Barb's Blog

A New Day . . .

2012-01-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

Well, it's a new day, with a new perspective! Time for life to get back to normal. My husband is semi-retired as of this morning . . . and I could not be happier! He has worked very hard as a pipe-fitter for the last 39 years and he deserves to have a little down time. I'm not sure if putting in new kitchen cupboards and flooring is downtime, but it's a change from what he was doing, and he's home . . . not getting up at 4:30 a.m . . . and coming home at 6:30 p.m. . . 6 or 7 days a week! I know that this change might be kind of hard for him, but it's still a well deserved break.

This says it all!

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."

~Doug Larson~

I hope he gets to do a lot of this!

Hugs,

Thoughtful Spot Sunday . . .

2012-01-15T17:12:00.002-07:00

My mother-in-law's battle with cancer is finally over. She passed away, very peacefully, on her 83rd birthday, January 14, 2012, surrounded by her family.

I love the sculpture in the picture above. It is called, "Come Unto Me", and was sculpted by Jerry Anderson. It's such a beautiful depiction of an old woman going through the veil, and passing through as a young woman, ready to meet the Savior and those who have been waiting for her. It sits in the Spilsbury Mortuary, in St. George, Utah. I think it is so appropriate for my mother-in-law. I know that there was certainly a happy reunion when she passed!

I love this beautiful song, written by Pres. Gordon B. Hinkley, and sung at his funeral. The music was written by Janice Kapp Perry, and is sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. (Don't forget to pause my music).

What is this Thing that Men Call Death

What is this thing that men call death,
This quiet passing in the night?
‘Tis not the end, but genesis
Of better worlds and greater light.

O God, touch thou my aching heart,
And calm my troubled, haunting fears.
Let hope and faith, transcendent pure,
Give strength and peace beyond my tears.

There is no death, but only change
With recompense for victory won;
The gift of Him who loved all men,
The Son of God, the Holy One.

Thanks again for all of the prayers and love that was sent to me at this very difficult time.

Many Warm Hugs,

Comments have been turned off for Sunday.

An Update . . .

2012-01-10T13:46:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note and a thank you to all those who have kept our family in your prayers and have sent good thoughts in our direction. My mother-in-law is still with us - I'm not sure how. I am truly amazed at her, "will to live". I don't think she afraid to die, but I do think that she is afraid of what she will leave behind . . . her family. Sometimes the hardest part about dying, is the effect is has on your family, and I know that this is true for her.

Watching and being with my mother-in-law has truly stirred my soul, stretched my faith, tested my compassion, and allowed me to re-examine my values. It has taught me that death, far from being a dreaded thing, can come as a welcome friend, gently carrying our loved ones to another sphere where life can again be meaningful and fulfilling . . . and I pray that this will come swiftly for my dear mother-in-law.

Warm Hugs,

Comfort food for thought. . .

2012-01-06T16:20:00.002-07:00

My mother was a wonderful cook, and used to make the most delicious soups and stews! She could turn anything in the refrigerator into the most scrumptious, bubbly, comforting, warm meal! I don't think she used a recipe to make soup, she just put things in a pot and seasoned it with love.

My sister and I were helping her go through some boxes the other day, and we came across a recipe for Hamburger Soup. In the corner of the recipe it says, "Carolyn's recipe"; Carolyn is my aunt, who is also an amazing cook. Mother doesn't cook anymore, but I thought it was cute that she just couldn't resist jotting down the recipe!

I really needed some comfort food today, so I decided I would make the hamburger soup. It's so delicious, I'm so glad mother wrote down the recipe!!

HAMBURGER SOUP

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 cup each of the following:

Chopped onion

Diced potatoes

Diced carrots

Shredded cabbage

Sliced celery

(I added 1 cup of chopped kale)

1 32 oz can tomatoes (I used 1 quart of home canned tomatoes)

1/4 c. rice

4 cups water

4-5 teaspoons salt - to taste

1/2 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon thyme

2 teaspoons sugar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 bay leaf

Brown the beef and onion until the meat and it is lightly browned. Add all the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour. Enjoy~

"Soup is a lot like a family. Each ingredient enhances  the others; each batch has its own characteristics; and it needs time  to simmer to reach full flavor." 

~Marge Kennedy~  

Hugs,

A New One Has begun . . .

2012-01-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year! This was me on Christmas day, and the week after Christmas - don't you just hate it when you get sick during the holidays?! I'm just starting to feel like myself again!

Well, a new one has begun! A new year, with new goals, and new resolutions (or not). I don't think I will make many resolutions this year, I'm still working on 2011's resolutions for goodness sake!! I love this quote:

May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!

This is so true for me, every year I make them, and every year, I break them! So this year, I am just trying to quietly work on being a better wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. I do have a few short term goals, like going to bed earlier (I'm a night owl!), and making better use of my time during the day. I have lots of projects that need to be done, so I really need to work on this one.

As you can see from the picture below, we're having such a mild winter this year! We've had record breaking temperatures - in the 40's and 50's - and hardly any snow to speak of. We do have snow in the mountains, and our reservoirs are still full from last years snowfall, but it's always something we worry about here in Idaho.

A quick update on my husbands mom. She is still with us, barely hanging in there . . . thank you for your continued prayers and kind thoughts.

Well, I guess I better go and get started on one of my resolutions - making better use of my time! I still need to take down the tree and put away my Christmas decorations!

Hugs,

Christmas goodies in the mail . . .

2011-12-19T17:47:00.001-07:00

Look what I got in the mail!! I won this adorable little snowman from my sweet friend, Gina. Please go visit her blog - she is an amazing woman of faith . . . what a blessing Gina is in my life. Isn't it amazing the friendships that we form through blogging! A great big hug to you Gina!!

I am almost done with Christmas preparations, just a few last minute things to get done. I 'm going to visit my mom tomorrow - she is in a retirement community and they always do such fun things at Christmas. This is the first year in a long time that I have seen her so happy and enjoying Christmas! My daughters are coming over on Thursday to make some candy and other goodies (oh dear!). Then I think I can relax and try to enjoy the Christmas season.

My husband's mother is still hanging in there. Today when I spoke to her, she didn't sound good at all, she is so ready to leave this life and begin the rest of her journey. Thank you for all of your heartfelt comments and concern - I can truly feel your love, support and prayers.

Warm Hugs,

Perspective . . .

2011-12-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

This year at my house, we are trying to keep Christmas in perspective.

My husband's mother is very ill with liver cancer, this will be the last Christmas she will spend with her children. I recently caught myself wondering darkly, “What kind of Christmas gift do you get for someone who’s dying?” Gifts are so obviously irrelevant at at time like this. I have decided that the simple gift of love, is the best gift that we can give to her.

Christmas is a reminder for all of us that our Creator loves us so very much that He sent His Son to be His gift of love to us. That not only at Christmas time, but every day, we should remember to celebrate and love each other as He loves us. Sometimes it is in dying that we learn to live and in so living we learn the true meaning of a gift.

Warm Hugs,

Playing Christmas Catch-up!

2011-12-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I think I have a few minutes to sit down and post something - if I can do it in 8 minutes!!

What a busy time of year for everyone, I hope that you are all doing well and enjoying this Christmas season! I sometimes forget to stop and . . . enjoy the Spirit of Christmas.

My Nativity

The other day, I made little Christmas Mouse ornaments for our DUP party - my table was covered with these cute little mice!

I think I have all the decorations up that are going up this year. I decided that right after Christmas, I am going to go through all of my boxes and really, really, downsize! I simplified this year, and it sure does feel good!

I love these little doves!

The lights on top of my hutch - love the reflections!

Looks like my eight minutes are up!

Warm Hugs,

A Mother on a Quest . . .

2011-12-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

Diana and Clara with a picture of Hannah.

Three years ago, on November 26, 2008, my sweet daughter-in-law went through one of the hardest trials in her life, when she lost her darling baby girl to the hands of a daycare provider. She is now moving forward and making some very powerful, and life-changing decisions that will hopefully save the life of another child.

Her daughter, Hannah Isabelle Covington, has been named the "poster child" for Shaken Baby Prevention of Idaho. You can read this article that was in the newspaper yesterday, http://www.am-news.com/content/mother-quest-stop-shaken-baby-syndrome. April has been declared "Shaken Baby Month", in Hannah's honor.

I pray that during the holidays, with so much stress and when so many people, including daycare providers, have so much on their plate, that they will stop and think before they lose their temper and possible harm, or even worse, kill a child. Never, never shake a baby!!

We love you Diana!

Gentle Hugs,

Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

2011-12-01T12:55:00.001-07:00

FOR TODAY December 1, 2011

Outside my window... It's really cold, although the sun is shining! Yesterday it snowed about 2 inches, most of it is melted, but there is still a skiff of the white stuff lingering on the ground!

I am thinking... That it's been a long time since my last post!

I am thankful for... The snow!

A favorite quote...

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. "

~Laura Ingalls Wilder~

From the kitchen... I think I will make beef, vegetable stew today, and bring some to my mother in law tomorrow for her dinner (It's always better the second day!) . My sister-in-law is staying with her, and I think she probably needs a break from cooking! I might even make cinnamon rolls to go with it!

I am wearing... Jeans, a brown sweater and slippers.

I am creating... I'm in the process of making Christmas presents . . . . shhhhhhh . . . . it's a secret!

I am going... Tomorrow my husband and I are going to go run errands. He is taking the day off, as he is working 7 days a week . . . again!!

I am reading... Just started the Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins - so far so good!

I am hoping... That I can get caught up on all my blog reading. It's amazing how much you miss when you don't read them everyday!

I am hearing... Christmas music from my blog.

Around the house... Beds to make, laundry to do, floors to sweep and vacuum, busy, busy, busy.

One of my favorite things... Watching old Christmas movies - my favorite is, "White Christmas".

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Tomorrow - running errands with my husband
Saturday - work on Christmas presents
Sunday - church

Here is picture for a thought I am sharing...

Sitting pretty!

Clara, all dressed up like a fairy princess!

"If we opened our minds to enjoyment, we might find tranquil pleasures spread about us on every side. We might live with the angels that visit us on every sunbeam, and sit with the fairies who wait on every flower."

~Samuel Smiles~

Hugs,

Find other wonderful daybooks here: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Gratitude Tuesday . . .

2011-11-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

Today, I am grateful for all of my friends . . . old and new . . . right here in my own backyard . . . or in another state or country! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and know that you are thought of with much love!

Strangers are just friends waiting to happen.

~Rod McKuen~

Warm Hugs,

Monday Musings . . .

2011-11-21T11:41:00.001-07:00

I like the woods

In autumn

When dry leaves hide the ground,

When the trees are bare

And the wind sweeps by

With a lonesome rushing sound.

My trees are all bare now, except for a few broken branches from our early snow storm. It's snowing ever so lightly . . . you can hardly see it.

I have a very long to-do list, so hopefully, I can get everything done that I need to get done before Thanksgiving! I am going to have two of my grandchildren stay overnight tonight, so I think I will recruit them to help me get some cleaning done!

I'm going to make my cranberry sauce today, I like the flavors to blend for a day or two - it's simply not Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce! My turkey is thawing, and my ham is in the fridge ready to be glazed and put in the oven. I have all of my tried and true recipes out, waiting to be prepared . . . now if my house was cleaned and ready!

It's hard for me to think that as soon as Thanksgiving is over, I need to think about Christmas! Do you start decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving? I don't - I like to wait a week or two. I do start to listen the Christmas music though . . . I guess I have to ease myself into the Christmas Spirit. I'm Kind of struggling with that darn lack of sunlight thing, it hits me every year! I guess I better start taking more vitamin D3!

I've been having fun with Photoscape - I love all the vintage looks you can create with it! What program do you use?

We are going to be putting new wood floors in the living room, dining room and kitchen soon, and I'm trying to make up my mind what to put in. Do you have wood flooring, if so, is it laminate or the real wood flooring (not that laminate is not real wood!)? Which do you prefer?

Off to the shower and then get to work . . . so much to do . . . so little time!

Warm hugs to all,

Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

2011-11-18T14:11:00.005-07:00

FOR TODAY - November 18th, 2011

Outside my window... We have very mixed weather here in Idaho today! In some parts of the community it's snowing and blowing with slick roads! In other parts, it's blowing and raining! Where I live, it's just blowing, no rain right now, but we are suppose to get some snow later - Mother Nature . . . make up your mind!

I am thinking... This morning in Idaho, they executed a man who, 27 years ago, was a serial killer, and terrorized our small community. He brutally killed three people within about a months time. Two convenience store clerks - one of them I knew, and the other, was a cousin of a friend of mine. The third woman was a school teacher in Idaho Falls. She was abducted in a store parking lot, taken about 8 miles out of town, tortured and very, very brutally murdered . . . she was pregnant at the time.

At the time these murders were taking place, I was working for an attorney, so I was a little more privy to some of the information about these killings - and I was horrified at some of the details of these murders! This mad man changed our community. We all lived in fear. We were afraid to go outside at night, to be alone in our homes, to go to the grocery store or shopping for fear of what might happen!

As I watched the news broadcast this morning, after the execution had taken place, I was very relieved to say the least, just to know that it was over, and that this man will have to answer to his maker. There will never truly be closure for the victims families or for the family of this man; there will never be closure for such brutal murders. I think that one of the prosecutors who worked on this case said it best when he said . . . "There is satisfaction to finally see the law come to its conclusion, it’s done … this case is closed.”

I am thankful for... Justice.

From the learning rooms...

“I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me.”

~ Dudley Field Malone~

From the kitchen... I am going to make this wonderful macaroni and cheese for dinner tonight! It's a recipe that my daughter's mother-in-law gave her, she's a wonderful cook! This recipe is wonderful as is, or you can lighten it up with fat-free and light products!

Custardy Macaroni and Cheese
by: Sheri

1 3/4 C. (about 8 oz.) uncooked elbow macaroni
1 1/4 C. (5 oz.) extra-sharp cheddar, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 T. plus 1 tsp flour
1 1//2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
2/3 C. sour cream
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 C. Half and half
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 2/3 C. (6 oz) grated extra-sharp cheddar

Coat a 9x13 baking dish with butter and set aside. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 9 minutes. Drain well and spread in the baking dish. Mix the cubed cheddar into the macaroni and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Put flour, salt, dry mustard, black pepper, cayenne and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl and whisk to blend. Add the sour cream and beaten eggs and whisk until well-blended. Whisk the half and half and Worcestershire until blended, making sure the flour is well-incorporated.

Pour over the macaroni and cubed cheese and stir to blend. (it will seem very soupy)
Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the surface. Bake about 30 minutes, until the custard is set around the edges but the center is still a little loose.

Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes to allow the custard to thicken before serving. Yummmmy!

I am wearing... Jeans, and a brown fleece sweater.

I am ... Babysitting Clara - she is so adorable! She's taking a nap right now . . . such a good baby!

I am reading..."A Sound Among the Trees", by Susan Meissner.

I am hoping... That the roads aren't slick when my husband comes home from work tonight - I hate slick roads!

I am hearing... Lots of silence and the music from my computer.

Around the house... Just getting ready for Thanksgiving - I have to get some cleaning done before the big day!

One of my favorite things... Standing over the heat-vent in the morning when it's cold! Makes me feel all warm and cozy!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Finish grocery shopping for Thanksgiving

Church on Sunday

Pictures for thought I am sharing...

~Three of my beautiful grandchildren~

Emily

Caleb

Nathan

"Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven."

Warm Hugs,

Gratitude Tuesday . . .

2011-11-15T00:30:00.002-07:00

Averi, playing Christmas carols on the piano!

Well, here it is Gratitude Tuesday again, and I have so much to be thankful for! Today, I am so grateful for all the small things that I take for granted each day.

Sunday night, I had the opportunity to listen to the most wonderful lady speak at a Bishops Fireside for the youth, about trials and adversity. She talked about how she always wanted to play the piano. She had worked at it, and worked at it, until she was really good and finally felt comfortable playing in front of people. She had learned all the hard things, and actually loved playing in church and for groups.

One summer afternoon, her life changed. She was mowing the lawn when it started to rain. She was in a hurry, and tried to unplug the mower by putting her hand down the grass thrower to unplug the mower. She heard a "crunch" and immediately knew what had happened; the mower had cut off four fingers on her right hand. The story she told of her incredible journey and recovery was amazing. Her story was truly one of prayer and faith. She told of her constant and fervent prayers for strength, and how her righteous desire to play the piano again came true, through faith, hard work her trust in the Lord! She ended the night by playing the piano for us . . . and it was truly beautiful!

Dallin H. Oaks said:

"Like the mortal life of which they are a part, adversities are  temporary. What is permanent is what we become by the way we react to  them."

This  amazing woman did not let the accident slow her down or ruin her life, in fact, she said that it has been a most wonderful blessing!  

Today, help me to be ever mindful and thankful for all of the big and small miracles and blessings in my life!

Hugs,

Gratitude. . . Saturday, and some sweetness!

2011-11-12T13:24:00.002-07:00

Each Tuesday - or in this case Saturday, I am writing about something that I am grateful for! Today, I am thankful for construction workers, the men and women that work so hard, no matter what the weather! My husband is a pipefitter, and has worked construction for 38 years. For the past 8 years, my son has been a heavy equipment operator. I know how many times I sent my husband, and son out in miserable weather to go to work - either so bone chilling that you had to dress like a snowman, or so hot that you could fry and egg on their hard hats! So this is a big shout-out to all those men and women who work construction . . . THANK YOU!!

Yesterday was such a nice day! I had some of my grandchildren here, and they had such fun playing in the leaves. . . so cute!

Emily and Caleb uncovering Brody!

I wonder what they're plotting?!

Gotta love that cute face!!

Brody, showing me a huge leaf . . . it's amazing!

Caleb throwing leaves at me! Check out Emily in the background - she makes the funniest faces!

Caleb is such a good helper!

Nathan just loves Clara - but I'm not sure that the feelings are mutual! She was sooooo offended by his hugs and kisses!

Last week my sister read me the most perfect thought - it went something like this

"What if morning came, and you only had the things you thanked Heavenly Father for . . . the night before?"

I will be thanking Heavenly Father for all of you!

Have a wonderful week- end!

Warm Hugs,

Just hangin' out . . .

2011-11-08T13:05:00.001-07:00

Sooooo, yesterday was my birthday! my husband took the day off work and we just hung out together for the entire day, it was great! We went shopping, not one of my favorite things, but I really needed a new end-table and lamp in my living room . . . we found one!! Then, we decided to go to the museum - we have a great museum here!

When I was a little girl, the part on the right hand side of the picture was the city library. The city built a new library, then added on to the old library, and now, we have a beautiful museum! They bring in some really interesting exhibits, and for the last few months, they have been exhibiting a wonderful WWII exhibit.

Something that very few people know about me, is that I am really interested in WWII. I love the movies, the stories, the tanks and trucks, the guns, the music of the era, but especially . . . the heroes! I think the fact that my father and my husbands father both served in the Navy has something to do with my love and admiration for all who served and still serve our country.

Of course, we had a party! Part of my kids, (some were sick) came to celebrate my birthday with me - we had a great time!! You can't go wrong with German chocolate cake and cheese cake!! I always have fun when I am surrounded by my family!

I just have to share this great recipe with you! I'm not a coffee drinker, but I like to have something hot to drink in the morning, so I drink Pero, yummy! I'm also not a fan of liquid coffee creamers, so I make my own. It's so good, without all the added, unknown ingredients in it:

Homemade Coffee Creamer

1 - 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups half and half (I used fat free)
1 Tbls. vanilla

Mix together and store in the refrigerator - keeps for two weeks. Use as you would liquid coffee creamer! This is also good to make a cup of hot chocolate really rich and tasty!

I've gotta run, but before I go, I just have to share some cute pictures of Clara with you - she is growing up so fast and getting to be such a big girl! She really has that binki stuff all figured out!!

Oh, I just love that cute little face!!

One last thought on birthdays:

"Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again."

~Menachem Mendel Schneerson~

Hugs,

Thoughtful Spot Sunday . . .

2011-11-06T12:09:00.001-07:00

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Psalms 100:2-4

When things go well, we are all too ready to take credit for it! We apparently need to be reminded that we are the guests at the party, not the hosts. And like children, we sometimes need somebody to tell us to say thank you!

Generally, when things go well, we get so caught up with the rhythm and routine of life that we forget that we are being blessed. We start to take it all for granted.

When things go wrong, it's easy to remember to turn to the Lord. Let me not wait for things to go wrong. So far, today looks like an ordinary day, so today, let me remember to give thanks for the ordinary. Let me be ever mindful that I am blessed!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Hugs,

Comments are turned off on Sunday . . .

Don't forget to scrub behind the ears!

2011-11-04T11:10:00.000-06:00

Does he look pathetic or what?! Yesterday, I decided it was time to give Cole Dog a bath, as he was a very stinky dog! In fact my new name for him was "stinkus"! Now, keep in mind that this dog weighs over 100 pounds! It was too cold to give him a bath outside, so I decided I would fill the bathtub with water and give him a bath in the house - big mistake! Getting him in the tub wasn't a problem - Cole Dog loves the water, although I'm not sure he loved the peppermint soap or the scrub brush, but he tolerated it pretty good . . . until the getting out part! As I was letting the water out of the tub, he escaped! I'm sure you can picture this soaking wet ~~beast~~ dog, running and shaking all through my house, and me right behind him! By the time I ~~tackled him with the towel~~ caught up to him, he had pretty much soaked the entire house . . . and me! But . . . he is clean, and he smells so much better! He sat on his bed for most of the day, feeling very picked on . . . sigh. . . gotta love 'em!

Hugs,

Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

2011-11-02T16:29:00.002-06:00

FOR TODAY November 2, 2011

Outside my window... Right now it's just beautiful, not a cloud in the sky, the sun is shining . . . but, it's very cold! This morning when I sent my husband off to work, it was a bone chilling 15 degrees!

I am thinking... About my sweet blogging friends, how wonderful you all are, and what blessings you all are in my life.

I am thankful for... The simple things in life - clothes, food and a warm home. I know that there are so many in the world who don't even have the basic necessities of life - I'm so thankful for mine.

From the kitchen...

BAKED EGG ROLLS

Ingredients

2 cups coleslaw mix

1 can (14 ounces) bean sprouts, drained

¼ cup chopped green onions

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tsp. grated ginger or ½ tsp. powdered ginger

2 cups finely diced cooked chicken, cooked ground pork or cooked ground beef

4 teaspoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

1 tablespoon light soy sauce

1 teaspoon canola oil

1 teaspoon brown sugar

Pinch cayenne pepper

16 egg roll wrapper

Directions

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray; add the first four ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until vegetable are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add meat; heat through.

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, water, soy sauce, oil, brown sugar and cayenne until smooth; stir into chicken mixture. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened; remove from the heat.

Spoon ¼ cup of chicken mixture on the bottom third of one egg roll wrapper; fold sides toward center and roll tightly. (Keep remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel until ready to use.) Place seam side down on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Spray tops of egg rolls with cooking spray. Bake at 425° for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Yield: 8 servings. Serve with sweet and sour sauce, yummy!

I am wearing... Blue pants, and floral shirt under a burgundy sweater, socks and my favorite shoes - Merrill Barefoots! No, I do not work for them - but I love these shoes!

I am going... To go have lunch with my two sisters and my mother! My sister is still home recovering from her hip replacement, so we are bringing lunch to her today!

I am reading... Anything on organization!

A scripture I love ...

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Philippians 4:8

I am hearing... Both of my husbands cell phones, beeping and buzzing like crazy! He forgot to bring them to work today . . . oops!

Around the house... The usual cleaning - I think dust bunnies really do multiply!

One of my favorite things... Crisp red apples, straight from the tree!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Tonight - winterizing the trailer
Thursday - make apple pie filling for the freezer and a batch of apple sauce
Friday - ?
Saturday - odds and ends in the yard with hubby.
Sunday - church

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Our adorable Averi, dressed like a "good witch" for Halloween.

"Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same."

~Franz Peter Schubert~

I took this picture from my daughters blog - go check it out, she's really fun!

Warm Hugs,

Find more wonderful daybooks here!! http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Gratitude Tuesday . . .

2011-11-01T17:10:00.000-06:00

(photo credit)

"As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world."

~Terri Guillemets~

As I contemplate on the things that have happened, this week alone, I feel immense gratitude and appreciation for all the blessings in my life. My husbands mother has been diagnosed with terminal cancer - and given 3-6 months to live. I have know my mother-in law for almost 40 years, so thinking of her not being here is going to be difficult. We aren't as close as maybe we should be, we don't always see eye-to-eye, but I do love her, and feel much gratitude to her for all of the things that she has done for me; for all the times that she was there for me and my family. Without her, I would not have the wonderful family that I love so much, and for that I am so very grateful! Thomas S. Monson said:

"We often take for granted the very people who most deserve our gratitude. Let us not wait until it is too late for us to express that gratitude. Speaking of loved ones he had lost, one man declared his regret this way: “I remember those happy days, and often wish I could speak into the ears of the dead the gratitude which was due them in life, and so ill returned.”"

I am thankful for family.

For wonderful daughters, and babies dressed like hotdogs!

For cute grandkids who make me smile!

For little girls who look like Southern Belles . . .

And little boys who are as brave as Darth Vader!

Join me each Tuesday in November - tell me what you are most grateful for!

Warm Hugs,

Boo!

2011-10-31T11:48:00.000-06:00

Since it's Halloween, I thought I would post a really scary picture I took last summer - can anyone see what I see? Right in the middle of the picture it looks like a face . . . . or a ghost . . . . Boo! I thought maybe it was a smudge, but the picture I took right before this one, and right after this one did not have any spots or smudges . . . kind of creepy!

Happy Halloween!

Hugs,

What's your decorating style . . . ?

2011-10-27T16:19:00.001-06:00

When we were at Gardner's Village, in Utah, I took some pictures of furniture in some of the stores there. I'm not a fussy person when it comes to home furnishings, but some of the furniture there was so pretty and they, of course, have a special knack of putting things in just the right places - I don't! It made me kind of curious as to what my decorating style is . . . so I took this test. I'll tell you what my style is at the end of the post. Remember, I only took pictures of things I loved!

So, what do you think mine was? It was 30% Formal, 0% French and 70% Vintage - I think they were right... :0)

Hugs,

Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

2011-10-25T23:28:00.001-06:00

FOR TODAY Oct 25, 2011

Outside my window... It's dark and cold. I can tell by the feel of the wind that Old Man Winter is upon us!

I am thinking... About my husbands family. He just found out tonight that his mother was hospitalized with cancer of the liver, adrenals, and lymph glands. The dynamics in this family are so broken . . . please keep them in your prayers.

I am thankful for... One thing that I am so thankful for tonight is my faith. Faith that there is more . . . this is not the end, the best is yet to come.

A thought to share with you...

"May faith be as a candle to guide us in the night by its light. May it go before us as a cloud in the day."

~Gordon B. Hinkley~

From the kitchen... I made bread today. It just seems that I always go to my favorite bread recipe when I'm in a hurry. This is such an easy recipe for white bread. It came from a friend of mine whose father worked in a bakery for many years. It's easy and really good, it also makes good rolls.

White Bread

2 1/2 cups very warm water

1 Tbls yeast (I use fast rise)

3 Tbls sugar

1 Tbls salt

2 Tbls shortning (I use coconut oil)

7-7 1/2 cups flour (I have used half whole wheat and half white)

Combine water, yeast and sugar - mix well and let sit for about 10 min. Add salt, and shortning (or oil), mix well. Slowly add flour until, kneading well after each addition - dough should be soft, but not sticky, and not too stiff. Let rise until double. Make into two loaves. Let rise until about 1 inch above pan. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Homemade bread is comfort food for me!

I am wearing... Black pants and a rust sweater - it was so cold today! I will soon be wearing my nightgown, and hopefully be sleeping like a baby!

I am creating... I want to find a fun craft to make for Christmas - any ideas?

I am hoping... For inner peace . . . especially peace and comfort for my husband.

I am hearing... My playlist playing "The Enchanted Garden", oh, so beautiful!

Around the house... I hope to work on some Christmas gifts, clean the bathrooms, mop the kitchen floor, do some laundry, vaccume the floors, pull up the frozen tomato plants, and maybe get some painting done on the downstairs bathroom . . . whew, I'm already tired!!

One of my favorite things... Well, at this time of the year it has to be scented candles, making my home smell like pumpkin pie, and of course, my favorite potpourri simmering on the stove!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree."
~ Emily Bronte~

Warm Hugs,

Find other daybooks here!

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

I got mooned . . . by a witch!

2011-10-24T23:13:00.001-06:00

We had the best time over the week-end! On Saturday morning, we went to Gardner's Village. It's a really fun little shopping village just outside of Sandy, Utah. And what do you know . . . I got mooned by a witch - first thing!

This is her . . . behind shot!

This is the view from the front - "witch" is more scary?!

Then, I ran into this beauty!

I thought for a minute that I was in OZ!

This was pretty scary!

So was this!

And this!

This particular little shop had some really spooky guys in it! As we were coming in, a man was bringing his kids in at the same time - this was his comment, "Now don't touch anything, and remember . . . it's all fake!" His little kids just looked horrified!

A pretty little pond - one of many!

Oops!

This is where I had to leave my ride... ;0)

This building used to be an old mill - it was so pretty on the inside - but that's another post! There were witches everywhere!

I love the reflection in the water of the Fall colors.

Peek-a-Boo!

Then I caught my husband getting all cozy with one . . . never trust a witch!! Looks like she put a spell on him . . . uhmmmm.

A witch in a boat, I'm telling you, they were everywhere!!

Mother Nature, putting on a show! The colors were just beautiful, and the leaves were falling all around us!

A little privacy please! Even witches need to take a break!

We had so much fun here! I would love to see it all decked out for Christmas!

Until next time, hope you enjoyed the tour!

Warm Hugs,

Fun in the Big City . . .

2011-10-23T23:39:00.001-06:00

We spent a wonderful two days in Salt Lake City, Utah, with my sister and her husband! My uncle and aunt, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and we wanted to celebrate with them!

It was a lovely celebration, held at the Lion House in downtown SLC. Here are a few pictures.

My aunt and uncle, their three sons and their spouses.

My aunts wedding dress - it was just beautiful!

A few keepsakes from their wedding and first year of marriage.

The happy couple, probably 20 years ago. In the corner, you can just barely see the picture of their wedding day.

The tables were just beautiful! Their daughters-in-law made the center pieces.

So pretty!

The room was just beautiful! This is the same room that my daughter had her rehearsal dinner in when she got married 16 years ago! I love these beautiful windows! They still have the original glass, all wavy and gorgeous!

My uncle is a man very dear to my heart. He is my mother's younger, and only brother. My mother is sitting right in front - in the pink jacket.

This is what the hallway looked like when we left - it was just so pretty, I had to take a picture!

This is the front of the Lion House. The people standing in front are, my sister and her husband and my husband. The Lion House was built in 1856 by Brigham Young. The home derives its name from the stone statue of the reclining lion over the front entrance. This beautiful home was once home to Brigham Young and his large family.

This is a picture looking up the street from the front of the Lion House. It was a beautiful night, and one I will remember for many years to come!

We had lots of fun the next day . . . but that will have to be another post!

Hugs,

Thoughtful Spot Sunday . . .

2011-10-23T09:59:00.000-06:00

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

Hugs,

Comments have been turned off for Sunday

Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

2011-10-20T12:59:00.000-06:00

FOR TODAY - October 20, 2011

Outside my window... It's a beautiful Autumn day! I think our high is only suppose to be around 61 degrees today - that's okay with me, I'm enjoying the cooler weather!

I am thinking... About how much fun I'm going to have this week-end! Me and my husband, and my sister and her husband, are going to my aunt and uncles 50th wedding anniversary dinner in Salt Lake City. I'm looking forward to just getting away for a few days!

I am thankful for... Farm fresh eggs - not mine - but eggs that my daughter-in-law brought to me the other day. They are so good, so much better than store-bought!

From the learning rooms... Learning that sometimes, all you can do for a person is pray for them.

From the kitchen... I just have to say that last night we had, Halushki, the Polish dinner on my menu plan. It was delicious! My husband really liked it, he even had two helpings which is unusual for him . . . and wanted me to put some in his lunch!

I am wearing... Jeans and a light blue sweater - and my new favorite barefoot shoes! They truly feel like you are wearing slippers - I love them!

I am reading... Coral Moon, by Brandikyn Collins. It's an easy to read mystery/thriller!

I am hoping... That the weather stays nice for our trip! It's not a long trip, about 300 miles. but we do have to go over a pass that can get kind of nasty if it snows!

I am hearing... Silence

Around the house... Laundry, general cleaning, run a few errands . . . nothing special.

One of my favorite things... A warm bed on a cold night!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Today - Get things ready to leave in the morning.

Friday - Have fun with sis and her husband.

Saturday - Ditto

Sunday - Church

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night.

~Steve Almond~

Warm Hugs,

Find more fun daybooks here - http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Monday Musings and Menu Planning . . .

2011-10-17T14:41:00.000-06:00

Well, here it is - Monday again! I hope that everyone had a wonderful week-end! My Monday started with my husband going to work . . . in the morning!! I am so happy to be done with night-shift... :0) I just talked to him and he said he's really tired - it will take a few days to get back in the rhythm of sleeping at night, instead of during the day!

Last week I stopped at the local pumpkin patch, just down the road from our house. The pumpkins were kind of high priced this year, but the lady who sells them puts all of the money in a fund for her grandson, who was injured in an automobile accident a few years ago, and still has lots of problems, so I don't mind paying a little more.

Am I the only one who has problems trying to decide what to have for dinner?! I am making another attempt at a weekly menu - wish me luck!

Monday - Ham and Beans, with homemade rolls

Ham and Beans

1 lb of white beans - Great Northern - about 2 1/2 cups
2 quarts of water
2-3 lbs of ham hocks or shanks ( I like lots of ham in mine)
1 cup of diced onions (about 1 small onion)
2-3 ribs celery chopped
2 med. chopped carrots
2-3 cloves garlic, diced
Salt and pepper

Soak your beans overnight , by covering the beans with water (about two inches above beans). Drain and rinse the beans the next morning. Put the ham hocks or shanks in a large pot with the beans and cover with 2 quarts of water. Bring to a simmer and simmer for about an hour or so, until the beans are tender. Add the chopped vegetables. Cook for another hour, until the vegetables are soft and the ham meat easily pulls away from the bone. Pull the meat off the bone and discard the bones. Add salt and pepper to taste. This soup freezes well.

Tuesday -Eating out

Wednesday - Halushki (Cabbage and Noodles) This is one of my daughter's new, favorite recipes, go check out her blog!

Thursday - Breakfast for dinner - Waffles, bacon and scrambled eggs

Friday - We will be out of town until Saturday night

Sunday - Pot roast, potatoes, broccoli

Off to run errands - Have a wonderful Day!!

Hugs,

Friday Night Highlights . . .

2011-10-14T23:32:00.001-06:00

I'm still struggling through night shift! Thankfully, My oldest daughter called me and wanted to know if I could babysit Averi, my adorable and very sweet little granddaughter!

Averi, being very patient waiting on her slow grandma!

Of course I was overjoyed - I knew that with her around, it would keep me busy. Averi loves to come to see me, and has even been praying about it, isn't that cute?! She really loves to watch movies with me, (I think she just likes to cuddle!), so we finally decided on, "Jungle Book". She was very funny, always asking me who was talking and how old they were - blind kids have such a different perspective than we do!! She especially loved Kaa, the snake, because she loves the name Kaa, and she loved to listen to him sing!

I figured that we would have some time to play and talk after the movie, but as soon as the movie was over, she wanted to brush her teeth and go to bed! I was so offended . . . ;0) So, off to bed she went . . . happy as a bumble bee!

Don't you just love sleeping children~

I guess it's time for me to turn in too . . . good night all!

Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

2011-10-13T12:27:00.000-06:00

FOR TODAY - October 13, 2011

Outside my window... It's a typical October day here in Idaho! A little overcast, a slight breeze, and kind of chilly. We were suppose to get a frost last night, so I covered the last of my tomatoes - hopefully, they survived!

I am thinking... About my sister. She had her second hip replacement two days ago, and she isn't even 60 yet, so I'm praying that she will do well and be able to get back to normal life very quickly.

I am thankful for... A warm house, a good husband, wonderful children and grandchildren, candy corn . . . did I just say candy corn . . . I really like candy corn, and I'm thankful for it!

A thought to share...

I loved to sing this children's song when I was a girl - how many of you can remember it?

Come Little Leaves

"Come little leaves," said the wind one day.

"Come o'er the meadow with me and play.

Put on your dresses of red and gold.

Summer is gone and the days grow cold."

As soon as the leaves heard the wind's low call,

Down they come fluttering, one and all.

Over the brown fields they whirled and flew,

Singing the soft little songs they knew.

Dancing and whirling the little leaves went.

Autumn had called them and they were content.

Soon they will sleep in their soft earthly beds.

Waiting for winter to cover their heads.

From the kitchen... I'm making this yummy casserole with baked acorn squash and cinnamon baked apples - yummy!

Autumn Sausage Casserole

1 pound bulk pork sausage

1 medium apple, peeled and chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 cup chopped celery

3 cups cooked long grain rice

1/2 cup raisins

1/3 cup minced fresh parsley

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon pepper

in a large skillet, cook the sausage, apple, onion and celery over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in remaining ingredients.Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 4-6 servings.

I am wearing... Black leggings and a grey striped shirt.

I am creating... I'm going to go through my patterns today and find all the right sizes to make pajamas for my grandchildren for Christmas! Can you believe that Christmas is just around the corner?

I am going... I'm staying home today!!

I am reading... I'm looking for a good book to read - maybe a wonderful mystery! Any ideas?

I am hoping... That tomorrow night is the last night that my husband has to work this darn night shift!

I am hearing... Music from my playlist - right now it's Michael Buble, singing, I've got a Crush on You!

Around the house... I really need to finish my laundry and vacuum and sweep the floors.

One of my favorite things... Nutella! I love it on whole wheat bread with a sliced banana!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

I really need to get reservations made to go to my Aunt and Uncles 50th wedding anniversary on the 21st!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

“It is both relaxing and invigorating to occasionally set aside the worries of life, seek the company of a friendly book...from the reading of 'good books' there comes a richness of life that can be obtained in no other way.”

~Gordon B. Hinkley~

Warm Hugs,

Go here to find other daybooks! http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Monday Musings . . .

2011-10-10T17:17:00.000-06:00

I just can't think of anything better on a cold day than pumpkin cookies and a hot cup of herb tea!

Pumpkin Cookies

1 (15 ounces) can pumpkin, about 1 2/3 cups
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 cup butter, softened

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon maple extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

4 eggs

1 pkg. chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

Into a large mixing bowl, measure all ingredients. Mix at low speed, beat ingredients until blended, scraping bowl occasionally. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat for 1 minute longer.

Preheat oven to 350°. Using 2 tablespoons of batter for each cookie, spoon batter onto an ungreased cookie sheet, keeping mounds about 2 inches apart. Bake cookies for 14 to 18 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in tightly covered container for up to 4 days. These cookies freeze well!
Makes 6 to 7 dozen cookies .

Yesterday was my little Taylor Jo's birthday! I can't believe how fast they grow!

I think she liked her afgahn!

I also made Clara a cute little hat to cover her little bald head - she is so adorable! She just loves her grandpa!

I finally got around to putting up my Fall decorations - kind of slow this year. My house always feels so cozy after I'm done, I don't know why I wait so long!

The saying on the framed pictures says - "Be forever thankful, for life gives us much".

Warm Hugs,

Thoughful Spot Sunday . . .

2011-10-09T14:00:00.001-06:00

For thou wilt light my candle; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness

- Psalm 18:28

Let me remember, that there will always be the light of the Lord; let me remember to reach toward the light that will guide me into eternity.

Have a very blessed Sunday.

Warm Hugs,

(From now on, comments will be closed on Sunday)

Winter wonderland . . . .or something like that!

2011-10-07T15:38:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, it started to snow, just gently at first . . . we expect this kind of behavior in Idaho!

But then it started coming down in bucket fulls, my poor trees!

We tried to save them from breaking, but the snow was sooooo heavy and coming down hard!

Jessica came over and we tried to knock the snow off of the lowest branches so they would not break . . . but the snow was unrelenting!! She resembed a Popsicle by the time she finally came in the house - thank you sweet Jessica, for giving up your fingers and toes to frostbite!

At 3:00 a.m., I finally got up to see what all the racket was, it sounded like bombs going off in my yard! It was the branches breaking off of the trees and falling to the ground, and the huge chunks of snow falling on the roof! My poor trees - their branches were almost touching the ground. I can usually walk under these branches!

By the time my husband got home from work, the damage had been done . . . 5 inches of the white stuff!

We just have lots of clean-up to do now. There are still lots of big broken branches up in the the trees that didn't make it to the ground. We will have to get the chain saw and cut them out. I'm so glad I don't live where they get ice storms!

Never a dull moment at my house! Think I'll just go in and have a cup of hot chocolate!

Warm Hugs,

Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

2011-10-05T21:28:00.001-06:00

FOR TODAY - October 5, 2011

Outside my window... It's rainy, but I really do like the rain. It's cold, but I am also enjoying the cooler temperatures. I really love Fall, and it is typical Fall weather here in Idaho. The leaves aren't changing very fast, but it will come.

I am thinking... About all of the"nesty" little projects I need to get done before winter. We are having new rain gutter put on the house next week, and that makes me think about all of the little things that need to be done . . . inside and out!

I am thankful... For the change of seasons. I've always enjoyed living in Idaho, because we have four very distinct seasons, and I really love that.

From the learning rooms... I want to learn how to knit. I learned how when I was a girl, but I just can't seem to get the knack of it now - that's one of my goals for this winter!

In the kitchen... I just have to share the most delightful recipe with you. I've been making it for years, and I love it every time I make it. It's comfort food, and perfect for a cozy Fall dinner!

Chili with a Difference

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
2 onions, chopped
1 can kidney beans (or 3/4 c. beans soaked overnight)
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 Tbls. chili powder (more or less to taste)
1/2 c. vinegar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 can whole tomatoes
2 tsp. liquid smoke (optional)

Fry hamburger and onions then add to beans and rest of ingredients. I usually add 3-5 cups of water along the way. Cook on low boil until beans are done, 3-5 hours.

I love this recipe, but I can never tell which I like best, the taste or how good it make my house smell.

I am wearing... Denim capris and a brown t-shirt.

I am creating... I made this cute afghan for my grand-daughters birthday! Opps, her birthday isn't for a few days, so don't tell! She told me that she really wanted a shawl for her bed, so I assumed she wanted an afghan (she's so cute!). She just re-decorated her bedroom and these are her colors, I promise you , they are prettier in real life... :0)

A thought I'm sharing...

"How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days."

~John Burroughs ~

I am reading... I'm just trying to keep up with the scriptures!

I am hoping... That Christian's football game does not get soaked tonight! It has been raining all day, and I just know that it's going to rain all night.

I am looking forward to... A good nights sleep . . . ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

I am hearing... Glen Campbell, singing his greatest hits - beautiful!

Around the house... I am slowly putting up my Fall decorations.

I am pondering... I ponder a lot - but today, I have been pondering on little things that need to be taken care of around the house - you know how you just get kind of nesty this time of year? I still have a bathroom that needs to be tiled and painted, a bedroom that needs new paint, and my storage room needs to be re-organized.

One of my favorite things... I just love to find a good bargain at a thrift store - look what I found a few months ago!

Who knows what these are? The one on the left is an old laundry hamper, probably from the 1940's. It will live in my bathroom downstairs. The other one is a music box that holds bath powder! My grandmother used to have one and I loved it. You wind it up on the bottom, and when you take the lid off, it plays beautiful music!

Eight dollars for both - what a deal!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Tomorrow I'm going to finish getting out my Fall decorations.

Friday I think I will try to get some painting done.

Saturday I hope to just catch up on some cleaning.

Sunday - church and a birthday party!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My husband just hates weeds! I think that secretly, he's always happy to till the garden in the Fall . . . I kind of like it too!

Warm Hugs,

The Secret of a Long Life . . .

2011-10-04T16:37:00.001-06:00

Yesterday in DUP (Daughters of Utah Pioneers), the lesson leader gave us a copy of an article that was printed in the Ladies Home Journal in 1900. I thought it was very interesting and fun, so I'm sharing!

"The Secret of a Long Life "

You sometimes see a woman whose old age is as exquisite as was the perfect bloom of yer youth. You wonder how this has come about; you wonder how it is that her life has been a long and happy one. Here are some of the reasons:

She knew how to forget disagreeable things.

She understood the art of enjoyment.

She kept her nerves well in hand and inflicted them on no one.

She believed in the goodness of her own daughters and in that of her neighbors.

She mastered the art of saying pleasant words.

She did not expect too much from her friends.

She made whatever work came to her congenial.

She did not believe that the world was wicked or unkind.

She relieved the miserable and sympathized with the sorrowful.

She retained an even disposition and made the best of everything.

She did whatever came to her cheerfully and well.

She never forgot that kind words and a smile cost nothing but are priceless treasures to the discouraged.

She did unto others as she would be done by, and now that old age has come to her and there is a halo of white hair about her head, she is loved and considered. This is the secret of a long life and a happy one!

Some of these things still ring true today but . . . my, how things have changed!!

Hugs,

Making Memories . . .

2011-10-03T11:37:00.000-06:00

My life has been crazy the last few months! My husband has been working a night shift - 4 day on and 4 days off, 12 hour shifts - I don't like it!! It will thankfully end on the 8th, then maybe our life can get back to normal. He is such a hardworking man, always has been, and always will be. He has worked hard ~~most~~ all of his life and hopefully, with any luck, he will never have to work another night shift! There, that's out of the way!!

We have had a fun summer - despite the night shift! Here are just a few highlights from the last month or so.

Christian played football again this year! Last year we only missed one game - this year I have only been to one game! His last game is on Wednesday . . . grandma will be there! I cant believe how quickly he is growing up - seems like just yesterday he was falling asleep in my arms.

At the one and only game I attended - this sweet little "Mario" was busy riding up and down the field - I'm not sure why he was dressed up, but isn't he cute!?

You know me, I love sunsets, and the sunset that night was just beautiful! I thought it was very patriotic - red, white and blue!

Right before we left for Christian's game, Kegan came over to ride his horse - he's such a cute little cowboy!

A few weeks ago, we went camping with all of our children for a week- we had so much fun

Here we all are, getting our camp set up! I'm not sure if Cole was, "gettin' the heck out of Dodge", or just taking a potty break! After playing with the kids for a week, he was a tired dog! After we got home, he didn't move for two days!

We had really nice weather the first few days . . .

Then the rain came - but it really was beautiful, and it helped settle the dust.

Averi had fun exploring the camp site!

Nathan and Clara got lots of squishy hugs! It's so hard taking babies camping, but they were so good!

Mommy, giving Nathan a piggy-back ride!

Taylor Jo was the, "hunter-gatherer". She would go up behind the camp and pick bowls full of service berries and rose hips! Diana went with her one afternoon and they picked at least two quarts of beautiful berries.

Taylor and Diana, moving the benches into the sun to dry out after the rain.

The kids built forts in the trees behind the camp - they had such a good time playing in them!

Emily, peeking at me through the branches, silly girl!

Ben and Caleb after they got done skeet shooting.

Everyone got a roping lesson - and the silliness never stopped!

We did almost all of our cooking over the fire on this handy grill the kids got us for Christmas last year - we loved it!

At night we would sit around the fire and roast marshmallows and chat . . . and giggle . . . a perfect ending to a perfect week!!

Warm Hugs,

Thoughtful Spot Sunday . . .

2011-10-02T18:04:00.000-06:00

(Photo Credit - Morgan Weistling)

Today, I am thinking of the voices of the apostles and prophets, and all of the mixing and merging of the messages I heard at general conference. Words I remember; wisdom that I need.

Today, and always, let me get on with learning and remembering. Today, let me incline my ear to the Lord, and hearken to what has been said. Today, let me be wonderfully, thankfully, gratefully aware of thy presence!

Warm Hugs,

Barb

Savoring The Changing Seasons Of My Life . . .

2011-09-30T19:09:00.000-06:00

Fall is certainly in the air! The dog days of summer are almost gone, and we will soon see the snow start to fall in my neck of the woods. We have had a wonderful warm Autumn, and I will be sad to see it end - and end it must! As I was poking around my yard today, I was noticing the subtle changing of the leaves - most are still beautiful and green . . . but fading fast. Some trees have a few yellow and gold leaves peeking through every now and again, to remind me of the changing season. I can remember when some of my grandchildren were smaller, they would rake the leaves into big piles and then throw the leaves into the air and watch them fall onto the freshly raked grass. I can still see the smiles on their sweet little red-cheeked faces, as they jumped and twirled around as the yellow, orange and brown leaves fell around them. . . cherished moments. The dog loved it though, he would make himself a nice little bed in the leaves after they were gone!

I am looking forward to cooler days! It’s the nip in the air at this time of year that energizes and awakens my senses and renews my spirit! I have had a wonderful summer, full of fun, quiet moments, busy times, changes that I knew would come, some good, and some not so good. For me, the change in seasons is the perfect time to reflect on those changes that have come, and make new changes in my life - good changes, simple changes that can make me feel better about who I am and who I want to be.

Here's a list of things I'm pondering on - feel free to ponder with me!

1. What is it I want right now? How can I be even more true to myself? What can I do to surround myself with more beauty? What do I need to do to feel closer to the Savior?

2. What routines would I like to “fall back” into? What are some old hobbies I would like to bring back into my life? What is it that I really miss doing or participating in?

3. What is holding me back? What keeps getting in my way or holding me back? What clutter can be cleared from my home and life?

4. What am I ready to tackle this Fall? What changes or fixes have I been putting off? What steps can I take in order to get things done? I want to be like a child and jump into the pile of leaves! I need to bring back that wonderful childhood energy and start something new!

5. What things or activities do I need to start saying “no” to? What is it that’s draining my energy?

It's hard for me to make changes, but, I'm going to dive into Fall with a plan to energize myself, to live a more fulfilling life, and to celebrate the changing seasons in my life!

Many Hugs,

Simple Womans Daybook . . .

2011-08-23T22:21:00.001-06:00

FOR TODAY August 23, 2011

Outside my window... What a beautiful day!! We have had wonderful warm days and very cool nights - perfect! Today the sky is perfectly blue, with just a very light breeze to keep things moving, absolutely gorgeous!

I am thinking... How quickly the summer has gone. Does anyone else feel the same way? I love summer, and I don't think we have had enough of it, but . . . I'm ready for fall, my favorite time of year.

I am thankful for... What few things I was able to grow in my garden this year. Today, I picked a big bowl of green beans, a few ripe tomatoes, a couple of cucumbers and some new potatoes. It wasn't much, but it was more than I thought I would get this year! I could make a meal out of just what is in this bowl!

A thought to share...

Always remember to be happy because you never know who's falling in love with your smile.

~Author Unknown~

I love these smiles!!

From the kitchen... When the kids came over on Sunday, we made Yummy Baked Sandwiches - they are so good, and very easy . . . wish I had a picture for you, you'll just have to take my word for it!

Yummy Baked Sandwiches

2 packages of dinner rolls (I used the potato rolls from our grocery stores bakery - 12 in each pkg.)
1 1/2 sticks melted butter
1 Tbls. Steak Sauce (I use A1)
1 Tbls. poppy seed
2 Tbls. mustard (any kind - I like whole grain mustard)
2 Tbls. minced onion or 1 Tbls. dried onion
1 - 2 pounds Deli ham, turkey or roast beef, cooked bacon (use as much as you want)
Cheese - Swiss, Provolone, Pepper Jack, Chedder, etc. (I like to buy the already sliced)

Slice rolls in half. Put the bottom half in 9x13 baking pan. I put 12 rolls to a pan. Layer the meat and cheese on the roll bottoms, then put the tops on. Our favorite is Turkey, bacon and Swiss cheese, and roast beef with pepper jack, or ham and Swiss cheese - do whatever sounds good.

Heat up the butter, steak sauce, mustard and minced onion until the butter is melted. Stir in poppy seeds and pour 1/2 of the butter mixture over each pan of rolls - bake at 350 for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are heated through. They get all crispy on the bottom . . . Yummy!

I am wearing... Denim capris and a pink polo shirt.

I am going... Well, I went school clothes shopping with my daughter today. Emily will be in kindergarten this year . . . they grow up way too fast.

I am hoping... That the weather stays nice until the end of September! Me and my husband and all of our children are going camping the middle of September and I really don't want to bring a rain coat . . .

I am hearing... Soft music from my computer and way too much silence. My husband is still working nights and I can't get used to the feeling of being alone and the quietness in my house - I don't like it... :0(

Around the house... I have been thinking about doing some deep cleaning - I said THINKING about it. I still have to get the bathroom in the basement finished! I know, I know, we've been working on it since spring, but it is so hard to find the time to get to it! We need to finish painting the walls, lay the tile, put in the vanity and re-set the toilet. Now that doesn't sound like too much, does it?

One of my favorite things... Petunias . . . my petunias did wonderful this year, I guess they like the cool weather.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Tomorrow - lunch with my mother and my sister - always a good day!
Thursday - the one day that my husband get off this week - I think we will take a day trip.
Friday - get some yard work done and maybe make bread.
Saturday - get my lesson ready for Sunday.
Sunday - church . . . relax!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I thought this was the funniest picture! Christian and Taylor seem to be so interested in what Nathan is doing - I can just imagine him saying, ". . . I put that old tiger in a choke-hold and then I dropped him!!

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.

~Stacia Tauscher~

Warm Hugs,

Go here to find other wonderful women!
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

A much needed break . . .

2011-08-21T23:26:00.001-06:00

We finally got away last week! I can't even tell you how much we needed this break! I don't think there is anything better than to get away from the hustle and bustle of our busy world. The only problem was - it wasn't long enough!

We have driven past this little cabin for the last 37 years, and I have never taken a picture of it, so I finally got my picture. I remember my husbands grandmother took a picture of this same little cabin, and she painted a picture of it - it was beautiful. She wasn't really an artist, but I thought the picture was so pretty - I've always wondered what happened to it?

We finally made it to our destination - one of my favorite spots! I am so amazed how green it is in the hills this year, usually by this time of year, it is very dry. This is the view from my front step. The sky was truly brilliant blue!

Here we are, all tucked in under the trees! We had shade all day long, it was very peaceful!

While my husband took a nap, me and Cole played Frisbee! I don't think he ever gets tired of playing!

In the evening, we would go and check out the landscape - it was so beautiful, of course I'm kind of partial to sagebrush, I think it's so pretty, and I really do love the way it smells . . . I know, I'm a little strange! But you are never too far from the pine trees and Quaking Aspen.

One night we ran across this cute little Sharptail Grouse, who just refused to move out of the road - she must have had some babies lurking around! I'm so glad she let me take her picture!

This is where we were headed! I love to see the Grand Tetons from the Idaho side! I never get tired of taking their picture.

I think this little cabin is so cute, I just had to take a picture of it! It's been there for many, many years! It's quite a ways off the road, so nobody ever bothers it.

We had a few cloudy days , but only a small rain shower - I thought the clouds were so pretty!

I love Idaho sunsets!

This night, there had been a fire in the valley, so the sunset was extra pretty! In fact, my camera wouldn't even capture the bright pink in this sunset!

At night, after the sun set, we would have these amazing lavender skies.

We were so lucky to be there when there was a full moon, it was absolutely beautiful!

I took this picture just as it was peeking through the trees!

At night we would build a big fire . . . after all, what is camping without a fire . . . and lots of smoke!

My husband checking out the night sky! See that full moon in the background?

Time to go home . . . until next time.

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.

~Rachel Carson~

Hugs,

Thoughts for Thursday . . .

2011-08-18T23:52:00.000-06:00

I have been so busy this summer! The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder, and I can't believe how fast summer is slipping away - so sad, because I feel like it just started! Some quick thoughts to share . . .

Averi had a birthday - she is getting to be such a big girl! We treasure every birthday that this sweet girl has - we didn't think she would ever see her 1st birthday, and now she's 9 years old!

waiting very patiently for her gifts!

I finally get to open something!

Averi loves caterpillars and this one is fuzzy and has a light in it, so she can see it!!

Blowing out the candle! Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Our sweet little babies are growing so fast - here's a little update on both Clara and Nathan!

Clara is such a sweet little girl, with a wonderful, happy disposition! She is such a joy to us, to her parents and her big brother, we love her!

It' hard to believe that Nathan will be 6 months old soon! He is such a happy baby - you just can't help but smile when you see him! He's very pinchable!

Every once in a while I find a sweet surprise on someones blog - look what I found that other day - a picture of me and my sweet "sister"! LeAnn is actually my daughter's MIL, but she is just like a sister to me! My daughters and my son have been very blessed with wonderful MIL's!

We have had some fun times at the park! These are some pictures I took of me and my sisters grandchildren playing at the park! What a bunch of silly kids!

Kyle, Caleb and Jacob! These little boys were all born within 2 months of each other, we just call them the "Three Amigos"!

Sydney having fun, and teasing the boys on the slide!

Payton and Emily - two very silly girls!

Nathan making a goofy face! Doesn't he look like a little old lady?!

Last, but certainly not least, my beautiful daughter is having a birthday tomorrow! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMBER! What would I do without this beautiful, wonderful child - I love you Amber, hope your day is perfect!

We just got back from a three day camping trip - it was soooo relaxing and fun! Maybe I will be able to get back on track and keep up with my blog now . . . I hope! More to come - I took some really pretty pictures, can't wait to share!

Hugs,

Little Houses . . .

2011-08-07T22:14:00.002-06:00

Just a few thoughts and hugs to everyone who was worried about me - I'm alive and kickin' here in Idaho, it's just been a very busy summer for me! Don't worry, I'll be back with a vengeance in no time!

In the meantime . . . a few random thoughts! Sometimes, I start reminiscing about my life, you know, about how we, me and my husband, started our life together. Trust me, it was not in a large home with beautiful furniture, cupboards filled with lots of food, microwaves, cable T.V., computers, cell phones, or any other modern conveniences. We got married and moved into a very small mobile home behind my sister-in-laws house, actually right in her backyard! The only furniture we had was my hope chest, and yes, it was filled with "hope"! We lived there for almost a year, and then moved into an actual home . . . a very small home on the west side of town. Now, this home was so small that I could talk on the telephone in the kitchen, and fix my hair in the bathroom, that is, after walking through the living room and the bedroom. The phone did not even have a very long cord - yes, it was a phone . . . with a cord and a rotary dial - no buttons! Who knew!

(Remember these?)

We bought a beautiful, gold, hide-a-bed couch to sleep on, because we didn't have a bed and the house only had one bedroom where we of course put the baby. So every night, I would pull out the bed, and every morning, I would push it back into place!

Gotta love a hide-a-bed!

After about three years, we moved to a larger home, because I was expecting my second child. It was somewhat bigger, but we didn't stay there too long, about 7 months. Right before I had my son, and I mean - RIGHT BEFORE I HAD MY SON, we bought a brand new 14 X 70 mobile home with a wonderful tip-out! It had three bedrooms and two bathrooms, so you can imagine how small everything was - but I loved it! We lived there for 7 years. By then we had three children, and we were definitely out-growing our little mobile home! My husband had always lived on a farm or ranch, and wanted to live in the country, so we found a little old farmhouse, with 5 acres, about 30 miles away - we paid around thirty-thousand dollars for it, what a bargain today!! It was also very small! Three small bedrooms and one bathroom . . . with three children! We loved that home, we raised three teenagers in that house, with one bathroom!! We had such good times there - bad times too, but the good outweighed the bad!! After 13 years living in our little old farmhouse, we knew that we needed to either move or do some major remodeling - so we sold our little old farmhouse - left behind all the memories and dear friends and moved 30 miles the other direction.

Now we live in a beautiful home, three acres, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, all the modern conveniences that you can stand, and more room than we possibly need. We have lived here for 15 years . . . and I still long for those "little houses"! Love really does grow best in little houses . . .

Tell me about your first home!! Enjoy the song - see you soon!

Warm Hugs,

Busy, Busy!!

2011-07-19T16:38:00.000-06:00

FOR TODAY July 19, 2011

Outside my window... It's another beautiful day here in Idaho! There is just a hint of a breeze, a few clouds floating around, covering the sun every now and then. I think it's suppose to be in the upper 80's today . . . just gorgeous! Oops, we just had a rainstorm!!

I am thinking... How long it's been since my last post!! Summer is such a busy time and time just seems to keeps on moving at a very fast pace! I hope to have a little more time to blog . . . and comment!

I am thankful for... Quiet moments . . .

From the learning rooms... I've learned that walking on a tire takes lots of practice!

And that a big black dog can be your best friend . . .

And so can your brother . . .

And your cousins . . .

That fireworks are fun!

And, that Averi can see them!

And sound like them . . .

That babies grow up wayyyyy toooo fast!

And that mothers and uncles . . . grow old way too fast . . .

And . . . that we need to enjoy life's simple pleasures, and not take anything for granted , because life is . . . way too short.

From the kitchen... Hubby is working night shift - yuck - so I have to have supper ready by about 3:30 in the afternoon, so he can leave at 5:00 p.m. Today, I am making chicken supreme with broccoli and cauliflower!

Here's a sneak- peek, and the recipe!

Chicken Supreme for Two

Two skinned and boned chicken breasts.

1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt - I used low-fat sour cream. Season the sour cream or yogurt with about 1 Tbls. dry ranch dressing, or substitute half the sour cream with ranch dressing. I also add about 1 tsp. of garlic powder.

About one-half sleeves crushed cracker crumbs - I used Ritz, but any kind will work.

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Roll the chicken in the sour cream, then dredge in cracker crumbs. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, then cover and bake another 30 minutes. Cover with Parmesan cheese the last 15 minutes or so before it's done.

I am wearing... A pink polo shirt and denim capris!

I am going... Tomorrow night, I am going with my daughter and her two children to a musical program where my mother lives. It is a musical tribute to the Mormon Pioneers who settled Southeast Idaho. I have lots of pioneer heritage, which I am very proud of, so I am really looking forward to going!

This picture is called, "Fragile Beginning to a Mighty End", by Cloyd Bedke. It depicts a wagon train coming west into Fort Laramie Wyoming.

I am hoping... That my garden will grow! We put soil pep (which is chopped up bark) on the garden in the spring, and it depleted the nitrogen in the soil - we have been slowly replacing it, but is sure looks sick!

I am hearing... Complete silence . . . except for the air conditioner... :0)

Around the house... I am just doing little busy, quiet things so I don't wake up my sleeping husband.

One of my favorite things... I love to have supper on the patio!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Tonight - do a few batches of laundry, maybe mow the lawn.

Wednesday - Picnic with my sister and our daughters - at least those who can come! Go to the Pioneer program.

Thursday - Just hang out with my husband.

Friday - Shopping and yard work.
Saturday - Big ?

Sunday - Church

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

A couple of pictures of our beautiful Idaho sunsets!!

"It' is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream"

~Bern Willia~

Many Overdue hugs!

Go here to see more fun daybooks http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

2011-06-16T16:11:00.000-06:00

FOR TODAY June 16, 2011

Outside my window...It's cloudy and cold - I think it was only about 57 degrees the last time I checked the thermometer!

I am thankful for... Of course, I'm thankful for my family, especially for my husband. He works so hard so that I can live comfortably and have what I need - thank you honey!

From the learning rooms... I never stop learning, sometimes I have to learn the same lesson, over and over again!

From the kitchen... Julie's Cinnamon Roll Cake , it has become my husbands new favorite!

At first there was this much . . .

And then . . .

there was none . . .yummy~

I am wearing... Black capris, an orange shirt and no shoes . . . I just can't wear shoes . . . it's summer . . . anyway, it's suppose to be summer!?!

Fun pictures to share... This is Brody, playing with Jess, an old horse who just loves kids - obviously, Brody has no fear of horses! Brody has such a wonderful imagination, he plays really well by himself and just knows for sure that he has magic powers and can bend, air, water and fire; apparently, he can work magic with horses too...love you Brod-man!

I am going... going nowhere today!

I am reading... A fun book called, Vanished, a Maggie McKenzie Mystery, by Lynn Gardner.

I am hoping...

"When the world says, 'Give up,'
Hope whispers, 'Try it one more time.'"
~Author Unknown~

I am hearing... Total silence - yesterday the wind was blowing 40 mph, so I'm really enjoying the soft breeze that is blowing through the pine trees.

Around the house... I still need to do a load of laundry and vacuum the floors.

One of my favorite things... Watching my grandchildren grow~

Taylor Jo and Clara . . .

Clara . . . sound asleep . . .

Nathan . . . growing up way too fast!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Friday - Mow the lawn
Saturday - Work on a plan for Father's Day - yikes!
Sunday - Church - Celebrate our fathers!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

(source)

"Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language."

~Henry James~

Warm Hugs.

I love to check out other daybooks here: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

This and That Thursday . . .

2011-06-09T10:58:00.001-06:00

I love this porch! Wouldn't you just love to pull up a chair, have a cold drink and talk about your day?!

So, let's talk!! As most of you know, I have been listening to "oldies" on my playlist. I love oldies, I love the idea that I can be transported back in time, to the very place that I heard a song for the first time. For instance, I can remember exactly where I was the first time I heard, "Blue Velvet". I was in our yard on Rose Avenue; I was only 8 or 9 years old, but I can remember hearing the song coming through the window just like it was yesterday - I loved it immediately! I can also remember listening to Petula Clark singing, "My Love is Warmer than the Warmest Sunshine". I must have been watching the news on television at the same time, because I remember hearing that two little girls had fallen through the ice on the river near our home and drown . . . I was so sad; I think of those little girls today, whenever I hear that song . The day that my father passed away, I remember driving to Salt Lake City, he was at the Veteran's Hospital there. It was Halloween night, and there were little devils, witches, pirates, and princesses' going door-to-door, filling up their bags and pumpkins with candy. Stevie Wonder's, "I just Called to say I Love You", was the number one song that Fall, and I think they played it every 4th or 5th song. I can't hear it to this day without those same feelings of sadness coming back. Indulge me with one more! When I was in 6th grade the song, "Love is Blue", was very popular! I can remember listening it it with my friends and memorizing the lyrics - we loved that song, although my favorite version of the song does not have lyrics. All these songs are on my playlist to the right.

~More food for thought~

Would you like to turn back time? How many of us would really like to go back and re-live our past? Not me! There are sweet, tender moments in my life that I would love to re-live, like my wedding day, or the birth of my children and the feelings that I had the first time I held them in my arms. But, time marches on, and we live in the present, not the past! I know so many people who get caught up in the past, not wanting to change, or grow old, or move on. I try to live in the present, remember the past and embrace the future. I know that there will be lots of happy times, and sad times and times when I would just as soon live in the past, but . . . I'm looking forward to so many good things! I love antiques, old music, old photographs, and would never want to forget anyone who I have loved and lost. To know the past isn't always the same as it is to reflect upon and understand it. It's wonderful to embrace the past, but not live in it. I have learned some really valuable lessons from my past, and I have no intention on repeating them, those lessons have made me who I am today - and today, I am learning to like who I am.

Emily

Caleb

Swinging!

"I chase the sun and catch it, then

I let it chase me back again.

It captures me, but I don’t care;

I’m always happy in the air."

~Susan Noyes Anderson~

Warm Hugs,

Oops!

2011-06-03T14:25:00.001-06:00

Blogger has been driving me nuts! Sometimes, it won't let me post pictures that I have cropped, and if it does, it is very, very slow. So . . . I thought I would be really smart and try to figure out what the problem was (silly me), and accidentally deleted all of the comments on my last two posts. Blogger, blogger blogger! Just know that I read them and always love your comments!

Hugs,

Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

2011-06-02T14:29:00.000-06:00

FOR TODAY - June 2, 2011

Outside my window... It's cold today, only in the 50's! Yesterday was a beautiful day, a little windy, but absolutely gorgeous, almost 80 degrees!! I love the warm weather, but, like so many others around the country, we are having some real problems with flooding here in Idaho. Our snow-pack was very high last winter, and warming up too quick spells disaster for so many in my area.

I am thinking... The thinking part of my brain has been a little fuzzy, I just got over the gunk a few weeks ago and now I've got something else . . . cough, cough, sniff, sniff . . . :0(

I am thankful for... Birthdays! Everyone was very willing to help blow out the candles on Grandpa's birthday cake!

From the learning rooms... Our little Averi is learning so many lessons this year! Not only is she learning to dress herself, she is learning to eat by herself and hold babies!

Averi eating her breakfast . . . by herself!

Averi holding Nathan - he's almost as big as she is!

Averi cuddling with Clara!

Emily has also been learning this year - in fact she graduated from pre-school, and will be going to kindergarten next year! Hooray Emily, we are so proud of her!!

From the kitchen... Not much happening in my kitchen! I made a wonderful chocolate cake a few weeks ago - here's the recipe, it's my favorite - always turns out great!

Chocolate Buttermilk Cake

2 c. sugar

1 c. oil

3 eggs

1/2 c. cocoa

1 c. buttermilk*

2 1/2 c. flour

2 tsp. soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. boiling water

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix it all up in a big bowl and pour into a greased and floured 9 x 13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Frost with your favorite frosting!

* To make buttermilk, fill a 1 cup measure to within 1/2 inch of top with milk; fill rest of the way with vinegar and let set 3 minutes before using.

This is the only chocolate cake I make - it's so good!

I am wearing... Black PJ's and a fuzzy pink housecoat .

I am creating... Creativity?

I am going... Nowhere - no one wants what I have!

I am reading... "An Afternoon Walk", by Dorothy Eden.

I am hoping... That I feel better by the week-end.

I am hearing... Silence . . . I love it! They have finally finished the stretch of road construction past my house, and it feels so good not hearing all the heavy equipment going by. I'm also hearing wind - it never quits blowing in Idaho!

Around the house... I finally got my garden planted!

One of my favorite things... Cute pictures of my grandbabies!

Move over Elvis, cuteness has entered the room!

Ditto! Isn't Christian handsome?!

I thought I would share this cute video that Chris and Diana sent to me of Clara's newborn pictures - she is adorable!

Clara

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Thursday - finish laundry and get some work done outside, if I feel well enough... :0)
Saturday - make a menu and go grocery shopping.
Sunday - Church.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

"Flowers are those little colorful beacons of the sun from which we get sunshine when dark, somber skies blanket our thoughts."

~Dodinsky~

Hugs,

Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

2011-05-23T22:17:00.000-06:00

FOR TODAY - May 23, 2011

Outside my window... It's been a beautiful day with a little sunshine, some rain and it's actually not too cold! We got lots of rain this morning, just enough to water the garden.

I am thinking... I know, I know, I'm thinking how long it's been since I blogged - that seems to be my theme lately! Isn't it funny how quickly you can get out of the habit of blogging? Everyday I think about something that I want to blog about . . . an then it's gone . . . I'm a daydreamer, and my mind wanders . . . I'm going to try harder, I promise!

I am thankful for... My beautiful granddaughter - Taylor Jo.

She helped me plant the garden over the week-end! She loved it, and I love her!

From the learning rooms... The last few months have been a learning experience for me. With the birth of two new grandchildren, I have learned that I certainly do not have the energy and stamina that I used to have! I have also learned that getting over a sickness takes twice as long as it used to take! I would like to think that I will always be as agile and as full of life as I was when I was 20, but as Muhammad Ali says - The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20, has wasted 30 years of his life! So . . . onward and upward!

From the kitchen... Tonight - grilled chicken, Corn on the cob, and fresh asparagus . . . I may top it off with a thick slice of watermelon . . . yummy!

I am wearing... Jeans and a blue and white striped t-shirt - no socks!

I am creating... My creative juices are running very thin! Although, I did make a very cute car seat cover for Clara - very cute, wish I had taken a picture of it! I am going to make some aprons for Averi and a new skirt for Emily . . . soon!

I am going... to be taking lots of pictures with my new camera!! My husband bought me a new camera for our wedding anniversary - a Kodak Easyshare Max, I love it! It has some very fun features and takes wonderful pictures! So of course, I have been taking random pictures of everything and everyone - just because it's so fun!

Daddy and Clara - true love!

Our sweet little Clara is a binki baby - it's almost as big as she is!

Where did it go? Isn't she a cute little peanut?

Jessica and Nathan - he's such a big boy, and not even 3 months old in this picture! I could just pinch those little fat cheeks!

Caleb's not a baby anymore - but he sleeps like one...adorable! I just love his little cotton-top!

Gotta love em'! It's hard to believe that they were little once... :0(

I kind of like the mask - it hides a multitude of problems!

Averi has been working so hard on getting dressed by herself, and she's doing so good! Go Averi!

One night when I was soooo sick, my husband came home with a dozen red roses - I felt better immediately . . . thank you again honey!

A beautiful little Western Tanager eating from the bird feeder - I love these cute little birds!

I am reading... I haven't even had time to read! But...I do have a library book by my bed, does that count?

I am hoping... And praying for all those in Missouri who were affected by the tornado's - my love goes out to all my friends in that part of the country - be safe.

I am hearing... The music on my computer - Connie Frances, singing "Where the Boys are". I changed the playlist on my blog, I love oldies.

Around the house... Trying to catch up on laundry and blogging! I can't wait to read every blog!

One of my favorite things...

The smell of a spicy carnation, right from the garden!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Tomorrow is Emily's pre-school graduation - can't miss that!
Wednesday - Lunch and a Dr. Appointment with mom and sis!
Thursday - Haircut and hopefully lunch with my daughter's other mother... :0)
Friday - Picking up my daughter's kids for the week-end while they are on vacation - lots of fun!
Saturday - My husbands birthday, food, fun and cake!
Sunday - Church.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

May 21st was Chris and Diana's first wedding anniversary! I can hardly believe everything that has happened in a year! This was a picture I got of a stolen kiss after they cut the cake...precious.

'Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end. '

~Author Unknown~

Hugs,

Go here to read other daybook entries from amazing women!
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Straight from the Arms of Angels...

2011-05-04T17:28:00.002-06:00

Well, I'll bet you can guess what my post is about today! She's finally here . . .

meet Clara Josephine!

She's only a few minutes old in this picture . . . already a happy baby!

Clara has captured her grandma's heart . . . what a little angel!

She also stole Brody's heart . . .

And, her daddy's heart . . .

As I held this sweet little girl in my arms. I could not help but think of Hannah. I know that Hannah was with Clara on the other side . . . loving her and cherishing her . . . she will still be with her . . . loving her, and missing her until they meet again. She will be cheering her on when she needs it and weeping with her when she has a broken heart. I know without a doubt, that Clara came from God's arms, to Hannah's . . . to ours. What a precious gift!

Now . . . it's time to sleep!

Warm hugs,

Scatter Sunshine!!

2011-04-28T12:14:00.000-06:00

"Basketful of Sunshine" by Morgan Weisling

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.

~Anthony J. D'Angelo~

Hugs,

Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-04-20T12:03:00.006-06:00

FOR TODAY - April 20, 2011

Outside my window... It's still cold outside!! I am having such a hard time being patient, it's been cold for sooooooo long! And the wind . . . I can't even go there!! Well, enough complaining . . . it's a beautiful Spring morning, the wind hasn't picked up yet, and the sky is just slightly overcast - Spring really is going to get here!

I am thinking... I can't believe it's been almost a month since I have posted! I have been going through boxes and boxes of old pictures and trying to catch up on some genealogy. I promised myself that I would get it done and organized, and it has really consumed my time! I'm hoping to share some fun things in future posts!

I am thankful for... My husband. Yesterday was our 37th wedding anniversary . . . I know, that's a long time!! He took the day off of work, and we spent the day together. We started with breakfast at Bubba's, even the name sounds fattening! Then we went shopping at the gun shop - I got him a new holster for one of his handguns and a "good" pair of sunglasses! He got me a new camera, I'm so excited!!! He had to order it, so it's not here yet, but I can't wait to get it and start shooting - now that's my kind of gun! I wonder if they make holsters for cameras? Then off to the garden center to get some much needed items before we start yard work. We ended having dinner at Red Lobster, I love the coconut shrimp! On our way home, we took the scenic route - not very pretty this time of year, but it was so much fun spending time with my sweetheart!

I just had to share this picture! This is Bob and I getting ready to go to my high school Senior Prom! It was about 4 months before we got married - I can't believe how young we look! Going through all these old pictures has sure brought back some beautiful and awesome memories!

From the learning rooms... Again, going through so many old pictures of Bob and I, our children and grandchildren, family and old friends, has brought back so many cherished memories! I am learning that time does not stand still for any of us, we certainly need to make the very best of every minute, of every day that we are given! Tell those that we love so much . . . that we love them!

From the kitchen... Not much going on in my kitchen these days! I am going to make a chicken casserole and steamed broccoli for dinner tonight - the casserole's not the most healthy recipe, but it's tasty and easy. I use low fat soup and only about 1/3 cup butter - still turns out yummy!

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

2 chicken breasts

6 oz. egg noodles

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 c. sour cream

1 ½ c. cracker crumbs (Ritz or Club)

Salt, pepper and paprika to taste

½ c. butter

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook chicken and shred it. Cook Noodles. Mix chicken and noodles together. In a separate bowl, mix soups and sour cream together. Season with salt, pepper and paprika. Gently stir together the cream soup mixture with the chicken mixture. Put this into a 9x13 pan. Melt the butter and mix it with the cracker crumbs. Spread this on top of the casserole. Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through and golden brown.

I am wearing... Jeans, a comfy brown, fleece shirt and brown socks - I can't believe I still have to wear socks, I should be wearing flip flops!

I am creating... I am trying so hard to create organization out of chaos!

I am going... No where today, staying home!

I am reading... Nothing at the moment!

I am hoping... To get caught up on my blogging - I've really missed all my sweet blogging friends!

I am hearing... The Zac Brown Band, singing Highway 20 Ride, and my computer quietly buzzing along, happy to be working again.

Around the house... Just general cleaning today, maybe a batch of laundry or two.

One of my favorite things... One of my favorite things is opening the windows when the sun is shinning. Nothing like letting the fresh air fill the house on a cool spring day.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Today - More organizing, laundry light cleaning

Tomorrow - I want to go see my Nephew and his sweet wife - they just had a little baby girl on the 18th - lots of babies in our family!

Friday - Yard work!

Saturday - More yard work!

Sunday - Church, Easter dinner with my kids.

Here are a few pictures from, birthdays, blessings and other happy times...

For Christian's birthday, grandpa and I got him a .22 rifle - he's really checking it out! Later they went target shooting, what fun!

Next was Brody's birthday! He wanted chicken Alfredo and cheesecake for his birthday . . . wish granted!!

Nathan's blessing day - isn't he adorable! What a joy he has been in our lives!

Emily's birthday (she loves to pose!). Caleb is holding, "Crusty" the lobster, one of the only presents that Emily wanted for her birthday!

Caleb, having fun with Emily's singing birthday card! It doesn't take much to make a little boy happy... :0)

Our sweet little Nathan, growing up wayyyyy tooooo fast!

Great- grandma and Nathan - bonding time!

Christian, giving Nathan some hugs! My oldest grandson and my youngest grandson . . . Love it!

Nathan and Jane . . . I wonder how many pictures we will take of these two little babies?! Aren't they cute?

A cute picture of great-grandma cuddling with Jane - so many cute babies to love!

"We do not remember days; we remember moments." ~Cesare Pavese~

Many warm hugs,

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Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-03-28T18:06:00.000-06:00

FOR TODAY - March 28, 2011

Outside my window... Hi - It's good to be back! Too bad that it snowed at least 3 inches this morning! I'm still holding out hope for Spring, I know it will get here. My only consolation, is that the snow covered up all of the brown grass and helped me forget for a minute how much work I have to do when the snow melts!

I am thinking... About how long it's been since I last posted! March has gone by so quickly - so many birthdays and other fun things going on. It's good to be back, I feel like I've missed soooo much!

I am thankful for... My family! I find that the older I get, the more I appreciate my husband and children . . . they are all so good to me!

A thought I am sharing...

Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.

~Mark Twain~

From the kitchen... Since it was so cold and snowy outside, I decided to make beef stew and cornbread for dinner.

This is one of my favorite recipes - it's really sweet and could easily be mistaken for cake, but here in Idaho, we love it that way!!

CORN BREAD

1 c. butter 4 tsp. baking powder

1 c. sugar 1/2 tsp. salt

3 eggs 1 c. cornmeal

2 c. flour 1 c. milk

Cream butter and sugar together; add eggs, one at a time. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix with corn meal. Add milk alternately to flour mixture. Bake in a well greased 9x13 pan at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Yummmm

I am wearing... Jeans, a long-sleeved shirt with pink flowers on it and slippers!

I am creating... I just got done crocheting this baby dress with matching booties for Clara (who has not been born yet) - it took me a long time. . . but it was worth all of the mistakes and effort... :0)

I am going... To go to Emily's birthday party on the 30th! That will be the end of the birthdays for March!

I am reading... I really, really want to get lost in a good book - any suggestions?

I am hoping... That the weather clears up so that I can get outside!

I am hearing... The computer - it hasn't worked this hard in weeks!

Around the house... I've been puttering, trying to get some laundry done, fix dinner, vacuum, clean bathrooms, change the bed. You know, just normal, everyday things that need done.

One of my favorite things... My new fetish - Doterra essential oils! I have asthma, and the blend called "Breath" is wonderful!! I just put a few drops in my hand, cup them over my mouth and nose and . . . breath!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Tuesday - finish cleaning my house.

Wednesday - get Emily's birthday present put together - and party!

Thursday - I really need to make some time for myself that day, maybe catch up on some blogging and commenting.

Friday - My sweet neighbor is turning 95, so I will bring her a gift and wish her a happy birthday - she is one of my best friends!!

Saturday and Sunday - Enjoy!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

These are our two little babies that were born on the same day! They are already growing up way too fast!

Hugs,

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March Madness!!

2011-03-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

Wow, the last few weeks have been crazy . . . in a wonderful way! I don't think it's going to get much better, as we have three grandson's having birthdays next week on the 15th, 16th and 17th, my mother on the 22nd and another sweet granddaughter on the 30th! In between all of that, we are having a baby shower for my wonderful daughter-in-law on the 26th! Life can get crazy!

I just wanted to share a few pictures, and a little update on the newest member of our family! I spent a few days with Jessica and the kids last week and these are some of the pictures I took.

Our sweet little Nathan - happy, healthy and very loved. He had a Dr. appointment yesterday, and got a clean bill of health! He is still on oxygen at night, but doing wonderful! He is so cute and cuddly - he has lots of grandma's, grandpa's, aunt's, uncle's, two adoring siblings, and a mom and dad who love to dote over him . . . . . he's a very lucky little boy!

Emily and Caleb - they love to "hold the baby"!

Emily is such a good big sister!

He wasn't crazy about his bath . . . but, isn't he cute?! He looks so much like his mama when she was a baby!

Life can get crazy for all of us - but let's not get too busy to remember those who have lost so much in Japan and keep them in our prayers.

Have a great Saturday~

Hugs,

A Quick Update . . .

2011-03-02T22:01:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful Little, Nathan Robert is improving! His mommy and daddy got to hold him today, although, he is still on oxygen and has pneumonia in one lung, he is doing better and getting wonderful medical treatment. They have him sedated so that he doesn't move around and get too agitated, that helps keep his oxygen level up. I can hardly wait to cuddle with this adorable little man! He reminds me so much of his mother when she was born. As the grandmother, my heart just breaks for my daughter. Watching your children go through such stress, pain and frustration is almost harder than if you had to go through it yourself . . . I would love to take her pain away. Hopefully, he will be able to go home next Tuesday. Please continue to pray for our sweet boy.

My sister graciously gave me permission to post her adorable little granddaughter's picture, as her blogger isn't working for her! Introducing the beautiful, Jane Josephine! I wish I would have taken a picture of her without the hat. This little girl has the most beautiful, lush head of hair I have ever seen! Her father is half Peruvian, so she inherited that beautiful olive skin tone and a head full of gorgeous black hair, she is such an angel! She is thriving and doing well enough to go home tomorrow. Mommy is also doing great!

We are all feeling tired today, but very blessed to have these two beautiful babies in our lives. What fun they will have getting to know each other and sharing a birthday!

Warm Hugs,

He is here . . . and so is she!!

2011-03-01T20:49:00.001-07:00

~Our sweet baby boy~

The ~~baby~~, babies have arrived!! Let me explain . . .

First of all, let me fill you in on a few fun facts. My sister and I had baby daughters almost exactly one month apart. The two girls have always been close - in fact I tease Karen (my sister), because Heather, her daughter, is so much like me, and Jessica, my daughter, is so much like her. I think that they must have played a joke on us in Heaven, and switched parents, to see if we would noticed . . . heheheh! Anyway, when they found out they were pregnant, they also found out that they had the same delivery date!! So . . . today, while I was getting ready to go to the hospital, my sister called and said that Heather may be having her baby today too! I was so excited, because that was Jessica's prayer, that they would be in the same hospital at the same time! I got there about 10:00 a.m., and found out very quickly, that Heather and her husband were also there, getting ready to have a baby!!!

Jessica - feeling very scared!

Heather feeling very scared!

(Neither one will probably ever talk to me again after seeing their pictures on my blog! But I think they are beautiful!!)

Sooooooo . . . Jessica had her sweet baby boy, 8 pounds 2 ounces . . . and 40 minutes later, Heather had her sweet baby girl . . . 7 pounds!! Both mama's doing just fine - we are so blessed!

Our sweet baby boy is having some problems with his lungs and has to be on oxygen - very common with c-sections. He will be fine, but mom cannot hold him for maybe up to 7 days! Very distressing for her (and me!). He's just beautiful!! A round little man with lots of dark hair! I'll post a better picture when I don't have to have a glass window in the way!

Heather's adorable baby girl is doing wonderful! I didn't post her picture . . . that's reserved for her grandma!

Both grandma's doing just fine - very happy and very relieved! Giving thanks to Heavenly Father for blessing us with these sweet little miracles and for watching over our girls!

Two very happy grandmas!

I'm the one with glasses... :0)

A great big hug and thank you to all my sweet friends who prayed and sent good wishes for me and my daughter - you are all so very precious to me.

Warm hugs,

I'm off...

2011-03-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready to go to the hospital! We should have a baby at about 12:15 this afternoon! Please send lots of prayers our way. I don't think a mother ever stops worrying about her children . . . I'm just as nervous with my seventh grandchild as I was with my first!

Hugs,