Hypothermia and an FHE report

Hypothermia may be setting in. Besides the weather cooling off earlier than normal, We have been without hot water since Saturday. The Landlord was supposed to come yesterday to fix the hot water heater, but for some reason just couldn’t make it. Hopefully today will be the day!  Yikes! It sure makes it harder to get out of bed knowing that your shower will be cold. I finally convinced myself to get it over with this morning. As soon as I was done – I raced back to bed and climbed in. Ralph and Riley had kept the bed warm. I am not ready for a change of seasons yet.

FHE last night was fun. We had 100% attendance – 34 people. Ralph and I hosted at a local park. We planned fried chicken for the main dish and then others brought side dishes. We ordered 50 pieces from our local grocery store and knew that it probably wouldn’t be enough, but also realized not everyone would have two pieces. When we picked up the chicken the store had a special on dark meat so we picked up 8 more pieces. I know some of those guys in our group can put the food “away” and I was still concerned that we weren’t going to have enough food. Well… guess what? The store must have been extra generous on the chicken, because I know our group ate more than 58 pieces. Ralph and I went home with an extra 6 pieces. We have such a fun eclectic group. At one point we were all in the same ward. All of us have moved except for two of the families. I think it is great that we still get together.

Well – it is the last day of the month – I better get busy.

Ta Ta for now.

Primary Activity Report and some New Toys

Oh my - where do the weekends go.  I find myself diving back into Monday without realizing we had a weekend.  The primary activity was fun - we had a competitive jump roping team come in from out of town and teach us some basic jump roping skills.  Who knew there were competitive jump roping teams?  We learned a lot and gained respect very quickly for their skills and abilities.  I learned a few new tricks to do with a jump rope, but came no where near the teams abilities and grace.  The kids had an absolute blast.  We couldn't seem to get them away from the jump ropes.  The Just Jumping team performed for the Ward tonight and included the primary kids in their show.  The parents can thank me later for wearing them out before bed.  Check out the video on the Just Jumping website media page.  Not a great video, but gives you an idea of some of the things we got to see.  Pretty amazing.


So I got a few new toys in the mail a couple of days ago and took some time over the weekend to be a little creative.  Here are a couple of things I put together.

I am a big CASE'r (copy and share everything)  My biggest struggle I have is coming up with a layout and dsp that will fit in a project.  While I was browsing for some inspiration I came accross Connie Babberts blog.  For those that follow her, she is an amazing paper crafter.  I used the Stamping 411 layout as well as the inspriation from this Post - Wicked Cool Bookmark I came up with this card.    I know I need to come up with a better way to take pictures - I am working on that.

Stamps - Wicked Cool
Paper - basic black, pumpkin pie, rich razzleberry, whisper white, wicked fun dsp
Ink - stazon black, old olive, pumpkin pie, rich razzleberry, sahara sand
Accessories - vintage wallpaper emblssing folder, dotted scallop ribbon border XL scallop circle punch, 1-3/8 circle punch, designer jewels black flourish


One thing I absolutely had to have when I saw the mini catalog and then demonstrated at convention was this great candy wrapper die.  I intend to use it alot!  Didn't it turn out adorably cute and I can fill this with whatever sounds good - how about  some gummy bugs or worms?

Paper - old olive, basic black, wicked fun dsp
Accessories - black gingham ribbon (retired ) candy wrapper bigz die, spooky treats rubons (2009) 

Ta Ta for now
 

Silent Sunday

Destiny, I feel, is also a relationship - a play between divine grace and willful self-effort."

-Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

Need a little Turbo Boost?

As I have committed myself to do at least 5 days a week of exercise,  I went on my walk today during lunch hour.  It was one of those days that the oomph was not there.  Even though I left at 11:45 it was already 86 F degrees and my body was not completely sold on the idea of walking up the canyon in the heat.  I thought about running the stairs, but I would rather be outside in a slight breeze and hot than climbing up the stairs in the COB.  (Bear with me - I am going somewhere with this story)

In the past as I have walked up the canyon I have noticed that either you have a partner to talk to as you walk/run or you have headphones stuck in your ears.  I have been the odd man out.  I don't mind listening to music while exercising especially at the gym, but I really enjoy the sounds of the outdoors.  Plus, I like to be able to hear if there is a biker or runner approaching.  The last thing I want is to be involved in a collision or a wreck.  (this is all going to tie together - trust me)

A couple of years ago I won a Zune MP3 player.  I have never loaded it up with music.  Don't know why - just haven't had a real use for it.  Until a few weeks ago - my coworkers encouraged me to try my walk with music.  So I finally loaded my player with a few "pop music" songs that have a good quick beat to it.  I only place one of the ear pieces as I still like to hear what is going on around me.  Believe it or not, the music helps me keep a good pace, has improved my time and sometimes even gives me a little boost.

So back to today.  I was getting to the point in my routine that I had to climb back up the 70+ stairs.  I thought I could go around and just skip them today, but nope - I decided if I am going to make the effort I am doing it all the way!  It just so happened, at that very moment, a song came on that totally gave me the "turbo" boost that I needed to jog up those stairs.  And I completed the routine in great time and felt better for it.

I bet you are all wondering what song that was? I will tell you - it was Holding out for a Hero by Bonnie Tyler which was the most recent addition to my play list.  We had watched the movie Bandits while my brother was here visiting.  One of the scene's in it has Cate Blanchett preparing this amazing dinner for her jerk husband as she listens/dances to this song.  This scene totally reminded my how much I liked this song and how good it would be on my playlist.  If you haven't had a chance to watch the movie - I would recommend it.  One of my favorites.

So what music gives you the boost you need or what do you like to work out listening to?  Here is what is currently on my playlist.  I am always open for suggestions

Telephone - Lady Gaga
I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
Mr. Brightside - Killers
Honey Honey - Abba
Somebody Told Me - Killers
My Life would suck without you - Kelly Clarkson
Hot N Cold - Katy Perry
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Leppard
Crazy Train - Ozzy Ozborne
Poker Face - Lady Gaga
Naturally - Selena Gomez - Remix
Holding out for a Hero - Bonnie Tyler
Carry on my Wayward Son - Kansas
Runaway - Bon Jovi
If I can't have you - Kelly Clarkson


I know - maybe I am a little to old to be listening to some of these artists and yes - some of the songs have inappropriate lyrics, but the beat of a good song can do a girl some good!

Ta Ta for now

New Design and a Garden Report

So what do you think of the new design?  Guess what?    It was created with My Digital Studio which is a product of Stampin UP.  This program does it all...scrapbooking, calendar making, card making, business cards, flyers for any event etc.  It probably won't make dinner for you or pay the bills, but pretty much everything else.  Plus - you have access to all the old retired colors, stamps, and accessories and you get new downloads often of new product.  You can also use other companies downloads.  Now, here comes the real honest part - I have used it very little as the only computer I have access to that would support it is at work.  My BFF Wendy is the genius guru behind it all.  Didn't she do a great job?  I love the Fabulous Four stamp set from current catalog (those little mushrooms are the cutest) and she has kindly designed my blog around the stamps and papers that coordinate.

The garden...Ralph's sister picked 5- five gallon buckets of tomatoes to put away for food storage.  It turns out she won't need all of them, so we get some of the harvest.  The family takes turns, so we usually each get a big picking.  I don't love the work, but I love being able to pull a bottle of juice or cold pack tomatoes off the shelf to make dinner with them.  The flavor can't be beat by any store bought product.

I am having such hard time focusing on work today - I keep thinking about all the things coming up in the next month...

•  my meeting tonight
• the jump roping activity on Saturday - should be fun
• the football game a week from today GO UTES - 3 home games in Sept. YAY!
• Labor Day weekend and Swiss Days (first time attending this year)
• Scrapbook Expo with Carrie - (first time attending ever)
• camping trip sometime this coming month
• stamp club - way fun projects planned - you are more than welcome to come.
• primary program - be glad when it is over
• Canning - not so much fun, but great to have it on my shelf.

Giddy with excitement!  Now it is time to re-focus (easier said then done)

Ta Ta for now

Reality Check

So...I was running a couple of errands during my lunch hour and had to cross the temple square grounds and got the shocker that comes every year at this time, so you think it wouldn't surprise me anymore......

The COB gardeners were putting up Christmas lights.  Now I know that this is a necessary process to get started early, as they take the campus from this

To This...

But that means that Christmas is only 121 days away.  And somehow in the middle of that you do Halloween and Thanksgiving.  As well as all the other scheduled events in your life that seem to take up every free Saturday you have.

 

I am seriously not ready - even though Fall is my favorite time of year I still have a few summer events and activities scheduled and planned that need to take place before the leaves fall. Plus - the family garden needs to continue to produce lots of tomatoes, peppers, beans, corn etc. so that we can store some for the winter months we are without the garden.

Well - I am off to prepare for my teacher training on Thursday and a Primary activity on Saturday.

Ta Ta for now

Got Extra?

This year - we have zucchini. Between all the family we have been able to keep up with it for the most part.  Mostly we eat it raw with a little bit of dip or we saute it up with a bunch of other veggies.  I have shared the zucchini pie recipe and now I will share another one of my favorites.

Chocolate Zucchini cake.  This is the best recipe I have found.  Nice and moist, chocolatey and good for you LOL.  Ok, maybe not good for you but we can pretend.  Here is the recipe from Epicurious  It has a 4Fork rating.  It comes highly recommended.

2 1/4 cups sifted all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups grated unpeeled zucchini (about 2 1/2 medium)
1 6-ounce package (about 1 cup) semisweet chocolate chips  (I use mini chocolate chips and I do throw a few extra into the batter.)
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter and flour 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt into medium bowl. Beat sugar, butter and oil in large bowl until well blended. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk in 3 additions each. Mix in grated zucchini. Pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips and nuts over.

Bake cake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Cool cake completely in pan.

Of course I can never wait for it to completely cool.   I like to eat it when the chocolate chips on the top are still soft and gooey accompanied by a big glass of cold milk.

Enjoy!
Ta Ta for now

Halloween Thoughts

So I've accepted the fact that the calendar reads August
I am admitting I am only ready for mid June and here I am talking about Halloween decorations with Ralph and my friends.  I told Ralph that I would wait until Sept 20 and then little bit by bit - the Halloween decorations were going up.  I don't know that he was entirely thrilled about it.  Except for my club projects I have to prep for in September, I am going to be working on the cute decor that I have so many ideas,  I got lots of the ideas from the Stampin UP convention.  like... 

these pumpkins that were purchased from the craft store - spray painted white and then decorated with Stampin UP's decor elements.  I think a cool glow in the dark spray paint may even been "more cool"
  

How about these great luminaries created from Stampin up paper and once again our great decor elements. 

In the mean time - ever since I got a table in my crafting area - I have sat down to work on a project almost every day. I love it!   this card really morphed from what it started out as, but the end product didn't turn out too bad.  I'll be honest, I don't love it.  I will share it anyway.

Stamps - Best Fiends, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper - Halloween DSP (2009), elegant eggplant, basic black

Ink - Stazon Black, pumpkin pie, pear pizzazz, elegant eggplant, real red, soft suede

Accessories - Cricut cartridges (story book, paper dolls) spider web border punch, stickles, word window punch, modern label punch, blender pens. 

Here is the inside of the card.  Cute Huh? 

Well - off to do more creating
Ta Ta for now

Take A break

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.

Sir John Lubbock

Football Countdown and a birthday wish

I can hardly wait – we got these in the mail a couple of weeks ago. I am completely giddy! In less than two weeks and I will be sitting in Rice Eccles Stadium watching the Utes play football against Pittsburg. The Vegas odds are Utes by 3 – I hope it ends by 10.  I love football season. Sitting in the stadium - enjoying the weather, watching the crazy fans, yelling at the team and coaches, cheering them on, and Red (my favorite color) - everywhere!  GO UTES

Since we are on the topic of football…I was going to let this go but I decided to speak my piece. I am not impressed with how BYU has handled the whole going independent “thing.” I think a lot of teams have been shafted. I won’t go into the whole story.   As ESPN's Colin Cowherd has reported…Independence is overrated – everybody needs somebody. BYU doesn’t have what it takes to make it as an independent. BYU can talk all they want – even if they go 12 and 0 you are not going to get any home and home games with the big boys. It sounds a lot cooler than it is. BYU is selling out.  Here is the link.  ESPN Radio - THE HERD  If you are interested you will have followed the media stories and if you are not interested the last place you want to read about it is here. At this point I think BYU is going to end up with egg all over their faces no matter how this turns out
Gary’s birthday was yesterday and I am sad I was not there to celebrate with him. I did make a card and I made sure it got there on his birthday. I had to take a picture of it with my phone camera as I got to work and realized I hadn’t gotten a picture yet. Thus you get the washed out look from this great flourescnt lighting we have in the office.  The inside reads – May your layers be many and your frosting be thick.

Stamps – Voila, fabulous phrases, Twill background
Ink - Stazon Black, blush blossom, basic gray, river rock, bashful blue, sahara stand, daffodil delight, not quite navy
Paper – Not quite Navy, Garden Green DSP, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Basic Black
Accessories – white gel pen, crystal effects

Ta Ta for now

It's Time to Pay the Piper

Last week my brother, his wife and Lucy dog came for a visit.  I took some time off and now I am having to pay the piper so to speak as I get back to work.  Why is it you can take a half day off of work and end up with what seems like three days worth of catch up?

Anyway...we had such a great time together and they spoiled me rotton.  I was not ready to see them go, but they had to get to a niece's wedding reception on Saturday evening.  Here is a run down of the highlights in no particular order.

• We had a king size bed given to us by our little neighbor lady.  Just in time for guests.  Gary helped Ralph get the bed upstairs and set up.  We then decided to go get some sheets and a mattress pad for the bed. Gary got a little bit of shoe shopping in.  He likes new shoes - just like me!  (thanks Gary and Mar!) 
• We found some time to watch movies - Bandits, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, and Prairie Home Companion. 

• We went to the Utah Symphony at Deer Valley Resort.  Mark O'Connor was the guest performer.  He is an amazing fiddler. Devil comes back to GA I would have loved to hear more.  Because we needed ADA parking and seating we got the royal treatment.  We had close parking, escorted to our seats that were great, they checked on us during intermission and driving out of the parking lot was a breeze.   We took a picnic dinner that was very tasty. A big thanks to Emily for getting us the tickets.  Woot!!  By the end of the evening most of us were wrapped in blankets.  It got kind of chilly,
• The Reeses Peanut Butter Cheesecake was everything I had imagined and then some.  So worth every calorie!  Thanks Gary and Mar!Reeses Peanut butter Cheesecake post
• We went to MacCools Pub for an early birthday dinner.  My oh my the food was fantastic.  We sampled ribs, mussels, sweet potato fries, lamb shank, buffalo shepherds pie, Lamb - french dip sandwhich, seafood cakes and a little bit of chocolate bread pudding.  Thanks Gary and Mar!
• Mar and I got a little bit of paper crafting done.  
• I now have a table in my craft room to work on - so no more traipsing up and down the stairs with stamping supplies. (Thanks Gary and Mar!)

Sam - my little friend went home with them.  Actually we (me, Ralph and Riley, despite the peeing and the destruction he brought to our house, had started to become attached to the little guy.   I know my brother will treat him well and give him a very loving home.  Sam wore Riley out...Riley slept for at least the next 20 hours.  He did not have to be on his guard anymore that Sam might eat his food, or get something he would miss out on.  They played, slept and wrestled often.  Thanks for an exciting week.

I am not getting old I am just getting "Seasoned"

10 lessons learned - so far.  actually there are a lot more - but I am sharing these today,  It was actually kind of hard to narrow down to 10, but I did not want to put you through such a big list.
1.  That my most wonderful husband can continue to be even better looking, kinder, more wonderful, more loving and all of the other things that I adored, thirteen years after the day we married.
2.  Parents know way more than you think they do. &  Family is the most important - keep those communication lines open.
3.  Take lots of pictures - you will be glad you did.  Those memories are priceless!
4. That some things in life hurt more than words can describe but trust and faith in a loving Heavenly Father can bring me through it all and I am a better person for each and every hurt.
5. That being a grown-up isn't anything like I expected it to be when I was a teen.  
6. That some people in life can be counted on no matter what.  And not to be disappointed by people who can't be. Just lower my expecations and love them anyway.
7. You don't need as much money as you think.
8.  You can only blame your situation in life on others for a very short time - take ownership of your choices and actions.
9.  Take time to enjoy God's creations - and have fun.  Life is supposed to bring Joy
10.  Life...It is not all about You and what you achieve it is also about what you do for others and how you serve.

Joseph B. Wirthlin once said...."I urge you to examine your life. Determine where you are and what you need to do to be the kind of person you want to be. Create inspiring, noble, and righteous goals that fire your imagination and create excitement in your heart. And then keep your eye on them. Work consistently towards achieving them."

Share a smile!

Several years ago at girls camp - One of the skits we did had the leaders as glow worms trying to spread their "light" so that all the little bugs at camp would glow.  We had those tap lights velco'd to our bums so we could just tap on/tap off our light.  I love this little poem.  It brings back a lot fond memories and it makes me smile. 

Friends, Zucchini Pie and another Card

We were invited over to dinner yesterday by some friends that are in our Ward.  We had this amazing pasta salad.  I have asked for the recipe only to find out the seasoning she uses has been discontinued.  BOO!!!   So...if you see any Mccormick vegetable supreme in the store - buy it and I will reimburse you.  Anyway - I asked her for the recipe in hopes of recreating the amazing flavor.  They served us, along with the pasta salad, corn on the cob and fresh cantelope as well.  I call it a perfect summer dinner.  They took us into their back yard and to their beautiful garden.  She loaded me up with fresh basil and parsley.  I need to get a thank you to them for having us over.   We truly are lucky to have such great friends. 

Another friend gave us a small bag of tomatillos and home made banana bread.  Yikes - we are too spoiled.

One thing I love so much about summer is being able to eat and make things with fresh vegetables from the garden.  Several years ago I subscribed to a the Real Simple magazine which showcased a zucchini pie recipe.  I tried it and it has become a favorite of ours and also a great way to get the little Monkey's in our extended family to eat their vegetables.  Kind of reminiscent of a bisquik impossible pie - but not really.  Salsa is a great topper.  Dinner today will be...Zucchini pie, sliced tomatoes, chicken, and peppers, cucumbers and onions in vinegar.

Here is the link to the original recipe Real Simple Zucchini Pie  Here is what we do...

Zucchini Pie
Ingredients
3 cups grated zucchini (we have done a mixture of crook neck and zucchini that works great too)
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup grated cheese (pepper jack is our favorite)
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup vegetable oil
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil (dry just doesn't cut it)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 tsp lemon pepper Mccormick (this has salt, pepper, garlic, lemon etc)
fresh grated nutmeg

Sometimes we add fresh corn, finely chopped peppers, or even meat if you wanted an all in one meal - but you would need to decrease your zucchini amount.   I have made this for brunch as well as lunch and dinner.
1.Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, reserving 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan.
2.Spoon the zucchini mixture into a 10-inch round glass pie plate or metal pie pan that has been coated with vegetable cooking spray.
3.Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with the reserved Parmesan. Cool 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

I have finished another birthday card - not too fancy but kind of fun.  This one will be sent to my sister (she is my half-sister from my Dads first marriage - but I claim her as full)  This line of stamps that I used on the card are way cute - can't wait to get more of them.  The inside of the card reads "OLD will always be at least 10 years older than you are! 

Ta Ta for now

Pictures and a Birthday Card

This morning bright and early (like 7:30am) I head over to the ward house to fill the font for the baptism that was taking place today.  Turns out - the stake are the only ones who have keys to the font.  So... my question is why wouldn't our bishopric know that and tell me where to get the keys- especially since they were going to be out of town today.  Long story short - the font was filled on time and the baptism and confirmation went great.  We were home by 11:00 ish.  I got some stampin done as well as a little bit of organizing.

Monkey #1 had a birthday this week and we are celebrating this evening but I wanted to get the card photographed and posted before it goes in the envelope.  On the inside I stamped another little frog/toad and the greeting says "we hope you had a "toad"ally cool birthday"   I love this image - she is so cute and a little spitfire to boot.

Pictures of Sam and Riley  -  the new game it to see if they can get the bone from each other by creating some kind of diversion.  They are getting very creative in their games.

They are so cute together.  Riley will surely miss Sam when he goes.  Riley still guards the food bowls and Sam still wants to mark everything.  My house smells like DOG!    We will have to clean carpets when all has settled down.

Off to get a book at the book store for the b-day party and then to dinner with some friends before we head to the family compound. 

Ta Ta for now

A Book Review and a Treat

Ok - for those following the Sam story - here is an update.

The little stinker is still peeing on the floor - We just have to keep better watch.  He loves sleeping and hanging out in his kennel.  I am sure if Riley had not had such a rough start with his giardia problem - he would love to sleep in his kennel as well.   Sam LOVES to go for walks.  He is like the energizer bunny - he wears all of us out by the end of the day.  Riley still thinks he owns all the food dishes in the house.   As long as I stand between the two as they eat and not let them cross the dividing line - they do ok.  Sam eats his food just like my Mom's dog.  He takes a mouthful from the bowl and takes it to another room where he drops the kibbles and eat them one by one and then returnes to his bowl for more.  Riley?   he just sits there and scarfs until he has had enough.  Sam is a lovey little cutey!  I keep trying to get more pictures but he just won't sit still.

I had bookgroup at my house tonight.  Which means I got to pick the book.  I chose Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese.   The book...wow how do I sum this up.    The book starts out with a doctor and a couple of nuns headed for Ethiopia - which leads to a story about conjoined twins and their coming of age and then where their lives lead and those people who had some sort of impact on these boys.  And yet... the story is about so much more.  I will say there are a few "scenes" in the book that are not necessary and maybe - ok -not maybe, a little graphic.  I think it does belong on the best seller list - and I would recommend the book

For dessert - I once again faced the challenge of including or not including my vegan friend.  I came up with Cherry Jubilee - minus the "Jubilee"(alcohol spirits) served with a crisp cookie. Here is the recipe I used that was such a great hit.  I found it on the Northwest Cherries website It initially didn't sound very exiting to me, it is just a warm cherry sauce over ice cream.  It turned out to be a huge hit, lots of compliments - fed my ego a bit!
   
Ralph's input is that it would be super good with tart cherries.  Yes, it would be good, however this particular recipe is supposed to be sweet and showcase the fresh sweet cherry.

Fresh Cherry Jubilee
1/2 C sugar
3 T cornstarch
1/4 C water
1/4 C orange juice
3 C cherries - pitted and halved
1 tsp orange zest
1/4 C brandy - (or 1 1/4 tsp brandy flavoring)

Mix the sugar and cornstarch together - add water and orange juice  - cook until thickened and smooth.  Add cherries and orange zest return to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.  At this point I also added the brandy flavoring.  For those interested -gently heat brandy, pour over sauce and flame.  Serve over ice cream. 


Happy Reading!
Ta Ta for now -