The Whole Enchilada!

I am posting my sister's AMAZING Enchilada Recipe 
Andrew especially loves this, as does my entire family.

Chicken Enchiladas (The best you will ever try!)
In 2 Tblsp Butter,
Saute until clear:
1/2 C Finely Chopped Onion
2-4 Cloves Minced Fresh Garlic 

Add:
1 tsp Ground Coriander
1 1/4 tsp pepper
2 Tblsp Butter
3 Tblsp Flour
1 Cup (8oz) Sour Cream
2 Cups Chicken Broth
1/2 Can Chopped Green Chilies

Cook together and add 1 Cup Monterrey Jack Cheese.

Divide this sauce in half.

Add: 2 Cups Chopped Cooked Chicken to one half of the sauce.
Fill 10-12 Flour Tortillas with this filling and place in 9x13 pan
Top the rolled up Tortillas with the remaining half of the Sauce Mix and 1 more cup of Monterrey Jack Cheese
Bake covered for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Then sprinkle with additional cheese, chopped tomatoes, olives, green onions, or whatever toppings you like.
Voila!
Enjoy!

Seriouisly TRY this recipe!!!!

I Made A New Rule Today

After standing in the driveway crying my eyes out as Andrew drove off to begin his Road Trip to Utah, I went inside, crying even more (OK Sobbing). As soon as I could talk, I told the girls, "I have made a new family rule." (Yea, right, mom, I am sure they were thinking) "The new rule is that YOU TWO CANNOT GROW UP AND MOVE AWAY. I cannot have one more child leave home...it hurts my heart!"
Oh, How I wish I could ENFORCE this rule.

No matter how old they are...it is so hard to have my children come and go. Having us spread all over the country adds to the sadness when I don't see them often enough.

Megan, in all her wisdom asked why I wanted her to smile for this photo when it was such a sad time saying good-bye to Andrew. (The girls LOVED having Andrew home this past weekend) You are right, Megan...Andrew's leaving is not smile material.

A Journal (blog) Entry Event....Riley and Andrew made friends this trip. Maybe they are both growing up?! They are both so much alike...seriously, that whole fun-loving-be-at-the-center-of-the-action personality.

Load Up Time for Andrew and The Green Machine. The tears were flowing on the other side of the camera..trust me. I was trying to be brave. I.hate.good-byes!!!!!! Especially Good-byes to my children.

The ever-stunning Welly-World Sticker. I think it is safe to say that this will be the ONLY one of its kind on the streets of any city or town in Utah. The Gator license plate may find a twin.

OK, this is where the tears get HUGE. (Bless you for even reading this far) I just needed him to drive off and put me out of my pain.

The New Rule is in effect NOW...TODAY...THIS VERY MINUTE. Why did I not make this rule sooner? See....I do get smarter as I age. Unfortunately...not every one follows every rule around here.

In reality...it is painful joy to have my children come and go. I am proud of them and the paths they are choosing. I just wish they were closer geographically and that our visits as a family were more frequent.

What do you think about my new rule?

Do you hate Good Byes?

I avoid Good-Byes whenever possible...

just too much pain and sadness in Good-Bye for this blubbering heart.

Gone In A Flash

That is how I feel about this past weekend with Andrew home. It is a "Blink and you will miss it" moment. In three short days, he has managed to make the rounds and visit with friends and family. My parents came down for two days, which is a highlight for Andrew, as well as the rest of us.
We hosted a gathering for Andrew's friends and guess what...I had to excuse myself from my own party. Soooo sooo sick, I could not believe it. The party went on without me and I was much better the next day. (Hence the explanation for NO PHOTOS)

Weezie and Andrew

We are blessed to call Weezie a dear friend, and yes,

her name is really Louise.

What do you do when the phone rings and you are eating chicken with your hands, hence, you cannot touch the phone? You HOPE that Andrew is home and can hold the phone for you as you carry on a conversation...as in this photo below. Oh Andrew we really do miss you.

Watch out Utah...Here comes HOSS in The Green Machine. One year without a car, and I am certain he has a list of places to go and people to see. All those dinner invitations...Bring Them On. Hoss is mobile. He can reach all points in the Valley and beyond the grid in one start of his engine.
Happy Travels to Ron and Andrew!

Have you ever had to miss a party you planned?

Can you believe I did not make a play by play

photo essay of Andrew'sfew days home?

Why does time fly sooo quickly through the fun times and

go so slowly during the not-so-great times.

Some Things Never Change

The Second Row...Yes...The Second Row
That is our "assigned seat" in Sacrament Meeting each Sunday. Specifically, the second row, in front of the Sacrament Table, in full view of The Organ. The Deacons sit to our right. That is where we sit.every.Sunday. I have actually left things on that row one week, and came back the next to find them still in the same place I left them.
Being seated in this location was strategic, at one point, now it is just habit. Years ago, when we moved into this Chapel, to be specific, I sat in this location so I could see Curt playing the organ, and Jeffrey and/or Andrew Blessing and/or Passing the Sacrament. Ron was usually sitting on the stand, so I was alone until the boys could join me after The Sacrament portion of the meeting was over.
Then came Katherine. I was certain that a baby would not be able to sit up front without being disruptive. I was wrong, she did great on The Second Row. One Sunday, when she was a toddler, I tried to sit near the back so she could move around a little....BAD IDEA. She was out of sorts on a row other than The Second. She was talking to people all over the chapel during the meeting. The next week, we were back in place.
There was another Sunday when Katherine was Two Years Old and I was pregnant with Megan.....
Ron was up front sitting on the stand. I was too slow to catch Katherine as she headed up front to see Ron. She did not, however go directly to Ron...she started playing on the steps and would not come to Ron when he motioned for her to come sit on his lap. THAT WAS IT! He stood up, during the meeting, scooped Katherine up in his arms and headed down the steps. Just before he hit the bottom step, with Katherine over his shoulder, she expressed, loud and clear, "I NEED MY DIAPER CHANGED." The entire congregation heard her dilemma (how could they not) and many still talk about it today, some 10 years later.
It was one of those stellar moments of parenthood that is not quickly forgotten.
Now.....Back To The Second Row....
When Megan came along, I did not even consider moving to another row. The Second Row in the chapel remained our "assigned seat" The girls have never known anything different. They were "raised" on that row, and, most likely, that is the only row the boys remember.

Today, it was great to have Andrew home sitting on The Second Row with us. The Row came alive with the energy of Andrew. Actually, more than just the row was alive, it was the entire area around us. Andrew could catch the eye of any teenage boy and with just a look, get them laughing and out of focus. The entire meeting was spent reminding Andrew to sit still and be quiet, yes, almost 23 year old Andrew.
Some things never change...Our Row... and reminding Andrew to be "reverent.".
I love you, Andrew...really, I do.

Do you always sit in the same spot at Church?

Does your Ward (Congregation) have "assigned seats" i.e.

people sit in the same spots every week?

Did you know that this "assigned seating" actually "bugs" me?

I am always thinking...I wish everyone (including me)

would just switch where they sit once in awhile.

Just Cleaning Up

This (and thousands more like this) Is Why....
1) I must clean my office with the Computer OFF
2) My office takes so long to clean...

I find far too many fun memories and want to scan and share them immediately. This photo was on a Poster that Andrew made for his High School Spanish Class Project, titled, Familia de Hostetler.
See there, I can blame Andrew for anything, even when he is 3,000 miles away. Love you, Andrew!
This photo is Andrew, Joel, and my brother, Mark with their matching teeth. Several summers ago, they walked around downtown Salt Lake asking passersby for directions to various sites.
I am turning my computer OFF for now...the piles in my office need to be reduced significantly TODAY.

Andrew Was A Sunbeam

January 1990...Sunbeam Class
Can you name the Class Members? I think I can....

Me, McKelle, Lauren, Caroline, Dynasti, Stephen, Stephanie

Andrew, Ian, Tiffany, and Jared (?)

Forest Hill Ward at The West Palm Beach Carandis Chapel

All of these children turn 23 this year!!!!

Week One Report

In Andrew's Words...

After his first full week at LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, This is Andrew's report:
"This is a great school. I am surprised more people don't come here to get their first two years done. Cheap, Small, and GREAT Atmosphere."
Yes, Andrew, I agree. It is far cry from when I attended LDSBC 30 years ago. With the new campus and facilities, LDSBC will not be a well kept secret for much longer. In addition to the great academic experience, I am so happy you can attend Church right on Campus and have a meal plan. Back in the day, I had to go to the UofU for Church. Not too convenient when none of us had cars and the buses did not run often on Sundays. As for meals, I had to cook. Not a problem, but try going grocery shopping without a car and the Grocery Store was too far to walk to and from anyhow. Having Male Dorms is a new addition, also. I will say, the Girls' Dorms at the old campus were nice, but we were just a little too far from the center of things to be without a car. Your are set up for success all the way around. I am so excited for you. Love, Mom

Grandpa David

Andrew and Grandpa David

We met Grandpa David and Grandma Eleanor in downtown

Salt Lake City at

The LDS Church Office Building for lunch. What a Cafeteria...

I mean WHAT a Cafeteria. I could eat there every day!

The food, the prices, the atmosphere....Sign Me Up!

Thank goodness for a low to no windy day. Water from the

fountains was not blowing all over us... and more importantly,

not blowing all over the beautiful Brides who were

posing for photos all over the place.

There is nothing like visiting The Salt Lake

LDS Temple Grounds and surrounding Church Office

Building Plaza to watch the Brides (and grooms) during

their photo sessions.

Andrew lives close enough to walk here every day. I am still trying not to covet his location and the opportunities he has at his finger tips. As soon as the first snow arrives, I will come to my senses and remember why I live in paradise!

Full Speed Ahead

Andrew Is Full Speed Ahead
Regardless of how many times I go through this,

It never gets easier to say good-bye to my children

as they leave the nest.

(Yes, I have had a few good cries over the past day

or so...it doesn't change anything, it just helps!)

Seeing them happy and making good choices

takes the edge off, just a little.

As soon as the bed was made in his new dorm room,

Andrew was ready for me to leave and to immerse himself

in this next chapter of his life.

He feels like he made the right choice in schools

and is in the right place at the right time.

I feel the same way about him.

Adios to the Beige Bullet...aka The BMW Bomber....

Adios Florida...Adios Family

Headed to Utah....

Hello To an exciting new life at College...

(Yes I had to take this photo, Andrew)
Meet The New Roommate, Tyler, from NC

Make The New Bed...Top Bunk!
The only criteria for a comforter and sheets...
ORANGE!
Pose for Mom in front of the new bed...yes I DO HAVE to take
a photo of EVERYTHING! I am your mother! Thank me later!

Enjoy this view EVERY TIME you open your front door. I am seriously

trying not to covet Andrew's location and over all experience.

View from outside the front door looking in.

Where Andrew will be spending most all of his free time...Right?

At his desk studying, that is what everyone is college does with

all of their spare time, right? Right? Just say yes, please.

Another view of where Andrew will spend his time when not

at school or in bed.

Adios to Mom...Finally...Now the next chapter of your life can begin...

full speed ahead.

I love you, Son!

I am so proud of you,

It is exciting for me to see you so happy.

You are making excellent choices and are planted exactly

where you should be at this season in life.

Not only will your life be blessed by your choices,

but many around you will be blessed by your influence!

Full Speed Ahead!!!

And once in a while, can you give me a call, even when you

DON'T need money?

Home Again and SO HAPPY

Ike Made Sure I Came Home Early...

Andrew is settled in Utah

I am home earlier than planned

There is

NO PLACE LIKE HOME....

Heat, Humidity, Hurricanes, and all...

I am SO HAPPY to be home

I am SO HAPPY that Andrew is SO HAPPY

(more on the trip later...photos and all!)

I am SO HAPPY that I am not home to put my

Hurricane Shutters in place!

I am SO HAPPY Hurricane Ike has his sights on other areas

(I do not feel slighted nor silly for

erring on the side of caution by cutting my trip short)

I am NOT SO HAPPY that Ike, or any Hurricane has to hit

ANYWHERE. My prayers are with those in Ike's path.

Thankfully...

Hanna did not go to Montana and is about fizzled.

Josephine seems to be staying away from land fall.

More later.... so much....so much...so much to be grateful for and

SO HAPPY about this Sunday evening!

By the way...It DOES NOT get any easier to have the little chicks

leave the nest, regardless of how BIG they are....

Luggage, Milestones, and a New Adventure

A New Adventure For Andrew

And a MAJOR MILESTONE for ME!!!!

We arrived safe and sound.

Now the real fun begins.

Andrew hits the ground running tomorrow with

a Placement Test, Dorm Check In, Campus Tour

and

Shopping Til We Drop for all the things he needs for his new abode.

For The Record....

For The FIRST TIME in my life...I packed ONE SMALL CARRY ON

Suitcase!!!!

This is opposed to 2 LARGE CHECKED IN BAGS and

ONE SMALL CARRY ON Suitcase....

And I even brought an assortment of shoes...not the usual

WIDE ASSORTMENT, none the less... I packed a variety.

This is a MAJOR MILESTONE for me.

Oh yes, this post was supposed to be about Andrew and his new

adventure. Off we go....

Are you able to pack light for a short or long trip?

I always knew I COULD do it, I just never had the NEED to...

I guess I should be thankful for the new baggage restrictions and fees

forcing me to leave my comfort zone!

Laugh Out Loud

Last Year....Labor Day Weekend

Today I was working on a project that took me straight back to one

year ago today...Labor Day Weekend 2007.

Megan's Baptism and a Family Reunion, minus Andrew,

who was serving in Peru as a missionary.

Until today, I had almost forgotten how absolutely

LAUGH OUT LOUD

Andrew's missionary letters were.

They are packed with classic one liners that would double us over

with laughter the moment we read them.

What was the project I was working on? Interestingly...it revolved

around Andrew's Missionary Letters... I got them completely organized

in the page protectors and in the "Called To Serve" Binder.

(Doesn't everything in our family eventually revolve around Andrew...

no matter how round about it happens?)

I spent a lot of time laughing today...compliments of Andrew.

Read on to the end of the photos...

I posted the photos of our 2007 Labor Day Weekend activities onmy blog for Andrew to enjoy. As you will read at the end...a few things he saw caused great concern for him...

After viewing the photos, Andrew wrote,

"I saw the pictures from the boat trip you all took on the

intracoastal!!

It seems like you all had a good time!

Although something worries me.

The thing that worries me is the risk that Curt is now at to get

skin cancer on his head!

I have only been gone a year and he has no hair on his head.

From the looks of it he cant grow it on his head

any more so he just decided to grow it on his chin!!!!"

Love, Elder Hoss

You gotta know...Andrew loves his brothers!
Can't you just feel of his love and concern????
Your Turn will come soon enough, Andrew....
soon enough!
I could post for many days on just the hilarious thoughts from Andrew....
More laughs to come....
For a review of last year's fun click
HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE

A Dedicated Fan

The Florida Marlins

And Andrew

Andrew is a dedicated Florida Marlins Baseball Fan......

No doubt about it. Through ups downs, wins, losses, rain, heat, low attendance, world series attendance, during High School, before his mission, after his mission, etc.

He has been and always will be a fan.

His dedication paid off in an exciting way on Thursday night....

the 97th Home Marlins game he has attended.

He came bursting in the door, his usual ball of energy at

MIDNIGHT with some exciting news.....He caught a Foul Ball!

Here is a photo of him with the Ball and the Certificate given to document who hit the ball, when, where, how, etc. You know... just in case it ends up on Ebay.... or in The Hall of Fame... Keep in mind when you see this photo...it was LATE...after MIDNIGHT....I took the photo and you get what you get in the middle of the night! He was excited....I was excited... and it was time to take a photo....as he says...Blog-it, Mom!

Congratulations, Andrew! I am so proud of you being a loyal fan regardless of the

Florida Marlins Record.

I completely understand, after all, I have been a Kansas City Royals Fan

through some pretty lean years

(like right now)

I love to watch Andrew's enthusiasm for this team. He will miss seeing them in person when he heads to Utah for college in a few weeks. I will miss his zest for life....really, I will!!!!

Andrew Infamy....

Andrew's Quote During Our Phase 10 Game

This Evening....

"It's not ADD,

it is just a loss of concentration."

Profound....Huh?

I love these Game Nights Together! Really, I do. When Andrew leaves for college, life will be dull around here.....well almost....

Andrew In Atlanta

Warning: The next few posts are heavy on family photos and events. Hang in there with me..... I had to document Andrew's trip to Atlanta and a few other family events. Summer and family gatherings go together!

Doing What The Family Enjoys Most

Eating......

Here The are At On The Border in Atlanta

A night out to dinner with family.

Uncle Brent, Matthew, and Camille

Uncle Mark, Uncle Brent, and Matthew
Uncle Brent, Matthew, and Camille

The entire trip was not all play.... There was time to for everyone

to pitch in and help Uncle Brent get some household projects

done.

Here are Uncle Robert, Grandpa, and Joel at Brent's Condo

Mark helping with a household project for Uncle Brent.

World Of Coca Cola

Another Family Favorite

World Of Coca Cola In Atlanta
Moved from the location at Underground Atlanta.

Andrew's report is....World Of Coca-Cola is NOT

as good as used to be. As always, regardless of

changes, Andrew had a great time.

There is still the exciting..."All You Care To Drink"

Sodas with flavors from around the world. Andrew was

especially excited to find the "Inca Cola" he

enjoyed in Peru. After drinking all this soda...

then the family visits The Varsity Restaurant...

(see the next post)

what an attack on the stomach...it can only be

done once in a blue moon.

Here is Andrew in downtown Atlanta with some of

his cousins.
This is Andrew's Uncle Mark, not sure if he is driving to or from
Downtown Atlanta.
Can you name the cousin under this Coca Cola Carton?
I am going to say...Max.... maybe this is his Break Dancing
Costume????

Grandma, Jenni, Robert, and Mark at the hotel in Atlanta.

Brent, Grandpa, Matthew, and Josh at the hotel.

In the background, Joel is with Ashley and Kristina

Andrew at Turner Field. The Braves were on the road or he would have been at a game. Andrew loves his Major League Baseball. Especially, The Florida Marlins. At least we know they have ONE loyal fan in Andrew!
Andrew had a great time traveling with Grandpa and Grandma. He got to see Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins in one of his favorite cities....Atlanta!!!

Fine Dining In Atlanta

The Varsity Restaurant

Atlanta is known for it's restaurants and fine dining.

The Varsity Restaurant is on the list of famous-must-visit

restaurants. It is, however, NOT on the list of fine dining.

The greasiest burgers and fries in town. One visits The Varsity

for the experience....not the food. The Orange Freezes, in my

opinion, are worth the trip, though. It is like a step back in time when

one walks into The Varsity. Burgers and Fries served straight

from the original 1950's atmosphere.

If you are in Atlanta....Visit The Varsity!

Andrew, in keeping with family tradition, made a visit to The

Varsity with Grandpa, Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.

He even went a few days later with his friend, Lauren.

Twice in ONE WEEK=Heaven for Andrew...

Here is Grandma and Andrew enjoying every last bite and

slurp....

Below, Andrew is enjoying more gastronomical delights

with his Uncle, Grandpa, and Grandma

I am certain that Andrew could have stayed longer and

eaten more than anyone else. He LOVES this place!

Apparently, The Varsity has added Salads to their menu

choices. Somehow, this is supposed to balance out

all the grease and other yummo delights?????

Here is Mark in front of the Salad Cooler (which looks

a little out of place with the rest of the 50's fixtures)

If you are going to The Varsity....it is NOT for salad.

The Varsity is just one of hundreds of reasons to LOVE

Atlanta!!!

When ordering a Plain Hot Dog....You will be entertained

when the person behind the counter calls back to the kitchen...

"One Naked Dog...On The Way"

If you order that Plain Hot Dog "To Go"...he will say...

"One Naked Dog...Walking"

Just ordering is an entertaining experience.