Time for a new blog

Yes, it is time for me to resume my blog. There are so many better things in my life than meatloaf cuppy cakes that I must get on with accounting for them.

The vacation/road trip to Canada was a success. Beautiful mountains and lakes . . .

The grandkids Halloween costumes were adorable. See their blogs for pictures and details.

Dave and Lexi purchased a great home in Layton. I am so very happy for them!

Thanksgiving was fine, although Rachael and Seuao went south to see some of his family in Las Vegas. It threw me off a bit but I am grateful for having the rest of the crew here!

December was a blurr-too much to do to really enjoy it. But the family party was super and I finished the sheep like pjs in time to get a picture for our Christmas card. Although the cards did not get mailed until.. .well some of them have not yet been mailed, not enough pictures printed.
Of course the picture was cropped in to show the faces better but you get the idea.

It is now the 28th of December and the chaos has passed-thanks Rachael for the clean-up!


Presents

Although not the focus of our celebration, this year the gifts I received were truly magnificent.

Pat, with the help of Dave, gave me a trip back to my childhood home, Florida. I was so surprised. Dave managed to take Lexy and Noah on a trip last year that really made me long for the opportunity to see those places again. I really can not believe it is going to happen-I am so excited.

Rachael got me a bracelet (and spacers . .)from-my favorite-Brighton. Not just a bracelet, a charm bracelet. And each of the kids got me a charm that represented them. It is just precious! I love it and will wear it often. I already wore it to church yesterday. She also gave me a cute red travel bag, hmmm I can put that to work!

Granny gave me money-which I will so enjoy spending in Florida and a blue tooth for my phone! Dave and Lex put together a calendar for next year full of family pictures.
Mary made me a pair of red earrings(the third in three years-I wear them so often they get lost) and a charm for my phone. All of the kids were tired of my 'ghetto' fishing wire (all that was left after the last on finally gave up the ghost) and the three plastic Christmas balls-red of course-I recently tied on to the wire. Hey, I could locate the phone in record time, sometimes even before it stopped ringing. She also got me one of those neck/chin exercisers--we'll put it to the test. I do hope it actually works!
Beck and family gave me a book, the Undaunted, we can pass around and all enjoy reading, and a beautiful string of brown/gold pearls-perfect for me.
Sarah gave me a very fashionable brown sweater-she struggles against all odds to keep me somewhat in fashion, well as in fashion as a Granny can be.

We really had so much fun just being together.Cooking only stopped momentarily and Rachael washed more dishes than I can count. From time to time she had a little help from Sarah and me but in truth she did most of the dishes, and for 19 people, that is a lot of dishes! Of course, we enjoyed the traditional turkey dinner on Christmas but we are still eating the turkey soup Allen so graciously prepared for us.

Life is good-very busy! The Relief Society is fine. Unfortunately we have a sweet young sister, only 19 years old, valiantly fighting Leukemia in Primary Childrens Hospital. She is always in our thoughts and prayers. But for today, it is just too cold to go outside (up to 5 degrees at noon).

I hope all of you have had a wonderful Christmas. At this time of year I truly appreciate the gifts of life, mortal and eternal, I have been given by Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ! Nothing compares!

Cuppy Cakes

I think cup cakes are great. So easy to make and serve, AND now a creative outlet. Just what I need, another creative outlet. :) When I get around it- I'll post some pictures. Until then, if you need a little inspiration-and want to support a woman's dream to be on the Ellen show-check out this web site. http://kitchendoughdough.blogspot.com

Watching Good Things Utah today I saw this segment on cup cakes. You should visit it. Her cupcakes were darling! but as I was reading the (rather long blog on her trying to get on the Ellen Show) I saw her post on Meatloaf Cuppy Cakes-as Dad calls them. I wrote a comment and the idea came to me that these little darlings are actually very 'green' in today's lingo. They save electricity as take lots less time to cook-only 20 minutes. They are also easily frozen and then just heated in the microwave for use in any ground beef meal (taco salad, tamales, cowboy casserole . . .) more time and electricity saved. AND-they are one of Dad's favorite!

Fourth of July 2009

It didn't matter the event, Ella and Lily were ready and waiting!

It was the fourth of July weekend and the crowd arrived, one car at a time.
Arriving in cars 1,2,3,4, 5, and 6 were: Rachael, Seuao, Lily, Tessa, Mary, Allen (the next day), Benji. Dave, Lexy, Noah, Phoebe, and Sarah. Rebecca and fam came and went as naps and Lance's work would allow. With Dad, Granny and myself we totalled 18 humans, 9 cars and one jet ski (that would be Dave's new toy--humm we will all enjoy it!)

Thursday-I really wanted to go see 3 dog night but alas, I will not torture anyone into doing what they really do not want to do.

Friday- we had a little kids pool party. I have never seen a child enjoy water like Mia did!

that was followed by taco salads and watermelon in the frint yard, No sweeping or vacuuming or tables to clear off!! I wanted to go to the stadium to see the fireworks but (see above) the kids and grandkids went to a little park on cliffside and had lots of fun. I should have gone with them, oh well.

You can tell this is a locall picture by the church in the forground!

Saturday was so full, it was amazing how much was squeezed into it.
The activities included:


Cache Stake Breakfast-Granny bought 4 family tickets and one single-she certainly supported the Scouts this year. I had fun twirling around and "bowling with Granny" in the big field. I was the pin and they wouldl run at me and knock me over (I was sitting down, of course) They weemed to really like it.

Farmer's Market-I didn't go but all the kids liked it. they said it was a little smalleer than usual as so many of the sellers were probably out of town.

One of my favorites-the kids "worm"

Dave helps direct the candy collecting! Thanks Dave.


Thanks Seuao!

Hyrum's Parade was a blast. Seuao saved us the whole space in front of the post office so our little guys didn't have to compete with the hiards of other-bigger and faster kids for the the floats remimded me a little of Panguitch-early Panguitch. Our floats got much better over the 8 years I was there. building floats is certainly a unique and challenging creative activity-i enjoyed every minute of it! But that was in my former life.
Naps and a little playing in the sprinklers flooowed by a no-cook barbecue of pulled pork, salad, chips and snow cones.

At last it was time for the fireworks. Thanks to Allen and Seuao. I have to admit they were fun. Even if I was constantly telling them to be careful! ANd arguing against the illegal fireworks going on around us. they were beautiful too, but illegal! AND if anyone with illegal fireworks is goig to get caught and given a $500 ticket it would be Dave. that is just the way his life has always been. Untold numbers of prople can do things and never get caught. But not him! it is just not worth the risk!

Sunday--I believe everyone was pretty worn out, and Noah was not feeling good! I had meetings at 7:15. I wa the only one outside of the PEC group to make it. But it was worth going. After church, sandwiches and leftovers we ALL got naps! That is so very rare. Even in the middle of the night it seems there is always someone awake when the crowd is home.
I tried to get dinner ready before Rachael had to go up to practice for the band concert but, I missed by less than 10 minutes. I actually ended up sending most of the meat home with the kids. I am sure they enjoyed it when they didn't have cook later in the week!

The USU Alumni Band 4th of July concert was very nice. the music was great and the kiddos really got along quite well. Only Benji was missing. (Mary and Allen had to go home early so she could lead the music in Primary--one of my all time favorite jobs!)

Then the race for home was on. It was sort of sad to see the weekend come to an end. But then again I am not sure I could have taken a whole lot more. I wouldn't trade weekends like this for anything in all the world!

I love my family more and more each day!
And thanks for sharing your photographic talents!

Papa's Birthday

It was a fine weekend. We celebrated Papa's birthday.


Mary and Allen were able to come up and we all enjoyed Benji's walking! Saturday Papa took me to see The Proposal. I loved it and Papa laughed almost all the way through. I am a sucker for romantic comedy so I do not care to evaluate the actual quality of the film or performances.

After we got home I made salad for the Ward Potluck barbecue and Papa took Mary back to see Star Trek. He said is was every bit as good the second time. Allen spent the afternoon fixing Beck's computer. We all enjoyed the barbecue, Benji even ate. The guys all went home and Mary and I went to Sam's and Walmart and, of course, stopped by Charlies on the way home.

Sunday was fine (no early meetings) until I tried to take a nap. It simply was not ment to be. Phone calls, visitis, back to catch the Bishop (he went on vacation this week) more visits . . .then it was time to finish dinner. thank goodness Mary put in the meat or we might never have had the opportunity to eat Sunday's dinner. After dinner we had Lemon-ade cake, per Dad's request. Dad got a movie, four actually, and a bunch of new Gs. He seemed to appreciate both. I can't remember what I did after that but the Mary left me with a great gift of my own, a clean kitchen.

The Salt Lake crew will be celebrating Monday night. I wish I could be there but . . .I will be satisfied with what I had, a good weekend and happy Dad.
Thanks Mary for the pictures!

Father's Day Weekend "You've got to have a dream. If you don't have a dream, how are you gonna have a dream come true?"

All the kids, spouses and grandchildren came up on Saturday. We celebrated Lily's second birthday. Rachael and Seuao put on such a cute Mickey Mouse Party. She planned to have a pool party. But alas we have had the rainiest June in many years and it rained. Thus the second floor of the Nolan clubhouse was the location. There was lots of dancing and gifts and pin the bow on Minnie's hair. Of course, we had lots of good food and hot dogs (you can't play hot diggity dog and not eat hot dogs) Lily was so overwhelmed with the whole thing that when they brought out the cake with the candles she threw herself on the floor and cried. She got over it pretty fast but I never thought I would see anything overwhelm this little ball of fire! We definitely have much more room up stairs. and everyone (except Mary, who had a headache) had a lot of fun.

We had such a great Father's Day. We missed Mary and Allen and Benji as they had to go back to SLC so she could lead the music for Primary. (Too bad the Bishop forgot and didn't put it on the program--or remember to insert it during the program. So, she marched the kids out of Primary and into the Priesthood room and sang to the Dads! You go you fine Woman!!!)
Everyone (minus Lexy who had to stay home with our darling one week old Phoebe) went to Sacrament meeting and later we had Dad's favorite--Lasagna (I often refer too June as National Lasagna Month. We usually get eat it three times during the month-Father's Day, our anniversary, and Pat's birthday) This year, Father's Day and our anniversary were on the very same day, June 21st.

Pat received some very nice and thoughtful gifts, The Last Lecture (in book form). the rugby Movie -Forever Strong, and a recliner! I know he will put it to use. We talked about naming it the "sleeping chair." It has the place of honor in front of the big TV upstairs. It was sad, I caught him-too many times-- sitting on a ball with an afgan wrapped around him-the couches were too uncomfortable to sit on and he wouldn't turn on the heat for just him- watching his new big TV. He really does deserve to have a comfortable place to sit! He deserves good food too (see the pizza entry of last weekend). Unfortunately, he doesn't always get all the good things he deserves. But I am trying, and yes most of the time I am also very trying.

I got a nice card for our anniversary. After 35 years you'd think . ..don't think, just be grateful for the card. He asked me a few weeks ago what I wanted for out anniversary--I decided to follow Dave's example--I dreamed big--and asked for a bedroom set. I have always wanted one. About 25 years ago I gave up and made us a dressed and two night stands in the adult wood shop class in Panguitch. It is very heavy duty. I used 3/4 inch ply wood and scraps from the saw mill. The dresser is so heavy it has not been moved in the almost 20 years we have lived in this house. Oh well, "You've got to have a dream. If you don't have a dream, how are you gonna have a dream come true?"

Banff National Park, Canada

We are planning on going on our first vacation alone together in many years this summer. I think that is what Pat has in mind as a gift for our anniversary. I must say it is going to be an change. I can't remember spending more than a few hours alone with him outside of a movie theater or in front of the TV or in church--and that was probably driving to and from SLC. Hummmmm. . . .

Friday's Here and So Am I

Cinnamon Creek

A mix up in locations-I did not recall which parking lot at the Church to meet in. I was in front and the other two sisters were in the back. I do wish my brain would hold it together better!!! But what a beautiful drive I had to Cinnamon Creek. I can't believe I remembered the way to get there, but at least my brain did do that. I need to be grateful. I could still be lost out there-out of gas and not at all happy with myself.

The 10 minute talk given seven times went well I think. I guess it doesn't matter--it's done! I did get out of the canyon and off the dirt road just before dark. Which was also real blessing. I stopped at Subway in Hyrum for a sandwich. In all the rush I hadn't eaten anything worth while all day. but I got lots of other stuff done! " YEA MOM" (as Dad would say.)

So
Yea! the week is almost over and the list has been greatly diminished!

Father's day for the Ward---DONE
Young Women---Done
Temple
still hanging in there as a possibility
Fish Fry
only one potato assignment left to give out
Relief Society
Check on Voniel and Wendy
Call about the food order
Check with the Bishop about the other possible food orders
Lily's Birthday
I still need a gift! (Bed Bath and Beyond and Smiling Moon toys)
I will still pray for sunshine but the weatherman doesn't hold out much hope. I will pray for
alternative inspiration as well.
Home-
install light bulbs, at least try and see if they will fit!
Buy worms for Dad (Smiths)
Get a connector for the garden watering system (Home Depot)
Groceries can wait until tomorrow

I still have a table to uncover, dishes to wash, and stuff on my bed to put away. All of which will take far longer than I would like to accompolish. However, I expect everythin will be done by 5pm so we can make it to the Temple. A nap would be nice too!

In my spare time I have been surfing the web, looking for places to stay on our trip to Glacier this summer. I have not been to successful in keeping the costs under $100/night. I'll get back to that next week.

It makes me smile just to think how much the Lord has allowed and helped me do this week. Progress has been made!

Progress

Progress is a funny thing when you look from the perspective of yesterday, or last week, or month or year it's not hard to see how far you have come. However, from the perspective of one ahead of you, looking back, or just meeting you on the path it may be very hard to see and movement at all. Aren't we blessed in that the Lord can see the big picture. He knows where we are today and how far we've come. He is the only one that truly knows how difficult our particular path has been.

The mortal application

If you do not know how much I have had to do this week or how difficult it has been you may not see any progress at all. The house is not clean, the dishes are still in the sink, the table is close to a foot deep in places although Dad could sit down to dinner tonight if he were here.
I never found a cute top to wear tonight and the outfit I decided on got red punch spilled all over the front of it. Now I have to take a step backwards and find something else to wear. I am still not sure what I should say to these Young Women, speaking usually comes so easily to me. Lily does not have a gift yet. I haven't had a decent meal all week.

On the other hand. I got all the potatoes stuff for the Fish Fry purchased, divided up and except for one delivered. I dyed my hair-I know vanity is evil but as long as Pat has dark hair--and he is older than I am--I feel like I am entitled to that indulgence. Besides it only costs $7 every six weeks or so. I did miss my nail appointment-it was yesterday, UGH! They are going on four weeks and will soon start to pop off.

I did finish the Father's Day candy bars and wrappers last night, cute little ribbons and all. Today I took them to the Church house and hid them in the Clerk's office. They are too much of a temptation to anyone that enters this house hungry. (Rebecca and I refrained yesterday by making brownies.)

I also got my weekly update on the sisters written and sent off to the Bishop. I just didn't think I would have time before Sunday so I did it at 6 am today. I also got some decent sleep last night, finally! I purchased some ear plugs at Walmart yesterday and they seemed to help. I didn't spend two hours fighting with the noise of the new oxygen machine trying to get to sleep. I hate wearing the things. They are a bit annoying, i feel like I have a head cold all the time. But if they make the difference two hours of added sleep they are worth the inconvenience.

I have got about two hours before I need to leave for Girls Camp, I wonder what progress I can make by then? I am sure I am the only one that will be able to see it even if it is simply showing up on time, and prepared. I know this is last minute, I have had at least five week to get ready. Whatever. The Lord knows my heart is in the right place.

It is thundering outside, I wonder if we will get rained out. I won't count on it.