Easter Sunday and John's Birthday

 Austin and Molly looking for Eggs.

 We are taking care of Jewel. What a sweet doggie.

 Harley hunting for eggs.

Janna and Harley trying to find the last few eggs that Austin hid.

Janna hid the eggs so Austin could find them and then Austin hid them so his mom could find them. They really had fun "Hunting Easter Eggs."

I went to church with Austin. Bailee went to church with her friend so it was just Austin and me. I had to give the closing prayer today. And the opening in Relief Society. I was the Prayer Girl today. I got most of my Visiting Teaching assignments handed out. I will finish it tomorrow.

Came home and sat in my chair. I had called John this morning to wish him a happy birthday. He is 50 today. It really makes me feel old. So he called me back and left me a message to thank me for the birthday wish.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my first born son. I have loved him with all my heart since the first time I laid eyes on him. I am so blessed to have the kids I have.

Baby Goats

 What a crowd.

 So very cute with all different colors.

 Get down, it's my turn

Dinner time!

All of Tommy's medical bills are paid. And all the other bills. I'm actually getting ahead of it.

I made more granola bars for Janna, Amish Country Bread for the kids, General Tsao chicken for dinner and Tommy helped me with the dishes. 

The weather outside was so beautiful and warm so I went outside and took pictures of all the cute little baby goats. They are adorable.

My yogurt worked in the oven. Who knew. Now it's on the Mozarella Cheese. I'm going to wait for Kathy to come so I'll make it next week.

Austin went with me and help me deliver all the Visiting Teaching Beats to my presidency. We divided them up and all took some. That way it will go fast. I just hope I got it right for everyone.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Spring. Especially the season of Christ's Resurrection. What a glorious thing he did for me. I am learning to believe and understand his atonement more and more everyday.

Making Yogurt

 My first batch of yogurt.

I walked this morning with Sue. We can't wait until we can walk outside.
I came home from that and did my dishes and made my first batch of Yogurt. I have to leave it in the oven for 12 - 18 hours. So at 4am it will be ready to remove from the oven. Maybe I'll have to set an alarm. I think I need to plan better so it's not the middle of the night.
I visited with Ila today. She is such a sweet woman. She has been through a lot in her life and still is. She was baking eggs for Easter when I went to see her. I called her back after I got home to see how they turned out. She said they were really good so Austin and I baked some eggs. I used mine from my chickens from today. They peeled perfect. My new way to make boiled (baked) eggs.
I went over to the Clerk's Office and entered all the visiting teaching changes we had made. I think only two were not changed out of 34 companionships. What a job but it is done. Now I will cut apart the papers and hand them out on Sunday and next week.
Now I'm just tired and I'm going to go to bed.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful today for the sweet sisters that so willingly do their visiting teaching. They are truly following the Savior and looking after and loving their sisters.

Rexburg Temple and Book of Mormon Class

I went to the Rexburg Temple this morning with Sue. I prayed and prayed about the rest of VT. We visited a new sister that I need to change and find a strong partner for and fun people to visit. I think she may be less active so I need to make sure I get this right.
After the Temple I came home, changed my clothes, grabbed Austin and went to Winco shopping. Austin and I got it done. He is such a good help. Came home and put most of it away and took Austin to Track and picked him up.
Made Tacos for dinner and went to my Book of Mormon class with Sue. I love all the wonderful things Brother Black's lesson make me think about. We talked about the spirit of revelation tonight and how President Monson has it. He is always doing something when the spirit tells him to go somewhere and off he goes to do wonderful things.
That's what we need to do. To listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. We must feel it in our hearts and then listen with our minds and then go and do.
Now it's time for me to go to bed. What a busy wonderful day.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the opportunity I had today to go to the Temple and attend the Book of Mormon class. I have been spiritually fed today. I am blessed.

Visiting Sisters

Canned Chicken

I walked with Sue this morning and then went visiting a new sister and one that I didn't know very well. Crystal and I went together. She is always so willing to go with me.
I came home and cleaned up my kitchen from making a chicken casserole and my canning mess from yesterday when I canned Chicken. I canned 7 quarts but one broke in the canner so I only have 6 for my shelf. The next time I get chicken from Zaycon I am going to can more.
I had my presidency meeting at 4:30. We wrote birthday cards for the sisters that have birthdays in April and put bows on these presents. Now we just go deliver them on their birthdays.
Then it was off to take Austin to his Pow Wow. Bailee is sick so she stayed home and then at 9pm I went and picked him up. Now it's time for bed.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the gospel in my life. It just feels like my life jacket as I travel through this earth life. I am blessed, so blessed to know what I know.

My Scrapping Buddies

 Maria and Pat

 Marci, Gerri and Heather

 Megan

 Lori

 Judy

Me

We are home now so I thought I would post the pictures from yesterday that I took and then Heather took a picture of me. And we all know how much I like my picture taken. I guess this must be payback for all the times I take hers. It was sooooo much fun. I love these ladies and the way they make me laugh hysterically. Megan and her mice story is the best. I just love Judy's hair. So pretty.

Tommy and I left Utah and drove home to Idaho today. It was a long drive but we made it safe and sound. But I must say I'm very tired so it's off to bed for me.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for these ladies. I love each and everyone of them. They are the best.

Pages From Scrap Weekend

 Island Park

 Fun Times

Plugged In

We had so much fun. I stayed Friday night at the hotel. It was snowing and blowing so I was glad I didn't have to drive home. I made black beans and heated up the roast I made in the conference room for our meals. It was yummy with Taco Salad and French Dip Sandwiches. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the opportunity to scrap my pictures. I get to relive the experience all over again.

We Are Here In Utah

Sue and I walked this morning and I came home and packed up my stuff and off we went. I drove through the snow until Tremonton and then Tommy took over. We made it with no problems. Stopped at Walmart in Springville for a mouse because mine died and I had forgotten my ear buds so I bought a pair of those too.
Amie had made a delicious casserole the we all ate. Not one morsel was left. I have been doing some name extraction and just hanging out in the basement.
I'm pretty tired and ready for bed. So good night.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this Ingram family that welcomes us with open arms. I am so blessed to have them in my life.

Visiting Teaching Done

Sue and I went walking this morning. We walked fast and felt good afterwards. My legs were like jelly so I know they had a work out.
Then Tommy helped me do my floors. He scrubbed and I vacuumed and sprayed the stuff on. We are quite the team.
Then I shined up my kitchen from all the cooking yesterday.
Presidency meeting at 4pm. We spent 2 hours doing VT. We finished and now I just have to put it in the computer at the church and I will be done. Then I wait for the phone calls from sisters that aren't happy with the changes. But I'm going for it.
Took the kids to YW and the Pow Wow. Janna is going to pick up Austin at 9pm and I am going to get the girls at 8:30. Divide and conquer, that's our strategy.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the sisters I work with. I just can't thank Heavenly Father enough for these women. I am blessed.

Back to Walking

I didn't blog on Sunday, so here goes. I met with the Bishop for my PPI. Then on to my meetings. I learned many things and had a wonderful Sabbath day.
Today I walked with Sue. We really walked fast. When Ila isn't with us we can walk faster but when Ila is with us we have to be careful that we don't walk too fast or she can't keep up. So we make sure we walk slower with Ila.
I cooked all afternoon making, Amish Country Bread (my new favorite thing to bake), dinner of pork chops and peanut butter cookies.
Janna and I went to the store tonight. We should have stayed home. We went to Dairy Queen to get an ice cream and the cashier was new. She  couldn't figure out how to ring up Janna's blizzard. Finally she figured it out and then we went to check out stand to pay for our milk and the cashier was having a conversation with another employee that had bought something and she was standing right in front of the check stand so I couldn't pay. They just kept talking and the cashier told me how much my milk came to and kept talking to this employee. I finally said in my mean voice to please move out of the way so I could pay for my groceries. She flew around the check stand and into her own so fast it was comical. Then my cashier was so super sweet. Ya right. So I decided I needed to go home and not come back to a store anywhere. Fun times with my daughter.
Grateful Statement: I am so blessed to have lived the life I have had. I am blessed with great kids, beautiful grandkids and the best mom that ever walked the earth. I have been blessed!

Sinus, Stuffed Up, Yuck

 Harley and Janna moving horses.

 My garden boxes with no snow on them.

Didn't do much today. I think this just might be allergies. I am going to take some benadryl tonight and see if that helps. I can't journal what didn't happen so that's it.
Grateful Statement: Today I am grateful for this cute little farm I live on. I love all the animals and being with this bunch of nutty grandkids and my wonderful daughter.

Doing Nothing

I didn't walk today because everyone was sick or busy and I have a sinus thing going on so I have been a lazy butt all day long.
I took Tommy to Idaho Falls to get his truck. He took it to the college to have them fix it. So now he has a truck again.
I made Salmon Patties and Fried Potatoes for dinner and a cake for Janna. It's a new recipe and very delicious.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for the opportunity I have to stay home and not do a thing if I don't want to. Not working is a true blessing.

Amish Country Bread

Amish Bread

Amish Country Bread
4 Tbsps Sugar
2 Tbsps Butter (melted)
3 tsps Salt
1 1/2 C hot water
2 Tbsps of rapid rise yeast*
5 Cups of flour (+ or -)*
Directions
Put all ingredients but the flour into the mixer (KitchenAid) and let sit for a few minutes so the yeast can do it's thing. Add the flour in small batches & mix with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes. Remove & place in a bowl that has been greased & let dough rise until double in size (about 30 min). Punch down & divide in half into 2 rounds and place on a greased cookie sheet. Cut decorative slits on top. Let dough rise again. Rub an egg white wash (1 egg white + 1 tbsp water) over the top and sprinkle with kosher salt. I added the dried Rosemary & Parmesan here. Bake at 400 degrees for 17-20 minutes (for me it took about 25 minutes). 

 I have a lovely cold today so I didn't go to the Temple. Sue is sick too. I started feeling a little better after I took a nap.
I made Potato Soup and this wonderful Amish Country Bread that I got from Morgan Moore's blog. It was so easy and so very good. The kids devoured the first loaf and I must admit I helped. The Kosher Salt on the top really made it taste good.
I also managed to made Janna some granola bars and do my laundry.
Sue and I were feeling better this evening so we went to the Book of Mormon class. What a fabulous experience. I learn so much from Brother Black. But about half way through the class Sue's cold came on with a vengence. But we made it through the class. 
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the insight Brother Black has into the Book of Mormon. I learn so much each week. What a blessing to have such a class in our building.

No.1 Team in the Nation

My wonderful son Dean went to Las Vegas and received his award for being the No1 team in the NATION from Prudential. Dean and Steve had over 500 sales last year. I always said he had the Midas Touch. He just always amazes me with his talents.
I walked with Ila this morning. Sue was sick. Then I went Visiting Teaching with Britney Barzee. She didn't want to go to a sister by herself so I went with her.
Then I went with Mary to get my toes done. I had had problems with my big toenail hurting. After they took off the polish it was black. I guess I stubbed it or something. You'd think I would have felt that. So I told them not to put any polish on it until it got to feeling better. I really enjoy going with Mary. She is just the best.
Then I had to go to a sister's house to fill out a food order for her. I took Crystal along. I think it goes faster with two of us. Took it to the Bishop to get it signed and then took it back over to her to take to the Bishop's Storehouse tomorrow.
Then my wonderful Austin went with me to Winco for groceries. He is such a wonderful help. I got home just before 8pm and Janna and Bailee helped put all the groceries away. I am tired. I'm going to watch American Idol and go to bed.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the wonderful kids I have. They really make me proud and I am so glad they were given to me. I am so blessed to have them.

Monday and Tuesday

Monday I didn't wake up until 8:15am. So I didn't go walking. I was so tired from going to Rexburg in the middle of the night to get Colleen from the Emergency Room.
I can't really remember what else I did. I know I worked on visiting teaching some more.
Today I went walking. I set my alarm so I would wake up at 6am and not over sleep. I had to go into Rexburg to get a prescription for Colleen.
I came home and cleaned my house a little bit for my Presidency meeting. We worked on Visiting Teaching. What a job. I hope we get it right.
That's been it. I have to go get Austin from his Pow Wow and then it's off to bed for me.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for all the inspiration we as a presidency get. It just seems we work so well together and everything goes smooth. I am blessed to have help with this Visiting Teaching.

Beautiful Sabbath

It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and I went to church without my sweater. I love spring. Just keep coming please and beat out anymore winter. Please, Pretty please.
I went to Ward Council  this morning and then to Primary. I substituted in primary for the 4 year olds who just happen to be my Sunbeams from last year. It was so good to see them again.
Came home and called two sisters to be visiting teachers. One said yes and she hasn't been a visiting teacher for year. The other one said it would be too hard right now. She works, goes to school and her husband might be laid off from his job. I told her I would call her again in a few months to see if her life was any better.
Called my sweet brother Johnnie and talked forever to him. I just love that brother of mine.
Then I got a call from Nicole Bradshaw asking if her and her sister could come over while their dad took their mom to the ER. I went and picked them up and they stayed until 10pm when their dad came and got them so they could go to bed. After Randall left with the girls Colleen called me from the ER and asked if I could come and get her. Off to Rexburg I went. Now I'm home and so ready for bed.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that people are comfortable enough with me to ask for help. I am blessed beyond measure to serve the sisters of our ward.

Hair Cut and Muffins

 Bailee's new haircut.

 Harley getting ready to go take care of critters.

 

Double Chocoate Muffins

Today was a lazy day for me. I took Bailee to get her hair cut. It is gorgeous. That girls has good hair. Then I had to get a picture of Harley with her beanie she wears in the winter to keep her ears warm.

And I made these muffins. Lesson learned: if you add nuts to something that doesn't call for nuts you have more batter that it says you will have, hence over the top they all went. They are delish. Chocolate chips inside with nuts. Harley asked me to make these for her, so grandma did it.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful for these grandkids that love me. They are the best and I am blessed to have them.

Visiting, What I do Best!

Because I am such a talker I love to visit the sisters. I love to get to know them better. Crystal and I went to visit Lorie. She has a blended family and it's quit the challenge. But I just wish she could see her husbands ex the way the Savior sees her. There has to be some good in there somewhere.
Came home from that and puttered around and did something, but I couldn't tell you what it was.
I did go walking with Sue and Ila this morning so that a Drop of Awesome for me. I just have to keep it going. Wasn't so good on my eating but I did keep track.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful, so grateful for Crystal that is so willing to help. She is such a blessing, no wonder her name was given to me in a Temple session.

Temple Day

Sue and I went to the Rexburg Temple this morning. It's a weekly thing. It's a good thing.
I was supposed to do another presidency visit but the sister was still in Idaho Falls so we cancelled. I came home and started on VT again. When I was in the Temple I just couldn't quit thinking about this and I was so inspired to make a spread sheet and put the teachers strong and weak in a column with lines for their sisters to teach. It is making this process much easier. We are having to do a complete change over.
Then Colleen called to see if I could take her daughter to Rexburg for a guitar lesson. But on the way there I called and she wasn't doing very good so I turned around and took her to the ER.
I wasn't going to be back in time to go visiting teaching so I called Crystal to take over for me. She said she would do it or get Tiffany to go with Chelsea for me.
What a day!!!
Grateful Statement:  I am grateful today for Temple where I can go and feel so peaceful and inspired. All the tension just goes away and I have such a clarity of thought. I am so blessed to hold a Temple Recommend.

"Angels Among Us"

This was the theme for our additional meeting tonight. It was so awesome. They read experiences the sisters had wrote about a time when a sister helped them, lifted them up, was their friend and just cared for them. It was so good. I know it was a success because the sisters wouldn't leave. They just stayed and talked and talked. Tiffany, Katie, Ashley and Shannon did such a fabulous job.
I walked this morning with Sue. Wahoo....
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Relief Society. How wonderful that the Lord knows just what we need. EACH OTHER!! We are blessed to belong.

Meeting of Great Minds

We had our presidency meeting to figure out all the changes to Visiting Teaching. It made my head hurt to try to figure out where to put sisters. Some are day and some are night, some are strong and some are weak, some are dedicated and some are not. But we did sort out who needed changed and took off the ones that were doing well and didn't need any changes. Now the hard part starts. Who goes best with whom.
I walked again this morning so I feel good for my efforts. Drops of Awesome.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the wonderful sisters I serve with. They are my so inspiring to me. I am blessed to have such women of faith to work with.

Bestest Mom in the World

I received a text from my daughter that said, "I love you. You are the bestest mom in the world." How awesome is that to start the day with. I love this daughter of mine.
I walked BRISKLY for one hour this morning with Sue. Ila had a doctors appt so she didn't go.
Came home from walking and cleaned up my kitchen and made Granola Bars for Janna. I used Butterscotch Chips this time. We'll see how she likes them.
Picked up Crystal and we delivered all the rest of the manuals to the inactives. I am done with that and every member of Relief Society has a manual. The only exceptions are a couple of do not contacts. We also visited with Betty Campbell. Such a sweet lady.
Took Annalisa to her violin lesson for Colleen. She should be able to drive after she goes to the doctor this week. That will be good for her. Being stuck in a house is no fun.
And I made about a jillion calls for Visiting Teaching. One sister I talked with didn't even know she was a visiting teacher. Now that's a first, especially since she has been assigned for over a year. Huh??
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for Crystal and her willingness to visit with me. She is so wonderful. I can call on her anytime and she is ready. It has made my job so much easier.

Drops of Awesome

Crystal gave our lesson in Relief Society on President Uchtdorf's talk, "Of Things That Matter Most".
It was a wonderful lesson.

She told of a Young Women Leader who gave a lesson on Drops of Awesome. She ask the young girls to focus on what they did right as a drop of awesome. She had a bowl and let the girls put drop of water in the bowl for all the things they did right. She assured them that the bowl would be filled to overflowing. As the girls put their drops of awesome in the bowl it filled up very slowly, and as they were all finished the bowl was not overflowing. She produced a pitcher and poured it into the bowl until it went over the top and spilled onto the towel that was under the bowl. She explained that that was what the Savior did for them. They could do all they could and He would make up the difference.

She applied that to us as we put a dish away, a drop of awesome, or read our kids a story, a drop of awesome, or read our scriptures, a drop of awesome, visit a neighbor, a drop of awesome, and so on. I really needed to hear this lesson. I sometime just feel like I am never going to get it all done. But I will think of each little thing I do as my drop of awesome to fill up my bucket.

It was a fabulous Sunday and I made my visiting teaching appointments for this week, a drop of awesome,  so that will be done. I didn't visit one of my sisters last month because I could never catch her. So I am going to do better this month.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Bailee and Austin. They are such good church going partners. I love that they want to go. I am blessed to have them.

Molly To Vet

Chillin'

Can't remember what I did on Friday. Janna and I went into Idaho Falls for some Vodka for my vanilla. That's about all I can remember except staying up really late talking with Megan and Heather.
Today Megan and Heather left and I took Molly to the vet. Her thyroid was high now so I have to give her half her meds. She really feels better and has tons of energy now.
I miss Heather and Megan. No one to talk with so I guess I'll just go to bed. It was so fun to have them here.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my sweet Molly. She is such a joy in my life. It's good to have a dog that loves you always, no matter what.