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.

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!