IS IT GOING TO BE A ROCKY ROAD?

Last Sunday in Relief Society meeting, I was asked to share what my favorite treat during the Christmas season was. I said, "My Rocky Road candy," which I then quickly added, "It is the best thing ever!" I didn't realize that this was a game of getting to know you, as the one conducting the meeting asked other women to stand if this too, was their favorite Christmas treat.

SILENCE.

"Ann brought me over some a few nights ago, and it was really good," said a friend sitting a few rows back.

"I have had it, and it is great stuff," said the woman sitting next to me, a neighbor.

"I can vouch for Ann's Rocky Road. It is really good - but I didn't get any this year!" said yet another neighbor from across the room.

"I don't think I have had any," said the woman sitting next to her, another neighbor.

"That's right, I didn't get any this year either!" said a different neighbor.

So guess who is bringing some to church to share?

If you would like some of this goodness - here is the recipe.  You don't have to make it only for Christmas!

ROCKY ROAD CANDY

Vegetable spray
8 oz. cocktail peanuts (Wal-Mart Great Value Party Peanuts the best - just make sure the are fresh and salty!)
Miniature marshmallows
2 cups or 12 oz. bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup or 6 oz. butterscotch chips
1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (Skippy or Jif)

Spray 8x12 aluminum pan with vegetable spray. In a single layer, pour cocktail peanuts in the bottom of pan. Next, layer with miniature marshmallows.

Put remaining ingredients in an eight-cup Pyrex measuring cup (or microwave proof bowl). Microwave on HIGH for 2-1/2 minutes. Stir until smooth. If needed, microwave in an additional 15 second increments. Pour over peanuts and marshmallows, and spread chocolate mixture. Tap pan on counter so chocolate can flow to bottom and cover other ingredients. To ensure chocolate has made it to the bottom, use a wooden skewer and swirl very gently.

Place in refrigerator to chill and harden, about 3 hours. When chilled, pull sides of pan away from block and place slab of rocky on cutting board. Cut into 96 pieces. Keep refrigerated or in freezer. Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS 2010

Another year has come and gone, with wonderful and exciting experiences filling every moment. We are both still “non-traditional” students at BYU, grateful for the privilege and opportunity. Ann is intimidated by the snow while Von likes to shovel off the driveway in his flip-flops (still thinks he is in SoCal). The purpose of our grand adventure will be realized in April when Ann graduates with a degree in Communications, Public Relations emphasis. Von will receive a degree in Latin American Studies, with a minor in Political Science. Ann will then have a two month internship in New York City.

September 2009 ended with us as “empty-nesters”, but this changed earlier this year when our youngest, Kimmy, and her husband, Garrett, both students also, moved into our basement. They will finish in April, and then leave for Texas. Continuing up from the youngest, Julianne and Vance, living in Texas, are enjoying life with our two noisy grand-“puppies”. Our one son, Von, who has an affinity for the heat, is in Arizona, a student at ASU, working as well and trying to keep all the loose ends under control. Loralee and Dave are with us here in Utah. Dave is doing well with his dental practice, while Loralee enjoys their two cute little red-heads. Adrienne and Ted are in Arizona. Ted’s skills as a landscape architect are in demand so as to ensure gainful employment. Adrienne’s hands are full with four wonderful and active youngsters and teaching piano. Finally, Ann-Marie and Collins – they are still in San Clemente, CA, where he is a popular dentist. Ann-Marie is a supportive wife and a busy mom. Their four boys keep everyone on their toes. We are grateful for the goodness of our children and grandchildren – how they love each other, support each other, and strive to build the Kingdom where they live by carefully nurturing their families.

We are grateful for the blessings that have come to us in consequence of rubbing shoulders with wonderful people like you. Thank you for your positive influence.

We are especially grateful for the blessings of the Gospel – living prophets, sacred covenants and ordinances, privileges of serving, the comfort of the Savior’s love, and a sense of approbation of our Heavenly Father.  Truly, sweet is the peace the Gospel brings. As with you, we are striving to become more like Them. Let us pray for each other, that such will be our blessing one day.

Our love to each of you,

H. Von and Ann

Sunday Bible Story

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Gather the kids around and enjoy the show!

EARTHY GOODNESS

Fall has multiple meanings

crisp, cool, crunchy, leaves,

pumpkin, spicy, earthy,

FOOD!

Tried two new recipes.

Great results!

~ 

Pumpkin Pancakes

Tender, light – what pancakes are supposed to be!

and

Chicken Tiki Masala

Here is a link to my daughter's website (she is the photographer!)

I am still enjoying the flavors rolling around in my mouth!

Cumin, Paprika, Turmeric, Cayenne, Curry,

Cinnamon, Garlic, Cloves,

Cilantro, Coriander, Pepper, Fennel Seeds,

Ginger, Cardamom, Nutmeg

HANGING IN THERE

Many ask me how I am doing these days, and I reply, "Hanging in there!"

This week I realized that maybe that isn't a good answer.
Should I be more truthful?
Should I be more positive?
What would be an appropriate answer?

So for those who want to know how I am doing, let me tell you. I am doing great!

Sure, I don't get enough sleep; I could be eating much healthier; I could be exercising; I could be going to the temple more often; I would like to see the sun more often; I would enjoy some creative adventures; yes, I could, I would and I need to - if there were more hours in a day! But there is not, so I am hanging in there.

The day will come again when I feel more in control of where and what I am going to do (wishful thinking?). Until then, I am learning new things. Some days those new things are hard. But I am here for a reason, and I have to keep hanging in there with the hope and belief that the Lord will make known to me what those reasons are.

I wrote a letter to my aunt this week. She promptly replied and shared some things with me that made my day, giving me that boost I needed to hear. My aunt, the 90-year-old cheerleader - bless her heart! Her belief in me as well as others, makes hanging in there easier.

In the last three months, I have had two cousins that have been dealing with cancer treatments of chemo, radiation and hair loss. It has been hard, possibly the hardest thing they have ever had to deal with in their life, yet they are getting through it. They don't know the reasons. They don't know the outcome. But they are hanging in there.

When I think my journey is difficult, I think of them and many other family and friends who are dealing with hard things. And you know what, a outpouring of love and gratitude fills my heart for the wonderful experiences and people that I am associating with. I am blessed by so many, especially my family.

While attending a meeting with some special ladies, they asked how I was doing. I told them, "If I can just get through this week, I will be good." They quickly came back with, "You told us that last week!" So I did, and more than likely I will say that every week!!! But it is OK, cause I am hanging in there, and it is great.

BYOB&S Night

It is official. Tonight is the first of my BYO__ Nights. Tonight it is:

Bring Your Own Bowl & Spoon Night

Featuring: Minestrone Soup and Homemade Bread
Serving Dinner: 7 - 8 pm (I have to tackle homework after that)

Dinner will be served until we run out!!!

Just a recap on BYOB&S night. Nobody came, so I shared with some single neighbors. But that is OK. Another night/day.

It Needs a Little Something More!

This weekend we watched General Conference - all weekend, or at least eight hours worth. I vegged the whole weekend and only left the house for maybe 40 minutes! Loralee and the girls spent all day Saturday here, and we listened and sewed. Loralee posted pictures of the Halloween skirts we made on Facebook. While we were finishing the skirts, I made the comment, "It needs a little something more." Loralee laughs at me and tells me, "Ann-Marie says that when she cooks, and Adrienne says that when she is creating a paper craft." That made me feel good.

Guess my daughters do take after me! They are all so creative and cute!!!



What more can I say, I needed to add another picture of my girls at the Getty Museum in Santa Monica, CA, at our first ever mother-daughter retreat!!!