Tag! I guess I'm It! 7 things about me...

Tricia tagged me so here's my list of 7 things about me...
7 things I can do
1. Sew, quilt and long stitch embroidery
2. Make homemade rolls (finally)
3. Love my Grandkids
4. Love my family
5. Cook (maybe, ask Dave)
6. Decorate (a little bit)
7. Make people feel comfortable


7 Things I cannot do
1. Understand computers
2. make a decision
3. have my whole house clean at one time (there is always something that needs done)
4. sing
5. play a musical instrument
6. stay on a diet and loose weight
7. get everything done that I want to

7 Things that attracted me to Dave
1. He was so tall
2. He has the most wonderful blue eyes
3. He liked me
4. He is so outdoorsey
5. He made me laugh
6. He is so easy going
7. His kisses did and still make me melt

7 Things I say most often
1. I love you
2. I need to get that done...
3. I am so tired
4. I need to loose weight
5. Dave we need to...
6. Grammy is going to get you!
7. What do you want for dinner?

7 Celebrity Admirations
1. President Hinckley
2. Catherine Jeta-Jones (I just think she is so pretty)
3. Tom Selleck
4. Kelly Albiston
5. Dixie Wise
6. Gina McGary
7. Santa Clause

7 Favorite Foods
1. Pizza
2. Chicken anything
3. Halibet and Shrimp
4. Chocolate cake (yes that is a food group all by itself)
5. eggs
6. Cheese on anything
7. Hamburgers

7 People to tag
1. Lacy F
2. Ashley R
3. Shirley R
4. Megan M
5. Jessie L
6. Dave A
7. Melissa H

8 THINGS

8 Things I am Passionate About:
1 My children
2 My Grandchildren
3 My Family
4 My religion
5 Becoming a better person
6 The outdoors
7 Getting organized
8 Preparedness

8 words/phrases I use often:
1 Dave,Will you help me with this?
2 DAVE, Will you help me with this Please!
3 What do you want for dinner?
4 Going Hunting again????
5 Grammy Loves you!!!
6 Grammy’s going to get your belly!
7 To Jace or Brendon, “Do you have to go potty?”
8 Stop running through the house or don’t touch that it’s hot!

8 things I want to do before I die:
1 I want my whole family to go on a trip (anywhere)
2 Go on a mission with Dave
3 Be a better wife, mother and grandmother.
4 Lighten up
5 Go to a Broadway musical
6 Lose my baby weight (my baby is 28 years old)
7 Take a pottery class
8 Travel and see more places

8 things I've learned in the past:
1 Be nice to your children, they become the parents of your Grandchildren
2 Respect everyone. We are all brothers and sisters.
3 I can learn a new job
4 The church is true.
5 Listen to the spirit.
6 Pay attention while driving.
7 My kids, now days, know more than me about almost everything
8 Enjoy today, tomorrow will be here way too soon

8 things I currently want/need:
1 Sleep
2 Vacation
3 To loose some weight
4 To see a back doctor
5 For Dave to finally understand me
6 A new home ( with a basement for storage)
7 To be prepared – Spiritually, physically, financially, food storage, etc
8 For a big wind to blow all of the leaves away that are pilling up outside my window right now

8 Things that happened yesterday:
1 Went to church
2 Dave and I received a new church calling “Substitute teachers for Primary”
3 Took a nap
4 Made homemade chili
5 Made cornbread
6 Read a magazine
7 Had dinner with Dave, Shane, Dixie, Brendon and Lauren visited with Tom, Gina, Jace & Emery
8 Watched tv with Dave

8 Things I look forward to:
1 Twilight movie!!!
2 Thanksgiving
3 My birthday
4 Christmas
5 Having more grandchildren
6 Watching my children become parents (they are funny)
7 Getting organized (one day this will happen)
8 To become more healthy and growing old with Dave

8 Things I love about fall:
1 The smell of the air outside
2 Cooler temperatures
3 Orange, yellow and red leaves
4 Soup/stews/chili
5 Hot chocolate
6 Cozy fireplaces
7 Harvest Fest
8 Decorations

Rolls, Rolls and more Rolls

Tah Dah

Well, I have finally perfected the roll recipe. Even though it has taken several tries with some of the rolls looking more like Hocky Pucks! One batch looked great, but tasted like the oil I used, so this is the best one I have come up with. My girls said I have to post exactly what I do, so here it goes.
Feather Rolls
4-5 Cups White Flour (I use 4 3/4 cups total)
2 Tlbs Saf-instant yeast (at room temperature)
1 Tlb Dough Enhancer
1/4 Cup Nonfat Dry Milk
1 1/2 Cups Warm Water (120 to 130 degrees)
1/4 Cup White Sugar or Honey

1/3 Cup Oil (melted butter)
2 Large Eggs (at room temp, or I let them sit in hot water for a few minutes to warm them up)
2 tsp Salt


Mix 2 1/2 Cups flour, dry yeast, nonfat dry milk, and dough enhancer in large mixer bowl. (I use my Kitchen Aid mixer, thanks Kelly) Add water, oil, sugar or honey. Mix well for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off mixer, cover bowl and let dough sponge for 10 minutes. (So it looks like pancake batter) Mix eggs in a small bowl and add to mixture, add salt. Turn on mixer. Add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough begins to clean the sides of the bowl. (I add 2 1/4 cups flour) Knead for 5 - 6 minutes. Dough should be very soft and manageable (almost sticky) Stiff dough produces heavy, dry rolls. If dough stiffens while mixing, drizzle a little warm water over dough as it kneads. Dough may be used immediately or covered and stored in the refrigerator for several days. (I let the dough set in the covered bowl for about 10 minutes)
Lightly oil hands, (I use melted butter) Shape into rolls and place in an oiled pan (spray with Pam)(I use my Lasagna pan and make 20 rolls) Cover and let raise until very light, at least double in size. ( About 30 -45 minutes if room is warm)
Bake: 350 for 15- 18 minutes (Don't overbake, they should be very light brown)
* I get the Saf-instant yeast and dough enhancer at the Preparedness Store, corner of Yellowstone and 1st Street

Sleeping Beauty (No not Me, silly)

Yahooo! I have added Sleeping Beauty to my grandma's videos collection. It was just released today. I am so anxious to have the grandkids over so they can watch it as soon as possible. (I think I am more anxious to watch it myself!!) These Disney movies bring back memories of when my kids were little. I remember that we had an audio cassette tape and story book combo for a bunch of stories like Sleeping Beauty. (Hey, Dixie, Kelly and Gina - do you remember them? And the black tape player that was just for you guys)
We are all well and doing great. This Sat. is Harvest Fest, (hoping and praying we DON'T have snow or rain) then next weekend we are going to Salt Lake for David Keaton Albiston's blessing.
I have not given up on the bread making. I bought a new breadmaker (Sunbeam) it has made a couple of good loafs. I am still tweeking the recipes. I did have some success with white rolls this last Sunday, made with my KitchenAid and baked in the oven - I'm getting there. Bread making is so tricky - there are so many little variations that can make a bread loaf or a brick loaf. Dave has so much patience, he eats the bread no matter what it looks like or how heavy it is. But I did notice that he poured on the peach jam! Yes, I did make some Peach jam and Pear butter. They both turned out great and it is a good thing they did because you need something slippery to get the brick bread to go down. Love to all!

Fall is Falling!

I truely love this time of year! I love the feel in the air, the beautiful colors and the lower temperatures, and it just seems peaceful somehow. I have been doing the same 'ol things; working, cooking and cleaning house, and trying to exercise every day. I want to get a few projects completed. The biggest one weighing on me is trying to get all of my old photos organized. I have decided to just scrap book the camping and maybe the Christmas ones. The rest will go in to photo albums (anyway that is my plan) So far I have retrieved the boxes from the closet, put them on the dinning room table for a couple of days, then moved them to the desk in the family room. I know, I know! I am making great progress huh!
My nephew, Mike Ryan got married on Sept. 19th at the Rexburg temple. I helped my sister with the luncheon afterwards for about 80 people. The reception was that night and they held an Open House for the couple on Sept 26th here in Idaho Falls. I spent most of Friday helping to set up and decorate the church gym, and set out the refreshments, along with all of my sisters. It was fun to do "Wedding Stuff" again. It is such a fun and happy time, it was great to be involved and to help Ida. She is always so willing to help all of our families with anything we ever need.
Saturday, Sept 27, Gina decided to surprise Tom. They went out to dinner and to a movie then the surprise... she made reseravations at a hotel for the night. Dave and I had Jace and Emery over night! We took them to church this morning at 9:00 but only made it through Sacrament meeting before the natives started getting restless and we came home. Gina and Tom met us at our house, and took the kids home. Now, after a 2 and 1/2 hour nap, I think I am back to normal. It is almost 6:00 and we are going to have possibly the last BBQ of the summer. Hamburgers, corn on the cob, & green salad . For dessert I am having lemon cake with a warm lemon sauce over it. Soo, I had better get going!! Love to all my family and friends!! (Melissa - it was good to see you, you inspired me to post my ramblings again)

Like Sand in the Hour Glass... So are the Days of My Life..

I liked Kelly's idea to blog once a week. I can do that!! I can't hardly find the time to read the blogs I want to let alone come up with something witty and charming to put on my blog every day. So like most things that are on my to do list, I put it off until tomorrow. But I am going to give it a good 'ol try again. Come old gal - you can do it!!
I love this time of year! I love the 75 to 85 degree weather (just right). I love watching the leaves on the beautiful "Umbrella Tree" outside my office window turn golden and one by one fall off of the tree. I love the smell in the air! I have been on a baking kick lately, mostly bread. Dave is going hunting tomorrow so I made a couple of banana breads for him to take with him. They turned out great! Now, however, my whole wheat bread is another matter. I can't get it to raise correctly. But I am not giving up! I took a picture of the last poor little loaf but the card reader isn't working so I can't show you a picure of the pathetic looking thing (picture a pretty brown brick and you will be pretty close) If anyone has any bread making skill they would like to share with me I am open to any and all help.

Nothing new here, same ol' same ol'

Nothing much going on here at Grammy's house. Just working and trying to get caught up (which never happens) We have had a great summer so far. We were able to go camping (but I want to go again) we've had a ton of Bar-B-Q's in the back yard and enjoyed lots of games and just lounging and visiting with the kids. I have to say, my kids are my best friends. I love spending time together as a family. As soon as Tricia and Kelly have the new little baby (Keaton) I will going there to spend some time with them and help out. I can't wait...

A Camping We Will go.....

We took a family camping trip to Reservoir Lake June 25 -30Th. It was one of the most relaxing and fun trips we have taken. Shane and Dixie borrowed his Dad's trailer and the rest of us were in tents. The weather was perfect, not too hot and not too cold. This Lake is one of the most beautiful places on earth (anyway I think so). We fished, hiked around the lake, road 4-wheelers, played in the water, I sat in the hammock and starred at the lake, and we played games (Farming Game mostly) I think Lauren had the most fun with a shovel and a bucket of dirt. (Her face looks like it anyway) We kept our menu simple with easy breakfasts, sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, foil dinners, tacos and of course we had to have dutch oven chicken and potatoes. As I sat by the lake one day and pondered all of my blessings, I am reminded of how much Heavenly Father has blessed my family, what a beautiful world we live in, and all of the freedoms we enjoy in this country. God Bless America! Happy Fourth of July :)

Yes! I am still alive!

I am still alive and kicking! I just can't find the time in the day to get eveything done and find time to blog. I am slower these days and don't get as much done as I used to. We have a baby shower for Tricia and Lacy, they are both having boys, and the family reunion is at our house this year. Shower is Friday night and the reunion is Saturday. I am trying to get the cleaning done and make a quilt for little Keaton (and I am struggling with it) Work is busy, I just think I am on top of things and bam! there are more patients! (It's ok, I would rather be busy than bored) Just want all of my fam to know that I love ya!!!

Hardest decision I have ever made?

I have been thinking about Shane and Dixie's decision to leave Press A Print. I know it was a tough decision for them. It got me thinking about past decisions I have had to make. I think one of the toughest was when I left the school district to work for Kelly (Orbit Medical) After 25 years at the school it was tough to decide to leave but, as soon as I made the jump I haven't looked back! It has been the best thing I have ever done. I love my job and I love working from home. Thanks again Kelly!! So, everybody... What are some of the tough decisions you have had to make and what was the outcome??

Going back in Time...

Tah Dah!! My Easter Bunny cake that I made. It isn't really very good at all, but it was fun. Last year I let the grandkids help frost it, I think it was better than this one I did by myself. I need to get some pointers from Lacy. (And I can't figure out how to rotate pictures, I'll get it figured out - but any help would be appreciated :)

This Ol' Dog Learned a New Trick!

I have learned how to download my pictures from my camera, I know dah it is easy! Well, I am a slow learner!! Most of my pictures are so old so these are the new ones. Papa and I tended Livie while Kelly and Tricia went to Cancun. We took her to Hogle Zoo on Sat. morning. She loved the zoo, but mostly loved being in the backpack! Here Kitty Kitty Kitty!

She wasn't too sure about the train, but

loved the Giraffe !











She loved trying to get her little ducky to sit on top of this exercise ball at their house. Of course he would only stay there a few seconds then fall off. Oh how I love those infectious giggles of hers. She would concentrate so hard.... then just laugh and laugh when he would fall off.

My Favorite Things For April

1) This month I flew to Sandy Utah and tended little Olivia while Kelly and Tricia went on a trip (Wed - Sun) I left I.F. at noon on Tues. April 1st and then Dave drove down on Friday night and I came home with him on Sunday afternoon. I had a wonderful time with Livie, we went for walks everyday. Most of our day would revolve around what to eat for brekfast, what to eat for lunch and of course what to eat for dinner! Then we would throw in a ton of playing and chasing her around the house. Grandpa & I took her to Hogle Zoo Sat morning, she loved the animals. When we got home Sunday night, we stopped at Dixie and Shane's house, they fed us dinner and it was great to get some more hugs and kisses from Brendon & Lauren. We saw Gina & Tom & their family on Mon. and we all went to eat dinner at the New Hong Kong that night (got some more hugs from Jace and 1 little one from Emery)

2) I have started to use Meleluca products. I can't believe I have lived here all my life and never used them. I love the vitamins, cleaning products, and the Renew lotion is wonderful.

3) On the 26th about 15 or so Albiston women are getting together for a "Spa Day" here in IF, followed by dinner at Olive Garden (I can't wait for my pedicure, massage and facial, ahhhh relaxation)

4) On April 30th (evening) My 3 sisters and I are all going to go to BYU Provo to Women's Conference. We are shopping and gabbing on Thurs and attending classes on Friday then home on Sat evening. I can't wait for this trip too.

5) I love the Spring weather, watching little flowers poke their noses through the ground and then Mother Nature freezes their "little buds off" and snows on everything AGAIN! I wish it would quite snowing and get on with Spring!

6) And, Emery gained some weight, she is such a tiny little thing. Well, this is my month of April past and future. See Ya later- Peace Baby

More Tidbits about ME!

My "favorite" animal, none I don't like them. Yes, these are vultures!
Where I live, "Idaho Falls"
My favorite food, Shrimp!
Favorite desert, Coconut Cream Pie
Favorite Object, My Grandmother's tea pot.
My favorite color, probably is Red
My pet's name is Tiggr !


I would like to travel to Scotland!!

My job as a Secretary!

Some of My Favorite Things...

I love movie theater popcorn with lots of butter, working on an embroidery project, reading a good book or magazine, camping, sitting in front of a warm fire on a cold day and watching it snow or rain. I love Christmas and everything that goes with it. I love curling up on the couch with Dave to watch a good movie. I love my family and being with all of them as often as we can be together.

Thing that make you go hummm

1. If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea... does that mean that one enjoys it?
2. Isn't making a smoking section in a restaurant like making a peeing section in a swimming pool? (My sentiments exactly!)
3. If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?
4. Why do croutons come in airtight packages? Aren't they just stale bread to begin with?
6. Why isn't the number 11 pronounced onety one?
7. What hair color do they put on the driver's licenses of bald men? (I'll go ask Dave)
8. If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it Fed UP?
9. If it is true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?
10. Whatever happened to Preparations A thru G??

LIVE EACH DAY TO THE FULLEST...

Yesterday's troubles are written in sand, brushed out of existence by God's own hand. The things of the future, our hearts may fear, can all be resolved when tomorrow is here. Out of a lifetime, these hours alone, the hours of TODAY are completely our own - So as each sun is setting there's reason to say "Thanks Lord, for your gifts - above all for this day" Joan K McManus

Movies Movies Movies! I Love Em Too!

Dixie wants to know everyones top ten movie list.

So, here is my list:

Meet Joe Black

Somewhere In Time
Indiana Jones (All of them)
Lord of the Rings (All of them)

Star Wars (All of them)

Star Trek (All of them)
Night at the Museum
Air Force One
Patriot Games (and all of the other Jack Ryan movies)
Do any of mine match with any of your favorites!!

Got me Thinking....

On Dixie's blog she wanted to know what we all liked to do for Deep Play. Well, one of the things I said I liked to do was go camping. And... that got me thinking. I want to plan a long camping trip to Reservoir Lake for this summer. I am thinking of renting a trailer from OK Trailers in Shelley for a week. (They have the best rental prices around) Take a look at this picture, YES this is relaxing!! So, family members; if you can picture yourself in this boat, check your calendars and see when would be a good time for you. You could come up for any amount of time you want, the Hot Dog, oh I mean Grandpa & I will be there. What do you think??

Not Gross At All!

Well, last night I think was a first! Tom and Dave were in the family room watching a guy movie. Dixie, Gina and I were in my home office and I was feeding sweet little Emery a bottle. She didn't act very hungry and after only an ounce she stopped eating and gave a little burp. Then I put her up on my shoulder, (close to my colar bone - for the visual effect) she didn't make a sound, just proceeded to up-chuck down my neck. It went straight down the front of my shirt and puddled in my bra between my tah-tahs! I was so shocked I just stood there, while the girls were laughing. Then I swear that my sweet little granddaughter smiled! I guess it was just a matter of time before one of my grandkids gave me a complete "Willow" (family joke) But I don't mind. I love my grandkids! And... it really wasn't gross at all, right....

Colleen's Easy Taco Soup

I had some left over taco seasoned hamburger and I made a delicious soup. Check it out, it was so easy.

1- 14 oz Can Beef Broth
1- Can Campbell Select Harvest Tomato soup with Basil
1- 15 oz Can Tomato Sauce
1- Can Diced Tomatoes with Bell Peppers
1- Pint Mild Salsa
1- Can Mexicorn
2- Cans Red Beans
1- Pint Taco Seasoned Hamburger (or more if you want)
1/2 Cup Diced Onions
1/2 Box Healthy Harvest Whole Wheat Rotini

Simmer all ingredients together over low heat, serve with Gratted Cheese and Corn Chips.

Ok, Tag it is!

Ten years ago... My dad had just recently passed away on Aug. 29, 1997 and I missed him a lot. I was driving a mint green mini van. (Remember the fun trip we took to California in it) I didn't have any son-in-laws or a daughter in law because none of my children were married yet. Most important; I didn't have the little joys in my life, my grankids. I was working at Bonneville High School as the Registrar, and probably hating the stress - I was about 50 pounds lighter than I am now - Dave still had some hair on his head (not counting the ones in his ears and nose) - and ah, I had a better memory then than I do now!

Things on my To Do List (I will do Monday, cause Sunday is almost over)
1) Work , work and work. 2) Walk on my treadmill, ride exercise bike. 3) Shower 4) Watch my recorded soap opera 5) Clean the house 6) Come up with something to make for dinner with chicken breasts 7) Try to come up with a Birthday present for Tricia (hey any ideas??)

If I were suddenly a billionaire... I would pay off all of our bills (after tithing and taxes, of course) then pay off all of my kids bills, buy a new house, have a personal trainer, housekeeper and chef, and a masseuse named Sven, be financially prepared for retirement, travel to places I have always wanted to go, buy a plane so I could fly to see Kelly, Tricia, Livie and the little man child any time I wanted to. Then help the needy. (Boy, I sound selfish, but that is what I would do. I agree with Dixie, why do we torture ourselves with this question?)

What's under my bed... 6 drawers on Dave's side of the bed and 6 on my side, all full of clothes. And also there is a little space right in the middle, it has some old keepsakes in there. Hey, I haven't pulled them out in a long, long time.

5 Bad habits ... Bite my nails, pick my elbow, eat too much, exercise too little, make lists of things I want to get done then I can't remember where I put the list.

5 Things about me that no one knows ... not much hidden, I am a pretty open book, what you see is what you get.

5 Places I have lived... Heaven, Shelley, Osgood, Caldwell, Meridian, Idaho Falls (ahah that's 6)

My favorite foods to snack on... chips and salsa, carrotts and celery with dip, popcorn, carmel corn, Heath candy bars, potato chips and Fritos, apples and bananas dipped in that cream cheese and marshmellow dip, homemade icecream, Wingers wings (oh that probably should be a meal, not a snack) peanuts, and everything else that tastes good but is probably not good for me, I love that too.

Help! I've been captured by a Vampire & Werewolf!

I have finished the Twilight Series books. Yahh!! and I have to admit I really enjoyed them, even with the silly High School stuff. I am hooked and I can't wait for the 4th book to come out. Yes, these books did capture me and held me hostage until I could finish them. Dave said I should have read them slowly and savored them, but you just have to know what happens next you can't put them down.

Our Newest Little Angel

This is a picture of our newest little Granddaughter, Emery Lee McGary, on her blessing day. She is 2 months old and is such a sweetheart. I love to kiss her chubby little cheeks.

We just found out on Friday (Feb 8) that Kelly and Tricia are having a BOY! We are soooo excited and can't wait for him to get here. He is due July 25th. We now have 3 Granddaughters and he will make 3 Grandsons. Wow, thanks to my kids for keeping it so balanced! They will each have a boy and a girl, cool huh!. They are all such great parents.

I Am A Follower!!

Ok folks I guess I am a follower. Gina has me hooked on this series. I started reading Twilight and could not put it down. I felt a little foolish because I had given her a hard time cause she had her nose in a book for weeks. I finished it today and I hurried to call Gina to say "Hurry, give me the next Book!" I just got home from her house with the next book in the series; New Moon. I am making myself do some "other things" before I can start reading again.

OK, let me see if I can figure this out....

Ok, I am going to try and figure out how to blog all by myself! (I'm a big girl, in more ways than one, he he) I have been waiting for Gina to help me learn how to blog, but she is a little bit busy with having her new little one (Emery Lee). I am not quite sure what I am doing, so bare with me :) My only hope is that I am not toooo boring.