de·light·ful : very pleasing: giving great enjoyment and pleasure
The past 2 days have been just that, delightful! I only had a handful of things on my calendar, no patients to see (due to unfortunate circumstances) and here is what the days yielded:
1- my little 4 year old can ride a "Two - Wheeler", she was SOOO proud, she kept saying what a great job she was doing..... and she was!!
2 - 3 haircuts (my not so little 6 year old opted for a much shorter hairdo then her mother liked, but she LOVES it and she still is as beautiful as ever)!
3 - a new little "fishy" joins the "school" - Addi who professes daily to want to go swimming at Grandma's house (yet who is deathly afraid of the pool and or sprinklers) finally "jumped" in and LOVED swimming - she kept saying all night "That sooo fun, sooo fun!"
4 -Parker and Dad had a date night (Cap'n Crunch Shakes at Carl's Jr.)
5 - Late Night with the girls: 4 girls all cuddled up on a loveseat watching HSM (again:)! Near the end of the show, Gracie looked over at me and gushed, "Mom, I just love you so much"!! My heart swelled!!!
6 - A lovely visit with great gma williams - she is so wonderful and the kids just adore her! Hallee said today while we were grocery shopping, remember how great grandpa use to pull my toes, I loved that!! We sure miss Grandpa and love that Grandma loves to talk about him too!
7 - Some "yummy fun"! I found this recipe for oatmeal creme pies on a blog and made them for some friends - they are delish!! I think I will make them again Sunday for my dad's birthday dinner - yummy!!
8 - a campout in the backyard (really it is just Ry and the 3 older kids, which is why it made it on to me "delightful" post)!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Passions
Ugghh!! Challenge 3 is to share 5 passions EXCLUDING your family and the Gospel!! I'll admit I don't have time to have passions outside of these!! I'll dig deep:
1. my work - as much as I enjoy not going to work, I truly love the feeling of helping someone regain their independence. I love the challenge of trying to figure all the little details and problems out, it is good for my otherwise sluggish brain, and it is immensely rewarding!!
2. people - can this be a passion, I truly love people. I love getting to know them, learning about them, observing them, and most of all trying to make them happy!
3. photography - you wouldn't guess it from the lack of pictures posted lately (I lost my camera - :(), but I love to take pictures, I love to look at photography sites and analyze their background choices, ect. I appreciate great photos of any subjects!!
4. details - (I warned you, I'm digging deep) I love all the details that make something come together whether it be a party, an outfit, a room, or an event!! I love and appreciate attention to detail - it makes my heart smile!!!
5. wearing a helmet - 10 years as a physical therapist, need I say more!!!!
1. my work - as much as I enjoy not going to work, I truly love the feeling of helping someone regain their independence. I love the challenge of trying to figure all the little details and problems out, it is good for my otherwise sluggish brain, and it is immensely rewarding!!
2. people - can this be a passion, I truly love people. I love getting to know them, learning about them, observing them, and most of all trying to make them happy!
3. photography - you wouldn't guess it from the lack of pictures posted lately (I lost my camera - :(), but I love to take pictures, I love to look at photography sites and analyze their background choices, ect. I appreciate great photos of any subjects!!
4. details - (I warned you, I'm digging deep) I love all the details that make something come together whether it be a party, an outfit, a room, or an event!! I love and appreciate attention to detail - it makes my heart smile!!!
5. wearing a helmet - 10 years as a physical therapist, need I say more!!!!
The Extra Mile
Challenge 2 is to describe a time when you have been the recipient of someone going the extra mile. Now I am not just sucking up to the contest host I promise, but when I think about going the extra mile I always think of my mother and specifically one example that has impacted me very strongly. I remember when my mom visit taught a lady whose husband had recently had a stroke. My mother took in meals to this family every Monday for over a year! She was not asked or assigned to do this, I'm not sure if anyone else even knew that she did it, but I did and I am still trying to emulate her example!
I truly am so lucky - I am surrounded by the most amazing women in my life and I receive more than my share of above and beyond service. Just this past month we have received many delicious meals, help with the kids, our home was "twinkled" by some little cleaning fairies and notes of encouragement and prayers were offered. We are so very blessed!
I wanted to share a journal entry from 12/05 just after Ryan had been diagnosed with and had the brain tumor removed, he was out of work, and we were expecting our 4th child in January that explains again how truly blessed we are.
He Will Not Leave Us Comfortless
Brother Keith Brown was traveling on a huge boat out in the Pacific Ocean. He was leaning over the side, enjoying the beauty of the waves, the radiance of the sun shining down upon the water, and the wonderful feeling of calmness and peace. When all of a sudden, he heard a loud screeching sound. He said it was unlike any sound that he had ever heard before, but if you were to liken the sound to something, it would be when you hold a balloon and pull out the end so that a high-pitched, screeching sound is heard. At the same time, there was a definite slowing of the ship's engine and there was a sudden appearance of red that came out in the water. Brother brown went up to the captain to ask him what had happened. Just as he arrived, the captain was on the intercom system. He said, that it appears that the boat had possibly hit a whale and with the passengers permission, he would like to turn the ship around and go back to the area where it happened. It took almost 25 minutes to turn the boat around and return to that area.
When they arrived they saw about 8 whales, all swimming together side by side, with the injured whale being carried in the middle. When a whale is injured, the other whales come together on each side and lift the injured whale so that it can breathe and get enough air. They continue to do this until either the whale is strong enough to swim again by himself or until the whale dies. This process can go on for a number of weeks.
I love this story and feel that it sums up my feelings this past few months. I and my family have been lifted up by the strength and power of our Father in Heaven through the love and service of our friends and family. We have been blessed in every imaginable way and cannot deny God's blessings in our life. A FEW of the specific acts of kindness and service that we received during this time were numerous letters and calls of encouragement, prayer, and fasting, fasting and prayers of loved ones including Ryan's high school fantasy football team and out of town relatives and friends, our cupboards, basement, garage, and freezer where stocked with food, meals and more yummy meals, family and friends helping with the kids, Corby (Ryan's brother) slept overnight on various occasions so that I could get some much needed sleep and he attended to Ryan and the kids throughout the night, his wife came and cleaned our bathrooms 1/week until the baby arrived, numerous anonymous monetary gifts left at our home or given to Ryan's parents, free haircuts for months from Ryan's sister, friends cleaned the house, did our shopping and helped shuttle kids back and forth. The list could go on and on and continues particularly throughout the Holiday season. We are truly blessed and feel that the "heavens have been opened up and there is not room enough to receive the blessings that are being poured upon us". Brandi 12/05
I truly am so lucky - I am surrounded by the most amazing women in my life and I receive more than my share of above and beyond service. Just this past month we have received many delicious meals, help with the kids, our home was "twinkled" by some little cleaning fairies and notes of encouragement and prayers were offered. We are so very blessed!
I wanted to share a journal entry from 12/05 just after Ryan had been diagnosed with and had the brain tumor removed, he was out of work, and we were expecting our 4th child in January that explains again how truly blessed we are.
He Will Not Leave Us Comfortless
Brother Keith Brown was traveling on a huge boat out in the Pacific Ocean. He was leaning over the side, enjoying the beauty of the waves, the radiance of the sun shining down upon the water, and the wonderful feeling of calmness and peace. When all of a sudden, he heard a loud screeching sound. He said it was unlike any sound that he had ever heard before, but if you were to liken the sound to something, it would be when you hold a balloon and pull out the end so that a high-pitched, screeching sound is heard. At the same time, there was a definite slowing of the ship's engine and there was a sudden appearance of red that came out in the water. Brother brown went up to the captain to ask him what had happened. Just as he arrived, the captain was on the intercom system. He said, that it appears that the boat had possibly hit a whale and with the passengers permission, he would like to turn the ship around and go back to the area where it happened. It took almost 25 minutes to turn the boat around and return to that area.
When they arrived they saw about 8 whales, all swimming together side by side, with the injured whale being carried in the middle. When a whale is injured, the other whales come together on each side and lift the injured whale so that it can breathe and get enough air. They continue to do this until either the whale is strong enough to swim again by himself or until the whale dies. This process can go on for a number of weeks.
I love this story and feel that it sums up my feelings this past few months. I and my family have been lifted up by the strength and power of our Father in Heaven through the love and service of our friends and family. We have been blessed in every imaginable way and cannot deny God's blessings in our life. A FEW of the specific acts of kindness and service that we received during this time were numerous letters and calls of encouragement, prayer, and fasting, fasting and prayers of loved ones including Ryan's high school fantasy football team and out of town relatives and friends, our cupboards, basement, garage, and freezer where stocked with food, meals and more yummy meals, family and friends helping with the kids, Corby (Ryan's brother) slept overnight on various occasions so that I could get some much needed sleep and he attended to Ryan and the kids throughout the night, his wife came and cleaned our bathrooms 1/week until the baby arrived, numerous anonymous monetary gifts left at our home or given to Ryan's parents, free haircuts for months from Ryan's sister, friends cleaned the house, did our shopping and helped shuttle kids back and forth. The list could go on and on and continues particularly throughout the Holiday season. We are truly blessed and feel that the "heavens have been opened up and there is not room enough to receive the blessings that are being poured upon us". Brandi 12/05
Fear Factor
Okay so challenge one is to share a time when you have conquered a fear or stepped outside your comfort zone! I really had a hard time with this one, either I am not afraid of much or I really don't do much (oh dear scary thought)! I have gone para sailing (Ethel's got nothing on me) , bungee jumping, cliff diving and bullet bike racing (don't ask mom), and none of these activities produced fear (maybe a little adrenaline), but not fear. However, when I was called to be the primary chorister I literally shook for weeks (really probably months, but that sounds so pathetic). I threw up for several weeks before and after church!! I was terrified initially and then ended up LOVING the whole experience - go figure!
This Weeks Challenge
So my whole big family (except my little family) is off basking in the sun in my favorite little paradise (aka Lake Powell). We were unable to join them this year due to Parker's surgery (he can't get his "War Wounds" wet for a few more weeks)! However, while they are away those left behind shall play, play for free stuff that is! My mom is hosting a little challenge on her blog and to enter you have to comment and respond to her daily challenge, check it out http://constantgrowingamazement.blogpspot.com and enter if you would like!!!!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
So I was in charge of the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon last month for all of the teachers and staff at my kiddos' school! We served 50 the first time and 20 the next time. The teachers were so gracious and seemed to really enjoy the food. I have had many requests for the recipes so here they are!
Mexican Pasta Salad
1 box penne pasta, cooked according to directions on box (6 cups cooked)
1 can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 small cans sliced olives
2 c. corn
1 jicama, chopped or julienned
1 white onion, chopped
1 red and yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 T. minced garlic
Cilantro, finely chopped
4 diced tomatoes (I used cherry tomatoes)
Greens of choice (6 cups; I use romaine and spring mix)
3 avocados, chopped
Grated Parmesan
Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing (I used approx. 3/4 of a bottle for this recipe, but use to taste)
Combine pasta with first set of ingredients. Add greens, avocado, tomatoes, Parmesan, and dressing prior to serving. Serves ~ 25.
(My BFF Jenny and I concocted the above recipe by combining and altering a few other recipes we loved, it is also great with cafe rio dressing, and Bernstein's Chipolte dressing, but I love that with the Balsamic dressing you can still taste the yummy flavor combinations in the salad)!
Denni's Pina Colada Fruit Dip
1 jar marshmallow creme (regular size)
1 block cream cheese, softened
1-2 tsp. coconut extract (I always use 2 tsp, who doesn’t love flavor?)
1-2 drops red food coloring, optional (I think everything tastes better when it looks pretty :))
Serve with fruit such as pineapple, strawberries, bananas, and grapes.
Flavored Water
3 C. Sugar
5 quarts water
1 Tbsp. Citric acid
1 Tbsp. Lemon, orange, or strawberry extract
Lemons, oranges or strawberries for garnish
Mix 1 quart water with sugar and dissolve. Add citric acid (can be ordered by pharmacies) and extract of choice and the rest of the water. Fill punch bowl with ice and whole/slices of fruit and pour flavored water over ice and fruit. (If I use a lot of ice, I cut back on the water I add - just do it to your taste).
Mexican Pasta Salad
1 box penne pasta, cooked according to directions on box (6 cups cooked)
1 can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 small cans sliced olives
2 c. corn
1 jicama, chopped or julienned
1 white onion, chopped
1 red and yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 T. minced garlic
Cilantro, finely chopped
4 diced tomatoes (I used cherry tomatoes)
Greens of choice (6 cups; I use romaine and spring mix)
3 avocados, chopped
Grated Parmesan
Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing (I used approx. 3/4 of a bottle for this recipe, but use to taste)
Combine pasta with first set of ingredients. Add greens, avocado, tomatoes, Parmesan, and dressing prior to serving. Serves ~ 25.
(My BFF Jenny and I concocted the above recipe by combining and altering a few other recipes we loved, it is also great with cafe rio dressing, and Bernstein's Chipolte dressing, but I love that with the Balsamic dressing you can still taste the yummy flavor combinations in the salad)!
Denni's Pina Colada Fruit Dip
1 jar marshmallow creme (regular size)
1 block cream cheese, softened
1-2 tsp. coconut extract (I always use 2 tsp, who doesn’t love flavor?)
1-2 drops red food coloring, optional (I think everything tastes better when it looks pretty :))
Serve with fruit such as pineapple, strawberries, bananas, and grapes.
Flavored Water
3 C. Sugar
5 quarts water
1 Tbsp. Citric acid
1 Tbsp. Lemon, orange, or strawberry extract
Lemons, oranges or strawberries for garnish
Mix 1 quart water with sugar and dissolve. Add citric acid (can be ordered by pharmacies) and extract of choice and the rest of the water. Fill punch bowl with ice and whole/slices of fruit and pour flavored water over ice and fruit. (If I use a lot of ice, I cut back on the water I add - just do it to your taste).
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