It is BYO_ Night!

I think it is time for another BYO_ Night.

(BYO_ means Bring your own spoon, fork, plate, bowl...)

What do you think?

Does Saturday night work, January 29th?

Or should I make it a Cinnamon Roll Sunday?

That would be Sunday night, January 30th.

Willing to take suggestions on what to prepare.

But you have to make a comment.

Also, letting me know if you are coming would be helpful.

ROUTINE=POWER

On Sunday, the theme for our church meeting was on making goals and working through them. Those that spoke did an excellent job. But one quote that was shared has taken root in my thoughts this week.

“That which is not routine

has no power.”

As I have thought about this, I have seen the truth of these words. Because of school, I have let slip even further the routines that bring me closer to my Heavenly Father - temple attendance, reading my scriptures and personal prayers – and even further – kneeling at the end of the day to express my gratitude! 

For many of us, the reminders of what and where we need to be come subtly, but are we really listening? I keep hearing, but am I listening and more importantly - doing? The Lord has truly blessed my life and I have become negligent in doing simple things that He asks us to do. Hopefully this year I can get back to finding those routines that will afford me the power to do the hard things in life I am asked to do.

Hmmm, this is interesting.

Can you guess what I am?
This is the "One" sofa from the furniture makers, 
Nusa Furniture Collections.
It has a bronze finished base with white cushions. 
Only 30 pieces have been made, and it sells for $23,000.

Personally, when I first saw it, I immediately thought
of a bean/nut pod with a cocoon and bean seeds!
Hmmm, I wonder how comfortable it is?

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