Trick or Treat

I was thinking about this... TRICK or TREAT...

It seems that the real "Trick" is Obedience. Standing for what is right. Steadfast and immovable.

And, the "TREAT" is Eternal. Eternal life. Eternal families. Celestial Kingdom.

It is just that easy. AND. YET. oh so hard.
It reminds me of Numbers 21:8-9 in the Old Testament.

I feel that we are living in trying times. I know of 3 very close fiends and families that are being broken up due to divorce. I know of good strong people who have children struggling with the gay life style... I know of MANY MANY people who have children struggling for one reason or another. Our country really NEEDS help right now. It is a scary world out there.

I really enjoyed Sister Daltons talk to the young women in April this year. Let me just quote a bit from it...

"Several years ago, I had the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon. I had trained hard and felt I was prepared, but at mile 20 there are hills. The locals call the steepest and longest hill Heartbreak Hill. When I reached that point, I was physically spent. The hill was long, and because I was a novice, I allowed myself to do something no seasoned runner ever does—I started to think negatively. This slowed my pace, so I tried to think positively and visualize the finish line. But as I did this, I suddenly realized that I was in a big city, there were thousands of people lining the route, and I had not made any arrangements to locate my husband at the end of the marathon. I felt lost and alone, and I started to cry. I was wearing a big red T-shirt with the word Utah printed on the front in big block letters. As the spectators saw that I was crying, they would yell, “Keep going, Utah.” “Don’t cry, Utah.” “You’re almost finished, Utah.” But I knew I wasn’t, and I was lost. I also knew that even if I stopped running and dropped out of the race, I would still be lost.

Do any of you ever feel like you’re running up Heartbreak Hill and that even though there are people lining the route, you are alone? That’s how I felt. So I did what every one of you would do—I began to pray right there on that marathon route. I told Heavenly Father that I was alone and that I was on a hill. I told Him that I was discouraged and afraid and that I felt lost. I asked for help and strength to be steadfast and to finish the race. As I continued to run, these words came into my mind:

Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
(“How Firm a Foundation,” Hymns, no. 85)

That sweet answer to my prayer gave me the strength to continue on until I crossed the finish line. And despite my fears, my husband was right there and all was well.

That day I experienced more than a marathon. I learned some important lessons. First of all, never wear a big red shirt with the word Utah printed on it. Second, I learned that no matter how well prepared you think you are, there are hills on the course. I learned that people cheering for you along the way are absolutely essential. I learned again that day that we are never alone. Our Heavenly Father is only a prayer away, and the Holy Ghost is within whispering distance."

I know there are times when we too are physically spent too. (or emotionally, or spiritually) I pray that we will not start to think negatively... thinking that we cant make it... that it doesn't really matter... We can. And, it does. I pray that we will ALL think positively and visualize the FINISH line... that we will be strong. That we will stop and pray whenever and where ever we might be...

I pray that as we meet whatever life holds for us, that we will remember that we need only care about what the Lord thinks of us, that we will turn our whole heart over to the Savior and be at one with him!

Remember... the trick is obedience and the treat is eternal!

I miss ya'll...

I am still in Utah visiting my parents. I really enjoy being with them but I have to say I miss my friends! It seems I just don't have the time to blog and play like I do when I am at home.

Monday night we had to take my dad to the ER. He had a high fever and was confused and not making any sense. We were at the ER all night, we went to bed at 5 am. Luckily he is home and doing well now! He had 3 (yep, you read that right, 3) infections in his billy tube so they gave him 3 bags of antibiotics thru an IV and he is on 2 different antibiotics now. He is feeling SO much better now. He is still sitting on the love seat every night and watching FOX news. I took them to vote today too!


And, a funny. If you are blonde you better read this OUT LOUD or you might not get it... °Ü°
Last night I was talking to Bradly boy (hubby) on the phone and was asking about everything that was happening back at home. They had a laurel/priest activity last night. Everyone dressed up. One of our cute laurels was dressed up like a mermaid... she had on a sea shell bra (over her Tshirt). One of our other cute laurels said, "Do you know why she has on (this is the part you have to say OUT LOUD) sea shells? Because B shells are too small and D shells are too big!" FUNNY GIRLS!!!! I miss them too! Hope your all having a great week!

52 Years!

52 years with the same woman is what my daddy says... you have to know my dad.
He says stuff like...

ME: "Dad, how ya feelin'?"
DAD:"With my fingers"

or...

ME:"So, dad, what's up?"
DAD:"Rent and Taxes"....

Just like MY papa... always trying to crack a funny! My papa and my mama (my dad's parents) were the same age... so every 10 years he would say... "I am 70 and mama is 70 too" or "I am 80 and mama is 80 too" BUT, of course when he said it, it sounded like she was 72 or 82... he thought he was so funny... They are a lot alike, my grandpa and my daddy... Funny side note for those of you who are family or knew my Papa, Dad looked at a picture of himself last night and said, "Wow, I look a lot like JG" HAHAHA!!! YA THINK???

Well, that is what dad has been saying for the last couple of days... "Yep, 52 years with the same woman!"
(And proud of it, I might add!)

My parents 52nd wedding anniversary was Today!
Oct. 19, 1956!


I emailed close family and friends and asked them to write my parents a letter/note wishing them a happy Anniversary and listing some memories of them over the years. I also had them send some pictures, old and new... then I put together a scrapbook for them. It turned out GREAT!!! THANK YOU EVERYONE who contributed!!! They LOVED it! They just cried and cried! I flew in to surprise them yesterday (Saturday) and My sweet sister in law, Jennifer picked me up and brought me to their house. My brother was in the front room visiting with them when I walked up to the door! They were very surprised to see me. We had so much fun. We sat up until 1:00 am talking and reminising! They talked about growing up... meeting... dating... getting engaged... etc, it was a wonderful time with them!!!

Anyway, here are some sample pages from the scrapbook....
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!!!
I LOVE YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!

ODDS... and ends...

Have you ever been hurt by someone?

Have you ever been hurt by something someone said to you?

Have you ever been sure they did it on purpose?

To TRY and hurt you?

WHY do you think people do that?



On a better note.... Can I just say...
I LOVE TEACHING INSTITUTE??!!!!

What a great group of kids I have. There was 30 there last night. We talked about the 4th watch.... and how the Savior came THEN... (between 3-6 am) just at the dawn, when the LIGHT comes. He IS the LIGHT! Remember Joseph Smith when he was praying and just at the moment of great alarm, he saw a pillar of light??!!! (Joseph Smith History 1:16) We also talked about Peter, the Rock, walking on water.... and trials... I had a big rock I used as an visual. They decided next week I should bring bright colored sharpies and we would all sign it... coz we are a Rockin' group and we have a testimony like Peter.... like a ROCK. The rock will be our mascot! CUTE, huh??? I love them!!!

Cyber Hugs!

Okay, I was so dang lucky this week! I got TWO blog awards!!! The 1st one was from Pedaling!
And the 2nd was from Jodi at Beacon of hope!

THANK YOU BOTH!!! These 2 women are so much fun!!! We have a lot in common!!!
And, so the rules are.... I pass them on.... I would like to pass them to my cute Daughters in law, Brittany & Diana and then to some dear friends... Pam, Jan, Frumpy Luv, Nancy, Mechelle, and Jodi at Redhoodoos! I think that is 7. Although, I could go on all day... there are so many of you out in Blogland that I would love to give a hug to!!!

And, now, Jodi did a cute tag. AND, I tag ALL who read it to do this tag too, I thought it was a really fun one to read!!!

50 ODD THINGS!

1. Do you like blue cheese? a little
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? NO! (You can SMOKE heroin???)
3. Do you own a gun? Yes and I know how to use it!
4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Cherry or Vanilla, sometimes BOTH!
5. Do you get nervous before doctor Appointments? Yes
6. What do you think of hot dogs? NOT my favorite but... with LOTS of relish and STUFF I can eat them.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? It's a Wonderful Life OR, or course, the Luke II Video!
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water
9. Can you do push-ups? Yep, but not many in a row, LOL
10. Age? 39 forever.....
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Hmm...not sure I can pick just one. I really love jewelry! BUT, I think it would have to be my wedding ring! It IS symbolic, ya know!
12. Favorite hobby? Blogging, gardening, walking and thinking, going to lunch with friends!!!
13. Favorite Actor: Brad Pitt (GREAT 1st name!)
14. Do you have A.D.D.? well, that would depend on the day and who you ask!
15. What's one trait you hate about yourself? The fact that I do not like to exercise!
16. Middle name? D'Aun
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment... (1) I really should be working on my Institute lesson for tonight! (2) I want to be with my dad (3) I am grateful!
18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday/today? (1) scrapbook and paper (2) lunch (3) mittens
19. 3 drinks you regularly drink? 1.Water 2.Water 3.Water
20. 3 Current worries?~ (1) My dad (2) Helping Dallin get his BYU application in TOMORROW (3)my lesson for tonight
21. Current hate right now? I need to repent... and I am pleading the 5th on this one today!
22. Favorite place to be? Home or with family and friends♥
23. How did you bring in the New Year? With family lots of good food
24. Where would you like to go? Israel, Austria (that is where Brad served his mission) and back to Hawaii!
25. Name three people who will complete this. ALL of Y'all!
26. Do you own slippers? Oh, yeah!
27. What shirt are you wearing? a short sleeve baby doll sweater
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No
29. Can you whistle? sort of, lol
30. Favorite color? RED!!!!!
31. Would you be a pirate? Uh, only if I could find a treasure!
32. What songs do you sing in the shower? HAHAHA, NOT.
33. Favorite girl's name? wow... not sure!
34. Favorite boy's name? Hummm... with 5 sons and a hubby, I again need to plead the 5th
35. What is in your pocket? Nota
36. Last thing that made you laugh? Pam!
37. Best bed sheets as a child? what??? are you kidding me? I have NO idea!
38. Worst injury you've ever had? 76 stitches in my ankle!
39. Do you love where you live? Yes I do.
40. How many TVs do you have in your house? Three
41. Who is your loudest friend? do relatives count??? LOL
42. How many dogs do you have? None
43. Does someone have a crush on you? HAHAHA! DUH. J/K
44. What is your favorite book(S)? The scriptures
45. Where were you born? Texas
46. What is your favorite candy? Dove Chocolate
47. Favorite Sports Team? High School soccer!
48. What songs do you want played at your funeral? I Stand all Amazed & Oh, my Father
49.What are you doing at 12 A.M.? Usually sleeping
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Dang, already??!!!

Two Sabbath Day Thoughts

One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick. Suddenly, my daughter, Aspen, spoke up from her relaxed position in her seat. “Dad, I’m thinking of something.” This announcement usually meant she had been pondering some fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all that her six-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear.

“What are you thinking?” I asked.

“The rain!” she began, “is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God wiping our sins away.”

After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond.
“That’s really good, Aspen.”
Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little girl take this revelation? So I asked… “Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?”
Aspen didn’t hesitate one moment with her answer:

“We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us.”

I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.
~Anonymous



Also, today in Relief Society we were talking about the trials that Joseph Smith had to endure... likening the scriptures to ourselves our teacher said that when things get tough for her, or one of her children or even a friend, she just says, "Hitch up your wagon and make it your 15 miles today. I hope to see you at the end of the trail." I really like that... we too must keep on keeping on.... endure to the end. What a great REUNION that will be one day!

Happy Sabbath!

Update

Unfortunately, our football team lost last night... so, today we are cheering for our other "Cougar" team!!! Go BYU!!! (It is Homecoming for them today!!!)

And, I thought I would just post Brittany's Pumpkin Bread recipe. I know you probably already have recipes for pumpkin bread but I think the fact that it calls for pudding in the recipe it makes it really moist and yummmy!!! It is finally cooling down here and so I am in the mood for fall... pumpkin bread will make my house smell good and my tummy feel good, so, I am headed to the kitchen!

1 1/3 c. Veg. Oil
5 Eggs
1 Can of Pumpkin (16 oz)
2 c. Flour
1 c. Sugar
1 c. Brown Sugar
1 t. Salt
1 t. Cinnamon
1 t. Nutmeg
1 t. Baking Soda
2 pkg. Instant Vanilla Pudding (dry)
Chocolate Chips! (Optional: nuts)

Directions: Grease 2 loaf pans. Mix oil, eggs and pumpkin in mixing bowl and beat well. In a separate bowl sift together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda. Add to pumpkin mixture and mix till blended. Stir in pudding mix and chocolate chips (or 1 c. nuts if you like) Bake at 350° for 1 hour. Enjoy!

Friday Night Lights!

Dallin has another football game tonight! They won the last 2 games and we are hoping that this winning streak continues! Kaitlin is his cheerleader again this year (she was their Freshman year too). She is in our ward and a great friend!!! She took this picture after one of their games and sent it to me... Dallin has helmet hair but they look cute!!! Go, cougars!!!


Brittany also posted a yummy pumpkin bread recipe you might want to check out! It was the best I have ever had! Go here to get the recipe!

Sneak Peak!

As most of you know my dad has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer. He started his radiation yesterday. He got 2 doses yesterday and he is getting 2 today. Then he is through!

A little over a week ago my family all met there at my mom and dads. And we had a nice big family portrait taken. We have been wanting to do this for years. My parents, my brother, his wife and 4 kids, and my family. That is everyone. Our sweet photographer, Brieanne, sent me a sneak peak this morning. I was SO excited I just had to post it! I can't wait to see all the others!!! THANK YOU BRIEANNE!!!
(IF you look close (FAR RIGHT) ...Blake has on a pair of Grandpa's boots that he gave him just that morning! He was stoked to get them!)


“But whatever the era, whatever the times, one thing will never change: Fathers and mothers, if you have children, they must come first. You must read to your children and you must hug your children and you must love your children. Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens in the White House but on what happens inside your house.” Barbara Bush

(And, might I add.... PARENTS)

Protect Marriage!!!

WORLDWIDE Church!

I just got this info. and wanted to share... what an inspiration! I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows us by name, for we ARE His, ALL of us! I am grateful for a living prophet in these the latter-days! I am so grateful for all the organizations of the church...

The sister who wrote the following letter was a member of the RS choir that sang for the General Relief Society Broadcast, September 27, 2008. (It was written the night before the broadcast. I had noticed the white blouses and wondered why...)

"Hello Family and Friends -
Well, I broke down and decided to send a quick email to let you know that the choir for the General Women's Broadcast tomorrow night was selected from my area and I am in it. I just had to share some things I have learned and felt during the last 7 weeks at rehearsals.
First, you will see that we are wearing white blouses. Some people have commented to me their surprise at the color choice (or lack thereof) but I have to tell you the story behind this. Sis. Beck, the General R.S. Pres., stopped into our practice one night as a surprise and she spoke for a few minutes. First, I cannot describe the feeling she brought with her, the power of the Holy Ghost as she testified to us of the Lord's hand in this conference and her humble pleading for help in her talk. She said that as she has traveled the world, she has felt such a powerful need to communicate to the women worldwide, regardless of race, economics, etc. that we are sisters and ALL members of the LORD'S church - together. She said that she felt inspired to request that we wear white because everywhere she has gone, the women always show up in a white clean shirt somehow. She said she didn't know how it was possible in some areas to have anything clean let alone white - but they always come somehow in white, even if it is a tee-shirt, cleaned and turned inside out so the writing on it doesn't show. So, she wanted them to see the choir and know that they could be part of it regardless of money or situation. They also asked us to not wear jewelry (or very minimal) so that women who are not sure where the next meal is coming from don't feel such an economic division between Utah and them.
They have worked to prepare us spiritually as much as musically. From the first night, they have said, the music is secondary. The testimony of Jesus Christ is primary. It is only about Him and the sisters out there. From the second we started rehearsing, the Spirit has been tangible and present. Every time, I leave feeling changed inside. At our first rehearsal, they said that there wouldn't be any new or original special songs. They told us that the conference is translated into the various languages, except the music. The music is always in English. There are many versions of Hymnals in the world, but they don't have every song in them. In fact, there are only about 15-20 songs (if I remember correctly) common among them all. So, to unify the sisters again, they chose 4 of the songs that are in every hymnal, so even if they don't understand our language, they will know the song and feel it is their hymns and their Church.
The theme of the music is rejoicing and hope in the Savior. In light of world events of the recent days, I can't tell you the power and peace I feel when I practice these songs. I invite you to listen closely to the words of the songs. They have come to me with force I have rarely felt in music ~ for example: "His kingdom cannot fail. He rules over earth and heaven." When it seems that everyday something else is failing, His kingdom cannot fail. Or, "I would learn the Healer's art", "Find in Thee my strength my beacon", or just the simple phrase "Lift up your hearts! Lift up your voice! Rejoice again I say rejoice." I have felt things during this preparation time that I never dreamed of feeling or learning. So, I felt the spirit say as I was practicing tonight " 'Lift up your voice' and send some thoughts to those you love." So, here are my thoughts and my love for whomever of you needs them.
My testimony has never been stronger of Jesus Christ and his love for us. My favorite name for him is "Savior." I feel it in every fiber of my being. He will not fail us if we cleave to Him. It is a marvelous time to be on the earth and great things are happening in this Church! It is his kingdom we are a part of. It is a privilege to bear His name and to try to be like Him. It is worth fighting for and holding our standards high. When we had our dress rehearsal in the Conference Center , and the organ started playing HUGE, and sound pouring out of the pipes over us, and singing with all the feeling of our souls, my heart felt like it would explode! I never considered how intimately the Savior watches over the preparations of conference, but I testify HE is in every detail, every plan, every element of it. It is HIS conference, HIS church, HIS world, HIS people, HIS Love, and I am so grateful for the chance to sing my testimony to you tomorrow night! I will have you in my mind and heart!

(Again, this was NOT written by me... but, by a sweet sister that was in the choir...)

Happy Birthday, Brittany!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Brittany, Happy Birthday to you! (We love you!)

Today is my wonderful daughter, Brittany's, Birthday! Frances, my dear, you know we SHARE her now, right??? (Thank you! Love you!)

I remember when Derek and Brittany became boyfriend and girlfriend... when she first came into our lives... to stay. And yet... we didn't realize it... at the time! AND, I have to tell you... I saved the text I got from Derek that night... it says, "...and by the way umm Brittany is my girlfriend now I guess." So, I quickly texted him back! It seems that CUTE Brittany had cut Derek's hair and told him as she was finishing up, "Well, now you can tell everyone that your girlfriend cute your hair!" So there ya go.... the beginning of FOREVER!!! THANK YOU BRITTANY!!!! We love you!!! You are the best thing that ever happened to Derek... okay, his mission to Brasil played a very important role... but, YOU make him who he is! Again, THANK YOU!

Besides being beautiful on the outside, with those long gorgeous legs and that beautiful Cuban skin, and of course that wonderful smile of hers, Brittany is so much fun!!! She was blessed with personality plus! She cracks me up how she just dishes it back to all the boys (including her father in law!!!) And the looks she will give Derek... I think you need a sample of that... here ya go...

We had taken a picture of the cute couple outside the temple but Derek had his sun glasses on and Britt wanted one of him with them OFF. Well, Derek didn't want them off... but she finally persuaded him and here is her look... and his.... LOL

Shooting at the family reunion...
Speaking of her fun personality, here she is singing Karaoke at the family reunion
And Dancing... (again, we love how uninhibited she is! She totally entertains us!)
And playing the violin at Christmas...

(Boy, I should have picked up a little BEFORE THAT picture!)

Brittany plays beautifully... again another gift she has! She can play ANYTHING... (Derek gave her an electric violin for her wedding gift)Here are some more fun pics of her... And, yes, we forgive her for being a Nugget fan. (I have seen her cheering for the Lakers though, sshhhhhhhh!)

The night Derek proposed...

Wedding Day at the San Diego Temple... (go here to see MORE wedding pictures) On the beach...
On the honeymoon...

Our Dear Brittany... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

General Conference

HERE is a cute 14 page Activity Packet for General Conference with games and things to color. It also has a place to take notes from the speakers, so you can use it for your younger children or your older children. Click HERE to print it.

What are YOUR traditions for General Conference?
I know that some of you do not get it on TV, therefore your traditions might be different than ours... We watch the 1st sessions of Conference in our PJ's. One morning I make "Sticky Caramel Rolls" for breakfast (I know, not healthy but a fun tradition), and then the next morning I make a Hash Brown Quiche. Below are the recipes I use.


Sticky Carmel Rolls

Ingredients
24 Rhodes frozen rolls, frozen
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1/2 cup butter
1 package cook n serve butterscotch pudding, dry
1/2 cup brown sugar

Directions
1. The night before, grease 10X13 pan and place frozen rolls in bottom then sprinkle 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup chopped nuts and then dry pudding over top.
2. In medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar and pour over top of rolls.
3. Place pan on counter and cover lightly with paper towels and let thaw and rise overnight.
4. In the morning uncover and bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Turn out onto serving dish and serve warm.


Hash Brown Quiche

Ingredients
3 cups, shredded frozen hash browns, thawed and drained
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted
3 large eggs, beaten
1 cup half-and-half
3/4 cup diced cooked ham
1/2 cup diced green onions
1 cup shredded Cheddar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Gently press the drained hash browns between paper towels to dry them as best as possible. In a 9-inch pie plate, toss the hash browns with the melted butter into the plate. Press them into the bottom and up the sides to form a crust. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and starting to crisp.Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. When the hash brown crust is ready pour the egg mixture over it and return to the oven.Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and bake for about 30 minutes until the quiche is light golden brown on top and puffed.

Please share your traditions!!!

AND, think about and/or take notes on your favorite speaker, thought, story, quote, etc to share on Monday!!!

I just got a letter... I just got a letter...

Well, REALLY, it was a package, but I just wanted to sing!!!

I won Motherboard's give away!!! AND, I got it in the mail today!!!

Thank you Motherboard!!! I was soooooooooooo excited to open it! And, here it is for ALL to see!!!

I got a cute mug & some Candy Cane Cocoa, some chocolate cinnamon bears, a CD of great music, some note cards & a journal with a fun pen!!! HOW exciting! It is like having Christmas in October!!!

AND, just the other day a wonderful friend, Nancy, dropped by and brought me an early Bday present! She said, "Sometimes Bday's just have to come early" What a sweetheart she is!!! Truly! Thank you, Nancy, I love you! Look at what she brought me!!!

Can I just say... I am soooooooooo very thankful for such wonderful supportive, kind, and wonderful friends!!! (You know who you are! Thank you for your emails, your phone calls, your text's, you love... your support!) Friends have always been very important to me!

Thank you to all my dear friends... I LOVE YOU!

Colors... what color are YOU?

I am just curious....

I used to wear PINK a LOT but this year 2 of my friends told me that pink really is NOT my color. Well, how do you like that?!! I have been wearing it for years and years and years... yes, I still wear it, but not as much as I used to...

I tend to wear GREEN a LOT! Why? Because I always get compliments when I do. I THINK... because it is the same color of my eyes????

Anyway, like I said, I am curious...

What color do you like to wear and why???!!! Please tell!