Wanted: Spring

I went on a field trip with my Utah Geography class last week and we did a little exploring . . . here are a few pics . . . now if only the weather was like that today!!! Lund: I really like this picture!
Dinosaur tracks in the Parowan gap . . . Yes Utah is an exciting place kids!

Utah's Unique Mormon Culture

This is a video that I made for my education technology class . . . yes I know that my voice sounds drab la . . . la. . . la . . . I just wanted to get it done after working on it FOREVER!!! Anywho . . . after this much work I had to share . . .

Day makers . . .

Day Makers

-Walking across campus under an umbrella of pine trees glistening with raindrops
-The amazing smell right after it rains
-Mom and Erin coming up and hanging out (awesome!)
-Watching "Iron Eagle" and remembering what a great soundtrack it has
-My house smells like cake!!! (I am making a wedding cake)
-YW activity last night, making bracelets with my Beehives and listening to them go on and on about boys!!!
-Taking those boy crazy girls to the DQ afterwards
-The fact that it is not snowing right now!
-Getting pictures of the nieces and nephews texted to me
-Actually getting out of bed when my alarm went off today
-The way that Emma's cake base turned out! (Great idea Mom and Velv . . . it looks awesome!!!)
If anyone is desperately bored and needs to get away for a bit you are more than welcome to come by Thursday and hang out while I fondant and decorate 4 tiers of chocolately cake goodness . . .

Finals are OVER!!! Pillow re-vamp . . .

Sweet Caroline Finals are OVER!!! Bittersweet for me . . . especially since I was so pumped for my math test AND the front side of my 5x7 card proved useless . . . since the test covered basically everything that I was less than confidant about . . . anywho at this point I just want to graduate and be done with school! What I really want to do now is paint something . . . I am just in a crafty mood . . . happens when I get super stressed. Oh . . . day maker. . . Toph picked me up after my final and had a dozen roses, a cherry coke zero, peanut butter M&M's, and tropical Mike and Ikes waiting on the front seat. I have such a sweet hubby!!!So anywho I gave our living room throw pillows a makeover. They turned out fun and were a hayload of work (they are even cuter in person!!!) . . . but they calmed my nerves a bit and now I told Toph we need to go thrift store shopping and find something to paint red . . . yeah he is not too thrilled with the idea . . . but check this sight out and tell me that you are not inspired to re-vamp something!!! Tonight we went on a hot date and saw "Old Dogs" = FUNNY, chowed down at Chili's and watched Julie and Julia. Toph stayed awake through the whole thing!!! Miracle of miracles! Watch out because now I just want to cook! Fudge must be made sometime!

The COLD is coming!

It is supposed to get COLD here this week!!! As in enjoy the last "nice" day of sunshine and pleasant temps before the winter gray rolls in and brings with it slushy slippery sidewalks, piles of heavy wet snow, having to leave for anything 15 minutes earlier to make it on time and alive, and jeans that are muddy and soaked along the cuffs and up the legs! I believe that is what I just so look forward to each winter . . . . wet, dirty pant legs, no . . . no . . . correction= having wet dirty pant legs while trudging across campus sliding on ice and feeling like a wet dog while looking worse! Oh winter! Welcome again, come on in . . . bring on the gray!On a lighter note we did manage to make it up the mountain once more before the roads turn into slip and slides, and finally made it to the livestock parade for the first time and watched the sheep scamper down mainstreet! Quite exciting!

It makes me want to . . .

Okay kids! I was studying like crazy for a test tomorrow . . . needed a break and got hooked on watching a certain amazing interior decorating show . . . and then my brain started thinking faster (in this case yes this did happen) and I began imagining projects to do one day!

I get a little "to Wanda" in me sometimes and want to pull everything off my walls and rearrange everything, this usually happens when Toph is watching the game, or at midnight and I just get in the mood for a change . . . I am afraid that this may one day escalate when we own a home and Toph will come home to find me hacking tile off of our fireplace: to re tile/stone it, tearing up carpet: for tile or hardwood, moving furniture: to paint, or who knows what else!

Whenever I see all of the new styles and colors of tile, especially the little cubes that are all taped together waiting to become a kitchen back splash or surround a fireplace I especially want to do something! Some of the designs are kind of "edgy" . . . and it makes me want a black (or brown) and white cowhide looking chair, or to gather multi colored bottles, vases and jars and create an amazing shelf display . . . one day . . . until then I am content scouting out more pillows, having a red (yes I said red . . . oh yes edgy indeed) end table in my living room, and simply dreaming of the day when I put up multicolored metallic looking glass tiles as a kitchen back splash. (of course by then I am sure that a whole new image while spring up in my mind . . .) Until then I am sure that my husband will grimace a bit at the visions that I share and smile while hoping that my sanity returns soon! Just think Toph . . . we'll be like Sean Thornton and Mary Kate Danaher . . . only instead of planting roses we will be laying tile! What a dream!

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!

Being Me Means . . .

- Still having to have my pants hemmed even when buying the "short" or "petite" sizes.
- In order to fall asleep the sheets on our bed have to be perfectly tucked and folded (Drives Toph CRAZY!!!)
- Having to have someone their to watch a movie with . . . in case it is scary.
- Experiencing bliss after getting my haircut!
- Knowing that at least one of my sisters will have the answer to my questions, or make me laugh or smile during blips in my day!
- Spontaneous breakfasts in bed prepared by my handsome hubby.
- Feeling amazing accomplishment after scrubbing the shower!
- Always being willing to try out new recipes . . . and share them with friends.
- Having a good book on hand . . . always!
- Having purple hands from mixing black fondant.
- Having new book ideas floating in my mind . . . especially when getting ready each morning!
- Always being ready to hang with my girls, friends, hubs, and fam!

Okay! Now what does "being you mean?"

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!

Bumble Bee Birthday Cake!

I am a cake baking fool sometimes! One of the amazing ladies that I visiting teach had a birthday today . . . so I decided to make her a cake! It was a blast to make to say the least . . . although my hands are purple and hot pink from making black fondant for the bees! (I got a little carried away with the coloring gel . . .) I just enjoy it . . . so if you need one done and I can accommodate you please let me know (the sooner the better since school is starting and then I have to really plan ahead!) I am a little hesitant on very detailed carved cakes after working on Mr. T's transformer truck! But chances are I wouldn't say no! I am now game to find a good pumpkin chocolate chip cake recipe! Anyone have one? Oh and I vote that we have a cake night sometime and get together and share ideas and decorate some cakes . . . anyone game? Oh and I have to add my little day maker . . . my little sister Erin was babysitting my older sisters 3 boys and Mr. Adorable B wanted her to text me and say thanks for watching them!!! (we played Aunt and Uncle stayover while their parents went to Mexico) Melt my heart!

Fish Lake Reunion 2009

So Toph and I were only able to make it to the Christensen Family Reunion for Saturday and Sunday . . . but we still of course had a blast AND I am happy to report that this year rather than getting my record 47 bug bites . . . I only got 4! It was awesome seeing the whole crazy clan! I am so blessed to have amazing relatives and I am so grateful for my amazing Aunts, Uncles, and cousins who are always a riot to hang with and have always been such positive examples in my life! (Shawn thank you for sharing your testimony!) Oh, and if I had known that you all wanted stuffed mushrooms I would have made you all some . . . next year folks, next year! One of the best parts was when Conner suddenly dunked his hat in the creek and soaked my mom! Man can she run! It was great . . . had to be their! Okay here are a few highlights from this years gathering . . .

Celebrating the 24th . . .

For the 24th this year we invited the SG crew up for a little breakfast and parade action! This year I found a recipe for Brigham Young's favorite doughnuts . . . so of course I had to try my hand at making them . . . and they were a delight! I also made chocolate cake doughnuts, banana muffins, and some cheese danishes . . . we had fun watching the parade and then headed out to the Parowan Petroglyphs! Hope everyone had as much fun as we did!

Day makers and Breakers . . .

(Making a Volcano with Auntie Em and uncle Toph = Priceless!)

Day Makers . . .
1- My little sister bought me cherry blossom branches on her vaca because she knew that it has been my hearts desire to have a vase full of them since last spring!!!
2- My mom bought me John Wayne salt and pepper shakers on her vaco in rado and a rockin' bottle of wild blossom honey!!!
3- Handsome hubby looking oh so cute laughing at my mom's vaca stories Sunday and melting my heart all over again!
4- Watching three of the most amazing little men in the world this week! Loved it! Austy-bug I could rock you to sleep anytime!
5- Watching my hubs beam every time he talks to Dad L.!
6- Cookbook surfing/planning my grocery list!

Day Breakers . . .
1- Need I say it . . . oh, the pain . . . the treachery and betrayal . . . Mutti, Blondie and Velv going to Harry Potter 6 without us . . . !!! Shame, shame!
2- Digging what looked like a little mound of "mud" out of my front door wreath to discover that it was A. larvae or B. gooey eggs of some type! He-bee ge-bees!
3- Being woken up with a frantic call from work . . . and a sore throat!
4- Being a little shocked with some of the muck on friends/acquaintances/mission peeps/etc. blogs, facebooks and websites!!! What the hannah peeps? Keep it clean!

July 4th & Vegas trip survived!

Hey kiddles . . . the parade here starts at 9:00 am so if you plan on coming up be EARLY so we can get a good spot . . . plus Mutti and I were talking about having a picnic in the park by my house (or where ever) afterwards (or we could simply go to the PF) and then doing whatever . . . anyone want to come? I thought about making cinnamon rolls for breakfast or whatever . . . we could go to the old Iron town ruins and or the Iron Mission Park etc. I believe Bran and Jar are going to Kannara so whoever needs something to do come on up!- Vegas trip! The happy beginning of the day photo . . . everyone was ready to pass out by the time we made it back to SG! The kids were fun and loved it all! I think the "gals" were glad when it was over! (No more chucky cheese please!) Highlights included seeing "Jack Sparrow," mom getting excited everytime she saw police arresting someone (its in her blood . . . she was ready to jump out and help!) "Scuba Steve" in the aquarium, our amaizng waitress at lunch (she put up with our crazy bunch like a champ) and driving through "the hood."

Toph had a birthday shout hooray!

Today we celebrated Toph's Geburtstag with a game of golf (during which I was toasted to a lovely dark red color . . . yes . . . I know that I have been pasty white since my mish, thank you so much for often pointing that out to me everyone!) and scored . . . well you don't need to know my score, just know that I had some good swings/shots and learned that the key to me hitting the ball is to "keep my head down!"We went out to lunch afterward, took a nap (mmmmm!) and then went to the movie "Up." Mensch it was darling! I think I started crying 2 minutes into it! The cute part was during the previews the little kids in the theater were going crazy over the 3-D effects! It was so much fun! We of course rounded out the day with birthday cake and some scrumdiddlyumptious dinner! I made Toph a "Giant Chocolate Cookie Cake!" It was delish and a day kiddles! Happy Birthday again handsome hubby!

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!