Wacky Wednesday- cute goodbyes

I remember saying "see you later, alligator" and "after while crocodile" but the rest of these were new to me.  My personal new favorite is "Toodle-loo Kangaroo."  My granddaughter seems like she's more of a "bye bye butterfly" girl, but since she's only 3 months old, we'll have to see.  Maybe I'll just memorize all of them and say them all, they are so cute.

Tuesday miTunes-Walk in the Sun

This is a mellow song by a band called McFly.  I love to walk in the sun on a brisk morning.  It's summer now, but I know it will soon be cool.  I also like to walk slowly sometimes-not for exercise, but just to renew myself.  I don't usually take my phone unless it's just to listen to music.  And when I want to think,  I like to go by myself.

Monday Messages-Yarrow's Boy

My daughter and son-inlaw's friend made this film at BYU Idaho.  I love the whole concept of fighting doubt and darkness with light.  The film is fictional, but the idea is very real.  I really like how they talk about shadows and how to dissipate them.  The light is powerful and exists inside each of us.  We can make it stronger by doing those things that increase the light-those things that make us more like He who is the "Light of the World."

Sunday Blessings-opposition

It is strange to think of opposition as a blessing.  But knowledge of opposition helps us see the good, seek the good and appreciate the good.  I am so grateful that we don't have to experience ALL the opposition in the world though. But in overcoming our weaknesses and trials, we can learn from them not to repeat our mistakes and we can help others to overcome similar challenges.  Sometimes my greatest gratitude is from watching the trials of others and learning what their experience has taught them.  Sometimes my gratitude is from my own experiences and I try hard to be sure I learn what I need to learn.  Sadly, sometimes it takes me multiple times to learn.   I am grateful to learn though.

Saturday quotes-Hope

Hope is one of my favorite things to study.  It is a lot like faith, but to me it encompasses so much more.  Some think of hope as having a hint of uncertainty or doubt, but a more accurate definition is found on lds.org and says:

 "Hope is the confident expectation of and longing for the promised blessings of righteousness. The scriptures often speak of hope as anticipation of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. " 

Hope is not the uncertainty, it is the assurance that provides confidence.  Our own doubts cause the uncertainty and the light of Christ is the hopeful, more certain part of our soul.  The scriptures also talk of having a "perfect brightness of hope."  This is the kind of hope I want to have, which gives us the assurance that it will all be worth it in the end.  Hope makes me believe in happy endings. It is hope that helps me "try it one more time."

Friday Favorites-Top 5 Disney Princesses and what we can learn from them.....

Who doesn't love Disney Princesses?  They sure have come a long way from those helpless,  "someday my prince will come" girls waiting for someone else to save them.  My 14 year old daughter and I came up with our list of Top 5 and the lessons they can teach us.

5.  Tiana-from The Princess and the Frog
She is a girl who works really hard to make her dreams come true and to fight evil.  This is great for my daughters and granddaughters to realize because I come from a long line of very hard-working, capable women.

4.  Mulan-from Mulan
She is a girl who is very courageous and who doesn't give up or give in even when things are hard.  She loves her family and her country and ends up saving many because she was smart enough to come up with a plan and brave enough to lead the way to accomplish it.  As the world changes, we need girls who are smart and courageous, especially who have courage to stand up for truth and righteousness.

3.  Merida-from Brave
She is a girl who is resourceful and determined.  When she realized her mistake, she did all she could to make it right.  We all make mistakes, but not everyone admits to them, apologizes and makes restitution to those we have hurt.  She doesn't give up easily either.  We all need to have some of her spunk, wit and perseverance.

2.  Belle-from Beauty and the Beast
She is a sweet girl who sacrifices for her father and who serves with her heart.  She also loves books and learning.  She is genuine and honest in her feelings and is tender-hearted enough to fall in love with a beast.  The beast changes because of her kindness.  She brought light into his dark life and in the end they were perfect for each other.  I hope my girls learn not to judge people on outward appearances.   You never know what terrible things they have had to bear and a little kindness can make all the difference.  A love of learning helps us understand ourselves better and how to deal with the world around us.

1.  Rapunzel-from Tangled
She is amazingly talented and capable, but humble and trusting.  She accomplishes a lot in a day and uses a frying pan for more than just cooking.  She brings out the good in the people she meets and they want to help her.  She was born a princess but doesn't remember.  Eventually, she makes it back to the King and Queen. Even though she was betrayed by someone who was supposed to protect her, she doesn't let that sour her sweet personality.   I remember being taught as a girl that I am the daughter of a King but I can't remember Him.  He is the Father of my spirit and I lived with Him before this life.  He thinks of me and wants me to return to Him.  Like the lanterns for Rapunzel, He has given me lights to follow that will help me return to Him someday.  This is also what I want my girls to know.  Those lights can be scriptures, songs, stories or people that help us return to our home in heaven that will become familiar the moment we return.

Thursday-Tips & Tricks-drinking water in the morning

Wacky Wednesday-homemade smores mix

I found a great smores mix at WalMart already made for $4.98.  But you can also make your own with Golden Grahams cereal, chocolate and white chips, and mini crunchy marshmallows (found at Target). It tastes best when you melt some chocolate and drizzle over the mixture so it kind of clumps.

You'll be surprised how good it tastes-and it's healthy too (well it has cereal in it doesn't it?).

Tuesday miTunes-Brand New Day

This song is by a relatively new artist named Joshua Radin.  I like to watch the sunrise, but usually I like sleep better.  So I don't often see it, especially in the summer.  But whenever I go on a road trip and leave before the sun is up, I long to see the first gleam on the horizon turn to golden hues as the sun peaks over the landscape.  And I like to play this song because it reminds me that every day is new and a chance to be the person I want to be.  No matter what yesterday was like, today is a "brand new day."

Monday Messages- The Starfish

The Starfish

It was still early, the mist had not yet cleared from the sea. In the distance, a solitary figure stood throwing objects out over the water.

Oh yes, he replied. It matters to this one.

Walking along the debris strewn beach, I looked at the masses of starfish scattered everywhere. The tide had thrown them in, stranding them on the beach. As the sun rose higher, they would soon perish.

Approaching the stranger, I could see that it was a starfish he was picking up and returning to the sea.

Our eyes met!

"Do you really think you can help? There are millions of starfish on this beach. You can help so few. Does it really make a difference? Does it matter?"

He reached down and picked up another starfish, looking at it intently.

"Oh yes," he replied. "It matters to this one."

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I think when we focus on doing things that matter and connecting with  just one person, we become more like Jesus Christ than the most dynamic, highly revered evangelist or the most widely-read, highly acclaimed author because that is how he ministered-to the one.

Sunday Blessings-my ancestors

I am so grateful for those who came before me.  I am honored that several of my ancestors wrote about their lives.  I come from LDS pioneer heritage that includes Thomas Grover-mentioned in the Doctrine and Covenants here:  Doctrine & Covenants 124:132  who served on one of the first High Councils of the church.
Another ancestor was Joel Hills Johnson, who wrote the words to the song High on the Mountain Top and other LDS Hymns.
But some of my most treasured stories are of people like Susan Ellen Johnson who was such a strong woman at a young age and who crossed the plains by herself as a teenager and most of the way was without shoes.  And Susan Chantrill who was a teacher in Idaho and Northern Utah and was so loved that she taught school and then tutored children into her 70's.  Also, Nephi Martineau's wonderful stories of the miracles of his mission to Kentucky, where he traveled without money in his pocket nor travel plans.

It is in living a good life and following their examples of faith, endurance and charity that I can honor them, be grateful for them and be ready to meet them in the next life.

Saturday quotes-Mother Teresa

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
― Mother Teresa


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I really like this quote, however I guess some say it is falsely attributed to Mother Teresa.  But even if she didn't say it, she lives it.  To me, her life of service is greater than the best quote anyway.

Friday Favorites-Summer

 Here are my favorite things about summer:
beach
popsicles
picnics
garage sales
sandals and flip flops
lemonade
fireworks
chicken salad
sunglasses
ice cream
sprinklers
campfires
gardens
butterflies
farmer's market
fresh fruit
vacations
barbecues
ladybugs
dandelions
stargazing
daisies
watermelon
pool
summer storms
birds
kites
sunshine

Thursday Tips & Tricks-Happy Birthday to Me Box

Okay, so sometimes we expect too much of our family and friends on our special day.  If we lower our expectation a bit, then we can be pleasantly surprised with the perfect gift or just that anyone remembered at all.  My experience is that it is a rare thing when we get something we were hoping to get secretly in our hearts, is the perfect thing and it becomes a treasured remembrance of that person's kindness and love.  And then there are times when a card, an email, facebook message or even a text is all we get from those we expected to make our birthday a happy one.
But who knows you better than YOU?  By giving to yourself, you take the burden of making it a Happy Birthday off others and realize it's up to you.
 Buy or make a special birthday box to keep in your closet and throughout the year put things in it for yourself to enjoy later.  Here's some ideas:

Gift card for your favorite restaurant (take yourself there on your Birthday if you don't have other plans)
Gift card for a favorite store (I love Target)
Book you wanted to read
Great smelling soaps (Bath and Body Works is my favorite)
Favorite candy
DVD to watch on your birthday
Crazy pen that makes you smile
Bath fizzies
Old Birthday cards that people wrote nice things about you in (start saving those)
Music CD or iTunes gift card
Favorite Magazine (or a subscription)
Flowers sent to your office (sign from "someone who loves you a lot")
Plaque with a saying you like
Pretty journal or notebook
Tickets to a play, concert or show

Remember to treat yourself nicely on your day.  See The purpose of this Blog

Wacky Wednesday-Wacky Cake recipe (no eggs)

My friend Elisabeth used to make this cake because she didn't always have eggs, but the rest of the ingredients are usually around.  She was a little wacky, but I miss her.    She took me  on many adventures-my favorite was taking 3 buses from the suburbs through downtown San Diego and going to the beach for the day-we were too young to drive.  I probably wouldn't have done that myself or even thought I could.  We've lost contact over the years and I'm not sure where she is now, but whenever I make wacky cake, I think of her.

Wacky Cake
Recipe courtesy Gale Gand

Prep Time:15 minInactive Prep Time: -- Cook Time:35 min
Level:  Easy
Serves:  16 servings

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups flour
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon white vinegar
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup cold water

Directions
Preheat 350 degrees F.

Place the dry ingredients in a bowl. Make 3 small holes in the mixture. Pour the vanilla in one hole, the vinegar in another and vegetable oil in another. Pour water over the top and mix. Pour into a lightly greased 8 by 8 inch pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.



Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com

Tuesday miTunes-Here Comes the Sun

I went through a Beatles phase in High School with my friend Paula.  I liked all the stuff from their younger days.  This is my favorite Beatles song because of the words.  We all have times when "it's been a long, cold lonely winter" (sometimes literally and sometimes figuratively) but Spring always comes again, year after year.  I'll do a separate blog on my perspective of the seasons and moving from San Diego to Denver.  But this song has given me hope at times when I needed hope.

Monday Messages-Good Things To Come

I love this message.  The idea of visiting our younger self and giving encouragement is powerful.  I would venture to say that no childhood is perfect.  Some people have overcome amazingly difficult things that were heaped upon them at a time when they should have been protected.  The words are powerful in our lives at any age and I can almost hear my much older self coming back to me now to tell me "don't give up.  You keep trying.  There is hope and happiness ahead.  It will be alright in the end...believe in good things to come."

Sunday Blessings-Count Your Blessings

 Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings. Money cannot buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Lyrics by Johnson Oatman, Jr.

Saturday quotes-Helen Keller

If Helen Keller can have such a positive attitude, being blind and deaf since infancy, then surely I can be positive in my daily challenges.  Keeping focused forward on the good things will not only help us not dwell on the negative but not dwell on the past either.  She was truly an inspiring individual.

Friday Favorites-Books for kids to read, then watch the movie

There are lots of books made into movies, but these are my favorites:

For Youngest children:

Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs

Madeline

Winnie the Pooh

The Lorax

Horton Hears a Who

Stuart Little

Charlotte's Web

Babe

Ramona and Beezus

The Tale of Despereaux
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For Middle  children:

Matilda

Coraline

Anne of Green Gables

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

City of Ember

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Jumanji

Nancy Drew

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Nim's Island

Holes

Spederwick Chronicles
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For Older Children:

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Also Prince Caspian and Voyage of the Dawn Treader)

Inkheart

Ella Enchanted

The Borrowers

Cheaper By the Dozen

Pride and Prejudice

Lord of the Rings

Freaky Friday

Percy Jackson series

Little Women

The Princess Diaries

Eragon

Ender's Game (movie comes out this November)

Thursday Tips and tricks-Roadtrip game

Sometimes a simple game helps pass the time, whether in the car or in a line or a waiting room.

This is basically the ABC game with names.  It's fun to think of names of people we all know and we like to divide it into boys names and then play with only girls names.  We always allow fictional characters but we all have to know them.  My kids have used Zelda (the aunt on Sabrina the Teenage Witch-or the video game character) and Queen Latifah (the voice of Ellie the elephant on Ice Age).  We each have to take a letter and we go around starting in order.  If someone wants to pass, they have to do 2 names of the next letter and you only get 1 pass per round of ABC's.  We've also done songs, food, animals, books-whatever keeps them interested.  We do several rounds until we're tired and keeping score is optional.  But my kids know that it is more important to have fun playing the game than to win.

Wacky Wednesday-Normal?

Aren't we all wacky in some way?  What is "normal" anyway?  We just need to do the best we can and realize that we need to laugh at ourselves more.  And being ourselves instead of pretending is so much easier.  We need to be polite and clean and kind but we can still be a little crazy too.

Tuesday miTunes-I Make My Own Sunshine

"I Make My Own Sunshine," by Alyssa Bonagura

Today's tune is one of my favorites right now.  When I heard it on a Lowe's commercial, I had to look it up.  Gratefully, they acknowledged the song in the ad and I downloaded it immediately.  That was last summer and it's been a favorite all through last winter.  Here's a link to the song with lyrics:

I love the idea of making my own sunshine.  To me this is about reaching deep into my soul to change my mood or just not let outside influences put me in a bad mood.  It is a skill that is learned over time.  I invite you to try it.  What makes you happy?  I mean really happy?  If it is a real place, you should take pictures of that place and when you go to that place, make an imprint in your memory.  If it is a place you've never physically been, then use your imagination to see all around that place, smell the essence, feel the weather and warmth.  Make it so real that you can go there anytime you need to or want to.  If it's not a place, but a person, then do the same thing.  Whether they are living close to you or not living any longer, gather every detail about them and make an imprint for yourself.  The mind is a powerful tool that we need to learn how to use in a good way, to remember good things and draw upon the strength of them.  If your happy thing is a thing, then get some, get pictures of it on your phone.  You can do all kinds of things to bring yourself happiness.  Ponder what really makes you happy.

Monday Messages-F. Enzio Bushe

Dreading the day?

Elder F. Enzio Busche (an LDS leader of the church) presented the following advice for living each day to it's fullest. I know some who have watched it daily to help them out of a bad time.  I have printed up the words so I can look at them.  He calls this a tool or a vehicle.  Both are no good unless we use them.  If today is not so bad, just keep this in your sunshine storage for a day when you can use it.

Sunday Blessings

I have so many blessings, but I will share my top 2 for today...

My family is so wonderful.  I love the way they help each other and defend each other and generally like spending time together.  Moving around a lot, I rely more on family and have learned that no matter where you go, they will always be there when you need them.

I am also grateful to know God, who is the Father of our spirits.  He is our Father in Heaven.  I pray to Him daily, through His Son, Jesus Christ.  The Father knew that we would not be perfect in our lives on earth and provided a way that we might be able to return to His presence, because 'no unclean thing' can dwell with God.  The way provided was for someone without blemish to pay the price and that is why we owe so much to our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  I am so grateful for the price He paid for me.  I know that as we look to the Son, we will be cleansed and whole and happy.

The Sun represents the Son of God.  Both bring us light and warmth and happiness.

Saturday quotes

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”

by James Matthew Barrie (creator of Peter Pan) To me this quote is all about being selfless.  When we serve others, we feel good about ourselves.  It is interesting that as the New Testament says, 'he that loseth his life...shall find it."  So when we are lost in the needs of another person, (whether stranger, neighbor, friend or family) we find that good part of our soul and we feel renewed, invigorated, and our self-worth deepens.  So go spread some sunshine...and you will store up good things for yourself at the same time.

Friday Favorites-Casual Dining

Cooking is not my favorite thing, but I don't have a lot of money so going out to eat is still a huge treat for me.  And if I find something I like at a particular place, I usually always order my favorite.

1.  Costa Vida-chicken salad, no beans, with tomatillo ranch dressing and extra cilantro, no guacamole.

I never get tired of this.  Once on vacation I had it 3 times in a week.  Sometimes I just go and buy the dressing and use it on my own salads and wraps at home.

2.  Panera Bread-Asian Sesame Signature Salad w/Baguette

This salad is so balanced for me between the meat, salad and dressing. Yes, it also has cilantro and the bread on the side is always fresh.  (Who doesn't love fresh bread?)

3.  Hacienda Colorado-Original Fish Tacos (with Mahi-Mahi)

So light and filling and always hits the spot.  Plus, they have great chips and salsa.  Yes, cilantro again.

4.  QDoba Mexican Grill-Pick Two menu-Mexican Gumbo w/chicken, chicken tacos, extra cilantro.

This gumbo is the best on a chilly day.  If it's really cold, I skip the tacos and get the full gumbo.  This is soup I would stand in line for.  (Like for the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld).

5.  Armando's Ristorante-Mediterranean Salad with grilled salmon on top.

No cilantro here, but I love the feta cheese.  I especially like a bite of fresh salmon with the feta and a greek olive. They have some good garlic knots too that come with marinara.

6.  Red Lobster-blackened salmon from Today's Fresh Fish menu, with mashed potatoes and broccoli.

Obviously, the best place to get salmon.  Also love the cheddar biscuits.

7.  Rubio's-original fish tacos plate with chips and refried beans.  I also like the grilled fish.

Haven't tried a lot of the other kinds of fish here because the battered original is so tasty and I don't have one very close to home.  But yes, I get extra cilantro and I like how they have a salsa bar and one bin is just cilantro and onion mixed.

I also enjoy Wahoo's, Chili's, Cheesecake Factory, Olive Garden, Chipotle, Applebee's, Red Robin and Old Chicago Pizza.

Storing today's sunshine

Early morning. Quiet.  Not too warm yet.  Blue sky.  Slight breeze.  Perfect.

Before the rush and excitement of the day, I would bottle and store the calm and peace of the quiet morning.  Store the sunshine that is warm on my face.  I am not hot because the sun is low in the sky and day is young.  It's a day to relax and reflect, so I don't have the usual cares of the day.  I look forward to being with friends and family to celebrate.  But for now, I enjoy the solitude.  I am grateful for this day.

Looking forward to our wonderful feast of Burgers, Brats (Hillshire Farms Cheddar Wurst is best), my homemade potato salad (my secret is white wine vinegar), Kettle Chips (great on potato salad for a little crunch, jello salad (I hope my friend brings that yummy pretzel jello salad), and Bush's Baked Beans.  Also, brownies and cookies and maybe watermelon for dessert.  Anything else people bring is great.  Okay, I'll post that jello salad in case she sees this and wants to make it.  Happy Fourth!

From Allrecipes.com

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Rated: Submitted By: BETILDA Photo By: Tricia Jaeger Prep Time: 35 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes Ready In: 45 Minutes Servings: 12

"A pretzel crust topped with a sweet cream cheese layer and a strawberry topping."

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups crushed pretzels 3/4 cup butter, melted 3 tablespoons white sugar 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 cup white sugar

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 2 (3 ounce) packages strawberry flavored Jell-O® 2 cups boiling water 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen strawberries

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2.	Stir together crushed pretzels, melted butter and 3 tablespoons sugar; mix well and press mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3.	Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until set. Set aside to cool.
4.	In a large mixing bowl cream together cream cheese and 1 cup sugar. Fold in whipped topping. Spread mixture onto cooled crust.
5.	Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in still frozen strawberries and allow to set briefly. When mixture is about the consistency of egg whites, pour and spread over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until set.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2013 Allrecipes.com

Printed from Allrecipes.com 7/4/2013