Thought for April

Happiness Thought for April:

"The key is not to prioritize what's on your

schedule, but to schedule your priorities."

Steve Covey

Woops I missed March's thought

I had this "posted" on my desk for March but forgot to post it on my blog so here it is -

Thought for March:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,

but by the moments that take our breath away.

February's note of LOVE

Have Hope
Be Strong
Laugh Loud
Play hard
Live in the Moment
Smile Often
Dream big
Remember You are Loved
And Never Never Give Up!

Thought for January 2012

Laugh when you can,
Apologize when you should,
and let go of what you can't change.
Kiss slowly, forgive quickly,
Play hard, take chances,
Give everything, and have no Regrets.
Life is too short to be anything but Happy!

Tah dahhh tah dahhhh

Well, it is now Jan. 2012 and my last post was way back in July 2011. I have made a resolution. Well, it is more of a buckety, goals, resolutions, list I guess. I have decided to write down 12 things for 2012 that I want to accomplish or maybe it is something I want to work on each month during the year. For starters, I am committing to post on my blog and Facebook at least 12 times during the year - see easy huh! I should be able to do that one - only once a month. The goal here is to re- connect and stay in touch with friends and family. My list is by no means complete but so far I have the above on the list and... Calling my mother-in-law and mother once a month (at least) also - reading the Ensign from cover to cover each month (not just one or two articles here and there) Nest, Add to food storage each month (go to the cannery for wet pack before it closes end of June) And to organize and complete our 72 hr kits. We have really nice full backpacks from Kelly (thanks) but they now need reorganized and updated. My "list' needs to be completed by the end of Jan - so I need to get choppin!!!

Captain America oh yah

Finally a movie that I have been waiting for forever has hit the screen! Oh Yah it was well worth the wait, but not for the rasons you may think. Oh no, it is not for Captain America himself, or Chris Evans the actor playing him. My "hero" is an actor named Richard Armitage who is playing the vilian known as Heinz Kruger in this movie. He is so good at playing a baddie! And this movie did not disappoint. Dixie encouraged me to share as we are both anxiously waiting for the Avengers movie coming soon. After the credits of Captain America there was a small tease for The Avengers, there were only about 10 people (die hards) left in the theater to see the tease (what were those other people that left thinking??) They missed out!!

Don't have a good foot to stand on...

Well, I have had this pain in my left heel for about 2 years now. I finally went to see a podiatrist. And yes, I have a bone spur on the bottom of the heel bone. He has given me 2 injections of an anti-inflamatory and wrapped it with a special tape and padding that I take off at night. It is feeling a little better after the 2nd injection and I am hoping even better after the final one on April 13th. I will need to get some orthontics (things you put in your shoes - not the things like braces on your teeth :) And so that outlook for the left foot is looking up and things should improve a lot. So, I guess my right foot was feeling left out - on March 1st I was feeling energentic and thought instead of just doing my normal exercise routine of riding my exercise bike, doing leg lifts and lifting weights - I would add in a dance video, I pulled my right achilles tendon really bad. It just starts to feel a little bit better and then BAM! I get a zing in the back of my heel and up my leg. Yes, I am getting frustrated with this old body and would like it to quite giving me grief!

Booties for my Footies

I have been looking for some rain boots forever and I finally found some "Wellies" that I really love! Mine are the ones on the left. (the ones on the right look like Dixie's, though she got hers at Sears - mine are from a catalog - Signals. Gina actually started the boot search when she showed up camping last summer with the cutiest pair of boots from Target) I was actually happy it snowed a couple of days ago, it gave me an excuse to put them on to go the store. Now, for camping - can't wait to have these little gems with me up in the mountains!

Going back to October

Well, my last post was in Dec 2010 so I think I will go backwards even further - just so I can share this photo. Both of my knees had been hurting and giving me grief for quite some time (for years) so I went to see the doctor the end of Aug. My orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Huntsman) took some exrays, prescribed anti-inflammatorys and gave me a cortisone shot in each knee. A month later I returned with no improvement. So, an MRI on each knee showed that I had meniscus tears in both knees. I elected to have BOTH knees operated on at the same time on Oct 20th! So, my sweet sister, Brenda, came to help take care of me for 3 days. She was like an angel from heaven! She showed up in this outfit and was using a funny accent - I can't remember what it sounded like (cause I was on drugs) but it was pretty funny! Don't look at my big bum sticking out from under the covers! I said DON'T look! Now you will be blinded for life! I am recovered and trying to get in shape. Knees are about as good as they are going to get. I also found out that I will probably need a knee replacement - left knee in 5-7 years and right knee in 7-10 years. I am hoping to get 10 years out of both of them. I bought a rucumbent stationary bike and I love it. So does Dave, he rides it most mornings before work. Speaking of Dave- he took such good care of me after Brenda left - I would never have survived without both of them xoxox

Gingerbread House

Well, Well, Well the time has come!! I have really needed to post again but never think I have anything interesting to say. Also, I haven't been able to get pictures to download from my camera to my computer, but Dave took some pics of Brendon, Lauren and myself making a wonderful little Gingerbread House - so ta da here they are. We had a good time and I am proud to say the house is still standing - even though we didn't know that in fine print the directions tell you to make the base and let it "set up" for 1-2 hours before proceeding to the roof and decorating the house...

Time for a new post - don't ya think???

First, let's go back, way way back... Aug 10, 1974 Two young "kids" madly in love got married and... that was just the beginning. Here we are 36 years later and I am still madly in love with my sweetheart. We celebrated our anniversary this last weekend by going camping (in the trailer of course) to Island Park. We stayed in Buttermilk campground at a beautiful site by Island Park Reservoir. We enjoyed a lazy float down the Buffalo River. Saturday evening we had tickets to a dinner theater at Mack's Inn. We enjoyed a wonderful prim rib dinner with all the fixin's and laughed our heads off at a funny play "Rob Hood- The Tale of Rotting Ham". During intermission 3 couples celebrating anniversaries (including us) were called out of the audience to "dance" while the crowd serenaded us with "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" an old slow waltzy song. So we just did our best impersonations of "So You Think You Can Dance Contestants- Dave did the running man and I did my best twist, sprinkler head, and jerk dance moves! We were fantastic! The crowd went wild, the theater management asked us to become part of the performing group! Not really, that last part didn't happen, but it could have :) It was a fun weekend. Now here we are with 3 grown children and 6 grandchildren. Where did all those years go???? We still feel like we are 30 something, but our bodies tell us different! We are looking forward to the next 30 years!! Good grief that will make us 85 and 84 years old!!! (Pictures of our trip will follow)

My fun new word - Trebuchet

Trebuchet - you know those catapults that throw flaming fire balls!!! I have been watching medieval movies lately and these things were amazing. I also have really been getting a kick from watching the "making of" those movies, i.e. King Arthur, Timeline, Excalibur, Atila, Kingdom of Heaven, Robin Hood, etc etc. If I had another career I think it would be fun to be a movie historian. Checking for facts and accuracy. Also, I love the soundtracks, especially Last of the Mohicans. The music in these types of movies is so intense and moving. I think the music really helps make the movie don't you? So, what is your favorite music soundtrack??

Holy Cow!! It has been a long time!

It has been such a terribly long time since I last posted. First, Kelly and Tricia found my camera in their stroller, so it wasn't lost after all. Summer has come and gone and we enjoyed every minute of it! Fall is here and I love it love it love it! I love the air, cooler temps, and the colors are my favorite! I had a slight accident 6 weeks ago. I fell off of my shoe in the church parking lot, sprained my right ankle (brused the bone on the side of the foot) and fell flat on my face! Well, not quite on my face because I landed on my left elbow and broke it! I didn't need surgery and I just had my last doctors appointment this morning. It is healing fine and I should be back to normal within 3-5 months. Needless to say, those high heels are no more!!!

Meanwhile, I found a new obsession. Jane Austen period movies! While searching Netflicks I found a movie titled "North & South" I believe by Elizabeth Gaskell. It was kind of like Jane Austins books. It starred this wonderful actor named Richard Armitage. It was a great movie. Then, from there I found a new Robin Hood series from the BBC with this same actor. He plays Guy of Gisborne and is such a baddie, but you feel so sorry for him, cause he can never get Marian. I am anxiously waiting for the 3rd and final season to be released on DVD.

I lent the DVDs of this Robin Hood to Dixie, I think maybe that is what brought on her nostalgic memories of her love for the cartoon of Robin Hood. I would have won that contest of hers with that quote, but I guess I need to check blogs more often. Congrats to Lacy!

All is well, keeping busy with work, church callings and everyday Life! Love to all :)

Hello.....

Yes, I am still alive, I just cannot find the time to blog. Also, I have nothing funny, deep or interesting to say. I read everybody elses blogs all the time but for me....

I am sad, I think I lost my camera at Hoogle Zoo on Memorial Day with Kelly, Tricia and kids. I thought it was in the stroller, but they cannot find it. I don't care too much about the camera but the loss of the pictures it what I am sad about. The camera had a long delay before the picture would take, so it was frustrating - I was always just 1 second late in getting the perfect shots. But even at that, I still had quite a few memories on the card. Maybe a miracle will happen and it wil show up. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Pay it Forward!

How it works: The FIRST THREE people to leave a comment on this post will receive at some point during this year a gift from ME. What it will be and when it will arrive will be a total surprise--to both of us.The CATCH is that YOU MUST PLAY TOO! Before you leave your comment here, write a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going (you can cut and paste these instructions). Then come back and let me know that you are going to play, and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift. It's THAT easy!Remember, only the FIRST THREE comments will qualify. Yea!

Luck 5 (Who will it be??)

I got this from Lacy and thought I'd try it out. Even if it is just to see what Lacy makes me. Read on and then hurry and sign up, you're going to love this!
The 1st 5 people to sign up, get something hand-made by yours truely ... ME!
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1-I make no guarantees that you will like what I make, but there's a good chance you will!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3-It'll be done by April 30th.
4-You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may scrapbook something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. I may sew or Embroidery something. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure! The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did it will then win a fabulous homemade gift made by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it! Have fun playing!

Tah Dah Disneyland!!

Kelly and Tricia planned a trip to Disneyland March 5-8 and invited Dave and I to go with them. We left I.F. with cold and snow. It was so beautiful there; 72 degrees on Fri. and 78 on Sat. I even got a little suntan (burn) The flowers were all in bloom. It was so much fun to watch Livi as she went on the rides and met Micky Mouse, to see her different expressions. Dave & I enjoyed the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland and Friday afternoon Dave and I went to California Land and went on some awesome rides there. It was nice to spend some relaxing time with Kelly, Tricia, Livi and Keaton. We got some great snuggles, hugs and kisses from the kids (we don't get to see them as often as we would like) Here are some of our pics, but I know Kelly has a bunch more.




Some times Livi would ride on Papa or Daddy's shoulders instead of the stroller

On the Train Ride

Kelly and Livi singing Ram Sam Sam at the Cheesecake Factory

It was Tricia's Birthday Feb. 28th (really it is the 29th) so we celebrated at Cheesecake Factory for dinner and of course some wonderful cheesecake!

Our Hotel and Pool

This little hot tub (more like a really warm tub) was inbetween their rooms and ours. It was about 6' by 6' and just the right size for just Grandma and Livi all to themselves.

Autotopia

This is in Micky's house, Tricia was outside with Keaton

A Hug For Micky

Going in to It's A Small World ride. Livi loved this one!

Ours thanks to Kel and Tric for a wonderful time! We totally enjoyed ourselves. Let's Go Again!!

Tricia Tagged Me :- )

8 TV shows I enjoy watching:
Lost, Survivor, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Medium, Bachelor, Life, and All My Children
8 Things I did yesterday:
Worked at my job, Ate lunch with my sisters and mother for my sister's birthday, picked up a prescription, had a freaky steroid spinal shot at the surgical center, road in a wheelchair, laid on the couch for 5 hours with an ice pack, ate a delious Marie pot pie for dinner, and went to bed.
8 Things I Look Forward To:
My back, hip and leg feeling better, Spring weather and sitting in the hammock looking at beautiful flowers in our back yard, going to Disneyland :) seeing Livi and Keaton (Kelly and Tricia too) getting away and having a little R and R, Walking outside instead of on my treadmill, Going on a "Get Away" with my sisters this Spring
8 Restaurants I like:
Red Loster, Sizzler, Stockmans, Texas Roadhouse, Outback, Olive Garden, any place Kelly and Tricia take us in Salt Lake!
8 Things I Wish For:
Loose weight and be healthier, Spring, dinner to magically appear every night, to get more done each day, to be 3 inches taller, to have thicker hair, to have more energy, to be skinny, my back to be healed
8 People to Tag
Lacy, Dave A., Christina H.(if she happens to read my blog) I don't know anybody else who has not already been tagged. Dixie, Gina and Kelly I guess

Hello, Yes I am still alive!!

Hello, to everyone! I am still alive and kicking. I have not posted for such a long time, I have almost forgotten how to do it. (Can anyone tell me when you use "into" and "in to" ) What is the difference?)
The Holidays have come and gone, the New Year is well into swing and I have settled in to 2009. I am hoping to make 2009 the year for getting healthy. I have scheduled several preventative medical tests, watching what I eat and I am striving to exercise at least 4 -5 days a week. So far so good! I have not lost weight but I am feeling better. I also found out (as suspected) that I have a very bad disk that is causing pain in my lower back. Not sure yet what I want to do to take care of it. I guess I am still looking for a magic cure, cause I don't want surgery.
Back to exersice... I think it is interesting that just buying a couple new outfits for working out can make all the difference in wanting to work out. I had been wearing old stretch pants and Dave's old shirts. I happened to be in Wal-Mart (west side) and they have a ton of Danskin pants, capris, tanks and jackets for $9 - $11 dollars each. I even found a couple of things on clearance for $3.50. Yipee I love a sale, don't you!! No I am not going to post a picture of myself in one of my new outfits - gross! What is one of your favorite things you have found on sale???
Love to all - Mamma Mia

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.