Trying to Throw your Arms Around the World

My mom makes the most incredible cheesecake tarts for valentines day every year .... and I am STILL thinking about them.... YUM!!! Here is the recipe. Remember, if I can make them, anyone can. This recipe is easy.

Cream Cheese Tarts
Bottom layer
3 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
5 eggs

Preheat oven 300 F. Blend together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Then, add the eggs one at a time. Pour batter in muffin tins about 1/2 full and bake for 35 minutes.

Amy Parker just tagged me....

10 years ago I was living in Malvinas, which is a suburb of Campina Grande, PB Brazil. I was the only american living with 3 brazillian sisters (Sis. Passos, Sis Silva, and Sis. Oliveira) serving a mission. In this area, someone tried to break into our house. Since I was the the biggest, tallest, and lightest sleeper, I heard what was going on and decided to handle it. What a Joke!! I am such a wimp...yet I was victorious. I won't give details, but while the other 3 slept, I scared the guy away without weapons, without entry, and noone getting hurt. At about 5 am, I finally saw his feet leave the area. I just bust up thinking about that, now. It was also in this area my companion (Passos) got mugged at knifepoint on the bus, which was more scary than the attempted burglery by a long shot. Are you surprised we were the last sisters to serve there?

5 things I would do if I was a billionaire...

**My dream to this day is to go and help with relief efforts in other countries. I have seen poverty and would like to help alleviate the stresses associated with it as much as I can. When my kids get older, I want them involved as much as possible. Prayer of the Children
provides the reminder to me of the many people in the world that simply need help.
**Anonymous gifts to people who want babies but can't afford adoption or fertility.
**Educational Scholarships for students that really want to get ahead, but can't afford it and don't qualify for pell grants or other funds.
**A moderate house that is paid for, comfortable, decorated the way I want it. A place where people want to come and stay because they feel welcome and safe and know they can drop in anytime of the day or night. It would be fabulous to have a mechanical massage chair for reading and a great play area for kids...of all ages.
**Travel..there are so many places I want to visit with whoever wants to go. I have never been to Europe, plus I have a list of sites and locations I will love to cross off.

3 bad habits..
Trusting too much.
Talking too much
Not staying on top of laundry.. IT NEVER ENDS..

5 places I've lived
Joao Pessoa, Brazil
Campina Grande, Brazil
Recife, Brazil
Provo
SLC/Sandy (lots of different houses)

5 jobs I've had.. (I will list all for giggles like Amy did...a lot of these were part-time that I worked while getting through college. Only 3 full time jobs listed.. silly)

Worked at my dad's deli during summers (from age 8 to 17)
Retail (J. Riggings)
Bank and Credit Untion Representative (Clarke American)
Dance Instructor (Gunn School of Dance)
Substitute Teacher for elementary, jr. high, high school (Granite School District)
ESL Reading Program for children (Waterford)
Waiter (Rodizio Grill)
Receptionist/Office Assistant (Harmony Home Health Care)
Portuguese instructor (MTC)
Corporate Trainer (Alsco)
Technical Writer (Accela)
Retail (Expected Maternity)

Some things you may or may not know about me.

I put hair extensions in a couple of years ago for a year and loved it. It is the only time in my life that I have ever been complimented on my hair. I want to put them back in. I won a gift certificate for 500 dollars off for laser hair removal...so, I am getting laser hair removal on the lower half of my legs (knees down).. it hurts like crazy but I know that Erik Reavely from childhood will never call me wolfie again!! I love to read, and I can't focus on anything if I have my nose in a good book. (I am worthless.) I play soccer (indoor and outdoor) going back to my tomboy days of growing up. I can't get enough of my kids. I relish in my time with them because I work and don't enjoy them everyday like I used to. I am anxious for more children one day. My favorite breakfast food is scrambled eggs and cheese. One of my favorite games is "Ticket to Ride" I love the clean clothes smell of Tide and Febreeze fabric softner. I love talking and hanging out with my friends and family. I am taking my girls swimming now...

I tag Amanda, Julie D., Heather, Brooke, and Kirsten.

The song Starry Eyed Surprise requires its own blog... remember that cool Coke commercial where everyone was rollerskating to it? In thinking of the Superbowl commercials recently, I decided that I must post one of my favs because it is so happy with bubbles and sparkles all around...I think about it everytime I hear this song and it puts a smile on my face.

Last night I went to see Juno with my friend Jill.... OHHHHHH MYYYYYYYY Juno is one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time. I don't want to ruin the movie for those who have not seen it (which most of you probably have because it has already been out for a couple of months.) But, wow!!! Whoever wrote that movie script did an incredible job nailing the teenie bopper language and writing the much needed comical entertainment. Jillian is 5 months pregnant right now, which made Juno exceptionally funny to watch together.

I have known Jill since preschool. PRESCHOOL!!! Although are lives are busy and we don't see each other very often, it never ceases to amaze me that when we get together, we pick up right where we left off. We fill in the blanks with stories that make us laugh or cry outloud and reminisce in our comical history we have had together. I am so glad that we have maintained our friendship over the many years.

I was also able to hang with old friends from elementary and jr. high this week. It is interesting to think about how time has changed us, yet how we are just the same old friends with expanded interests, families, and businesses of our own. Even though time passes and we are involved with our own activities, we still care about each other genuinely and can appreciate each others talents, contributions to society, and input to the widely diversified topics of educated and flighty conversation.

So, to all my long-time friends, I think you are BOSS!!! I truly value your friendship...truly, truly.

P.S. How awesome was that hamburger phone in Juno! I wish I had one back in the day.

Nine years ago today I returned home from serving an LDS mission in Recife, Brazil. Wow.. time flies. So much has happened, but... there are things of which time has not erased nor made me forget. 1) I love the Brazillian people and enjoy spending time with them 2) There are spiritual things that are more profound to me in the portuguese language-I frequently attend a portuguese speaking branch. I love it... 3) I love brazillian food...thank goodness for friends that cook it just right because I don't even attempt it. 4) I am continually amazed at the passion these people have for things... 5) I lived in some of the most beautiful areas of the world and for that I am so grateful.