We had a great Christmas. Most enjoyable was spending time with family. Thanks so much Dan & Kaye! Had to tell you all about what I got for Christmas - besides the items I helped DJ get for me....I got a dream journal. Kimball got me a journal to write down my dreams in when I wake up in the middle of the night. I tried it last night and got 2 dreams written down. I'm not sure what she plans to do with it - use it for a bestselling book....?!? It's something totally unexpected and lots of fun! I woke up DJ as I was writing in the dark last night. :) Silly....
We are well on our way to cleaning up the Christmas fun and getting back to the normal schedule. I hope your holidays were great! Loves!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
22 Dec 2011
Great news! I passed the multiple choice part of the PTK! Now I wait for the essay results. So relieved to have that behind me. Let the holiday's begin! After being under the weather for a couple of weeks, I am finally feeling good. We're getting ready to go to DJ's parent's for Christmas. Should be nice :)
In other news, my book of blessings continues to grow. It is a wonderful thing! I think my next project will be a map project - a album of maps showing ancestor locations. I also want to do a book of family/ancestor missionaries.
My girls are all excited for Christmas. I think there are some surprises in store for them. Truly there is nothing like having Christmas with kids :) Kimball got my Christmas cards out this year for a young women's project. She is just starting her last project - a cross stitch. Want to see?
That's it! It will be interesting to see how it turns out!
McKay is enjoying having little sisters to play hair shop with. It's great to have willing "customers"
Hinckley is enjoying life and looking forward to her baptism in February. She got to try her dress on yesterday and was so happy!
Taylor lost a tooth last night. It's one of her front teeth so she's singing the song - All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth. She looks so cute!
DJ continues to work hard for us although he has been taking afternoons off to use up his vacation time. Use it or lose it!
Hope all is well with you!
In other news, my book of blessings continues to grow. It is a wonderful thing! I think my next project will be a map project - a album of maps showing ancestor locations. I also want to do a book of family/ancestor missionaries.
My girls are all excited for Christmas. I think there are some surprises in store for them. Truly there is nothing like having Christmas with kids :) Kimball got my Christmas cards out this year for a young women's project. She is just starting her last project - a cross stitch. Want to see? That's it! It will be interesting to see how it turns out!
McKay is enjoying having little sisters to play hair shop with. It's great to have willing "customers"
Hinckley is enjoying life and looking forward to her baptism in February. She got to try her dress on yesterday and was so happy!
Taylor lost a tooth last night. It's one of her front teeth so she's singing the song - All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth. She looks so cute!
DJ continues to work hard for us although he has been taking afternoons off to use up his vacation time. Use it or lose it!
Hope all is well with you!
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
2 Nov 2011
Well, I made a sweet potato pie yesterday. SO TASTY! I especially liked it as it was not as sweet - so I could actually eat it! Of course, I used the cornmeal crust recipe. I also made some gingersnaps - and did caramel apples the other day. We have so many treats that the kids can't keep up :) I can't believe how much candy they came home with after trick or treating! Biggest haul yet! Anyway - life is still going along here.
DJ and I decided to be a bit more proactive with a budget and downloaded the basic quicken program. Our budget meeting was so much more positive because the program is user friendly. It downloaded the past month from our bank and mostly categorized my transactions. Those that weren't categorized I took 5 minutes and quickly categorized. It was so interesting to see where all my $$ goes - in a colored pie chart :) I thoroughly recommend Quicken Starter Edition.
I only get a couple of minutes more because Kimball needs to use the computer - for homework she says. More later....
DJ and I decided to be a bit more proactive with a budget and downloaded the basic quicken program. Our budget meeting was so much more positive because the program is user friendly. It downloaded the past month from our bank and mostly categorized my transactions. Those that weren't categorized I took 5 minutes and quickly categorized. It was so interesting to see where all my $$ goes - in a colored pie chart :) I thoroughly recommend Quicken Starter Edition.
I only get a couple of minutes more because Kimball needs to use the computer - for homework she says. More later....
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
26 Oct 2011
Just scheduled my first of two tests to become a teacher. It's called the PTK - Professional Teaching Knowledge test. My first surprise upon scheduling at a Pearson VUE center (only place to take it) was the information that I would be give a Palm Vein Scan. Has anyone ever heard of this before? I know I've been out of school for awhile - but I didn't think I was that out of the loop. So I checked into it a bit and it is legit. It uses close to infrared light to scan your hand to see your veins. Used in place of fingerprinting. I guess they really want to make sure they are getting quality teachers these days. Fingerprinting on the district level, vein scans before you're even hired, and background checks. Had to let you know.....
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
18 Oct 2011
It was such a beautiful fall day! Thoroughly enjoyed being out in it and also viewing it from the comfort of my couch. What a great time of year!
Saturday, October 01, 2011
1 Oct 2011
I almost put 2001. Silly! We so enjoyed conference today! We're in the middle of a break from school so everything has been more relaxed around here. I made homemade donuts today! They turned out really good. Yesterday I made a 7 layer dip that we have enjoyed over both days. Kimball made some wonderful Pumpkin Cake roll. We're just having a great time! Up next is Gringa Enchiladas - I use leftover creamy crock pot chicken as the filling and add to it as my palate dictates - tomatoes, peppers, cheese, etc. To truly make them Gringa - drizzle barbecue sauce over the top before baking. My non-gringa friends love it!
We've been talking about Patriarchal blessings around here....just the current topic. That and where babies come from (the biscut!). After a very brief discussion I showed her a clip from Nova - previewed by me first and with no sound so I could do the talking- beginning with cell division through fetal development. It's enough for now.....
But on to Patriarchal blessings....found some great links:
http://lds.org/study/topics/patriarchal-blessings?lang=eng&query=Patriarchal+Blessings
This site has several links in it. We're currently working on a book of blessings. At lds.org you can now request copies of direct-line ancestor's patriarchal blessings through an easy to use online form. The limit is 4 a month and yes - they do keep track. You don't have to know much to start a search and you will get an email if they need more information. I figure you know whether they had a blessing or not!
As someone who comes from a LDS heritage - I am anxious to know more about my ancestors and feel a connection to them. At the start of my book of blessings, I am putting information about what a Patriarchal blessing is, and isn't. All things found on that great link above! I especially like this article by James E. Faust:
http://lds.org/new-era/1982/11/patriarchal-blessings?lang=eng
It includes the following statement (and more) about father's blessings: “A father’s blessing may be recorded [and preserved] in family records, but [in contrast to a blessing given by one of the ordained patriarchs] it is not to be preserved in the archives of the Church.” (General Handbook of Instructions, 21, p. 50.)
Something to think about! Anyway - just wanted to check in and say hi to you all! Enjoy the rest of conference!
We've been talking about Patriarchal blessings around here....just the current topic. That and where babies come from (the biscut!). After a very brief discussion I showed her a clip from Nova - previewed by me first and with no sound so I could do the talking- beginning with cell division through fetal development. It's enough for now.....
But on to Patriarchal blessings....found some great links:
http://lds.org/study/topics/patriarchal-blessings?lang=eng&query=Patriarchal+Blessings
This site has several links in it. We're currently working on a book of blessings. At lds.org you can now request copies of direct-line ancestor's patriarchal blessings through an easy to use online form. The limit is 4 a month and yes - they do keep track. You don't have to know much to start a search and you will get an email if they need more information. I figure you know whether they had a blessing or not!
As someone who comes from a LDS heritage - I am anxious to know more about my ancestors and feel a connection to them. At the start of my book of blessings, I am putting information about what a Patriarchal blessing is, and isn't. All things found on that great link above! I especially like this article by James E. Faust:
http://lds.org/new-era/1982/11/patriarchal-blessings?lang=eng
It includes the following statement (and more) about father's blessings: “A father’s blessing may be recorded [and preserved] in family records, but [in contrast to a blessing given by one of the ordained patriarchs] it is not to be preserved in the archives of the Church.” (General Handbook of Instructions, 21, p. 50.)
Something to think about! Anyway - just wanted to check in and say hi to you all! Enjoy the rest of conference!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
It's Official
Just letting you know - I have officially signed up with ABCTE to get my teacher certification - specifically in Elementary Education. I have a year to complete the program.....I'll keep you posted along the way. Not sure where this grand adventure will take me but I am sure that this is the next step in the path.
In other news - I'm so enjoying my teaching job! Everywhere I go in town, I seem to run into kids that I'm teaching that call me by name or say - "Hi, teacher!" It's kind of like being a mini-celebrity. :) All the kids have been so excited about getting to play instruments - this week includes individual time on the piano! All in all - everyone is having a wonderful time!
The girls are well and DJ also. As I type, they are eating homemade yogurt in the kitchen. DJ put some mango in the yogurt at lunch - OH! it was probably the best yogurt I've ever had.
I think of my many friends and family often. Hopefully thoughts count for something since that's about all I do. More later.....
In other news - I'm so enjoying my teaching job! Everywhere I go in town, I seem to run into kids that I'm teaching that call me by name or say - "Hi, teacher!" It's kind of like being a mini-celebrity. :) All the kids have been so excited about getting to play instruments - this week includes individual time on the piano! All in all - everyone is having a wonderful time!
The girls are well and DJ also. As I type, they are eating homemade yogurt in the kitchen. DJ put some mango in the yogurt at lunch - OH! it was probably the best yogurt I've ever had.
I think of my many friends and family often. Hopefully thoughts count for something since that's about all I do. More later.....
Monday, August 29, 2011
29 Aug 2011
Just starting another week. So much to do - always feeling a bit overwhelmed. Still - I see some progress and am grateful for that. Most evenings bedtime (for me) can't come early enough! It's been rather warm here - more so than we seasonally have. I wonder if the seasons aren't just shifting a bit. So glad that the heat is my biggest complaint! More later....
Thursday, August 25, 2011
25 Aug 2011
Well, it's been a full week of work. It has it's ups and downs - but is overall a fun job! In prepping for my classes - I found some great links I wanted to share with those who might be interested:
http://www.kiddierecords.com/ This has a TON of old records that have been converted into MP3 format. Many you can listen to and turn the pages of the accompanying book online ;) http://www.dsokids.com/games/default.aspx has some fun music games - you can also listen to specific instruments!
http://www.nyphilkids.org/lockerroom/main.phtml? is a fun place - very colorful and cartooney. http://www.sfskids.org/templates/musicLabF.asp?pageid=14 another site with some fun stuff. http://listeningadventures.carnegiehall.org/ypgto/index.aspx here's the description I found: by Benjamin Britten for the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall. This online game is amazing -- both fun and educational. If you log in, you can return later and continue the same game. Children ages 8 and above could probably play alone. Younger children would need a lot of help.
Those looked to be the most fun! Enjoy!
http://www.kiddierecords.com/ This has a TON of old records that have been converted into MP3 format. Many you can listen to and turn the pages of the accompanying book online ;) http://www.dsokids.com/games/default.aspx has some fun music games - you can also listen to specific instruments!
http://www.nyphilkids.org/lockerroom/main.phtml? is a fun place - very colorful and cartooney. http://www.sfskids.org/templates/musicLabF.asp?pageid=14 another site with some fun stuff. http://listeningadventures.carnegiehall.org/ypgto/index.aspx here's the description I found: by Benjamin Britten for the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall. This online game is amazing -- both fun and educational. If you log in, you can return later and continue the same game. Children ages 8 and above could probably play alone. Younger children would need a lot of help.
Those looked to be the most fun! Enjoy!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Progress
After visiting the hand doctor twice - it finally looks like my finger is healing! I'm starting to use it so it will strengthen. We have had a wonderful summer with some great visits with family. I start working at the local school district this week - doing music as a part time aide. The girls are resigned and somewhat excited about going back to school. The younger ones are really glad that I'll be around the school with them. That's about it from here....
Monday, July 11, 2011
New widget
As you can see - I've begun a trek. It has no time limit. I am walking. It is enough. I plan to go 1300 miles. That is the distance the pioneers traveled. So glad to find a widget to track my progress. After my spill down my stairs - sitting is the least comfortable position. I'm getting the hang of typing without my right ring finger. It is healing... slowly. UPDATE: It's actually not healing. Going to a hand doctor for further opinion....Ugh! I can tell my fingers are already weakening!
That's it for now - just wanted to update you all :)
That's it for now - just wanted to update you all :)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The White House
I know you are all wondering about the new digs - these are old pictures from our very first campout in the house. Watching conference in the living room - stairs go up to 2 girls rooms. Viewpoint from edge of Kitchen.
To the right of the framed shape on the front wall - the master bedroom, the laundry room (bright), the bathroom is to the far right, and on the far left is the down stairs (directly under upstairs).
Now you see why I call it the White house - besides the fact that the outside is white. This is the kitchen. Smaller kitchens definitely clean up quicker! To the left of the fridge is the living room - and to the right of this pic is the back door.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
How to make Sauerkraut
As soon as I saw three heads of cabbage in my bountiful basket (2 regular plus my one extra for helping), I knew I'd be making Sauerkraut. Had to call my mom for directions, but it really couldn't be easier. Here's how to do it:
First, Shred your cabbage. I use my Salad King that I ordered off of Ebay - the crinkle slice cone.
Next, Put the cabbage in a big bowl.
Then add salt - 3 1/2 Tbsp per 5 lbs of cabbage:
Mix it well - here's my helpers:
Then pack very tightly into jars. Pack until you see water/liquid coming up. Put lids on the jars - old lids work fine for this. Store jars in a dark area - on a cookie sheet just in case of leakage - for about a week. Replace the lids with new ones and tighten. Then process (boil) jars in a boiling water bath (that covers the lids) for 15 minutes.
It's really that easy! My favorite way to use the sauerkraut is to put some pork chops - or any type of pork really - into the crock pot and top with a jar of sauerkraut. Cook 3 hours (or so) on high. I start mine before church and it's ready when I get home. SO tasy!
First, Shred your cabbage. I use my Salad King that I ordered off of Ebay - the crinkle slice cone.
Next, Put the cabbage in a big bowl.
Then add salt - 3 1/2 Tbsp per 5 lbs of cabbage:
Mix it well - here's my helpers:
Then pack very tightly into jars. Pack until you see water/liquid coming up. Put lids on the jars - old lids work fine for this. Store jars in a dark area - on a cookie sheet just in case of leakage - for about a week. Replace the lids with new ones and tighten. Then process (boil) jars in a boiling water bath (that covers the lids) for 15 minutes.
It's really that easy! My favorite way to use the sauerkraut is to put some pork chops - or any type of pork really - into the crock pot and top with a jar of sauerkraut. Cook 3 hours (or so) on high. I start mine before church and it's ready when I get home. SO tasy!
Bountiful Baskets Review
So, for the past few weeks, I've been getting a Bountiful Basket. It's been a great way to encourage more eating of fruits and vegetables in variety. I am thoroughly hooked! It's a great way for non-gardeners to have fresh produce on a regular basis. I have had to wait for fruit to ripen occasionally, but that is a minor issue. As my camera has been MIA - I only have a pic of the Tropical Fruit add-on that you can order. What you might not be able to identify is mint and vanilla beans - both in bags. It was fun for a one-time order, but I wouldn't order it regularly. This week, I'm getting my regular basket - and I'll get pics and add on here for you all. Also I've added the Mexican Basket so I can make some fabulous salsa. I highly recommend getting a Bountiful Basket. Check out the web site for FAQ and further details. As it is a food co-op you don't order - you contribute - Contributions are accepted Monday noon through Tuesday Midnight. As you order you select your pickup location. It's $15.00 plus $3.00 just for your first time basket. If you go early to the pickup and help sort the produce, you get extra produce :) Works really great for us - this week I got an extra Cantelope and cabbage and 2 cucumbers. (2 bigs, 2 littles). More pics to come....
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
14 June 2011
Good morning! This summer I have just been dragging! I guess I need a good reason to get out of bed :) I am finally up and going now, though. The RS ladies are coming this morning for a visit. Looking forward to getting to know them better. Not really too much going on - and that's really how I like it! Kimball is anxiously awaiting a promised trip to a store to purchase some makeup for her upcoming birthday. So exciting!
I continue to work at the family history....I'm hoping to make it through some of my note papers and be able to toss them :) That would be really nice. Took a minute to see if I could find a replacement battery charger - I'll look for one more day before I order one :)
Beautiful weather here - perfect for line-drying clothes. Make it a great day!
I continue to work at the family history....I'm hoping to make it through some of my note papers and be able to toss them :) That would be really nice. Took a minute to see if I could find a replacement battery charger - I'll look for one more day before I order one :)
Beautiful weather here - perfect for line-drying clothes. Make it a great day!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
12 June 2011
Wonderful Stake Conference! So many notes taken - looking forward to reading and re-reading them. Still haven't found my camera charger - might have to get a new one! Ah, well! I do want to post some pics of the new digs here for you all :) Hopefully soon! I have lots of fun plans for this week. So looking forward to it all! Hope your week is good too!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
11 June 2011
Busy week for us here - our Primary went to the temple! It truly is different traveling with boys in the car :) The next day I went with my Webelos to day camp and we were rained/snowed/mudded/colded out and went home early. What an adventure! Fed the elders the next day and finally we have Saturday here!
Stake Conference this weekend! So looking forward to it. Hope all is well with you!
Stake Conference this weekend! So looking forward to it. Hope all is well with you!
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
7 June 2011
Good morning! I'm up and going - got a couple of projects today. Just cleaning things....I'll let you know how it goes :)
My girls are sequestered in their rooms until they get them cleaned up - should be a quiet day all in all! Still waiting on my computer projects - but still plenty busy in the meantime. Somehow I've lost my camera battery charger. UGH! So pictures are on hold......I hope it shows up soon!
So nice to hear from all of you - looking forward to hearing more about what you are up to :) Make it a great day!
My girls are sequestered in their rooms until they get them cleaned up - should be a quiet day all in all! Still waiting on my computer projects - but still plenty busy in the meantime. Somehow I've lost my camera battery charger. UGH! So pictures are on hold......I hope it shows up soon!
So nice to hear from all of you - looking forward to hearing more about what you are up to :) Make it a great day!
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
1 June 2011
Almost all over my cold! What a difference a week makes. Our exciting news this morning is that Taylor lost her first tooth just a couple of minutes ago! She is so excited!
Still working on getting my computer back 100% - my second hard drive is still off-line (not being recognized) and it has some things I wanted to work on this week. Oh well! I've emailed my computer helper and hopefully will be accessible soon.
We're heading to Chuck & Sue's for the day. Have a wonderful day too!
Still working on getting my computer back 100% - my second hard drive is still off-line (not being recognized) and it has some things I wanted to work on this week. Oh well! I've emailed my computer helper and hopefully will be accessible soon.
We're heading to Chuck & Sue's for the day. Have a wonderful day too!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Going downhill....
Still headed down into my cold. Ugh! Sure makes you appreciate how nice you feel regularly. Going to bed early tonight....ahhh! The comfort of my bed :)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
22 May 2011
A good day - the family spoke in church. Went pretty well. I'm excited to get to work in the cub scouting program - with the Webelos. Got a bit of a cold going - should be ok.....just have to make it through this week.
Short tonight....more tomorrow!
Short tonight....more tomorrow!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
21 May 2011
A very busy week. Worked my regular teacher's aide job Mon-Thurs, then also worked Fri in another district substituting. Good thing school's almost out! I did think of something that is working well with my girls - I am using some forms I got a while back to make out daily schedules for them - basically lists of what I want them to do. As they are home while I'm working on Friday's - it has helped them focus a bit and get something done rather than just watching television. I take a few minutes to fill out the forms for each girl the night before - then they find their lists the next morning when they get up.
I think I probably need to explain a bit about the recipes. As we moved the food storage (again!) DJ expressed the wish that we would use up this food storage so he didn't have to move it again. Thus - I'm working on that project. I have another recipe to share today:
Cornflake Waffles
from Basic Essentials Cookbook by Janet Marie Huff
http://www.eatwheat.com/order.html
2 eggs or 1 egg + 2 egg whites
2 c. water
1/4 c. oil or 2 Tbsp oil + 2 Tbsp applesauce (slightly sweetens waffles)
1 c flour
1/4 c. cornmeal
6 Tbsp. dry milk powder
3/4 c. coarsely crushed cornflakes
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp. sugar
Mix all in blender. Spray waffle iron before baking each waffle. Makes 6 to 8 waffles.
By the way, I'm only putting on recipes that I have tried and really like and have used more than once!
I also purchased a seed sprouter and have really been enjoying alfalfa sprouts! I will be trying to sprout other things as well - so I'll let you know how that goes.
As far as family history - I'm still dabbling a bit - but that is mostly on hold until this summer. Hopefully it will be a marvelously productive summer. More details to come......Have a great day!
I think I probably need to explain a bit about the recipes. As we moved the food storage (again!) DJ expressed the wish that we would use up this food storage so he didn't have to move it again. Thus - I'm working on that project. I have another recipe to share today:
Cornflake Waffles
from Basic Essentials Cookbook by Janet Marie Huff
http://www.eatwheat.com/order.html
2 eggs or 1 egg + 2 egg whites
2 c. water
1/4 c. oil or 2 Tbsp oil + 2 Tbsp applesauce (slightly sweetens waffles)
1 c flour
1/4 c. cornmeal
6 Tbsp. dry milk powder
3/4 c. coarsely crushed cornflakes
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp. sugar
Mix all in blender. Spray waffle iron before baking each waffle. Makes 6 to 8 waffles.
By the way, I'm only putting on recipes that I have tried and really like and have used more than once!
I also purchased a seed sprouter and have really been enjoying alfalfa sprouts! I will be trying to sprout other things as well - so I'll let you know how that goes.
As far as family history - I'm still dabbling a bit - but that is mostly on hold until this summer. Hopefully it will be a marvelously productive summer. More details to come......Have a great day!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
17 May 2011
Hello everyone! Long time, no writing....so sorry! I hope to be able to get writing again. We are so enjoying the new place - I'll get some pics on soon.
I want to put a couple of recipes on here to share:
Costco Muffins - Copycat
by Impera_Magna on Food.com
1 (18 oz) box cake mix or use this recipe:
2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/4 cup sugar
additionally:
2 Tbsp flour
3 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp baking powder
Mix all ingredients together. Spoon into prepared muffin cups (spray pan, put in papers, spray papers). Bake at 375 until tops are lightly browned (approx 20 min).
For Almond Poppyseed muffins - use a white cake mix, add 2 tsp poppyseeds, and 1 tsp almond extract.
For Chocolate muffins - use a chocolate cake mix and stir in 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips.
I added 3 bananas and some chopped nuts and made banana nut.
Other suggestions: French vanilla cake mix and fresh raspberries
Lemon cake mix and poppyseed
Spice cake mix with cinnamon/sugar topping
They really do taste like Costco's!
Sweet Cornmeal Crust
from Real Simple Nov 2004
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1 egg
Mix all and press into a pie pan. Bake in a 375 oven until the crust is golden. Makes a crust similar to the graham cracker crust.
I put a peanut butter pie filling into the cooled crust (1 cup crunchy peanut butter mixed with whipped topping). It was wonderful! Everyone enjoyed it!
Now I need some help in setting up categories on posts - that way I can organize all my food storage recipes I want to share.....Thanks in advance!
ONE MORE THING! I just heard about something that sounds really interesting: Bountiful Baskets.com - They are available even in Texas, Arizona, and Utah! Check out the website for more info - sounds interesting to me. We're going to our location this Saturday to see what's what. After all - it's just across the street. Have any of you tried this?
I want to put a couple of recipes on here to share:
Costco Muffins - Copycat
by Impera_Magna on Food.com
1 (18 oz) box cake mix or use this recipe:
2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/4 cup sugar
additionally:
2 Tbsp flour
3 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp baking powder
Mix all ingredients together. Spoon into prepared muffin cups (spray pan, put in papers, spray papers). Bake at 375 until tops are lightly browned (approx 20 min).
For Almond Poppyseed muffins - use a white cake mix, add 2 tsp poppyseeds, and 1 tsp almond extract.
For Chocolate muffins - use a chocolate cake mix and stir in 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips.
I added 3 bananas and some chopped nuts and made banana nut.
Other suggestions: French vanilla cake mix and fresh raspberries
Lemon cake mix and poppyseed
Spice cake mix with cinnamon/sugar topping
They really do taste like Costco's!
Sweet Cornmeal Crust
from Real Simple Nov 2004
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1 egg
Mix all and press into a pie pan. Bake in a 375 oven until the crust is golden. Makes a crust similar to the graham cracker crust.
I put a peanut butter pie filling into the cooled crust (1 cup crunchy peanut butter mixed with whipped topping). It was wonderful! Everyone enjoyed it!
Now I need some help in setting up categories on posts - that way I can organize all my food storage recipes I want to share.....Thanks in advance!
ONE MORE THING! I just heard about something that sounds really interesting: Bountiful Baskets.com - They are available even in Texas, Arizona, and Utah! Check out the website for more info - sounds interesting to me. We're going to our location this Saturday to see what's what. After all - it's just across the street. Have any of you tried this?
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
8 Mar 2011
Well, I found a school job! It's part time and suits me wonderfully! I'm still available for my girls. I'm working at the local elementary school as an aide. I get to sit and listen to children read. :) Plus the occasional recess duty.
Still working on my many projects....don't know what I would do without them! Thinking of my friends and family often.
Still working on my many projects....don't know what I would do without them! Thinking of my friends and family often.
Monday, February 28, 2011
28 Feb 2011
Good morning all! I really don't know where the last 10 days have gone. I've had a bit of a cold - and still searching for a job. This past weekend, Taylor and Hinckley were sick. Hinckley discovered that she didn't like the "easy way" of treating Strep Throat - a shot. Alas! I love the easy way.
Other than that, just more of the same. Everything going pretty good - can't complain. Well, I guess I could but I really shouldn't because we are so blessed! I have been saddened to hear of other's misfortunes. It truly is a time of trial for all of us! I am glad I have the challenges I have. I think of my family and friends often and pray for the best for them.
Make it a good day!
Other than that, just more of the same. Everything going pretty good - can't complain. Well, I guess I could but I really shouldn't because we are so blessed! I have been saddened to hear of other's misfortunes. It truly is a time of trial for all of us! I am glad I have the challenges I have. I think of my family and friends often and pray for the best for them.
Make it a good day!
Friday, February 18, 2011
18 Feb 2011
Had to take a minute and share some funny stories with you. It's been a good week all in all - I think we're getting anxious to be moving out on our own. Still trying to enjoy the time here.....
Monday I babysat for a friend. She has 2 boys - one is a sunbeam, the other is Taylor's age. The little sunbeam was on my exercycle and didn't dismount very well - ended up hurting himself in his male nethers. He was pretty upset - and I didn't know how badly he was hurt. I called DJ for some male know-how. I told him what the situation was and asked if he would be OK. He assured me that he would. I still was unconvinced. The little guy sat on my lap for probably 10 minutes - slowly stopping crying. Finally, when he hopped down and asked for a cookie I believed that he was OK. I had to laugh at myself a bit - just because I really don't know anything about boys. Thank goodness for DJ's reassurance! I thought you mothers of boys would get a chuckle out of this....
I am pleased to report that my camera has been found! It was lost for over a week. DJ found it next to McKay's bed. I just shake my head! The amount of stress generated by not knowing where something I was wanting was located.....I'm just glad it's been found.
Had such a nice chat with Becky this week. So nice to get to visit!
Well, that's about it for today. We're all off to the dentist! Make it a great day!
Monday I babysat for a friend. She has 2 boys - one is a sunbeam, the other is Taylor's age. The little sunbeam was on my exercycle and didn't dismount very well - ended up hurting himself in his male nethers. He was pretty upset - and I didn't know how badly he was hurt. I called DJ for some male know-how. I told him what the situation was and asked if he would be OK. He assured me that he would. I still was unconvinced. The little guy sat on my lap for probably 10 minutes - slowly stopping crying. Finally, when he hopped down and asked for a cookie I believed that he was OK. I had to laugh at myself a bit - just because I really don't know anything about boys. Thank goodness for DJ's reassurance! I thought you mothers of boys would get a chuckle out of this....
I am pleased to report that my camera has been found! It was lost for over a week. DJ found it next to McKay's bed. I just shake my head! The amount of stress generated by not knowing where something I was wanting was located.....I'm just glad it's been found.
Had such a nice chat with Becky this week. So nice to get to visit!
Well, that's about it for today. We're all off to the dentist! Make it a great day!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentines Day!
Just had to wish you all a Happy Valentines day! Having a great day here. The girls were so excited about the day when they woke up this morning. So fun!
Monday, February 07, 2011
7 Feb 2011
So today I'm working on several things - one main one is uploading pictures to http://www.mybigfamiliespictures.shutterfly.com/
I realize that I have a TON of pictures that need to be more accessible to the world. It will probably take awhile to get them all on there.
We had a wonderful time at the temple on Saturday! Did quite a few sealings for family names. Really wonderful!
I realize that I have a TON of pictures that need to be more accessible to the world. It will probably take awhile to get them all on there.
We had a wonderful time at the temple on Saturday! Did quite a few sealings for family names. Really wonderful!
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
1 Feb 2011
I'm purposefully sitting down to write a bit today. I think I'm just out of the habit. Still selling plasma - blood money I call it :) Waiting to hear about another job I applied for. We're planning to move out this summer - so will need a bit of additional support. I figure I might as well find it now versus later. I'll let you know how it goes.....I have been doing much family history - contacting descendants of Mimi's cousins for the most part. Trying to find someone to share family photos with - especially originals that are of the cousins. No need for our family to have them - and they just might be a treasure for someone else.
That takes up most of my free time these days. I just love sharing stories and pictures with others who might not otherwise know about them. In that effort - I will also be working on my stories site and another genealogy site where I talk about the sites I find most helpful and what I'm doing. Since both of those blogs are totally public and searchable I won't mention their names here. Like a bit of anonymity. If you are interested in them - email me and I'll let you know what they are.
That takes up most of my free time these days. I just love sharing stories and pictures with others who might not otherwise know about them. In that effort - I will also be working on my stories site and another genealogy site where I talk about the sites I find most helpful and what I'm doing. Since both of those blogs are totally public and searchable I won't mention their names here. Like a bit of anonymity. If you are interested in them - email me and I'll let you know what they are.
Monday, January 24, 2011
24 Jan 2011
Had a great weekend here. It was relaxing and just productive enough. Kimball needed some new clothes, so I took her shopping and we had a nice time. Babysat this morning - that went pretty good too. Right now I'm cleaning up my c drive - I've been getting messages that I'm running out of room. It's time! Well, that's it for now.....more later?
Friday, January 21, 2011
21 Jan 2011
I had to change the 2010 I originally put on this post to 2011! I wonder how long I'll be doing that? I'm having a good week. I started exercising - and put in 3 days this week on my exercycle. I also began selling my plasma (think blood not TV). It's going well and is a nice side source of income. I'm feeling good. That's probably the most important thing. I'm taking it easy today - trying not to jinx anything.
Hope all is well with you. I haven't taken time to catch up on everyone. Hopefully soon!
Hope all is well with you. I haven't taken time to catch up on everyone. Hopefully soon!
Monday, January 17, 2011
17 Jan 2010
Finally back posting again! So much to update - I've been putting it off. No more! So my new job - about that.... I found that I didn't like working in that field. So, the company liked me enough to give me a try at another position - and although I felt comfortable doing that job, I felt the timing wasn't right - having Taylor at home a couple of days a week and all. So, once again, I'm underemployed as a substitute teacher. That's working for now. We did get the house rented out - it was only empty for 1 month - and things are picking back up for DJ now - so we'll survive :)
I'm back to the computer having lots of crazy fun doing family history research. So, I'll try to put some more links and things that you might be interested in on here. Here's the first one: http://christoph.stoepel.net/geogen/en
This is a surname research tool that will enable you to look at the countries of Germany and Austria and see how common your surname is. Of course, if your name isn't from that country - it probably won't help you much. If your name is from there - it should help - it gives you a map that shows the distribution and areas where that name is more frequent (more people with that last name).
http://gbnames.publicprofiler.org/
This is the link to Great Britian - and it has a worldwide search too!
OK - the worldwide search is the best - I just checked!
http://worldnames.publicprofiler.org/Main.aspx
How fun is that?!?
Well, that's probably enough for today - more tomorrow?!?
I'm back to the computer having lots of crazy fun doing family history research. So, I'll try to put some more links and things that you might be interested in on here. Here's the first one: http://christoph.stoepel.net/geogen/en
This is a surname research tool that will enable you to look at the countries of Germany and Austria and see how common your surname is. Of course, if your name isn't from that country - it probably won't help you much. If your name is from there - it should help - it gives you a map that shows the distribution and areas where that name is more frequent (more people with that last name).
http://gbnames.publicprofiler.org/
This is the link to Great Britian - and it has a worldwide search too!
OK - the worldwide search is the best - I just checked!
http://worldnames.publicprofiler.org/Main.aspx
How fun is that?!?
Well, that's probably enough for today - more tomorrow?!?
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