Thank You Thursday - Friendship

  friendship  and  flowers

Last month one of my sweet friends dropped by unexpectedly and brought me these!

We both have been so busy that we hadn't spoken for awhile.  How did she know?  
How did she know my heart was heavy that day?

Her thoughtful visit lifted my spirits.  Just seeing her would have been enough. 
Her timing was impeccable.  
Those sunflowers were like sunshine in my kitchen so that's where I kept them. 
Everyone loved them!
Our garage is detached so we usually come in the back kitchen door.

They were the first thing to catch your eye when you came in the house.

from the Back Door 

They did their magic for days!

from the Front Door through the dining room

"Keep your face to the sunshine

and you cannot see the shadow.

It's what sunflowers do."

by Helen Keller

 They reminded  me of our ward's Relief Society theme a few years ago. 

"Sisters and Sunflowers"

We gave all the sisters this poem:

Follow The Son

Sunflowers always follow the sun,
From early morning, 'til the day is done.
They follow across the sky until night
eagerly soaking in the warmth of its light.
Like this loyal flower we too can be
Fed by His light spiritually.
As we follow His son, Jesus Christ
Becoming like Him as we soak in His light.
In most any soil their seeds will grow
With plenty of water and sunshine galore.
Small buds soon appear, then the protecting leaf
And thick stocks to support the head full of seeds.
We too can grow where we are sown,
By studying the scriptures and learning of home.
Our parents, teachers and leaders protect us
As our testimony grows stronger of our brother Jesus.
When the sunflower crown forms, it's a royal gold
The blessings of it's growth are beginning to show.
The seeds you share; love, kindness and testimony too
Will help others see the Golden Crown in you.
So follow the Son, open your heart to His light,
Seek Him first thing each morning and last one at night.
Follow Him through the heat of each day,
Live your life to become like Him -- It's the only way.

I hadn't read that in a long time.  
I love it.

Prayers

Blogging has been such a blessing to me in many ways.  I have reconnected with people from years ago and I've made many new and dear friends.  I feel like I know you personally and feel joy and sadness as you share your stories.  I love to hear about your families and love the connection we feel.  That is why I am sharing this with you today.

Our daughter Marci married into an amazing family, The Freemans, that we immediately claimed as our own.  They are beautiful inside and out.   Marci's husband, Mike, has three sisters:  Brittany, Chrissy and Chloe.  We love them.  Chloe and Hope are the same age and cute little buddies.  We attended Brittany and Chrissy's weddings.  

We have been so excited for Brittany and her husband, Ili and the arrival of their first little baby.  Brittany's blog is private but she has been posting the entire adventure of her pregnancy and then the birth of little Wyatt. 

Wyatt was only here on earth for 10 days.  He was born on April 24th and passed away May 5th.

My heart is so heavy as I try to even begin to understand the heartache and pain Brittany and Ili must feel.  They are wonderful parents and loved and cherished everyday with Wyatt, not knowing he would be taken from them in such a short time.  

Wyatt Thomas Yuan

My daughter-in-law, Cheryl, pointed out the highlights in Wyatt's eyes look like little white hearts♥. 

Please pray for them and their families.  They have felt the prayers and love of so many but I wanted to add more.  Tomorrow ( Saturday, 5/8) will be a difficult day as it is Wyatt's  Memorial Service.

Marci and Mike set up a fund for Brittany and Ili to help cover little Wyatt's funeral services. I have added it to the side bar of my blog thinking if any one was so inclined ... every little bit can help.

Thank you for your prayers and heartfelt thoughts for the Yuans and Freemans during this difficult time. 

Thank You Thursday-Happy

Today I became ONE year older and WISER too. Thank you to my sweet family and friends for all the well wishes. It was such a fun day!

I got this card in the mail from Mack and Cheryl. It cracks me up. I love it so much! Thanks guys♥

I took a nice long bubble bath in the morning
 with this....thanks mom!









and then Mark and I headed off to Costco so I could renew our membership. When we got home Scott and Hope had decorated the kitchen

and baked a birthday cake.

Yum!  It was delicious. Good job Hope.

We had a family birthday dinner at Vida Loca Mexican Grill

Mom's Birthday 2009 from Mike Freeman on Vimeo.

My sweet mom and I

The food was wonderful but being with the fam was the best!

(I miss Cheryl and Mack already :( )

It is almost here....

my wish for you...

Not waiting for Sunday

Way back, when we lived in Redlands California, some friends of ours invited us over  for "Sundaes on Sunday".  That was their weekly tradition.  Isn't that a fun idea!  I don't know if I can wait that long to try this recipe.  I found it in All You.  Marci's friend, Melissa recommended subscribing to this magazine for the great coupons.  It has definitely been worth it.

Ice Cream Sunday Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 pints vanilla ice cream, softened
• 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. caramel sauce
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. fudge sauce
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Preparation:

Use a large spoon to scoop 1 pint ice cream into thin, flat scoops, and then spread on bottom of crust. Smooth with back of spoon. Spread 1/2 cup caramel sauce over ice cream. Freeze pie until solid, 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Remove frozen pie from freezer and top with another 1/2 pint ice cream; spread evenly over caramel. Spread 1/2 cup fudge sauce over ice cream. Freeze pie until solid, 30 minutes to 2 hours. Remove frozen pie and top with final 1/2 pint ice cream. Drizzle remaining 2 Tbsp. each caramel and fudge sauce over pie. Freeze pie until solid, 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

In a medium bowl, whip heavy cream and confectioners' sugar until firm peaks form. Transfer whipped cream to a plastic bag and snip off a 1/4-inch tip with scissors. Pipe whipped cream around edge of pie. Freeze until ready to serve. Serve with additional whipped cream, if desired.

Thank You Thursday

Tonight when the doorbell rang I wondered "who could this be" as I trotted down the stairs. What a pleasant surprise! It was Amy, one of the sweetest people on the planet. We have many things in common, one of which is that we both heart cupcakes. I was telling her how wonderful "The Sweet Tooth Fairy" Bakery in Provo is and how it was too bad that I wouldn't get to go back forever. She replied with encouragement, "have you been to Sprinkles? There's one in Dallas." I think she was shocked I'd never heard of it. Evidentally, I'm the only one.

This is what she brought.
Sprinkle's Strawberry Cupcakes,
that she made herself.
They are heavenly!

Here's the recipe if you want to make some for yourself.
Thank you so much Amy!

Don't Pass It On

Gossip
I love the visualization of this video. It's pretty poignant, don't you think.

Something to Think About

"You can tell more about a person by what he says about others photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings
than you can by what others say about him."

~Leo Aikman

Everything is amazing....Nobody is happy!

source unknown

Slow down already...Enjoy the simple things in life. This is something I say to myself on a regular basis. I think I'm getting better at it, but it's a constant struggle. I know I'm much happier and feel more peace in my heart when I do.

I love this video clip that pretty much sums the whole thing up, I'm certain you'll agree!

Now instead of..."Slow down already...Enjoy the simple things in life."
my new note to self will be ... "You're in a chair! In the sky!"

Deep Dark Mocha Torte

Looking for the ultimate chocolate cake?

Well here you go....

Indulge in a multilayered chocolate cake with homemade ganache

and it is soooo easy to make!

Spoil your family and friends this weekend.

They'll love you for it♥.Courtesy of Betty Crocker

Torte
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® chocolate fudge cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup rum or water
1 1/4 teaspoons instant espresso coffee granules
Filling
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 to 3 teaspoons milk
Ganache
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
6 tablespoons butter (do not use margarine)
1/3 cup whipping cream

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325ºF for dark or nonstick pans). Grease bottoms only of two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans with shortening (do not use cooking spray); lightly flour. Make and cool cakes as directed on box for 8- or 9-inch round pans.

2. Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, stir granulated sugar, rum and coffee granules until coffee is dissolved. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; remove from heat. Cool completely.

3. In medium bowl, beat all filling ingredients on low speed just until blended, adding enough milk for spreading consistency; set aside.

4. In 1-quart saucepan, heat all ganache ingredients over low heat, stirring frequently, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Refrigerate about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

5. Cut each cake layer horizontally to make 2 layers. (To cut, mark side of cake with toothpicks and cut with long, thin knife.) Brush about 1 tablespoon of the rum mixture over cut side of each layer; let stand 1 minute to soak into cake. Fill each layer with about 2/3 cup filling. Spread ganache over side and top of torte. Store loosely covered in refrigerator.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Follow High Altitude cake mix directions on box for 8- or 9-inch pans.

Girlfriends

This touching video was sent to me and I wanted to share it with all you girlfriends!

Thank You Thursday

Today I'm Thankful for TODAY {by Brown Cardigan via Bliss}
Imagine there is a bank account that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.

What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course? Each of us has such a bank. It's name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to a good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no over draft.

Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no drawing against "tomorrow."

You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success! The clock is running!!

Make the most of today.

One of our favorite friends gave our family this book for Christmas this year. It is a quick read for the whole family and the story is beautiful.

The Precious PresentTreasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with. And remember time waits for no one.

Yesterday is History.

Tomorrow is a Mystery.

But Today is a Gift...

That is why it is called the present.

True contentment lies not at some distant horizon, attainable only by immense sacrifice, but is found all around us. It exists in the creative choices we make each day and the awareness and appreciation of simple pleasures, bountiful blessings, and everyday epiphanies.

Sarah Ban Breathnach

{picture by Apartment Therapy}

Have FUN lovin' TODAY!

The Job Market

I got this from my friend Sharon. She finds the funniest stuff.

Notice to Employees (Includes Part Time Workers)

SICKNESS:

We will no longer accept your doctors statements as proof. We believe if you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to work.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR SURGERY:
We are no longer allowing this practice. As long as you are employed here, you will need all of whatever you have and should not consider having anything removed. We hired you as you are, and to have anything removed would certainly make you less than we bargained for. Anyone having operations will be FIRED immediately.

PREGNANCY:

In the event of extreme pregnancy, you will be allowed to go to the first aid room when the pains are FIVE MINUTES apart. IF it is false labor, you will have to take an hour's leave without pay.

DEATH:

This will be accepted as an excuse, BUT we would like two weeks notice, as we feel it is your duty to teach someoneyour job.

From, THE MANAGEMENT

Baby Love Part 2

Last night the Baby Shower for little Alan Boyce was so fun. We ate delicious food,

(Rachael brought the most delicious cheese ball and spinach dip. I promise I'll post some of these recipes)

.... enjoyed wonderful friends ... and got lots of Baby Sugar!

Life Lesson# 45893

One of my favorite friends sent this to me and I just had to share it!

I was due for a good laugh...Enjoy!

Life Lesson# 45893 = Always check your child's homework before it gets to school!

When asked to draw a picture of what they wanted to be when they grew up, second-grader "Sarah" turned in the lovely drawing shown below. Needless to say, the teacher was a bit surprised -- Mrs. Smith had always seemed like such a conservative woman. So she sent a note home to the girl's mother asking for clarification as to the picture's meaning.

(read Mom's reply below the picture)

Dear Mrs. Jones,

I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had, and then I found one more in the back room, and that several people were fighting over who would get it. Her picture doesn't show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot.From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.

Sincerely, Mrs. Smith

Am I Limber One?

Last night Scotto had a camp-out so Hope decided to have her friend, Sierra spend the night. She is so sweet. They did Show Choir together during the summer and really clicked. Now they're in another little singing group. Here's a couple of clips from one of their Holiday performances that Marci (of cource, THANKS Marc) took for us. I just realized I never posted about them at Christmas. oops

Jingle Bells

(This one is cute because you can hear little Ella sing "Hey".)
Angels We Have Heard on High

Last night Hope thought it would be fun to do Sierra's nails. They turned out really cute. She painted them and then embellished them with tiny painted instruments.

It reminded me of a story from a few years ago when Hope was about 5. We were living in Florida at the time and she came with me to take Kayley to the dentist one afternoon. Kayley has always been SO creative and her nails were always painted to look absolutely adorable.

This particular day it was her toes. (Kayley always wore flip flops.) That day there were little murals of the beach on them. It was amazing ... the detail she painted on her own toes. There were palm trees, birds, a sun... etc. The dentist happened to notice them and couldn't get over the fact that she had painted them herself. He said, "Boy, you are so artistically talented... and LIMBER too!" Hope thought that must be a huge compliment and excitedly asked the dentist, "Am I LIMBER One?". It was pretty funny. The dentist was cracking up and never forgot it. Neither have we!

Here are the pictures of the girls last night:

Smile for The Camera (don't be too excited though....)

Thank You Thursday

I am so blessed to have the sweetest EVER friends! Today my fun friend, Cynthia, (who happens to be one of the most talented people on the face of the earth) took me to lunch for my birthday. We wanted to wait until all of our company had left, the kids were back in school and life had settled a little....just a little. I know what you're thinking... Yep, it took this long.

We went to the Red Oak Grill (my pick)! The first time I went there, she took me.

It is so delicious. I've been back several times.

Their menu is amazing.

My favorite thing is the BEEF KABOB- Two skewers of tender beef cubes served with rice and special salad. The rice and cucumber salad are to die for....Seriously. I had a wonderful time catching up with her. It was a real treat!

Thank you Cynthia ♥.

The restaurant is close to Marci and Mike's place so

I swung by before heading home and got

me some baby sugar from Adeline.

Then I was "good to go"!

If only everyday went this way:0

Teeny Tiny Birthday Cake

I got this idea from my friend, Donna. She is very clever. If you want to make someone feel special on their birthday, but don't think they want a WHOLE cake, this is the perfect thing!
I've done this for teachers too and they always love it.


When you go to Williams - Sonoma next time, buy some Individual Butter Dishes. I didn't see them on their website but they usually have them in their stores. I did find them online at Crate and Barrel and these were less expensive (unless you have to order them online and pay the shipping). Once I even spotted them at Target! I just try to get some when I see them, so I always have one on hand.

Put a miniature cupcake inside and WaaaLaaa ... the cutest little Birthday Cake ever!
This one is going to a sweet friend today. Now "you can have your cake and eat it too"!

Trick or Treat

Pictures from Halloween Night

Tradition....

Some of the Girls eating their Taco SoupOur neighbor, Anna and Hope... "From the Hood"

The Cute Freeman Family

Pictures of our "Trickers" and "Treaters"

I wish Scott's hair showed up better in this picture.

It really was funny.

Oh, He's a Mad Scientist ...that's also a Dweeb.

Hope, The Sassy Pirate Girl

The Big Girls

The Little Girls

Princess EllaZebra Addie

Cute Little Trick or Treaters

the end