Nicki & Co.

{So Good}

2012-02-05T22:33:00.001-07:00

This weekend I attended a bridal shower for one of my young women I taught a few years ago. She is a true kindred spirit and I wish her all the love and blessings life has to offer.

We were asked to bring a copy of a recipe or two to be put in a book for her, and these are the ones I gave her.

They aren't ones I've made my whole life, but they are my current favorites.

So, in order to post a quick little something on my blog, I decided to share with you.

I love PeaDub.

She's my hero. Watch her show on Saturday mornings on the Food Network. It's fun! (That's my plug for her for my posting of her recipes.)

Anyway, this is what I gave Lindsay, & if you make either of these things, let me know what you think!!

_________________________________________________

Nicki’s notes: These are my two favorite things to make whenI have a party to go to, or if someone is having a bad day and needs somethingto cheer them up, I will make one of these. (Or if I am having a bad day. Becausethat happens and sometimes you need something salty or something sweet anduber-chocolatey to make it all better.)

(See www.thepioneerwoman.com– She’s awesome. And funny. Andshe goes through each of her recipes with a step by step photographed processso you simply CANNOT mess it up.)

Olive Cheese Bread

Added by Ree onJuly 16, 2009 in Appetizers

Prep Time 10 Minutes
Cook Time 25 Minutes

Servings 12

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

· 1 loaf French Bread

· 6 ounces, weight Pimiento-stuffed Green Olives

· 6 ounces, weight Black Olives

· 2 stalks Green Onions (scallions)

· 1 stick Butter, Room Temperature

· ½ cups Mayonnaise

· ¾ pounds Monterey Jack Cheese, Grated

Preparation Instructions

Roughly chop both black olivesand pimiento-stuffed green olives. Slice green onions into thin pieces.

Combine butter, mayonnaise,cheese, olives and green onions in a mixing bowl. Stir together untilthoroughly combined. Spread mixture onto French bread that has been slicedlengthwise. Bake at 325ºF for 25 to 30 minutes or until cheese is melted andbrowning.

Mixture can also berefrigerated (up to two days) and used as a dip. Great with crackers.

The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake. Ever. Amen.

Added by Ree onJuly 31, 2009 in Cakes, Desserts

Prep Time 20 Minutes
Cook Time 20 Minutes

Servings 24

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

· FOR THE CAKE:

· 2 cups Flour

· 2 cups Sugar

· ¼ teaspoons Salt

· 4 Tablespoons (heaping) Cocoa

· 2 sticks Butter

· 1 cup Boiling Water

· ½ cups Buttermilk

· 2 whole Beaten Eggs

· 1 teaspoon Baking Soda

· 1 teaspoon Vanilla

· _____

· FOR FROSTING:

· ½ cups Finely Chopped Pecans

· 1-¾ stick Butter

· 4 Tablespoons (heaping) Cocoa

· 6 Tablespoons Milk

· 1 teaspoon Vanilla

· 1 pound (minus 1/2 Cup) Powdered Sugar

Preparation Instructions

Note: I use an 18×13 sheet cakepan.

In a mixing bowl, combineflour, sugar, and salt.

In a saucepan, melt butter. Addcocoa. Stir together.
Add boiling water, allow mixture to boil for 30 seconds, then turn off heat.Pour over flour mixture, and stir lightly to cool.

In a measuring cup, pour thebuttermilk and add beaten eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Stir buttermilkmixture into butter/chocolate mixture. Pour into sheet cake pan and bake at350-degrees for 20 minutes.

While cake is baking, make theicing. Chop pecans finely. Melt butter in a saucepan. Add cocoa, stir tocombine, then turn off heat. Add the milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Stirtogether. Add the pecans, stir together, and pour over warm cake.

Cut into squares, eat, andtotally wig out over the fact that you’ve just made the best chocolate sheetcake. Ever.

{And If You Have A Minute}

2012-01-30T21:10:00.001-07:00

I have had this song stuck in my head for days and days.

It makes me wistful for some reason.
Maybe because they used it in the preview for the new version of the Winnie the Pooh movie and that takes me back to my childhood.
Maybe I'm just a baby.
Maybe I just want to feel wistful.
Maybe I just love it so I thought I'd share it.

I have had several thoughts throughout this week, and wanted to share. Unfortunately, I can't think of what they are now.
I'm thoughtless.
So-
I will share this quote from my Dad's Gospel Doctrine class yesterday.
"I have sometimes wondered what would have happened if Nephi had asked the Lord for tools instead of a place to find the ore to make the tools. I doubt the Lord would have honored Nephi’s request. You see, the Lord knew that Nephi could make the tools, and it is seldom the Lord will do something for us that we can do for ourselves." (L. Tom Perry)

It sure made me think.
I know I ask my Heavenly Father for many things to help me get through life as a single mom. I just hope that I have not been asking Him for things that I can do for myself.
amen.

p.s.- no, I don't know why there are the weird alien guys in the video.
p.p.s.- Here is the Glee version if you would like to compare. It's lovely.

{Pictures & Stuff}

2012-01-23T23:54:00.001-07:00

I was going through my phone and the pictures it holds and pulled off a couple.
I was slipping away from being a decent blogger again and thought that I needed to at least try to do one once a week.
So - although my past week was just filled with work and home stuff, I would fill you in on a few highlights. Well, highlights from the past couple of weeks.
I just had to throw in the picture I took as I was walking to my car from work one day. I LOVED the colors that were in the sunset! Breathtaking! I know that we are blessed with some really spectacular ones here, but there are some days when I really appreciate them - the way they should be.

Glorious Idaho Sunset. Seeing this as I leave work is such a nice way to end the workday.

Mom and Dad do Addison favors sometimes by hiring him to do some projects for them. He likes to do "manly" jobs where he can wear his tool belt.
Anyway, this job entailed him taking out the recessed fluorescent lights in their kitchen ceiling, rewiring in this new fixture, and then putting in drywall to patch up where the old lights were. It took him all day and he worked hard at it. He even cleaned up his mess when he was done! Mom and Dad got home right about when he needed help holding the new light up so he could mount it, so Opa was glad (?) to help.
And I was glad not to have to go over there and do that part.

Addison and Opa hanging the new light fixture in the kitchen.

Viola!! New lights! It looks really good. He still has to go back and smooth the drywall seams and refinish the ceiling stuff, but it had to settle or something. Plus my friend Marnie hired him to help re-do one of her bathrooms. So he has been trying to get some of that work done as well.
I'm so thankful that he has the reputation of being a good, smart, and a hard worker.
I'm thankful for the talents he inherited from his dad, Opa, & Great-Grandpas.
My Mom says that her Dad would be (is) super proud of him.

A tired worker. Satisfied with his work though.

As for this next picture, it represents a good and a bad thing.
This past Christmas had some bad parts to it. We lost our Maya on the 23rd, and then Christmas night, we came home and found that our fridge wasn't as cold as it normally is, and so I made some adjustments, made sure there wasn't any lint or dog hair clogging anything, etc. - and went to bed.
The next day however, we realized that it was about dead.
We ended up throwing out quite a bit of stuff, and what we could salvage, we put in boxes and coolers in the garage. Of course, we were also having an unseasonable warm spell so I had to check temps out there quite a bit.
Anyway, I didn't know how I was going to part with the money I needed to get a new fridge, but, I said a prayer, - several -, and a couple of days later, we received a nice bonus from my work. One that I was not expecting in any way since they had given us some nice gifts already.
Can we say "Tithing Blessings"?!?
We were soooo grateful.
We made several calls around town and in Twin Falls and found some good deals, but the first store we went to in Burley had one that was perfect.
Perfect size for us two.
We don't have a water hook-up where it has to fit in the kitchen so I didn't need an ice maker or water dispenser, so this one didn't have that and that made for more freezer space.
This one was the color I wanted and less than what the bonus money I had to spend on it. In fact, it was marked down!
Let me tell you, it was great to go to the first place, see it, know that that is The One, give them some moola, they loaded it in our pickup and strapped it down, and we were done!
New fridge! It's sooooo niiiiice.
I even had these cute sticky things I'd found awhile ago at Tarjay. One is a calendar, and the other is a dry erase board. S'cute!!
Anyway, I am thankful for Tithing Blessings and for wonderful people who listen to promptings of the Spirit.

New refrigerator! Already "magnetized"!

This last picture just makes me smile. This little Bella of ours just loves our little infrared heater. (It is wonderful, energy-saving, and heats most of our house!)
She loves to sit in front of it and stick her face in it. Then she will stick her paws up on the little ledge in front - one at a time - like she's warming them up.
Too cute.

Bella fascinated by the infrared heater. Warming her paws.

So, there is a little rundown of some goings-on in our life.
I am thankful for those friends and relatives who are still blogging along.
You make me smile. I know I have been bad at commenting on so many because I usually read them here and there on my phone, but it's a pain to comment so I usually think I'll do it later when I'm on my computer. But I don't always.
Just know that I love to hear about your lives and am so thankful for all of you dear people who are part of my life.

{It's New To Me}

2012-01-15T23:30:00.001-07:00

I don't have any pics to add yet since they are on my phone and I am so behind on getting them to the computer - along with the ones from my camera.

Sooooo sleepy. I haven't gotten a good nights sleep like I used to for weeks now and it's getting old.

Totally rambling here.

So.
New for me:

Got a new calling today. Activity Days leader. So excited!! I've never had that calling before so I am looking forward to the challenge!

A new/different kind of sacrament meeting today. It was awesome. Our bishop had seen it being done in other wards and wanted to try it. It's like testimony meeting only it's based on the hymns. The counselor who was conducting today stood and explained what was going to happen (he had talked with the organist and chorister earlier in the week) and then started us off. He just said what his favorite hymn was and why and then we sang the first 2 verses. Then he turned the time to the congregation and people just took turns going up and saying what their hymn was and why. Some were short and some had more explantion, and like when my dad got up and explained why the "Spirit of God" was special to him,he asked for the 1st & 4th verses to be sung. A few people did that. 2 specific verses, but most were just the 1st 2 in the hymn. We never had a second of dead time. In fact, for the last few hymns, we only sang 1 verse because there was a little line waiting their turn in the front bench. The Spirit was strong and it was a great respite from the norm.

New favorite quote. We went to see "War Horse" yesterday for a matinee. Oh. My. What a long movie and I could write a whole post on why I didn't like it, but I won't. There was a scene though, when the husband and wife are talking and he is so depressed at the choices and mistakes he's made and telling her that he wouldn't be surprised if she hated him, etc. She says to him (unofficial quote since it's from my muddled memory) - "I can hate you more, yes - but I can't love you any less." Loved it. I mean, I'm sorry, but when families are close, we - at least I -feel that way sometimes. Especially when someone has made me mad or disappointed me. Truth there.

Not-so-new addiction: Vampire Diaries!! I've watched it on Netflix the past few weeks. LOVE. LOVE. L O V E. I thinks it's because of Stefan. Or maybe Damon. Yah. Stefan and Damon.

Anyway, more on this later.

I know that there were a couple more "new"s I wanted to share, but my brain is shutting down now, and I need to get some sleep. Got a board meeting first thing in the morning.
Yay me.

{Another Moon}

2012-01-09T00:23:00.001-07:00

Just refracted light in ice crystals in the sky. But look how pretty the double rainbow halo is around my moon-friend tonight!
These were taken with my iPhone here, so they are not great or edited at all, but I just had to take a few!
You know how I am about the moon, right?

On another note:
I haven't been blogging lately because it's the busy time of year for quarterly reports, tax prep, and cleaning.
Also, I hate the new blogger dashboard thingy.
Makes me grumpy.
Along with quarterly reports, tax prep, and cleaning.

{Happy!}

2012-01-01T01:27:00.001-07:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Partied with the family.
Got a new dog - gifted to us by some friends.

Ready for a new year full of new possibilities
and new trials,
new blessings
and new memories!
Here's to twenty-12!

Peace & love to all!

{Merry}

2011-12-24T23:04:00.005-07:00

Merry Christmas!!

I will post the happenings of the holidays in a day or two.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas tomorrow!!

Loves to all!!

{Days Go By}

2011-12-22T20:38:00.001-07:00

When I woke this morning, I opened my door to see a nice frost on the inside of my door. Cold!
I also saw the moon before it faded into day.
I loved that little sliver!
I went to the south side of my house to take a better snapshot of it.
Good morning moon!!

The day came to a close with Addison snuggling with his bdf. We love that mutt!

{Blustery Day}

2011-12-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

Remember the Winnie the Pooh movie from the old days?

I had/have it memorized.

LOVE it.

Anywho - there's a Very Blustery Day story where Piglet gets swept up by a big leaf.

We had that kind of day today. I guess since we haven't had a windy day in a long time, it was overdue and made up for it by this:

I didn't see anyone get picked up by any leaves, but this is my neighbor (and cousin's) family trampoline.

You can't tell from the picture, but it is at least a quarter mile from where it was in their backyard.

It went from their backyard, between the houses, across a fairly busy street (for Oakley), over a canal, over those wheel lines, and to the middle of that hayfield.

Crazy.

Amazingly enough, the wreaths I have on the outside of my front windows hardly budged.

Go figure.

Sorry Kevin & Co.!!!!

{Spending Time}

2011-12-20T17:56:00.007-07:00

Addison and I got up early and headed out for some final Christmas shopping. Starbucks hot chocolate is a MUST (and I love the saying on the cup "when we're together, I know I'll never fall.").

You can request any and all types of pizza here. I usually just love the standard ones.

Yummm.

On the way home and loving the wind turbines. For some reason...

{What To Say...}

2011-12-19T23:09:00.000-07:00

These last few days there has been a shortage on news and things to blog about, but I simply can't break my streak of posting daily!

Heaven forbid!

Today I had a decent day at work, a nice chat with my brother Kyle, did some more Christmas shopping, and wrapped some gifts.

So far this year, my Christmas preparation has not gone the way I would have wanted, but I have decided that it's going to come either way, so I may as well just enjoy the successes instead of my failures.

At least I will try to keep that mantra going.

What do you do to cope with the holiday stresses? Whether it be Christmas, or another one?

Feel free to share!

{Whew!}

2011-12-18T21:08:00.002-07:00

This Sunday night I can truly rest.
Lesson done & went ok.
All festivities done.
Now I get to concentrate on wrapping up Christmas (pun intended!!) & cleaning my house. I'm actually looking forward to that!
Have a great week!

{Partied Out}

2011-12-17T23:22:00.000-07:00

Ward Christmas party decorating, actual party, and cleanup.
Check

SA Christmas party decorating, actual party, and cleanup.
Check.

(Cute decor- done by my friend Krista. I didn't take it from a good angle though because you can't see the floral stuff inside the big lantern.)

(My cuz Kevin's kids performed some fabulous Christmas songs for our entertainment. They were aahhmaazing!!!
Thanks Wendy for putting it all together!)

They were great parties and a lot of people put a lot of work into them.

But I am partied out.

For now.

{Party On}

2011-12-16T23:15:00.000-07:00

Alas! No interesting post tonight. Just some highlights.

Today's Senior Center luncheon was great. Thanks to Mom & Dad for all their help!

My Dear Cousin Kerry's funeral business paid for every one's lunches which was a great blessing to so many!

Thanks Kerry! You are awesome!!

Emmy finally landed in Guatemala and I got to talk to her on the phone for a bit tonight.

I got my decorating done at the church and with what the other ladies brought, it looked great and festive.

The ward party was nice: short, sweet, and to the point. LOVE them that way.

A sister came up and asked if I would sub for her in RS. I said OK thinking that she probably meant a couple Sunday's from now.

Nope.

THIS Sunday.

Y.I.K.E.S.

When am I going to squeeze that prep in??

(say a little prayer for me!)

I tied up a few odds and ends tonight and am going to bed.

Got to get up early to decorate for another party - so I'm off to bed.

YAY!

{Sorry...}

2011-12-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry (to whatever readers I have had lately), but I am not doing much of a post tonight.

I mainly just want to say again to my Dad -

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

We love you so very very very much!!!

I have plans to write a little post about him, but that may have to wait until tomorrow night or Saturday or even Sunday.

My week has been f u l l and there's more to come.

Right now I am getting ready to finsh our little gift we are giving to our Senior Cit's who come and eat at our center on Friday's. (Did I mention that Emily & I cook there every week?)

Anyway, I have a couple more things to do for that.

Then, after our lunch tomorrow, I have to go to the church to help decorate for our ward's Christmas party and then try to get an hour or two at my regular job before I need to come home and get ready for the ward party. And I'm pretty sure I am working in the kitchen. YAY.

Saturday morning I get to get up early and drive to the next town over and decorate for the Single Adult Christmas party and then go back to attend it that night. YAY.

BTW- I am ONLY doing it to help my friend Nadine - who is in charge of it all. I can't wait until she's released from that calling. (;

Some time in there I need to tidy the house, and wrap some gifts, prepare some more friends/neighbor gifts, and actually sit down with a mug of hot chocolate and try to get some calm.

Anyone have any calm I can borrow??

Anyway, like I said,

I have a post I want to do for my Dad, but I want to do it right.

So until then -

"...peace, good will toward men."

{Oh The Memories We Will Have...}

2011-12-14T21:24:00.036-07:00

"Oh the memories we will have because of this...". Isn't that what we sometimes say when we experience something unexpected? That's what I said to Emmy today.

I was just getting out of the shower this morning when she called me in a panic saying that they couldn't fly out because Pablo didn't have his passport. (Em was told -when she made the travel arrangements- that if he had his greencard, he wouldn't need his passport).

I went to their home and got all his papers, and then Addison and I jumped in the car and drove down to Snowville UT to meet them with his passport. He actually was quite certain that it was expired so they had also gotten tickets to go to Denver to the consulate so he could get a new one.

Needless to say, it was not their day.

There is a bit more to the story, but the bottom line is that --when they got his passport and saw that it wasn't expired, and drove back to SLC Airport and got new passes to Guatemala, and then called the consulate to cancel his appointment, --the new person they talked to said that his greencard trumped a passport and that all the airline would have had to do was scan his greencard and it would have shown all his passport info.

CANYOUBELIEVEIT??????

There was no reason for them not to get on that flight this morning.

Mad? Yep.

But, Em and I both said that there must have been a reason for all this, and also we will have the memories, and one day she/they will be laughing about it.

So that made for an interesting first half of the day.

This is what the Utah side looked like. It was pretty because it was foggy and frosted just enough to look like a winter wonderland.

Then this evening, we had a little surprise party for my dad. His b-day is actually tomorrow, but we wanted to surprise him - which we did.

Mom just invited a few people and we had some great food and great company.

Again, sorry the pics are so blurry. It's just that I'm too ~~lazy~~ impatient to do anything else than just click with the cell phone, and then upload to the blogger app. It's so nice.

Anyway, here's the gang - loading up on the b-day yumminess (his fave: brotchen & wurst).

We had Joan Whittle, Aunty RaeDean & Uncle Floy, Janna & Dewey, Norma Hale, Addison and moi!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (tomorrow) DAD/OPA!!!!!

We love you!

{See Ya Em}

2011-12-13T20:14:00.001-07:00

This is my friend Emily.

And her hubs - Pablo.

I have to smile at their picture, because anyone who knows Emmy knows that she is almost always smiling or laughing at something.

But when you try to take a nice picture of her, she canNOT smile.

No idea why.

And if you try to coach her or anything like that - it just gets worse.

Did you ever see that Friends episode where Chandler can't smile?

(sorry - I tried to post it here, but YT wouldn't let me, so you just can click on the above link)

That's her!

Anyway...

They are on their way to Guatemala for a month to spend Christmas with his family that he has there.

I will miss her.

And also be a little jealous that she is going somewhere warmmmmmm.

{Sparkle & Light}

2011-12-12T22:50:00.099-07:00

I forgot to take some good pics the other day when I had my decorating done.

I took some tonight with my phone because it is way too easy to post them on the blogger app which means that I can get them to my blog in seconds.

The downside is that they are not very good pictures.

But

I said that I would have my tree and decor done

and here's the proof!

I love the tree this year.

Very glittery and sparkly!

My favorite Santa!

Cute little village decor from Aunty RaeDean & Uncle Floy!
And Addison's little hands wreath.

Santa tree!

...

We believe!!

Candy Cane poinsetta!

...

The finished product!

(And yes, I did fix myself some yummy hot chocolate)

Bring on Christmas -

bring on crafts to finish

and cleaning out old stuff

and cleaning house!

Wish me luck!

{Lights}

2011-12-11T22:10:00.010-07:00

Another great Sunday gone by.

One big change though -

I was released as Primary Secretary (our whole presidency was released)

and it is a good feeling - I gotta say!

That calling is a busy one so I won't miss all that paperwork

but I will miss working with those wonderful ladies!

Oh well, on to other callings!

Coming home tonight I had to admire our cute little cottage that looks like a gingerbread house when Addison puts the colored lights all over it.

Love it!!

Have a great week this week-

and

may every one's To-Do Lists get crossed off!!

{Saturday...}

2011-12-10T20:12:00.012-07:00

Today was the last day I was giving myself to get all my Christmas decor up.

Done

and

done.

And the angels sang...

This is a cute 2x4 block tree that- thanks to Emily- I was able to make at our tri-ward craft day.

{Good Night}

2011-12-09T23:39:00.000-07:00

This is a quick pic of the moonrise tonight.

I took this on my phone through my friend's car window going 65+ mph.

I had to try.

It was gloriously huge! I'm just sad that my little shot doesn't show just how majestic this moon was tonight.

If you've been a blog reader for awhile you may have noticed that I am obsessed with our moon.

Just a tad.

Ended up going with some "old & new" friends to see this little movie.

I don't know if you'd heard of it or not...

I'd heard some things about it and wasn't all too excited to see it, but am glad I did because

I really liked it!

I thought they did a pretty great job of making it follow the book (except for the last scene: wolves vs. Cullens - what?? Please.)

Anyway, it was a good end to a busy but good day!

And that's that.

{Get It - Got It}

2011-12-08T23:19:00.001-07:00

A farewell to Thursday.

Got some work done (@ work). Not home. Dang.

Got to go to Burley and visit Christy for a few hours.

Got to go to the store for groceries.

Got home safely.

Get to go to bed now!

{PH 70}

2011-12-07T22:22:00.047-07:00

Wow.

70 years has gone by since Japan attacked the U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor.

70 years seems forever ago, but then again, it's not that long ago.

I mean, 9-11 was 10 years ago and that seems like yesterday.

I hope everyone took a minute out of their day today to think about that and to think about those

innocent people who became our martyrs and gave America a cause to enter that awful World War.

The USS Arizona under attack

The USS Arizona Memorial

When my dad retired from the Army, he and my mom took us to Hawaii for a couple weeks for a celebratory vacation.

Obviously we went to Pearl Harbor - through the museum and then took a boat out to the Arizona Memorial.

I remember being in awe of it as I stood in the center walkway and looked at the ship that is still so plainly visible.

Thinking of those poor men trapped inside.

When we were there, you could see a rainbow colored film on the water. This is from the oil that is slowly seeping out of the ship.

Even after all these years.

I was mesmerized by that.

I just want to take a minute and thank our Veterans who served us, died for us, and for the ones who are serving us today.

We are a blessed nation.

{Too Old? Never!}

2011-12-06T23:39:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

As I was putting the goodies in Addison's shoes last night, I had to ask myself if I should still do this. After all, he didn't seem to care either way, nor did he actually put any shoes by the door, AND he's the big 2-0.

Not exactly a kid anymore.

But, I thought - he's a guy. He'll always be a kid.

Am I right ladies?!?

So, I figured that ~~I already~~ St. Nicholas had the treats and that was that.

I apologize for the picture, but the only shoes he had anywhere near the front door were his way old and VERY holey work shoes. Notice the food treats needed to be bagged?

Anyway, I'm glad ~~I did~~ I let St. Nicholas in, because A was pleasantly surprised this morning and immediately put together his little Lego.

I love that he still loves to get Legos for gifts.

It's a tradition. Not a birthday or Christmas goes by where he doesn't get them. Even if it's just a little set.

I just figure I'm buying them for my future grandkids!

I hope everyone had a good day and that everything you wanted to accomplish was done.

I almost got my list crossed off--

but, alas!, my tree is only a third of the way decorated.

Lame.

Oh well... Tomorrow's another day!

Although - my Blocks of Shame (told you!) are telling me that we are getting close to Christmas and the tree should have already been done.

But...

"Tomorrow's fresh. With no mistakes in it.". (guess the movie!)

AND I will get it done tomorrow.

"...I love ya - Tomorrow..."

Afterwards, I will fix myself a steaming mug of Starbucks hot cocoa mixed with a little Stephen's Mint Chocolate cocoa (yyyum), then sit back and enjoy the tree. That's my favorite thing to do at Christmas.

Well- one of--

In fact, one of my favorite memories of college days was when my roomies and I would lay on the floor with our heads under the tree. Christmas music would be playing (most likely Afterglow's Christmas) & we'd just lay there gazing at the colorful twinkle lights and talk.

Or not talk.

Either way it was awesome.

(Did you notice how much I loved using italics in this post? Cuz I did. Sorry.)

{Music To My Ears}

2011-12-05T22:38:00.003-07:00

Happy Monday everyone!

I totally slept through my alarm this morning which did NOT start the day off right, but - oh well! What can you do?

The highlight of the day was the OVAC Christmas Concert here in Oakley. Like the one we went to Saturday night, but this one was much better. Just because of the lighting, sound, warmth, and decor. All so very much better.

Photo and video disclaimer:

ALL were taken with me iphone. (yes, that was pirate-speak. I don't know.) Anyway, as awesome as that phone is, it's not for serious photo opps. So bear with me.

The entire choir. That rhymes.

These 2 video clips are not in order, but just mainly for you to see how cute they were. This first one is the Festival of Lights song for Hanukkah, and it's so fun! I loved it.

Our dear friend Janna came out with reindeer antlers and a butt bow to get her choir peeps to smile. She later said that no one likes to sing the Christmas Waltz song so she had to do something to wake them up.

I tried to take a closer shot of Mom and Dad, but this is what I got.

Quality.

(are you just-- underwhelmed?!)

Don't you just love that the only things you can make out of my dad is his ear, and eye and open mouth? If you really look hard anyway.

Well, like I said,
Happy Monday everyone!
I hope every one's Christmas prep is coming along nicely and that you are able to have friends, family, fun, music, and love each day from now 'til,
well,
always!

{Sweet Sabbath}

2011-12-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful Sunday!

My heart is full already and December is just barely underway.

We had a great testimony meeting today at church. One of those meetings when the Spirit is so strong, and everyone who shares his or her testimony is clearly doing it because they are being prompted. All were amazing little boosters for my testimony and I truly appreciated every one of them.

After church, Addison and I had tithing settlement. I love it. Makes me feel good.

Went over to the parents home for a yummy casual bratwurst dinner while we watched Christmas with the Kranks. So fun.

As you can see, Addison and his friend Jamison stayed out WAY too late last night. Jamo left after dinner and Addison crashed in front of the fire.

.....

Another part of my Sweet Sunday was the First Presidency Christmas Devotional!!

Oh how I love them.

I look forward to them each year, and I love the messages this year! Sooooooooo what I needed to hear! (Aren't they always like that?!?) I am so honored to be a member of a church that has a living Prophet. Who, with his wonderful counselors, has inspired messages that are so perfect for what people are going through in life.

Amazing.

He's such a dear!

These are napkins that my mom had out, and every time I looked at one, I got a little heartsick twang. The print is so German, and this time of year is when I get the most homesick for Germany. Makes me miss Christkindlmarkt. Bad.

Happy Sweet Sunday.

{Sing For Your Supper}

2011-12-03T23:19:00.077-07:00

Wow.

3 posts in a row!!

Can I have a party now?

Some Oreos?!?

Another day in December come and gone. So, just a quick review of the day with pics that I uploaded from my phone.

.....

This is my Maya. She makes me smile.

And when we tell her to sit,

she really does.

.....
Today was Mom and Dad's 46th Anniversary!
46th!!!!!
Forty-sixth!
I love them.
I soooo appreciate their example of love and patience.
They're awesome parents.

Tonight was the first perfomance of The Oakley Valley Arts Council's Christmas Concert and they have been singing in it for the past 5 or 6 years. Tonight it was at the Wilson Theater in Rupert (they were both raised in Rupert) and so we all went out to dinner for their anniversary (The Drift Inn = YUM) and then walked-amongst the fabulous Christmas lights and decor (like the fun tree in the above pic)-across the street to the theater.
Lovely.

.....
These FABULOUS Nutcrackers were in the lobby of the theater and I wanted so badly to take them home.

.....

The theater is still being renovated so it was very cold inside, & their lighting was barely manageable, but the music was awesome and everyone did a great job - even the kids who joined them in a number. It will be fun to see it again. This time at our Oakley Playhouse Monday evening.
I love the Christmas season!!

{Thanks Em}

2011-12-02T23:47:00.034-07:00

Dry skin thanks to my friend Jack Frost equals splits in my fingertips - so typing this is kind of painful but I was determined to get this posted.

Today was a good day.

Senior Citizen's lunch was good. Taco soup. Need I say more?

We also had our good family friend Dewey (left side in pic) come with his friend and perform some bluegrass, cowboy poetry, and ragtime music - so that was a lot of fun, and I think everyone enjoyed it! I told Dewey afterwards that if closed my eyes, I could imagine walking down Main Street at Disneyland! Loved it!

(play that funky music...)
A fun treat today: My friend Emily gave me this cute Christmas Countdown! I love it!
My only concern is that in about a week I will probably rename it The Blocks of Shame.
I have so much I want to do. But isn't that the story of our lives? Please say yes.

(23 days?! I'd better get busy!)
Tonight Emily invited a couple of us over to finish up some adorably simple nativity sets that we did a few weeks ago at a tri-ward Relief Society craft day. She had a few extra sets so we just snacked, talked, and painted.
So fun.
So here's my little crowd of Marys and Josephs.

(Almost done)
And here is a finished one.
(Thanks Pinterest!!)

(Finished Product!)

All in all, it was a good day.

Thanks to my lovely friend Emily who amazes me daily at all the things she can accomplish. All this on top of preparing for a month-long trip to Guatemala. (Her hubs is from there.)

Now to go get some superglue for my fingers.

{Miraculous}

2011-12-01T23:29:00.002-07:00

The other day I decided that I was going to start blogging again and no better time than December 1st. So here it is right at the end of the day and I need to get this done. Even if it's just for my own sake. I grabbed a couple of pics from my phone just to have proof that life is good.

The first is our Christmas decorating kickoff party where we indulge in snacks that we don't normally have on hand. The 2nd is from my Bookclub's party tonight. We have a fun & yummy potluck and then exchange gifts. I think it's called Yankee exchange & it's lots of fun to see people swapping gifts right & left. This clock was my gift I ended up with. I simply LoVE clocks.

So the Christmas season is well under way and I am excited for all the memories to be made! I'm a little behind on the decorating and gifts I am wanting to make, but I am not going to stress.

Not yet anyway. I am determined to enjoy it even if it's not "Martha-y".

{testing...}

2011-09-29T12:58:00.001-06:00

This a test of a posting via the Blogger app from my phone. We'll see how this works!

{And Then I Blinked}

2011-09-19T00:59:00.001-06:00

This kiddo of mine turned

today!!!

(12:58am to be exact)

What the hell?!?!?

Excuse my language, but SERIOUSLY!!!

I was that age myself not too long ago. I still remember outfits I wore! I was a nanny living in suburban New Jersey close to NYC. Living the good life.

And then I blinked.

Now, I have this piece of myself just walking around the house being all 20!

Like it's no big deal.

Ya. Right.

I was going to write out a big birthday post for him, but since I did one last year (here), and since he is still AWESOME - I will just say

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADDISON!!!!

I love you and all your Addison-ness.

I'm thankful to be your mom, and thankful for the good decisions and plans you are making and working towards.

There's no one like you in all the world.

And thanks to you,

I am living not-just-the-good-but-an-even-BETTER

LIFE.
(And a big thanks to Smith's for letting us use your Rhino - it's fun to have friends with toys!)

{A Sunday Something}

2011-08-28T23:13:00.000-06:00

Happy Sunday night! I hope everyone had a great day -

we had our Stake Conference today and the theme was all about repentance and forgiveness.

Made my heart happy to hear the message again. To be reminded that no matter what,

we are loved children of our Father in Heaven.

Tonight Addison was listening to some music online and was playing this song.

It caught my attention as something different so I asked what it was and he said - "...some Christian rock song...". I had him play it again, and he said that I should share it on my blog.

So, here it is. Enjoy the music - it's really good.

Enjoy the message. It's nice to remember that no matter what Christian faith we belong to, we all share some universal feelings and truths.

{Oakley Days: Again}

2011-07-22T23:52:00.000-06:00

photo circa 2009 when Rich, Cheri & fam came for their surprise visit. pictured above: cutie-niece Kehli & her Opa with the crepe-mobile

'Tis the season. Are we jolly??

It's that time of year again!
Oakley Pioneer Days.
If you've never been here, then you've no idea what all that means.
For us in our sleepy little town, it means hosting lots of activities and rodeos, and having LOTS of visitors. It's a week full of just 'busy-ness', and a lot of us really enjoy it.
This is not my year for that though. I have been feeling a bit crummy lately. No energy and a general lackadaisical attitude towards everything. I just want to go to work and then home. When I am home however, I seem to be busy all evening, but can't seem to get anything done. My home is still not in the shape I want it to be, and that really gets me down at the end of each day - looking back and wondering where the day went, etc.
I don't mean to be spilling these thoughts and feelings out on my keyboard, but there they are in all their own glory.
**Anyway...**
I am looking forward to doing crepes tomorrow (mmmm....crepes....mmmm...nutella and strawberries.....) and listening to the entertainment at the park.
I love the parade, and the fireworks after the last rodeo.
I get to pick up my Bountiful Basket in the morning and I ordered the tortilla pack this time so - yay!
Also in the bright-and-earlies, I get to hang out with my Emmy-friend as I help her with the kids' race so that will be fun.
That's the spirit, right? Focus on the good.
(mmmm...nutella...)

{Still Kickin'}

2011-07-15T01:16:00.000-06:00

Howdy all!

I just wanted to check in and say Hi!

I miss the whole blogging world.

I admire those of you who can run their daily lives and still post every day or every few days.

You all are awesome.

I am not one of those people.

I have a ginormous list of things to do in my home first.

As in "get it done Nicki!"

As in "no fun stuff until it's done!"

I swear I have to treat myself like a child sometimes.

In fact, after I do this little bit on my blog, I have to go stand in a corner.

I do have a good helper in my bratty-son, even though sometimes his face looks like the above face when asked to do menial jobs that aren't "fun".

In other words, jobs that don't require tools or heavy equipment.

Anyway, Hello! - we're still kickin'!

{Pinning For You}

2011-06-16T00:58:00.001-06:00

Feeling on edge lately?

No worries.

Check out this vacation home-away-from-home!

I LOVE Pintrest.

It's fun

It's addicting

It's another way to avoid doing what I should be doing which is

cleaning my house

doing my Senior Center paperwork

doing my Primary "stuff"

and cleaning my house.

Yes, I know I said that twice.

Yep-it's that dirty.

Come on - I know I am not the only one who looks at her house one day and feels pretty good at the way I've been able to keep up on the dusting, vacuuming, etc.

Then,

the very next day -

all I see is the carpet that needs shampooed, the curtains that need taken down & washed,

the windows that need a serious cleaning, screens that need repaired,

not to mention that I've had things torn apart in my kitchen since we've repaired the sink plumbing in there and I am going to paint "...so why put it all back together?"

But alas-!

I love Pintrest.

You can go on and find things that make you smile.

Like - the picture above.

And posters and printables and words of encouragement like this:

And cute party ideas like this:

(because I love to throw a cute party!)

So, check it out if you haven't already!
(Click on the first Pintrest word at the beginning of the post or click on the red bar on the right side)

After all -

the curtains and windows will still be there tomorrow!

{Sunny Days}

2011-06-09T23:33:00.000-06:00

{Apologies & Bull}

2011-06-02T13:19:00.001-06:00

Well, I guess I am lame at posting.

I have wanted to create some fun posts for things like Christmas, Easter, Addison things, pictures, Spring, day trips, friends, family and birthday.

It all sounds exciting - eh?

I've noticed that I don't have many comments on any that I have posted, and I am going to chalk that up to that Minnie-apple video demo that comes on loud whether you want it or not. I mean, it's even annoying to me - and I have tried to get it to not play automatically, but I am not that tech-savvy.

Anywhoo - I apologize for not delivering on the new posts yet, and for that video. I don't like when I click on someones blog and get blasted with their music on that little player thing you can get. I mean, I love hearing what someone else likes because sometimes I find some good music that I've not heard of before, but I prefer to have the choice to listen or not.

So, I just thought I would take a second and post this because -1) I needed to apologize for those things - and

2) Because I thought that one more post would move the Minnie-apple video to my older posts pages, and it wouldn't start playing as soon as my blog came up.

We'll see if this works!

I really do have some things I want to journal and I will get it done soon - if anyone cares to know.

Until then, I leave you with this most fun cartoon - a family favorite since forever!

(I LOVE the bull's facial expressions!!)

{Water Water Everywhere}

2011-05-30T20:24:00.000-06:00

Sorry I am so lame at updating - and I have some (what I hope are) great posts in the works -

but for now I leave you with these:

Mom and Dad at Shoshone Falls

Isn't this just a CUTE pic of the parents??

Addison and Opa at Cauldron Linn:

Wild wild rapids!

Addison and Opa giving Oma (Mom) a heart attack: "Get away from that edge!"

I will be posting soon and tell you about these and other things soon!

Pinky swear!!

{Sweet Music}

2011-05-23T10:02:00.026-06:00

We had our Ward Conference yesterday and as usual, it was a great day filled with the Spirit in all our meetings. In Sacrament meeting, we had some excellent speakers and an incredibly beautiful song sung by my too-cute cousin Kelby and her friend - cutie-Laura Austin. There were some great messages in the talks and as usual, some things passing through my thoughts on ways to improve myself both in this temporal life and my spirit-self.

Here's the song that Kelb & Laura sang (sang by the guy who wrote it I think)

It was lovely. Made me cry.

Which isn't hard to do since I do that every time I feel something deeply.

Then, last evening, Addison came up to me and had me listen to this new song he loves. I don't know how new it is, but I hadn't heard it before.

I loved it.

And since sharing is good - thought I'd share with you!

I think it has a pretty sweet little message.

Whatever problems I have, I still have a GOOD LIFE.

And for that, I am thankful.

Good music is good for the soul - whether "churchy" or not.

Enjoy - and tell me what you think!

{Dreams}

2011-05-17T02:01:00.003-06:00

(Text message to my cousin Christy)

Nicki: "I had a dream last night where u had lost LOTS of weight & were working at Starbucks & I was there visiting u w/ my boyfriend- some black guy- can't quite place who - funny, huh?"

Christy: "OMH that's funny - maybe it was Morgan

(for those of you who may live in the vicinity of a rock, she's talking about the oh-so-beautiful Shemar Moore who is currently on Criminal Minds)

ahhhhh...........

anyway

Nicki: "Ohh I can hope! He's soooo beautiful! LOVE him! and why Starbucks was in my dream? No idea. I love their hot choc & strawberries & cream frapp"

Christy: "maybe you were just craving chocolate to eat and chocolate to kiss!"

Love weird dreams.

Love my cousin(s)!

(now I need some chocolate.)

{Mom}

2011-05-08T07:07:00.000-06:00

Look how cute my mom was.

So young

sooo blonde!

Look how cute my mom is.

Still young

still blonde(ish) *wink wink*

******************************************************************************************************************************************

I am eternally grateful for her.

I LOVE YOU MOM!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day

"If it's not one thing, it's your mother."

{Good Tale...}

2011-05-05T22:53:00.002-06:00

This is the book that was read to us tonight at our monthly Bookclub. My dear, sassy Aunt Sidnee shared one of her all-time-faves with us in her wonderfully sassy way she has.

It's a story about a man and woman who were "wed" when she was just 4 (yep) and he was 14. They were married, but then went back home to their own estates until they were older. (phew!)

Anyway, he comes and gets her - takes her on a long sea voyage - they drive each other crazy - but then fall in love for real at the end.

It's a "smutty novel" but written with a lot of humor and didn't take itself too seriously.

Aunt Sidnee said she left out all the steamy parts (darn)

but that we could borrow it if we wanted to read them. (Christy)

{Fairy Tale}

2011-04-29T05:50:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to the happy couple!

May you live happily ever after.

And on that note:

These are now in the U.S. - (YAY!)

One of our very favorite treats we'd get before we'd go on a roadtrip when we lived in Germany. (YAY!)

I am happy to welcome them here.

Try it

and live happily ever after.

{Sweetness}

2011-04-20T21:27:00.000-06:00

Saw this on some Disney site and thought it was too cute!

Plus, I am feeling guilt over not posting anything for a few days when I was going so well at first.

I have some pics on the camera to post, but I am being really good at procrastinating the whole downloading, "collage-ing" and/or editing thing.

Too many things are getting in the way.

Anyway, enjoy this sweet little how-to video on how Disney Parks make those fancy Minnie apples.

(I think it could be easily modified for Mickey as well. No bow, yellow buttons...)

{The Wooden Seat}

2011-04-11T23:36:00.006-06:00

Once upon a time our family had a VW camper "bus".

His name was Elliot.

(So named after we saw Pete's Dragon.)

This is what he looked like.

Sweet.

(by the way, these pics are lifted from a miscellaneous few I found online)

I can't remember for sure if we bought it when we lived in Georgia right before we moved back to Germany or if we got it as soon as we moved there. I have a memory of us camping in it when we went to Disneyworld, so I think that must be right. Either way, we had it from when I was about 9 (4th grade-ish) and we kept it until my Dad retired from the Army & right before we moved to Tucson. (2-3 years after I graduated.)

We had some fun trips in this bus.

We drove it all over Europe and made many memories with it.

It had a big storage area behind the bench seat, but it was cushioned so that when you folded the bench down it would fit flush with it and create a big bed. When we'd leave for our trips - usually at 4 or 5 in the morning, Mom and Dad would make out the bed, pile it with pillows and blankets and us pj'd kids snuggled together in it and slept away to that special noise that only a VW can make. I loved it.

Now, let me tell you about the wooden seat. Just say the words "wooden seat" to any of us kids and you will get a smile.

Inside the bus (as seen in the pictures below) there were the front 2 seats and then the bench seat. There were 7 of us, so that meant the need for another seat somewhere.

The spot behind the passenger seat is where the folks decided they would put it, and they decided to make their own.

They were thrifty, they were clever, and they knew how to use power tools.

Hence, the Wooden Seat was born.

I don't know how to describe it except to have you picture a square ottoman with a wooden base where you could lift the big cushion off the top and have a storage area in the base. Then cover the cushioned areas with green "pleather" to match the green on the other seats. There was a cushioned back on it, the base was painted brown, and there was no sign of a seat belt.

It was awesome.

It was as if whoever sat in the wooden seat was the queen or king over the subjects sitting all smooshed together on the bench.

Whenever we were headed out as a family, we all immediately tried to call "I get the wooden seat!!" Arguments would almost always follow until Mom or Dad finally gave the honor to whomever they wanted. I remember sitting in it most of the time since we all just fit better that way. I must have been the favorite.

This is what it looked like with the camper part popped out.
It had an 8-track player and we had our favorites.
The "Grease" soundtrack, Barry Manilow, The Beach Boys, and this guy called Johnny Horton. (I am putting a link here so you can hear some of his music.  Click on the black circles next to "Sink the Bismark" and "Battle of New Orleans" so you can appreciate this next bit. Go ahead, I'll wait...)
OK. Well, you can see the steering wheel in one of the pics above, but maybe you can't tell that it was quite big.  In fact, Rich, Marci, Kyle & Neil would each take turns sitting in the bottom half of it, hold on and swing side to side. They'd have a blast! Oh, and you could play the radio/8-track without the bus being on and even without a key.
I can't tell you how many times I would walk home from high school, and be a whole building away from ours (military apartment housing) and hear Johnny Horton blasting from our bus. I'd get closer and see some or all of my sibs in the bus just singing loudly with the music and one was always steering-wheel swinging. When they'd see me, they'd all yell "Hi Nicki!!!!"
Sooooo embarrassing.
Now, one of my favorite memories.
When I was a Senior in Virginia, I had to drive it to school. I was embarrassed by it because all my other friends had more normal cars. It wasn't too bad because we had 6:30 am Seminary, and then would be at our school by 7:45 or so - about a half hour before anyone else & then after school we'd hang around and talk so no one really saw me drive it. I had a job at the local mall (Springfield Mall) in a men's clothing store, and one of the "popular" stud-muffins from my school worked there as well. If you worked 'til closing, the guys would always walk the ladies to their cars. The first night that what's-his-name walked me to my car, I was preparing myself to endure the embarrassment that would surely follow his seeing what I drove.
We got close and he exclaimed "That's your van?!?" (me holding my breath & nodding) "It's AWESOME!!! A total party wagon!!!! Can I borrow it sometime?!?!" (umm..no.)
Whew.
All of a sudden I didn't worry about it so much.
In fact, I couldn't remember what it was that was so embarrassing about it. I thought this guy was a total meat-head so why he made me feel better about it - I have no idea.  At school the next day he wanted to show all the other guys the party wagon. and thus it's new nickname was born.
We drove it to nearly to death and sold it before we moved to Tucson, and I miss it terribly.
A few days ago, I saw an article online about the new VW bus. Called a Microbus. The new Elliots of the world.
I think it's adorable and may have to get one someday.

But, it would have to be green and be able to hold as many memories as the old one.

{Cute & Cleverness}

2011-04-10T15:11:00.001-06:00

I saw this link on Sugardoodle via Facebook for a Family Home Evening based on the movie Tangled.

(If you haven't seen the movie then you are missing out!!!!)

Truly one of the BEST movies ever. Funny, adorable, and a good message.

This lady totally rocks with this FHE plan so I want to link it here for anyone who wants it.

Just click (or double click) on the button above and have a great time teaching your kids a great lesson!

Makes me wish mine was a little boy again!

Or that my little nieces and nephews lived closer!!

{What's For Lunch?}

2011-04-08T22:07:00.001-06:00

I've been busy lately.

My friend Emily & I were approached by some members of the Senior Citizen's Center Board and asked if we would be interested in being in charge of the Senior Citizen's Center. Meaning that we would plan the meals and cook and do some bookkeeping. Our Center only serves one meal on Fridays so we thought "Why not?"

So we started the first Friday in February and have been going strong.

Here we are on our first day.

(Hopefully that didn't scare you.

Em's hand is blurry because she was wiping off her apron and the whole pic is blurry because it was taken with my blurry phone.)

We've been having fun though it's been a real learning experience - planning meals and cooking for about 50 people. We start at 7a.m. and have our home delivered meals ready by 11 and the congregate meal (the one at the Center) ready by noon. We use a lot of help from family and listen to suggestions and the people are all so very complimentary after they eat so it boosts our confidence a LOT.

Mom and Dad always stay after to help wash dishes and clean up- which is a HUGE help because by then we have been on our feet about 6 hours. I feel bad that they do so much though. That's a lot of dishes, silverware, and serving pans.

Anyway, about cooking...

Kyle & Rachel gave Mom & Dad The Pioneer Woman's Cookbook for Christmas '09. Well, as a huge PW fan, I would borrow it all the time and gaze at the pages of wonderful photography and super-yummy food. Finally I tried a couple things and they turned out very drool worthy - if I do say so myself.

Well, one day I had it at work with me because I was getting ready to give it back to M&D- but I thought that my co-worker/friend/boss's wife would like to look at it since they are big-time cowboys/girls. She thought it was awesome, showed it to her husband, and he told her that if she cooked like that that he would stay home more. Well, that next Sunday, I am going into the chapel to our row, and Cameron (boss) said as I passed by with a quick hello- "hey we got that pioneer book!! Ya! We're having the meatballs today!!" It was soooo funny. Anyway, when I got to work that next day (we work out of their home office) I saw the cookbook on my desk. They had gotten me my own copy when they got theirs - so I wouldn't "...have to borrow your Mom & Dad's anymore!" How fun is that?!

I do love it though. If you get just one cookbook - get this one. So fun.

One last thing: I saw this on Wicked's Facebook post the other day and thought

"I need this!"

Not because I think I am a Wicked cook. Far from. But it is Wicked CUTE!!

{Think Happy}

2011-04-07T22:48:00.000-06:00

Tonight we had our monthly Book Club and my friend Janet gave her report on these books.

They were really good!

Both books are about how to be a better person so that good things come to you.

They are both filled with quotes from all sorts of people and they really gave me a lot to ponder.

Janet had some of the quotes on some fun paper with a magnet and she posted them on a cute magnet board as she read them and then afterward, we each took a quote or two home. My quote was

"You cannot exercise much power without gratitude because it is gratitude that keeps you connected with power."

(Wallace Wattles - 1860-1911)

What do you think? True?

I think so. I always feel better about my relationship with my Father in Heaven when I spend more time in my prayers telling Him of all I feel gratitude for than when I just pray and plead for things that I feel I need. It seems that my days are better that way.

Anyway, if you need something uplifting to read, I give these my recommendation!

Thanks Janet!

{That's A Nice Hat!}

2011-04-06T17:56:00.000-06:00

Get ready to PARTY!

Nicki & Co. is back on-line "...and rah-rah-raring to go!"

(guess the movie!)

Yes, it's true! After a too-long absence of both Internet and desire, gumption, or whatever you want to call it (laziness??), we are getting ready to get back to business on this blog-thing! I am actually excited to do it all again. I must admit, that for most of that time when I wasn't blogging ~~much~~ any - I wasn't really even missing it.

But, knowing that it was important to do (because I am so terrible at actually writing in any kind of journal), I knew that I needed to get the fun back and get busy.

So, go ahead and don your party hat because you are invited to join me as I try to document current frivolities as well as others I missed sharing.

(I promise to also be better at commenting on yours!)

Thanks for your patience!! Love you all!

{Another Letter Of Apology}

2011-02-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

**If this post sounds a little familiar it's because I copied and pasted this post. My feelings of guilt are about the same.**

Dear Blog,

I am so sorry (AGAIN) for neglecting you these past few ~~weeks~~ months. I know you have felt left out and haven't been able to play with the other blogs, but I have been busy AND we don't have Internet access at home right now. I know that is no excuse because some of the things I have been busy doing could have been replaced with spending some quality time with you, and I know that I could go other places to get access if I really managed my time better. Don't worry, I haven't even spent much time with any other blogs, so don't worry about my faithfulness to you. You will always be my special blog. Just in case you were wondering what exactly I have been doing, I will sum it up by just saying that we had a great Christmas, I worked and even started another part-time job. We saw some good movies too! I read some good books, and re-read some favorites like the Twilight series, a couple John Grisham, and some random others. Nothing spectacular - oh - EXCEPT my sister sent me the book "The Snitch, Houdini and Me". If you read the blog 15 Minute Lunch then you know the stories - and they are hilarious! So I had a lot of fun reading that one!! Thanks Marci!!

Anyway, I (again!) hope you will forgive me for the neglect. If it's any consolation, I think of you a lot.

Love,

{Miss This}

2010-12-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

It's the most wonderful time - yep it is!

There's too much to do though, and as usual, not enough time.

It's these times that make me miss our awesome German Christmas Markets.

**Weihnachtsmarkt**

The cold weather, the soft lights, the smell of pine boughs all over the wooden huts, the scents of hot chocolate and gluhwein (hot wine), bratwursts, kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), and all the crowds of people.

And no such thing as Black Friday.

Just seemed like a simpler way to enjoy Christmas.

*sigh*

Thanks for letting me reminisce for a minute.

{Happy!}

2010-12-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

This is a shout-out to my parents who are celebrating

45 years of marriage

today!!!!

They have been (and still are) such AMAZING and AWESOME parents and I love them with all of my heart. (And I have a big heart!)

{So Full - Of Thanks!}

2010-11-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

Give Thanks!

Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

We all have much to be thankful for--

Loves!

{Blank}

2010-11-14T18:47:00.001-07:00

Greetings all!

I apologize for not being better at blogging or commenting lately. We haven't had Internet access lately, but hope to remedy that soon.

I really had some witty and/or interesting things to say and share, but here I am --- drawing a blank.

Do you have days like that?? My brain is going everywhere and nowhere all at once.

So,

I had this post in my drafts for a couple weeks with these two music videos loaded, so I guess that it will have to do for now.

The first song is one that Addison showed me - the group is Big Time Rush from the Disney Channel with Jordan Sparks. I really love the song, but when I played it for my friend she had a hard time with the lyrics. They hit too close to home.

So,

the last one is for you babe - since it's your favorite, and the lyrics are better for you anyway!

{Only A Test}

2010-10-31T20:39:00.000-06:00

This came to me via email- but was too cute not to share.

The Giraffe Test

1. How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator?
Stop and think about it and decide on your answer before you look at the answer.

The correct answer is:
Open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe, and close the door.
This question tests whether you tend to do simple things in an overly complicated way.

2 . How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator?

Did you say, Open the refrigerator, put in the elephant, and close the refrigerator?
Wrong Answer.

Correct Answer: Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant and close the door.
This tests your ability to think through the repercussions of your previous actions.

3. The Lion King is hosting an animal conference. All the animals attend except one. Which animal does not attend?

Correct Answer : The Elephant.
The elephant is in the refrigerator. You just put him in there.
This tests your memory. Okay, even if you did not answer the first three questions correctly, you still have one more chance to show your true abilities.

4. There is a river you must cross but it is used by crocodiles, and you do not have a boat. How do you manage it?

Correct Answer:? You jump into the river and swim across.
Have you not been listening? All the crocodiles are attending the Animal Meeting.
This tests whether you learn quickly from your mistakes.

According to Anderson Consulting Worldwide, around 90% of the professionals they tested got all questions wrong, but many preschoolers got several correct answers. Anderson Consulting says this conclusively disproves the theory that most professionals have the brains of a four-year-old..

How did you do?

{Enough Already!}

2010-10-21T20:28:00.001-06:00

Ok - who is tired of looking at that last post?? Anyone?? Anyone?

Well, I hope you are going to that site daily and getting your daily chuckle, because it is sooooo dang funny!!
(And Wende-your comment made ME laugh- so thanks! I am glad I wasn't the only one to laugh like that!!)

Love it!

Anyway, I DO have some more posts coming.

Addison (& Mom & Dad) just finished working harvest so I have some pics of that.

We took another day trip so I have some of that to share.

My conference experience was AWESOME and I will share my thoughts on that.

Etc.

And just because I love you, here is another of my calendar pages with a humorous thought for you.

Isn't it the truth??

I feel like this almost every single day.

{FOTFL)

2010-10-12T08:43:00.000-06:00

I can't remember where I first saw the link to this blog, but since then it has become the place I go to when I just need a good laugh. It's a blog that makes fun of catalog photos. They have made up this couple - this family - and stuck them in the scenes of these catalog pages. It's the funniest thing I have seen in awhile. In fact, if some of them do not make you laugh til you cry

there's something wrong with you.

The site is called Catalog Living.

(click on that title to get the link)

Here's a sample:

That’s what friends are for…

Gary misunderstood Elaine’s Scarface quote and pulled over a stool in anticipation of saying hello her little friend.

Shades of grey…

Sorry, Gary can’t come to the phone right now. He’s working on another “masterpiece.”

The tides are turning…

Gary Jr. was getting a little tired of his parents none-too-subtle digs at his recent bed-wetting phase.

See? Told ya!

{A Hungry Read}

2010-10-08T18:01:00.000-06:00

I have been preoccupied of late thanks to this trilogy. I had the first for awhile and it was just one of those books in the need-to-read line-up. Well, I finally read it a month or so ago and could NOT wait to get my hands on the next. Once I did, I devoured that one so quickly that, knowing that I had the 3rd one coming, I quickly re-read the first and second so that I could start immediately with the third one.

Aaaahhhhh.

Done.

They are HIGHLY recommended!

**who has read them?**

**what did you think?**

(Obviously I would love to talk to someone about them. They make you think.) ("Oh no!!")

{Going!}

2010-10-01T08:47:00.000-06:00

I have the opportunity to go to the Saturday Morning session of General Conference and thanks to my family and friend, I am taking it! I am excited! Gotta go pack...

{Be Nice}

2010-09-25T22:23:00.048-06:00

Tonight was the General Women's Conference as I'm sure most of you know.

Our stake had a nice dinner before it began and the humanitarian things done by the wards were on display.

It was great to see all the hard work done by everyone: soooo many quilts of all kinds and sizes, school bags & kits, hygiene and newborn kits, etc. It was inspiring!

The dinner was inspiring as well - Cafe Rio salads! Oh - & the decor was totally cute. (Thanks to Real Deals I'm sure!)

I loved all the talks and the music - the spirit was strong and I had something I needed to hear from every speaker. I love how that happens. Don't you?

And our prophet.

Oh how I love him.

Not just because he is our prophet, but because he is so sweet. I love how he called himself "...a man of memories."

For those who were not there or able to watch it, let me tell you the story that he told. It won't be even close to exact because my memory isn't that good, but you will "get it".

Mark & Lisa moved into a home and not too long after they moved in, Lisa saw out her window that her neighbor across the street was hanging out her laundry. Lisa said
"I can't believe she is hanging out dirty laundry!! Doesn't she know how to wash her clothes?!?" About a week later, Lisa looked out to see the neighbor hanging out more laundry and said "I can't believe it! She is hanging out her laundry again and it's not even clean!! She really needs to learn how to do her wash if she's going to hang it outside!" Well, this went on for another couple of weeks. One morning Lisa looked out and saw the neighbor once again hanging out her laundry. Lisa exclaimed "Mark! Her laundry is clean! Someone must have shown her how to wash!!" Mark said, "I know how it happened. Do you want to know?" Lisa said that she did.

Mark said

"I woke up early this morning and washed our windows."

He let us laugh a bit, and then asked if we all looked out dirty windows.

He talked mainly of judging each other - the way we lovely women do.

I felt as if he were all our Dad, gathering all his girls around him and telling us in kind of an exasperated tone-

"Be NICE to each other!!!!!" (and I mean it!!)

My favorite part:

My dear sisters, each of you is unique. You are different from each other in many ways. There are those of you who are married. Some of you stay at home with your children, while others of you work outside your homes. Some of you are empty-nesters. There are those of you who are married but do not have children. There are those who are divorced, those who are widowed. Many of you are single women. Some of you have college degrees; some of you do not. There are those who can afford the latest fashions and those who are lucky to have one appropriate Sunday outfit. Such differences are almost endless. Do these differences tempt us to judge one another?

Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who worked among the poor in India most of her life, spoke this profound truth: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” The Savior has admonished, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” I ask: Can we love one another, as the Savior has commanded, if we judge each other? And I answer—with Mother Teresa—“No; we cannot.”

—President Thomas S. Monson

If you want to read or hear more, click on the lds.org link (or the one at the top) and it's right there!

I am so thankful for a church that recognizes and values women. I love those women in our Relief Society General Presidency - and for the words and wisdom that they shared. I needed to hear it all!

I am ESPECIALLY thankful for our prophet, and testify that he is a man who communicates with our Savior so that he can know what we need to not only hear, but to apply it to our life in a way that will actually mean something, and make a difference to ourselves as well as to the people whose lives we touch.

{Turbo-Charged pt.2}

2010-09-19T22:59:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday!

Let's try this again. (*deep breath!*)

An awesome young man. I know I am biased, but he is a really good young man. I have been blessed to have been chosen as his mom. He's got his faults- (oh ya.)- but he is aces.

Dreams big. He dreams of girls, and of the day when he will own a motorcycle, (sure.) and where the Lord will see fit to send him on his mission. He also dreams of owning enough new socks, that he will only have to wear them once (he says he may wash and wear them twice) and then they go to the D.I. That's a big dream. But no matter what his dream is, I love that he's a dreamer.

Dependable is the word. ("...that you heard. It's got groove, it's got meaning...") If I give him a chore or project to get done, it will get done. I don't have to worry about it. Except for cleaning his room. He stinks at that. S.T.I.N.K.S. I'm just sayin'.

Independent. He has always done things in his own time and in his own way. It used to frustrate me, but I know that this is just the way he is. Like, when he was little and got his first bike, he would have nothing to do with training wheels or help. He just went back and forth on the back patio until he could ride. And no swimming lessons for him! Thanks-but-no-thanks! He went to the pool as often as possible and just taught himself. All we could do is cheer him on and just be there if he happened to ask for a little help. Which wasn't often.

Super man. This may be a tad redundant, but he is super. I know that his Uncle Neil has the market on the whole Superman thing, but since Addison is his nephew and takes after Neil so much, the title fits. He is a SuperMan! He is strong, loves his country, and is usually willing to serve others whenever he's needed. And, like his Uncle Neil, he is funny with a great sense of humor, and never smiles normally for a camera. And I love that his main idol is this guy.

(He has this poster hanging on his door - another thing that Neil had too.)

One and only. My one and only child. I never thought that I would only have one child (and a boy at that!) but my Heavenly Father (of course) knew what he was doing when he sent this spirit into my care. He knew what I would need in my life, and for that, I am eternally privileged and thankful. On another note, he is also One smooth dude. He loves music and dancing and working on new looks and moves for the next (now Single Adult) dances. So fun.

Names and places have been issues in his life. He asked me once what names I had picked to choose from, and I told him that I always wanted Wesley as his middle name (it is my dad's dad's middle name) and so I had either Addison or Roman as my main choices. He about freaked when I told him that and asked why I didn't go with Roman because it is an "awesome name!!!" I just told him that he simply didn't look like a Roman - so that's that. He has since kind of adopted that name which he uses with Mickelsen. He uses it on Facebook, and some correspondence. We get a lot of junk mail with that name. In fact, we usually get double the mail - especially from Military recruiters and colleges. One for Addison and one for Roman. As for places - he has been blessed -because of places we've lived- to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower among other countries and sites, as well as things in our own "backyard" like the lovely City of Rocks.

~~But when all is said and done, I know that no matter what name he uses, or where he lives, I know that he will always try to live his life in a way that will honor that name and place. I know. Because Addison, my now 19-year old man-child, you're one of the good ones.~~

And like it or not, you will always be my baby.

{Turbo-Charged}

2010-09-19T14:08:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Kiddo!!

I would have a whole post about you here, but I just spent 2 days off and on working on it, and then just now when I hit preview - it was gone!!

So, now I am so F L I P P I N G mad that I just have to go cool down for a bit.

Do it again.

LATER.

I am sure that the steam coming out of my every orifice would be damaging to the computer.

{Miss Marci}

2010-09-15T09:26:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday!!

Today is the birthday of my oh-so-fabulous sister Marci.

I am going to embarrass her thoroughly here because as the older sister-

it's my job.

I love this girl.

She is the kind of woman that I want to be.

She is smart, fun, and skinny.

She is a good mom, and a good wife, and a hard worker. (She actually LIKES to pull her weeds in her yard. I can't wrap my brain around that one.)

She is aces at cleaning her house and she does it fast. I guess I get sidetracked too easily when I am cleaning - but she can clean her whole house in the time it takes me to clean one room. That may be a slight exaggeration, but the essence is true. She is awesome!

I love that she will call and talk with me about mundane everyday things in both our lives but make me feel like everything I do or say is important.

I love that I can be myself with her. There is a quote that says "Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there." ~Amy Li

I love that even though we are 6 years apart, I was able to still have fun with her during some of her teenage years. I love that we still were able to share our love of clothes and music and hot guys. We still have a soft spot for the "21 Jump Street" years and for Johnny Depp. And the lovely memory of meeting Richard Grieco in person! *sigh!*

I love that there is someone who loves to talk with me about funny Friends shows and quotes, and The Office (someone who saved the one with Jim & Pam's wedding for months on her dvr so that I could see it when we were there last month), and about the Twilight books.

I love that we have the same taste in movies and books - so I know when I want to share a good one or when she tells me of a good one, I know that it will actually be a good one!

I am so thankful that even though she lives far away from me and even though we have different lifestyles - she is and always will be - the friend of my heart. After all -

she is the only other woman in this world who knows how my mother is.

I love you Marci!

Thanks for being my sister.

This is for you!

(I tried to find the one of Goldimouse and the 3 cats - but couldn't - sorry!)

{Stuff & Nonsense)

2010-09-08T22:48:00.000-06:00

This is just a very random post about things that are gathering dust in my pictures file called "Blog Miscellaneous" where I put stuff that may or may not end up on this blog. I figured I needed to do an update and these didn't require collages or any editing so this is what I have to offer today!

First of all -

this book!

I saw it at the D.I. a few months ago and snatched it right up feeling like I had found a treasure.

See, when I was little - like 6 or 7, I remember going to some people's home for dinner. They must have been friends from the ward or work, but they were a younger family and only had little(r) kids so I was quite bored. The mom asked me if I liked to read and gave me a big book with a huge compilation of Disney stories. It was sectioned by "Tomorrowland", "Fantasyland", etc. complete with all the stories that fall under that category and all the cool "old-school " Disney art that accompanied them. It looked like an old book back then. Anyway, somehow I ended up able to keep the book and treasured it for years and years and have been on the lookout for one such book ever since a few years ago when I realized I didn't have it anymore. It didn't have a cover - just that library binding in a medium blue fabric cover.

Anyway, the book I found is exactly like the blue book as far as the stories that were in that Fantasyland section. So, I have one part of it! It made me happy!

Now this next bit of randomness is a cool idea for a birthday cake!

S'cute no?? Especially if you were having a BBQ or just burgers etc. as part of your party. Or if you were having a 50's era soda-shoppe theme, etc. I was looking at different ideas because A's b-day is in a couple of weeks and he is not a cake lover. We usually get him a Costco cheesecake and he loves that - but I was looking for something a little different this time.

Anyway - it looked like lots of fun...!

This.

LOVE.

It just screams ME~!

Not because I think I sparkle or anything, but I love the idea - it makes me think of "...let you light so shine before men..." and I love chandeliers! Must get it sometime. Oh - and if you've never read her blog, you are truly missing out on some fun and beauty!! Check her out at www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog and she will be a fave!

This is just from my Mary Engelbreit calendar from last year. I have the current one up but I saved my fave pics from last years' and clip them on my fridge. This is one of my all-time faves!

It's so easy for me to feel sorry for myself. I sometimes have to remind Nicki that a lot of things are from her own doing and to get over herself.

This helps remind me her.

My favorite scent from Bath & Body Works.

TWILIGHT WOODS~

Has been for over a year and still continues to make me happy. If I smell bad to anyone else, sorry. But 'til someone tells me to change it, I will use it until I get tired of it!

(I wear my other fave "Love Spell" from VS every few days just to give my life a little excitement.

Ya know, shake things up a bit.)

Ok, so remember this post??

Well, I finally found my own SO. I also put it in my kitchen and I love it!

I found the plain wooden letters at Michaels and painted them red and then threw on some red glitter just for fun.

(Ya-don't look too close or you will say "SO - why doesn't she wash her windows?!?")

So anyway, there you have it. Bits of stuff & nonsense from me to you!

Now, I will leave you with one of my new favorite songs. It's called "Secrets" from OneRepublic.

Enjoy!

Loves!!

{Heat & Beauty}

2010-09-02T23:12:00.000-06:00

Our town was a lot worried last Friday when a huge wildfire erupted behind the mountains south of our town. By the time it was contained Saturday and then finally gone 3 days later, it had burned more than 3700 acres. We really weren't concerned that it would come our direction, but it was still really close and an awesome sight to behold. I went outside and checked on things quite often that night, and around midnight I said a fervent prayer (out in my front yard - in my jammies) that the Lord would put a cloak of protection around all the workers up there helping us out. I heard they were from all over southern Idaho and northern Utah as well as the BLM crews, Forest Service, and who knows who else. I guess they numbered 450+. That's a lot of love. So I sent them mine.

On a lighter note,

a couple of weeks ago, I looked outside and saw this wonder behind the mountains east of us.

I never knew that Oakley could get it's own version of Northern Lights! I ran in and got my camera and got a quick shot (it had started fading already) and within a few minutes, those colors had arranged themselves into this rainbow.

That's our Father in Heaven sending His love.

Soooo beautiful.

Now, on a completely worldly level ~

and just a random add-on ~

Addison took me to see The A-Team at our dollar theater the other night because "..it's awesome and I want you to see it!!" He was right. And while maybe not "awesome" - it was pretty cool and very entertaining. We even forgot to get popcorn!

(Oh - and for all the ladies out there - Bradley Cooper looks seriously HOT in this one.

I think I stopped breathing a couple of times.)

Sooooo beautiful.

{Mission: check!}

2010-08-30T23:39:00.002-06:00

My fabulous Aunt Sherie & her handsome returned missionary!

Welcome Home Elder Tolman!!

My cousin Rick got home from his mission this past Saturday and gave his talk in his home ward yesterday. We were able to go up and see him and the whole Tolman clan.

It was awesome!

I love those cousins and their families and it was so good to reconnect with them!

The reunited cousins: a little taller (if that's possible), a little wiser (well- a LOT wiser for RM Rick!), a little older, but still fun and just as silly!!

{Many Thanks}

2010-08-30T23:14:00.001-06:00

I just want to jot a quick note to say a big THANKS for all the love and comments. Made me feel loved - and there were some days I needed that! Sorry I didn't get posts up before - I had some computer trouble, and I have been working later hours. Plus some days it just feels like time itself is late for something, and it speeds by - leaving me to eat it's dust.

Anyway, loves to you all and thanks again!

{Ends And Beginnings}

2010-08-19T14:27:00.000-06:00

Our family reunions and county fairs times are all coming to a close and it's time for me to get back to life.

We have had a great summer so far and there is much to blog about. My plan is to do several "rewind" posts because I will just do what I can when I can and it may not be in much order.

Hopefully someone out there in blogger-land has missed me, and will make it worthwhile to post things. I mainly do it for my journal/slash/scrapbook but I would be lying if I didn't say that I am a total comment junkie. Your comments are a HUGE part of why I even bother sometimes.

They make me smile!

So, if you've missed me putting anything new on this blog, stay tuned!!!

~Loves~

{Rewind: Graduation!}

2010-07-18T21:19:00.024-06:00

I have so much to blog about but wanted to get this post finished for Addison's graduation.

I canNOT believe it's over.

No more high school.

Sooo weird.

But at the same time, it feels like the right time and right thing to be doing, so I will just roll with it.

Away we roll...

We had an early family party for him a few days before school got out because I got him a 32 GB iTouch for his present, and wanted him to have it before his State golf tournament and his senior class trip to Lagoon for their last day of "school". He was super-excited for it - he wasn't expecting one because he was going to use any money he got for grad gifts to get one. So that was fun for me to do for him.

The day of graduation we just went in to The Upper Crust for dinner. It's his fave place aside from Cafe Rio. It was good to spend that little bit of quiet time with him before the madness that is grad night and the subsequent all nighter that follows.

They had taken their official class cap and gown picture earlier that morning so when they got to the school that evening they were just able to spend some time together as a class for the last time.

Then came The Walk. So surreal.

Shortly after the beginning of the program, the principal stood and asked all the grad's moms to stand and they went around giving us all a rose. Very unexpected and I said to him as I was crying my eyes out "this is NOT cool!" So mean when I was unprepared for that.

He made it across the stage - didn't trip or anything. He did a cute little pose with his diploma as he was walking back to his seat but I missed it because my camera didn't get focused on him before he walked away. Boo!

What a night.

I was - and still am - so thankful for family and friends who there there to support our family - including the Morrisons. We love and appreciate you all!

To Addison -

I am so grateful to be your mom and to be able to see you become the wonderful, awesome, fun, handsome, silly, strong, likable, and dependable young man that you are.

I am so proud.

I love you - more than my feeble words can say.

-Mom

{Fire & Ice}

2010-07-13T00:26:00.001-06:00

The other night my friends and I gathered to my home to have a little dinner and then to see

Eclipse!

We had ravioli, salad and bread sticks - yum! (Bonus for whoever guesses why we had that!)

After the movie we came back for a yummy dessert of (homemade) hot fudge sundaes! My friend brought that to represent both Team Edward (ice cream) and Team Jacob (hot fudge). Sweet!

I had found this partyware from the dollar store and just decorated with candles and books. For a party favor, I gave out these cool cups with the Cullen fam on them and filled them with candy and added my new Edward/Jacob CD compilation. (If anyone wants a copy, just leave a note in a comment.)

Now - random thoughts about the movie:

- I really liked this one. Just about loved it! (In fact "so far" I have seen it twice: once with my sis and once w/ The Girls - and wouldn't mind seeing it again!)

- The actors were soooo much better at their acting skills.

- The hair/makeup/wardrobe was actually awesome and everyone looked terrific! (I mean, Edward actually looked oh-so-dreamy!! Like he is supposed to! I mean, FINALLY!!) (I actually swooned in this one when he came on screen!)

- I loved that they put Rosalie's and Jasper's back stories in as well as the werewolves origins. That was fun to watch.

- Speaking of Jasper: where have you been dude?!? It was soooo good to finally see you in this movie. You were pretending to be well, whatever (??) - in the others (movies). I can honestly say that you were adorable in this one.

- I still love Charlie.

- The new Victoria was good, but I think Emily is right, she didn't come across as mean as the other one.

- The "Riley" guy was a hottie. But it was fun to see Seth drag him over the hill.

- I am glad that they put in the scene about their "virtue" - it was a good message for today's society to hear.

- Loved the proposal. Awww - so sweet.

- Loved the fight scenes. Emmett is a stud. And it was cool the way they had the wolves descend on the newborns!

- Bella still bugged me a little but not near as much as before. Except when she told Jacob "kiss me!". Drama drama drama.

- Still was easy to look at Jacob. ("I wanna bake cookies on your stomach!")

- Still Team Edward.

I'm sure there is more I could think of but I don't want to bore anyone. If you haven't seen it, go!

(Marci - I am soooo happy that we finally got to see one of these movies together!! - Love you!!)

{A Three Week Party}

2010-07-04T19:18:00.000-06:00

All my siblings just left this morning from a 3 week long (almost) reunion! We had fun and I got to hug and kiss on my nieces and nephews so that made it perfect! More coming soon!

{Chocolate Weekend}

2010-06-21T12:05:00.004-06:00

This Saturday was Oakley's Annual Chocolate Festival - which is a fundraiser for the local library. It coincides with the annual Tour of Homes. Oakley boasts a variety of old Victorian homes, and every year they get 5 or 6 people to open their homes for tours. A few years ago, they decided to tour some new homes that had been built or remodeled, and that was a hit as well, so now they take turns: one year it's the old homes, and the next is the new. This was a "new" year.

Anyway, since Rich & Cheri and kids are here (more on that soon), we wanted to go on the tour so Cheri could be tempted further to move here. (ALWAYS a method to our madness)

We were in our friend Krista's super-awesome home and saw this quote on her counter. It is one of the best (well, funniest) ones I've seen about women.

“Women are angels ~ and when someone breaks our wings

we simply continue to fly…

on a broomstick…

We're flexible like that.”

Love it!!

So, ya! A good weekend. Like I mentioned, Chocolate, cute homes, R&C & Fam are here, Kyle & Fam got here last night, and Addison got his Patriarchal Blessing tonight. (And yes, I cried through the whole thing. It was amazing!) I am so proud of the great young man he is!

What a great weekend!

{Super Man}

2010-06-19T22:54:00.006-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEIL!!!!

Even though I don't know if he reads my blog (because I never get comments from him), I just wanted to wish my fabulous baby brother a happy birthday!!!

He is an awesome man and a terrific father and hubby.

He is a good example to me and especially to my son.

He has made good choices in his life that bring him constant blessings both in work and home.

He made the right choice about his dear wife and he (& she) always gives my parents the respect they deserve.

He has a wonderful sense of humor and I love any time I can hang out with him.

He's my fellow Friends and The Office "quoter" - (as well as other movies and such.)

And no matter what he does or how old he gets,

he will always be the little guy wearing his Superman Under-roos as regular clothes.

Complete with red galoshes and a cape.

Sweet.

LOVE YOU NEIL!!

{New Pic}

2010-06-18T23:28:00.000-06:00

Just needed something more Springy-Summery.

We will now return to our regular programming.

{New Blood}

2010-06-12T23:01:00.001-06:00

First of all, how did I not know StephMeyer was coming out with another book related to Twilight????!?!?!??

I saw this yesterday when we were at Costco and thought I was imagining things or that someone had written another parody of one of the books. I snatched it up and had to examine it thoroughly just to be sure.

Sheesh!

I finished it this afternoon, and that was in between coats of paint on my front door, planting flowers, cleaning and re-organizing parts of my kitchen, doing laundry, etc.

Not saying I am a fast worker, because I am not. But that's how short a read this book is.

Dang!

It was really good though!

So fun to re-visit my fave story from anther angle!!

Yesssssssssssssss...

(18 more days! Who's with me?)

{Just In Case You Need This Message}

2010-06-11T20:23:00.000-06:00

"No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted...The trials of this life will ultimately lead to joy if we patiently trust in God's plan and discover how to use adversity to grow stronger...All that we suffer and endure purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God..."

~Larry Richman, March 2010 Ensign

(This was on our "quote of the week" on our sacrament meeting program last week. I just liked the message.)

{Fine. Go!}

2010-06-09T23:18:00.000-06:00

Our friend and fellow party-girl is moving with her cute fam to greener (actually browner) pastures.

They up and decided more or less "spur-of-the-moment" to move to St. George!

("what the WHAT?!?!")

We are excited for her, but will miss her and her family a lot!!

Good luck guys!

Loves and good wishes sending you on!!

(Thanks for the fun girls-night-out tonight!!)

(Oh, and thanks for letting me steal these pics from your blog!!!)

{My Baby, The Elder}

2010-06-06T14:21:00.003-06:00

Holey Moley! Another milestone.

Another "check" on the list of "Things To Accomplish As You Grow Up".

My son, my baby boy, was ordained an Elder today in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

(Click here to find out more)

My Dad, his Opa, layed his hands on his head and gave him a special blessing. (Others in the circle were Bishop Whiteley, (cousin) Kevin Morrison, Craig Hawker (his Young Men leader), Larry Hinds (Addison's been his Home Teacher for years), & Bro. Wyatt (our High Counselman). The main focus of his blessing was that Addison is well-loved and respected by all he comes in contact with and that he will be able to use that love and capacity to love to serve others. Thanks for that awesome blessing Dad (Opa)!!
One of Addison's friends was ordained today as well, and since we are good friends with his family, It was very special and the Spirit was strong in that room.

Addison is not a crier, and mostly teases me when I cry in movies, testimony meetings, etc. But today, he felt the Spirit so strongly that he was weeping openly after the blessing. So sweet! So strong is the power of the Priesthood, and being worthy to receive blessings of this magnitude.

How proud I am of him. I can't even type this for the tears.

I have been so blessed to be his mom, and to be even a little responsible for building up a soldier for the Army of Helaman. A silly soldier sometimes, but a good one. (Why he thinks the jail pose is funny?? Idk.)
By the way, do you just love the D.I. Special suit he bought? It's polyester, circa early 70's. He is cool.
A BIG THANKS to everyone who was a part of this day. To those who couldn't be here, we missed you!

Nicki & Co.

{So Good}

Olive Cheese Bread

Ingredients

Preparation Instructions

The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake. Ever. Amen.

Ingredients

Preparation Instructions

{And If You Have A Minute}

{Pictures & Stuff}

{It's New To Me}

{Another Moon}

{Happy!}

{*Merry*}

{Days Go By}

{Blustery Day}

{Spending Time}

{What To Say...}

{Whew!}

{Partied Out}

{Party On}

{Sorry...}

{Oh The Memories We Will Have...}

{See Ya Em}

{Sparkle & Light}

{Lights}

{Saturday...}

{Good Night}

{Get It - Got It}

{PH 70}

{Too Old? Never!}

{Music To My Ears}

{Sweet Sabbath}

{Sing For Your Supper}

{Thanks Em}

{Miraculous}

{testing...}

{And Then I Blinked}

{A Sunday Something}

{Oakley Days: Again}

{Still Kickin'}

{Pinning For You}

{Sunny Days}

{Apologies & Bull}

{Water Water Everywhere}

{Sweet Music}

{Dreams}

{Mom}

{Good Tale...}

{Fairy Tale}

{Sweetness}

{The Wooden Seat}

{Cute & Cleverness}

{What's For Lunch?}

{Think Happy}

{That's A Nice Hat!}

{Another Letter Of Apology}

{Miss This}

{Happy!}

{So Full - Of Thanks!}

{Blank}

{Only A Test}

{Enough Already!}

{FOTFL)

{A Hungry Read}

{Going!}

{Be Nice}

{Turbo-Charged pt.2}

{Turbo-Charged}

{Miss Marci}

{Stuff & Nonsense)

{Heat & Beauty}

{Mission: check!}

{Many Thanks}

{Ends And Beginnings}

{Rewind: Graduation!}

{Fire & Ice}

{A Three Week Party}

{Chocolate Weekend}

{Super Man}

{Merry}