The time I speak of is when you are waiting for someone to get out of surgery.  That is when time slows to a snails pace.  Surgery that is suppose to last an hour and a half and goes almost four hours.  That is when time stops completely and your mind goes into full-force worry and wonder what if mode.  And there is no amount of anything that will get time moving again.  I’m not a fan of this time. I’m happy to say my worry was for not.  That’s fantastic news.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Times Two

Last night as I wrote I wrote about the speed of timeTime going fast.  Time going slow. I wanted time to go faster last night.  And then just like that in less than 24 hours time, time started to speed up again.  The cardiologist’s office called to say they had an opening next Tuesday and would we like to take it.  Yes. Please. That was an answer to prayers; just like that!!  Thank you to all who offered prayers!  They were answered!!!!

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Time

This time of year it seems like time speeds up.  It actually starts the downhill fly in July when I start seeing Christmas stuff in the stores; a good reason to avoid going to the store.  So hard to see Christmas in July.  And then we come to October…….and time should just be flying by like the speed of sound, right?  Well it would be except when you have to wait for a medical procedure.  Yup Mr. Man is having more heart issues.  Instead of stopping now it is racing.  As he puts it, it is stuck in 3rd gear and won’t gear down.  So he has to have it shocked!  I know sounds serious and anything to do with the heart is but we are confident in his new cardiologist and we just wish October 22nd would come soon rather than later.

heart

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Sushi Tuesday

Sushi is always best with friends and family:

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Sometimes we eat it faster than I can get a picture of it.

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It is just so good……

Monday, October 7, 2013

More

It always happens the days after General Conference.  I find myself wanting needing more.  Tonight we listened to The Spoken Word.  The amazing music of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was just what I needed. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Love that song. Love the way it makes me feel. So peaceful. So uplifting.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

183rd Semiannual General Conference

This is weekend like the first weekend in April I look forward to more than any other throughout the year.  This is the weekend that I am most spiritually recharged.  Read and hear more about it here. And these are some of the things I learned and loved about this weekend:

Monson

“Look ahead and believe.” Edward Dube

Bednar

“As we live the law of tithing, we often receive significant but subtle blessings.” David A. Bednar

Uchtdorf

“Believe in miracles.” Jeffrey R. Holland

Holland

“Fatigue is the common enemy of us all-–so slow down, rest up, replenish, and refill.” Jeffrey R. Holland

Eyring

“The miracle of becoming one [in unity] requires the help of heaven, and it takes time.” Henry B. Eyring

“The decisions you make in your daily life will determine what happens to you later.” Bonnie L. Oscarson

“A testimony, like your body, needs to be in shape if you want it to endure.” Richard J. Maynes

"As you lose your life in ... service ... Satan's temptations lose power in your life." Richard G. Scott

“Repentance is not punishment. It is the hope-filled path to a more glorious future.” Richard G. Scott

"A fundamental question remains to be answered ... shall I falter, or shall I finish?" Thomas S. Monson

"Difficulties allow us to change for the better." Thomas S. Monson

“Don’t forget to look up.” Adrián Ochoa

“It’s not just the thoughts of our hearts that are important but the 'intents.' ” Terence M. Vinson

Nelson

“You are never too young to learn, never too old to change.” Russell M. Nelson

(This post represents both Saturday and Sunday; it’s that good!)

Friday, October 4, 2013

Nuts

Over the course of my life I have traveled between California and Utah approximately one million times; I do not exaggerate.  Trust me I know the road.  I know where the best bathrooms are; I just don’t “go” anywhere.  I know where the (relatively speaking of course) best places to eat are.  And now I know where the best nuts are.2013-10-03 21.11.47

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If I could stop eating them I would, but I can’t. They are that good!!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Plank Challenge

I’m not much on exercise.  We fight with each other like cats and dogs.  My Dil2 seems to like to exercise/run for some reason but due to health issues can’t.  She however can “Plank.”  So she invited all she knows to a 30-Day Plank Challenge; I can do that says I.  I saw the chart and thought 20 seconds a day and building to 5 minutes; I will do that.  There is even rest days in the 30 day challenge; I like that!  Then I tried it!!

Wish me luck………I’m going to need it!plank

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

These Two

  • October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  Love this month.
  • In an effort to spread awareness I’ve committed to blog for the next 31 days as part of 31 for 21. 
  • It is not hard when I have those two in my life as inspiration. 
  • Join in by following the link on the button below!
  • You know you want to!!
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Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Time to Step Up

Yes indeed it is that time of year.  The time when we Step Up for Down Syndrome.  I’m so excited that I will be taking part in my third Step Up for Down Syndrome walk with these amazing grans!
2013 Step Up Walk
You too can be part of the team.  Just follow this link
Thank you so much!
Your support is greatly appreciated!!!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

There is Goodness

I love to read the newspaper.  Sometimes….well most of the time the news is not so good.  Lately I’ve been limiting my intake because of all the unfortunate human tragedy the news is filled with.  I need upbeat stuff.  I need good news stuff.  I need stuff that lifts me up.  Mostly I turn to the Ensign to fill my need for uplifting reading.  This article did just that.  It made me reflect on all the good thankful things in my life.  Then I found this blog.  I found it through the newspaper; I didn’t say I stopped reading it completely.  And nice to know that not every article in the newspaper leaves me feeling like a ton of bricks after reading it. 
These two articles…….well all I can say is:
“I love the way they made me feel!”

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Naomi

It was Naomi that came to my mind as we walked home from church last Sunday. There I was walking with my two daughter-in-laws and their eight children. As we walked home that short distance, sun blazing, my heart was bursting at the seams and tears were clouding my eyes. And all that kept running through my mind was Naomi and how she too must have been overcome with joy, appreciation, and love. Once settled at home, clothes changed and most of us fed I took a moment to again read the Book of Ruth. Again my heart swelled as I thought of my circumstance. Our men, husband and sons, were out on a four-day hunting trip. And the women in their lives came together for those four days. It was magical for me. I'm not sure how it happened those many years ago. I'm almost positive my sons did not have me in mind when choosing their eternal companion. In fact, I'm certain I was the furthest thing from their mind and rightfully so. But I was blessed then and continue to be blessed today by the most wonderful, amazing and stalwart women a mother could ask for, for her sons. 2013-09-01 18.39.23

Monday, August 19, 2013

Did It Happen?

I could hardly wait for the summer to begin and it seems as if it went by so fast I’m wondering now if it really happened. Well rest assured it did happen and as I’ve let days and now weeks go by I’m realizing I’ve forgotten some important moments! I hate when that happens but I shall try to recreate the last 8+ weeks…..hang on!
  • On June 19th Val’s dad died.  It had been a long time coming, it was a blessing but even so it is an emotional time.  We left for Idaho as soon as we were able that day; going to Utah first.  We only got as far as Fernley inasmuch as there were no vacancy in Winnemucca (go figure).
  • The funeral was on Saturday, June 22nd.  All of our children and grandchildren came; just missing one SIL and Gran#1.  It was amazing to all be together to honor the life of Val’s dad.
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  • Monday, June 23rd I left Utah with DIL2.  Val flew home.  We drove to Reno; ending at her grandparent’s home.
  • Tuesday, D1 and D2 and kids left Utah for California driving the Suburban; they picked me up in Reno and we headed home.
  • On June 29th DIL 2 came to our house after having visited with various family and friends in Reno and the Sacramento area.
  • At this point we had 9 grans and 3 mothers at the house.  It was heaven.
  • July 2nd we celebrated Gran#10’s 5th birthday.  It was a Mickey Mouse Event!
  • On July 3rd after much wonderment if it was really going to happen due to work commitments S2 was able to fly in and join us.
  • On the 4th of July brought SIL1 and our annual pancake breakfast.  This year we had our smallest turn out.  But we had the most family members.  A happy trade off.
  • July 5th we were up and out early for a trip to Six Flags. A fun time was had by all.
2012-07-04 13.27.07-22012-07-04 15.07.072012-07-04 17.53.56 Well most of us….
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  • On Sunday, July 7th D1 and her family left for home.  Well most of them.  We convinced them to leave Gran2 here until D2 traveled back to Utah on the 21st!
  • During the sweltering and I mean surface of the sun-like July temperatures we made the best of our time together.  Melting at the zoo and Fairytale Town in Sacramento.  I appreciate my grans and their parents indulging me in sharing my childhood memories of Fairytale Town and William Land Park. Days were spent at our little beach in the community we live in.  And just a lot of together time.  Late nights in the hot tub or just simply hours of laugher.  Lots of water, laundry and food.  It was the best of the best!
  • On July 11th S2 and his family left for home. 
  • We were down to four grans, it was piece of cake.
  • D2 stayed as I mentioned until July 21st.  She drove back to Utah with her three children, D1’s daughter and my brother’s three children.  Yes, your math is correct, seven children!!
  • She wasn’t gone 24 hours and I was already pining for them and concerned for her and the last leg of her trip……..home to Kansas.
  • So I did what anyone would do right?  I hitched a ride to Utah on Thursday, the 25th with my brother.  He was going to pick up his kids she had taken to Utah on Sunday, the 21st.  We had a great trip together.
  • The morning of Friday, July 26th I headed to Kansas with D2 and her three children and a very very very packed car.  In my mind the trip would take about 16 hours.  On paper the trip should take about 14 hours.  But in reality it took us 21 hours.  We did not get lost.  I don’t know why it took us so long.  I just know angels were with us every step of the way.
  • On Saturday, July 27th, Happy Anniversary to D2 and her very patient husband who lived without her and their three children for 6 weeks.  They took me to the airport in Kansas City and then were off for a fun weekend.  I flew home and was home by 9:00 I think.  By that point I had no concept of time.
That is a wrap for July.  It was an amazing month of goodness.  I know I have pictures somewhere.  They will have to be added later.  I can’t thank my family enough for making our July more than fabulous.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Double Happy Birthday Shout Out!!

Sending a Big Happy Birthday Shout Out to These Two!!

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(Okay it is just the parents whose birthdays are a day a part, but who doesn’t want to see these three cute kids too!)

Wishing you both all things good in this coming year!!!

Love, Love!!