Miami Florida

December 15, 2017

First things first. Viking was there to meet us at the airport and transport us and our luggage to the ship. Boarding was efficient. After doing some paperwork, we entered the ship and was greeted by the ship's captain, cruise director, and other personnel. Delicious Danish pastries awaited us and comfortable seating arrangements were well positioned for eating. About an hour later we got our Cuba visa's and headed for the 7th level for a scrumptious lunch in the World Cafe. A cafe that is buffet style. Not what you would expect. The food was over-the-top gourmet! Dave told me to get used to it. 

Danish Pastry

We found our room on level 4. Room number 4118 is located at the back of the ship next to two suites that take up the entire back of the ship. It is a small, but very comfortable room, with a king size bed, a computer desk, closet, two chairs and a table, plus a nice sized bathroom.  Dave and I are going to have to learn how to live close to each other! 
Bonus... is a lovely private deck with seating. And the best thing of all... the Viking Sun is a new ship. The first Norwegian ship to set sail around the world.

Viking Sun

Watching the anchor come up, hearing the engine start up, and feel the ship start it's sail around the world was pretty exciting!

Good bye Miami! Cuba, here we come!

Leaving Home

December 14, 2017

Booking this trip seemed like ages ago. Yet, today, it seemed like yesterday. I'm having mixed emotions about leaving. Excited for the adventure, yet anxious about leaving the security of home and family. 

Audrey and the kids took us to the airport and soon we were off. It was a long night! It started at 4:00 p.m. and went until 8:00 a.m. the next morning. We flew from SLC international airport to LAX. And from there to Miami, FL. I normally don't sleep on airplanes, but I did on the flight to Miami... kind of. The larger seats in 1st class did help.

See ya'll next Spring!

Packing

I started packing for our around the world cruise two weeks ago. I filled my large suitcase to the brim and still had a lot more to go. Dave looked at my poor pitiful suitcase and told me I would need a larger one. So I went shopping and found the perfect one for me at the BX on Hill Air Force Base. I waited until today to transfer my clothes and was pleasantly surprised to see I had plenty of room to spare. Dave taught me a trick years ago. When packing, roll your clothes and stack them! You can fit in so much more. 

My clothes filled up 3/4 of the suitcase. I have 2 dresses, 3 skirts, a swim suit and cover up, exercise clothes, pjs, at least 20 different styles of shirts, 2 jeans, 2 stretch pants, 3 capri's, sweater, shawl, undergarments, socks, 3 pairs of shoes, medications, personal care items, and more. I still have plenty of room to put a dress jacket and rain jackets in, a hat, as well as all my shirts that need hanging. 

I didn't monitor weight control. We'll see what the damages are tomorrow. Oh! tomorrow! I can't believe it's here. A year and a half ago seemed so long ago. Where did the time go! I was brave then. I think I might get sick. Sea sick... yes! But mostly home sick for my kids and grandkids. And home. We'll be gone 4 months and 20 days. I haven't been gone this long before. Wish me luck! 

Turtle Pumpkin Pie

It's almost Thanksgiving and we're anticipating the most scrumptious traditional feast with turkey and all the trimmings. Can't wait! 

You can't have Thanksgiving without pie! Making pie is a tradition that has been passed down through the ages. 

Some of the kids still make homemade pie crusts... just like grandma. 

I had not been a huge fan of pumpkin pie until I found this Turtle Pumpkin Pie recipe a few years ago. Ever since then, it has become a family favorite. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as we have! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Soft Gingersnap Cookies

Every once in awhile I will dig into my recipe collection of years past. I wanted to make some gingerbread cookies for last year's Christmas Eve party. I have a stack of loose recipes that I have gathered since 1975 and as I was going through them I found a Pioneer recipe of Soft Gingersnap Cookies. It looked simple enough so I decided to make them. It looked as if the recipe came out of an old Extension or Relief Society book. The recipe is actually typed up. From a typewriter!

Just thinking about gingerbread cookies made me think back to Grandma Bentley's cookie drawer. If my memory serves me right, her's were a little snappy, but oh so good. The smell of freshly baked cookies or bread often filled the air when walking into grandma's house. Such a delightful memory!

I made the gingersnap cookies and they turned out to be a big hit! Everyone loved them. Chad especially loved them and said they were his favorite cookie. So when I found out he got the job at Antelope Island I knew right away I was going to make some cookies for him to snack on while out on the range. 

Soft Gingersnap Cookies

Cream together:

3/4 c. margarine (softened)

2 c. sugar

2 eggs

1/2 c. light molasses

Add:

3 3/4 c. flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

3 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

Roll tsp. size ball of dough in sugar and slightly flatten on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 9 to 12 minutes. Should crack on top of cookies when done.

Preparing Our Children for General Conference

Prepare now for Conference! As we prepare our hearts for a "spiritual feast" and as we listen to our living Prophet, Apostles, and other General Authorities deliver divinely inspired words, we will receive answers to our prayers, comfort for our souls, and peace in our hearts. We will be safely guided on the path that leads us back to our heavenly home.

"It is when children are young that parents must be innovative in helping them develop good habits regarding conference participation. As our children are given opportunities to observe and learn the role of these special witnesses, they will receive a spiritual confirmation of the sacred calling of their Church leaders, and they will feel a deeper love for and interest in these leaders and their message." 

- Elder Neil L. Andersen, "Teaching our Children to Love the Prophets," ensign, Apr. 1996, 47.

Before Conference

1. Prepare spiritually: Talk to your children before Conference about how exciting it is to hear the prophet and his apostles talk to us.
2. Pray individually and with your children that your "hearts" will be prepared for the messages of conference.
3. think of questions you have, write them down, and pray for the Spirit to be with you during conference - that you will recognize the answers to your questions.
4. Purchase note-taking materials -- notebooks, stickers, etc. ahead of time.
5. Gather up conference-related games and activities in issues of the Friend, Era, and Ensign.
6. Make a count-down-to-conference chain.
7. Mark conference weekend on your family calendar.
8. Clear your schedule: Prepare for conference by completing chores, homework, grocery shopping, and other weekend activities by Friday night.

During Conference

1. Take notes of the speakers during conference.
2. Develop family traditions that coincide with General Conference (a favorite meal, treat, activity, etc.)
3. Activities can enhance the conference experience when directed by the Holy Ghost. Fore younger children, it could include posting the center spread with photos of the General Authorities from the most recent conference Ensign and use it to help children learn to identify the names of the speakers.
4. Display key words or pictures, that they can listen for, in front of the television and have a treat bowl set out to reward "listening ears." You could also have stickers available for children to stick in their "conference notes" book when they hear a key word.
5. Turn a favorite food the family enjoys into a special treat or meal and serve in between conference sessions.
6. Do a family activity, such as having a picnic on a blanket in the back yard, watching old family videos, taking a walk, or talking about the session that just ended, etc.
7. Spread a blanket on the floor, in front of the television for conference watching (and allow for special treats, if wanted. Liken it to the families in the Book of Mormon who sat on the ground and listened to their prophet, King Benjamin, teach them about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

After Conference

1. Establish Family Traditions.
2. Hold a family testimony meeting in FHE on the next Monday after conference.
3. Have a FHE conference trivia or quiz night on the next Monday. (three questions, etc.)
4. Use the most recent conference edition of the Ensign as your Family Home Evening manual. Give each member of the family their own conference edition Ensign and write their names on them. Read a talk together, paragraph by paragraph, pausing to ask and answer questions, to discuss thoughts, and to liken what they learned to their own lives.

• For older children, give them a highlighter to highlight words, sentences, and paragraphs that felt important to them. These phrases can be used for in-depth gospel discussions.
• For younger children, they can color in the pictures in the Ensign, or whatever they feel needs a splash of color.
• Photographs in the Ensign can often enhance the talks and can open another door for gospel discussion that all ages can participate in.
• For empty nesters, individually read a chosen conference talk prior to Family Home Evening. Read, mark, and ponder on passages that impress your mind. Discuss together what you learned.

To read the entire article go to lds.org

"Preparing Our children for General Conference" March 2009 Ensign

Profile Picture

This is my FB profile picture.

It is a picture of my children and I.

The picture is close to my heart for several reasons. First of all... it's the only professional picture I have of myself and my children as adults.

The picture was taken in April of 2014 at beautiful Temple Square in Salt Lake City. The picture I am holding is of my third child, and third daughter. I was sad that I could only hold her picture. Her husband took her life, the year before, on February 10, 2013. 

The story of how this picture came to be began a year before my daughter, Shaniel, was taken from us. I kept having this nagging feeling that I needed to get a family photo of my children and I. I didn't know why, but it seemed to be a pressing matter on my mind. 

In my mind's eye, I envisioned where we would have the picture taken and what we would be wearing. I wanted my girls and I dressed in white tops and muted skirts in a variety of patterns and colors. My son would wear a white shirt and jeans and we would be posed in a wheat field. Just west of where we live, in West Corinne where a daughter lives, you can see wheat fields as far as the eye can see. They seem endless. In the autumn time the wheat becomes mature and is ready to harvest. The fields are on fire with gold! The golden wheat waves back and forth in gentle breezes. It is so beautiful! I couldn't think of a better way to see my children every day. This was going to be the year for pictures! But because my youngest daughter was expecting her fourth baby and he was due at the end of the year, we decided to postpone plans to have pictures taken until the next fall. We had no way of knowing that by then it would be too late. Shaniel would be gone.

Shaniel's death was devastating to our family. We were numb. She was no longer here and we had to find a way to live without her. Yet... we wanted so much to keep her alive... in our hearts and in our minds.

Several months after Shaniel's passing, my oldest daughter saw an ad from a professional photographer that wanted to give away a photo shoot to a deserving family. It was called "Images of Hope". All they asked was to send in a story.... we called it "Shaniel's Story." It wasn't long before we were contacted by the photographer with the news that our family would be his special photo shoot. Our story... "Shaniel's Story" was posted to his facebook page and our photo shoot was set up. The wonderful thing about this story is that it was a complete surprise to me. It was a gift of love to me from my oldest daughter.... and a priceless gift of service from the photographer. I will be forever grateful for this wonderful gift. 

For our photo shoot, we chose a beautiful backdrop of spring tulips on Temple Square. The LDS temple, a beacon of hope and light, provided a stunning dimension of white stone and beautiful stained glass windows. Majestic spires reach heavenward, as if to say... "look up!" There is a greater power that whispers peace, hope, faith, and love. 

It was a beautiful day. Just my children and I. We held each other close and basked in the beauty and peace that the temple grounds graciously bestowed upon us. Our day was filled with wonderful and treasured memories of family togetherness... memories of Shaniel... and gratitude for a loving God in heaven that was ever mindful of our pain and heartache. 

We ate at a favorite nearby restaurant and laughed until we cried... from telling stories that only "our family" would understand. We shared a bond that day that can never be broken. We left with another lasting and treasured memory of a day that only heaven can shower down upon you. 

Days and months have passed. The path to healing has been lit with heaven's light. Faith, hope, and love have showered us with the Lord's tender mercies and has given us courage to move forward with peace in our heart's and in our soul's. Angels have been round about us. We are never alone. We are so grateful for the blessings of heaven.

The photo has been a treasured and priceless gift. But for some reason I could not get the picture of our family, in a wheat field, out of my mind. The image in my head finally led me to a local artist who would create a painting of Shaniel in an open field of wheat in a flowing white dress. In the painting she has her arms out-stretched... as if embracing the life beyond mortality. She is happy. She is at peace. I have this painting hanging in my bedroom in a place that when I wake up in the morning, it's the first thing I see. It is so beautiful and brings calmness and tranquility to my soul. 

A year and a half later, my son... my only son, would also leave this earthly life. Another devastation to our family would seem impossible to bear. Then... the quiet re-assuring whisperings, that only the comforter can bring, reminds me, once again, to hang on! Have hope. Have faith. Look up! Look toward the light. I do! Everyday.

I can't think of a better treasure than the picture of my children and I together. It is a visual reminder of the tender memories, the laughter, the fun, the challenging, and even the sad... that kept us together as a family. Never to be broken. Not in life and not in death. Never!

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Fall

Fall is my favorite season of all!

The long, hot days of summer finally give way 

to cool, crisp morning air.

Once green and waving gently in the summer breeze... leaves transform into colors of red, orange, brown, and gold.

They twirl and dance as the autumn wind catches them falling from off the limb.

Fall is the time for harvest on our farm.

The harvesting of fruits and vegetables 

before autumn's end. 

I can't wait to bite into a large, sweet, crisp Honeycrisp apple!

And just thinking about the smell of grapes, ripening on the vine, is so intoxicating.

There's nothing more exciting than harvest's end.

Fall is the time for gathering at our home.

We gather to celebrate harvest's end. 

We have parties, make scarecrows, carve jack-o-lanterns, and eat the bounties of our harvest.

Bonfires beckon an evening gathering

of family and friends. 

We roast smores, tell stories, and bask in the light and warmth of the fire. 

My favorite thing about fall is the way it makes me feel.

Life's pace seems to slow down a little. 

A settling of sorts. 

I love to wear sweaters and sit by the fire...

reading a book or simply dream.

Fall is a great time to reflect on life's blessings and to give thanks for all we have. 

Thanksgiving is the perfect ending to fall's end.

The kitchen comes alive with delightful smells... 

of spices and herbs and potpourri. 

Fall soups, breads and cookies... yumm! 

Comfort foods are high on the list of things I love to make in the fall.

My birthday usually falls on the first day of fall. Taking a drive up a nearby canyon, 

soaking in the beauty of the leaves turning colors, 

and being with the people I love...  

is my piece of heaven on earth.

I'm ready for Fall! Are you?

A Fall drive... Midway to Park City

Playing in the leaves

Honeycrisp Apples

Bringing in the harvest

Comfort foods

Smores

Halloween Party

Jack-o-lanterns

Pumpkin Head stands watch

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Summer Fun Activities

Looking for some fun activities for the kids this summer? Our R.S. Midweek Activity for June is Summer Activities for kids and easy lunch fixings. So... I've been stalking Pinterest and have found some great ideas for summer activities. Here's a direct link to my Summer Activities board. I made up a resource list of links to pages of ideas and all kinds of things to make and do. 

My favorite place, before starting a summer list, is found on thirty days of homemade (*). Scroll down and find the Summer Chart. It lists suggestions of things for your child to do before being allowed to get on electronics. Keeping kids moving and using their imaginations is the idea to busting boredom and creating an atmosphere of both learning and fun!

Some of my other favorites are Reading Challenges, punch cards, Vocabulary Jar, Cooking Challenge, and Kids Summer Camp. And the DIY Sand and Water Table is awesome!

I will make another post on "lunches" after our meeting on June 20th. In the meantime, have fun making your own lists of Super Fun Summer Activities! 



Summer Activities, Schedules, Bucket lists, Boredom Jars 

http://www.theidearoom.net/summer-bucket-list-100-things-summer/

http://creativesavingsblog.com/life-and-style/cheap-free-summer-activities/

http://www.naturalbeachliving.com/free-summer-activities

http://smartmomsmartideas.com/75-free-summer-activities-for-kids/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes

https://earlylearningideas.com/project-unplug-boredom-buster-exploration-jar/
http://loveandmarriageblog.com/52-responses-im-bored/

http://overthebigmoon.com/60-days-of-summer-fun/

http://www.chaosserveddaily.stfi.re/2013/06/06/ten-fun-summer-kid-activities/?sf=dpalvgk#aa

http://playdatesparties.com/2016/06/100-kid-approved-summer-activities-2.html

http://www.designlovesdetail.com/fun-in-the-sun-our-bucket-list-for-summer/

http://www.muminthemadhouse.com/ultimate-summer-activities-lists-bored-jar-lists/

http://www.stay-a-stay-at-home-mom.com/fun-cheap-things-to-do.html

https://www.somewhatsimple.com/summer-schedule-for-kids/

http://intentionalmoms.com/how-to-plan-a-simple-fun-summer-for-your-kids-and-you-free-printables-included/
https://www.primroseschools.com/blog/summer-bucket-list/
*http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/printable-summer-binder-activity-sheets/#_a5y_p=1809464
http://www.livecrafteat.com/live/daily-activity-planner-for-kids/

Punch Card (activities, chores, raok)

http://thechirpingmoms.com/summer-punch-cards-for-kids-free/#_a5y_p=6247772
http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/kids-activities-summer-punch-cards/#_a5y_p=1853066
http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/wp-

http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/wp-

Chore Cards
http://www.theidearoom.net/printable-chore-cards

Random Acts of Kindness (raok)
http://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2016/07/65-random-acts-of-kindness-ideas-for.html

Reading Challenges/Activities
http://www.ateachableteacher.com/summer-reading-challenge-list-for-kids/
http://andreasnotebook.com/summer-fun-read-the-book-watch-the-movie/
http://www.readingconfetti.com/p/need-activity-for-book.html

Educational Activities
http://www.happinessishomemade.net/20-educational-summer-boredom-busters/
http://www.whatdowedoallday.com/summer-word-jar-plus-tips-and-ideas/

Cooking Challenge
http://www.makeandtakes.com/creative-kids-cooking-challenge

Scavenger Hunts

http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/photo-scavenger-hunt
http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/photo-scavenger-hunt
http://www.theresourcefulmama.com/summer-scavenger-hunts-free-printables/

http://iheartcraftythings.com/simple-color-scavenger-hunt-kids.html

Kids Camp

http://www.thedatingdivas.com/kids-camp/

http://www.thedatingdivas.com/101-camping-kids-ideas/
http://www.stillplayingschool.com/2015/06/play-learn-colors-rainbow-kids-activities.html?m=1

Self-Reliant kids
https://selfsufficientkids.com/

https://selfsufficientkids.com/life-skills-kids-need/

Lunch Box Jokes

http://www.thecraftedsparrow.com/2015/07/free-printable-lunchbox-notes.html
https://www.kristendukephotography.com/fruit-veggies-lunch-box-jokes/#_a5y_p=4347349

DIY Sand and Water Table

http://rhythmsofplay.com/top-10-sand-and-water-tables/

What are your ideas for Summer Fun?

May Blooms

In the Merry Month of May... is the beginning of lush color that landscapes my yard. From April to October is the season of flowers... my favorite!

Blooming flowers of vivid purple, pink, white, and yellow are scattered among rocks, beds, old boxes, and pots. 

Colorful petals burst into full bloom in the early light. 

Sweet fragrances fill the air. 

The texture and shape of the petal heightens my awareness to its uniqueness. 

I am in awe as I watch the bee carry nectar from bloom to bloom, spreading joy to every corner of the garden.

Buzzing bees, fluttering birds, and yellow butterflies bring life and harmony to the ever changing garden. 

I am totally aware of a higher power, and my heart fills with gratitude for God above... the creator of all.

The beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me! 

Iris

Lilacs

Creeping Pholox and Lily

Lavender

Creeping Pholox, a hearty and reliable ground cover, spreads and creeps among the rocks of the beds and waterfall. 

Bridal wreath blooms are giving way to bright green leaves.

There are some flowers that are close to blooming....

Peony

Daisy

Wisteria

Potted plants....

Wave petunias and trailing vines.

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Land of the Leprechauns

Tiny footprints, fairy dust, signs of mischievous play... often led my brothers and sisters and I on a magical hunt for the leprechaun every Spring. 

The excitement of leprechaun hunting usually began on St. Patrick's Day. Irish folklore was brought to life first thing in the morning at our house. Mom could be heard in the kitchen as she was preparing breakfast... cheerfully singing Irish songs or reciting an Irish blessing. Because many of her ancestors came from Ireland, the Irish influence was very much a part of her home life growing up. I have fond memories of visits to my grandparents' home as a youngster and having grandpa sing Irish songs to us kids in his deep brogue voice. 

Mom made every holiday magical and St. Patrick's day was no exception. It was as if she became a child again herself! She made the day fun with tales of leprechauns, good luck, wearing the green, and filling our minds with imaginations of finding the "pot of gold". 

It was always the "pot of gold" we kids were on the hunt for. 

After school, we would scour the front and back yards for clues of little people. Clues in the willow tree and on the path to the barn yard would surely lead us to the "pot of gold"! If we were lucky enough to see a rainbow that day, it would even be easier. You know there is a "pot of gold" at the end of every rainbow!

I don't ever remember finding the "pot of gold" but it was the fun of the "hunt" that is forever engraved in my mind. And, lucky for me, as I grew older, I realized my "pot of gold" was actually... home. A home that was filled with love, security, acceptance, togetherness, fun, work, imagination, exploring, discovering, faith, and family. 

The Mr. and I went to Ireland a few years ago, and I discovered for myself the wonders and beauty of the place of my ancestors. 

I had often dreamed of going to Ireland to see: 

1) the land of the little people, 
2) lush green valleys, brooks, and rock walls, 
3) steep cliffs in mystic mists, 
4) castles of long ago, 
5) secret gardens and passages, 
6) hidden treasures, 
7) mystical figures. 

It wasn't hard to see that Ireland had all that... and more! But I found the people of Ireland were the real treasures of this beautiful country. I've never been to a more friendly, welcoming country than Ireland. The food was delicious and our "bed and breakfast" experience was better than any other European country we had been in. In fact, the atmosphere and accommodations were exceptional.

One of my favorite places to visit was in Southern Ireland... Home to Blarney Castle and gardens. It was there that we explored the Rock Close, a beautiful emerald green garden filled with secret passages, waterfalls, and hidden treasures. We may have even got a glimpse of a fairy!

Blarney Castle

Secret Garden

Dolmen - "The secrets of this megalithic tomb portal are lost in the mists before history began. Was the great rock rolled or was it lifted? Why does it still sometimes rock?"

"What magic and mysteries has it guarded over the millennia?" 

"We cross the portal with care - and wonder."

Wishing Steps - "For hundreds of years, the Blarney witch has taken firewood from our Estate for her kitchen. In return, she must grant our visitors wishes."

"If you can walk down and back up these steps with your eyes closed - some suggest walking backwards - and without for one moment thinking of anything other than a wish, then that wish will come true."

The Fairy Glade - "Any faerie folklore of Ireland are famed the world over for their mischief and charm. They have of course been here longer than any of us and it is our duty to keep them safe in this special glad."

"They do, however, have a native cunning, so if you spot one, don't let it be fooling you."

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop