Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Kids!

The girls stayed over last night (still off track!) so they could get an early start for a ski day and lessons at Brighton ski resort.  I'm serving breakfast and David comes out in his "under" ski wear ... and Addi (age 7) says, "You're not wearing that, are you?" to which David replied, "Of course, what's wrong with this?"  Addi said, "Well, I'm not telling anyone you're my grandpa..."




Saturday, February 23, 2013

Whine and Thanks

Can I just say, for the record, I am so, so tired of white knuckle driving road conditions....

another snow storm.  I had to drive to pick up kiddos in Eagle Mt. (usually about 40 min.)....going there was fine but the trip home was HORRIBLE.  Accidents everywhere.  We made it home but then I needed to drive them to meet their other grandma just a while ago.  I bet I have seen easily 20 accidents just today.

Easily another 8 inches at our house.

I'm home to stay.  Can't wait for my hubby (and Ryan and Marci) to get home safely tomorrow from Guatemala.  It's been a lonely week but had a great day today with kiddos.

Thankful we're all home alive....

Truly.

Truly thankful.

Creative Cooking

 This past week was Creative Cooking held at Lynda Raddon's home.  Awesome as always.  Have some great new recipes to share.

Nancy Tillotson made lettuce wraps from Our Best Bites cookbook.







Janice Trotter made two recipes from Jillian Michaels' Master Your Metabolism cookbook.
The first was an Almond and Vegetable Pad Thai.  Janice substituted brown rice noodles (who knew they existed) for the whole wheat spaghettini.  Many of us commented that we're not sold on the whole wheat pasta's and this brown rice noodle (sold in a box in the Oriental section) was a winner.




Janice also made a spiced fig and apple compote (also from Jillian's cookbook).  This is good warm or at room temperature, on its own or over Greek yogurt.



I made a salad that I've posted earlier on my cooking blog- it is my favorite- Baby Spinach salad with Honey Roasted Butternut Squash.  I mix "mixed greens" with the spinach.  This recipe (and picture) is from skinnytaste.com   It is perfect to make if you have access to a grocery store like Costco or Harmon's take serves already cut up butternut squash.  It has dried cherries, pumpkins, Gorgonzola or feta and the yummiest dressing ever.

Since all our dishes were healthy this month, I talked BFF Cathy into making Russian Cream.  Totally decadent...but heh, opposition in all things!!!  Enjoy!  check out the recipes on

www.constantgrowingamazementcooks.blogspot.com




Our next Creative Cooking will be held in late April or May.  I think we are going to do Brunch ideas so if you have recipes to share (or would like to demonstrate!)  let me know!

 “I hate the notion of a secret recipe. Recipes are by nature derivative and meant to be shared - that is how they improve, are changed, how new ideas are formed. To stop a recipe in it's tracks, to label it "secret" just seems mean.”
Molly Wizenberg

Friday, February 22, 2013

The Fork

I've been feeling a little blue lately....
and the other day someone came to our door and said, "Do you know there is a fork on your porch?" -and she handed it to me.
At first I was puzzled.  Did one of the young men that camped in our cabin this past weekend (Josh's scout troup) leave a fork from their mess kits or...
then I smiled.  I have wonderful friends.  When someone does something anonymously for you, it's great when you can think of lots of people who might have done it.
Friends that cheer you up with a simple gesture or thought or word.
I knew what that the fork meant.....
 
 
Woman and a Fork

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things 'in order,' she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

'There's one more thing,' she said excitedly..

'What's that?' came the Pastor's reply.

'This is very important,' the young woman continued, 'I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.'

The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.
That surprises you, doesn't it?' the young woman asked.

'Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request,' said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. 'My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming....like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!'

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' Then I want you to tell them, 'Keep your fork ..the best is yet to come.'

The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye.. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of Heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what Heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and
they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand.. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, 'What's with the fork?' And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.

He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.
Friends are a very rare jewel , indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed so Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share ....Being friends with someone is not merely an opportunity, but a sweet responsibility.


And just remember...keep your fork!  




 

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Quotes

The last couple of weeks, our Sunday School lessons have been on the need for personal revelation in our lives and how it comes.  I've handed out several quote sheets but these are two that I think someone needs today.

Elder Boyd K. Packer: Inspiration comes more easily in peaceful settings. Such words as quiet, still, peaceable, comforter abound in the scriptures... The world grows increasingly noisy. Clothing and grooming and conduct are looser and sloppier and more disheveled. Raucous music, with obscene lyrics blasted through amplifiers while lights flash psychedelic colors, characterizes the drug culture. Variations of these things are gaining wide acceptance and influence over our youth... This trend to more noise, more excitement, more contention, less restraint, less dignity, less formality is not coincidental nor innocent nor harmless. The first order issued by a commander mounting a military invasion is the jamming of the channels of communication of those he intends to conquer. Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirt.

Neal M. Maxwell- divine guidance is so crucial...that we need to go out of our way to put ourselves in a situation in which such special help can be given. Pres. David O. McKay spoke of how the morning hours, before we are cluttered with the cares of day, are especially conducive to inspiration. Others have felt that solitude and reading the scriptures can create an atmosphere conducive to the Spirit and can be developed. After all, to read the words of Christ already before us is a good thing to do before asking for more."

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Raddonness

1~ today is day 5 and I'm going to check myself out of sick bay.  I've got the girls today and they love to paint when they come so hopefully we can do that.  I was planning on major cooking with Gracie but I'd better pass since I'm still coughin'.

2~My friend, Lynda Raddon, has a son who is a famous DJ/music mixer.  His stage name is Kascade.  He was nominated for a Grammy award this year for best dance music. (He has several albums out.)  Lynda and I just look at each other and shake our heads.  Where DO these kids come from?  I didn't watch the Grammy's but I had the t.v. on the next day and they were doing red carpet entries and I saw him- looking very cool!


3~  You know, the question then poses itself, if "I" were to attend the Grammys (with an official invitation, not like when my crazy friends and I (me because I was with them) broke into the Golden Globe Awards....worst experience of my life....)- what on earth would I wear?  Of course it would have to be blue and yellow and then I remembered my old standby......
4~oh man!  I just realized that today is Valentine's Day.  You know how gaga I get over this holiday but I'm actually not doing one fun thing.  My Valentine's decor is at Brandi's (since they hosted Bri's Sweethearts dinner at their new home)....and do I dare mention that my Christmas tree is still in the corner of the living room (undecorated at least).  I think I'm running out of excuses.

5~First I'll remind you of a classic family story.  Brandi was in elementary school and asked to go skating with her friends to the skating rink.  I could tell she was acting uncomfortable about it, then confessed that boys would be meeting them there. I, being the great ruler-keeper and ogre mother suggested that maybe that would be appropriate when she was older.  On Monday, when Brandi came home from school, her chin was quivering.  Apparently her best friend, Kara, had gone and had skated with Brandi's crush the entire time..and by the end of the afternoon, they were "going together."  Brandi was broken hearted....and later asked me what the word "jealous" meant.  I explained that jealous was something you felt when someone had something you wanted and it meant you fell mean inside.  I asked B. if she felt jealous of Kara...to which she burst into tears and cried "It's not that I don't want her to have him, I just want him too!"  (always a sweetie, that girl of mine.)  So, we have used the term- the Joe Valario syndrome throughout the years- to identify that particular feeling when you "just want it too."

Fast foward to this past week.  Apparently, Miss Addi-tude woke up crying with a terrible cough and headache. (sounds like me but honestly, I haven't been around her!)  She is pretty dramatic which entertains us no end.  In her hysterical sobbing she cried, "Why did this happen to ME!!!!  Why couldn't it have happened to Hallee or Gracie?????"

So, now we have the Joe Valario syndrome in reverse!  Leave it to Addi, little drama queen.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Cards

 
 
 
Just wanted to post the cards we made in St.George.  We had to make a pact to not go to the same weddings, birthdays, showers, etc. or at least color coordinate! 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

St. George- Cough, cough

Gosh, it's been a week since I've posted.  I've wanted to talk about our girl's trip to St. George.
It's about a 4 1/2-5 hour drive but when you've got 5 of us laughing and talking in the car, it goes by so quickly!  We got all settled in Funny Kathy with a K's house, then headed out for Pizza Factory lunch-(great salad bar with twisted bread sticks.)  Every day started with a walk (and Kathy didn't get us lost once...as she has done in the past...)  and we hit a spa where we got facials and massages...oh so fine!  Totally pampered, we'd end our days with Downton Abby.  Finished Season Three (confusing I know, since England is ahead of us) and the Christmas show.

All I can say is this.    NOTHING!!!!   Since many people reading this watch it, I can say nothing.  We can talk privately when you're done.

Our tradition is that we always make cards one night (thanks, Brendalyn) and gab and talk.  We took turns choosing our meals out....except for when it got to Valene (who was never hungry) she gave us her preferences and we just said, "Nah" and moved on.  

Our ride home left beautiful 50 degree weather and we hit snow all the way home.  It could have been worse but it was still bad (I can't believe I'm the one driving in bad weather every time this year!)  Visibility was poor and everyone was creeping along EXCEPT big trucks just barreling by like there were no road issues, no regard to wrecks on the side of the road.

I could tell I was starting to have throat issues the last night.  Not from talking  but I know the "sick" tingle as it is coming on.  We got home Friday night and I just prayed I'd be okay until through my lesson  on Sunday.  It worked...and Sunday after church I finally succumbed.  I've been in bed ever since.  Just coughing and sneezing and watching mindless t.v. and coughing some more.

I've got a few fun things on the docket to look forward to- Creative Cooking is next week so I'm anxious about that.  David's actually going to Guatemala for a week with son Ryan.  I wish I were going with them but we can't leave my MIL.  She actually had a Dr.'s appointment yesterday for the first time...to create a baseline of her health.  She's getting more dementia all the time and it's harder to make arrangements when we travel.  This aging stuff is just not fun.   Love this sweet woman, which makes it easier.

My dear doctor, I’m surprised to hear you say that I am coughing very badly, because I have been practicing all night.
John Philpot Curran

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Jazz vs Kings

 It was so fun at our Bucket group last night at the Jazz game. From private parking to being escorted through the secure areas to a fabulous dinner in the suite, going with Gail is pretty cush!  The game was exciting....but for most of us, seeing Jimmer play for the Kings was a treat.  I asked Gail if she would mind if we cheered for Jimmer and she scowled, "Only if he does something amazing."  He didn't play amazingly but HE is just amazing...so we cheered anyway. (Gail didn't...) (if someone reading this doesn't understand any of this- here's explanation-

Bucket group- a group of women Valene and I organized years ago....12 of us....who once a month get together to "fill our buckets."  You host once a year and choose the activity.  Food is always included.  That goes without saying....

Gail- she owns the Jazz (she's the head of the family corporation)  An amazing woman

Jimmer-  Jimmer Ferdette.  He was an over-the-top player at BYU when we all got "Jimmer fever."  He was drafted by Sacramento....and whenever he plays here, he is celebrity cheered (most of Utah) and booed (Univ. of Utah fans.)  He is grounded and awesome. )

Funny comment:  on the way home, Sheron commented that G. had mentioned what a difficult (seedy) life professional ballplayers can live.  Girls are everywhere and constantly throwing themselves at them.  To which Cathy replied, "You might like little old grandmas???"

Below is the picture I took of BFF Cathy---after we practically accosted Jimmer who we saw in the hallway after the game.  He was gracious.  We were....silly?  (Wouldn't you know it- my eyes were closed.  grrrr.)






The game went into overtime....Jazz eventually won.  It was exciting.  I sent David a text of the scoreboard and said, "Are you watching? "  He sent me his reply, "ya, are YOU watching?"




Any American boy can be a basketball star if he grows up, up, up.  ~Bill Vaughn





Monday, February 4, 2013

Travels


  Friendie Funny Kathy went on a extended trip to Brazil and also Argentina.  One of her sons married a girl from Brazil so they went there to visit her family and stayed for Christmas.  Then they went for Argentina for a while with their daughter Megan and hubby (Megan served a mission there.) 
One of the "must sees" she told us about was visiting a zoo in Buenos Aires - a petting zoo.  When she sent this picture, I about flipped!


When I asked her about this, I exclaimed, "What were you thinking?"  She said they were constantly feeding the animals so they weren't hungry. (ha!  I never eat because I'm hungry....I just like the taste.)  She was told to put some milk in her hand and let the lion licked it off.

"But," she said, "I used my left hand just in case!"

(that girl cracks me up!)

"An uncommon zoo specimen that survives on a diet of hamburgers, French fries and coke went on display this weekend at Miami's Metro Zoo....."


*     *   *   *   *

A few fun things on the docket.  We usually have Bucket on the first Tuesday of each month but Gail Miller is hosting this month and wanted to treat us to a Jazz game tonight so we're carpooling uptown for dinner and the game. It is against Sacramento and most of my boys were/are big Jimmer (Jimmer Ferdette) fans so it will be a fun game to watch.  Gail  is always so generous and what a fun thing for us all to do together!

 " The invention of basketball was not an accident.  It was developed to meet a need.  Those boys simply would not play "Drop the Handkerchief."  ~James Naismith

*   *   *   *   *

Then I'm packing (and shirking my carpooling job already) and heading to St. George with my BFF's.  Funny K has a house there and we plan on doing a lot of laughing, some hiking, bread sticks at Pizza Factory, watching Downton Abby and movies.  Speaking of which, Funny Kathy said I needed to watch the first two seasons of DA so I could be up to speed.  I hadn't seen a one.  Soooo...for the past 3 days, non-stop, I have watched and watched and watched.  David has thought I'm nuts but I finished last night!!!!  I have eaten, cried with, celebrated with, mourned with the Crawley's for days.....

I'm done.  Moderation in all things should be applied to watching series.  I've even been SLEEPING WITH THEM.....they just wouldn't go home or go to bed!  G/nite, My Lordship.....

"I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine."  from Caskie Stinnett