2011 ALOHA

Aloha! Each time I visit the islands of Hawaii I am amazed that there are atheists. When I experience the creations of God with my eyes and heart from flowers to huge volcanic land masses to sweet 8 year olds to rainbows and waves to dolphins dancing- I just don’t believe in atheists- I just don’t believe they exist.

We are spoiled to have friends on Oahu who have showed us for years now that there is way more to Oahu then Waikiki. Sure years ago we had done the Waikiki experience and it is a fun busy city beach but just not our thing. So the next time we went to Kauai we stopped first in Oahu to see if they were for real. They were. The Capinpins showed us main-landers island spirit. We have been excited for a repeat visit ever since. Part of what we love is seeing what real island life is like. We eat where the locals do and run errands like locals and we love it. Yes we also play tourist with them. They are the best we just love catching up and laughing and soaking up Sami- she is a little sunshine.

After we crashed there pad we forced them to come stay with us in Ko’Olina at the Marriott Beach Club. The black Pearl was dry docked as Disney will be opening its mega resort within weeks. I avoid it at all costs as I would think I need to buy Disney timeshare when I don’t so I did find myself drift that way all week I stayed strong and did not buy. But the Black Pearl was super cool. I talked Scott into driving into a restricted area so I could get a closer look. No Jack Sparrow. But Scott hung out at the marina with the cast and crew of the new series of Hawaii 5-0. We have not seen an old episode nor a new one but we hear it is good. Scott lives to deep sea fish and loves making friends with all the fishermen who happen to be attorneys. Why is it all Scotty friends are attorneys?

Scotts amazing mom and dad and niece came and met up with us. Seriously Scotts mom is an angle she is perfect. Kind, smart, funny, beautiful, warm, compassionate, she spends so much of her tie serving others be it Sir Optimist fighting human trafficking or friends who need help with tax questions to anti aging. I really look up to her and my hubby has the biggest respect for this woman. If you like Scott you can thank his mom who takes after. There is some of his dad too. His love for the outdoors and his constant joking and teasing we can thank Neal for. Thanks Neal.

Our niece we don’t get to see very often so it was sweet to get to know her as an 8 year old. I was really worried that she would be bored and I know grandpa would have a fit and make her start chopping wood like he did if Scott ever complained about being bored so I made up a special Kira activity for each day. I asked Scott for 50 bucks and went to the craft store. We did a stain glass fish, jewelry, sea creatures, coloring, fortune telling, journals, postcards- thanks to my bff Hilary for thinking up that idea! Kira is very talented with creating pipe cleaner animals they were whimsical and delightful and Sami went to town with a Cars and Chipmunks comprehension book. They were both kind to talk to grandma Marianne and make her some treasure from Hawaii.

We were so thrilled to have Sami come linger longer for a few days past mom and dads visit to hang with us. Sami won over Neal at breakfast one morning when the girls said they were bored and I said well I guess you will just have to go wash dishes in the back. Kira scream No and Sami jumped up and YES. Aunty Missy needs to be more firm as the two pulled an all nighters consisting of eating cake at 3am and putting princess tattoo on their eyes. I wore them out in the pool and delighted in not letting the sleep all day they slept get the next night. I then called my mom to apologize for all the sleep overs and cranky I had dished. She seems pleased to have some pay back. I deserve it and then some my poor mom. I was sure good at being a kid. I tell mom sorry often and did so to dad before he died also.

They had this amazing waterfall swimming pool with layer to explore and a dark long waterslide that I rode over and over. Kira was my little fish buddy and it was hard to pry us and our pruned hands after 15 hours of beach and pool some days.

Koa Pancake is my favorite Hawaii food. I LOVE it. We ate most breakfast there at like 6:30 am. Neal and Lynda are early risers but the girls would not eat and then in a few hours they were starving so one day I was naughty and slept in and I am sure grandpa had a fit but when we ate at 8:30 we had two little piggy’s. They made the locals laugh as we walked in the two 8 year olds recited all they wanted. Eggs, Bacon, Pancakes, Corn beef hash, rice, waffles, juice, potatoes, milk, chocolate chips, fruit… They then proceed to eat all we ordered. Seriously kids eat better when they are awake:)

At night I would sing the girls a good night song based on our day to a familiar tune but with the words changed. A favorite was the one about the stupid jelly fish keeping us from getting our snorkel on.

It was my first time to the Punch Bowl. What a peaceful resting place for our service men. Just beautiful and we went to Pearl Harbor again and again it suck my air out and leaves this sadness at what man is capable of. We went to the north shore several times and looked for turtles at Sharks cove. I had the best shrimp I have ever had at a local truck Miranda showed us. I don’t even in general like shrimp and they were so tender and tasty. We had shave ice Scott likes his with ice cream in the bottom.

Sitting on the beach with Kira by my side as we watch dolphins dance and the sun set was just pure bliss. Sami and Kira were both finalists in a hula contest out of like 45 kids they were up there shaking their booty like nobody’s business. Kira was really shy at first but with Sami by her side they made it to the end and won coconuts and tiaras. I am super sad we did not get photos of this they were so cute. Kira thought the crown was made from a pine tree and Sami said a money tree. I did not get a chance to read or relax but t be with kids as they live in the moment is priceless.

So my review of Hawaii—you need to go often over many years. Maui was the best snorkeling I ever have had anywhere we stayed at Sheraton by Black rock and walked out of our door on to the best spot ever. The road to hana and biking down volcanoes oh the tiny island Lanai. But it feels like I am in California when on Maui. Kauai is hands down our favorite island. We have stayed in several spots on the island and all were pure magic it feels like Hawaii to me. Ohau is where our hearts are with the Capinpins- the Temple is there and Ko’Olina the North shore OH even memories of staying in a high rise on Waikiki. But still the best island I think is Kauai but we have yet to see the big island and you don’t have to take my word for it- Go To Hawaii:)

The following is borrowed from my Miranda blog for my memories too. Aloha to you Miranda and Mano we sure love you!

Last week our good friends, Scott and Missy Riffle came to visit us along with Scott's parent's Niel and Lynda and their granddaughter Kira. It's always a good time when the Riffle's are in town. They stayed at the Ko Olina Marriott Resort and were kind enough to invited us over for a few days. We decided to take them up on their offer and have a mini "stay-cation" before Sami started school again. Here are a few pictures of our adventure.

Here is a view from the property. Not bad...can't complain...4 words...Lucky We Live Hawaii!

While we were there the Mermaid Kariel swam in to spend some time with the kids. Sami walked up to Kariel at first and said to me, "Mom, she's not real." However, Kariel kept Sami and Kira's attention for the next 2 hours. Not bad for a "not real" mermaid. Kariel started with a story about accepting people for who they are and not trying to change them. Next Kariel panted "scales" on to each of the children.

The finished product. Lucky for us they told us after they panted the scales that they were water proof. It's cool to go to church with scales above your eyes...right?

Karial eventually made it into the water...big fin and all. They stratigically kept the kids busy learning the rules while Karial made her way into the water.

ventually they let the kids in the water to swim with a mermaid.

My little Polynesian Mermaid

The island girl coming out in Sami. Kira was fascinated with how people could climb coconut trees. Sami wasted no time in showing Kira exactly how it was done.

"Help Mommy, I'm stuck!"
My handsome husband
View of one of the pools
Sami's favorite part of the property...the water slide!
Sami, Missy, Kira, and Miranda
Kira, Missy, Sami, and Mano
(I love Sami's face)
Aunty Missy and Sami

It was so wonderful to have a little taste of home here in the islands. Thanks to the Riffles for allowing Sami to stay with them while Mano and I worked. Thanks to the Riffles too for inviting us to come and stay at their time share. We had so much fun with you guys!

2010 Lynda Christmas Card

Very fun to have 2 more kids in the family. We can't wait till the wedding and Mitchell, Alana, and Kim are official!

Grateful

Thanks so much everyone for all the love and prayers. I was very upset to be out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday with Scott's family because I missed the funeral. But I was also very proud of Deb's children, who all spoke- as I learned from the 'play by play' from my friends back home. I miss Deb already. I will never forget the first hug we had when she walked into the room with a Mitford bag and I tried to steal it:) It is lucky in life to find friends who you can let your hair down with. Deb was very supportive to me during a big trial in my life. I was scared and did not know the right course of action to take. I was fearful for some children's safety in my life and worried about what to do. Deb helped to to sort it all out and stood by me. She also was great at teasing me into trying something new and not taking myself so seriously. I was very sad to miss being here for the funeral but I have an awesome mom-in-law, sister-in-law and niece who did their best to distract my grief. I celebrated my birthday while away, had a nice break from the play and enjoyed time with Scott and family. I am grateful for friends like Deb and my family.

This year I flew over 10 flights and I am alive and I don't even cry anymore and I am actually enjoying the flight. On the way to and from Phoenix it was turbulent- the flight attendants could not even stand up to give us drinks. I pretended Jasper was there and he was using his calming influence over me. I often pretend I am a little girl sitting in Gods lap or that I am in a movie playing a role and not even in the air. How grateful I am for hope and healing.

I have been so busy I am missing journaling important meaningful memories. One was a visit form Anthony and Salina! It was really short but wonderful. We went and stayed at Snowbird. While Anthony was here he came to the play with me and got the part of Sam in the play! He will record his part. We also got away with Kinikini's:) It was our first trip with all 4 kids. We had the pleasure of seeing Kelsie dance in the Nutcracker! Scott hitnks ballet is his new favorite since there is no talking:) I'm grateful for travel with the people I love, great people to love in my life and little girls who dance as sugar plums!

Bella brings lots of adventure to our everyday lives. She is naughty but soft and gets more loving each day as she feels secure in her new home. She keeps me company and if I give her 24/7 attention she is great. She has lots of energy and the most beautiful face. Bella is not excited about sining puppies. She has won over our hearts. Even Aunt Sue adores her. I'm grateful for my furry friends.

Aunt Sue is the least judgmental person I know. Although my mom is a close second. I really have amazing women in my life. I love how Aunt Sue helps me memorize my lines. I Love that we view the world differently yet have respect and love for each other. I love her example of faith in prayer. I'm grateful for Aunt's and prayer.

Scott is my best friend. He loves me in a way that guides me to be the best me. I still have a crush on him and get butterflies when I hear his voice or he smiles at me. After 14 years he has still got it. I admire how much he endures with his health challenges. He has had a great seasons with hunting and is enjoying his work. I learn so much from him. I'm grateful to be loved by Scott.

Kauai SMILES

I wish I had taken more photos but some days I just enjoyed the day and forgot the camera back home. Most days we all had huge smiles. Lynda and Teri are 2 of the women I just admire and adore so what a treat to spend time with them both. They are both so happy, positive and beautiful. Kelly and I have great gospel talks and he and Scott just are great buddies. Neal is always teasing and saying the funniest things like "Nothing grow in Kauai here in this red dirt". He says this becasue there are no wild cucumbers growing onthe road side. Most days we all had flowers in our hair or around our necks. I guess they smell magnificent. I was a little sad to not be able to smell. We went to church over there and it was cool to see how faithful the people there are. Big welcoming smiles.

Kauai Breakfast on the Green

Lynda and Neal are early risers. I like to get up early with them and go to breakfast. They have a spot they like on the gold course. I wish I had tried out the macadamia nut banana pancakes with coconut syrup earlier in the week- yum! The view is awesome with the mountain on one side and the vast ocean on the other. The flowers and birds surround us and they have a totally cool old fashioned clock that looks stellar on the course. I did not wear my make up much as I was always hurrying back to the water. There were tiny birds that would wait for people to leave and then drink out of the water cups. The service got better with each visit. One day just us girls went and that was really a special day or relaxing and wonderful conversation. Lynda is a health nut and one can learns lots from all her studying and healthy living.

Kauai Marriott

Lynda and Neal are the best in laws in the whole world. They are so kind to us and we cry each time we have to say goodbye. I wish we lived closer to his parents. Any chance we get to spend time together is a real treat. Neal does not like to travel. He says he can sit by the pool or avoid the sun at home. I say but you can't be with us! He did not comment:) I know he loves us, especially Scott. Neal and Lynda are good moral people. They are honest, hard working, charitable, smart and classy. Here are some photos of where we stayed on Kauai. If you ever have the change to stay there on Poi Pou Marriott vacation club-- do it. We could have spent the whole week and never left and been in heaven. The ocean was like an aquarium right in front of our resort. We snorkeled almost every single day. I was thinking that it is one of my very most enjoyable things in the whole world to snorkel. Lynda and I swam in the salt water pools that were heavenly. I always pretend that I am in the Olympics in the pool. I started this as a young child with my little brother at a condo we had growing up. I do gymnastics, ice skating and synchronized swimming. Anth would be the judge and we had such fun. I missed him. I had a very nice bar routine this trip he would have been impressed with the tricks I picked up from Nastia and Shawn. To swim at night and see the bright stars and tiny half moon was breath taking. It is not as fun to do my routines with out judges but I sure did enjoy the water. My dad always called me a mermaid and had a hard time getting me out of the water. Now it is Scott who has to drag me out. Lynda and Neal watched the Republican convention with us. I really enjoyed Sarah and wish she was running for President. It distracted everyone which helped me get in extra pool time to work on my floor routine and triple lutz.

No camera

I can't believe I did not have a camera at the funeral of Scott's Aunt:( There were many family members I had never met before that I would have loved to have a photo of. Like the oldest remaining of Lucy's sisters. Cheree was just awesome and I cried the entire time of the funeral even while laughing because she will be missed. Lynda did an amazing job speaking as did Uncle Jeff. I am so grateful to be apart of Scott's family. I absolutely LOVE them. Even when Neal is teasing all the time. I have to say that some of the people I most look up to are from Scott's family. Scott being the number one in that area. I just think he is the bomb. Ellen is one of the neatest people I have ever met and a fabulous mom. Lynda is almost unreal in her talents and kindness. Leah almost matches me in photographic-- hee hee. Leah is also very sweet and good with animals. We both would rather watch people die in movie than animals. Anyway the funeral was a wonderful tribute to Cheree and a great reminder that death is not a forever goodbye- thanks to Christ:)

Sweet Aunt Cheree passed away

I know it is not a secret that I do not like death. I also am aware that not anyone I know of-- likes death. But I think it is just so sad for the ones left behind. I just got off the phone with Scott's mom. His dad had called early this morning and we missed the call. Cheree passed away last night. They had just moved her into rehab from her long hospital stay. We were down with all the family over Mother's Day when Cheree had an open heart operation. My heart hurts for her hubby Ash, her sister, children and brother. Her only daughter is on a cruise with her family and I know she will feel so sad. Cheree was so calm and sweet. Lynda and Cheree are both really amazing women they are not like the 'typical woman' living in the world. They rise above pettiness and judgment and are very accepting and forgiving. You always feel so loved around them. Cheree and Ash are a perfect match. They both grew up in small towns and have lived in them their whole lives. In fact last summer they both about freaked out over the traffic in Salt Lake. They both like to stay at home, not travel, and not fly. I remember Grandpa Mark yelling at my when I developed the fear of flying "DO you want to end up like Cheree? Stuck on the ground in Cedar?" I remember Scott and Jeff were very silent and I was scared but in my mind I was considering there were lots worse things than being like Cheree- even stuck in Cedar. CHeree always was telling me how much she loved my laugh and how pretty I was. She told me how glad she was I forced the family to have reunions. Cheree talked about her grandkids and worried about everyone. SHe had a huge heart. The silver lining is Cheree is with her incredible mother Lucy. We all miss Lucy and now we will all miss Cheree too:(

St George trip

Here are a few other memories from our trip.

1. Scott going to the new In-n-Out and send Anthony cell phone photos of the small limited menu. 2. Carli barking and growling at me mom protecting me while in the parking lot. 3. Seeing Mason and Ellen and the sweet kids they have that are going up way to fast. 4. Eating breakfast at the new Egg and I with Aunt Susan and hearing about how instead f replacing her diamond ring she got Kelly a new trumpet- how is that for a super mom? 5. Being with Lynda and Neal 6. Taking Mungo (his remains in a cedar box) with us on our trip. 7. Being able to read scriptures with Mom Marianne and say prayer with her too. She gave Scott a cute birthday moose. 8. Going to Grandma's grave at Zion and how Carli laid on the headstone. 9. Seeing how compassionate and calm and cool Michele was under the pressure of ICU. 10. being able to sign Cheree's heart pillow. 11. Ate at the new Pizza Factory with all the gang. 12. It snowed on our way home- in May snow... what happened to the global warming? 13. Listened to Phantom on the way home with Scott. 14. Celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary amid the chaos. 15. Glad that Mason and Scott could give Priesthood blessings. 16. Marianne in the ICU- she is an original- good luck with you eye operation n Wed. mom:) 17. the family that ate all the food in ICU and never washed their hands and how Missy started to tell them off and I don't think they spoke English or pretended they did not understand. So I may not be the best person in the family under pressure:) 18. Lynda reminding me that we each have a purpose on earth and God decides when it starts and ends-- that we must endure. 19. Neal gave us awesome produce:) 20. Ellen gives great hugs:) 21. Boyd got a huge deer I'm not excited about it but everyone else was. 22. Everyone telling Ted stories until we cried form laughing so hard-- I miss you dad:)

Happy Birthday Lynda

Today is my mom in law Lynda birthday:) I wish she was close by and we could take her to dinner or lunch. She is an amazing person. Anyone who knows her loves and respects her. I'm very proud to be her friend. She is very talented and very smart. Scott is very close with his mom. They talk on the phone every single day because with Arbonne we are fortunate to work with her long distance. Lynda is a hard worker. She is very compassionate. She always is serving someone and helps everyone. Every time we have to say goodbye in person I get my grumpy pants on because she is so fun to be with. Lynda is making a difference in this world. I love her example. I love that every single day she gets up at 4 or 5am writes in her journal, reads from a good book and does her make-up every day. I love all the things she teaches me like baking, cooking about health, and she is patient:) She is a very classy lady who I love alot:)

Hart to Hart

After a few days in bed I go a little nuts. Scott got me something to watch from the library I have been really wanting to see for years. Hart to Hart. Not to be confused with the remake from the 90's. This is the good old 1979- 1983 run. I LOVE IT!!! Remember-- I was a TV junkie growing up. Our TV was on 24/7. I can sing the beginning credits to most 80's TV shows. This drives my husband a little bonkers. He was outside working with his dad chopping wood up hill both ways in a storm his whole childhood; while I sat with my dad and brother in front of a TV. My mom thought TV was a waste and only watched Hill Street Blues, MASH and LA Law. The rest of us loved these great old shows. Jonathon Hart reminds me of Scott. You will have to watch an episode and tell me if you can see it too. They don't look alike but their manners are similar. How can you not adore Max and Freeway? Plus the billionaire lifestyle is great with the cars and trips. I think it is fantastic how in love these two are on the show and they are happily married. It is still romance and fun yet married. What a great concept for TV and real life:) It reminds me of some of my other favorites like Remington Steele, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, and Murder She Wrote. Scott and I also watched this old episode of the Beverly Hillbillies at Christmas- we were rolling on the bed laughing so hard. It reminds us of Scott's dads long lost family in the hills of West Virginia. We have never meet some of his relations and so we imagine that they live in the hills frozen in time when in truth they probably all are smart and have degrees from Harvard or they invented the Internet or something. I just wish I could hug and kiss Scott- I don't want to get him sick but I love him so much and watching these old episodes makes me think he is my Jonathon. My mom in law broke my heart by pointing out that Robert Wagner is 78! I saw a photo and he is old. Guess what that means I am older and will be older still. But I am still darling and will just get darlinger-- hee hee.

Christmas cards 2006

This year for the photo for our cards I used photoshop and made this one. It is a reflection of 2006. It starts with Jan. and then goes throughout the year. It includes... St. Louis, Mom's 60th, Hunting, time with Kinikinis, our moms, Anth and Salina, Arbonne, Mungo, Marlene's new camera, my hobby of photoshop, Aunt Sue and Mungo times 2. Can't wait to make 2007's!

Loves of my life... Friends

I can't think of a more perfect quote to explain how much we love our best friends the Kinikini's. Scott and Karson have so much fun together. They are so cute. Like little boys. They get so excited to see each other and love to try and out do each other in weird areas

that only testosterone can being to understand.

Marlene sent me this the latest photo of them together.

They especially love to eat meat together. This is a photo of their favorite meal. It is some sort of meat you

get at a shady Mexican shop where they do not speak English. Recently when Scott got some exciting news Karosn did a very interesting dance/ karate chop thingy in Scott's honor. Scott loves Karson. This made me think about Loves of my life... Friends

Friends & People: I love people of all ages. I love hanging out and laughing, sharing ideas, hopes and dreams. I’m sad to say goodbye. I love to ask questions. I could have been a talk show host. People are fascinating to me. My little friends Kelsie and Lauren are wonderful; the clock turns back and I turn up the imagination, reveling in childhood. My Aunt Sue has always been a sounding board for me, making my painful years more bearable. She can listen for hours without any judgment. Lynda and my Mom are great friends and examples of friendship. Neither of them has any enemies, neither of them is clicky. They have big hearts. Marj is very special to me. I have gospel sisters like Toni, Em and Michelle who are a phone call away. Karin has been my friend since the day I came home from the hospital, all these years and no fights. Anthony has got to be my favorite person, I love being with him. Salina is my new sister I always dreamed of she is amazing. My cousins have always been close to my heart. I love being with them and their kids. Teri is a hero to me. My Aunts, Sister-in-laws I cherish. I wish I lived closer to Leah we always have a great time together. My very best friend is Scott. I am so comfortable around him. We can laugh for hours. Marlene and her family have been our best friends for years. Marlene is the best friend I always dreamed of. We travel and laugh; cry and plan. I often wish I could be more like Marlene then I remember I am supposed to be me. She is organized and a great housekeeper. She is talented. Marlene, Jody, Natalie, and Jen are really fun to be with. We go on these crazy girl trips where we have a blast. They are all mothers, they all stay at home to be Moms, they’re all skinny, have houses, parents both alive, and husbands that work away from home. I admire them and love the things we have in common. Sometimes it’s hard to find a place to fit in. Scott calls me a people magnet. I believe I have a gift; to make people feel at ease and important. People seem to really love being with me. Being a magnet, can be flattering and demanding. During my life I have had many deaths, I also had girls really mean to me growing up which didn’t make me want to run out and be buddy buddy. I dislike letting people down-- sometimes I feel like I’m expected to be a certain way, never a bad day. Father in Heaven has blessed me abundantly. I believe I can be a mother in the next life and I can be one here too in different ways. I love the women I serve with in Young Women’s and the girls I serve. They inspire me and I hope to be worthy of their love. I have a light I need to share and not hide it under a bushel. I am working on being a better woman, friend and Missy. I really like me. I enjoy my own company. I can hardly wait until the next life when I can be friends with all my grandparents. I feel close to them now and imagine what they are like. I wish I knew more, I know I one day will and they will be some of my very best friends. Life wouldn’t be complete without people to love, to learn from, to support and serve. I have wonderful friends from church. Melissa, Laurie, Candice, Leslie, Crystal, and Aubrey. It is great to have Friend who you can share your faith with, that can inspire you to be better.

Loves of my life... CHRISTMAS & All Holidays

Christmas & All Holidays: It is hard to express what I love most about them. The special feelings, being with my favorite people, how they bring out the best in others, the decorations, the setting differences aside, the service to others, the fact there different from everyday. The only thing that makes me sad is when they end, I guess I just start counting down till the next one and the anticipation is great too. Celebrating the Savior is foremost in my mind. I really place effort in celebrating I usually milk them for all they are worth, stretching the holidays out to last longer. I adore Christmas music. I used to dance around to Johnny Mathis; my first crush. Then dad told me Johnny was not interested in a 6 year old because; he was old, black and played for the opposite team. He looked young and tan on the album cover skiing. I like all the old songs from my childhood. Like the Forester Sisters, The Carpenters, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Burl Ives, Barry Manalow, Mannheim Steamroller. I can remember recording songs in elementary school and then they would play them over the pa system at parent night. I thought that was sooo cool. Christmas music starts playing early at my house around September. The tree follows shortly after. My nativity is my favorite or is it the ornaments or the candle holders… well you get the picture. For Halloween I try to watch cute theme movies and do autumn activities to get me in the mood. I would love to have or attend more holiday parties. Just being present at or visiting memories of past holidays make me smile. There really is this cool feeling I get that is addictive when it comes to holidays. I feel light headed, giddy, excited. I want them to last. I can see how if it were Christmas everyday it would get old and worn out, but couldn’t it at least be several weeks long instead on 24 hours? It is funny I try to escape the ending of them by traveling around so I have more control. For instance if I stay at Moms or Lynda’s- they start taking down all the decorations right after it is over. I crave the glow of lights. From candles, a sting of lights, fireplaces, or old T.V. specials. My childhood holidays were magic. My mom was the queen of holidays. She has gorgeous decorations, delicious treats, wonderful stories, and always surprises awaiting us each and every holiday. We would go to grandma Dixon’s and all my cousins were there and even grandpa Scharrier and Aunt Sue were invited. Grandpa Dixon would jingle bells and we would search the skies for Santa. Anthony and I would stay up late dreaming of what wonders awaited the next day. We would always open up one gift on Christmas Eve. It was usually a beautiful new set of pajamas. This was in honor of the German tradition of opening gift the eve before. I think holidays are one time I wish I could smell. The spices of Christmas, the evergreen trees, fresh baked goodness, Valentines cookies, Easter candy eggs, Halloween treats; the list is endless. I love Fall and Thanksgiving and Halloween oh and my birthday. I like to invite people who I think may be all alone. I love watching holiday T.V. specials. The clay-mation ones are dear to my heart. I love the Halloween ones on Disney channel like Halloweentown. Classics like Charlie Brown, or It’s a Wonderful Life. I like glitter and sparkly stuff and holidays seem to be the time they truly shine. I also love making crafts for the different holidays, things like greeting cards, family recipes or wall hangings. I am kind of like a holiday myself, something special and out of the ordinary. I know love each and every second I spend at Lyndas for the holidays.

cool website

Tonight at YW Melissa taught us about http://foodsubs.com/

It is really neat. They have all you could ever want to know about ingredients and cooking. I love it. You can find thing to substitute, how to pronounce foods, food of the month and photos. She is smart and I am always learning from her. She is the one who taught me how to blog. We also bought today a meat mallet. I can't wait to give it a try. Mom and Lynda gave us some nice new tools to use too. I really am enjoying cooking and baking. I finally realize the difference. Baking you must be exact. Cooking is more lenient. Melissa is going to teach me the science behind it too.

Christmas memories 2006 part 2 photos

The most wonderful time of the year. We are very lucky to travel to be with Scott's family. I love the kids he loves the dogs and his mom. We both love her food and decorations. For 2006 we went to three states. Utah, Arizona, and California. In CA we spent time with my Scharrier cousins the Odles. Amiee was having a birthday. We went to Disneyland and then were not allowed in as it was too capacity:( No worries we loved being with family and finding a yummy cupcake store called Sprinkles. In AZ we did our annual marshmallow roast a highlight to my year where the kids fall asleep on my lap looking for Santa and I strive to make the perfect marshmallow. I like to suck on it first to get it wet then it browns nice and slow getting all melted inside. It is an art. Neal made me these amazing wood window treatments and teased me with hunter shooting squirrels. Lynda gave my new bling I love! We try to spend New years with my brother his wife and my mom in St George. It was a relaxing trip with the two of us having a blast. Happy Christmas 2006

Scott's favorite Mom foods

Scott is very stern about a few things. One of which is several of his mothers recipe's. He will not taste even a little if they are not made from the original recipe.

Home made ice cream:
5 eggs
2 cans evaporated milk
3 cups sugar
2 TBS vanilla
3 cups heavy cream or half and half
Mix eggs, sugar, flour and canned milk together. Heat until scalded.
DO NOT BOIL! Add cream and vanilla. Put into ice cream freezer container and churn until frozen. Pack with ice and let sit for a couple of hours. (Scott even say the old fashioned hand crank is the only way to go... I have to disagree... unless he is doing the cranking.) Makes 5 quarts

This is his mom choc. chip cookie...

1 cup butter softened (2 squares room temp)
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour up to 3 cups
(She thinks she uses 3 cups you don't want them to flatten)
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup chopped walnuts (I usually forget the nuts)
2 tsp vanilla (hers is one 1 tsp we use 2)
12 oz package chocolate chips (½ milk & ½ semi-sweets)

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream the sugars and butter together for many minutes until light and fluffy. Then beat in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl sift the flour, salt and soda. Add dry to the cream mixture. Mix well; the dough will be stiff. Add the chocolate chips. Line the cookie sheets with baking parchment or wax paper. Drop dough with a small ice cream scoop onto the sheets. Bake 8-12 minutes at 350°. Remove from oven immediately and cool on wire racks. Make sure sheet is cooled before cooking the next batch to prevent thin crispy cookies.

I had so much fun making cookies with Leah's kids. We used the Choc. Chip. recipe and baked them in the tiny muffin tins and right after they come out of the oven about 5 or 6 minutes we put in a tiny Reece's peanut butter cup. YUM. Andrew and Matty helped unwrap the candy and count how many, Andrew added the flour and they both were very good at licking the beaters and spatula, they also were happy to eat any extra cups we had. Lauren and I helped grandma make her rolls. They are a family favorite so delicious. It is hard to even use a recipe because it is all by eye but here goes...

QUICK YEAST ROLLS
Grandma Lucy

1 ½ cups milk
¼ cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
2 tsp salt
¼ cup warm water
2 yeast package
2 eggs – well beaten
4 ¾ cup flour

half small bottle wheat germ
Heat milk & shortening until butter melts pour over sugar and salt in large bowl. Cool to luke warm soften yeast in warm water, sprinkle sugar on top let rise on a warm place. Add to milk also beaten eggs. Stir in flour until well mixed. Let rise until double in bulk, beat down, rise, roll out cut. (this is really hard to make unless Lynda is right there.

Almond Roca

1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon flour mixed in with sugar
1 cup butter
1 Tablespoon corn syrup (white Karo)
3 Tablespoon water
1 cup sliced almonds (about)
3 large heresy bars broken up

1st spread sliced almonds onto a well greased cookie sheet and roast at 325 – 350 for 5 to 8 minutes pampered chef no grease pan
2nd cook sugar, flour, butter, corn syrup, and water stirring consistently until very brittle hard crack stage it will almost look like it is turning back into sugar it will be pulling away from the sides of the pan it also turns a medium caramel color.
3rd throw in a handful of almonds right before pouring over the roasted almonds spread it out on the pan
4th place on top of hot candy spread out covering entire top
5th refrigerate then use a knife to break up after the chocolate is set


Spritz Dainties (pressed)

1 cup softened butter
¾ cup brown sugar
1 egg yolk
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 ½ cups flour sifted
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon soda

Combine in a bowl butter and sugar and beat until creamy. Add egg and vanilla beat well. Sift together flour, salt and soda then blend into wet mix. Mix it well. Press through cookie press onto un-greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle decorations Bake at 375 8-10 minutes cool & decorate.


Peanut butter Fudge

2 cups sugar
½ cup milk
1 1/3 cups peanut butter
1 jar (7oz ) marshmallow creme

In a saucepan bring sugar and milk to a boil stirring consistently. Once it is boiling boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add in peanut butter and marshmallow mix well and quickly pour into 8 inch buttered pan. Chill well until set cut into squares. (pampered chef no grease pan)


Wedding cookies

1 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons milk
2 cups flour
½ cup chopped walnuts

cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy add milk and vanilla mix well. Add four and nuts. Chill dough for 30 minutes. Form into balls and bake at 375E 12 – 15 minutes. While warm dip into powered sugar 3 dozen

Magic Cookie Bars

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
1 stick butter melted into bottom of 9 X 13 pan
mix well in pan press down even to make crust
1 cup chopped nuts on top of crust
flaked coconut
semi sweet chocolate chips
pour over sweetened condensed milk evenly let it sit for 5 minutes to soak down in Bake 20 – 30 minutes at 350 until light brown

7-Up Salad

2 3oz Lime Jell-o (or 1 6oz)
2 cups 7-UP
2 cups boiling Water
2 banana’s, sliced
2 cups crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup miniature marshmallows

Topping:½ cup sugar
1 cup pineapple juice
2 TLB flour
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup cool whip

Directions:
Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water. Add 7-Up. Chill until partially set. Add remaining ingredients (except topping), chill until firm.

Topping:
Combine sugar, flour in saucepan. Stir in pineapple juice and egg. Cook, stirring constantly until thickened. Cool and fold in cool whip. Spread over gelatin mixture. Will keep several days.
This recipe for 7-Up Salad serves/makes 8

Lynda fund raising

My mom in law Lynda is a Christlike woman. She is always giving to charity and everyone else. She has a huge giving compassionate heart. This year she raised money for March of Dimes, among other causes. She not only gives money but the most precious gift... time. The gift of herself. I'm proud to be a part of her life. She is hope and joy. Lynda is always happy and optimistic. Lynda always looks polished and is graceful. She is smart as a whip and down to earth. I wish she lived closer. We talk all the time by phone but it is not the same. She is also humble, yet I sometime wonder if she sees her greatness. Maybe that is part of what makes her so great. People always speak so highly of her, I'm always proud to say I'm her daughter-in-law. She is admired and respected and truly loved my hundreds. She is a champion.

Time heals

I was talking last night to one of my favorite people... Melissa. She was trying to help me feel better about a difficult challenge I am facing. She had me laughing so hard it hurt. How blessed I am to be surrounded by loving friends. Marlene just called to check on me:) She gives the best advice. My cute mom also offers great support and my mom in law is a great example of faith-- everything will be alright. It is so nice to have friends.

Melissa mentioned that tomorrow will come and the sun will rise. It reminded me of the saying TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS. I use to really not like that saying. I use to hope it wasn't true. But I have found it is true- for me. Last conference Elder Wirthlin gave an excellent talk titled Sunday Will Come.

http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-646-11,00.html

There is something very powerful about time. It heals and soothes and sweetens memories. After my dad died I wanted time to stop. I wanted everything to stop. It didn't. Life went on. Now that time has passed I can make it a whole week without crying. I can talk about him and not have it hurt. I don't love him any less but time coupled with the awesome promise of the Resurrection has somehow made it bearable. So even with each new challenge I face I know that "tomorrow is another day" and Scott is way cuter than Rhett Butler-- because he gives a darn.

Lynda a true example to follow

Oct. 9 Happy Birthday to my HERO. Today is Scott's moms birthday. I can't imagine life without her in it. She is the most real person I have ever met. She is amazingly smart, hard working, creative, sweet, funny, classy and kind. If you love Scott then you'll want to thank Lynda because he is a chip off the beautiful block. She has a way of making me feel like I can do anything. She is a natural leader, the prefect grandma, successful VP, patient wife, and most fun friend there is. We wish we lived closer to her and Neal. I love all her advice, wisdom and faith.