Recipes

Stuffed Burger Bundles....

Ingredients:
Box of Stuffing Mix
1/3 cup evaporated milk
1 lb ground beef
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 TBS Ketchup

Directions
Prepare stuffing according to pkg directions
Combine evaporated milk and meat; divide into 5 patties
Pat each pattie into a 6 inch circle
Put 1/4/ cup stuffing in the center of each and bring meat up around the stuffing.
Place in casserole dish or cake pan
Combine remaining ingredients and pour over meat
Bake, uncovered at 350 for 45 minutes.

 Brownies for a Crowd....
Mix together: 3 cup sugar, 1 cup + 2 TBL cocoa
Melt and add: 1 cup minus 2 TBL shortening
Add and mix: 6 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla
Add: 2 3/4 cup flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt.
* opt...1 cup nuts
Spread in a 11x17 jelly roll pan
Bake at 300 for 30-35 min.  Don't over bake! Makes about 40

About Me

One thing that not many people would know about me is that I once played the Clarinet and the Tenor Saxophone.  It was back in Junior High School.  I remember being tested to see which instrument I would be good at and I was told that I should play the flute.  However, my mom found a clarinet and so that is what I played.

I loved playing the clarinet and I loved band and the kids in the class.  I was also very good.  I liked to practice and was very competitive about where I sat.  I usually sat in the first chair and that is where I liked being.  Mr. May was our teacher and I loved him.  He was so good with kids and knew how to push and encourage us in all area's of life.  He was also  good looking which made me want  to go to class and be good.  I think of all the teachers I ever had Mr. May was my favorite and taught me the most.

In the summer I would go to beginning summer band and try a new instrument.  I remember trying the tuba one year and it about shook my face off.  It was not my favorite instrument but I could play it.  In ninth grade I wanted to be in the Stage Band because they played really fun music and got to compete with other schools.  Clarinets aren't usually in a Stage Band and so Mallory (played the flute) and I played the tenor saxophones.  We were able to borrow the schools and I really enjoyed playing it.  The fingering is so close to the clarinet and the flute that we were both able to play it.  I remember carrying that big thing home and back to school.  Mr. May saw me one time and decided that he would give me and a few other kids a ride.  We practiced before school and so it was nice to have a ride. I really enjoyed band and playing both the clarinet and the saxophone.  My favorite music on the clarinet was Sleigh Ride...I liked playing 25 or 6 to 4 by Chicago with the stage band.  Fun Memories!

I continued to play in High School but only my first year.  It wasn't fun anymore.  I never had to practice to hold my first seat position and I didn't care for the Band Director.  My mom sold my clarinet to the neighbor across and the street and I loved listening to her play....she was good too!  

At this point in my life I wish I hadn't quit.  I tried playing years ago when one of our young women brought her clarinet over for me to try.  I couldn't remember the fingering anymore when I looked at the music.  I wish I would have learned to play the flute and the piano too.  I think music might be one of my hidden talents that I might have buried.  Maybe someday I will dig it up and up and try again. Playing these instruments and being in the band moved my soul.

Count Your Blessings

There is so much in our life to be thankful for~yet, so often our focus is on our hardship and trials.  By taking time each week to focus on our blessings I know we will notice a positive change in our lives.  Even in our trials there are blessing....we need to look for them.

 One blessing I am grateful for today.  The internet.  This last week the weather has been crazy which messes with the internet connection.  I like being connected and being able to search the internet.  You don't realize how much you like something until you can't get it.

An experience I have had that was a blessing to me. Being with my dad when he took his last breath is a blessing to me.  Because my life is so busy I am the child that isn't always at my parents and I was afraid I would be the only one not there when he passed.  I slept at my mom's and cancelled most things so that wouldn't happen.  I feel very blessed to have been standing by my daddy's side when he passed.  It's a serene, peaceful experience.  I was also with my sister and her hubby when he passed.


One Gospel Principle that is a blessing to me.  Repentance.  We all need it and I am thankful that each day throughout the day I can repent and be clean and pure again....over and over!

Something I have done to bless another. This week I paid for a strangers meal.  I hope it made his day as much as it made mine.  Larry and I also cleaned out Sandy's room at the nursing home.  It was Larry's idea and I was blessed by being a part of it.  I know the family appreciated us for doing it.

Who was a blessing to me this week? Jim Swearingen.  With everything Jim has on his plate right now he continues to smile and be happy.  He told us last night that he truly feels that way inside as well.  He's optimistic and grateful for everything that he has.  His example makes me more aware of the "little" things that are really "big" things.

Why???

Why do supermarkets make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front?

Why do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke?

Why  do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters?'

Why do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in our driveways and put our useless junk in the garage?

Ever Wonder......

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

Why can't women put on mascara with their mouth closed?

Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?

Why is "abbreviated' such a long word?

Why is it that doctors and attorneys call what they do "practice"?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavoring, and dish washing liquid made with real lemons?

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?

Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes?  Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff???

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

Why are Fast Sundays sooooo  slow?

So many why's????

What did you do today?

Today Kimleighel wanted to go to breakfast.  Actually, she wanted to go Saturday but it was already too busy and so we made plans to go today.  Breakfast makes me sick....really it does.  I don't like it so soon after waking....really I don't like breakfast until dinner.  I would prefer to start with lunch.  Eating hours after getting up just works better for me and my tummy.  While we were eating a Special Needs guy was sat right behind me.  I kept thinking I should pay for his meal.  Then a couple came and sat with him and I almost talked myself out of it but the thought was still there and so when I went to pay for my ticket I asked the person helping me to add his bill to mine.  It made me feel like I had really done something....I believe kindness affects the giver most.

We went to the store after because Kimi and I both wanted to get a "few" things.  We each spent ended up getting more than we had planned on.  (usually happens)  We decided to go to my mom's and change her clock by her stairs.  I have been changing it for years and I guess I forgot to spring it ahead.  I let Kimleighel change it and she made it look so easy.  I think I will take her in the fall too.

I got home and grabbed my taxi hat and went and picked up Ivy and Zaden.  I could have taken them home because TJ called and said he was home but I didn't want to.  I like that the kids like coming to my house and so I want to let them when they can.  They played a few games on the wii before we needed to go get Jared.

I got home minutes before Larry after dropping the kids off and then we headed to the hospital to talk to Jim, Sandy and Keri.  Keri looks so much like her mom....I liked that.  Sandy reminded me so much of my dad his last few days.  She was on her side and kind of curled up. I got a little emotional today.  It's so hard saying "good-bye".  It's also so hard leaving.....it hurts....the hurt is visible even though there are plenty of drugs being used.  Larry and I left and went and cleaned out Sandy's room in the Nursing Home.  That was kind of hard too.   Larry had thought to do that for Jim and we were both glad that it was us cleaning things out instead of Jim.  Jim has plenty of hard things already that he is dealing with.

On the way to Jim's house we noticed a big accident with lots of police cars blocking the roads.  It involved a motorcycle and we could tell that the driver of the motorcycle didn't make it.  There was a sheet over him.  I later read that the woman of the vehicle that hit him got out of her car and asked a witness if she had hit something.  I guess she didn't even know.  I said a prayer for the driver and the family of the victim.  My heart hurt for everyone involved which includes many that weren't even there.  I'm so thankful for prayer.  I'm so glad that we can pray any time for any thing and any one.

When we walked in the door I heard little voices.  I had forgot that I told Natalie to bring the kids down while her and Justin went birthday shopping.  I knew we wouldn't be home but I knew Kimi and Jared would and that the kids would be happy here.  The kids were the perfect ending to this day.  Mya jumped up and came running to give me a huge hug and then after Macie gave Grandpa a hug she wanted me.  Parker gave me hugs later.  The grands are such a blessing and when Larry asked what I did all day, I can smile and say "enough". ☺

Funky Twenty-Five Meme

Funky Twenty-Five Meme

Stolen from: The now-defunct Tense Teacher the link is HERE

1. Most unflattering hairstyle you ever had? What made it so unflattering? In fourth grade I had a pixie cut and it looked like a boys haircut and wasn't cute on me at all.  I just think it was too short everywhere like the way I cut  my boys hair.  I looked like a boy...I didn't wear make-up yet so not good at all.

 2. Favorite movie(s) that were made in the 90's? Little Rascals, Star Wars,The Sandlot, Braveheart, Sister Act 1 and 2, Life Is Beautiful, Mrs. Doubtfire, Dances with Wolves and Parent Trap.  I love Disney and a few that came out in the 90's are: The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast,, Tarzan, Pocahontas, Bugs Life, Toy Story, Mulan and Aladdin.

3. Do you rent movies? If so, from where? Red Box is the place to rent movies now.  We don't as much as when there were Block Buster Video's that you could rent from.  

4. Do you like cookies better when they're just out of the oven or after they've cooled?  I love all cookies but I do like them right out of the oven best!

5. Do you still talk to the person who gave you your first kiss?  I think my first kiss was from my neighbor across the street and I do see him occasionally and talk to him.

6. Did you go to pre-school? If so, what was the name of it? I didn't attend a preschool....not even sure that was something anyone did when I was young.  My kids went Kay's, Bev's, Miss Amy's and Page's Preschools.

7. How do you take your coffee? I don't take coffee anyway....I like the smell but don't drink it.

8. Do you like fuzzy things? Yes...fuzzy, soft blankets are the best.

9. Favorite kind of chocolate? I LOVE all chocolate but like milk chocolate best.

10. Are you more optimistic or pessimistic? I'm a optimistic person....always looking on the bright side of things.  (yes...there is a bright side to everything)

11. What about peopleofwalmart.com? Do you think the site is mean, funny, or both? I wont' lie...it makes me laugh out loud.  

12. Do you like fat sandwiches? If so, what does your favorite one have on it? I actually prefer thin, grilled sandwiches.  If I am going to have a fat sandwich I like Roast Beef French Dip sandwiches.

13. One restaurant you'd never been to but would like to go to? I can't think of any.

14. Last time you got a haircut? Do you need one? about a month ago.  I really don't need it cut but I do need to get it colored again.

15. What's your favorite pattern for clothing (stripes, plaid, etc.)? I like stripes and polka dots right now.

16. What's your age backwards? 45

17. When you see typos in a survey, do you correct them? no 

18. When was your last vacation? Did you go someplace special? Larry and I went to Hawaii in March and it was wonderful. Hawaii is kind of a special place to go for us because we can actually relax and don't feel like we have to go see and do everything.

19. What's your favorite kind of pancakes? I really like pumpkin and chocolate chips but I like just regular pancakes too.  I'd rather have french toast or a waffle though.

20. Do you like movies with computer graphics, like Avatar? I think they are okay but they aren't my favorite.  Chic Flicks are my favorite.

21. Do you know how to sew? I do know how to sew but only sew to repair something.  I never really enjoyed sewing....it stresses me out.

22. Are you good at wrapping gifts? I can wrap gifts but wouldn't say I'm really good...but I'm not really bad either.  My mom is the good one and is very particular with her bows and seams.

23. Do you like flavored yogurt? I love flavored yogurt and I really don't have a favorite flavor.  Maybe vanilla but love the fruit flavors too.

24. How old will you be in December of 2015? 55....WooHoo!

25. What's the age difference between you and your siblings? I have a brother 3 years older than me, a sister 2 years (almost exactly) older than me, and a brother 3 years younger than me.

Saturday is a Busy Day

Kimleighel had an Orchestra Ensemble at Northridge High School bright and early.  She loves Orchestra and I love hearing her play with the others.  Music is born in Kimleighel....she gets it and is good.  As I watched her today I thought man...Kimi is pretty good and has only learned from being in the school orchestra's.  She doesn't have her own Cello and so she doesn't practice a lot because the bus driver won't let her bring the Cello on the bus.  I thought if she had lessons and had a Cello to practice with how good she will be.  We are going to get her a Cello and she is going to take lesson's after she graduates and has more time.  She's gifted in this area of life!

We came home to cute Sadie and I enjoyed her for a minute before I had to take Jared to Larry's shop so that he could work.  Kimi got to enjoy her after that.

On my way home from the shop I stopped to watch Kamryn play soccer.  I got there just before half and it was fun watching her and Kevin (he coaches) and talking to Julie and Jordyn.  Jordyn was so tired and ended up falling asleep soon after I got there.

Larry made plans to take the Sisters out to lunch since Sister Hansen had a box she needed him to send home for her.  (I really had a conference in Brigham City that I wanted to go to but with every thing going on I didn't get to go)  The sisters chose to go to Hug Hes.  I was excited to find out that there is a Hug Hes right in Syracuse now.  I love Hug Hes even though my favorite salad gives me a tummy ache.  (I didn't order it today)  I even had the waiter take our picture and he took two and I'm not sure what happened to them because they weren't on my camera card but I know I saw them after he took them.  Oh well...I made this up with the two sisters.  I know Larry has a picture of him and Sister Hansen because I took a few on his phone when we were leaving.  Sister Hansen is Larry's favorite!

Sister Frazier and Sister Tulley had text Larry while we were gone because Sister Tulley wanted another blessing.  I thought it was kind of funny since she didn't want one the other night but got one anyway.  Maybe she wasn't listening when she got her last one.  We hurried home and the Sisters were already there.  Before we made it in our house the Hospital called and said that Sandy was unresponsive.  I was heart broken.  Even knowing that death is a good thing and the one leaving is going to be so blessed and made whole it is hard.  Sister Frazier sat by me to comfort me and Larry gave Sister Tulley another blessing.  Then we left them and went to the Hospital.

Sandy did respond to Larry and seemed okay....as okay as possible.  We knew Jim had arrived in SLC but Larry hadn't been able to get in touch with him yet.  We just kept praying that Sandy would hang on until Jim came. The nursers weren't sure that she would.  She did though.  She is strong and she is a fighter and she is still hanging on.

It has been interesting listening to the few things Sandy has said these past few days.  She always pleads for someone to "please help me".  She told us one day that she was going to die and she couldn't do this anymore.  Larry asked her if she was ready to go home and she said she was although she hadn't accepted everything yet.  Larry asked her if her parents had been there and she said that she wasn't dead yet.  So we have laughed and cried and said lots of prayers for her.  Larry is quick when she goes off in her troubled mind to other places...he just rolls with her.  I have a hard time escaping reality and the present.  I just sit back and enjoy watching my hubby visit with his friend.

Jim is undergoing Chemo to try to add a few more years to his life.  He was scheduled to have heart surgery Friday until he heard about Sandy's condition.  Jim made a few comments that made me realize blessed we are to have each other.  He told us how much he misses his wife.  Sandy has been in a nursing home for a few years.  He notices couples now all the time and even mentioned how he envied us holding hands as we left.  My heart breaks for Jim and the decisions he has right now.  He's going to take Sandy off the machines and meds and let her go.  His daughters confirmed that decision.  They know it's going to happen and so why not just let it.  I'm thankful for their friendship and the happy memories I have of them over the years as they did our taxes and were healthy.  God Bless Jim and Sandy! ♥