Good Bye

Papa K. "passed" early this morning. I'm so grateful we changed our driving travel plans and SLK was able to make a last minute flight and arrived to be with his dad in those last couple hours.

We'll be together again, this I know, the life, death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ makes this possible.

We love you Papa.

i GET to speak in church sunday

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The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible.

What Is the Book of Mormon?

The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ and confirms the truths found in the Holy Bible. The Book of Mormon does not replace the Bible; rather, they are companion works that together teach about God and Jesus Christ.

Both volumes of scripture are a compilation of teachings as recorded by ancient prophets. While the Bible details events in the eastern hemisphere, the Book of Mormon documents the lives of the inhabitants of the ancient Americas. (more info here)

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I'm speaking in church this Sunday, one of those last minute assignments when another member wasn't able to be there to speak. Guess what my topic is????? I'm trying to have a good attitude and not be too scared. Though the ward/congregation are my church family that I love, it is still a humbling and somewhat scary thing to me.

If you don't have a copy of The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, please feel free to comment and ask for one and I'll get one to you or click above and order one online.

New Year - Thoughts

“Write it on your heart that

every day

is the best day in the year.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

P.S. I just knew you wouldn't mind if I included a picture of my dear, departed Kirby.

Wow, what a buddy!

Making Do

So much value in this time honored adage:
Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.

I'm trying to practice what is in my heart in this regard.
It gives me an inner power.
Inner peace.
It makes me feel good.

It's a big part of my taking personal responsibility.
It enables me to hold my head high . . . at least in one area.
I don't have it all conquered and I'm not
coming off haughty or judgmental here.
Just sharing a good idea in this new year.

Oh The Power

My message today is one of gratitude for this new year of 2012.

My heart rejoices in life and the power we have to create goodness and joy
not just in our own lives but also in the lives of our loved ones, friends and acquaintances .
I desire to serve more abundantly and joyfully.
I desire to increase spiritually daily.
I dare not mention anything relating to eating and food. Just not going there.;)
Counting my blessings and that is the reason for the smile on my face
that you can't see but I hope you can picture.
Sending you messages of good will and
JOY.

Sweeties and Syrups

I was delighted to get this photo of my PA sweeties at the Warner Robins (Georgia) Air Force Base Aviation Museum. I was there many years ago and Jesse remembered my love of this Stearman on display. Papa, my dad flew one as a crop duster in Idaho in my childhood and I have such fond memories just looking at this restored bi-wing.
But even more delightful are the smiling faces I get to see in this picture. I'm sure they had a great Georgia Christmas with Christie's family.

Now, for the record, some syrup recipes so we can find them easier (yes, Becca, thinking of you).

Coconut Syrup

7-8 T butter
3/4 c buttermilk
1 c sugar
1/2 t baking soda
1 t coconut extract

Place butter, buttermilk and sugar in a sauce pan. Over medium heat stir until sugar is dissolved and butter melted. Bring to a boil and boil 1 minute. Remove from heat and add baking soda and extract. It will bubble up - just continue to stir and give it a few minutes for the "fizz" to reduce before serving.

Cinnamon Syrup

1 c sugar
1/2 c light corn syrup
1/4 c water
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 c whipping cream

In medium sauce pan stir all ingredients together EXCEPT cream. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in cream. Cool 30 minutes, Syrup will thicken as it cools. Serve warm.

Did It Again

I broke that rule, the one about not testing a new recipe on company or for a special occasion. Out of the blue I had the idea I wanted to make a chocolate mousse pie for Christmas dinner. Darling daughters Dori had already made the killer, 4 layer coconut cake and Trevlyn made an old fashioned, very traditional minced meat pie. That was plenty of dessert with all the gifted treat plates lining one counter. Since church services weren't until 11 a.m. (well SLK and I were in the choir so we were there early for practice) I knew I had plenty of time to make my hearts desire...oh that is much too dramatic. I just wanted those flavors in my mouth, okay. I must add that I loved celebrating Christmas on the Sabbath and attending church as it added much to the spirit of the day and in my heart.

To be honest, I thought the pie was okay, it didn't embarrass me, and with my dear friend Becca H. (and fam) at the table, who is such an amazing cook I was thankful for that. I didn't know if this was a recipe I would make again let alone share with you. We were also blessed to have Kathy S. and hubs join us for dessert. The more the merrier.

I'm still wondering why I loved that pie the day after. Maybe it's like stew. Funny thought. But now I really love this pie and will share it with you. Plus, it's easy and rather a fun recipe. Like ALL of Christmas, no photos, not even Christmas Eve (we hosted dinners both days). This hostess can only do so much . . . at this age. What I'm getting at is the photo below is one I found on the web that most looks like my pie, minus the chocolate curls.

I started with making a crust. Just use any recipe you like (I always use butter flavored Crisco for my shortening). And remember to take a fork and prick it all over prior to baking so it won't bubble up and distort.

Chocolate Mousse Pie

7 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 c. miniature marshmallows
1/2 c. milk
2 c. heavy whipping cream, add 1 t. vanilla before whipping
1 9" pie crust (graham cracker or chocolate crumb or pastry shell baked)

Directions:

1. In a heavy saucepan, heat the chocolate chips, marshmallows and milk over low heat until chocolate is melted and marshmallows have "disappeared" and mixture is smooth, stirring constantly. BE PATIENT AS THIS TAKES TIME.

2. COOL to room temperature. It will cool faster if you remove pan from heat and place on a cooling rack so air can get under it and cool faster.

3. Whip cream and vanilla. Gently fold into chocolate mixture; pour into crust (cooled crust of course). Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Refrigerate leftover.

Aren't you surprised at the ingredients and how easy these directions are! Me too.

Now I'd love to hear what you think of it. Will you give it a try?

Sincerely wishing you a happy day, msk

P.S. Temp today is to be 71* and 75* for New Years day. Yup, it's good.

It's Sour

Giving thanks that Dori made it home in safety last evening.
Long drive, dirty car
but safe!!
One of her first requests was sourdough hotcakes for breakfast.
Yes mam.

This was her first trip home since beloved dog Kirby passed. I knew it would be hard on her. The girls would always call when they drove into the neighborhood so Kirby could be waiting for them on the front porch. The heart(s) is still very tender.
Dori expressed her love and tribute this morning in a carving on our railroad tie.

Counting my blessings
on a busy day.
Praying for the JCK's safe drive all the way from PA to GA this day.
Oh the blessing of a loving family.

December 22nd Greetings

It's Thursday. Christmas is Sunday. Yes, you all know that but perchance my posterity reads this is the future it gives them some perspective . . .
and as I say, this is basically a journal from a mom to her kids.

Child five is driving from Northern Utah to Arizona today.
Yeah, coming home for Christmas . . . with pets in tow.
It will be good to have pets in the house, I think.
Praying for her safety during the long drive.

I started the day with hot cocoa and toast and reading scripture.
This is the Bible that belonged to my great grandfather Amos R. who is the grandfather
of my maternal grandmother Martha Floss.
It has been handed down in the family and I am extremely blessed to have just recently been gifted with it .

Luke 2.

The black ribbon is not for decoration but to hold it together.
My heart rejoices to see my great grandfathers pencil notations in the margins
(not shown in this photo).
To know that he was a man that appreciated the Bible,
and that he read scripture means the world to me.
I did not know Amos on this earth
but his Bible tells me somewhat of the man he was.

A load of laundry is hanging to dry so it was time to finish
the beautiful, soft and tender sweet dough into cinnamon rolls.
Go here for the recipe should you desire.
No raisins this time though with raisins would be my personal preference.

On the kitchen window sill here but then put into the oven to rise draft free.

NO skimping on butter, brown sugar or Saigon cinnamon.
You know about Saigon cinnamon right. Thee only kind to use!

Oh my.
This was one of yesterday's treats from my kitchen.
Cinnamon, sugared pretzels with a drizzle of chocolate.
I think I did not have the chocolate warmed enough and thus thinned enough
since my drizzle was often glopped.
Would those glopped pieces be your favorites?

These treats turned out perfectly.

Happy day wishes to you.
The house is full of the sounds of this CD and I love it.



P.S. I got a call from cousin Skippie this morning. She, Garry and Maddie flew up to OR to be with their family for Christmas. She said she made the Lasagna soup for them last night only she has renamed it Don't Tweak This soup. They all loved it too.