Memorial Day Pool

Wow! Check out the cute group of kids we spent Memorial Day with - 

lucky us...it was so much fun!!

Memorial Day

I just wanted to say a huge "THANK YOU" to all the servicemen & women who have bravely (and maybe sometimes not so bravely but still there) protected us through our country's history. My dear friend, Nicole, has just sent her husband over to Afghanistan for his FOURTH tour - he'll be deployed a year. He has been in the military for about 23 years - and still has to serve again and again. My heart and prayers go out to her and her family.

Thank you Princeton for stepping up to the

 plate over and over!!!

God Bless America!

My Mom...

This is a cute and touching tribute to my mom, Judy, from a dear family friend, Morena Harris. My mom is the kind of person who should have run a homeless shelter. She has always had so much love for others and has shown endless amounts of service in her life. I remember always taking meals and other items to people's homes when I was growing up. I love my mom and the example she has shown in her life. She's now the one who needs service done for her and she has built up a big reservoir of people willing to do it!

When a person is in the mist of experienceing "The Journey" here on earth, "angels" are sent to be of comfort, to teach, and to simply love you. This person in my life from the time I was 17 until now was Judy Blackwelder Craig. She has always encouraged me to be the best person that I could be. She taught me to "love" beef liver and onions along with her home made bread and the trimings served on her best china. And she loved me uncontionally.

It was my priviledge to live with the Craig Family for 2 and 1/2 years. There was never a dull moment with the LDS missionaries and boarders (me included) living under the same roof along with this family. Judy made special sweet rolls, cheese cakes, and you could not beat her butter milk pancakes on Saturday morning.

We sang together, did millions of dishes together, scrubed and waxed the hard wood floor in the front foyer together. And in doing these things there was a lot of teasing and laughter. I loved living there and felt I belonged.

Life brings changes and it was time for me to go out to BYU and leave this family behind. It was hard to go away and the homesickness was felt for a long time. I had grown to love this family and in God's tender mercy they came to Salt Lake to the University of Utah to finish grad school. This meant that I could see them on a regular basis. Our ties to each other grew and off to Texas and then Hawaii this family went, but we never lost touch.

All Judy's children are grown and married with children of their own. Judy loves her grandchildren so much. She had a special apron and puppets in the pockets and as she would make gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies and other kinds as well, she would play and have such a good time with them. I wanted to be like her when it was my time to have grand children. Let's just say, I never got an apron with pockets and puppets, but I always thought that it was such a neat idea.

Everytime Judy would come to my home for dinner, she would always praise me in some special way. She always wanted to take my hand when she talked to me about old times-I love that about her. She has such a special giggle that makes you laugh when you hear her laughing. Her special cards over the years have been dear to me and the phone calls out of the blue, "hi hon, what are you doing?" are treasures to me.

Judy has a strong, powerful testimony of the Savior and has influnced me and many others to want to be in service to others. Yes, in some small way, I want to honor you, Judy! You are family in my heart and a hero of goodness to me. You are a special "soul" of great worth-thank you for always being there for me and my family and know you are the special angel in my life - Love, Rose

Cinco de Mayo!

Last night I went to a friend's home for a Cinco de Mayo dinner. It was really yummy and fun with crazy Mexican decorations and music! I made this hominy to eat with the delicious other foods. I don't have the recipes for everyone's dishes but here's what I do have:

Rebecca made these enchiladas and they were so good. She made her homemade red sauce for the top.

This is the best and fastest salsa to make. You can add whatever else you like - such as green chilies, green peppers, fresh tomatoes, etc.

I'm not an avocado fan but this is seriously good - especially dipped in the salsa also!

Howdy and YeeHaw!

School was cancelled today due to flooding in Houston - 11 inches of rain last night!!  While my kids spent the day swimming in the sun (go figure!), I was dreaming of some good 'ole Texas grub!  These recipes are from my sister, Cathy - who is a rip roarin' good cook herself!

I'm ready to light up the grill for a little down home Bar-B-Q and these goodies!!

Squeeking in another treat

It seems like I'm only blogging recipes lately - hmmm...maybe because I'm spending my time planning Girls Camp and my summer sewing classes. Here's a really good treat - these turn out kind of cake like but they are really good! You can add in chocolate chips or mint chips also. I really wish I were eating one right now!

(click the photo to see a larger view) 

The latest goodie

I haven't blogged in awhile but I've at least made this new recipe card :o) These are some yummy cookies! I think I might have to make them for my family now that the card looks so cute!

A Spring yummy

Our family really likes this recipe. You can have it any time of day and it's yummy as leftovers also.

A Spring one too?

My younger kids came home with their Spring school pictures. I've never understood why they do pictures twice a year now. It just confuses my scrapbooks! AND they send home a whole pack of already developed pictures, bookmarks, wallet cards & magnet photos for you to buy or send back - then what happens to them? I won't let them guilt me into buying a full-sized photo of my child...

I won't I tell you!...

okay, maybe just one ... for the scrapbook :o)

Never too much silliness...

Here's a scrapbook page I just finished of a Spring Break activity of ours. We went with Rossi's, Leland's & Greene's to  rollerskate - although the bigger kids chose the rollerblades.

I ,myself, chose "old school" because that's how I roll ;o)

Tess growing up

This is the slideshow I made for Tess' baptism. It shows our little one growing up. It's about 8 minutes long so if you have a little free time, it's cute to watch...no pressure -

you decide how to spend your time (I think it's so worth it) ;o)

Sorry-it's low resolution - Blogger wouldn't let me load my big file

Tess' Bday Party...

We decided to go ahead and have her party on her actual birthday - quite the novelty in our home! Her birthday always falls during the week of Spring Break for my kids. So we gathered the kids who were in town (luckily most of her best friends) and had a swim party. The water is still chilly but they didn't seem to mind!

Tess' baptism

This was Tess eight years ago in her Blessing dress. It was the first of two special white dresses I would make her (along with many others). I started heirloom sewing and smocking when Marisa was born - almost 15 years ago. I wanted each daughter to have their own dresses to hand down if they chose. I still remember every stitch I made on her blessing dress and reminisced about the last eight years while smocking her baptism dress.

We had a really special day on Sunday when Tess was baptized. We're so proud of her and her choices she's made.

We love you!!

Here's a close up of the smocking and embroidery for a few who have asked. The dress is made of Dupioni silk and  has silk satin ribbon, buillion roses and pearls. The sleeves are edged in English netting lace :o)

My Baby Turns 8!!

Today my Little Love turned 8! It seems just like yesterday that she was a little sugar lump just being cute. We loved to snuggle on her and give her tons of kisses (we still do but not as easily!). I called her Little Love and knew I'd be crazy about her for life! 

Now she's growing up and getting big teeth and straight hair. This picture is from a couple years ago but I love it since it shows the ringlets she used to have. This is a special year - she'll be baptized on Sunday. We're still crazy about her and we've loved watching her grow-but slow it down a bit, can you...pretty please?!

Chocoholic?.... anyone?

This is seriously the yummiest chocolate cake ever - period. I've made it into small bundtlettes and regular sized cakes - either way, it's delicious.

If you have anyone in your life who loves chocolate, make this and it'll definitely make them smile :o)

My family's favorite

This is my family's ultimate favorite - coconut bread. It's a sweet bread like banana or such. For those of you crazy people who don't like coconut - you're missing out on something SO good! All you others - give this a whirl...it won't disapoint!

(or you can try some at Tess' baptism this Sunday if you live near :o)

And then there were three...

My kids have cut down from the five sports to only three - thank goodness! Ryan's baseball season has begun full force - about four nights a week! They won their game last night 12-0. However, we won't gloat too much since his good friend, Brevan, was on the other team (we cheered for him also). 

Ryan batted in four runs and scored two runs himself - good job Ry!

Remember when?

Jose is taking on the job of Tess' soccer coach this spring. He hasn't coached any of the kid's teams due to work schedules, etc. For those of you who know our Tess, she's not exactly the type to pay any heed to her dad!

I just want to say to him.....

....good luck & always remember the sweet times with her when you just want to scream ;o)

Are you watching?!

So, if you read my blog, you know I'm a huge Amazing Race fan. Are you following along in the game? I'm totally addicted! I always TIVO it and  can't watch it if anyone is talking to me or making noises...I just might miss some important info that the racers themselves are missing ;o) (I love that part...don't you?)

This past week one of the most entertaining couples was eliminated - Steve & Linda. They are self described "Hicks from the Sticks" - and are hilarious. We'll miss seeing them each week - I was hoping they'd go far...darn.

My Valentine's night...

Here's the crowd I spent Valentine's with...Marisa, Megan, Kylee, Michael, Devin and Jana. We made a Valentine's dinner for them before they went to a church dance that evening. 

Aren't they so cute!! Look at the big grin Michael has since he's the only guy ;o)

Dessert is served...heart shaped brownies, chocolate strawberries and icecream...yummy!

Terribly Yummy...

Here's a little yummy appetizer to make your favorite Valentine.  I made these for a dinner party and my cute kids even loved them! I'm not a water chestnut girl but these are seriously delicious and oh, so easy!!

(click the image to see a larger view)

Free time?!

Two kids in FIVE sports - how does that happen?

For the next few weeks, Ryan is playing basketball, baseball and gymnastics. Tess is playing basketball and soccer. 

Is there really any wonder why I haven't blogged more often? 

Difficult mornings?

Here's what my kids had for breakfast...they happily jumped out of bed for them!!

(click on the card to view it better)

The excitement is building....

It's coming soon!! February 15th to be exact...this is the ultimate show. 

Join me in my addiction ;o) 

They rarely put it on twice in one TV season - but it's happening!! Anyone else a Race Junkie?

A little Bite of Heaven...

I'm making these delicious goodies tonight for three reasons -  new neighbors, a friend's birthday, and for a little persuasion! 

 This makes 4 dozen little bites of heaven

Here you go...

For those of you who are drooling over the brownies I made and just HAVE to make some, here you go - just do a quick click-a-roo! You'll just love Bakerella's blog - I'm a instant fan!

More deliciousness...

Tonight I had dinner with friends and made this salad. It was really good and looked pretty with berries, pears, etc. All the food there was delicious but this was my contribution. Here's the recipe card you can print out. Try it - you'll like it ;o)

Caution!

Just looking at these will pack on five pounds! Today I made these brownies with chocolate chip cookie dough in them - yummy to the hundredth degree! My friend, Rebecca, hooked me up with the recipe - want to try them?

Happiness

The new gift hasn't lost it's magic yet. Of course it has only been two weeks but it's still heaven to them :o)

Christmas scrapping

Christmas break is almost over. I've enjoyed my free time from basketball practices, church activities, homework, tests, gymnastics, scouts, sewing classes, early morning rising and everything else! I've pretty much planted myself at my computer and have busily wasted my time away ;o) Here are a few more pages I've finished during my "unproductive" time.

New Years...

We spent New Years Eve with a couple families that have new puppies - what a dream beginning of the year for Tess. She wants a puppy so badly - she's willing to get rid of our cats to have one!

Ryan, Abbie & Cater ringing in the New Year!

My brother, Larry, came into town for one day from California. We hit the Museum of Natural Science today with him.

Marisa & Tess in the dinosaur exhibit.

The kids in the butterfly exhibit's interactive kiddie area. Ryan didn't think it was very cool ;o)

A little Christmas Cheer

I've been glued to my Mac this Christmas break getting all my digital scrapbook supplies organized - believe me, it's been hours (just ask my abandoned family).

 So now I'm ready to create - and this is just the beginning of all the Christmas pages I've yet to make!