W.I.W.S

Another week. Another Sunday. Another What I Wore Sunday post.

Todays outfit is brought to you by:

LOFT - Grey/white polka dot blouse

Down East  Basics - Grey fitted shirt

New York and Co. -  Grey skirt

Target - yellow cardigan

TJ Maxx (Nine West) - Grey heels

&

 the best part of the outfit was the necklace that  I scored at Kohl's.

It was on clearance and ended up being the perfect color/accessory to complete the outfit.

Love when that happens!

Today was our Visiting Teaching Conference/lesson. It was awesome to have all of the sisters there. The YW and YM were awesome about stepping up and teaching the Primary children. I loved having our RS room so full today. So much love and definitely a sea of beautiful faces. The theme of our Conference was My Sisters Hands. We talked about what our sisters hands and our own hands do...service, pray for our sisters, and  how each of us are different and to be able to recognize those differences(young hands, old hands, worn hands, etc...) and still  love and serve those sisters that we have been asked to visit teach.

 

Even though it was fast Sunday, we still had to have a treat...that they could eat after they broke their own fast. I baked chocolate crackles and made rice crispy treats. I bagged them up and attached this quote to each treat.

 

"In visiting teaching we reach out to each other. Hands often speak as voices can't. A warm embrace conveys volumes. A laugh together unites us. A moment of sharing refreshes our souls. We cannot always lift the burden of one who is troubled, but we can lift her so she can bear it well."

Elaine L. Jack RS General President 190-1997

I am so thankful to be part of such an amazing church that has a wonderful organization for women. The Relief Society allows us to feel included and loved. I love each one of the sisters in our ward and am so thankful for all that they do and the service and love that they render.

family and favorite memories

Today was a special day! We made the trek down to the Bay Area to be there and support my brother,  Tyson. He was set apart and received the Melchizedek Priesthood today. It has been a long road for my little brother and there was not a dry eye in the room as my Dad set him apart today! There are awesome things in store for Tyson and his new wife, Gina.

 

Today is what life is all about. It is about supporting one another. Loving one another. Being there for one another...no matter what! It was awesome to be there with my family today.

 

A favorite memory from today was sitting on the front porch with my Grandma Shore. The guys turned on the 49er game and that always seems to elevate the noise level by a few octaves. Grandma looked at me and said "lets sit out front!" While I do love family gatherings  with everyone there, it was so nice to have some one on one time with just my Grandma today. I wish I had thought to have someone snap a photo of us, sitting on the porch chatting, but I didn't. It is one of those memories that I will tuck into my own memory for the rest of my life. I love her so much! I am thankful for the love and time she invests in me and her entire family. I know, without a doubt that we all mean the world to her, as she does to us.

 

Here are a few of my favorite photos from today.

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's day isn't really holiday that we celebrate or go all out for at our house. I have had to set SOME boundaries! There weren't any leprechaun traps made/set this year. The boys did not wake up to green milk or toilet water. The furniture and sofa pillows were all in tack when they woke up. They did not find pots of gold at the end of any rainbow. They did find an economy box of Lucky Charms to enjoy.

I did find this cute idea for anti pinch polish over on the eighteen25 blog and purchased some green nail polish and delivered a few to family and friends. I painted my nails before church and threw on a green cardigan. Brody was so upset that I would not let him wear his Old Navy 2013 green St. Patrick's Day t-shirt to church so I told him I would paint his nails green too. He loved the idea and we matched. He is 5 and care free!

 Besides it  being St. Patrick's day, it was a very special day for Carter. When the boys in our church turn 12 years old, they receive the Aaronic Priesthood. It is a big deal and big responsibility for these boys. Carter was thrilled to have Grandpa Randy(my Mom was in Utah for her brothers surgery), Uncle Tyson and soon to be Aunt Gina there for his big day! We are glad they could be there for Carter.

Life is moving right on by! I am seriously trying not to blink. I am afraid I will miss something!

November Thankful - day 4

Day 4 -
Today I am thankful for the opportunity that I have to live in this great land and for the opportunity my family and I have to worship as we please each and every week!

Welcome Home

We had the opportunity to go to the airport this evening and help welcome our friend, Elder Jordan Franks home from his mission. He served a two year mission for our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Two whole years...that is a long time! That is a long time to be away from your family, your home and your friends. His family has been counting down the days and today was the LONG awaited day. After a few delays due to weather and planes, he FINALLY arrived at the Sacramento airport. There were lots of cheers and tears as he came down that escalator.

The Welcome Home committee!

Anxious and proud parents waiting for their boy.

 Here he comes! The first glimpse of Elder Franks!

Reuniting with his family! 

My boys have talked a lot about seeing/meeting Jordan at the airport. They have prayed for him every night while he was away... hoping he was safe, having a great time and most of all, having a successful mission. It was fun to be there when Jordan arrived. So much happiness and joy. John and I are very thankful for Jordan and his example of service, his willingness to serve a mission for our Heavenly Father. To take two years out of your life at the age of 19  to serve the Lord speaks volumes about ones character.  Jordan is just an all around great young man. He has always been so kind to my boys and they really look up to him...all 6 feet 7 inches of him :-). He always takes the time to chat with them about their current sporting adventures. Again, he is just a nice, nice young man. Jan and Mike should be very proud of the son they raised.

                                             Welcome Home, Jordan! Welcome Home!

D.O.T.S. - Young Women In Excellence Style

***This file is no longer available! It died when my old laptop did.

We had a wonderful evening with the Young Women of our ward tonight! The theme for our Young Women In Excellence Program this year was Depend On The Savior. We had a DOT on the front door that simply told them where to go. They followed about 200 DOTS that we had sprinkled down the hallway for them to follow. This cute little table greeted them at the door.

Whether they had earned their Personal Progress award or not tonight, each girl had her very own DOT  that she shared with the group. If they were receiving their award, they shared with us what they had learned or loved about their Personal Progress journey. If they are still in the process of earning their award, they shared a project that they have completed and what they enjoyed/learned while completing it. We have some AMAZING Young Women in our ward. They NEVER cease to AMAZE me.

 After they read their DOT to the group, they placed it up on the chalkboard with the other DOTS.

WE had 3 Young Women earn their Personal Progress awards this evening. Bishop Brown spoke and likened the Young Women Personal Progress award to that of an Eagle Scout. These girls spend many hours working on Projects/learning new skills, bettering their lives and the lives of others. I am so very proud of Kylie, Hannah and Taylor(each one is one of my Laurels) for working so hard and earning their award this evening!

Each of the Young Women went home with their own picture of the Savior and a reminder of what we talked about this evening and what the D.OT.S. stood for.

Of course we can't have an activity without yummy treats. My friend, Amy made these darling, yummy (Dots if you will), mini bundt cakes with a cream cheese frosting! YUM!!!

Again, I am so proud of each one of these girls. They have strong testimonies. They know who they are. They have good standards that they uphold on a daily basis as they head out the door and  into the world each day! I am thankful for their sweet examples and kindness. I am so lucky for the simple fact that I get to rub shoulders with them on a weekly basis.

p.s. a HUGE shout out to my friend, Amanda who put a HUGE of time and energy to this wonderful evening! You ROCK, Amanda!

Daddy/Daughter Activity

Say what???? I know. I know. We still don't have any daughters! This is exactly why I love my calling(another name for our jobs at church). I am currently serving in the Young Woman's program and love doing so. I get to spend time with the amazing Young Women of our ward( another name for the boundaries in which we live in). We put on a Daddy/ Daughter activity and it was so much fun! It was Western themed and the girls and their Dads were asked to come in their best cowgirl/boy attire.



























We called it Brinner. The girls wanted breakfast for dinner. Their wishes are our command :-). We served a breakfast casserole, waffles(with whip cream) bacon and fruit. The girls and their Dad's each had to fill out a questionnaire about how they thought the other would answer the question. There were some very funny answers. We had a pie eating contest. There was a pie tin with a ton of whip cream. Each Dad had to find a candy corn in his pile of whip cream. There were relays and a doughnut eating contest.


















{My cute Laurels, another name for the 16-18 yr. old age groups}.
















{the pie eating contest...so funny!}















{The doughnut eating contest. We did not skimp on the dessert. Those bad boys were Krispy Kreme doughnuts.}

We had the details of this activity in the works before we enjoyed/listened to General Conference(a weekend where we get to hear from our prophet and other leaders of our church). A woman by the name of Elaine S. Dalton gave a talk titled LOVE HER MOTHER. You can read the entire thing here. She asked the question "How can a father raise a happy, well adjusted daughter in today's increasingly toxic world"? Part of her answer is as follows, "The most important thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother. By the way you love her mother, you will teach your daughter about tenderness, loyalty, respect, compassion and devotion." Tonight's activity was just another way those fathers showed their daughters tenderness, respect and devotion. I know the girls had a wonderful time, as did their fathers. Carving out time to spend the evening with their daughters/fathers...what a treat. I am so thankful to be part of a church that places so much value on family and our relationships.

Quick Scones and Buttermilk syrup

I have had several requests for this recipe and thought it might be a good one to share on the blog. My Mom has been making these scones for years. It is a Christmas morning tradition. I started making a batch of scones yesterday morning before General Conference started. Tanner woke up and said "It smells like Grandma Sandy's house on Christmas morning". They are every ones favorite. My Mom received this yummy recipe from our talented friend, Marilynn Stringham.

QUICK SCONES
Large batch - Serves 16
3 yeast cakes
4 cups warm water
4 T. sugar
Let stand 5 minutes, then add:
1 T. salt
3 T. oil
8-9 cups flour
Mix to a bread dough. Let stand for 30 minutes. Roll out and cut into pieces. Let sit for 5 minutes before frying in deep oil. Use electric fry pan at about 30 degrees. They should be a light golden brown on each side.

BUTTERMILK SCONE SYRUP
2 cups of sugar
2 cubes of butter
1 cup buttermilk
2t. white Karo
1 t. baking soda
2 t. vanilla

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan, except vanilla. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes(use large pan). Remove from heat and add vanilla. This amount will be enough for the full recipe of scones. This is also great on waffles, pancakes or carrot cake.

This is a horrible photo(trying to do too many things at once) but I wanted you to be able to see the shape of the dough when placed in the hot oil.

*Raimi's tips* If you don't have time to make the dough. Bel Air/Raley's sells loaves(3 to a pkg.) of Bridgeford dough in the freezer section. Place frozen dough in your fridge overnight. It will defrost and rise slightly. Slice pieces of dough about 1/2 inch think. Gently stretch and place in oil.

I don't have an electric fry pan. I use a fry pan on the stove.

General Conference was wonderful. It was so nice to have the whole family in one place. Some of us even stayed in our jammies...we just soaked in the lazy morning. The boys enjoyed Conference BINGO and their packets filled with word searches and other fun activities to do while while watching conference.

General Conference is a weekend that happens twice a year for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. Once in April and then again in October. It is a time that we are able to hear from our Prophet and other General Authorities from our church. They give us counsel and direction. It is a weekend filled with outstanding talks/messages and beautiful music. I am so thankful for a modern day prophet and his counsel.


And who doesn't love Skittles? This is what the boys used for BINGO markers this year.

Family Day

We were able to spend a wonderful day as a family, with our ward family at the Sacramento Temple! I know a lot of time, thought & prayer went into this day! We were so happy to be a part of it! The morning started off with a session in the chapel. The spirit was so strong in that room. I had this over whelming feeling, as I looked around the room & saw all of the families in our ward that I love so much. I thought to myself, "I sure hope all of these wonderful people will be part of our extended family in the next life". We truly have been blessed with so many wonderful friends in our ward. While the adults attended various sessions in the temple, the children enjoyed a fun morning experiencing the temple & learning about the blessings of the temple. There were 3 different stations that the Primary Presidency organized that were based on the primary song, I Love to See the Temple. They actually took & tour of the temple grounds & were able to see the cornerstone that President Hinckley set at the temple dedication. Our boys loved that hands on experience.

We were so thankful to be able to spend the day at the Sacramento temple with our family today. We hope to return soon!

weekend favorites

I almost forgot to post about the Easter picnic/egg hunt that we enjoyed on Friday night. I was in charge of this activity with the help of my committee...so grateful for those who jumped in & helped out. I was worried that we would not have a good turn out due to the winds that would not stop. We had a GREAT turn out despite the crazy wind. The kids had a great time hunting for eggs, playing games/relays, & enjoying Easter punch(don't ask)& cookies.
























































General Conference traditions are still alive & kicking @ our house. We had the chance to watch/listen to General Conference this weekend. For my friends who have no idea what I am talking about, General Conference happens twice a year, once in the Fall & once in the Spring. It is an opportunity for us to receive counsel from our prophet, Thomas S. Monson & other General Authorities of our church. A family tradition that we enjoy each General Conference weekend are delicious Butterscotch Rolls. Try them, they just might become a tradition in your home too. We actually make these during the holidays too. So yummy & simple to make.

Butterscotch Rolls





















1 bag ( 1 lb. 9 0z) of Bridgeford rolls
1/2- 1 c. brown sugar
1 small box of cook & serve butterscotch pudding
1/2 c. nuts ( I like chopped pecans)
1 stick of butter

Preheat oven to 350.
Grease bundt pan & sprinkle nuts in pan.
Place rolls in pan on top of nuts.
Sprinkle butterscotch pudding over rolls.
On the stove, melt brown sugar & butter.
Bring to a slight boil & remove from heat.
Pour evenly over rolls.
Cover with a dish towel & let rise over night
on your kitchen counter. Bake for 30 minutes
Enjoy!
**I cover mine with foil about 10 minutes before they are done.

Another fun thing the boys enjoyed this year were these great little conference packets. Rhonda sent the file to me a few weeks ago- thank you so much Rhonda! They were a hit! John made a bunch of copies & I had fun creating little packets & treat bags for a few friends & our boys.






















I found simple folders @ Wal*Mart & used my stash of Thickers to put names on each folder. I put crayons & candy in each little bag & tied it off with a simple bow from my ribbon stash. Very fun & "spring-y".
The boys loved their packets(there's were along the lines of the red, blue's & yellows-LOL) as we watched conference today. I think their favorite was the Conference BINGO. I gave them a pkg. of Easter Runts to mark their spots with. They played a few rounds & would eat their candy as they would yell BINGO. I am feeling so very grateful for the chance that I had to watch conference this weekend. Very grateful for a modern day prophet & the opportunity I had to listen to his words & counsel, the things that are important for this day & time. I am off to get dinner going. Have a happy Sunday!

He Will be Missed!

The Prophet of our church(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)passed away on Sunday evening (Jan. 27, 2008). When I received the news, I had a lump in my throat & my eyes were wet. He was 97 years old & enjoyed an incredible life. It was full of service & love. President Hinckley was the 15th Prophet of our church. There have been a few prophets during my life span but President Hinckley is the one I remember best. This is the Prophet Tanner & Carter will remember from their childhood. President Hinckley represented all that was good in the world. He was upbeat, funny, happy, full of optimism, & had a twinkle in his eye! I will always remember him as the Prophet who shared the 6 B's(Be Clean, Be Kind, Be Still, Be Smart, Be prayerful, Be Humble). He also introduced the Family Proclamation to the World. I am so grateful for that proclamation & all that it means & helps me to strive for each day as I raise my boys. My boys will remember him as the Temple Prophet. While he was the Prophet, many smaller Temples (& some big ones)were built so more saints around the world could enjoy the blessings of the Temple. President Hinckley even dedicated our Sacramento Temple.

I have had mixed emotions as I have thought about his passing this week. He will be missed here on earth but I am so happy that he has returned to our Heavenly Father & that he is able to be with his Sweet wife again. I have a testimony of the gospel & I am so grateful for this modern day prophet.