Talk Given and Stress Gone

I gave my talk on genealogy today. I had 5 minutes left and it worked out perfect. I was able to read President Hinckley's remarks on genealogy and then I just told about my research work and finding all my lines. I was as nervous as ever but it went by fast and then I was through. I am glad that's over and now I can relax.
Esther and I went to visit a new sister in our ward that has been in the hospital. They aren't sure what's wrong with her. Her name is Jill and her husband is Peter. She is a school teacher and the sweetest lady ever. She wants to be called to do things. She wants to help in any way she can. She is a gem.
I also delivered all the changes to the sisters that I wasn't able to catch at church. I got all but three delivered. Made a phone call to find out how a sister is and that was my day.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for the opportunity to give my talk today. As much as I don't like doing it I know it's good for me to get over my fear of public speaking. Heavenly Father will keep giving me chances to get it right.

Family Photos

 Sister are the best.

 Family Picture

Janna and her cute daughters.

Today was the stake clean up at the building. I got there at 8:30 and Peggy and I made some changes to RS before the clean up began. From then until 1:30 it was run, run, run. But we got everyone fed and all the clean up done. We had lots of people there and Austin helped too. He did a good job.

When I came home Janna and the kids had me take pictures of them and we went to the river to take some for Harley's senior picture. We took tons and got some really good ones.

At 6pm I went to the chapel to watch the Women's Broadcast. It was powerful and wonderful. All about serving our sisters. I loved President Eyring's comments about the caretaker needing a break or something like that. I had always felt guilty that I wasn't with my mom every night but sometimes I just couldn't do it and headed home. His remarks made that alright and I absolutely know my mom would want it that way too. It was wonderful.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for  the Women's Broadcast and the words spoken by the new general relief society presidency. Food for thought.

Bill Paying Day

Balancing my checkbook and paying bills always makes me grumpy. But I got a text from Dean telling me he was at Alton Ekins funeral and was thinking about me. Just what I needed today. I love that son of mine.
I made meatballs and barbecue sauce for dinner. I am so glad Kara taught those cooking class in Relief Society. It reminded me how good old favorites are. And everyone but Bailee loved them. There is always someone that doesn't like something. For me I made another salad with black beans, corn and chicken. So yummy good.
I am baking 2 batches of brownies for the ward service day at the building. We are getting ready for conference. So our ward is in charge of desserts. Brownies seemed the easiest to make. I'll pack them up and take them over to the ward tomorrow. Job done.
My talk is finished and ready to give. Another job done.
Bills paid and account balanced. Another job done.
Now that's what I call accomplishing things. My stress level is already going down. Amazing how that happens when things start coming together and jobs are done.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for the gospel today. I have thought about it all day and how blessed I am to have it in my life. I am truly blessed...

Idaho Falls Temple

I went to the Temple today to see Kendra go through with her hubby. The session was packed. She was so very pretty in her Temple robes. When I left I was going to take a picture of the Temple at night. It was beautiful but I forgot that I had the camera with the "exhausted" battery so tomorrow it gets charged.
I made potato soup for the family today. It was yummy but I only had a couple of bites. I now have a new favorite food. It's a layer of romaine lettuce, tomatoes over the top, then 1/ 4 cup of corn heated, 1/4 cup of black beans heated, a sauted chicken breast cut into chunks and I drizzle 1 tablespoon of 1000 Island Dressing over the top. It is to die for. I think I'll eat it again tomorrow. WW is still going strong. I went to the market today and bought fruits and veggies.
I talked with Susan Tuckett today and Yvonne Norton. They called me to tell me Alton Ekins had died. But I had already saw it on facebook. It was so good to talk to them. Yvonne and I are going to plan a trip to the genealogy library. That would be fun...
Grateful Statement: I am grateful today for the Temple. It was good to just sit and pray and contemplate. It is always so peaceful.

More Visits

Salad

I went to visit two sister today. Ila had back surgery so I went to chat with her for a little while. She had an adorable dog that wouldn't let me stop petting her. It reminded me of Maggie. She kept putting her nose under my hand just like Maggie does. Now Molly is starting to do it too. I do love dogs just not their wet little noses.
When I took the kids to YM/YW I printed off a VT report that I could cut up. It's now all over my table. I just keep praying that the changes I am making will help. We have 47 sisters that aren't Visiting Teachers which loads everyone else up. About 5 are active Sisters that just don't want to VT. We also have 3 sets that just aren't doing their VT. How do you give them the inspiration and dedication to caring for each other. Makes my head hurt!!
On to another topic. This is what I ate for dinner. Everyone had Black Bean Burritos so I had mine without the Tortilla. This was so delish.... I'm making it again. Still doing excellent on WW. I really feel so much better and am getting more energy. I just have to keep going.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the visiting teaching program in the church. What a blessing it is to have sisters watch over each other.
 

7 Pounds Gone

Zucchini Relish right out of the water bath.

I said I would report to my journal every Monday, so here I am. This week 7 pounds have gone. It is getting easier and easier. I love fruits and vegetables so they are the things I eat the most of.
Yesterday I went to Ward Council and Harley brought Bailee and Austin to church. The Primary Program was so sweet. Those little kids just sang their hearts out. I loved watching my little Sunbeams.
I spent a lot of time on the phone today with a sister that's having a hard time. And I made some phone calls for desserts for the service project on Saturday. I am going to have Peggy send out an email because I'm tired of calling.
I canned zucchini relish and got some more salsa perking for tomorrow. I am one tired lady and my feet are telling me all about it. After this all zucchini we don't eat goes to the goats.
Grateful Statement: Today I am so grateful for my Savior. I wish all the sister's in the ward knew how much He loves them. Their lives would be so much easier. I know mine is because of Him.

Baptisms

 Bailee, Marissa, Taibre and Macy

 These are some cute girls posing on the lawn of the Temple

 The Brides garden. So very pretty

Look at the size of this Dahlia. It is huge...

I took Bailee and her three friend to the Temple to do baptism today. They had so much fun. I had never been to the baptistry in the Idaho Falls Temple. It was very different from the Provo Temple. But it was just as spiritual and I was able to print off my names so they could do my lady names.

I came home and cleaned up my kitchen and watered my garden. I pulled all my stalks of corn and fed them to the goats. Almost everything is about finished. Fall is in the air. I can just feel it in the air.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for these righteous young women and their desire to attend the Temple. What a blessing for me to see.

Bailee's 14th Birthday and Harley New Ride

 Ronnie always comes to support the kids at their birthday parties. He is holding Jewel who just might be the newest member of our family.

 This girl is thrilled with her Ipod touch.

 My beautiful daughter. She is the best mom. Just ask her kids.

 Janna made this birthday cake for Bailee.

 Harley and her new ride.

Taking it for a test drive.

Today was a busy fun day. Bailee and her friends celebrated her 14th birthday. They played with silly string, watched movies, munched on popcorn and had girl talk I'm sure. They looked like they were having so much fun.

Janna went and picked up all the kids and brought them home. Harley asked her mom if her truck was finished. Janna said she didn't know. So when Janna pulled in the driveway and Harley saw her truck she went totally crazy. She was so happy. She now has wheels..... She had to take it for a test drive immediately, with driver's license in hand.

I also went visiting teaching to 3 of our sisters with Brittany. I was going to make some changes with us and put Brittany with someone else but I need to stay with one of our sister's so I'm not changing us yet. Besides Brittany is one of the best partners I've ever had. We had good visits and now we just have one inactive sister we need to find at night. She doesn't have a phone number listed and she works all day. So I need to find out if she wants to be visited.

I made a big pot of Taco Soup and took it to one of our families. It smells so good and before it went out the door Tommy had to have a big bowl. I need to make it more often. I love that it's soup weather.

And I am still doing excellent on WW. Yeah me!!!!

Grateful Statement: I am grateful this day that I am able to serve others. It's where you get to lose yourself and all your problems. I love the way it makes me feel. I am blessed to belong to the most serving church on earth.

Canning Meeting

I canned beans today so I could do a demonstration at our meeting. It went pretty well and lots of sisters were there. We learned a lot and had tons of fun. Bailee and Nicole were our babysitters tonight. Bailee is just so good with kids. I am tired of all the work so I guess it's my bed time.
I have been working on VT and trying to figure out what to change. It is such a domino effect when you make changes. But I'll get it all figured out by the end of the month.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for all the knowledge I learned from the sisters today. I can't wait to try some of the recipes.

Really Good Marinade Sauce

 I visited a sister today and made the best marinade for my chicken breasts. It was sooooo good. The chicken breasts were so tender and moist. I'm putting this marinade in my go to book Amie made for me. Janna wants to eat healthy so we are going for it. I roasted veggies for lunch. So good.
One more day of WW and all is well. I pray for strength to keep this up and it's working. I am feeling so much better. Today I had more energy than I have had in a long time.
I got my beans ready tonight so I can demo canning beans at our canning meeting tomorrow night. We'll see how it goes. I'll be canning on a camp stove. Wish me luck.
Bailee and I went into town to get stuff for her birthday party. We got drinks, candy and silly string. She loves the dollar store that we decided is not a dollar store.
I had to handle some dumb stuff for RS today. Why can't people just get along. And I started working on Visiting Teaching again. Need to make more changes.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for my daughter. She is so sweet to her mom. I am blessed to have her in my life.

Presidency Meeting

I cleaned house, mailed a birthday card to my sweet granddaughter Hailey, made baked zita and brownies for the kids, had my presidency meeting and took the kids to YW and scouts.  I stayed for Austins court of honor so they could present him with all his merit badges he earned at scout camp.
And a drum roll please, it's 9:11 and I still haven't used up all my points for the day. Two days of excellence. Way to go me..... I had zucchini, tomatoes, lettuce, yogurt and peaches and half a chicken sandwich. I just told myself all day that I only had to do it today and it was easier than yesterday.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for the wonderful scout leaders Austin has. They work really hard for the boys and are so positive with them. These boys are blessed to have each other and such great leaders.

My Journey Begins

I signed up for Weight Watchers online this morning. I hope and pray that I can lose some of this weight. I'm tired of being tired and I want to be able to walk as far as I want. So I begin. Every Monday morning I will check in and tell this lovely journal just how I am doing. I ate vegetables and fruits today with stir fried chicken breast. I picked corn, tomatoes and zucchini from my garden and watered it really good. No one watered it while I was gone.
I also went to Winco and did the grocery shopping. It is always a long ordeal to do it but it's always good to have it done. Tommy met me there and helped me.
I also visited cute little Mary Studebaker. She is just the best. She introduced me to her husband, Harold. He has had a stroke and can't walk so Mary takes good care of him.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for the Book of Mormon today. I am trying to read daily. Why, oh why is it so hard for me to just do it. Chapter 10:14 it says "he that hath the scriptures, let him search them. Well, I guess that me because I do have the scriptures so I need to search them. It really made me think. So that's why I'm grateful for them. Today they told me to search them if I had them. Yep I do....

Beautiful Sabbath

I met with the Bishop before church. Everything in Relief Society is going good and we discussed some of the needs of some sisters. It was a good meeting. I just love my Bishop.
Bailee spoke in Sacrament on Family History. She did an excellent job. She talked on indexing which is near and dear to my heart. She is so confident up there. Love my grandkids to pieces.
I came home and called about a new family moving into our ward. The wife has been in the hospital for over a week. So I need to find a phone number so I can find out if there is anything I can do to help. I also was put in charge of the big clean up for Saturday, Sept 29. The Relief Society is in charge of bringing side dishes for the burgers the stake is making. So I called the other two RS presidents and asked them each to bring 25 side dishes. So we should end up with 75. That should feed the masses.
I have been working on some indexing batches that are really hard. They are faded and blurry so some of the images I can't even read. But I'll struggle through them and finish them before they expire. Every name I can extract is so important.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my Bishop. He is such a humble, sweet man. I know he is led by the Spirit. I am blessed to serve under him.

Scrapping and Going Home

I had the most marvelous day. I made 4 double pages this time and really enjoyed doing it. It makes me want to scrap again in earnest. I so enjoyed my wonderful friends. If only my camera's battery wasn't exhausted I could have taken some pictures. I think I will take both my cameras in Janurary so I can be sure to get some pictures.
I left at 6:30 and headed for home. I was worried about the BYU/Utes game and the traffic. I shouldn't have because it was smooth sailing all the way. I drove 270 miles and was home by 10:00.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for my friends that make me laugh. They are the best. I am blessed to have such good friends that share my values.

Friends are Forever, I Just Know It!

Got up and took a long shower and enjoyed being by myself. Maybe I'm becoming a recluse... Can't wait to scrapbook. Right now I'm going to get breakfast so I can take my lovely pills.
We finally got organized and started scrapping and then it was time to go to lunch. We went to Olive Garden for Soup and Salad and Breadsticks. It was very good. We came back and scrapbooked until around midnight. I had so much fun. We laughed and ate and ate and laughed. It's what we do best, besides scrapbooking.
I went to bed around 1am and snuggled on my side of the bed and hoped I didn't snore. What a fun day it was.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for these dear friends. Judy and I have been doing this for years and we have always had so much fun. I truly am blessed by having such wonderful friends.

Heading for Utah to Scrapbook

This is the rest stop somewhere between Idaho and Utah. Isn't it just so pretty.

I packed up my bags and got ready. I thought I was going to go visiting teaching but we had to cancel. So I got in my car and headed out. It was an uneventful drive. I stopped at a couple of rest stop to stretch my legs. This is one that I just love. There is a little stream that runs underneath this bridge. It's so peaceful and pretty. And my camera battery is "exhausted". Cracked me up when I saw that. So no pictures will be coming my way this weekend.

I checked into the Hampton Inn in Provo so I could work on my talk I have to give on the 30th. I was able to get it started on paper. I feel like I am in more control. I needed this time all to myself. Just me and me alone. But tomorrow I'll be surrounded by good friends and having fun.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for this tiny vacation that I needed so much. It's like filling up my tank. I won't be thinking about Relief Society or cooking or cleaning. I am blessed to have this time.

Presidency Meeting and Cooking

Bailee designed this all by herself. 

Today was the day to clean my house. I got some of it done but not all. I made Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips that are chewy for Bailee. Two batches of those made 25 bars. That should be enough for a little while. Then I made mayonnaise until I got the one I like. I couldn't remember what recipe I used before so I had to make two before I found the right recipe. Anne Burrell's recipe is the one I like the best. I put it into my Cook'n recipe program so now I know.
I also picked a basket full of zucchini and put in the fridge so I can make some salsa when I get back. There were three huge ones that I gave to the goats. I always find them hiding under the leaves.
Then we had our presidency meeting. It went really well. I have a couple of changes for visiting teaching I don't know what to do with. I'll have to pray about it and get some inspiration.
Tonight we made Bailee's invites for her birthday party. I used my Elements program and they turned out cute, don't you think. She got her cute glasses too. I'll have to get a picture of her and post it when I get back from Utah. I'll be leaving tomorrow after I visit teach. Scrapbooking here I come....
Grateful Statement: I am grateful today for the time I have to spend in my kitchen cooking up a storm. It is fun and rewarding. I am blessed...

Janna's Birthday Is Today

Janna had a wonderful birthday so she says. I made her spaghetti and bread sticks that she wanted. I think her best birthday gift is her 3 delightful kids. They so love their mom.
I went and visited three sisters with Esther today. We had good visits and really got to know the new sister that moved into the ward. I love visiting all these sisters. It's so good to get to know them.
I made more Zucchini Bread today and I roasted Tommy some veggies for lunch. That's been my day!
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Esther and how willing she is to do her calling. She is just wonderful and a great counselor.

Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing

 Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing

Salad in a Jar

Sunday I went to Ward Council at 9am and then church. I had a wonderful surprise. Britney Barzee came and sat beside me. She had left her baby and 3yr old with her husband and came to church alone. I was so excited to see her there. She is so sweet, young and CUTE. I made phone calls after church and then I was so tired I just could hardly move.

Today I went to visit a sister that's having a huge financial crisis. We had a good visit. I took her some cake bites from "The Carmel Tree". I love that little store in Rigby. It's my go to place for treats for the sisters that are having a hard time.

I came home and watched my neighbors daughter until her siblings got off the bus at 4:30. Her mom is a nurse and has to work. She doesn't like Sarah to go home alone. So she comes to my house when I am home.

I also made this yummy Poppy Seed Dressing and my Salad in a Jar I found on pinterest. The one I shook up and ate worked really good. I put cabbage and carrots on top of the dressing and then added the lettuce. It was so good. I put two in the fridge to try. I can't wait to see if it works. The lady on pinterest said she does this and they last all week. She just grabs one, shakes it up and it's ready to go.

Then I made Janna's kids do dinner because I am too tired. And I'm in a grouchy mood. I don't know why but everything irritates me so I'm taking the night off. They are making french bread pizza with pepperoni. They love it.

I have been indexing again today. I am doing the soundex for the people who came over on ships. It is pretty interesting. Maybe I can find Kathy's Russian and German ancestors when they are all done with this.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful today for the Gospel. I am grateful for the knowledge that tomorrow is always better than today. I will feel good tomorrow because I'm going to pray for it.

Making Granola Bars

 If I made these for me they would have craisins or raisins added.

Janna and I went to Walmart early this morning before the crowds came. There was hardly anyone in the store. We were able to get our stuff and check out fast. That's the way I like Walmart.
I worked on name extraction again today. When I went to visit Helen Greatorex she asked me if I did extraction work. I felt bad that I had to say I hadn't done very much for the past couple of years. So I came home and started again.
I decided to make granola bars for the kids to take to school for breakfast. They are on the bus over an hour so they will have something to take with them. This is "The Barefoot Contessa's" recipe and they are really good. Why oh why do I love to bake and cook.
Janna worked on the farm and I did pretty much nothing all day. Why oh why am I tired from doing nothing. Must be indexing and baking.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful today for the beautiful fall day. It was so pretty outside. I am blessed to live in Rigby next to my cute daughter.

Vinyl Wall Art

 Over my microwave.

This was what my mom always told me when I had tough times in my teens.

Yesterday and today I went visiting sisters in the ward. Yesterday I went alone and today I went with Tiffany. I had nice visits with everyone and now I know more sisters. I'm getting there slowly but surely. 

Janna put up the vinyl lettering that we had cut out for me today. She had to hang by her toenails to put the one above my washer and dryer. I really like it and it always reminds me of my mom. How come you never get over missing your mom no matter how old you get. 

I put a frozen roast in the crock pot this morning and it was done by 2pm. It was delicious. Now I'll have to made beef burritos this weekend.

Grateful Statement: Today I am grateful for my wonderful daughter that helps me so much. She is such a blessing in my life.

Salsa Made

Zucchini Salsa made and in the jars.

I finished making the Salsa today. It was so easy and Tommy and I really like it. It's a little too sweet for me so I am cutting the sugar back when I make it again. I need more zucchini's from my garden. By Friday I should have enough to do another batch. Can you believe that I used all the zucchini from my garden, except the two giant ones that were hiding under the leaves. They were the size of a leg so we gave them to the goats. They were so happy to get them. Nothing goes to waste around here.

Bailee and I went over to the church and made a couple of changes to Visiting Teaching Partnerships so Bailee and I could deliver all the changes I made in August. I'm glad they are all delivered and now everyone knows who they are visiting. 

I made pizza for the kids and not one slice of the two pizza's I made was left. They always eat all of my pizza's. Now my feet are tired and it's time for bed.

Grateful Statement: Today I am grateful for my ability to can and make things that are inexpensive. It makes me feel good to do all this homebody stuff. I am blessed to be able to do it.

Visiting Sisters

Zucchini Dump Cake that tastes like apples.

It's true!!!

  

It was yummy. 

Bailee getting her eyes checked.

 

She looks like a girl from outer space. LOL

I visit two sister today with Ila. I learned a lot about them and had fun talking and laughing with them. 

I needed to use up more zucchini so I made this cake from a recipe I found on the internet. It was really good. I think the next time I make it I'll make two and freeze one. Too much cake to get through around here.

I took Bailee to the eye doctor and Janna met us there. She is far sighted and needs glasses. When the doctor flipped the switch and said this is how it will look with glasses Bailee said with a surprise tone in her voice, "Oh, my". Janna and I had to laugh at that one. Thank goodness Ronnie had insurance that cover it all. Bailee picked out some cute frames and they should be ready next week.

When I came home I proceeded to make Zucchini Salsa. I grated up all my zucchini up and chopped tomato's and bell peppers. I put canning salt on the mixture and am leaving it overnight. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Grateful Statement: As I look back on my day the thing I am most thankful for is the dear sisters that I am beginning to know. It just brings home to my heart that the Gospel is amazing no matter where you live.

Bunnies All Gone

 Bunnies going to their new home.

 The bench Austin built with scrap lumber.

Yummy Salad

It was a sad day for Bailee. She delivered two of her bunnies to the neighbors that wanted them and the one she was going to keep died. She loved that little bunny with the crooked leg.
Austin decided he wanted to make a bench so he found scrap lumber by the barn and made this bench. He's going to start on a shelter for Harley's goats. He is taking shop this year again and wants to make lots of things.
And this is the salad I made with rotini pasta and all the veggies out of my garden. It was yummy with a little homemade balsamic dressing. Tommy and I loved it but the rest of this family won't eat vegetable. I say it's their loss. Next year my garden will be even better.
Sunday Austin, Bailee and I went to church. It was fast Sunday and the testimonies were very good. I just wish it was easy for me to get up and bear mine. Too many nerves.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for my bountiful garden. It just makes me happy to harvest all the good things that grow in it. I am blessed to have such a convenient garden right outside my front door.

Making Vanilla

Making Vanilla Extract

Today we worked on the farm and I did laundry. I washed all my Temple stuff so I'm all ready to go next week. It's been over a month since I've went so it's about time.

Last week I made Janna go to the State Liquor Store and get me a liter of vodka so I could make vanilla. I ordered vanilla beans off the internet and when they came I just put them in the vodka and in 6 months I'll have good vanilla. Then I just dump out the vanilla and pour more vodka over the beans and I can do it again. I watch the Barefoot Contessa and she showed how this was done. It cost me so much less than buying a quart of vanilla. One more thing I learned how to do.

Been a long day and I'm ready for bed. Tommy will be home tomorrow. He should be here after I get home from church.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the Temple. As I washed all my Temple clothing I was just filled with such happiness that I am worthy to wear them and go to His holy house.