Well Stocked Pantry

Well stocked pantry.

Tommy had a doctor's appointment today so I had him drop me off at Winco so I could shop. After his appointment he came and helped me finish. Then I had to come home and put it all away. I like when everything is full. I am doing some rearranging so I can get more of some things. I love that I have a fully stocked pantry. I never have to go to the store for the basics. 

I spent some more time on Christmas gifts and potholders for the sisters. I am bound and determined to get it all done.

Bailee is giving out candy to the trick or treaters that are coming around. I had the Bishops kids come to my door and I sent them around to Janna's door to get their candy. They were so sweet. I almost wished I had gotten candy for my house. Almost, but not quite.

I emailed the Bishop the callings I need filled and who I want to fill them. Now we will just see if they all accept. I love communicating by email. Then it's in writing and I won't forget anything.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful today for my fully stock pantry. I am grateful that I have always had a testimony of food storage. I have lived off my food storage more that a few times in my life. It's comforting to know I am prepared. 

Temple with the Ricks

 My favorite place on Earth!

I felt as if I could reach up and touch Moroni.

I had to borrow the Bishop's key one more time. Mine wouldn't work again today and I had to get my reports printed out. But I finally got it done. Now I just need the label Janna is making for me and I will be finished. I made a list of the sister without calling and the calling I needed filled. I put what I thought would be good and took the piece of paper to the Temple and carried it in my pocket while I did a session. I prayed that if it wasn't right I would feel it. I am content so I'm going with it. 

A sister in our ward went through the Temple with her hubby tonight and as Relief Society President I got to go too. Any excuse to go to the Temple. And I sometimes wonder if I'm doing any good with all our visits and such. As I sat in the chapel reading scriptures and praying I looked up and Kendra came in. She just went through with her hubby last month. This was her first time back and she came and sat beside me and asked if I could help her. I don't think if I hadn't gone to visit her and got to know her that she would have asked me to help so I am certain that we are doing what the Lord wants and he is pleased with our efforts.

Now it is truly time for me to hug my pillow.

Grateful Statement: Again I am grateful for the Temple. What a blessing to be able to go and feel the Spirit. To get answers to my questions and just feel renewed.

Bailee's Head Band

Bailee likes the head band I crocheted for her.

I went over to the church to get the reports I needed and my keys wouldn't work. I guess they lock us out on mondays. So I came home and worked on Christmas. 

My notebook was a mess so I organized it and got it all put together. Janna is going to make labels for me. I couldn't figure it out on my computer. Now I think I will be able to find stuff when I need them.

That's been my day. The sun finally came out so my spirits were lifted.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful today for the power of prayer. It can absolutely change my attitude within minutes. What a wonderful gift.

No Stake Conference for Me Today

 Granola bars made with White Chocolate Chips, Coconut and Almonds

I was a terrible person today and didn't go to Stake Conference. I just felt blah. I think I might be getting sick. I have a sore throat tonight. That's the excuse I'll use. Then I'll ask for forgiveness. 

I made these Granola Bars for Janna to take to work tomorrow. They are delish.  That's all I could muster today. It was cloudy and dreary today which always makes me sad. 

Grateful Statement: I am grateful for a loving, forgiving Savior that I know cares about me and understands my trials. He went through all this first for me. I just keep telling myself I can do hard things and most days my life is wonderful. So that's what I am going to concentrate on.

Pow Wow and Temple All in One Day

These cards are done. Wahoo!! I'm getting them done, yes I am....

I started picking up boy scouts at 7am this morning. One little scouter wasn't awake so his mom was getting him dressed fast. The next scouter didn't remember either but I think he has a good excuse. His mom had surgery on Thursday and had had a really rough night. So we went back to pick up the one that had just woken up and off we went to the one on the other side of the highway. He was no where to be found and all the lights were off. Another one bites the dust. Come to find out he had gotten a ride with his brother. What the heck. He had called me the night before for a ride. Oh well, that is part of life. Out of the 6 scouts that were going we ended up with 4. While the boys were in their classes I went to the Rexburg Temple and did Initiatories and Sealings. Now I just need to work on Endowment Sessions. I am getting them done. I really am taking to heart what was said in Conference about getting our name done that we have cards printed out for. I want my Temple Ordinance List to be empty and then I'll have to find some more. Another puzzle just around the corner. I really love puzzles.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for these ancestors that I was able to do work for today. I love the Temple and always feel blessed to be able to go.

Working on Christmas

I worked on some Christmas presents today. I'm getting a head start. But I have to do it on the sly. So I'm being very, very sneaky. I am good at being sneaky. I also worked on Pot Holders. Now is pot holders one or two words. My journal doesn't care if it's one or two. I love that part.
For dinner General Tso Chinese Chicken or something like that was made for dinner. It was good and every bite was eaten. Then I made some fudge for Harley. She is fudge crazy. I told her if I kept making it she would be sick of it by Christmas. No way. She just rubbed her tummy and smiled.
Phone calls were made to Denise to check how her surgery went and checked up on Mary. Both are  doing good.
Six scouts will be going to the Pow Wow tomorrow. The Bishop and I are the carpoolers this time. I must go to bed so I can get up early in the morning.
Grateful Statement: I am so very grateful for my cozy house. As it snowed today I just cuddled under an afghan and worked on Christmas. I am blessed beyond measure.

Catching Up Again

 Young Women in Excellence

 Bailee and Avery singing, sort of.

 Our First Snowman

The head is a basketball rolled in snow. What these two think of.

I have been a terrible blogger for the last week or so. I am going to try to do better. I have been visiting sisters, holding presidency meeting, making pot holders and trying to get my notebook organized. I have a councelor and a secretary that I think may be overloaded. So I'm going to see what I can do about that. I am going to redo Visiting Teaching and have more supervisors. Now we have two and they each have about 20 companionships to call. I think that's too many to really keep track of so I'm going to make 4 and also call a Visiting Teaching coordinator so I can have help getting all this stuff done. Every month we have changes and it's hard to keep up with it all. We have so many inactives that we have to go find. It's truly a challenge.

I went with Bailee to Young Women in Excellence. It was an Olympic theme and really fun. I love the new YW presidency. They are really a fun group.

Today it snowed a lot and so the kids made a snowman after school. They love to play in the snow and so does Molly.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the power of prayer and how much peace it gives me. I know that Heavenly Father is mindful of little old me and will answer prayers for me.  I see this in my life everyday.

 

Family Home Evening

Today I had Ward Council meeting. It was good and we talked about all our focus families. After we were done I went to set down in the chapel and here came Aaryn Painter. She sat by me and I told her the Bishop would meet with her at 2:30. So maybe we can encircle her with love and make her feel welcome. Then just before Sacrament started Britney Barzee came and sat with me with her two little kids. Bailee ended up on the other side of Aaryn and after Austin passed the Sacrament he ended up sitting on the row behind us. I know it's important that these sisters feel they have someone to sit with so Austin and Bailee are alright with it. Fellowshipping is so important to sisters who have no husband to go with them to church.
I came home and took a nap. I was very tired. After my nap I fed my Sour Dough starter and made another loaf of bread. Janna really likes it. I'm going to keep making it until I can do it in my sleep. I will be giving loaves away when I have too many.
Austin came over this evening and wanted to have Family Home Evening. Janna said no but after she left to go to her house I decided that if Austin wanted to do family home evening we were going to do it. So I went and got Bailee and Austin. I popped corn and Bailee melted chocolate to put on her popcorn. We had prayers and played Sorry. It was fun and after the first game Janna came over and joined us. Harley had to go to work or we maybe could have gotten her too. It was fun and we decided we would have brownies and ice cream next week. We will play another game after a very short lesson or watch a movie if I can get over to Deseret Books this week. I love that the kids are the leaders in this household.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that I have someone who wants to hold Family Home Evening with me. These kids are true blessings in my life.

Sour Dough Bread

First Loaf of Sour Dough Bread from my Starter

I had to feed my starter this morning and take out a cup of starter so I made my first loaf of bread. No wonder the pioneers always had this on hand. No yeast what so ever. It is delicious. I can't wait to try it again. Next time I'm going to try for a long skinny loaf. Then there will be bread sticks, rolls and whatever else I can think of.

I have completed 4 potholders so far. They are getting much faster now that I don't have to look at the instructions. So I'm pretty sure Peggy and I can get them all done for our Sisters.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful today for my Sour Dough Starter. I know now that if I don't have yeast I will always be able to make bread.

Potholder for Birthday Gifts

 Potholder for birthday gifts

I went to visit 3 sisters today. My favorite is Mary Studebaker and we are going to go to Walmart next Wednesday while Brother Madsen sits with her husband. We are going to lunch and Mary is having her nails done and I'm having my feet done. I also called a sister who we weren't sure about. She was very firm and said "thanks, but no thanks" to having us come visit her and to having her picture and information on our picture directory. So off the list she goes. We will still send her a letter every month, even if she doesn't like Relief Society.
I came home and worked on potholders for the sister's birthday. I got the first one finished. It's pretty easy now that I know what I'm doing. Peggy and I only have to make 126 of these for next year. I bet I will be able to do them in my sleep once I get that many done.
For dinner I made stir fry chicken and rice. So yummy. I put all sorts of veggies in it and everyone picks out what they don't want. Just like when my kids were little.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful that years and years ago I bought a book called "How to Crochet" and made a sweater set for Dean before he was born. I learned how to crochet and it has served me well throughout my life. I am blessed with this talent so I can make this gift to give.

Cute Ball Jars

Cute Ball Jars for my bulk spices

I went to the market today and bought these jars for all my bulk spices. I am going to figure out a label for them and I am all set. I just need a little narrow shelf in my pantry to put them on. I bet I know just the man that can do that for me. 

Our presidency meeting went very well today. We got lots of things decided and our budget just that much closer to getting it done. I just love working with Esther, Tiffany and Peggy. They are such special ladies. Now to carry on with visits. Next week for sure.

I have been extremely tired all day so I'm going to hug my pillow.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful for the Gospel. I know all things are for our good, hard times and good times. It's the way Heavenly Father teaches us and refines us.

A Trip to the Temple

 Sour Dough Starter

I went to the Temple today and did the rest of my Initiatories. All the time I was in there I kept thinking about Margaret Head Jennings. She is the end of the line on the Jennings line and I could never find out anything about her. I think there must be a record available now or something. I am going to the genealogy library and see what I can find. I don't have Ancestral anymore so I'll have to go there to use theirs. I came home and worked on the names I've got in my Temple Ordinance File. There is a bunch that I sent to the Temple to be done and some way or another they ended up back on my list. So I have been working on them.
I made Lasagna for dinner and started a Sour Dough Starter so I can make some bread. I used to have one years ago and used it all the time. So I'm starting another one. It's fun to watch it grow. I have to stir it once a day for 2 - 5 days. I don't like mine too sour so I'll probably only do it 2 days before I use it. We'll see how this works.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for the Temple and the inspiration I receive when I go there. I love the peace that comes over me when I enter the doors. I am blessed to have a Temple 20 minutes away.

Double Digits - 10 1/2 lbs Gone

Yesterday was so wonderful. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave a talk that spoke to my soul. It made me cry and want to do better. I do love the Lord, I do want to follow him, I do want to do better. All the talks were so good. I just soaked it all in. Some things I felt good about and some things I knew I needed to work harder on. But I think that's the purpose of Conference. To remind us when we are doing good and to remind us when we need to do better. I was fed spiritually....
I am still doing good on WW. It is getting easier and easier for me to do this. And I feel so much better. I find that I really look at my portions and if it seems too much I put half back for later or give it to Tommy. He especially loves my stir fry. By the time I stir fry 1/2 chicken breast, 1/8 cup red peppers, celery and carrots and 1 cup zucchini and add my 1/2 cup brown rice it's makes too much for me to eat in one sitting. I am learning how to see what I eat before I eat it.
I made Chicken and White Sauce over Bow Ties for the kids. And Focciacia (sp) bread with no spices. They don't like the Thyme and Oregano. I think it's delicious but I'm not eating it so it's okay with me.
Time to watch my Monday night favorite show, "Major Crimes".
Grateful Statement: I am so very grateful for the powerful messages from General Conference. Heavenly Father loves me and has told me so and what I need to improve on through his disciples that spoke. I am so blessed.

Saturday Conference

Austin took notes at the Priesthood Session of Conference.

Things I loved about conference:

Quinten L. Cook - When we were baptized we left neutral ground and we can never go back.

Ann M. Dibb - I am a Mormon, I live it, I love it.

Russel M. Nelson - Stop the boys on the bikes. Ask a missionary. They can help.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - Stating something is good, Doing it is better.

                                                 Find happiness regardless of our circumstances.

M. Russell Ballard - One bee contributes 1/12 teaspoon of honey to the hive in his short 

                                  2 week life span. Great things are brought about when many hands

                                   are working together.

Larry Echo Hawk - His ancestor Echo Hawk was a Pawnee indian and sent to Colorado to 

                                 a reservation. He asked all Lamanites to read the Book of Mormon.

Robert C. Gay - Would you sell your soul for 5 cents.

Niel L. Andersen - Fiery trials are designed to make us strong.

There was a ton of other things I loved but I can't possibly list them all. The Temple wall with the grit on them and the window with the crooked square. We are to protect the children. I watched both sessions and took notes on my computer. It makes me pay attention. 

Brother Robertson called and asked if I had a 12 year old running around that needed to go to the Priesthood Session. So Austin got ready and went. He took notes and told me some of the things they talked about. Such a good kid. Brother Robertson took him for Ice Cream before he brought him home. What a great ward we live in.

Grateful Statement: Today I am grateful for our Prophet and all the wonderful words spoken. I so love to listen to what they have to say to me. There is always something I really need to hear. What a blessing to have this broadcast into my home.

 

Stir Fry, My New Favorite

Stir Fry

I made this for dinner tonight and last night. I shared this with Tommy as it was too much for me to eat. It is so yummy with Brown Rice, Chicken and Vegetables. And that's the last of the zucchini from my garden as all my zucchini plants froze. So Tommy pulled them all out today and fed them to the goats.

Bailee and I went to Winco shopping today. It was very busy and drove me crazy. You could hardly get down an aisle without running into tons of people. But it's done and now all put away.

I got a FoodSaver today so I could seal up my meat. I always buy bulk and put it into zip lock bags, but this thing vacuum packs it to. I'm getting 40 lbs of chicken in a couple of weeks so I can freeze it all in these bags. We'll see how I like it after I use it awhile. So far so good.

I called Dean and they are not coming for the weekend. I was disappointed but I understand having too much to do and not enough time to do it in. I just miss that family alot. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my family. I was thinking about my three kids today and how much I love them. I can still see them as little kids running around our yard in Studio City. I am blessed to have them in my life.

Visiting Ruth

Ruth

Marena and I went to visit 96 year old Ruth. She fell and broke her other hip and is a rehab center. What a ritzy place it was. Ruth is so funny she just kept us laughing. Marena is her new visiting teacher and I took her to see Ruth so she knew where to go to find her. We had a fun time.
I dropped Marena off and went home and got Bailee to go to the church to print off visiting teaching reports for my presidency meeting. My key just wouldn't work. Bailee and I both tried it numerous time and it just wouldn't work. After our meeting I went by the Bishop to get his keys and when I tried mine again, of course they worked. Don't ask me what happened.
I finished making the Turkey Noodle soup that I started yesterday. It was delicious. I am trying to use up all the stuff in the freezer and I'm almost there. Still doing well on WW.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the sweet sisters in our ward that are so willing to do their visiting teaching. I love to watch Sisters Serving Sisters.

Two Day in One

Two days have gone by so fast. Yesterday I went to visit a new sister in the ward. I took Tiffany with me and we had a good visit. I am amazed at how much I instantly love these sisters that I visit. Heavenly Father's hand in my life.
Today I did my floors. I'm hoping Dean and the boys will be up for the weekend but he has to see how it goes. So I have a nice soft bed already just in case. I miss my Utah kids. When I was in Utah I missed Janna and now that I'm in Idaho I miss my Utah kids. I just can't win... But I'm where I am supposed to be doing what I am supposed to be doing and I really love living on a little mini farm with critters.
I am tired from working on my house and cooking so I think it's time to go to bed, plug in my Tabernacle music and drift off to la-la land.
Grateful Statement: Today I am grateful for my little house. I love every square inch of it. It just makes me happy. I am so blessed.

8 1/2 Pounds Gone

Tommy and I went to the cannery this morning and got 25 lbs of cocoa for him. He must have chocolate running through his veins. When Tommy gets my food storage room done in the garage Janna and I will have to go canning to replenish our supply.
The kids were out of granola bars for breakfast so I made some more and I was out of wheat bread so I made 4 loaves. One I always make a cinnamon bread. The kids like it and it's easy to make. I cut up a loaf and freeze it in two slice packages so I just thaw it out and I have my two slices for the day. It doesn't get old and moldy that way. I just hate wasting food.
I did my Monday morning weigh in and have now lost 8 1/2 lbs. Now I just have to add walking and I will be all set. I actually feel like walking now. Still eating healthy and good.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the cannery. What a wonderful service it is for us. We are blessed to have one in Idaho Falls.