Bon Appetit Wellington

Yum!  Last night we hosted Bon Appetit with the Cooks.  I get so excited thinking about and planning the menus and cooking!  Crazy, I know.  Thankfully Valene is the same way!

Last night I served:

Mini Beef Wellingtons

Nordstrom's Pear and Walnut Salad

Spiral Sweet Potatoes with Warm Sage Butter Sauce

and Mashed Potato Wild Rice Stuffed Mushrooms

Valene brought a wonderful apple tart with homemade caramel sauce and whipped cream.

 

Too much wonderful!!!!

Recipes on the cooking blog or forthcoming.

Greatest Need

Teaching tomorrow in Relief Society.  Oh I love preparing lessons. I love to study and ponder.  I got to sub at the temple today so it was the perfect place to meditate.  I've said it before but the Spirit there just fills me.

I love this quote I'm using tomorrow:

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.

Grateful

We survived our first Thanksgiving alone.

Whew!

And it was a lovely day.

We've had snow and for awhile it knocked Dish Network out.  David said "I can't believe we won't be able to watch football games on Thanksgiving!"  I started doing arm pumps all around the room.

 

We watched movies together- I had just seen a snippet of some critic saying "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" was the #1 have to see Thanksgiving movie.  We've never seen it (I realize why- it's rated R)  but then I saw where it was coming on a channel (edited but not enough.)  Then we watched the end of Forrest Gump and then the beginning of Forrest Gump, but not the middle- and took naps and I stayed in my jammies all day.

 

And we played games and games and games.  Well, just Hand and Foot several times.

 

As much as I LOVE to cook- cooking Thanksgiving for two was just too overwhelming...so I ordered and picked up Thanksgiving Feast from Mimi's yesterday.

 

Can I say- I might NEVER cook Thanksgiving again!!!!  Every single thing was delicious- the turkey unbelievably moist- the cranberry relish-green bean casserole, stuffing, potatoes and gravy, sweet breads and pumpkin pie.

It was so relaxing! 

But so thankful that I survived our "off" year and I don't have to do this next year!!!! (I'm mature but not THAT mature!)

 

Too Much Time

I found the most amazing diet ever this weekend.  Lose 4 pounds in ONE day!!!!!

Started yesterday- weighed in this morning.

Stomach flu can do that to you.....

It was awful.

BFF Cathy texted me saying "hear you're feeling crappy."

Ha-ha

Friend MamaBawden brought over dinner after church....just because.  She didn't know I was sick.  Doing a little thank-you she didn't need to do.  But David was VERY grateful to have yummy stuff to eat.  I'm not quite ready to eat yet.  But I love dear friends!

I can't remember the last time I had the stomach flu.


So today- feeling the aftermath- not too sick to be down but still wanting some sympathy- I resorted to mindless things.  Really, I have watched so many Hallmark Christmas movies that I'm about over Christmas.  Well, that part of Christmas.

So I found this great site.  You take a picture and upload it- and try on hundreds of pairs of glasses to see what you like.  Normal people do this when they look nice- not when their hair is matted from sleeping and being a sick-o.  I'm not ready to shower yet because that would mean I'm about better.  So gross and all- here are some favorites:

Just because Big is In-doesn't mean it works.....

 Oh my goodness.  Just because they are Ray Ban doesn't make them cool!

 Now this look a titch ridiculous but I have been known to wear ridiculous....

 I think I've actually owned the next two pairs.

 

 When you look at over 200 pair of glasses and see how much you really need to shower and wash your hair, then you find these babies!!!!  Woot!  Woot!

go to www.glassesUSA.com and have some fun!!!!

Birthday Girls

 Birthday Girls!!!!

Sharing

So, one of the parts of motherhood/grandmotherhood is a problem that toddlers have the same problem with-

sharing.

The holidays are upon us.  This is "not" our year for Thanksgiving.  That means "the other side" gets dibs.  I'm trying really, really hard to be mature.  It's not like our kiddos don't all live around us- and we can see them all the time.  But still- at the holidays- "family" is at its peak.  I tried a few years ago, on our "off" year- to host a Thanksgiving breakfast.  It was fabulous with strata and pumpkin crepes with cream cheese filling and fruits and dips.  But I have had to rein in and realize that I was creating a new dimension of frantic to the holiday.  My poor kids end up rushing here and there and that's a lot of stress for families with kiddos!

Last night, BFF Brendalyn came over to help me on a big project I'm working on.  (Ya- she's THAT awesome of a friend...)  When she left, I gave her my Thanksgiving tub- full of Indian headdresses and Pilgrim hats and photo props and Thanksgiving games.  She's hosting Thanksgiving.  She doesn't have to share.

So, I've been thinking about things I "would" be doing if it were "our" year.  I love to think menus and I have tried a new recipe today that is a keeper.  It is for Mashed Potato and Wild Rice Stuffed Mushrooms.  It was delicious.  Of course, I can't leave a recipe alone and will add sautéed pancetta or bacon or some sausage next time.  These really were good!  Recipe coming on the cooking blog.

This weekend was nice.  Mallorie and Sam and the TWO kiddos came for a few days.  I got to have Mal for an hour or two all by myself....I love her and miss her!  They had a great time with Tanner and Brooke and family too.  They are all great friends.

Larkin and Gehrig 

This morning David and I headed over to Brandi's Ward.  Addi's Primary program is tomorrow but their Ward is so big and they have so many kids, grandparents were given the choice to view the dress rehearsal today.  Addi had a little solo and she did great!  We were able to drop off birthday treats for Gracie (15!) and Hallee Babe (13!)  Last night David met Parker after work and they went out for wings.  Parker's favorite. 

Here are Halle and Gracie on their birthday when I first started blogging:

Such a month of gratitude.  I still can't get over Summer's injury not causing her permanent pain.  And I haven't reported on Abby- our darling girl in the Ward that fell hiking 55 feet and landed on rocks/water.  I will save that for next time.  I believe in a God of miracles.

Views on an Election

So, we have endured a horrible Presidential campaign only to now be assaulted with absolute craziness.  Temper tantrums. Violence. Apparently, the gloves do not come off.

I do not love, like or even respect Donald Trump.  However, I do not love, like or respect Hillary Clinton/Bill Clinton. 

I found an article that voiced  a lot of feelings I have.  It's a post from chicksontheright.com:



I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “I just don’t know what I’m going to tell my daughters. What kind of message does this election outcome send them?” The latest high profile figure to say this? NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. While speaking at The New York Times’  Dealbook conference, he said he was having trouble explaining the election outcome to his daughters.

“It makes my job harder at home too,” Goodell said. “I have twin daughters and a wife so I have to explain that to them. So yes, on that front. Does it make it harder publicly? Listen, I think our country has to have more respect for one another, and we have to unite.”
I don’t have a daughter, but I am one. I’m also a sister, friend and fellow woman and feel compelled to respond.
Dear Daughters,
The election is over, but the fight for freedom is a never-ending process. Maybe you’re scared. Worried. Dare I say, triggered. Hillary Clinton failed to shatter the glass ceiling, but don’t be mistaken. That doesn’t mean a thing. I know you were told that this election was about something greater than policy: The role of women in America. Are they capable of leading in the highest office? Yes. Of course they are! But if there’s anything to learn from Hillary, it’s this: Integrity, honesty, transparency, trustworthiness– people care about those things more than reproductive organs. Hillary believed she was entitled to the presidency, solely because of her gender. Even if she didn’t realize it, she perpetuated the toxic idea that gender matters more than character. Hillary’s a woman, but she’s also a liar. Hillary’s a woman, but she’s also an enabler. Hillary’s a woman, but she’s also a selfish politician who constantly puts her own interests above everyone else’s. She’s not a woman of the people. She never has been, and she gave us no reason to believe that she ever could be.
We could go back and forth over what Donald Trump has said in the past. That’s fair, but only as long as we do the same for Hillary Clinton. I’ll just say this: Actions speak louder than words. Hillary Clinton actively threatened and intimidated her rapist husband’s victims. She said victims of sexual assault deserve to be heard but did precisely the opposite. She silenced them, because they threatened her image and pursuit of political power.
Hillary and her  feminist followers thought you’d only vote on certain issues and certain issues alone. They wanted to believe that you only care about abortion, access to birth control, parental leave.   They think they’re empowering you, but they’re not. They’re demeaning you. They’re assuming that you– a fully capable and competent citizen who happens to have a vagina– only care about issues related to your reproductive organs. That’s demeaning to you. They assume you don’t care about policies unrelated to your gender. What about the unemployment rate? Taxes? The national debt? National security? Fixing the VA? Immigration reform? Welfare reform? Regulatory reform? They automatically assume that you couldn’t care less about those issues. The left throws Planned Parenthood in your face and expects you to vote for them, because they’re “pro-women.” By suggesting that they’re pro-women, they’re implying that the other side is not. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Implementing economic policies that would boost the economy– like lowering taxes– is pro-women. You should be able to keep more of your own money and spend, save and invest as you see fit. Temporarily halting the flow of refugees until we can properly vet them is pro-women. There’s a migrant rape crisis in Germany right now, thanks to Angela Merkel’s open door policy. We don’t want that here. Stopping the nation’s out of control spending is pro-women. Protecting religious liberty? That’s pro-women. Upholding the Second Amendment? That’s definitely pro-women. They don’t call a gun the “great equalizer” for nothing. Defeating ISIS? That’s pro-women. Heck, that’s SO pro-women. Those vile animals treat women like garbage. They’re raped. Oppressed. Silenced. Beaten into submission. We want to free them. Repealing Obamacare? That’s pro-women. School choice? That’s pro-women. It gives mothers the power to place their children where they feel most comfortable and confident.
These issues don’t just benefit men. That’s a lie.
The party of women won. Conservatives don’t reduce women to their reproductive organs. You’re more than that. You care about more than free abortions, free tampons and the ability to walk around topless. To suggest otherwise is– dare I say– sexist.
You’re more than the sum of your ladyparts. Just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you’re entitled to anything. Not even the presidency. You have to earn it. You have to earn the respect of those around you. You have to put in the work. You’re not a victim. You live in the greatest country in the history of the world. You can do anything you set your mind to. The land of opportunity is yours. Take advantage of it.



That being said, I again state that Donald Trump is not Presidential.  He's offensive and prideful and arrogant and hateful. The difference between Donald and Hillary is that Donald blurts out whatever comes to his mouth...but Hillary totally conspires and demeans behind closed doors (as the WikiLeaks showed over and over.)  But he was elected in what I do believe "was" a rigged election which was shocking. The Democrats control most of the media sources- and that certainly plays into our political process.  I think Trump's victory is a cry from people that our country NEEDS change.  I love a quote that says "Worrying about what may happen tomorrow doesn't change things, except destroy your peace (and energy) today."  I look forward to a "sane" House and Senate to evaluate and work on issues that can make a difference to our country.  As one of my sons has stated, "We wouldn't have an immigration problem if we hadn't created a welfare state."  So true. 

So, posterity, this is my take on our current events.  Let's hope things calm down for ALL people- that civility and kindness and tolerance become a standard once again (and yes- I realize that it needs to begin with me....I'll work on that!) I don't know what to think about Donald Trump.  But I have to trust in this nation- and that he is NOT the only voice that will be heard.

Yes I Voted

but not for either of them!!!

Personal opinion to be recorded for my posterity: 

It's pretty sad when a day to vote is so full of dread.  My opinion is that both main candidates running for President are corrupt, dishonest and undesirable.  I feel like it is a no-win for the American people.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a woman President?  Yes!  But Hillary does NOT represent the women I know- and I have no regard for her whatsoever.  Same with Trump. I think they are both evil.  The end. 

I don't even think a Snickers Bar would help at this point.....

Mac and Cheese Spaghetti Squash

Made this yummy  Mac and Cheese spaghetti squash.  It was sooo delicious!  Recipe on the cooking blog!

DARK!!!!

Details

 I flew back to Utah last night after a wonderful few days with my dad.  David is flying home today with friends- he flew to Nebraska to go pheasant hunting. (please don't bring home more pheasants!!!!)  One of Dads and my big projects was to clean his fish tank.  I'm surprised how my back still feels the stress (after about a million trips carrying water to and fro to empty the tank.)  But I decided a new addition to my Bucket List was to rescue a life.  And I did!!!!! 

I asked Dad if he ever got babies and he said yes, but the other fish eat them.

I then asked Dad if at any time in my brother and my life, did he or Mom ever have the urge to eat us?  What kind of parents do that????

So I made it my mission to find a baby and save its life!  Score!  I would show a picture but honestly it is so little it looks like a swimming eyeball.  But it's an eyeball I love!!!  Can wait to hear how our baby is progressing.

BFF Cathy picked me up at the airport last night (isn't she wonderful!) and we went out for a late dinner to talk.  Always fun to get caught up.  You know it's a good friend when you can ask favors like that!


Lovely Sabbath.  A quiet afternoon.

I have posted a new recipe I have been anxious to try on the cooking blog.  It's Sweet Potato Noodles with Sage Brown Butter Sauce.  A winner!!!  Yum- brown butter sauce on anything!!!

I loved this quote today.  I love thinking of all the many little details that bring joy to my life- doing a project with dad, an eyeball fish, a simple recipe, knowing David's coming home this evening, a darling picture one of my grands drew for me that hangs in the kitchen.  Above and beyond good friends.  The gospel of Jesus Christ that gives my life joy and purpose. 

So True!

Really!

 My dad and I were in the parking lot of his retirement center, putting new plates on his/my car when a mini van pulled up by us.  As we were working, I spied the gal taking A LLAMA out of her mini van!!!  I couldn't believe what I was watching- she then proceded to dress the llama up with flowers and wreaths.  It is a therapy llama and she takes her llama all over Portland and Vancouver just bringing some llama joy to the world!  Awesome!  I think I need a llama!!!!

 

Gratitude

I love, love, love November.  It's the beginning of such a wonderful season of gratitude. 

Autumn Bucket

Yesterday I flew to Vancouver to spend some time with my dad.  I'm a little tender/nervous/emotional/shaky since it is still hard for me losing mom.  Everything is different.  But I adore my dad and we have a great time together.  It's just that she's not here.....

Dad and I had a lovely day- running car errands and of course- he beat me in shuffleboard!
Love this time together!  The workers here at the retirement center told me I needed to wear a bag over my head... Because I look so much like mom and they miss her too  Every one's a little teary.


On Tuesday, before I left, we had Bucket at BFF Cathy's home.  A little nostalgic because it was MY home....  (see what a mess I am?)

Cathy fixed a wonderful lunch with a vegetable soup with tortellini's, bread, salad and yummy desserts from Market Street.  Love getting together with these dear women.  Everyone there but Annette- who is still serving with her husband Dean- over the MTC in Provo- and Sheron- who has duties now in the Draper Temple Presidency/Matron.  We miss them.

Cathy asked us each to come and share ways in which we relax.  The answers were normal...and then hysterical.  Several of us like to play computer games on our phone, or Suduko or read or watch certain t.v. shows.  I cook when I need to unwind.  Not just cooking but trying a new recipe.  And I do have the slug thing down pat.  But when it came to Diana- mind you, she said, "I like to watch this video on conjugating irregular verbs in Hebrew."  WHAT?????  Cracked me up.  Who in the world does that???  Erica, then Libby were almost as bad.  Both are horsewomen...and they are happy as can be shoveling manure!  Oh man!  I can't think of too many things worse!

Variety of life- that makes our friendships interesting.  Friend Gail- whose life is truly not her own- goes from one huge "assignment" to another.  (She just shared that Jason Wright, author of The Christmas Jar is writing a book about her!!!!  Can't wait!)  Gail said, "I can't imagine why anyone would want to read it."  Well, I can think of hundreds!!!!

BFF Cathy had the greatest quote on her counter:
"Sometimes the thoughts in my head get so bored
they go out for a stroll through my mouth.
This is rarely a good thing...."  Scott Westerfield

More Halloween

There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch. ~Robert Brault

 Loved Addi's flapper poses....and Hallee Babe is a deer.  Gracie did her cute makeup.

 These sisters are GREAT friends!

 Here's our modern day Snow White complete with her apple.  Love this girl!

 Woody and Jessie?  Jessee?  Jesse?

 And here is the fam- with Bri and her fella- minus Parker.

"I'm so happy that Halloween falls on a Monday this year!" said no teacher ever." ~Author unknown

Halloween Love

 It's rough being Addi when you're off track.  I said she could invite a friend- and we planned on a day at Cornbellies- a huge maze and all sorts of Halloween fun.  But it was closed today!!!!  What's up with that?  So, dang, I had to take the girls to get Pedi's and Mani's.  Then lunch at Noodles.  Then trick or treating at the new Smith's Marketplace in Daybreak!  Boy, did they score!  They had to go all over the store and look for balloons in that department and get their treats.  And I ate the Sugar Babies....  Love Sydney.  She's like one of my kiddos.  One time when she was with us, we got in a car wreck (someone backed into me.)  This time her leggings were so tight we couldn't get them down after the Pedi's...and I jokingly said maybe we'd have to amputate her legs....and she didn't think that was funny at all.....

 Got to see their fun family pumpkins.  Brandi did a great string art one!

 I laughed when I saw Gracie's pineapple.  She doesn't like pumpkin guts either!

 I picked up the pumpkin pizzas, as is their tradition, so everyone could help get their witches cauldron set up.  Each year Brandi does cotton candy- it's a real treat!

 Here are some of my other kiddos.  Little Summer.

 I think this is Ryker.  Super hero's are BIG this year!

 This is too scary for me- I bet Peyton loved it though!

 I'm not sure what Annee is- but if it makes her smile, I'll all for it!!!!

 Here's Travis and Tenille and clan.  A little Toy Story, a little Trump, a Unicorn and Rylee is?????  Cute!  And being a baseball player is not even a stretch for Bo.  He was in a baseball tournament in Las Vegas this past weekend and they took first place.  Nash's team took second in St.George.

I was trying to think of a Halloween quote to share but I can't think of ANYTHING scarier than our Presidential race going on!  Two truly vile people to lead our country?  Scary!!!

If  human beings had genuine courage, they'd wear their costumes every day of the year, not just on Halloween.  Douglas Coupland