Thanksgiving 2011

This is always a bitter sweet holiday for me. It is the day that holds the most memories. I guess it is because of all the holidays it was the one where we totally focused on family. Family that is now free from mortality and all its frailties. Yes we gathered for Christmas but I guess with the lights and focus on the Savior I have different memories. But thanksgiving was where we always gathered around the table and each expressed what we were most grateful for. At the Scharrier table it most always centered around some miracle of health for one or multiple members of the family. Aunt Sue always was thankful for a second chance at life after surviving her suicide attempt. Dad always grateful for freedom and simple pleasures. My mom had the house all decked out in the harvest glory. A tiny clay turkey I made in kindergarten, pilgrams made out of mrs butterworth bottles, a vintage turkey platter, or the indian I drew for the front door. We ate off china from my great grandparents, the delicate thin beautiful plates and glasses. Napkins rings and arts and crafts handmade by Anthony and I. Most years we had others around the table family form out of town studying at BYU or visiting for the holidays. It was the first day we were allowed to listed to Christmas music as we busied ourselves with prepping for the feast. It was always a feast full of sounds, colors and I am sure could I smell wonderful smells. I remember feeling the steam from the hot sink water, pots bubbling and the oven. Aunt Sue, Mom and dad wearing aprons had this sort of dance they did, it was graceful to watch like a ballet. I loved setting the table and just watching them work magic. SO much love for an hour long meal. The painting that hung behind my grandparent dinning room set we we lucky to have was my dads favorite painting which he would reference each and every Thanksgiving. A man with head bowed, a bible sitting on his modest table with a simple meal. Giving thanks to God for all we have. Every so many years my birthday or my older brother would fall on Thanksgiving. My mom was sweet to always try and make me feel special with a beautiful cake or amazing gift. We would get out the cake turner that spun around with a music box inside and played the tune of Happy Birthday To You. One year my brother got married on my birthday- lucky I love the woman he choose:) Getting together for dessert with my cousins. My one practical Aunt who I adore saying "We don't need a birthday cake for Missy we will have pie already." My dad thought is was very funny to chase me with the turkey neck which I dreaded and hated. The shape if it is awful plus I would cry thinking of the poor turkey his sad life and gruesome death. I can't quit the flow of steady tears as I write this. My first Thanksgiving without my Aunt Sue, Uncle Denny, or a call form Uncle Al. No more heading out to buy a tree and begging dad for the flocked variety or going to see a movie together. But I am grateful for who i still have around and that I got to love the dead ones as long as I did. Plus our first one with George who is divine. Here are some of the plans for food...

Missy’s Sweet Potato Souffle

Soufflé:

Canned Princella Yams (real ones don't work as good)
¾ cup brown sugar

3 eggs, beaten

½ cup heavy whipped cream not whipped

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, about 1 stick, melted

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, about 1/2 stick, cubed, at room temperature
1/2 cup self-rising cake flour
1 cup chopped pecans

Garnish:
Mini marshmallows

Soufflé: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease oval baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, cream, butter, vanilla, and salt. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Topping: Combine the brown sugar, butter, flour, and pecans in a separate bowl. Crumble the topping over the sweet potato mixture.

Bake for one hour, until the topping is golden brown.

Garnish: Place marshmallows on top and return to oven for about 5 minutes or until brown on top.

Serve hot.

Jell-O Yummy Pear Delight
This is one of the only jell-o recipes I will eat.
1 cup boiling water
1-6 oz pkg lime gelatin
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup pear juice
1 can pears blended in blender
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups whipping cream (beat stiff with ½ tsp vanilla and a little sugar)

½ tsp vanilla

Bring water to a boil. Put gelatin and sugar in a medium sized bowl; add boiling water stirring until gelatin is dissolved. Open can of pears. Pour off pear juice in a measuring cup; put pears in the blender with 1 cup of pear juice (I sometime use all the pear juice). Blend until smooth. Slowly add jell-o mixture to blender and 1 tsp vanilla. Will be right to the top-- be careful. Pour into 9 x 13 inch dish. Refrigerate until it cools. Whip cream as it starts to set add a little sugar and vanilla, beat until stiff. Fold into gelatin mixture into 9x13 inch pan. Refrigerate for several hours until firm. I have done it with strawberry jell-o too.

Stuffin Muffins
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
1 stick butter, softened (mom made us use more)
1 fresh bay leaf, available in produce department
4 ribs celery and greens, from the heart, chopped

(save time and purchase celery already washed, trimmed and cut into sticks, this makes chopping fast work)
1 medium to large yellow skinned onion, chopped
3 McIntosh apples, quartered and chopped
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
8 cups cubed stuffing mix (Pepperidge Farm)
2 to 3 cups chicken stock, available in paper containers on the soup aisle

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil to skillet and 4 tablespoons butter. When butter melts, add bay leaf and add the vegetables as you chop them, celery, onions then apples. Sprinkle the vegetables and apples with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. Cook 5 to 6 minutes to begin to soften vegetables and apples then add parsley and stuffing cubes to the pan and combine. Moisten the stuffing with chicken broth until all of the bread is soft but not wet.
Butter 12 muffin cups, 2 tins, liberally with remaining butter. Use an ice cream scoop to fill and mound up the stuffing in muffin tins. Remove the bay leaf as you scoop the stuffing when you come upon it. Bake until set and crisp on top, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove stuffin' muffins to a platter and serve hot or room temperature. (Mom made us use lots more butter).

Real mashed Yukon gold potatoes

Turkey brined and smoked by Scott

New Year

My sister Michelle once told me that she loved to make goals and try new things even if she did not stick with them or "succeed". My friend Ruth believed that even in the failing there was learning and improvement. I agree. Rita always said "what good are low hopes?" You miss 100% of the shots you never take.
I LOVE resolutions and New Years is the big daddy of all. It is my favorite time to journal and look back and see where I want to make adjustments. I was not always good at seeing the silver lining in failed attempts. I am an all or nothing girl and it is a constant struggle to remind myself to lighten up. I have little motto's I have memorized that I say over and over and have internalized. Such as "sometimes Done is better than perfect." "Everything from the middle looks like a failure." As I watch Scott excel in his new job and meet goal after goal even when he doesn't feel good I get so excited about possibilities.
This is the happiest New years of my entire life. It isn't because my heath is good I have a mri with contrast to schedule and the whole brain tumor/ blood pressure thing. Ignoring it did not make it go away as I had hoped it would during the holidays. It isn't because Aunt Sue is thriving... she is actually doing very poorly and I feel hopeless at times. It is not due to my hubby's amazing health- I fear whatever he picked up a few years back is shortening his life. The list goes on but the big difference is my having loosened the grip of what should be. What if what is, is just what is? Looking back on 2009 there were many heart aches but the overpowering presence of God woven in everyday of that year made me better than I was. I made mistakes and have regrets but I am seeing them and look forward to testing my wings with new perspective. Guess what? I will fail again but it is OK. When I look at the tiny details of a fingerprint or the sound of silence in a winters night I feel Gods love. I'm studying the Old Testament and it is full of wonderful examples of Gods plan, purpose, vision and my divinity as his child. Think of the confidence Moses had to know he was His son.
Time is going to pass anyways why not set some resolutions? New Years is my favorite.

Ringing out 2009

I can't even blog my joy at having my brother and sister back in town. They complete my heart and I feel like dancing. Scott and I adore them! we had a really great time spending this holiday with them. My friend Lynette told me about how to make the beautiful giant snowflake hanging from my chandelier. You can't tell but the paper is shimmery on one side so it reminds me of snow.

2009 Unpacking Halloween

Scott could not find clean underwear but I had Halloween up at the new house. Yes my priorities were Holiday first at all costs. The very first box Hilary helped me unpack was Halloween. I could not find my costumes so I went as the light from inside a pumpkin! I had brand new glitter eye make up and I had a sparkly tee shirt that Kelsie talked me into buying last season for 3.00! Teri's kids loved playing under the stairs in the play area. Sarah was a kitty and Bella thought that was super cool. I had a sparkly headband which you can't see in any of the photos. We also had a great visit from Ilse ad Olaf my German cousins:) It was weird to not be at Kinikinis house as we were for so many years. It was fantastic to hand out candy and hang with my cousins and family. We watch a clear play edited movie called Hot Rod and Twilight 3 or 4 times. Kelly and I love to talk about it he never read the books but enjoyed the movie.

An Osmond 24th of July

If you live in Utah then you know that the 24th of July is a big deal. It is the day we remember the pioneers that entered the Utah valley on July 24, 1847. We celebrate with a huge parade and fireworks. Business typically close the doors so workers can be with family. Everyone whether Mormon or not spends a little time thinking about all the people who came before us. I think hooray for the inventor of air conditioning and Popsicles. I reflected over this last week by watching the parade (love the shiny floats), having dinner at Fridays with Hilary, attending 2 concerts in honor of the Pioneers, having dinner with my friend for her birthday at the Dodo, having a sleep over with some cute kids and family dinner with my friends family. It was a busy week. At first I thought I might be nuts to attend the concert twice, until I saw it the first time. I went with my friends Beki, Candice and Sue. It was hot, but Sue had ice in bags and we stayed in the shade on the way to the conference center. There were 20,000 people watching with us. The room feel silent and everyone stood up when our Prophet walked in. I then felt this surge of joy. I love to be in the same building as my prophet. He is a wonderful man, and I know when I follow his advice I find peace and lasting happiness. I had a great conversation with Beki as we waited for it all to start. It was neat to see how much Sue knows about the workings of the choir. Then to see disco balls and groovy light in the center with clapping and stomping and hooting and hollering- WOW. It was amazing to watch the choir let their hair down so to speak. We were far away from the stage but the second night I got a better view of the cool archives and hip digital images playing in the background. Marie's dress was super sparkly the first night. I cried from the beautiful spirit I felt to the heavenly music performed. I laughed and clapped and tapped my feet. What a close loving family the Osmonds are. I enjoyed the talent, music, dancing, stories, love and testimony shared. I was envious of the Donny Marie songs thinking I wish that was my brother and me! Anthony and Missy-reunion tour. I guess we would have had to have a first tour to have a 50 year reunion. As a child I was Marie for Halloween for 3 years and I chopped off my long hair when Marie did- which is ironic since right now her hair is super long and mine is short short. SO much for copying her this time around. We gave multiple standing ovations and were very touched to be a part of the night. The next night it was fabulous to be with Marlene and her parents. I really like them. We giggled and reveled in the wonder of it all, even our 30 minutes stuck in the parking garage at gateway. We bumped into her Aunts on the way to the car. I loved the greeting I got from the kids:) They are all getting so tall. Kelsie, Kaden and I drew photos. I watched Monk with Karson and Marlene. Marlene made this big meal the next day for all her family. It was a busy but great week. (Thanks to Tom Smart for these photos from the Deseret News)

Stars and Stripes Forever

We sure love hanging out with Marlene's extended family. Her 3rd child has a 4th of July baby so it is fun to celebrate the birth of our Nation and of the firecracker aka Kenna. We had a BBQ at their house and then went to see the local town fireworks display. Scott and Paul had the kids doing sparklers which makes me crazy nervous. Scott was sad all his snaps were duds so he could not sneak up on Marlene and throw them at her feet while shouting "DANCE". I know he seems all sweet and kind but really he has his dad in him and that equals tease and naughty. I was sad to forget some earrings I had made for Marlene and my camera as I have been cheated out of the last couple 4ths as Scott was a sick boy. So maybe one of the kind camera holders will share a few shots with me? I cried during the fireworks. I usually do on the 4th. I imagine all the tremendous sacrifice made for my freedom. I think of how much I miss my family that is either far away or dead. I have GREAT memories of 4th and 24th of July with loved ones. I used to march in the parade with my drill team Razz-ma-taz. We always had BBQ and watched the fireworks with family and neighbors. I lived on a circle so we would all gather and do our own little displays. My dad had a great love of our country, my mom loved uniforms and Anthony loved music- it was happy times for us all as I adore the fireworks and being together. What a win win holiday it was for us. Michele gave me some glow sticks which I made into a crown for Scott and I and we just had a wonderful day. Karson would not do the interpretive dance called freedom with me this year but Marlene was all over taking both our places and had the kids not been there-- boy what a show. I played pet shop with Kelsie watched Kaden be his cute monkey self, got big hug from Lily, visit with April and Ranae, teased, laughed, and reflected. God bless America- I hope we are forever the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Birthday Surprise

This is my favorite season of the year but I am so behind this year that I'm not enjoying it like I usually do. I hear many people say this around Dec. I'll wager that while it is the Merriest season it is also the Scariest where stress levels are concerned. I'll bet there is a bad guy out there who doesn't want us to have time to feel the special spirit of the season or take time to reflect on the real reason for the season- I am sure it is no coincidence that it is a crazy time of year. I never did get one decoration up. Spending a month with cute Aunt Sue in the hospital during the summer and fall made my schedule off by 4 weeks. I am not one to leave things until the last minute but this year it is behind last minute like way late belated. I was going through some photos from our trip and choose a few to put on here. the 1st is cute Scott humoring me when we met Kim Possible. If you don't have children around your life you may not know KP. I would have loved to see Ron or Rufus I have never seen any of them out and about before. The second was a birthday treat-- my friend Angie set it up for me to meet Prince Philip (played by her friend) in the castle. I was speechless and I think they got a kick out of how excited I was. It was really magical they even threw pixie dust down off the castle in my hair. We took about 800 photos during the trip, what did we do before digital?!? The last photo was also a fun surprise. I love Samantha Brown from the travel channel who just happened to be there while we were. She was extremely nice and easy to talk to. I would have missed the chance because I was embarrassed but Scott reminded me to take a chance. We made friends with a darling mom and daughter from R.I. they were very fun and so we hung out with them for a few days. Another funny time was when Scott said "Hey look it is Zac Efron." Grace the 10 year old and I spun around to see Corbin Blue- who waved and laughed at us. Scott said to give him a break as atleast he knew the guy was from the Disney Channel. But Zac and Corbin don't look alike- at all. Corbin was with Monique who was doing the celebrity spot for the candlelight processional. We had a guy that was on Seinfeld which we never watched but he had a great speaking voice. We also watched Dougie Hosier for a few minutes. The processional is an amazing telling fo the birth of Christ. This entry makes it sound like we love stars... not true it just happened to be full of celebs this trip.

Home again Home again jigity jive

We are back form 2 weeks in Florida and Alabama. I love to be home we are blessed to travel often but I love being in my very own bed and not in the sky flying. I also cherish hugging Aunt Sue and holding furry Mungo. We had a wonderful time in both states. Before we left our friends the Christensen's invited us to a pre- Thanksgiving, since we would be flying on the real turkey day. It was awesome to be with a big fun family and not alone. Laurie saved the day as she watched over Aunt Sue and Mungo while we were away. Marlene tried to comfort me by rolling her eyes and saying I was ridiculous at my birthday dinner before we flew out. Beki said "get real like you would get out of life and crash" and Candice said " you'll never be lucky enough to die with Scott in a crash" and my mom said how disappointing I was... don't I have loving kind friends:) I did well on 2 of the flights-- "well" meaning I didn't scream out loud- just cried. The last flight was the worse, I did scream a few times but others were tense as well. It was really rough, delayed and at night- I think I like flying in the day better and I found if I can look out the window while praying and singing church songs I don't shake too severally. I do have some scrapped knuckle's as the flight was moderate to sever turbulence in a 70 passenger plane. I think Scott goes a little bonkers remembering the days when I was never afraid of flying and flew all over with out a second thought. He just smiles at me and tries to hold my shaking hand and pats my head, I offered for him to sit a few rows back and pretend he doesn't know who I am but for some crazy wonderful reason he loves me. Scott is truly an amazing man who I am in awe of. My fear of flying sure has humbled me and and I feel great sorrow for any who have panic attacks as I used to have no understanding. I used to tease Aunt Sue because she is afraid of blowing off our stairs in a huge wind- now I see that I am just as irrational but knowing it doesn't ease the fear. I watched a child have a panic attack and wondered if God really sees us all still as tiny children which is why he can be so patient with us as we really are all still infants in our progression. Sometimes I feel really sad that I don't have enough faith that even if we fall from the sky God is over all. I do have faith in other areas so why do I struggle with this? Laurie said "at least you have flown this year without Scott driving you home- small steps-- see you do have faith:) The funny part was when one of the kind flight attendants thought I was a first time flyer-- hee hee-- I was crying to hard to correct her. Before we left I also had a very sweet talk with Aunt Sue who was a little anxious about our long journey. She told me how much she loves me and how she thins I am a marvelous girl. I wish everyone had an Aunt Sue. Hope everyone had a yummy safe Thanksgiving. I sure feel extremely blessed to know who I am to have amazing people all over my life and a Savior who loves me. Oh and the jiggity jive is to a song my dad sang each time we would pull into our garage after a trip. He had all kinds of great songs which annoyed me as a child but now I cherish- age sure gave me perspective.

Halloween 2007

We had our 5th annual Halloween night at the Kinikini model home. (Really every time we go they have redone something or have new furniture. Marlene is a fastidious house keeper- a place for everything and everything in its place. It is always looking like it could be a model home:)) We LOVE it! We take turns trick or treating and answering the door. I gave in this year and wore yucky hickey teeth. It was kind of fun to fit in with Karson and Scott. Chad and Ulma were there, which is a treat since next year they may be in St. George:( Chad was tired and perhaps a little afraid of the teeth. McKenna was not liking the teeth at all. Jodee next door called me the Trailer park princess:) She didn't even know it was Scott. He does look different with a dark mullet and a bad smile. Kelsie cackled all night and Kaden did candy swaps for gum or money. I asked one little girl if I could have her candy she said "NO it will make your teeth even worse!".

I had three costumes this year thanks to Sarah! I forgot I didn't have my crown to wear as Sleeping Beauty so Sarah lent me her wedding one which is beautiful. She said it was tarnished but I said "Hey Sleeping Beauty was asleep for 100 years-- that's not all that would be tarnished." So I wore that to the youth costume party and I was a vampire to the ward Halloween party and the trailer princess to Kinikini's. Scot was Jo Bob, then Billy Bob, and then Yo Bob. He is SOOOO CREATIVE! Marlene could not find teeth for herself but who knows maybe each year we will convert one more of the party go-ers to the Bob teeth and I may even get a mullet for next year NO WAY!!! The only way I did the teeth was because Scott said I could have the sparkly crown with them:) Marlene is a perfect host always tons of food and yummy drinks. (I even had a candy and cheese. I have been doing good without the sugar and chemicals but I sure loved eating the soup and bread:))

Aunt Sue screamed out when I walked in as the vampire. She thought it was too scary. I didn't even do anything different but the teeth??? I guess I am very scary:) She really disliked the trailer princess and said I should not try to be ugly on purpose. I have to say I saw many very creative outfits this year. I love the Rays creativity. Maddy's disco ball became a volleyball as Wilson from castaway and Sarah and Maddy were Ariel and Urlsa.

4th of July

I think I was most excited to have a new set of memories to scrapbook for 2007 4th of July. Guess what I did instead? Laid in bed-- the entire day. Yep- call me the party girl-- fast asleep. I don't even look cute for a photo, so perhaps we will do something for the 24th. We had wonderful invites to a Birthday party, to see the 6pm Sandy parade, to a Cowdell/ Christensen BBQ, to a Lagoon get down with my friends parents, for Scott to go shooting, a picnic, and a water fight. So at least we had people wanting to adopt us. We could have started with a church breakfast and been entertained the entire day. Why I could have even supported my friend in a race. I am tired just thinking of all that. I'd better get back to bed! OH by the way the reason we are inside in bed is because Scott is really sick with we hope just a cold:(

Treasure

This is the time of year when we reflect on the greatest treasure in the history of history. The Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. When I was young we used to spend some Easters in Arizona. They do this fabulous Easter pageant at the Mesa Temple grounds. It is scenes from the life of Jesus. I loved this time of year. I remember holding my nephews on my lap as they watched the pageant with wide eyes. They started to know when the good parts were coming and would shout..."Aunt Messy, Jesus is coming... watch". I loved holding Teddy because he had curly blond hair, which I could play with because he would be distracted watching. One year when we were riding home with Michelle's family the youngest son said... "Jesus is the best". We all smiled until several moments later he said... "Grandpa, your the best", which is when we started to laugh. Michelle said... "Yep dad, you and Jesus." I wish I had wrote down all the funny things they have said over the years.
It was wonderful to be with my family, in sunny AZ. Usually the orange blossoms were in full swing and sometimes it would rain and the little ground areas that were sunk down would fill with water making lots of little ponds. The ground was so dry that it could not take it in. It reminds me of me. Am I allowing myself to become so dry that the gospel has a hard time penetrating? It takes daily effort. It is not big things that can distract and pull me away. Little bad feelings unresolved, not being diligent in my media choices, watching the news, becoming overwhelmed and getting discouraged. All of this tears away at the protections of the spirit. We are commanded to be happy to have joy and be cheerful. To look on the bright side. If I can keep my heart soft then I can always take in "water" and never thirst. If I make mistakes which is bound to happen-- I can repent and start all over. Spring is a wonderful time of year. Fall is my first favorite season and then Spring. I love Utah and the 4 seasons. I just realized my 2 favorite seasons also are when General Conference is held each year... Spring and Fall. It is beautiful to watch the earth change and I'll bet equally beautiful to see people transform as they walk with Christ becoming brand new in the Lord.
I took these photos at the Temple when I went the other day. Easter is a time of rebirth and joy at the wonder of Christ overcoming death and the world. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time for a day and relive a day when my dad was alive. I heard a quote that really touched me. I can't find the exact words or who it was that said it but it went like this... Let me enjoy the bread before there is none, Love the people before they are gone and live my life before it is through. So instead of wishing I could time travel who can I appreciate today, before they are gone? It sounds morbid but it is really a joyful way to express thanksgiving for blessings. I am so glad to believe in Jesus as the Christ, to know that I can see my loved ones again and that each week I can renew my covenants and repent and start new.

Easter Baskets

Easter is the second biggest candy holiday in the US. First is Halloween with 2 billion pounds sold, followed by Easter with 1.9 billion, then Christmas with 1.4 billion and last Valentines with 1 billion. It made me think of the elaborate baskets my mom had for us when we were little. We had stuffed animals, stationary, stickers and candy.

What is your favorite item in a basket? I found phtots of some of mine fromover the years. I miss the Easter bunny.

Bowling for birthdays

I am really bad at bowling. Both my parents were trophy holding bowlers (at the local ally- not world renowned or anything). For family night and to celebrate Anthony turning 30 and Kelsie turning 7. My little skinny... 30 years old. He is the best brother in the whole world. He is one of my heroes. Plus sweet Kelsie, my little buddy. Marlene has a wonderful family who has adopted us. I love being part of a family. We ate at pizza factory and then bowled at Fat Cats. It was more than funny. Kaden shouted "the beat needs me" as he stared to break dance in perfect tempo with the music. This was when the light went low and the florescent and disco balls went wild. Anthony and Scott and Paul kept getting strikes. I had the best luck rolling the ball between my legs. I finally gave up trying and had Lily help me. That improved my score. I even used the bumpers. Anth was so excited to be with Salina. They had never bowled together before. Scott would get this huge grin and strut back to our table. Marlene and Anthony looked the most professional. They held the ball up and did the little run thing. Salina was trowing the balls it made the earth shake. Karson had huge force and the balls made the big smacking sound as the hit the pins. The first song they played was I like big butts which was appropriate for bowling because everyone sees every ones bums. It is kind of a weird sport. I remember my dad being very sad at my total lack of any hope for any skill at bowling. Anth however is really good. What happened to my genes? My mom used to be on a league with my dad. They had matching outfits, their own balls, and high scores. I also do not like all the germs. Think of the stinky yucky feet and all the hands in the holes. Do those balls ever get cleaned? I doubt it. For dinner they made Anth and Kelsie pizza in the number of years they were turning. 30 and 7. Anth ate is 3 first leaving a big 0. That was funny. I can't believe he is 30 and Kelsie 7- where does the time go?

Oops

I have been loving the whole digital world. Then yesterday we got the news "they were unable to save" our camera card. So I lost...
1. really good Mungo shots which are impossible to get (he is not photogenic like him mommy)
2. Anna's baby book and my recent gift albums
3. Thanksgiving
4. My birthday
5. My mom and Marj at the grave (they were adorable)
6. About 100 heritage photos I took at my Uncles and Mom s of historic family items.
7. My flowers from Arbonne
8. My old childhood haunts (house, school, church, neighbors, friends-- from the funeral)
9. Photos from St. George
I guess it could have happened with a regular camera. I was going to download them as soon as we were home. When we tried the camera card would not work and the night before I showed them to Anthony just fine. OH WELL!!!

Three decades-- Happy Birthday to me:)

Its official I am thirty, three decades of existence. I am at least now accepting that I am 30 or 30ish. If I could get a cake from anywhere it would be from...
http://www.angelfoodltd.com/presentation.html but they are in IL:(

It is amazing to turn old. I guess old has changed meaning to me. I remember thinking I would never be 12, 16, 18, 21, 25, and now 30! It is ironic that I spent childhood dreaming of adult hood and now in adulthood I dream of childhood. You know the saying about youth wasted on the young, I’m not convinced that it is true. I think part of the allure of youth is that you don’t fully appreciate it. It is spent in what appears endless hours dreaming, wishing and creating. I do miss the time when I was not so aware of my body. The pains, stiffness, limits, and frailty. I use to love to jump on the trampoline in my backyard. Now I can hardly jump at all. I use to just live my life-- now I take much thought and care into each movement and plan. I heard a quote that said if I were to live my life over again I would make all the mistakes sooner. I like that because that is how I have learned. Sometimes I would love to turn back time. Knowing what I know now. But I think it would all turn out different. My knowledge would affect the choices I make and I wouldn’t end up who I am. I definitely have sorrow for my mistakes-- the pain I caused others and the opportunities I missed out on. However I really do love being me. I love being Missy Riffle, wife to the honorable Scott. He is like a dream come true. He inspires me to be the best Missy. SO Happy Birthday!!! What does age really matter... because it is all relative. Many adults I meet don’t have a fraction of the wisdom many children posses. I like to celebrate my birthday but not my age. Here is to another 30 years. I hope I never quit growing or learning, because any day above ground is full of potential to stretch and reach the stars. (I wish Anth and I could perform in a play together like bro and sis bop to the top-- that how I want to reach the stars:))

I know

I know I am a 30 something. I know that is not cool to watch Disney Channel after 5 years old. I know I LOVE it anyways!!! The made for TV movies they make are the best. I really look forward to watching them. Some are better than others. I know they are Corny, I know the acting isn't the best, or the writing. I still like them. Anthony and I used to watch when we were little and now I love to watch with Marlene, Scott, Kelsie, and Kaden. Cheetah Girls is another good one.

Ready for a close up?

Scott wanted to me to post these very adorable close up shots. We are soooo proud. I told Marlene we sure married some cuties!

"Do you want to look like this?"

It is frightening what a cheap pair of false teeth can do to a hunky husband. Not only is the look scary- the talk and demeanour changes to fit the teeth. This year a mullet was added to the ensemble. The first time it came onto the Halloween scene-- all Scott said all night was "why you little" or "woman, get me some food". Any of you who know this sweet gentle man can imagine why this Halloween transformation is stark to reality. When we got home from our annual night of all hallows eve with the Kinikini's I got an email from our dear friends who live out of state. It said Glamour Shots by Deb... do you want to look like this? It made me laugh out loud. We may be separated by miles but our three hubby's are still on the same wave length.

Happy Halloween

We have always wanted to attend a costume party. Every year we would hope to get invited. We would ask around and no one we knew ever had a costume party. So we decided to have our own. I could not have done it without help. Melissa, Salina, Anthony, Marlene, Karson (our D.J.) and Scott were a huge help to make it a success. We had so much fun. Loved seeing the 80's outfits. They were rad!!! We had tons of food and the decorations were perfect because they were left over from a party the night before.

Melissa and Salina made ghoulish treats. Anthony got dry ice which was really fun and festive. It was a dream come true for me to wear my Sleeping Beauty in blue dress. Melissa made it and it was stunning. When I would see my reflection I would gasp. Scott was Prince Phillip. We won the most elaborate costume prize. All of the costumes Melissa made won prizes. Strawberry Shortcake, Popeye, Olive Oil, and Sweet Pea. I loved the Punky Brewster, Marlene's 80's,

Indiana Jones and Yoda costumes. I only wish I had more time to visit with everyone there. We had a great turn out. You can view a photo album and add photos of your own at:

http://riffle2006halloween.evite.shutterfly.com