What a week!

Is it really Tuesday?
This last week I was a bit too lazy on a few things and OCD about others . . . pretty normal I guess . . . I think I kicked my Hebrew Test in the tush yesterday . . . and made a super yummy chicken salad for dinner and had fun hanging out with Toph . . . so yes Monday was good . . . moving on to Tuesday . . . hit the alarm clock and had to rush to class after waking up late . . . I think one of the guys in my class never fully woke up this morning and was snoozing away on the second row for at least an hours worth of class! My Professor even commented on it . . . I would be mortified! He finally woke up when everyone was leaving! Why even come to class if you are going to be so disrespectful and why choose a seat up front to boot? Menschenskinder peeps! This shirt applies to the boy through and through!
Fall is definitely rolling in! The mountains look amazing and it is supposed to be FREEZING tomorrow! (fun, fun!) I decided to pull out our halloween decorations today and feel all festive now! (I am slacking this year on holiday decor . . . I took down my easter wreath only a month ago and am usually on the ball with holidays!) I LOVE Halloween! I love making spooky treats . . . pots of delish chili and drinking hot cider!
I just finished designing Ima-Lou's cake and will be tickled pink if I can pull it off! We will see! Everyone just have the best day ever!

Birthday cake and cookbook excitment!

Toph and I were super excited to bust away for a few days and head up to Nibley to celebrate Grandma Liechty's 80th birthday! It was super fun and I was super excited to make a birthday cake for such a spunky, sweet lady!It was fun to see family and chill with our northern clan a bit . . . including making a Sunday drive around the valley and visiting Martin Harris' grave site and the surrounding towns. We also finally made it to the famous Angie's for breakfast where Grandpa Brownie used to go everyday! Great food and great place kiddles! We recommend it! Most of you already have heard (most likely from my mom . . . ;) that I have the first recipe in the new Worldwide Ward Christmas Cookbook! It was a fun surprise since I had no idea that they had chosen one of my recipes! Heads up everyone you too can send in a recipe!!! Go for it! Hope everyone has a wonderful week! I loved the message below . . . check it out for a gospel hug!

Signers of the Declaration of Independence

I got this in an e-mail for July 4th, but I think it is worth posting as a reminder . . .Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; Another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes to silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: freedom is never free!

I am currently reading Thomas Paines Common Sense, If you have never read it I encourage you to do so to gain an even greater understanding of what these men stood for!

Must see movie!

Today we brought an amazing movie, that we found the other night for our movie night, to SG to watch with the Parry clan. We HIGHLY recommend watching it! It is an amazing reminder of those who serve in the military, their courage and sacrifice and the sacrifices of their family members and those that they serve with! I hope you get the opportunity to watch "Taking Chance." We all thought that it was very tastefully done and made me even more grateful for those who defend our country and our freedom!

Hotel Info . . .

So I have had a little experience working in the hospitality industry while going to college . . first as a waitress (oh loved that time . . .) and currently in the hotel industry and I have a few little hints for you . . . so family and friends as you start planning vacations and looking for deals on travel and hotel rooms here are a few helpers and things to be aware of . . .

- Be aware of "discount" internet sites! I can't tell you how many times people have come in thinking that their room was already paid for and low and behold the site that they made reservations on (while popular and advertised by actors and actresses or little figurines) does not have an account with our facility even though they sold guests a room!
- Discount internet sites often times have "hidden" or additional charges for making reservations. A gentleman called me the other day to check to see if his reservation had been canceled as he requested to the site that he made the reservation with. Not only had they failed to cancel the reservation (ie he would have been charged for failing to cancel it within the required time period) they had charged him a $28.00 booking fee for making the reservation that he had failed to notice in the fine print and it was not reimbursed to him even when he canceled!
- It takes a lot of time and money to keep hotels up . . . so most times you get what you pay for! Their usually is a BIG difference between a room advertised for $32.00 and $79.00!
- Now is a good time to book rooms because of the economy! You will most likely be able to call the hotel and get a good deal. Most are fairly open to a little negotiating right now.
- Join hotel clubs! You can get discounts, points, free stays, upgrades etc. It is painless and easy! Most people prefer staying with certain hotel chains because of the benefits offered by clubs!
- If you have AAA or are a member of AARP or work for the Government check for discounts! (Hint hint, police officers, etc.) You will need a valid and ID and proof of membership!
- Breakfast . . . this is a kicker for hotels right now especially . . . most hotels are trying to win guests with breakfast. Call or check online to see what is offered and consider this while accounting the cost of the room. You need breakfast so rather than paying more by eating out . . . eat at the hotel offered breakfast and save $$.
- Check reservations! Don't just check online! Call the hotel and make sure that they received your reservation. Just because you received an e-mail and confirmation number does not mean that it really went through! This happens ALOT! Some sites are scammers, no matter how popular they are or fail to cancel reservations. Call and make sure your reservation is correct too!
- Walk-ins. It is always best to have a reservation ensuring that you have a room, but walking in can sometimes save you big time . . . depending on how busy the hotel is and the season. You would be amazed how open to negotiation some hotels can be over price or on upgrades.
- For a happy staff/stay . . . if you have any problems let the staff know immediately and don't be afraid to ask to switch rooms if anything is wrong! But remain calm and polite! Most hotels do all that they can to make a guests stay as comfortable as possible and have toiletries ie razors, shampoo, toothbrushes etc for guests if you forget anything.
- Report pets! If you have a pet let the staff know! Don't sneak one in or assume that they accept pets! Check ahead of time WITH THE STAFF! Some sites may advertise hotels as being pet friendly that no longer are! You can and will be charged if you fail to notify the staff that you have a pet (of any kind). Plus they ALWAYS find out (!!!) from other guests, other staff members, the room condition etc. Be respectful and honest.
-Cancellation. Find out the cancellation policy! If you are held up by emergencies or weather most hotels are fairly understanding and won't charge you! Some policies state that the room must be sold to another guest before cancellations will be enforced.
-Staff. Last but NOT least . . . be nice to the hotel staff! If they are being horrible that is one thing but remember that it is not their fault that they don't know your favorite cereal and don't serve it at breakfast or that you clogged your toilet at 2am. They honestly want to make you happy (otherwards they get their heads eaten off and get to deal with oh so happy you!).

Overall just inform yourself and never be afraid to call the hotel and check on anything and everything!!! (I should write a book . . . it would be shocking the stories that I have heard and could tell!)

Photo session giveaway . . .

My darling and talented sister in law Brandi is doing a photo session give away! Check out her photo blog by clicking here! She did our family photos and they turned out wonderful!!!

Wisdom from the past . . .

Thomas Jefferson is one of my favorite people in history! When I was in 8th grade I went to visit his home, Monticello, and became obsessed! If I see a book about him I read it! I think that he was incredibly inspired and had his on head straight in regards to what the United States needed (still needs). I wish that our country followed his counsel, I think that we would be in a much better boat if we did! My Mutti sent me these quotes . . . I second all of them!


When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe .
Thomas Jefferson

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
Thomas Jefferson

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
Thomas Jefferson

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. Thomas Jefferson

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
Thomas Jefferson

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
Thomas Jefferson

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
Thomas Jefferson

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
Thomas Jefferson

Very Interesting Quote

In light of the present financial crisis, it's interesting to read what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:

'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.'