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Thunderstorm Surprise

Last night for FHE Mason and I decided to take in a movie- "Dan in Real Life."    We enjoyed the movie, we both found ourselves laughing quite a bit.  Right in the middle of the movie the power went out- which was very surprising considering when we went in the movie it was 75 outside and everything was calm. A freak thunderstorm was rolling through the town; during the movie we could hear the "hail" hitting the roof.  The power went off, but just for a minute, then the movie started up again and everything was fine.

On our way home was a different story- we had lightning all around us- really weird I've never seen lightning like this- and there was no thunder with it- weird. It felt like we were in a electrical Storm, with lightning hitting in every direction. Something straight out of  the movie "War of Worlds"- truly! Then on top of everything- as we are tensely driving home we hear over the radio a public warning alarm- telling people in our area to take shelter in a sturdy building- because they were expecting winds of 75-80 and hand size hail to hit- Oh joy-  We made it home safe and sound, but it was one white knuckle drive home.

It was a very intense but fun night- I think it even freaked out Mason a bit.

And we were so happy when we saw the landscaping lights at our home meaning the power was on.-

Otherwise there would be no getting into the house- I didn't have my keys with me- typically don't, because we go through the garage. But if the power were to be off- there would be no opening that door.   I plan on carrying them from now on.

We really did enjoy the movie- {one thing that did kind of bug me about the movie was that his daughters in the movie were mostly little snots to him,but he worked it out in the end.}

Brief Escape....

We were so needing a little getaway- so it's off to Sam and Heidi's home to take a little break. Probably should of stayed home and worked on the yard....but that can wait...right? Plus it's way more fun to see the kids.  Around this time of year "Nut Season" it's just a miracle to get any time away.
   Arrived at Sam's mid morning, then we did a little shopping, played with the grand babies, had costco pizza for lunch, played some more, then had dinner at Olive Garden {so we could take a peek at Sam once in awhile, plus had to make sure he held the record for the biggest tip.}  After dinner we headed back to Sam's where we watched "The Last Minzy."  After we headed to the hotel, Mason stayed to play games all night, I think Mason and Sam were up until 2:30am playing.
Sunday we went to church together, had a fantastic lunch by Heidi- featuring "Chicken Pillows" It was a great escape- Here's a few pictures from our visit.
Carlee giving Uncle Mason pointers on his game.
Carlee loves to walk around talking on the cell phone-
Carlee wanted to read to Papa- and she had to use Papa's glasses- Something cute about Carlee- when she wants to give you a kiss- she sticks her lips way out {like a fish} so cute.

Okay so basically this is what kept Mason and Sam busy the whole week end- Can you tell which one is Sam?  Be careful you may get fooled :}

No pictures of Preston, sorry, he was such a good baby all week end, laughing or sleeping.

REALSIMPLE    Young Women's made easy.

Three Real Simple Young Women solutions:

1. Sunday Instruction:

Prepare to Teach- Prepare Spiritually the Lord can do remarkable miracles with a person of ordinary ability who is humble, faithful and diligent.

Engage the Young Women- May I suggest four questions to ask at each lesson?

     Do you get it?      Do you Feel it?        Do you love it?       Are you willing to live it?

Teach from the Scriptures-

Teach by and with the Spirit- "Do everything you can to create or to provide the circumstances for a spiritual experience. Nothing we do...will matter as much as that, and I promise you it is what they will remember and Treasure the most." Elder Holland.

Think how are we feeding then on Sunday? Are we feeding the physical or spiritual? Young Women leaders who know- feed the spiritual.

Use approved Resources.

Testify- During youth activities, your example is your most powerful teaching tool. You teach young people through your actions, your casual conversation about others, your solution to problems, the language you use, the way you extend yourself to others. You testify in more ways then you know- do be careful.    Testify of Christ.

2. Save a girl, save a Generation: Training Young Women to be leaders- There are Strategies that work.

3. The Strong Edifying the Weak: And if any man among you be Strong in the Spirit, let him take with him, him that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become strong also. D&C 84:105

{An outline and pictures from our Stake Young Women Training meeting}

Elder Richard G. Scott: {look in search} Ensign Dec. 2005, 62-64- "Remember, don't magnify the work to be done simplify it."

Hydrangea

Love Shannon's Hydrangea's- During my last visit to her home I cut off several blooms to take home and dry, {haven't had much luck growing them here} and this is how they ended up. After we clear out all the dead grass {thanks to the wild pigs} I plan on planting the north side of our home in Hydrangeas and  some other shade loving plants- so maybe something good did come from the "Pig" disaster.
Also another bonus use of "Shannon's Hydrangea's" they will be part of my table arrangement tonight at the Stake YW training meeting-
Thanks Shannon-

"Fall" around the House.....wish it could stay longer!.

 

   

Got to love this Guy.

What makes you love someone?  There's  usually more than one reason. It could be a combination of looks, talents,devotion, skills, humor,  etc.
Which I find all in Dan.  But there's one more thing that Dan does that makes me smile and adds to the reasons why I love this guy.
He likes to try new things, and doesn't get stuck doing the same things over and over again. He likes adventure, he likes gadgets. Here's a few examples:
1. We were one of the the first ones in our town to have a portable cell phone...it came in a suit case, and was huge!{man, does that make me old or what!}
2. Same thing with a "home computer" at the time we wondered what we could do with it. The sales man said it would be a good place to store my recipes- and that we would never run out of space. {Little did he know}
3. We've had just about every gadgets out there from-  the" flow-be" to "Set it and Forget it"
4. When we go on vacations we are the ones wondering off the beaten path. But it always leads to a great adventure. We've had great adventures in Paris and Mexico because of Dan's- adventurous spirit. We could never do a guided tour- in fact we tried once but ended up ditching our tour guide- sorry.
5.Dan is never afraid to be the first to try something....which leads me to Dan's latest adventure.
Check this out Aptera
Yes, we have put a deposit down.....we are in line.  You may call us crazy... I say life is never boring with this man.
That's why I just have to "Love this Guy."

Fiesta in a Bag

One way that members of the Relief Society can contribute to RS is to accept an assignment to serve as a visiting teacher, a calling in which RS members visit and serve their assigned sisters. [ see lds.org search Relief Society} Well today I'm going Visiting Teaching. And I'm going as a "Bag Lady" just kidding, not really a bag lady but I will be carrying several bags- Here's what I'm up to. Margaret Ann gave me the idea; when she was here sharing her ideas on food storage. Most times when I go I like to take a little something, it may be from my garden, something I've cooked or made, mainly just for fun and to let them know I was thinking about them.So the thought came to me, why not do something that could be useful and fun at the same time. So here's my idea.  I've decided that each time I go visit I will take a "Bag Meal" 

"Fiesta in a Bag"
Bag the following:
2 cans Chili
1 C. Rice
1 can Corn
1 Can diced Tomatoes
6-8 Individual Bags of Fritos
Seasoning Packet:
2 tsp dehydrated Onion,crushed
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp dried Oregano
1 tsp. Chili Powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Additional Ingredients: If desired
1 c. grated Cheese
Cook rice in 2 c. water. Drain corn and tomatoes. heat together the corn tomatoes, and chili. Stir in warm cooked rice.  Add Seasoning packets. Open bags of Fritos and spoon in chili mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Stir gently. Enjoy! Then discard the bag...dishes done!

Each time I visit for the next year,  I plan to take a "Bag Meal" to my VTS, something that goes with the season .... they are great to use for last minute dinners when life has been crazy- or to put away for an emergency meal for a neighbor or yourself. Also nice to add to your short term food storage.
I'm also planning to put some together for my college and missionary guys. The fun thing is coming up with meal ideas that are simple enough to put in a bag and be "ready,set,go"  Plus it doesn't need to go in a fancy bag just use whatever you have around. {Notice the "Bed and Bath bag?} Also plan to have a few made up for my own too busy to cook days.

Pony Birthday Party

Yesterday was Sam's Birthday.  So I traveled to Bakersfield to spend a little time with his family.  Got there around 10am. We weren't expecting Sam home from work until early afternoon. So Heidi, the kids and I headed to Costco, to put together a fun lunch for Sam; while at Costco- Carlee spotted something way fun. So you know I just had to get it for her. This little pony is the cutest thing.  It's tail wags, head moves up and down, and it makes fun "Pony" sounds. She was so excited about it. The minute Sam came home from work, she had to tell him all about it. We almost forgot the real reason for my visit. We had lunch with Sam, then it was time for the gifts. 

Carlee was so very patience letting her Dad open his own presents and being very happy for him. Preston was also a little sweetheart.  Sam got some fun stuff, Heidi gave him a cool jacket and he received a book that he had been wanting from Heidi's parents. Here he is with a gift from us.   After the gifts were opened.  Sam and I went to the mall to the search for a new pair of pants and shirt. We were lucky and found the prefect set at the first store.  I enjoyed sharing the day with the kids. Happy Birthday Sam! Love ya                                             

Anna, Conner and Payton, Oh my...

         What a wonderful weekend.  Mason and I loaded up my little orange car...packed to the top, and headed to Shannon's.  It was a pretty drive...had rain off and on the whole trip, but that was fine.  At least it wasn't snow.

Got to Shannon's Thursday night....and let the squishing begin! Here is a list of the things we did...

* second Birthday for Anna

* visit Conner's School

* second breakfast at Krispy Creams

* shopping

* made witches brooms {forgot to take a picture, maybe Shannon will post one}

* dinner out at a Cowboy restaurant

* sleep in Payton's bed

* watch conference

* go to Conner's Soccer game

* Lunch at Burger ville

* more conference

* late night movie- "Next"

* 9 games of candy-land, several games of hide and seek, lots of reading stories, and tons of squishing and sniffing.

PIGS!

 Started the day off just like any other day, take a walk, shower, say Family Prayer, send Mason off to seminary, look at a totally destroyed lawn font and back....wait a minute destroyed lawn!

Yes,  Wild Pigs chose our lawn and only our lawn to "root" up. Lucky us.  We are still at quandary as to what to do...it may be a while until we have the strength to tackle it.

Oh, the joy of living in God's wild kingdom.

{Side note} I was thinking of President Eyring's talk yesterday, where he mentions his habit of everyday thinking of a blessing/gifts that he or his family received daily from a loving Heavenly Father, and how he would write them down so that he and his family could remember the tender Mercy's and love given to them, and then would read from that book on occasions to help build faith and testimony.

I'm starting a book today-

{ I have a fun post planned for tomorrow- Having to do with my trip to Shannon's}

They came back....guess they needed to finish the job.