QUESTION: Did you hear the joke about the Peanut Butter?

Well - today I checked out my Facebook page and THERE was YET ANOTHER posting about this chick right here     http://www.bakingwithblondie.blogspot    It's been wonderful for me to watch my daughter Mandy start this website and actually work hard every week to make it amazing.  I've enjoyed seeing the pictures of the items she makes, and the stories of why it was important, and the extra things she decided to add to make it unique to her.  She's now been featured here http://sixsistersstuff.com  and today featured here  http://www.thischickcooks.net !!  Pretty exciting - if you like what you see there - make sure you like it - and share it - but most of all try it!!  For some reason I don't seem to see any of MY recipes there??  Hum.... so you don't like the Curry you say?  You know - there are children starving... in ... ok - on in my Mission area!!  (I know - just send it there right!)  So just in case you've wondered where she gets her talent from, it was NOT from me in any sense of the word.  That my kids survived my cooking is one of the miracles of the world.  Now - I love seeing my girls heading off into their cooking talents - and making sure they are eating healthy, and making it beautiful along the way.  Some days, Ashley will post something about some massively grilled salmon with exotic veggies cooked to a tee - and Mandy posts the recipes that make my mouth water - and I STILL wonder where they got it from.  One of my favorite things I own are recipes hand written from my Great Grandmas and Grand Mothers.  My next generation being my own mom has an entire drawer full of memories from her kitchen.  My daughter in law Bethany has a few tricks up her sleeve - she's my master bread maker... so now and then we gather things together and feast.  To illustrate my abilities - I now bring you my ultimate talent - and the reason my children have survived to the ripe age of the 'day they realized people don't eat like I cook'.   Proud of my cooks... excited that Mandy was featured... hope for many more fun surprised like that again.

The Ultimate PB & J

(yes.. that's frosting on top people)
(oh no.... not homemade silly, right out of the
purchase Betty Crocker tub...)
For many years the common housewife has slaved over the

Wonder Bread package and teared up over the variety of ways

to make their children the perfect sammie.

While most children demand that the crust be cut off

of the sammie, I always created at atmosphere of fear,

and death threats if they didn't just eat and hurry because

we were usually late for something.

School lunches can became ho-hum after a while,

so I'm here to give out just some simple secrets

that will make your kids appreciate your

efforts in bringing them the best nutritional

substitute available.... er something like that.

The Motivator

you decide which kid needs THIS scrumptious

delight in their paper sack at lunch

The Baconater...

mmmm... combine breakfast AND lunch

(mmmm Ashley)

and in case you need to send a special message

to your child at school with bullies....

Thus you see - why my daughter Mandy is featured,

and I'm looking for the following items to put on my sammie:



M & M's (left over from Trick or Treating of course), grapes,

Lego's, potato chips, parts of the napkin that get stuck in it

while making it, jelly beans, hidden veggies ie cucumbers...,

sprinkles of Curry Powder (:

honey that hasn't expired,

celery, celery with pimento cheese sauce,

Fruit Loops, (yet again probably expired)

leftover cookies (wait, there are never

left over cookies)  and, of course,

lots of love.  Cook on!

ANSWER:

not going to tell you,

you might spread it around....

Bwahaahhahahhahaha!

#3 has his FIRST BIRTHDAY

Well, you know - when your ONE you can have your cake

and eat it too... even with your foot on the table!

This little one - my 3rd grandchild, has his very first birthday today!

It's been a very busy year for him....

I was in a Missionary Meeting a year ago and my phone

was turned off - at the end of the meetings I turned it on and I had

17 messages and a picture of Mandy with an IV in her hand and

a "Get here NOW I'm having this baby" look on her face.

This little boy - has dreamy blue eyes, soft blond hair, and

the silliest smile ever known.  He is so full of love.  He trusts

his mom and dad - and he lights up when his grandparents come

to see him.  Right now he's way into pots and pans and spatulas.

Soon he'll be up and running and there will be no stopping him...

a possible BYU Cross Country dude?  Perhaps!

Each time I spend time with him, I feel like I'm holding a little

bit of heaven.  He has that shoulder grip with his hand that tells you

he's hanging on and I love that.  He's well traveled... here, there

and everywhere - but he's grounded by his loving parents that teach

him the sweetest things of life.  He's a mighty warrior already.

I'm sure looking forward to many play dates, some trips for

ice cream, and many more Walmart shopping sprees.  Until

then - know you are loved little one - know that you are

a valuable part of many lives.  You are going to rock this world.

Oh Happy Day!  Celebrate!!

(wait we already did on Saturday with your freaking

amazing party!)

It was delicious!



#2 has her SECOND BIRTHDAY!

Well Little Miss - it's your Birthday and you are 2!

That means for the past 2 years I've had this beautiful granddaughter

that lights up my world.  I guess this love originates from her

mom - because I love her mom so much - and this is

Mini Bethany all the way.  There is no softer hair,

no sweeter eyes, no brighter smiles, and

they all belong to this little one here.  She's given me

moments in time when I actually stop what I'm doing

and just sigh - because I know she's mine (ok and I share her

with the other Ama that loves her too).  There is a

tenderness in this one that I cannot describe.  She's

experienced amazing things, been many places, and

enjoyed being loved by a wonderful family.  How

grateful I am that my son has a little girl in his life,

they bring out the best in a parent.  I love that she knows

how to love, and she's careful with the hearts of those

that love her.  Her eyes twinkle when you see her and you

know that they reflect all the joy inside of her.  I love

that her parents are teaching her good things - about a

Heavenly Father that loves her, created her, and expects

many things from her.  I love that she has a big brother to

watch over her, and not kill her when they are rough

housing (; when they play.  I have a lot of plans for you

and I little one - I anticipate the day when I can be with

you more, and watch you in the events of your life.

I hope you know that you are so very very loved by me,

and that you have given me the sweetest memories

ever in the past 2 years.

Oh Happy Day - and many more to come!

Nana - loves you!!

My 'PARENTHOOD' addiction commentary....

Yeah - family wedding finally!
You aren't Jewish - why do we keep making that?
You are are rose patrol
Billy will be my best man because you SOLD THE BUSINESS!
Beer throwing at the back.... OH NO!
Commercial break.....

OH NO - didn't get the baby - Mandy was right -
cleaning out the blue room ):  This is the sad part.
campain gains ten grand... and something from the bakery
but she still doesn't trust him.
How about a wedding in Ireland? 
Let's take our baby (even through you are 40 and I'm 12) and go!
Aspergers syndrome - tough one.
Uh oh - daddy talk - you are in trouble now.... you sold it?
Make up with your brother because Crazy Billy can't come to the wedding.
Commercial break......

NO TEENAGE SEX!!  This momma said NO!
teenage mom shows up and continues to destroy the mommy,
she gives the watch back... ):
oh... no.... are you breaking up with me?  (I'm 40 and you are 12)
sadness.... ):
Commercial break.....
      (there aren't this many commercials during The Bachelor)
      (but it's about as brainless)
      (MMMMMM shrimp and fries at Artic Circle.. wonder if they are still open...)
(count them..... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8..... really that many commercials)
   (I'm trying to do a commentary here folks...)

Billy show up.  Apology accepted.
Wedding begins - (I'm already tearing up)
There's the Groom, the Bride, and yo - their son!
walking, walking walking... walking some more.  Choir singing
(I LOVE these two)
winking, a lot of smiling, missing the baby they didn't get...
(Great song)
Commercial... really?  That was a 40 second part of the show folks!!
Commercial...1, 2, 3, 4, (aluette)(Mickey),5, 6, oh come on!

RECEPTION PARTAE!
Dancing - Billy is aweful
I get to go to Cornell!  (because my dad sold the shop)
More dancing
uh oh - texting the senator
teenagers blood running hot - where are the PARENTHOODS?
Paperwork - still selling.
close your eyes part - ew.... teenagers.... ew
ok - the toast...
BILLY?  Billy is Missing - Billy is gone.
New Best Man - Adam.
(why does Crosby look like Ben the Bachelor?)
ok - so now the deal is OFF - and we're keeping the shop!
Commercial.....
    (NO not the pink Charmin Bear!)(Campbells Soup)(Mac N Cheese)(I have another family?) (Listerine - way too much alcohol)(Selma Hyack milking a cow) (Got Milk) (News News News)(Will Mitt win?)

Back to the Partae
ew teenagers - guilty
OH NO AMBER ALERT - she's found the Senator!
I can't work here and be with you.  Can I be your assistant?
Back to the reception - dancing - lots of Billy and twirling.
Oh - Mark is back - (we love 12 year old Mark)
we belong together - OH - ONE KNEE?  YEAAAAAHHHH!
Wait - he was still standing when he asked - (bad omen)
Driving away in the Just Married car.....
WHAT?  A DELIVERY OF A BABY??????????????
Nope - an 8 year old - perfect..... awesome

Love this show - I'm pretty sure that I should keep my day job.

All Even Numbers.....

Well - today will mark one of those rare moments in time - all of my children are of the 'even' number years in age.  Thanks to Matt - the one on the right, turning 28 today.  This is the famous Skeletonz face we all do - I think we blame Chelsea Culpepper and Mandy for this face - never the less we always do the face.  Left to right represents 22, 24, 26, and 28.  That adds up to a lot of years of loving these kids.  I remember on that first born child, going into labor very early - and the doctor being suprised that I had missed my appointment - to deliver the child.  Matt was this cute little strawberry blonde baby - fat, and happy.  He was so tiny to me - but actually was a pretty good sized little tyke.  Matt changed my life - he wast the first of four to be kicked out of heaven.  He came to teach me love, patience, joy, and patience, and laughter, and have I mentioned patience?  I watched this child do amazing things at such a young age.  He knew all of the tools in the garage, was fearless in a boat and around water,  Played until he would just drop and fall asleep, and it was good to know the amazing parts about him because later on  - he became known as the cat killer.  Long story - different blog.  Matt was a good big brother - he took care of his siblings, and he made sure to keep all of the rules.  And if you believe that... anyway.... he had a mind of his own - still does actually, but he did take in mind things that were taught to him by me.  I've always known Matt to be hard working, finishing a job, being kind to those around him, and never never swearing... and if you believe that last part... anyway.  He was active in sports, and biking, and rollerblading, and soccer.  He went all through scouts and earned his Eagle Scout, stayed close to the church, worked hard in school, played a mean saxophone, and just enjoyed life to it's fullest. Today I found the Top Award given at Jordan High - The  Manhood Award - a rare honor given to a student voted on by the faculty - amazing.  I lost him to Taiwan for his LDS Mission... but knew that he never really belonged to me - but to the Lord.  I threatened him to not marry anyone but Bethany - because I love her so much, and I also wanted 400 grandchildren.  I'm really excited that he has 2 already - that's a great start!  I watched him work his heart out with college and get his Masters - and I just cried my eyes out to see him walk across that stage.  I marvel at his ability to still work hard, love his job, serve the Lord -Young Men's President (influencing those young minds to be the best they can.... and if you believe that..... anyway), and enjoying a motorcycle ride and even illegal picnicing now and then on the side of the road.  Could anyone Mom love you more Matt?  Ha - and if you believe that.... you would be right.

Happy Birthday Matt - you are my Sunshine

(but don't tell the other kids that ok?)

You are loved

I Love Drewbug, a Bushel and a Peck....

I think that as much as I loved being a 'mom' in my life - I always had this desire to be a 'Grandma'.  It would mean that I would then be old, and in a rocking chair with doilies on the arms of the chair.  I might smell like Vicks vapor rub, and wear my glasses down on my nose.  I might have my knee high nylons rolled just below my knee caps and I might doze as I was watching my grandkids.  Ok... so that's not happening.  I'm Nana - to this little guy, Andrew's Nana.  Today celebrates 4 years of becoming a Nana, and for the amazing arrival of this little boy in the lives of the Hillary and Stimpson families.  Oh what joy this child brought - a bit of heaven, and a touch of... well... his dad.  He changed our lives. and brought our two families into a close knit devotion to this child.  Never the less - my life will never be the same after laying eyes on the first of hopefully many many more grandchildren.  I had forgotten how small they are, how fun they could be, how sweet and also a bit sour smelling they can be - when they just arrive from heaven.  Andrew has been a delight to watch grow up.  Just a sweetheart - then jumps right into being a pill... and I love every single cell of this child.  His expressions and his curiosity and his energy are second to none.  I am blessed beyond belief with this first of 3 or maybe more.... one never knows what's baking in an oven somewhere... grandchildren.  Drew - I hope I never let you down - I pray that I can leave you with a memory or two now and then.  I'm expecting great things from you.  I believe you will change the world one Lego at a time.  Stay close to Heavenly Father, always be a Sunbeam for him, and be a good son and brother.  Lucky me, I have you.  I think of you every day, and I hope to be able to experience life with you as you venture out in the wonderful world of being 4.  Happy Birthday little one - I love you, a bushel and a peck... and about a million hugs around the neck.  Love always, Nana..... xoxoxoxoxxoox

The Good and Bad of this Day... rantings of a tired old lady part 13. (I'm pretty sure there are at least 12 previous ranting posts)

Dang it - I'm in a funk.  I'm looking at that half full - half empty glass and I'm just not snapping out of it!  I don't know for sure but several things are packed in my 'monkey on my back' backpack and I'm just draggin' them around with me.... Is there a drop off for some of these things???

1.  Brought everything I could up from the basement (yeah I've started the project!)... only to find that behind the boxes that were down there - was a broken pipe.  Good:  because it could have been a nightmare, Bad:  it postpones the mess being removed from the TV room.  (I'm now a candidate for Hoarders)

2.  One of my missionary families had their home torched in a fire - now they are randomly disbursed around the valley and I have NO IDEA how to fix this mess!  Good:  because they need to clear out the bedbugs (?) (yerp), Bad:  because now they will be lost to the next ward who will never love them as I do.  (I'm now on the "you didn't fix it" list, and  Hoarder)

3.  I'm SO TIRED of missing my workouts that distress me and having to end up going to the gym at 8 PM - YIKES - I should be at the kitchen counter eating cookies at 8PM not shaking my Zumba bum!  Then I head into Yoga where I'm perfectly aware that my chin can never touch my knees.  Good:  I did do a killer tree tonight - kind of a weeping willow tree - but never the less a tree pose), Bad:  I will not walk tomorrow.  (I'm now a "limping, you didn't fix it, Hoarder"

4.  I'm just kinda of in a ticked off mood tonight.  I registered for my favorite cycling event and then I had to read about all of the sissy wa-wa's that didn't make it in!  Ok sisters of the cycling hood - you KNEW when it was, you KNEW the time to crash the web with your requests, and you KNEW that of the 10,000 women that tried to get a spot that only 3500 would get one!  Good:  yet another year with Ashley as I watch her fly by me and laugh (no bees in your shirt this year ok?)  Bad:  Is there another 100 miles in this poor body?  (I'm now a "complaining, limping, you didn't fix it, hoarder....)

5.  Most of all - I just wanted a Coke from McDonalds - I counted my change from under the seat of the car and in the ash tray.  Ok - so it was 6 am - but it was the Coke to last all day Coke.  Make it to work on time (awesome) and my first drink of this soothing drink of death - was interrupted by the fact that it was indeed, a Diet Coke....  It was a simple request, a desperate moment, and I realized that I have no coping skills anymore.  Good:  I have room to improve on my skills, and had less caloric intake, Bad:  I actually drake that awful ewish.  (I'm now an ewish, complaining, limping, you didnt' fix it, hoarder....)

6.  My mom called and said she wanted to go to the rest home and bring dad home to take care of him.  This was the last straw.  This broke me.  I wish more than life itself that someone loved me that much that they would want to bring what was left of me home and love me like that.  I have no problems, I have no complaints, I have no room to whine.    Good:  The Lord works his magic on me in the strangest ways.  Bad:  I need to be reminded way to excessively that I need to be a better Daughter of God.

Tomorrows Goals:  Serve better, clean faster, drink less (maybe I'll have to think about that one) Love more, complain less, be kinder to my soul - be a better neighbor, find my missionary family, trust the Lord more on lessons I need to learn, talk to each of my children, tell them that they are loved.  and.... I'm going to try to be a more grateful Hoarder.....