We seek after THESE things - Alpine Klein Bunch

OooOoo . ♪♫•. . OOoooOoo . ♪♫•. .OOOOo

2012-01-23T23:27:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness . . .

I TOTALLY have the giggles! What has got me laughing fitfully is the thought I just ran across this evening . . .

Wait let me back up for just a minute . . .

Twilight . . . Eclipse . . . New Moon and Breaking Dawn . . .

I hate to say it but you don't hold a candle to the VAMPIRE series that we watched faithfully day in and day out when I was just a youngster! I'm talking about the original 60's gothic soap opera of all soap operas -

DARK
SHADOWS!

What has me giggling hysterically is the thought of one of my favorite actors -

Johnny Depp

Playing the part of his childhood hero, Barnabas Collins.

For those of you who have NO idea what I'm talking about . . . this original series was a 5 day a week, SCARY (especially when you're 7 years old - it literally kept us on the edge of our chairs everyday!) gothic soap opera, complete with vampires, ghosts, graveyards, scary old mansions. Despite that fact that it was mainly dialogue based, moved at a snail's pace, overly melodramatic (and full of funky errors and mistakes as it was taped in front of a live studio audience) - it was also charming, addictive, imaginative, romantic, and eeerie! And no matter how terrified one would be each day at the conclusion of an episode, the next day was always a must see . . . and the next . . . and the next . . . and so on . . .

The plot begins where drifter Willie Loomis gets an unpleasant surprise during an attempted grave robbery and mysteriously disappears, and the handsome, though eeerie Barnabas Collins appears, claiming to be a cousin from England. Willie reappears, suffering from some unidentifiable illness, Barnabas moves into the abandoned "Old House" on the Collins estate. With Willie as an unwilling but powerless accomplice, Barnabas secretly kidnaps waitress Maggie (beautiful even in the 60's) Evans, intending to transform her into an undead reincarnation of his long lost love Josette . . .

Are you hooked yet??

If creaking coffins, cobweb filled doorways and flickering candle are your thing, along with romantic, angst-filled gothic vampires, in endless torment for their mortal souls and their immortal longings, you may want to check the original series out sometime.

Me . . . I'm holding my breath to see Johnny Depp - when the new and updated version is released on May 12th! Giggle! If anyone can do it Johnny Depp can!

(ps - if anyone ever wants a scary sleepover, just invite me - I'll be happy to provide the entertainment :)

Be at the Crossroads . . .

2012-01-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

Ran across this recently and I've always

LOVED

it!

The time comes in every woman's life when her youngest goesoff to school ALL day. It's an amazingtime, 6-8 hours of peace at home, in one big chunk, everyday. During that time, the only dishes in the sinkare the ones you used, the only shoes accumulating by the door are the ones youkicked off. Ahhhh! The peace and quiet it feels so good.

Sooner or laterthose free hours begin to fill up, book groups, lunches with friends, a parttime or full time job, shopping, errands, new hobbies, pets, there's always something to fill thosenewly discovered hours of freedom. Mothers, don't miss thisopportunity to remain at the crossroads.

President Harold B. Lee, speaking aboutthe righteous influence of mothers, encouraged mothers everywhere to stay atthe crossroads of the home. He teachesus that, “Mothers are the creators of the atmosphere in the home and do much toprovide the strong foundation for their sons and daughters, to provide themwith strength when they leave the influence of their homes.” This never ceases to be a principle of utmostimportance whether they be 2 or 20 years of age. The mother continues to be the single greatestcontributor to the atmosphere and spirit of the home. Don't miss being at the crossroads.

Looking Ahead 2012

2012-01-20T11:22:00.001-07:00

I did the year in review . . .

and now

Looking Ahead (part 1)
to what's up in

2012!

We start the year off with big plans . . . towards the end of 2011 we made the decision to enact a major lifestyle change. We thought we would be here in our Alpine home forEVER - well . . .
NEVER say NEVER . . .

With half our children living not just outside of Utah, but clear across the country . . . . (I guess it could be worse, in todays employment / housing / school market it is not unusual to be scattered around the WORLD . . .) we have decided that WE need to be more mobile. It's very difficult for these young families to come to visit us, taking time off of work and school. Also airfares keep going up and up . . .

So we are preparing to sell our Alpine home and make a major move for us to a town home in nearby Highland Utah. A simpler lifestyle and allows us the funds to travel for visits AND to gather our family all together at least once a year.

So we are busy simplifying already, clearing the clutter of the last 15 years. It's a project!

If anyone is looking for a home in Alpine - you can find all the info online at Zillow. It will also be available on the MLS beginning in March.

We have a little updating to do to get the home ready for the real estate market - but Norm is already busy tearing out carpets, repainting and taking boxes of donations off to the thrift stores.

This is just one of our projects . . . trying to get this room back to a more neutral status :D

Anyway - on to another topic . . .

What's on your reading list for the New Year??

I have a pile already!

Between the books I've been piling up on my nightstand and my

Kindle Addiction
(anyone else have one of those?)

I really have my reading stacking up already for the year.

Let me just put in a positive note for a particular author who is a cousin of mine -
April Christofferson!

She is amazing - if you like the John Grishamy, Robin Cook sort of adventure - somewhat medical / law / scientifically based novels - you will REALLY enjoy her! Start with "Clinical Trial" it's my favorite!

So for 2012

We're off and running

at full speed . . .

of course!

One things for certain . . . there is always more to come!

The Year in Review . . .

2012-01-09T23:21:00.003-07:00

2011

It was a

very good year and we are grateful . . .

Each year is always filled with an annual adventure of ups and downs

but we can't complain as our ups seem to always outweigh the downs

Reflecting back . . . this was the year that -

Kelsie went to Tanzania to help in an orphanage
Norm and Greg worked together to finally add an additional bathroom downstairs!
Pickled Pepper Photography - kept me on my toes ALL year!

Dustin & Cami purchased their first home in Raleigh NC!
Norm traveled to Raleigh to help Dustin & Cami with their move
Cory & Sara purchased their first home in Salt Lake City
Norm helped them build a new shed and replace the roof on the home

Karianne, Greg and Addision lived with us through August of this year.
Karianne and Greg bought their first home in Columbus Ohio
(The financial downturn has been rough - but enabled three of the kids to get into homes!)
Kelsie got into Nursing School!
We had our FIRST grandbaby - Addison sweetheart!

I survived my 2nd year as Relief Society President - yay!
Enjoyed a family vacation to Lake Powell with Norm's family
Visited Oceanside CA with the Morawetz family and stayed on the beach for a week!
Norm's father passed away in November
Found out Cory & Sara are expecting a baby BOY - 2nd Grandbaby!!

Norm and I visited LDS and American historic sites back East with my parents!
I was spoiled - and visited Karianne and baby Addision in Ohio a lot!
We unintentionally simplified our Christmas! (No lights, no Christmas cards, the unbaked neighbor treats are still sitting on the cabinet!)
We lost our sweet Cleo girl to cancer - she was our sweetheart dog of 11 years . . .
We decided it's time to downsize in 2012 and find something more easily maintained . . .

WE have much to look forward to in 2012

So . . . .

On with the show!!

And for Your Listening Pleasure . . .

2012-01-09T21:34:00.001-07:00

I think you will agree with me that this . . .

truly amazing!

And . . .

They are

The Piano Guys / St. George UT

Enjoy!

OooOo! The War we are Really Fighting . . .

2012-01-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

I am only one,

But still I am one.

I cannot do everything,

But still I can do something;

And because I cannot do everything,

I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

- Edwin Osgood Grover

Everywhere we turn these days we see challenges, hardships and difficulties for individuals and families all around. Our mortal life tests us in so many ways that may seem overwhelming. We can attribute so many of our challenges to the principles spoken of here.
We can find comfort in the words of encouragement spoken by the true messengers of peace on the earth today.

Spreading a little Christmas Cheer

2011-12-20T12:26:00.002-07:00

Hello everyone!

Happy Holidays!!

I can't believe Christmas is just around the corner now. I hope you are enjoying some treasured times, holiday get togethers with friends and families to celebrate the birth of the Savior and celebrate the spirit of Christmas at this fun time of the year!

This year has been a very interesting year for me. It was two years ago during the week between Christmas and New Years that I was called to serve as the Relief Society President.

(for my non- LDS friends . . . it's a leadership position over the women in our neighborhood to spiritually strengthen families, individuals and provide service, also looking after the temporal welfare of the families in the area). I can look back and see the hand of the Lord each day in my life. Somedays, I have been more receptive to the promptings and whisperings of the Spirit than others, but I truly can testify that I have felt Heavenly Father's influence each day in my life. I'm so grateful! I'm so grateful for YOUR influence and example in my life.

I do so love the Christmas season with all the goings on, it's such a feast for the senses! We loved our evening with the Tabernacle Choir in the Conference center downtown this week! Truly, as I listened to the songs of the season I'm certain we were all participants on the glorious evening so long ago as the Savior came into the world. What a celebration it must have been and I'm so grateful we are able to relive the celebration of our Savior's birth each year!

I wish these last several months I would have had the opportunity to follow along with you all more closely and leave thoughtful, pensive comments on your amazing blog posts. I wish I would have had the time to create some amazing blog posts myself! But there is a time and season for everything . . . I'm anxiously awaiting those days . . .

But meanwhile . . .

just spreading a little Christmas cheer here

Enjoy!

Hope your Christmas is the Merriest!!
enjoy one of my most favorite Utah musicians ever!

(Steven Sharp Nelson - thepianoguys.com)

A Christmas Gift

2011-12-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

to the world . . .

So precious!

Amazingly filmed at Utah's New Jerusalem in Goshen.

One would never guess it wasn't filmed in the Holy Lands. I was so impressed with how beautiful this film is, it just reached out and captivated the entire audience in the 21,000 seat Conference Center in Salt Lake City, as we were all held spell bound through it's entirety.

okay . . . watching it again . . .

If you Give a Blogger a Minute . . .

2011-12-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

(that's just about how much time I've had for blogging recently!)

This is the kind of blog update you get :)

It's what's on my fridge today -

and it makes me so very happy . . .

Other news of the day -

Kelsie is going to Ohio for Christmas! She is excited to see her family members there. Lucky girl! We bought the ticket in a miracle moment of finding a reasonable fare amongst the Christmas madness of the airlines. Then it was gone . . . never to be seen again. I LOVE small miracles . . .

Cleo, our yellow lab, age 11 years old - continues to decline . . . it makes me sad . . . :(

Cory & Sara!
(you can see them in the photo blog header sippin' cider through a straw . . .)
are expecting . . .

(drumroll please . . . . ta da ad da DA!)

a baby BOY! HURRAY! Expected to be coming this way in mid-April 2012. You know what we'll be all in a dither about next year :)

And tonight -

It's off to the Madrigal Feast - truly the holidays are upon us.

A Christmas Pledge - from a friend . . .

2011-11-27T07:33:00.007-07:00

Just as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is beginning to come upon us full force . . .

I came upon this Christmas pledge, received from a friend during a Christmas past and another holiday season. I hope as the season unfolds I can remember it each day and focus my thoughts and actions, and participate in those events that inspire us at this time upon the true meaning of the Christmas season.

A Christmas Pledge

Believing in the true spirit of Christmas, I commit to:

Remember Christ and rededicate
myself to spiritual growth,

Examine my holiday activities
in light of my deepest values,

Remember those who truly
need my gifts,

Express my love in more
direct ways than gifts,

Slow down and be a bearer of peace
and serenity with my family and friends.

It is a challenge to create a simple, soul-satisfying, value-centered Christmas in the midst of all the commercial pressure. How can our families enjoy the true spirit of a Christ centered Christmas if we don't lead the way? Something to think about . . .

Good Gravy . . .

2011-11-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

With Thanksgiving now right around the corner . . .

I've discovered that not everyone had a dad who taught them to make excellent gravy! I LOVE gravy at Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners and just about any old time.

Did you know it is SO EASY to make??!!

Here's the way I do it -

How to make gravy

Ingredients

Meat juice drippings (beef, chicken, turkey, pork)

(optional - for best results drippings should include browned bits

from the stock as well as turkey pieces)

Water - add water to drippings to equal 4 cups

Salt and pepper

3 heaping T of cornstarch

1/2 C. COLD water

(optional) 1T. chicken or beef bullion

In a large pan, pour measured drippings and water to equal 4 cups. Heat to low simmer or low boil over medium heat. Dissolve the cornstarch in the COLD water. Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the simmering drippings.

Turn heat down to medium low - continue to whisk for 10-15 minutes until gravy thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste (1t salt, 1/2 t pepper approximately)

If gravy gets too thick, slowly whisk water back into the gravy mix.

Serve immediately

And . . . there you go!

Enjoy!

It's that Holiday Season . . .

2011-11-20T19:43:00.001-07:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year . . .

With the holiday season beginning this week - there definitely is a festive
spirit beginning to spread an abundance of holiday cheer.

It's the hap-happiest season of all

with those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
when friends come to call

They'll be much mistletoeing
and hearts will be glowing
when loved ones are near
it's the most wonderful time of the year!

Just thought I'd spread a little holiday cheer . . .

Here's the recipe for my favorite seasonal dessert for a crowd!

Pumpkin Cobbler

Crust:

1 yellow cake mix

1 egg beaten

1/2 c. butter

Press firmly into 9x13 pan

Center:

3 c. pumpkin

3 eggs beaten

2 1/2 t pumpkin spice

2/3 c milk

1/2 c brown sugar packed

Mix and pour over crust

Topping:

1 yellow cake mix

1/2 c white sugar

3/4 c butter

1 c to 1 1/2 c chopped nuts

Crumble over the top

Bake 350 for 45-50 min

Top with whip cream or cool whip

For our complete Thanksgiving day menu
and many more LOVELY recipes
you'll find them here!

If that's not enough to being a little holiday smile to your face . . .

Give this a try - it's so adorable!

And finally . . .

if you're ready to start on Christmas gifts and shopping and you're
looking for some easy holiday gifts to make . . .

check out all the Pinterest pins on my
Easy DIY Gifts for Giving
Super Easy Stuff
and
Lots of Festive DIY Projects
board!

Enjoy!

#10 - 12

2011-11-13T18:57:00.004-07:00

#10 the Blessings of extended family -

Both Norm and I are so fortunate to have amazing family members . . . we love our family adventures of all kinds . . .

from Roller skating parties with the Driggs family and Klein family
to family vacations in the Morawetz family condos and cabin
family reunions and the the bringing together of cousins from far and near.

Here's just a sample of our family -

(Morawetz family in Oceanside California - just missing Dustin and Cami and Matt and of sadly . . . Cole)

#11 The economy has been unusual to say the least for the last several years. It's effected us in many ways that we struggle with on a daily basis as I'm sure it's had an influence in your life as well.

BUT
for one aspect I am grateful . . . . it's allowed all three of my married children to purchase homes this past year. All three purchases have been exciting events that we have celebrated along with them. It's been fun to see their choices as each has entered into their own unique home that is just right for them.

Cory & Sara - nearby in Salt Lake City Utah
Karianne & Greg - in Hilliard Ohio
Dustin & Cami - in Raleigh North Carolina

#12 - On a more worldly note . . .

I have to admit . . .

I am thankful everyday for my Macbook - we have a very special relationship!:D

ღ˛° 。* °♥ ˚ • ★ *˚ .ღ 。

Little Catching up to do . . .

2011-11-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

When it comes to my reflections on Gratitude . . . I have a little catching up to do . . .

#9 Gratitude for Goodly Parents

I, Kristin, having been born of goodly parents . . . therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father (and mother); and having seen many afflictions (not all that many) in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days (much more than I deserve); yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days. (and you can read about it on this here blog site . . .)

I have so many specific traits, characteristics and attributes that I can credit directly to my parents - for which I am endlessly grateful . . .

a love of reading
love for gardening
appreciation for poetry, music and theatre
planner of family parties and celebrator of endless occasions
a testimony of the gospel
a desire to enjoy the great outdoors and all it's beauty
traveling . . . traveling . . . traveling and flying on airplanes
and best of all . . . ability to pronounce all the words from the Jabberocky

Thank you mom and dad . . .

It Made me Chuckle . . . it did . . .

2011-11-12T06:30:00.001-07:00

Do you follow country music?

I just had to share this because it made me chuckle . . .
From this weeks (2011) Country Music Awards -

"The CMA gives out separate awards for song of the year and single of the year. What’s the difference between these two genres? Simple: the nominees for song of the year were about dying, mean people, dirt roads, a break-up and tequila. The singles of the years are almost all about breaking up. Still unsure of the difference? Don’t worry because the Band Perry won both awards for its song “If I Die Young.” The Perry siblings were also named best new artist of the year."

Ahhh . . . pretty people . . . pretty song . . .

(oh! and I'm not done with the gratitude just yet . . . it's still coming after this short interlude of country music song of the year :)

Reflections on Gratitude

2011-11-07T17:13:00.001-07:00

It's my own fault . . .

I love my life and hesitate to miss out on any opportunities . . .

Thus leading to me to experience ofttimes a very trying day, certainly not an uncommon situation as every day -

I don't get nearly enough sleep
I have too much on my plate
the Dr. called and wanted to start my daughter on heart medication
and I'm taking care of a dog who is slowly dying of cancer

And as I frequently do when feeling totally overwhelmed and ready to crash . . .

I've found that hymns have a way of uplifting me, helping me put things in perspective and inspiring me to have a better attitude.

Serendipitously the hymn that came to mind this day was
"Count your Many Blessings"

How is that!?? It just popped into my mind . . . just exactly what I needed to hear. And as I reflected on the words . . .

It leads me to #'s 5,6.7 of my month of
Attitude of Gratitude

#5 I'm really grateful for 11 years with my beautiful yellow lab Cleo. She is lovely and never is far from my feet. She has the most adoring personality and is always (almost) obedient. (unlike her black counterpart . . .)

So I am grateful for 11 wonderful years with our sweet Cleo girl.

#6 Sometimes jobs can be SOOOOO frustrating!! (exclamation point!)
But in reality I am very grateful for my job . . . it's NOT my life . . . but it does make my life possible. I'm grateful for the new addition of a Diet Coke soda fountain at work . . . sometimes it saves my life :D

I'm grateful for my schedule that allows me to spend two full weeks with my family of uninterrupted time every month. Time I can now travel to see my kiddies (and grand baby cakes) since they are living clear across the country now. I'm grateful for covered parking, especially since it looks like SNOW outside today! And most of all . . . I'm grateful for the many good people I work with that make it all worthwhile.

(too many hats . . . frequently we just wear too many :)

#7 I would be so lost without my wonderful neighbors and friends who serve with me in my church calling. I am the most unorganized person - can you say "governance by sticky note" . . .

And they put up with me and help with every single thing that needs to be done, frequently on the spur of the moment. They provide such uplifting council, encourage me always, and fulfill their own responsibilities with great inspiration. I am indeed grateful for them and they make my life so much less complicated because of their service.

And while I'm on a roll (and have a minute to my name . . .) let's do tomorrow also . . .

#8 I'm grateful for a miracle in my life on a regular basis. The miracle is that somehow my Heavenly Father manages to stretch my time each day, he augments and magnifies the hours that I might accomplish the work he desires me to do. He does . . . I don't know how . . . but I'm grateful . . .

I ♥ღ this baby

2011-11-07T03:24:00.000-07:00

I ♥ღ this baby

and yep . . .

We are so grateful for her!

(will be catching up tomorrow on 5, 6 and 7)

A Month of Thanksgiving . . .

2011-11-03T02:00:00.001-06:00

A Month of Thanksgiving

In an effort to Smile . . . Breathe . . . and go Slowly . . . I find myself reflecting much about our month of Thanksgiving. So why not celebrate each day of this month of Thanksgiving? I know that I truly am Thankful everyday.

So in an an overly ambitious thought . . .

I'm going to attempt a brief post a day and create a Thanksgiving journal of sorts throughout the month.

I've noticed that once I get on a gratitude thought . . . one almost always certainly leads to another and many more . . .

I feel that being aware of the blessings and good things in our daily lives can sometimes be the catalyst or beginning of being more mindful in general.

While, I'm starting a little behind for the overly ambious thought, I have a little catching up to do . . . and I may forget … life happens, you know … so we’ll just see how it goes. LOL! No pressure. No legalism. No “oughts” or “shoulds” or “musts.” Wanna join me?

Just catching up here

1 - Family . . . first So grateful for it, for the opportunity to be together forever, grateful to have another new grandbaby on the way (ooops! Have I actually made that annoucement yet?)

2 - Blessings of the gospel - couldn't be a forever family without it, grateful for it's guidance and direction and DAILY influence in my life.

3 - Must say BEAUTY of the world all around, seems I can't walk outside these days without marveling at the colors that surround me on the hills, on the leaves, on the trees, on the ground.

"Smile, Breathe and go Slowly"

2011-10-30T23:17:00.000-06:00

Smile . . . Breathe . . . and go Slowly . . .

Just taking a deep breath and hope that things slow down just a bit . . .

Life is so full

I want to

savor every moment . . .

I'm going to jump ahead from all the summer activities that haven't been blogged, recorded or knocked out of the endless photo stream on my hard drive - to something I just returned from recently.

I was so fortunate to enjoy 10 days in the Northeastern United States with Norm and parents. We had some amazing experiences, and I'm not necessarily blogging about the most incredible experiences right now . . . I'm still savoring those for another time and frame of mind

But . . . I just have to mention how awesome Niagara falls is!

I've never been to Niagara falls . . . never thought I would go there . . .

It was an incredible experience, I've never experienced something quite as majestic and overwhelming to the senses as the amount of water that flows over the falls each day. These photos will never do it justice.

I highly recommend it if anyone is making family vacation plans!

"Maid of the Mist"boat tourA pretty spectacular of the American and Canadian Falls (Horseshoe Falls)This was so much fun and pretty amazing!

The challenge was trying to take photos without ruining my camera!
I should have thought to bring a zipper baggie or something to shoot through,but I think it's still working . . .

So hilarious . . .We kind of found the Canadian side to be a crossbetween Las Vegas and Disneyland . . .
We much preferred the parklike atmosphere of the American Sidealthough the better views are on the Canadian side.
Be sure to bring your passport!!

There are some pretty fascinating stories about survivors going over the falls . . .
The most fantastic were of an 11 year old boy in a life jacketand a 60 year old school teacher in a barrel(oh! and her cat! poor thing!)

Looking at the Canadian Skyline

I think we picked the best time of year to visit, no crowds and the leaves were amazing. Oh and of course the falls were incredible!

Summer days Makes me feel Fine . . .

2011-10-17T21:37:00.000-06:00

With Autumn coming on rapidly around here - I better get a move on and share some of our summer adventures!

In fact I've got the "Endless Summer" music going on around here just to reminisce a little . . .

Believe me, I'm not quite ready to put away the shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits and flipflops . . .

The Lake Powell gang for Summer of 2011
Norm's brother Wayne and his wife Shauna, their kids Megan, Spencer and Matt & Caroline. Norm's sisters Sonja, her husband Jordon, and Ian & Alejandra, Lexi and Sydney. Kristin and Norm, Karianne & Greg and little three week old baby Addison, and Kelsie and Kristin's niece Cierra.

Even the first night which we spend on the buoy field was gorgeous!
There's just nothing like spending a night out on the lake - all the lights and sun reflecting off the waters are beautiful!

We always find the most delightful little creatures . .

There's no doubt . . . on this trip . . . the girls rule :D

Plenty of time for rest and relaxation

Grandpa Norm enjoying a little baby Addi time . . .

I don't know what she's going to think when she has to actually start wearing clothes. So far she loved being a naked baby!

Lots of fun and games all around . . .

The kids wore themselves totally out riding the tubes everyday.

The wore their elbows right out from the rough rides on the tubes. The bandaids and neosporin were always in great demand.

Pretty cute little sun baby - nothing better than a nap at Lake Powell not matter how old you are . . .

Just me :D

Gorgeous . . . Gorgeous . . . Gorgeous
Always love the still water reflections of the early morning.

Sydney even managed to catch one fish . . .

And until next summer - we'll treasure our Lake Powell memories!

Definitely feeling those "good vibrations" dooo bop bop . . . good vibrations bop bop"

╔══╗♫ *´”)
║██║ ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) ♫ ♪
║(O)║ (¸.•´ (¸.• ♫ ♪
╚══╝Lake Powell - it's the way to go! ;)

A Conference thought or two . . .

2011-10-14T00:46:00.025-06:00

For the next several months I'm going to be participating in the

This week we're reviewing Elder Richard G. Scotts talk entitled:

The Power of Scripture

I'm taking his words to heart and beginning to memorize! Something I haven't done for ages and ages. I didn't really know where to start, but thought I'd start with the exact scriptures he shared in his address. They were some of my favorites . . .

“To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship,” he said. “It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort and be a source of motivation for needed change.”

“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

“For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

“He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation”

(Psalm 24:1–5)

Loved hearing these words roll from the tongue of Elder

Richard G. Scott

at our most recent

General Conference . . .

A Life Changer for Certain

2011-10-06T03:03:00.001-06:00

This might seem a rather odd post, but I'm certain there's many of you who read my blog who share similar feelings . . .

I was always the smart, brainey school child who excelled in geeky subjects. I can't really call myself a computer nerd or a computer geek really. I honestly didn't fit the mold (I have one totally self proclaimed computer geek offspring - so I know from whence I speak - lol!). Although I studied computer science for three years in college and changed majors just a few credits short of my degree in 1985 (with absolutely no regrets) after discovering (while doing programming, expecting my second child, with a main frame large enough to seriously fill my house, in a room kept at about 40 degrees so the computer didn't crash, in languages such a FORTRAN, ALGOL, COBAL and seriously rudimentary BASIC) it wasn't really the career for me. If I was going to be up in the middle of the night making money and fixing something, I wanted it to be people - thus the late career change to nursing.

But honestly computers has always been my first love. And you know how you never forget a first love. . .

(Sorry Norm - it's totally an inanimate object and could never TRULY compare to what I feel for you but it's up there okay??)

The kids were raised sitting at a computer from the time they could push the buttons. They developed their fine motor skills by learning to navigate a mouse on the screen (and yes, my ATARI ST and Commodore Amiga utilized a mouse back then, long before the PC had a mouse option . . .), they learned their brilliant math skills by earning money and spending it at Donald Duck's Playground. (Ha! Their math skills quickly outgrew my own :)

A favorite family time was gathering to explore the island of Myst. We sat spellbound for hours puzzling together and collecting clues, frequently scared to death by what we might find around the next corner. Too timid to play unless we were all in it together, we squished on top of laps so everyone could see and contribute their puzzling advice.

And while we have been both a PC and a Mac over the years . . . and have personally related to all the "I'm a PC, I'm a MAC" commercials while laughing hysterically each time a new rendition appeared, and though we still have both PC and MAC computers - can honestly say that the innovation and forward thinking of Steve Jobs and Apple computers is unrivaled.

A fellow twitterer put it this way -

"The Older U R, the more U realize how much Steve (Jobs) changed our lives, his influence & creative genius R simply unparalleled".

So - if we had a flag . . . it would be flying at half-mast today.

I thought it appropriate to include this post highlighting the innovations we enjoy because of his brilliance.

Steve Jobs had no formal schooling in engineering, yet he's listed as the inventor or co-inventor on more than 200 U.S. patents. These are some of the significant products that were created under his direction.

1976 Apple I - Apple's first product made in small numbers
1977 Apple II - one of the first personal computers available to the masses
1983 LISA - commercial product line
1984 Macintosh - making quality desktop publishing available on a home computer
1986 Pixar - bought Pixar, fixed it up and sold to Disney for $7 billion
1989 Forced out of Apple, Steve created NeXt computer, which later created a popular web browser
1998 After returning to Apple, stopped their slide into oblivion through the iMac an easy to setup computer with simple internet access.
2001 iPod - the first successful digital music player
2003 iTunes and the store making digital music available legally to the masses, now the largest digital music retailer.
2007 iPhone - it's influence is evident in every smartphone anywhere.
2010 iPad - a whole new concept of computing now wildly popular, innovative and productive.

I'm thinking it would be quite a different world out there about now . . . without his entrepreneurial influence. Yep - I do think it would

(And I'd be stuck doing all my fun work on my boring PC . . .)

It Feels so Good . . .

2011-10-02T20:43:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting here feeling totally satiated . . . totally filled . . . and it feels so good.

This has been one of the most uplifting and inspiring weeks of my life. Truly a total outpouring of the Spirit daily!

We've traveled from Kirtland Ohio, to Gettysburg, to the banks of the Susquehanna River in Harmony Pennsylvania, to Fayette New York, and now Palmyra and Hill Cumorah - experiencing the testimonies of sweet missionaries, feeling the abundance of the spirit, the reverence of early patriots and pioneers.

My heart is full.

We've been so blessed to hear the words of current revelation from our Latter-day prophets and apostles. I love and am grateful for the blessing of personal inspiration, personal revelation and the witness of the Holy Ghost in our lives each day we live worthy of that blessing.

I have so much more to say . . .

But I can hardly keep my eyes open and tomorrow is another day . . .

Until then . . .

I like this!

It's a Dogs Life (or a Cat's . . .)

2011-09-23T21:24:00.000-06:00

And just for a little more fun today . . .

WHAT PETS WRITE IN THEIR DIARIES

A Dog's Diary........ 8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing! 9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing! 9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing! 10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing! 12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing! 1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing! 3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing! 5:00 PM - Milk Bones! My favorite thing! 7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing! 8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing! 11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

From One Day at a Time - Alpine klein Bunch

A Cat's Diary... Day 983 of my captivity.... My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. B#&)%%$. There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.

Laughing out Loud - for Heavens Sake

2011-09-22T17:14:00.000-06:00

Hee hee hee!

I'm simply Laughing out Loud today . . .

I was hiking up in the hills above Alpine and having a little trouble with my cell phone while trying to make a call. Yeah - right!

Making a PHONE CALL up in the MOUNTAINS!

It reminded me of this . . . enjoy!!

(Remember this?)

I'm gonna try to remember this when I'm in the airport next week traveling to see BABY CAKES.

Yes, just 5 more days to Grandbaby . . . then I'll be in heaven . . .

at least for a little while :D

On Finding Happiness . . .

2011-09-20T14:04:00.000-06:00

A friend pointed me in the direction of this article and I've spent some time contemplating it this month.

All 101 thoughts sound like great ideas . . .

101 Ways to be Happy

From Some of my Best

Here's a few that jump right out at me!

Either they are already an important part of my life

or
I plan to make them an important part of life . . .

(although not necessarily in this order :D)

Travel can have a profound effect on us by taking us out of our comfort zones and opening our eyes to some of the different places and lives that were unknown to us. It’s also just fun! (I knew it! Finally someone confirms that my travel addiction has a purpose!)

Travel when you can - travel can open your eyes to the world and offer a fresh new perspective.
Take a weekend trip - if you haven't the fund for a jaunt to Paris, no matter . . . even a weekend away from home can make you happier
Sit in front of a beautiful view - find a spot close by with a nice view you can visit when you need a break

Work is very fulfilling - as nice as the beach is, if you do it too long it stops being satisfying. By embracing hard work we gain the ability to achieve those things we desire in life.

Make enough money to meet your basic needs - anything beyond that amount will not necessarily make you happier.
Find satisfaction in the job you have - don't expect to find one job that will make you happy - instead focus on the positive atributes of your job (or your life - for heavens sake!) instead of blaming a job for your unhappiness.
Bake cookies and bring them to work - my personal favorite! You'll enjoy the baking and reaching out and making others happy.

Health - does health enhance your happiness or does happiness enhance your health? That is the question . . . people who are happy are less likely to become ill.

Get enough sleep - ouch! That's always a hard one for me! (and most moms!) Sleeping for 8 hours every night can elevate your mood and prepare you to better greet the day.
Laugh out loud - Laughing releases endorphins and lowers levels of stress hormones
Get more fresh air - fresh air is invigorating and alters the levels of seratonin in your brain - the stuff that makes you happy. (It's those morning walks . . . I'm tellin' ya!)
Eat chocolate - besides releasing endorphins and triggering seratonin production in the brain, chocolate releases phenylethelymine, the chemical that causes feelings of love! (Totally not a problem . . . the darker the better!)
Work out - exercise cannot only make you feel better about yourself, it also releases endorphins to give your body a natural high.

From

One Day at a Time - Alpine klein Bunch

Attitude is all in your head - right now you have within you all you need to find fulfillment and lead a happy and satisfying life. Happiness is a mental not a physical state.

Smile - it takes fewer muscles to smile that it does to frown.
Keep a grateful list - focus on all the great things in your life to enhance feelings of joy and attract more good things. (I TREASURE my gratitude journals! - and sometimes it's a necessity that I can pull them out to review during hard times!)
Break outside your comfort zone - being comfortable doesn't make you happy - challenging yourself does.
Accept that you can't be happy ALL the time - focus on being content, then true happiness wlll be that much more obvious.
Daily Spirituality - have a spiritual experience daily! (for me it's the scriptures, the Ensign, a quiet time for pondering and meditating . . .)

From One Day at a Time - Alpine klein Bunch

Relationships - continuous and committed relationships contribute to increased happiness and family happiness.

Stay close to friends and family - moving away from your supportive relationships can take a toll on your happiness . . . (OooOoo - or TRAVEL to see your close friends and family!)
Give more hugs; hugging releases the same chemical as a massage and is always free!
Make time for your friends (and husbands!!) - personal connections are so important, spending even a little time with people you enjoy can make you laugh and smile.
Get a dog . . . (I keep trying to convince the hubby that ALL the experts agree on this one . . .) The studies showing the positive effects of man's best friend are numerous; better emotional AND physical health.

Activities - Engaging in the right activities for you can lift your spirits daily, increase your self-esteem and make you feel more positive.

Donate to Charity - Focusing on those less fortunate can make you feel better about your situation and help you appreciate what you have. (Can you say Tithing and Fast Offerings - I am grateful for the opportunity to participate . . .)
Listen to upbeat music - Even just a few minutes of listening to a good hip shaking tune can make you feel more positive.
Serve another - Selfless acts and helping another is a fast track route to genuine contentment.
De-clutter - a clean home is a clean mind and you'll feel better in an orderly environement (ahhh . . . yes, cleaning those cupboards, drawers and closets and feel soOooOo good!)

I hope you'll take the time to create your

VERY OWN

"FEEL GOOD"

list!

Now go find that Diet coke and dark chocolate . . .

Oh! And I'm sure
Warm chocolate chip cookies - right out of the oven
is guaranteed to make anyone happy!

From One Day at a Time - Alpine klein Bunch

At least for a minute or two!

So . . . . Cute Story . . .

2011-09-12T23:31:00.000-06:00

Soooo . . .

I have a cute story . . .

I was supposed to work tonight - and as sometimes happens when you are a nurse (if you are very lucky, at least that's the way I look at it, some people share a different opinion . . .) you can get called off of your shift for the evening (I'm a night shift nurse) if the patient census is low and they have too many nurses scheduled for the current census.

Well the situation was amazing in itself, as it seldom happens to me! So my husband and I decided to celebrate and enjoy an unexpected date night! We got a late start but arrived at the movie theatre just as the movie was starting. To our dismay there was still a long line at the ticket window but we joined up at the end of the line. Not long after our arrival, a man with a little boy on his shoulders came up to us in this long line of people and asked us if we were waiting to see a particular movie. It did happen to be the one we were waiting for! He offered us two free tickets that he had that were extra and not going to be used. Hurray! We got to skip out on the line and head into the movie just a few minutes after the beginning. We followed him into the theater noticing that his family was already seated. I couldn't help but be astonished at his thoughtfulness to leave his seat in the theater to offer his unused tickets to someone . . .

Once we arrived in the dark theater - a theatre usher whispered to us that there were no more seats, it was completely sold out, except for two remaining seats, close by each other but not together. So we immediately slipped into the two seats. Several families came into the theater after us looking for seats as they had oversold the show but had to be turned away.

What was the movie we were attending this evening?

Perhaps you can guess . . .

Yep! You're right!

"17 Miracles"

We feel like we experienced several of our own this evening . . . or perhaps . . .

it was just a coincidence?

I'm thinking 17 Miracles . . . plus one or two . . . :)

Awfully quiet around here . . .

2011-09-07T01:59:00.001-06:00

Perhaps you noticed that it's been awfully quiet around here . . .

That's because for the last 8 days I've been hanging out over here!

At the new
Team Donovan Residence
in Ohio

Been having just the LOVLIEST of times
getting Karianne and Greg moved into their new home
and of course cuddling baby cakes every chance I get.

You'll see my guest post if you stop by . . .

(ooops - just remembered - I think their private now . . . I can get you in if you're interested, just let me know :)

Karianne & Greg have the MOST darling little home! It suites them perfectly and will be so wonderful for them. Just had to share a few photos while I'm at it . . .

Of course - I can't finish without sharing a few photos of Addison!She loves her toys - and talks and talks to themtelling them all sorts of stories . . .

Here she is in her Michigan colorsall excited for the big football game -she is going to be a Michigan fan, can't you tell!

Thanks Karianne and Greg and letting me come and stay - tons of love and hugs!!!

I Heart Faces Challenge - White

2011-08-28T22:37:00.001-06:00

My oh my oh my . . .

Been just tooooo busy around here lately - but all good. I've been so blessed.

But I'm so excited to come play today - with the

I Heart Faces

photos challenge for this week

"White"

Isn't she just too adorable . . .

She takes my breath away!

Girls in Pearls

Little girls are made of daisies and butterflies and soft kitty car purrs

and all the precious memories of times that once were.

Little girls are made of angel's wings and giggles and a firefly's glow

and all the happy feelings, deep inside, that we all know.

Little girls are made of cinnamon and bubbles and fancy white pearls

and snowflakes and rainbows and ballerina twirls.

Little girls are made of sunshine and cupcakes and a fresh morning dew,

And these are the reasons, little one, why everyone loves you.

Here's to you - sweet baby Addi

President Monson . . . a great inspiration!

2011-08-19T09:41:00.000-06:00

my experience at BYU education week these last couple days has me thinking about -
President Thomas S. Monson
President and Prophet of the
Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints
Inspiration and Example

This is a man who has been photographed MANY times!
(but this photograph is truly my favorite!)

This is a man who has the weight of the world on his shoulders . . .
and he looks like THIS!

Born - August 21, 1927
(his birthday is Sunday!)

age 22 - he became a bishop
age 32 - a mission president
age 36 - an apostle
age 38 - a member of the 1st Presidency
age 80 - Prophet, Seer & Revelator

The secret to the twinkle in his eye, the light he radiates, his exuberance and endless energy at age 84 -

" Positioned on the wall of my office, directly opposite my desk, is a lovely print of the Savior, painted by Heinrich Hofmann. I love the painting, which I have had since I was a 22-year-old bishop and which I have taken with me wherever I have been assigned to labor. I have tried to pattern my life after the Master. Whenever I have a difficult decision to make, I have looked at that picture and asked myself, “What would He do?” Then I try to do it. We can never go wrong when we choose to follow the Savior." - President Thomas S. Monson

In "Christ and the Rich Young Ruler" by Heinrich Hoffmann, Jesus tells a rich young ruler what he must do to have eternal life. The young ruler was unwilling to offer full obedience. (just my best guess as to the photo by the way . . .)

In life we all have special moments we treasure . . . . moments too personal to speak of on a casual basis. I'll always remember one such moment in my life when I was blessed to be in the presence of our Prophet, look into his eyes and hear him speak. He personally testified to me that our Heavenly Father intimately knows each one of us, he is always aware of our needs and directs our paths. He shared a story which I have searched for and found published here. I'll always remember and treasure his words that day and have them recorded in my journal to read and reread again as he continues to inspire my thoughts, words and actions almost daily.

For further information you might enjoy these articles -

On the Lord Errand - Deseret News

Man of Action, Man of Faith - lds.org

"To the Resue" fitting title for Biography - Church News

I know this man to be a man of God.

Not Feeling very Chatty today . . .

2011-08-16T06:28:00.000-06:00

I'm frequently not a very chatty person . . .

Especially with the usual "Hi, how are you?" conversations - you'll almost always get a "fine, fine" outta me. It's not like they have all day . . . :D I mean after all, for the most part things actually are "fine, fine". But I had to chuckle as I passed through the check out line at Costco today . . .

Where amongst other things made this purchase (I can never resist a new French language series on CD!)
(where else can you hear 6 hours of someone speaking in French for only 20 bucks!???)

This unique pack, which includes 2 books and six 60 minute CDs featuring native French speakers, will take you from beginner to fluent speaker in just a few months.

Carefully structured, the week-by-week course will walk you through how to pick up and improve French speaking, writing, reading and listening skills.

Fully updated for the 21st century traveller, it includes contemporary French vocabulary and expressions, so you’ll soon be confident enough to order cafe au lait in Paris and vin rouge in Toulouse!

But anyway . . .

The checkstand conversation went something like this:

checkout lady - oh planning a trip to France?

me - mumble, mumble . . . oh eventually I'm sure (totally not a lie, I'm always planning a trip to France)

her - well, be sure you don't over schedule, you'll want to have at least a week in each country. The best thing to do is spend a month, if you're going to go all the way to Europe, be sure you have a month. In fact, I really think you should include travel to Great Britain, Germany and Italy - they have so many of the top sights. We just returned from there about a month ago. Don't spend any less than 3 nights in each city, it's impossible to visit the cities properly if you spend less than three nights in a city. I took all our kids and traveled all over Europe for a month, it was the greatest experience - I know you will love it. There is so much information online these days, be sure you study up before you go an all the places you want to visit - and so on and so on and so on and on . . .

me - nod and smile, with an "oh really" every now and then . . . and a few "how nice!"s also!

Not that I could get a word in edgewise . . . . but I didn't really have the heart to mention . . .

I lived in Madrid for six months! I speak almost fluent Spanish. I taught myself French over the last 10 years. In my early 20's I traveled throughout Great Britain, France, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, and Austria riding the rails for a month. My husband and I took our four children back packing in Europe for a month and had a blast! We later took my parents back to Paris for week. We again traveled to Paris for 10 days for our 25th wedding anniversary. Just last Spring, my sister and I took "just the girls" to Paris for 10 days where we had a lovely girls only adventure!

(there! now I feel better :D )

But I am impressed she managed to get so much information out in those 3 minutes it took her to scan and box all my items! Yes, VERY impressed!

What is it with me and books anywho??

2011-08-04T14:20:00.000-06:00

Been putting off tiding this up . . . might as well blog it too!
There's supposedly my desk under here somewhere . . .

Other observations (while I'm at it . . .)

California here I come - family reunion - CANNOT wait!
I thought I may never blog again (and you never know this could be the last . . .)
Cuddling with baby Addi rocks my world!!!!
I sympathize Kelsie, just remembering how intense nursing school is!
Helping Karianne & Greg pack up - it's killing me . . .
My dogs are CRAZY this week . . .

Do you Know . . .

2011-07-12T09:54:00.000-06:00

That YESTERDAY . . .
was National Blueberry MUFFIN day??

And in honor of that I'm resharing my favorite BLUEBERRY muffin RECIPE
that I snatched up from my neighbor Shae. (original posting here)

You'll also find it "pinned" to the RECIPE board on my
Pinterest.com page.

If you haven't discovered Pinterest.com - well then you probably don't want to click on any of the links. Because you're probably like me - and you REALLY don't need ANYMORE websites that you check on a regular basis.

(So just go away - pretend I never said anything :D )

But ENJOY the blueberry muffins first!

Streusal Blueberry Muffins

1 C. milk
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1/2 t vanilla
1 egg
2 c. flour
1/3 c sugar
3 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1 c. frozen blueberries

Topping:
2 T. butter
1/4 c. flour
2 T. brown sugar
1/2 t cinnamon

Slightly beat egg, add in all ingredients except for topping. Fold in the frozen blueberries. Turn into prepared muffin cups or muffin liners. Prepare topping by cutting butter into dry ingredients until crumbling. Top muffins and bake at 400 degees for 18 mintues. Makes 12 large muffins.

Independence Day 2011

2011-07-04T10:55:00.000-06:00

“[Independence Day] will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shows, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

--John Adams

Happy 4th of July!!!

Oh my Goodness!

2011-07-01T10:42:00.000-06:00

We are so excited to have this cute little face to wake up to every morning!

I have every reason to be partial . . . .
as the new grammy lady on the block . . .
but seriously people . . .

Could she be moreADORABLE!

I'm so proud of this new pappaand new mamma

They are ADORABLE
also :D

She's here! We're happy!

2011-06-23T14:54:00.002-06:00

She's here . . .

We're happy!

Ahhhh . . . I Can Almost Feel the Summer Sun!

2011-06-16T11:02:00.002-06:00

One month from today!

The Klein family makes their annual trek to

~~~ Lake Powell ~~

Ahhhh . . . I can almost feel the summer sun!

I've got my reading list all picked out :)

Just a few photos from last year to get you all
in the mood!

My heart is pounding

♥ღ ♥ღ

my palms are sweaty

I shouldn't get this excited . . .

I just don't think I can wait :D

Current Events (at least according to me . . .)

2011-06-14T18:27:00.000-06:00

I'm so tired of looking at my most recent blog post . . .

But NO time to get it updated!!

Only because we have been having TOO much fun around here and when I do have some time it's editing photos, editing photos, editing photos . . .

SoOooOoo . . .

as an EASY Peasey blog post - here's MY latest and greatest current events

(like you always wanted to know, I'm sure:)

~~ Bought something absolutely NEW and FUN for my daughter for her 20th birthday today

(stay tuned . . . I can't ruin the surprise just yet)

~~ Temple today was lovely - I so wish I could bring that peace back home . . .

~~ BABY shower this weekend - I'm so excited . . . due in 11 DAYS!

(isn't this invitation darling??)

~~ This week - making darling cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries and Oreo cookie balls for shower

~~ FINALLY - reading "Breaking Dawn" hmmm . . . not quite sure what I think just yet . . .

~~ Yawn . . . toooooo tired today, that's what happens when we stay up late watching

"Meet Joe Black" (clearplay!!!) beginning at 11pm last night

~~ I REALLY am starting my diet again tomorrow! Need to drop a quick 5#

(anyone want to join me??)

~~ Ah, my favorite freshly laundered sheets on the bed tonight - HEAVENLY! I do so LOVE 'em!

~~ I'm just about to head to the new splash pad and watch all the little neighborhood kids running around in their swimsuits and having a ball - anyone want to send your toddler? I think I'll just lounge with "Breaking Dawn" in my lounge chair.

~~ Cleaned the patio yesterday and put up the patio umbrellas, filled the hummiingbird feeders, hung the bird feeders with new seed, admired the 20 newly potted flower pots - BRING on the SUMMER!

(I feel so much better now!)

~~ It definitely is NOT warm enough yet here in UTAH, I can take the heat :)

And last but not least . . .

Just changed out of my dress clothes into something more comfortable . . .

my favorite orange hoodie

and these TO DIE FOR cute shoes

I brought back from Paris with me last year - aren't they fantastic??

I know what you're thinking . . . my life is just too exciting isn't it :D

((hugs))

A Little Light Summer Reading

2011-06-03T23:30:00.002-06:00

It's the end of our book group for the summer. We always take a little break during the summer months so we can supposedly get caught up on all the household tasks that have been neglected as we sit around and read our book group books during the school year. Don't get me wrong - I have many household tasks that have fallen by the wayside this year . . . (anyone want to send a couple kids my way? I'm missing my family workday crew . . . But that's a whole 'nuther topic . . .)

We actually just finished up with an amazing and inspiring book -

"And Still We Rise"

take a look at it . . . I highly recommend it!

I'm incredibly inspired by those who climb pretty much insurmountable odds to have the kind of lifestyle that we take for granted in my family everyday . . .

But I'm ready for a little light summer reading - my favorite activity is being curled up in the summer sun somewhere (a beach prefereably or a houseboat at Lake Powell - sigh . . . ) with a good book! Right now, I'd settle for the splash pad down the street and watching all the little neighborhood kids running in and out of the water fountains though . . .

While loading up my Kindle with inexpensive summer reads for our upcoming family vacations and long summer July weekends . . . I waxed a bit nostalgic and reviewed some of my childhood favorites. I'd love to know what you all read and loved and grew up on . . .

I was a big fan of Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart - I would huddle under the covers with a flashlight for hours everynight absorbed in their mythical, mystical historical fiction and romance. Plots full of brooding heros, damsels in distress, mysterious castles and crashing waves upon the shore.

Just thinking about . . .
"Menfreya in the Morning"
"On the Night of the Seventh Moon"
and
"Mistress of Mellyn"
makes me long for an uninterrupted weekend of lazy reading.

The magic of Mary Stewart's
The Crystal Cave trilogy (II Hollow Hills, III The Last Enchantment) reminds me of my longing to grow up in King Arthurs court with Merlin as a friend, sneaking in and out of the castles of Cornwall, potions and knights of the Middle Ages.

If you're soooooo done already -

you can stop right here and just know that this will be the summer I enjoy a blast from the past

my past :)

As I revisit some of my favorite childhood memories of long nights under the covers with a flashlight. (It's really not that different now . . . my book light is just a little more sophisticated now:)

Otherwise - hang in there for a quick review of my favorites.

Mistress of Mellyn - I must have read this 10 times before I turned 15. Martha, the heroine enters the mysterious castle of Mellyn as a governess to the only daughter of the cold and mysterious master of the castle, Conan Tremellyn. The plot is full of suspenseful secrets and more than a few unexplained demises. It's somewhat reminiscent of Rebecca, and if you like the Bronte sisters of Daphne de Maurier, you'll probably enjoy this intriguing summer read.

Menfreya in the Morning - I love the first sentence: To see Menfreya at its best was to see it in the morning. I think this book gave me a love for the victorian English culture. Harriet comes to Menfreya as a bride, a mansion of ghost stories and legends, with a hero by the name of Bevil. Isn't that just a romantic name? I can see the English countryside, the manors, the seas, and the people that surround them. A good page turner.

and finally . . .

On the Night of the 7th Moon - the setting is the fabled and romantic Black Forest of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the time of the Napoleonic wars. According to an ancient Black Forest legend, on the night of the seventh moon, Loki, the god of mischief is about in the world. It's a night of festivity and celebration, of singing and dancing, and thus the romance begins. Helena and Max are some of my long loved fictional characters, their romantic separation and reuniting would make anyone long to get lost in the woods . . .

Enjoy whatever is on your summer reading list - I'd love to hear ALL about it . . .

Park City, Utah

2011-05-24T04:32:00.001-06:00

Every once in a while it's fun to break away from the usual routine
even ifthe mundane work and meetings of the week continue on . . .
Kind of like a mini stay - cationin a condo just 50 miles from home.
This was one of those times . . .

A week in a timeshare condo in Park City!

Close enough to commute for all the usual activities . . .

Sunday meetings, work, school and classes

But far enough away to feel like you're on vacation.

Here's some of my favorite photos from the week . . .

(taken on our ONE day without rain, snow, sleet or hail!)

(shopping on Main Street - getting our exercise walking up and down the hills)

(I loaned her a camera for the day and she really went to town!)

(I can never pass up on these fun shots!)

(just watching us all passing by . . .)

(I think I need to take about 400 more photos of these girlsto sustain me this Fall once they have to move away to far places . . .)

(this was every night in the hot tub - not sure which got us more wet

the hot tub or the rain and snow.

At least the hot tub was hot!)

Other highlights of the week -

Playing games
Watching movies
BBQ'ing with cousins
Sleeping in
Staying up late
Reading
Shopping
Seeing a large herd of Elk grazing off the highway
Ice cream!
Amazing beds!
Watching the guys trying to beat Norm at pool
(he still is the reigning champ!)

Oh - I do so LOVE this family!

Red Corner China Diner - I think we'll be stopping by!

2011-05-24T03:10:00.000-06:00

I think chinese take-out is on the menu for this week!

Saw this over at
That's What She Said

and it's looking mighty fine!

Chinese is one of our favorites!

Add a good flick from Red Box and it's a date night :)

Stop by for photos and a link to the grand opening newspaper review.

Red Corner China Diner

It's new in Midvale - right next to the Shane Company
While you're at it . . . check out these handy dandy Chopstick Etiquette tips . . . You'll be the chinese food pro!

For all you Photography friends out there . . .

2011-05-17T13:19:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to let you know about a special deal going on at my
FAVORITE
photography forum . . .

It is an amazing forum to improve your photography skills, learn more about the business end of things from seasoned professionals, and share your own work and experience with others.

I really enjoy Rock The Shot because the site is so helpful whether you're just starting out taking photographs of your family members or even if you are an experienced professional - I feel like they offer something for everyone!

They have special free products (tutorials, photoshop actions, templates) for all their members, even if you just do a little test drive to become familiar with the forum. I was hooked almost immediately.

Right now they make it easy to give Rock The Shot a try as they are offering 20% off of ALL membership plans. You need to enter code RTSfan as you check out -- and ENJOY this fun opportunity to improve your skills and learn from a great team.

A Trial membership is just $6.00 for one week ($4.80 with discount)
$18.00 for three months ($14.40 with discount)
$30 for six months ($24 with discount)
One year is $50 ($40 with discount)
and
a Lifetime membership $175 ($140 with discount)

Okay - and now back to our regularly scheduled programming . . . . :D

So Easily Entertained . . .

2011-05-16T06:58:00.000-06:00

I must confess that we are smitten . . .

Truly we are!

We sit around evenings (that is on those FEW evenings that we are all actually present and CAN sit around) and watch Karianne's tummy move.

Karianne's husband started this phenomenon.

He knows just exactly what to do to make the tummy poke back, shift from side to side,
and stretch her tiny (oh yes! it's a girl!) little feet and elbows out sideways!

We're so easily entertained these days.

And did I mention that we're on the final countdown?

Baby is due in 39 days!

And since my life is passing before my eyes at rocket -blast-off speed, I know it will be here before I know it - :D (exceptionally big grin!)

(I think this photo is soOooOo darn cute!)

We're in Park City celebrating FAMILY this week!

(Here's one of the Daddy - don't want him to feel left out:)
And NOW I must return to baby watching . . .

Ah perfection . . .

2011-05-05T16:57:00.001-06:00

in at least one aspect of life . . .

We have a tradition at our home that
I think
we've perfected!
(it's our only one . . .)

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Yep, I think we have it down . . .

This is what we use -

and this . . .

There are a few tricks that would be nice to know -

Melt the chocolate in a narrow container (like a pyrex 1 cup measuring cup) placed in a sauce pan with about 1-1 1/2 inches of water in the pan, over medium low temperature, stirring until smooth.
Be careful not to get any water (NOT a single drop) into the chocolate!
Thin the white chocolate with a few teaspoons of oil to a consistency for dipping
The strawberries need to be very fresh and DRY!
After dipping the first layer, refrigerate until chocolate is set before dipping the second layer.
To do easy swirls for decoration - pour a small amount of chocolate into a SNACK size zipper bag, cut the tiniest of tiny corners off the bag with scissors and squeeze swirls onto the strawberries with the melted chocolate.

Then you just eat them!

Watch out for that strawberry juice - it's dripping down your chin :D

AND in the NEWS today . . .

2011-05-02T08:08:00.002-06:00

When it comes to the news of the dayTHISis myFAVORITE!
and that's all I'm gonna say about it . . .

Grrrr! It's snowing outside!

2011-04-27T06:33:00.000-06:00

Spring in Utah = Bi-Polar

with the emphasis on Polar!!

It's snowing outside . . .

THERE!

I feel so much better now . . .

And from the Washington Post . . .

2011-04-26T11:26:00.000-06:00

A VERY interesting article . . .

from the Washington Post

by "On Faith" columnist

John Mark Reynolds

Something to think about . . . .

The Christian case for Mormon values

With former Utah governor Jon Huntsman and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney both believed to be gearing up for a run for the presidency, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has again found itself answering questions about what these two prominent members believe.
Post reporter Sandhya Somashekhar wrote in a story published Tuesday that Mormon leaders see the ascendancy of these and other Mormons (such as convert Glenn Beck) as a sign "that the community has finally 'arrived,'" but added "researchers say there remains a deep mistrust of Mormons and that little has changed in public opinion to suggest that voters will be more open this year than they were in 2007."

If conservative Christian and Mormons share a political agenda, why do suspicions still plague Mormon politicians? Do media personalities such as Glenn Beck help or hurt the cause?

God works in mysterious ways to perform His wonders. Old Testament prophets complained about the instruments God chose, but God went on being God despite their complaints. 2012 is likely to give Americans two serious candidates for president that are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). Many conservative Christians, for good and bad, get inspiration and information from Glenn Beck, who is also a member of the Church.

Should Americans be concerned? Bluntly, no, though those of us who are not Mormon should be depressed that such a small group has outworked, out thought, and out hustled us. Mormon success should spur traditional Christians, who outnumber Mormons by tens of millions, to do better.

Sadly ignorance of the LDS Church is widespread in our culture. Despite over a century of faithful citizenship and embracing family values, stupid stereotypes remain. Magically much of the media easily remembers Glenn Beck is Mormon, but keeps forgetting that Harry Reid is as well. Sacred garments on Christians and Jews are normal, but sacred garments on Mormons?

Of course, there is a vocal fringe of Americans who think any religious person is nuts. These equal-opportunity offenders can be ignored as invincibly ignorant. They don't respect Mormons, because they don't respect Christians, Jews, Muslims, or anybody who thinks we are more than computers made out of meat.

There is another group, sadly not so tiny, that cannot be friends or co-laborers with anyone who does not share their theology or ideology. This sectarianism is the bane of any movement, but most Americans know we can learn and work with almost anyone if they share our values in some area.

There are no good reasons not to consider voting for a Mormon. Theologically, I disagree with the faith's teachings. My professional speaking has included pointed academic encounters with LDS professors about our areas of disagreement. Simultaneously, serious disagreements have not prevented our making common cause on many issues.

Studying Mormonism closely did not make me a Mormon, to the contrary, but it did give an abiding respect for certain things the LDS Church gets right. They have demonstrated things worth knowing. If this is a Mormon moment in American history, there is a reason for it. Their virtues have particular civic relevance today and their theological vices (from my point of view) do not. The LDS I know love America, urge good behavior on their members, and promote many traditional American values. If that bothers you, vote for somebody else--the LDS will fight and die in the American forces for your right to do so.

The LDS Church made North America sacred space. With Native Americans and Spanish mission builders in California, they have loved this land and made it part of their story. The Mormon revelation, whatever its origins, is centered in North America.

Part of that epic is actual Mormon history: born, bred, and thriving in the United States of America.

Mormonism is old enough by American standards to feel "ancient," but young enough to make the founding stories easy for Americans to understand. Joseph Smith received his revelations closer than four score years after the American founding. Any literate English speaker can read founding Mormon documents without the need for much translation or scholarly explanation, but knowledge of American history is vital. Most Americans look abroad for "holy land," but Mormons look here.

This gives them a passion for this place difficult for anyone else to match. Other religious groups must work harder to match this sense of place that the LDS Church has naturally.

A great weakness of our lives today is isolation and loneliness. Mormonism is one solution to that problem for many. LDS church services to members and communities are a free market model for private charity. I have personally seen LDS charity help families that were not LDS, but related to a member. The charity gave work-centered help that met needs without sacrificing dignity. The commendable community found in Mormonism should be imitated not attacked.

For good and bad, Mormonism is deeply American. Born on our frontier and nurtured in our wilderness, American values are Mormon values. And yet, no LDS swaggers into the culture assuming he will be accepted. Mormons know the imperfections of American life. An American mob murdered their founder. As a result of their history, Mormons have a thoughtful and subtle take on religion in the public square. This last week Dallin H. Oaks, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gave an important speech at the Chapman University School of Law in California on religious liberty.

I am sure Glenn Beck would agree that more Americans should read that speech, even if it meant turning off his program. Oaks, a professor and judge, not Beck, represents the best civic face of the LDS Church.

If this is, as the Washington Post suggests, a Mormon moment, it is because Mormons clung to truths now unfashionable and addressed questions others ignore. They suffered exile in their own land, persecution, and the need to change important ideas to be part of the broader culture. This American experience taught them good lessons about America. Being right is powerful and most LDS are right on many of today's big issues: the nature of family, the protection of life, defense of religious liberty, and republican values.

Traditional Christians should learn from their example and patriotic Americans should celebrate their effective service.

I cannot be a Mormon, because I think they are seriously wrong in their theology, but most Mormons are not wrong about the traditional values of our republic. Mormons like Harry Reid will never get my vote, because his policy ideas do not match with mine, but a Mormon like Mitt Romney could, because I support his good ideas.

Providence works in peculiar ways and it is particularly odd for an evangelical and Orthodox Christian to be grateful for this Mormon moment in American history. But if a Biblical prophet could celebrate the pagan emperor Cyrus for being God's man to free His people, surely we can praise our Mormon countrymen for sounding a trumpet call to rally America to life and liberty.

BY JOHN MARK REYNOLDS | FEBRUARY 9, 2011; 7:29 PM ET

Anyway . . . I'm just saying

Parable of the Purse . . .

2011-04-22T05:04:00.001-06:00

Throughout the last few weeks since our General Conference, where we heard council and inspirational messages from our Prophet and current apostles - I've had cause to ponder over the
"Parable of the Purse" as many are now calling the story relayed by Elder Quentin L. Cook.

As a little refresher for those who are familiar, and an explanation for those who don't know what I'm talking about . . .

During his conference address he made reference to a group of Young Women leaders who came across a lost purse at an event, belonging to some young lady. In hopes of gaining a clue as to it's ownership . . . they began to gingerly examine the contents of the purse discovering -

A "For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet
favorite scriptures notebook
breath mints
soap, lotion and brush
a handmade coin purse and some money
a cake recipe and a note to make the cake for a friends birthday

which led them to deduce that the lost owner was obedient and spiritual, had clean and soft hands, creative and prepared, thoughtful and service minded.

Which has led me to give some thought to what exactly could one assume from examining the contents of my purse???

What conclusions would you come to after taking a look at the contents of my purse?

I must have chocolate at all times
Frequently under stress
I think the Kindle is one of the greatest miracles of our time
ranking right up there with the smart phone . . .
I collect pens, pencils and receipts ???
I really don't see things very clearly without assistance

Hmmmm . . . . I think I need a purse makeover . . .

Just a Small Glimpse and 16 more days!

2011-04-16T23:31:00.001-06:00

I'm just so proud of these cute girls . . .

I could truly just burst!

Love you all!
be safe
and we'll see you home soon!

For all the latest . . . you'll find it here
Kelsie.Klein

Now Through Easter . . .

2011-04-15T11:21:00.001-06:00

Todays apostles and prophets each bear  their personal 

testimony about the Savior and Redeemer of the World.

President Thomas S. Monson - Jesus Christ ushered in the Restoration

Boyd K. Packer - The Savior cares deeply about Family

L. Tom Perry - Joy comes by following the Savior

View all

Not a Morning Person . . .

2011-04-12T23:20:00.002-06:00

I am sooOooOo NOT a morning person . . .

Even though I wake up pretty early each morning, usually around 6:30 am, it takes me the most of a morning to get going and feel like I am really awake and up for the day. If I actually have to be somewhere early in the morning - it's torturous, and there's no guarantee I'll show up in matching clothes, with hair and makeup done, and even matching shoes :D

I really prefer to stumble around in PJ clothing, house slippers, sipping my daily hot chocolate ala amazing,(that my husband is so sweet to fix for me each and every morning!) until about 9 am, then I drag myself out of the house with the dogs for our almost daily walk in the hills.

I just found out there is a NAME for my condition!

Sleep Enertia

who would have guessed!

Sleep enertia apparently is when the problem-solving part of your brain needs time to "reboot" after sleep. So what do experts suggest??

relax in bed a while (check - no problem there!) (I suggest with a good book preferably, or check overnight email messages on your cell phone, or text your children who live far away, you get the idea . . .)
leave important decisions for later (much later I suggest . . .)
don't tackle critical tasks (like payroll and taxes, balancing the checkbook etc, deciding what to make for dinner (or breakfast for that matter) - are things that come to mind . . .)
open the blinds and switch on all the lights (WHAT?? well maybe one really dim one, but I like to open the blinds and even the windows - so I can hear the really sweet little song bird that just appeared outside my window this week . . .as I'm reading my book and checking emails)
eat a high fiber breakfast such as oatmeal (apparently it provides a steady supply of glucose, the brains main feul source - fortunantly I do LIKE oatmeal!)
sprinkle a few drops of essential oil of peppermint onto a hankie and take a whiff (REALLY?? sounds delightful! And experts say it boosts brain activity in the area that controls wakefulness - MAYBE I better carry it around ALL day!!)

(Me - trying to wake up!
and shake off that early-morningbrain fog!)

Still laughing . . . :D

2011-04-05T08:23:00.000-06:00

Just changing the subject and
thought that this was
hilarious :D

Enjoy!

An Evening with Nie Nie . . .

2011-04-02T19:58:00.001-06:00

If I look back over my life, there are a few moments and experiences that I would have to designate as life changing moments. And I must say that my evening with Nie Nie was probably one of those moments. I know that I will never see life in the same light again and hope that the spirit and feelings of the evening will long remain . . .

I have not been a follower / reader of Nie Nie in the past (unusual and rare I'm sure . . .) but nevertheless, I was very much anticipating attending our Stake Fireside for all Relief Society sisters and Young Women where she was to be the guest speaker. Probably more out of curiosity for her story is well known and amazing.

I just wanted to share a few thoughts that I took home that touched my heart. Her message is one of faith and hope, a testimony of the Savior, and I came away with a renewed vow to never take the little things in life for granted again. If you haven't seen the video below, you should watch, it is quite incredible.

It's not that the principles are new or anything I wasn't already familiar with . . . but the way she spoke with such inner strength. It was obvious she was not the person she was before her tragic experiences. Stephanie testified how significant and essential it is to have HOPE in our lives. Without hope, we cannot endure to the end. Hope and faith go hand in hand together. Hope is our KEY to direct personal revelation. Faith is a REAL power in the universe and a source of inner strength. She testified of how ESSENTIAL it is to rely on the Savior! We gain CONFIDENCE as we rely on the Savior. To live in despair is not to live. Hope is a personal quality, essential for righteous living, a Godlike quality.

Something I will remember and ponder . . . "it is an ABILITY to count your blessings".

Things I take for granted each day . . . zipping, kissing, tying shoes, a touch, a smile. Enjoy life to the fullest EACH day and be happy just to be alive and to have the gospel in our lives.

Through her testimony I gained a greater realization that through the resurrection and atonement of the Savior we will be healed of ALL scars . . . scars on the outside AND scars on the inside, and it is because and through our Savior Jesus Christ that we can each be healed. In the midst of life and our trials, survive them with grace and hold tight to the end result which is the promise of eternal life.

Yes . . . an inspiring evening. I hope I can remember . . .

Of General Conference and Cinnamon Rolls . . .

2011-03-30T10:11:00.001-06:00

It's that amazing and inspiring time of year rolling around again . . .

Every 6 months, every Spring and Fall the anticipation begins to build as our family takes the weekend off from our normal schedule of activities for the upcoming LDS General Conference weekend. It's a tradition in itself with the anticipation rivaling a Christmas morning. The best part is I know that my family scattered now around United States makes the same plans for breakfast in PJ's, snuggling on the couch with quilts and blankets, listening to General Conference (thank you to the LDS church for an internet broadcast!).

It's a time we can gather together, family, friends and neighbors are invited, for the feeding of both body and soul. The nutrition of the mind and body are of equal importance at this time . . . so I'm planning my General Conference menus today! The one recipe that is always on the menu are the morning General Conference Cinnamon rolls! If you don't have this recipe - you NEED it now! The recipe is meant to be started the evening before - but I do it the morning of all the time also.

Then comes the nourishment of a spiritual nature, peaceful feelings, confirmations of the spirit, answers to questions pondered, and even the words of reprovement leading to thoughts of self improvement. It's all part of the package deal. I love that this frequently leads to stimulating family conversation, testimonies of our Savior, gratefulness for modern prophets who testify of gospel principles that apply to us each day.

Pajamas, quilts, cinnamon rolls, yummy family gathering . . . yes, I think we all look forward to this family time, and every family time . . . because of our knowledge that we can be a forever family. What could be sweeter? Not even those cinnamon rolls :D

But hmmm . . . pondering the rest of the menu . . . thinking crock pot, maybe pulled pork . . .

Would love to hear what your family favorite recipes are!! ??

Wait! I think I'm hearing a little . . . "from the crossroads of the West" . . . beginning . . .

For more information:
What is the Purpose of my Life?
Prophets and Apostles Speak today
Conference has Changed since 1911, but the Message hasn't
Music and the Spoken Word

The Good Earth . . .

2011-03-28T16:50:00.000-06:00

I'm presenting in book club this month . . .

The Good Earth
by Pearl S Buck

A poignant tale about the life and labors of a Chinese farmer during the sweeping reign of the country¹s last emperor.

A novelist "is a storyteller in a village tent, and by his stories he entices people into his tent... And to farmers he must talk of their land, and to old men he must speak of peace, and to old women he must tell of their children, and to young men and women he must speak of each other. He must be satisfied if the common people hear him gladly. At least, so I have been taught in China." -Pearl S. Buck, from her 1938 Nobel Prize Lecture

"On 2 March 1931, Buck's novel The Good Earth was published. It immediately became an international bestseller, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1932, and made Pearl Buck's name a household word. The Good Earth portrays a Chinese peasant family whose husband and wife struggle with the harsh farming realities of northern China. Through laborious effort and dedication they struggle to more financially secure conditions but are never free from the various difficulties and disappointments that are the lot of humankind. By vividness of character portrayal and authenticity of setting, Buck was able to convey her material so that people the world over could identify closely with the events and characters presented... Chinese critics denounced The Good Earth for giving an unflattering portrait of Chinese life and for several alleged inaccuracies... Buck refuted these charges and demonstrated that the critics were distressed because they felt that any picture of Chinese life should focus on the intellectuals and the well educated and that the harsh realities of peasant life should be ignored" (ANB). On the strength of The Good Earth, Pearl Buck won the 1938 Nobel Prize in Literature.

Sounds wonderful! I can't wait to get started!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice!

2011-03-23T11:47:00.001-06:00

We're celebrating this week around our home . . .

Just had to share these gorgeous photos - I just love 'em!

These cupcakes are full of sugar and spice and everything nice
for that's what little girls are made of . . .

Karianne's cute tummy starting her third-trimester - yay!

Looking forward to this new baby :)

We're getting closer . . .

If you're interested in making these fun cupcakes the recipe is here -
Martha Stewart S'Mores Cupcakes

And the Answer is . . . One Bite at a Time

2011-03-22T15:02:00.005-06:00

If the answer is
One Bite at a Time
well then obviously the question would be what . . . . ??

Come on, I'm certain you have one of those big extra-large sized elephants in your life!

Like the one sitting in the middle of your living room
or the car
or the backyard . . .

Don't have an elephant?

Please come by and take a bite of mine - hee!!

My problem with eating an elephant is which juicy morsel do you prefer to begin with?
You could try his toes, where no one is likely to even notice that you took a bite . . .

You could try his trunk, where it would still be little and tiny, but a bit more obvious,
or maybe a big bite right out of his ear . . . hmmmm . . . that always seems to be my problem . . .

Where to begin?

But I've noticed the hardest part of eating an elephant is just getting started. I would really love to hear how you decide which end of your elephant to begin with.

But for now . . . I think I'll just go frost those cupcakes, find two things on my list of things to do that are urgent for today,
then go for a walk . . .

I think I need a little fresh air . . .
those elephants
they certainly have a way of
crowding you right out of the house :)

Oh - and a little music always helps when you are elephant eating . . . just found out these guys will be in town on Sept 9th - I really must go, hope I'm done elephant eating by then :)

Jambo . . . Mambo . . . to you too!

2011-03-18T11:10:00.000-06:00

I'm sure you've all gathered by now that our youngest
Kelsie is volunteering in Tanzania
far far away on the opposite side of the world.

In a world much different from the one we experience here
in our homes of ease and comfort.

Just wanted to share these updates from her . . .

Each email, text message, Facebook post and blog update tugs at my heart . . .you too can follow her adventures (even from the comfort of your sofa :)

kelsie.klein - the blog
A photographic log of their journey so far
More NOTES

I'm sure you can tell that I'm just so pleased and proud of her efforts.

And I'll accept any prayers on her behalf as well, we sure miss her around here but are so glad she has this wonderful opportunity.

Last Days of Winter

2011-03-17T12:14:00.002-06:00

I keep thinking we are experiencing the last days of winter here in Utah!

These are photos from our early March cabin trip, for all our family and friends who now live outside of Utah, or far from our family cabin . . .
This is what you're missing out on!And can I say . . .
We are really missing you at the cabin also!
(location: Uintah mountains, just off the Mirror Lake Highway in between Kamas Utah and Mirror Lake. Also known as the Soapstone Basin Road - for all you heavy duty snowmobilers out there)
This beautiful area has been a favorite of our family for many decades now.

This is me!My old girl - Cleo, the blond on the right is getting pretty old.She loves the cabin and would curl up and die if we left her home.But I have to do the one mile hike up the mountain with her in the snow each time we visit. She is no longer able to run alongside the snowmobile. Of course Conan, the black one, frolics all the way up running circles around us.

Always a great place to visit with family and friends.Thank you DAD for letting us use your snowmobiles each winter.We sure enjoy having this great opportunity.

Just a few of the winter scenes . . .
So I.N.C.R.E.D.I.B.L.E !!!!
And there is sooooOooO much snow in our Utah Mountains this winter!

No cabin trip would be complete without lots ofchocolateyummy foodgamesand family and friends!

Sorry Karianne and Greg!I should have pulled out my camera more before you had to take off,but I did get this photos of Norm and Karianne (below)

(we still are very fond of our 2002 Utah Winter Olympics jackets as you can see!!)

I have to explain the significance of this photo - there is soooo much snow on top of the wood pile that the kidsdug a tunnel running all the way through upon the top of the rooffrom one corner to the other.It was quite amazing!

Just one of my favorite photos from the trip.Hope you enjoy!
Here comes the sun! I feel it warming up soon :)

Fortuosity, that's me Byword ¸¸.•¨•♫♪

2011-03-11T02:20:00.000-07:00

What does Fortuosity mean!

No such word as fortuosity appears in any dictionary, but it appears to be an attempt at forming a noun meaning the state or quality of being fortuituous.

Someone at Yahoo Answers defines it as:
1. Occurring by happy chance; lucky; "profits were enhanced by a fortuitous drop in the cost of raw materials." 2. Occurring by accident (lucky or unlucky). [ETYM: Latin fortuitus; akin to forte, adv., by chance, prop. abl. of fors, fortis, chance. Related to Fortune.]

I know what it means to me . . .
Fortuosity - that's me lifestyle . . . at least this week!
There's no doubt my life has been fortuituous!It all began when I had the opportunity to hear this wonderful person speak at our Stake Womens and Young Women's Conference -
  Yep - Stephanie NielsonI'm sure I don't have to tell any of you how AMAZING and INSPIRING she is.
It was a life changing evening.

Friday night Norm and I attended "Bowls for Humanity" and came away with not one but TWO gorgeous pottery bowls, and bowls of soup and rolls for dinner besides.

After our pottery pickin's - we headed off to a private concert that we had been invited to by no other than
Marvin Goldstein
Yes!  Held in the home of an amazing family in Orem, it was our great pleasure to hear Marvin Goldstein do his awesomeness on the piano along with the vocally talented Vanessa Joy.

Saturday - was our Sara's (new cutest little daughter-in-law) Birthday.We partied here -

Bruges Waffles and Frites
The home of the most amazing Belgium waffles and Frites in SALT LAKE CITY!

Then on the way home - the hubby and I caught an early movie . . .
"The Tourist"
I loved it! So cute - you must see it if you're a Johnny Depp fan, the scene where he's running across the rooftops in his flannel pajamas . . . only Johnny Depp could pull that one off ;)

And finally last night -

Hairspray at the Hale!
Totally hiliarious, happy and heartily hip!My cute neighbor plays the lead - Tracy and was incredible. So much fun!

And of course on the way home . . . my favorite yogurt from here.

. . . small . . . original . . . mangos . . . tiny chocolate chips I can't wait to see what will be next.

The Cleaning of the Bedroom Closet

2011-03-07T12:28:00.003-07:00

OK . . .
Yes, you inspired me . . .
It's taken some time to really sink in . . .

But there's not doubt that
you inspired me!

I cleaned out my Master Bedroom Closet!

What a chore.

I found the darnest things in there . . .

Who inspired me you ask?

This amazing lady - Alice, a dear friend and neighbor
she also happens to be the author of this just as amazing and awesome book. And she also was the guest speaker at our evening Relief Society meeting in February.

What did I learn after this cleansing process?

Never buy t-shirts! ( I NEVER wear them!)
I REALLY don't need 3 pairs of black flip flops!
I do need 10 pairs of CROCS in ALL colors!
I'm addicted to hoodies . . . I'd as soon part with my Sunday best clothes than my hoodies!
I really am going to lose weight - I AM NOT giving up in this area!
Books belong on the bookshelf
Hangers multiply somehow!
If I keep unmatched socks long enough, sometimes the mate actually does show up - amazing!
I REALLY wear a lot of black - hmmm . . . what does that mean?
Sorting through my swimsuits made me LOOOONG for Lake Powell
For someone who HATES socks - I have way toooo many of them
I haven't worn hose to church since almost forever

(I bought a pair in 1995 just in case I needed them in an emergency - still in the wrapper!)

So . . .Off to good will it goes
My closet now looks like this!

Well, maybe not exactly like this :)
But I do have tons more room and I feel so much better now!

Going . . . Going . . . Gone - I think I'm gonna miss YOU!

2011-03-03T07:31:00.002-07:00

And just like that the youngest of my heart is off on her own.

We're not talking Rexburg, 4 hours up I-15 anymore.

No sireeee!

My baby is off to Tanzania!

Kels - I'm gonna miss you, but at the same time, I am so amazed that you would spend all your hard earned money, gather and shop for supplies and pack your bags at least 40 different times. To fit in all those cute little things for the orphanages. You will be a wonderful volunteer and all those babies are gonna love you!

And here is Kelsie's experience of the first few days in Tanzania

Hey everyone!

Wow, crazy adventures! Not really actually...ha. So We've been here a few days so far and we've all had our turn with being sick. Cami hasn't gotten too sick yet though luckily. Yesterday M'Liss was sick all day and so we didn't do much except walk to the Cafe and play card games and play around the Hostel and such. They make breakfast and dinner which is great. I love the food here so much. Last night they made an avacado salad unlike anything I've ever had before.

The Hostel is pretty sweet, no home or anything, all the windows are broken and covered with bars and such and there are lizards everywhere! We have this tiny little cat that is around and it attacks lizards visciously everytime I see it which I am grateful for, yet a little bit disgusted with. There is also a little dog which is cute. I want to play with them...but no worries mom, I've kept my hands to myself. This morning I got sick and threw up a few times which was extrememly unpleasant but I think it was just something I had to get out of my system because I'm feeling fine now.

We've been walking around Moshi town today to get a phone so that we can call Taxi's and such. This morning M'Liss and Cami went to Tuleeni orphanage to see if Mama Faragie was there but she wasn't...so we are put off volunteering or another day. We're trying back tonight and tomorrow morning. Then on monday we are tagging along with Hugh from London to a small village about 45 minutes out. We hitch a ride on the back of a truck, most likely a brick truck or a truck taking supplies out to a sugar plantation and then ride on the back of a guys bike for another 10 or 15 minutes to get there. I'm pretty excited about it! I'm thinking that I'll be teaching out at that school for the next while. We'll see how I like it.

Also, everyone lied. They have paved streets, true they have ditches and are trashed but they have them in town. However, the place where our Hostel is pretty scetch, don't worry though, i'll be fine as long as i don't walk out after night. Everything is going really well, and I'm loving it here! I can't wait to get to work. Talk to you all soon!! Much love!

Love,

Kels

p.s. I can count to 39 in swahili and now know how to greet people and say thank you and no thanks. stuff like that. watch! i'll be pro when i get home. ;)

You can keep current on all the
Tanzania Humanitarian Service
Adventures right here!

Thanks sweetheart for the update - I think I'm developing a new love for email!

Valentines Day recipe - Mini Cheesecakes

2011-02-15T12:14:00.003-07:00

Valentines Day for some reason always makes me think of
cheesecake!

I think it's because for many years it was my husband favorite dessert
thus, a Valentines Day favorite.

Now he seldom eats sweets anymore, but I thought maybe I could persuade him with a new twist on his old favorite.

These mini - cheesecakes at the most adorable things ever!

Valentine - Mini Cheesecakes

Here’s the recipe:

2 pkg. (8oz.) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 Tbsp lemon juice

vanilla wafers crumbled
2 or 2.5" aluminum mini baking cups (aka muffin cups)
Maraschino cherries

Mix the first 5 ingredients in order given, mixing in eggs one at a time and beating well. Pour into muffin cups in a muffin tin with a few vanilla wafers crumbled in the bottoms. Don't overfill, fill to about 3/4 full in muffin cups. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Cool. Cakes shrink slightly as they cool. After cool decorate with maraschino cherries, stablized whip cream and a few pink or red sprinkles. Eat and enjoy!

Stabilized Whip Cream: (holds it's shape for hours and hours :)

Heavy whipping cream

1/2 C. powdered sugar

unflavored gelatin packet

8 t. cold water

In a small cooking pan, sprinkle 2t. gelatin into 8 t. cold water, let sit a couple minutes, then on slightly warm burner, warm just until gelatin dissolves, set aside to cool. Whip 2 C. heavy whipping cream to soft peak status. Slowly whip gelatin mixture into whip cream while continuously beating to the firm peak stage.

(¯`*•.¸♥ღ Mmmmmm - Mmmmmm - GOOD!♥ღ(¯`*

As you can see we celebrated with great style this year, romantic movies, chocolate, diet coke, an assortment of pink treats, and a new favorite . . .

Valentine Mini Cheesecakes!

A Book Review - Pope Joan

2011-02-07T23:24:00.001-07:00

Pope Joan - by Donna Woolfolk Cross

I am loving this book!
Read my review and see what you think, I highly recommend this one.

It's the book of the month for our book group.

My thoughts . . .
Historial Fiction is one of my most favorite genre to read. And this one has held me enthralled from almost the first page when we come upon Hrotrud, the village midwife, trudging through the blizzard to reach the beautiful Saxon wife of the ironically cruel village priest as she prepares to deliver her 3rd baby. Being a Labor & Delivery nurse, I read her account of the delivery with a great deal of interest. Thank goodness we seldom have to resort to those extreme measures today. But no cesarean deliveries in sterile operating rooms back in the 9th century.

The baby Joan grows up on the pagan Saxon tales and songs from her mother an op-positionally becomes a great scholar in the classics, Greek, Latin, and language. All along her usual behaviors for a woman are considered ungodly and sinful, whereas she is the exact opposite as she becomes an unusually talented and gifted healer.

Pope Joan is an excellent combination of fact and fiction, the plot is a clever one weaving historical facts and figures around a legendary figure we have little information on. In fact, Pope Joan's reign as Pope Joan VIII was considered fact until about 100 years ago when she was suddenly erased from history.

This book has something for everyone, history, deception, love and romance (great for February ;), a captivating read from the first page on. Amazon readers give it 4.5 stars, Goodreads.com 4.02 average read.

New Whole Wheat Bread Recipe . . .

2011-02-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

I've been a long time whole wheat bread maker. It something that my family has always loved over the years. I'm amazed at how we can devour 2 loafs of whole wheat bread in a day or two.

It's doubly delicious served with homemade jam

or my neighbor Jim's homegrown beehive honey. It's a real treat every time he brings some across the street for us!

Recently my bread mixer went 'out of order'
and I haven't been able to replace it yet. About the same time my sister gave me this new bread recipe that I could make easily in one bowl with my little portable mixer.

I was

skeptical!

But sure enough - it works and is so delicious!

We do grind our own wheat flour from Lehi Roller Mills winter white wheat.

But I have bought specialty whole wheat flour at the grocery store in a pinch and it is delicious as well.

Easy 6-ingredient Whole Wheat Bread

3 C. Very warm bordering on hot water

1 T. Yeast (my favorite - SAF instant :)
(let sit for about 5-7 minutes)

1 T. salt

1/3 C. Honey

1/3 C. Vegetable oil

6-7 C. Whole wheat flour

That's it, add the ingredients in the order given,
cover with dish towel let rise for 45 min
shape into two loaf pans
let rise

(this is my rising trick -
preheat the oven to 170 and turn off,
let dough rise in oven for 30 minutes)

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes
or until crust turns a light brown.
Let cool in pans for 10 minutes,
remove to cooling rack.
I lightly brush the tops of loaves with water, it keeps
the crusts softer.

Enjoy
as the wafting aroma of home baked bread
draws your neighbors in from far and wide ;)

27 Days to Tanzania <''>

2011-02-01T18:12:00.001-07:00

Whoa! I can't believe my youngest (Kelsie.Klein) who is sort of still at home . . .

(who just started a new blog this week!)

Who flew the coop two years ago to study in Rexburg, Idaho

that ALREADY seems so very far away

(although truly it was only 4 hours up the freeway - it seemed like forever! :)

In 27 days will depart for a 27 hour journey across 3 continents and

over the ocean and Mediterranean Sea

to the far away land in Africa of

Tanzania!

To a little township by the name of Moshi

at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

I must admit I was a wee bit worried when I read this at travel.state.gov . . .

Travelers are reminded to safeguard their U.S. passports while in Tanzania. Passport loss can lead to delays in departing the country and can cause disruption of travel. Tanzanian authorities require that travelers who are not in possession of the visa and entry stamps obtained upon admission to Tanzania visit the immigration office prior to departure to regularize their status. Persons attempting to depart the country without proper documentation may be subject to fines or delays in departure.

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: Terrorist incidents in the recent past highlight the continuing threat posed by terrorism in East Africa and the capacity of terrorist groups to carry out such attacks. On August 7, 1998, terrorists bombed the U.S. Embassies in Dar es Salaam and Nairobi, Kenya. On November 28, 2002, terrorists bombed a hotel in Mombasa, Kenya, approximately 50 miles north of the Kenya-Tanzania border, and unsuccessfully attempted to shoot down an Israeli charter plane departing Mombasa Airport. In response to the recent bus bombing in Nairobi, Kenya, the Tanzanian Police issued a general terror alert on December 22, 2010. The Embassy urges U.S. citizens in the strongest possible terms to exercise good personal security practices.

U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets including usual gathering places of tourists and Westerners. At all times, travelers should maintain a high level of security vigilance. They should avoid political rallies and related public gatherings. In the past, peaceful demonstrations have turned violent with little or no warning as riot police clashed with demonstrators.
The population in Zanzibar is majority Muslim and holds traditional values. Some Zanzibar newspapers have warned that women who dress immodestly may be subject to harassment. U.S. citizens are advised to dress modestly and to refrain from intemperate public behavior.

(I think we'll be okay on the modesty issue . . . and I hope she can avoid peaceful demonstrations that might turn violent!  I doubt they will be staging any of those at the orphanage where she will be providing humanitarian service, unless of course the little ones get out of hand . . .  ;)

I hope you'll take just a minute to

familiarize yourself with her blog!

You can find out more information about service in

Tanzania

from

Path to Africa.

It's a Girl!

2011-01-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Pretty exciting news around our home this weekend.

Karianne & Greg

had their big

diagnostic

ultrasound

on Monday

and

now the good news is out.

It's a girl!

You can read more about the event

and see more

ultrasound photos

over at Greg and Karianne's place

When I have the time . . .

2011-01-24T10:04:00.001-07:00

When I have time I love to share some free photoshop advice over on my

¸¸.•¨•♫♪fun¸¸.•¨•♫♪

photo blog

You'll find a new FREE photoshop tutorial here

where one of our recent Paris trip photos goes from this:

to this:

Enjoy!!

When it Comes to Giveaways . . .

2011-01-20T07:50:00.001-07:00

Hello you all -

When it comes to giveaways, it's not that I'm opposed to the concept in general, I just DO NOT have time to enter giveaways. Although there are a few from time to time that I just can't pass up.

So if I'm blogging about it here
you know it's something really valuable.

The sweet author of this wonderful book is a cute neighbor of mine here in Alpine!

And I am DYING to read this book.

Just wanted to let you all know.
You might want to follow my links over to Anne Bradshaw and enter the giveaway for yourself.or just head on over to Amazon and pick upthe Original or the Kindle version

Those . . . COLD . . . Utah winters!

2011-01-14T23:21:00.000-07:00

Oh WHAT do YOU do in the Wintertime?

Our favorite winter activity is to head toGrandma and Grandpa's cabin in the Uintahs!

It's not exactly warm up there . . . nope, not even close!
In fact we have to ride the snowmobiles in,(or snowshoe, or cross country ski, or hike)
shovel snow away from the front door to get insidebuild a fire, gather water from the spring,
but once we're there - ahhhhh - it's soooo relaxing!

brrrr . . . .

But we have a great time playing in the snow!

Simpy amazing - huh!

(just had to throw this one in as well, it's one of my favorites :)

Sometimes . . .

2011-01-14T23:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes . . .

when I receive inspiration I've been seeking

I just have to

exclaim

right out loud

"Thank you Heavenly Father"

can't even help myself :)

From Some of my Best

I'm just sayin . . .

two thousand ten favorites . . .

2011-01-01T03:03:00.002-07:00

Heard round the Alpine Klein Bunch Christmas tree for 2010 -

Karianne & Greg: OooooOoo! Look our baby is the size of a lemon now . . . such a cute little lemon . . .

Norm . . . . (holding up a Droid) what is this? What do you do with it? Can you talk on the telephone with it?

Kelsie: This will be soooo perfect for Africa. Wait, I can't take luggage THIS nice to AFRICA! ??

Cory - I LOVE my new job and I soooooo MISS going to school everyday! NOT!!
and Sara: 4.0 . . . 4.0 . . . 4.0 yay!!

(and by telephone - Dustin & Cami) we have the sister missionaries coming for lunch today! Our kitties love their zhu zhu pets :)

We're ever so grateful that this year we may yet bring Norm into the 21st century with a phone you can do something besides just talk on . . .
so grateful that Kelsie is home currently after completing her associates degree at BYUI and preparing for a humanitarian service trip to Tanzania in February, so grateful that Cory just finished his bachelors degree in December in Computer Engineering AND has a wonderful new job with complete benefits for he and Sara, so grateful that Sara is a wonderful student and such a darling addition to our family this year, so grateful that Dustin and Cami are safe and sound and happy though far away in Raleigh NC, with jobs they enjoy and many opportunities to love and serve in the gospel in Raleigh, with MUCH warmer temperatures than what were experiencing here in Utah.
And sooooo grateful that this year we are expecting our first Grandbaby. Greg is convinced it's a boy, the rest of us are thinking pink.

And me, JUST mE tHe Mom, so grateful that I survived my first year as the Relief Society President, that (knock knock knock on wood!!) currently all is well . . . I'm surrounded by wonderful family and friends that love, encourage and inspire me. I just may make it through this next year also :)

and . . . looking back at some of my favorite photos of the year

Keep in mind, not my best photos of the year necessarily
. . . but my favorite photos . . .

I can never resist a pussy willow in the springjust want to reach out an hug'em!

Love my book group . . . without them, I'd miss out on some fabulous books . . .

Just so stinkin' cuteI LOVE those boots!

What is there NOT to likeabout this photoI'll treasure it always . . .

And this one is special to me'cause it's MEin PARIS!

Awwwww . . . i love girl trips . . .

and this one just turned out cool'cause I was lucky . . .

That's my guyWe so love to have fun at Powell . . .

I think this stowawayis just the cutest thing!

You'd almost think we color coordinated . . .
but nope . . .

I do NOT know WHAT their doing . . .
. . . but it's AWFULLY cute!

My cute neighborwithour gorgeous Alpine poppies

hmmmm . . . maybe I just WISH I had those legs :)

Amelia'sRaleigh, NC
It's worth the trip . . .

Being a mountain person,I'm always fascinated by the seascapes . . .

And these sea birds . . .can't get enough of them!

When Utah looks like this,I really just curl up and stay in . . .

just plain gorgeous . . .

This little critter just hangs around outside
my window . . .

begging for more birdseed . . .

And that's my FAVORITES of the year
from behind the camera lens.

Santa's Workshop

2010-12-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

Hmm . . .

Looking around this mess and thinkin'
it looks seriously like Santa's workshop . . .

Must be quite the untidy place at this time of year :)

Thank you dear husband for the newappliance you brought home from work with you last night!
It was awfully hard to make Christmas goodies withoutan oven or stove top!

Then what to our wondering eyes did appear!
It's plenty of snow! Just minus the reindeer . . .

Now I'm off in a Christmas blizzard -
And after this - I'm hybernating for the next week :)
No more stores for me ;)

Merry Christmas - to all - I'll see ya on the flip side

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time . . .

2010-12-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

One of these days I'm going to create
a
worthy
blog post again . . .

But,
I'm pretty sure . . .

Not until after the holidays.

I'm simply having a WONDERFUL Christmas time . . .
sewing, baking, wrapping
(and I have simplified by the way - just haven't figured how NOT to bake and wrap . . .)

Meanwhile . . .
This
will make you laugh OUT loud!

. . . this Christmas . . .

2010-12-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

“This Christmas, mend a quarrel.

Seek out a forgotten friend.

Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.

Write a letter.

Give a soft answer.

Encourage youth.

Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.

Keep a promise.

Forgo a grudge.

Forgive an enemy.

Apologize.

Try to understand.

Examine your demands on others.

Think first of someone else.

Be kind.

Be gentle.

Laugh a little more.

Express your gratitude.

Welcome a stranger.

Gladden the heart of a child.

Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.

Speak your love and then speak it again. "

- Howard W. Hunter

We seek after THESE things - Alpine Klein Bunch

OooOoo . ♪♫•. . OOoooOoo . ♪♫•. .OOOOo

Be at the Crossroads . . .

Looking Ahead 2012

The Year in Review . . .

And for Your Listening Pleasure . . .

OooOo! The War we are Really Fighting . . .

Spreading a little Christmas Cheer

A Christmas Gift

If you Give a Blogger a Minute . . .

A Christmas Pledge - from a friend . . .

Good Gravy . . .

It's that Holiday Season . . .

#10 - 12

Little Catching up to do . . .

It Made me Chuckle . . . it did . . .

Reflections on Gratitude

I ♥ღ this baby

A Month of Thanksgiving . . .

A Month of Thanksgiving

"Smile, Breathe and go Slowly"

Summer days Makes me feel Fine . . .

A Conference thought or two . . .

A Life Changer for Certain

It Feels so Good . . .

It's a Dogs Life (or a Cat's . . .)

Laughing out Loud - for Heavens Sake

On Finding Happiness . . .

So . . . . Cute Story . . .

Awfully quiet around here . . .

I Heart Faces Challenge - White

President Monson . . . a great inspiration!

Not Feeling very Chatty today . . .

What is it with me and books anywho??

Do you Know . . .

Independence Day 2011

Oh my Goodness!

She's here! We're happy!

Ahhhh . . . I Can Almost Feel the Summer Sun!

Current Events (at least according to me . . .)

A Little Light Summer Reading

Park City, Utah

Red Corner China Diner - I think we'll be stopping by!

For all you Photography friends out there . . .

So Easily Entertained . . .

Ah perfection . . .

AND in the NEWS today . . .

Grrrr! It's snowing outside!

And from the Washington Post . . .

The Christian case for Mormon values

Parable of the Purse . . .

Just a Small Glimpse and 16 more days!

Now Through Easter . . .

Not a Morning Person . . .

Still laughing . . . :D

An Evening with Nie Nie . . .

Of General Conference and Cinnamon Rolls . . .

The Good Earth . . .

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice!

And the Answer is . . . One Bite at a Time

Jambo . . . Mambo . . . to you too!

Last Days of Winter

Fortuosity, that's me Byword ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪

The Cleaning of the Bedroom Closet

Going . . . Going . . . Gone - I think I'm gonna miss YOU!

Valentines Day recipe - Mini Cheesecakes

A Book Review - Pope Joan

New Whole Wheat Bread Recipe . . .

27 Days to Tanzania <''>

It's a Girl!

When I have the time . . .

¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪fun¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪

When it Comes to Giveaways . . .

Those . . . COLD . . . Utah winters!

Sometimes . . .

two thousand ten favorites . . .

Santa's Workshop

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time . . .

. . . this Christmas . . .

Fortuosity, that's me Byword ¸¸.•¨•♫♪

¸¸.•¨•♫♪fun¸¸.•¨•♫♪