Taco Soup For The Win

This crowd-pleasing recipe for Taco Soup comes from a dear friend, Cindy Jump, who is also an amazing person and cook. So many of my favorite recipes come from her. I have shared this recipe in previous posts but with so many recent requests, I decided to make a new post with a few tweaks that I have learned over the years. Enjoy! TACO SOUP 1 large onion, diced 3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced 1-2 T olive oil 1 lb ground beef or turkey or no meat at all 2 packets taco seasoning mix 2 packets ranch seasoning mix 1-2 C Water 1-2 small cans mild Rotel 1 small (15 oz) can tomato sauce 1 small (15 oz) can diced tomatoes 2 cans white shoepeg corn (yellow corn works well, also) 4-6 (15 oz size) cans of any combination of beans (pinto, kidney, black, navy, white, etc) To prepare: Open all the cans of beans and corn, rinse well, and place in slow-cooker/crock-pot In a large skillet, on very low heat, saute the onion and garlic in olive oil. Add the onion first and garlic once the onions become soft and transparent. Remove from skillet when both a soft. Add ground beef to skillet and brown. Once ground beef is browned, add the onion and garlic. Next, add the packets of seasoning mix, water, Rotel, tomato sause and diced tomatoes. Stir well so the seasoning mix is blended in. Pour the ground beef mixture over the bean/corn mixture. Stir well. Simmer on high for 2-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, and sour cream for toppings.

Engaged!!!!!!

Just a couple of Wellington kids who grew up, re-connected and fell in love! 

We are beyond excited for Andrew and the love of his life, Jade, as they have announced their engagement and wedding for July of 2021.

Easter Soup

 What is better than Easter ham? Easter Soup!

Use the leftover spiral cut ham to make this yummy soup. The amounts are approximate and you can add other items and seasonings to your own tastes. Below is the basic recipe that I work with. 

2-3 C of ham chunks+ the bone for making broth 

3 C chopped carrots

1 large onion, diced

3-4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

1-2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes

3-4 15 oz cans assorted beans ( I use great northern and kidney)

4 C (more or less) chicken broth/stock

The juice of 1 lemon (I like a little more)

1 Tbsp  of kosher coarse salt (I like a little more so you will need to taste as you season)

1/2 tsp of ground pepper

Prep:

Steam the carrots and any other veggies like celery or green beans. Saute' the onion and garlic in small amount of olive oil.

Boil the ham bone and use about 1 cup of the broth in addition to the chicken broth. If you are in a hurry or don't have a ham bone, leave this step out.

Mix all in crock pot and adjust the seasonings as you mix, more salt, lemon, etc. Simmer all day and enjoy! 

Serve with warm bread, crackers, cheese, cornbread, etc.

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday to My Mom

During this Covid-19 quarantine, I am celebrating my mom's Birthday today by NOT going to visit her in person.
Instead, I will share a few things about my mom that make her special. If you know her, you will agree and could easily add to this list:

1) She does not like being the center of attention. 

2) She is a "quiet giant", always looking for ways to serve others. Recently, I called and asked her what she was doing. Her reply, "I am preparing a meal to deliver to an old lady down the street." She rarely lets her own age limit her when she sees a need.

3) I have NEVER heard my mom gossip or say unkind things about other people. As I have grown older, I realize that she could have repeated so many wild stories and shared so many unkind words. She and my dad were leaders in the church, community, and business world so they clearly knew the good, bad, and ugly about people, yet did not share. Our family spent a lot of time driving in the car and as a child riding in the backseat, I never overheard negative stories, conversations, etc. I also never heard her speaking ill of others while she was on the phone. This is a one of the greatest gifts she has given me.

4) She taught me to live my faith, not just talk about it.

5) She has always prepared healthy meals at home. Growing up, I never went to a restaurant or fast food unless we were traveling. We never had soda, chips, etc in the house unless it was New Years Eve. The Birthday cakes, cookies, and breads were homemade. She still cooks fresh, nutritious meals every day.

6) She exercises daily. Recently, she was at our house and said she could not spend the night on Sunday as she needed to get home to be in her Monday morning Pilates class.

7) She loves music and has participated in choirs, quartets, trios, etc. As a young girl, I recall waking up to her practicing her scales. Her singing voice is angelic

8) She loves to play and learn new games. Scrabble, Boggle, Tile Rummy, Phase 10, and Scattergories, are some of her favorites. She also works on daily Crossword and Sudoko puzzles.

9) Do not call her during the "power hour" each evening aka when Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune air. Don't ask her to record it and watch later. In addition, she loves the Game Show Network.

10) She is always learning, reading, and studying new things.

11) Some of the jobs I remember her having are: working as a car-hop at a root beer drive-in restaurant, working at a grocery store bakery and at an ice-cream parlor that had 39 flavors, a school lunch lady at one of my elementary schools, working for Dun and Bradstreet providing credit report information, working in the office of the Atlanta LDS Temple. She was a PTA Room Mom, a Relief Society President 3 times, Primary President, Young Women President, my camp leader, my sister's girl scout leader, a coach for both of my brothers as they earned the Eagle Scout ranks, and so much more.

12) My family moved all over the United States as my dad's career was advancing. Several times, my mom set up house and started over in a completely new community, getting us enrolled in schools, etc. all the while not complaining. It was hard for all of us but her attitude took the edge off of those moves, always being the new kid in town, etc. ( I attended 11 different schools before graduating from High School)

13) She loves her family and will do anything for any one of us including dropping everything to hop on a plane and be at our sides in times of need, welcoming new babies, attending family milestone events. etc. During these times she cooks, bakes, plays games with the kids, and cleans our houses like they haven't been cleaned since the last time she visited.

14) As she grew up, her home life was chaotic at hands of an abusive father. She found peace in her faith and made a conscious choice to not bring abuse to her future family. She married my dad and they worked together to provide a positive, loving marriage and family life. Her choices have blessed my life every day.

I love my mom and I am grateful she is still here on this earth. I am looking forward to the time is is safe for us to hug and visit in person.

Wedding of Steven and Katherine

Saturday, March 21, amid the Covid-19 restrictions, Katherine and Steven were married. 
Their wedding went from small to smaller to very small but that did not stop them from having a beautiful memorable day. 

Their honeymoon cruise was cancelled and changes to menus, flowers, cake, photographers, clothing, etc., required flexibility.

In spite of all the changes, the most important of all happened... they have each other. 
They have a strong, sweet relationship that will continue to grow as the years go on. Their goals are  positive and they are moving forward together with love and harmony.

Many family members joined us through the miracle of Google and memories were created under extraordinary circumstances.

It was truly a special day for a special couple.
I love them dearly and am so happy they found each other.
Seeing my daughter so happy and loved makes my mamma heart smile.

They requested: 

Italian food, an arch, a tiered wedding cake, cheesecake cupcakes, 

and Katherine wanted tulips for her bouquet. 

All of those wishes were met, and more.

 This bike made a fun decoration!

 Steven has a WONDERFUL family. He is the middle of 3 sons. His parents have raised them to be good men, filled with ambition, direction, consideration, wisdom, kindness, and love.

 Covid-19 kept the flower girls from being able to attend. 

Andrew filled in and made for one of the more memorable moments of the day.

 Seeing Ron walk in with Katherine caught me off guard. I was so emotional seeing them on the way to meet Steven. 

 Steven loved his ring and was excited to show it off.

 This was Mr Cooper's first wedding and he loved every minute.

 The Cheesecake Cupcakes were out of this world.

They reminded me of my sister and I felt like she was close to me on this special day even though she was attending via Google.

Normally, Publix needs 3  weeks' notice for wedding cake orders.

The plan for their cake was that a family member was making it, but at the last minute, it was best they not travel and attend. With 3 DAYS' notice, Publix saved the day. Rather than a wedding cake, they called this a "graduation cake" and voila... they had their tiered wedding cake that was beautiful and delicious (and much less cost)

The day of the wedding, Steven and his mom decided he should get a new suit. Well.... not many places were open and there was no way he could get any alterations done. They went to Burlington and found a suit but NO fitting rooms were open due to COVID-19 restrictions. No problem, his mom created and temporary fitting room to shield him while he tried clothes on. When he found the right suit, he removed the tags, paid, and wore it out of the store. (He already had the shirt and tie)

 I love Katherine.

I am grateful she and Steven found each other.

Their happily ever after" is just beginning.

Quarancleaning

Yes, a blog post! 

I have discovered something so fabulous, it is worth the time to step out of "blog semi-retirement" and share. 

From the response to my recent Facebook post, I am certain this warrants a blog post...

Today's "Quarancleaning" project brought to you by 

Mr Clean Magic Eraser

By far, the most effective and easy way to clean grout.

See photos below for descriptions and cleaning method.

 Before and after

 AFTER! My tile grout is sparking clean!

I am giddy with excitement every time I look at it!

For best results, use the Mr Clean Magic Eraser extra durable not the Magic Erasers made for kitchen or bath.  Save your money and a lot of frustration by not using off-brands, they absolutely do not work on tough dirt. 
Each Magic Eraser comes in the shape of a rectangle. I cut each one in half, making a square. This made them easier to work with and get more cleaning out of each sponge.
Get the Magic Erasers damp, but not too wet, before using.

Before cleaning the grout with the Magic Eraser, I lightly sprayed with water. After cleaning with the Magic Eraser, I sprayed again with this cleaner and wiped away any residue. 
Very little scrubbing is involved and most of the time, it is not necessary to go over the grout multiple times.

Dear Magic Eraser,

I love you!

Thank you for making this sheltering-in-place, self-isolation, quarantine, Corona virus, Covid-19 season much easier as I tackle these much needed cleaning projects!

Fresh Salsa

Recently, I made a batch of fresh salsa that is exceptionally tasty. So tasty that I need to document the ingredients in word and photo:. This is mostly a note to self, but something I invite you to tryg

8-10 medium to large-ish fresh tomatoes, chopped
1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped (more or less depending on your love of cilantro)
Juice of 1  large lime (more, if the limes are small)
1 small sweet onion, diced (about 1/2 cup) *I like to use green onion but did not have any for this batch.
2 large cloves of garlic
1 medium tomatillo
1 medium to small jalapeño (seeds removed
1 Tablespoon of salt (play with this, + or - depending on taste)
2 tsp sugar (could leave out but I notice an improvement in the flavor balance with this addition)

For the garlic, tomatillo, and jalapeño, I place them in a small coffee grinder to purée them (you can use a food processor, magic bullet, etc) After those 3 items are puréed, I took half of the diced onion and puréed it so there were not as many chunks of onion in the Salsa.

Stir this all together and serve with fresh tortilla corn chips from a market such as el Bodegon in the WPB area. Buy their freshly made flour tortillas while you are there!

Cooking For a Crowd aka Girls Camp and Youth Conference

It can be intimidating to plan menus and and food amounts for large groups, especially group activities with multiple meals, snacks, and more than one day.
As a Camp Director, I am beyond grateful for Sister Wilson, our incredible Camp Cook.  The food, alone, is worth the week at Camp. Everything she cooks is homemade, fresh, healthy, and oh, so delicious!

Since not everyone has a Sister Wilson, this information from A Bountiful Kitchen will become one of your favorite resources for planning to feed large groups. Even if you have a Sister Wilson, this information may bring some new ideas.

Click HERE for her wisdom.

Happy Young Women Camp planning!

Seminary Moving Up Breakfast

With a few weeks left of school and Seminary, the days and nights are filled with end of the school year activities. My favorite end of the year activity is our “Moving Up” breakfast.  It is fun to invite the incoming Freshmen for a sneak preview of what happens at Seminary and it is emotional to think about the Seniors who walk out of the door, with their scriptures in hand, at the end of the breakfast.

Click HERE and HERE for full details on the Seminary Moving Up Breakfast.

This year will be extra emotional for me as my last child graduates. I have been using these same decorations (with a few additions) since my first child graduated in 1999.
His Seminary teacher, Kate Estey, asked me to organize an end of the year breakfast. She gave me the idea of the moving up, shifting to a new table, having the Seniors walk out the door with their Scriptures, and inviting the new students. I took it from there and have planned and organized this breakfast for many Seminary classes since that year, never thinking that in 2012, I would officially be a Seminary teacher.

Here I am, 5 years later as a Seminary Teacher, planning this exciting tradition, trying not to think about the fact that my baby is graduating and life, as I have known for 37 years, is going to change dramatically

These are photos from an obstacle course when we studied the New Testament.

They are not from the Moving Up breakfast but the messages are appropriate for how the end of the year feels.

Young Women Camp

As a mother, grandmother,  leader of youth, and specifically, Stake Young Women Camp Director, this would be my dream to plan.

Go Laurel Expedition 2017!

If you are a parent or leader of youth, I challenge you to think "out of the box" and overcome the "this is the way we have always done it" thinking. 

It takes layers of people at every level of leadership to implement change.  There is so much fear of change and doing something for the first time. Don't be discouraged when someone initially tells you no. 

As a Stake Young Women Camp Director in an area that does not have the understanding or support for a change this drastic, I continue to add small changes each year toward more and more support of the young women I lead. 

We can do better for the girls we lead. We must do better for the girls AND boys we lead.

Hurricane Preparation Tips

Hurricane Irma is closer to my area and stronger than ever.
In addition to my hurricane preparation tips post from a few days ago, here is a new level of preparation information that I posted on Facebook this morning:

Preparation update:
As Irma moves closer and remains a category 4 storm, here are additional suggestions for your next phase of preparation. I will post a link to my previous list at the end of this update. Evaluate your own situation and plan accordingly.

Preparations should be complete by late Friday or early in the day on Saturday as the winds will pick up later in the day on Saturday and the worst of the storm will hit on Sunday. (This is written with the Palm Beach County area in mind-adjust for your geographic location)

Stay off of the roads, at this point, don't attempt to travel far away from home. If you do not feel safe in your home, today is the day to go to a shelter or call friends and family who live in a secured home. It is too risky to leave now. The demand for gas far outweighs the supply for the entire state of Florida and hotel rooms are in short supply.

1) Shutters-it is time to put them up. Complete this task by Friday or early Saturday morning.
2) Safety- Be cautious using tools, climbing on ladders, roofs, in the attic, lifting and hauling furniture, etc. There are so many preparation and clean-up related injuries that can be avoided. A trip to the ER is not something you want to add to your hurricane adventure. If you don't know how to use a power saw- get help.
3) Gather all of your important paperwork such as insurance and medical. Review the insurance paper work and know who to call if/when you have damage to your property. Store these papers in water proof envelopes/containers.
4) Pets- Give dogs a bath. Stock up on food, treats, and medicine. Have a special toy or object that brings them comfort. Make arrangements for where your pets will stay and how/where they will have potty breaks.
5) Freezers and Refrigerators- turn to coldest setting and fill all empty spaces in the freezer (see post in link below)
6) We may experience power outages before the storm hits. In fact, this is something I have experienced with every storm. With this in mind, on Friday, do the following:
*Turn down your A/C and get your house cool.
*Charge all of your electronics
* Wash all laundry and do any cleaning that requires electricity and/or water
7) Prepare your "safe room". This is a room in your home without windows where you will stay during the worst part of the storm. A walk-in closet, a bathroom, etc. Make it comfortable as you may be there for awhile. If you have children, this is something to have them help with. When my children were young, we turned this part of preparation in to something fun, like building a "fort" or playhouse. They gathered a few activities, games, snacks, along with their blankets. In one of our homes, we put a mattress in the safe room and the children were able to sleep through the storm. Have children bring something to the safe room that brings them comfort. If possible, have a surprise toy, flashlight, book, game, treat for them. Wrap it up and have them open it once all the preparations are complete.
8) Clear your yard of anything loose-furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, pool toys, hoses, coconuts, loose branches/limbs, decorative items-everything. All loose items become projectile missiles and do great damage to your home, cars, and those in your neighborhood. Be a good neighbor-clear your yard!
9) Before the storm hits, if you can't park your car in a garage, park it in between homes or buildings. If not, park it up next to a building.
10) Involve your children and family in all preparations. Communicate what the specific needs are for your home and work together to
11) Even if you have shutters, prepare for roof damage and for water to get inside your home. Even a new roof can have a tree fall on it and cause a hole. Remove photos/art from your walls and place in large sturdy trash bags that can be secured. The same way you are securing your photos and documents should be done for framed art and photos.
12) Prepare for clean up after the storm passes. Have gloves, trash bags, rakes, shovels, insect repellant, sunscreen, hats, water, gatorade, wasp spray, fire ant treatment (the fire ant piles float in the water), first-aid supplies
13) Take a nice warm shower/bath while you still have electricity and running water. Ensure that everyone in your home does the same. Enjoy!
14) Cook a few meals and freeze them. This ensures that you will eat well with a minimum of preparation.
15) Use all disposable eating/drinking utensils, dishes, etc. I use the disposable aluminum pans for cooking.
16) SNACKS- have everyone's favorite chips, cereal, cookies etc.
17) GAMES- take time to sit down and play some card and/or board games. Hurricanes in Florida are like snow days up north. Stay inside and enjoy the time at home with family and friends.
18) MOVIES- Catch up on a movie everyone will enjoy. Although don't count on using electricity. Conserve it as there could be many days without electricity.
19) READ, WRITE, SLEEP ( you will be tired from all of the preparation and need energy for the clean-up)
20) Give everyone their own flashlight. Perhaps a different color for each person in your house Remember the extra batteries. This helps children feel secure and more in control of a situation that has so many unknowns.
21) Don't assume your children know the facts about the storms path. Communicate with them and share the facts and your plans to be prepared.
22) Turn off the news and only check for updates. Having the TV on with constant storm broadcasting raises anxiety for all-especially children who will hear phrases they may not understand.

You are welcome to share this information. This is collection of valuable tips I have learned from others and my own experiences. It is not comprehensive and should be adjusted for your own needs. See link below for additional information.

It is going to be a long weekend. Stay in touch with friends and family for updates, special needs, and offers of help. We are all in this together.

https://shauna-naner.blogspot.com/…/hurricane-preparation-t…

Water Storage for Hurricane Preparation

This is my recent Facebook post as hurricane Irma approaches.
Most of my posts are generated as a result of questions people ask me. 

Questions about water have been coming at me steadily, especially now that people cannot find water. It is safe to say that the entire state of Florida is in full-on hurricane preparation mode, as they should be.

The thoughts below are general and not comprehensive, for details about water storage and purification, visit this website and the links provided

• A few people have asked why we are all stocking up on water. There are several reasons. Water supplies may not be available or safe for drinking and cooking after a storm hits, again for so many reasons. Water pipes break, electricity goes off, preventing wells from running, water supplies have to be shut off during repairs, etc. 
• In my case, during hurricane Frances, we had a tree uprooted in our front yard and it broke the main water pipe to our house. We were the only home on our street that had this problem. 
• In our current neighborhood of 37 homes, we all share the same water meter. If something happens to the water pipes at one home, most likely, it affects all of us at some point, even during the repair process. 
• If you are storing water in your own containers, DO NOT re-use plastic milk jugs for water you are planning to drink or cook with. ( I learned this from Susan Bucklew many years ago.) 
• If you are filling containers with water, put them in your freezer to fill up any open spaces. This will keep your food frozen longer in the case of no electricity.
• If you are filling your bathtub with water, clean and disinfect the bathtub prior to filling. Use this water for flushing toilets and washing hands.
• We have always saved our bathtubs as back up "safe spaces" where we could go and put a mattress over our children/us if things got really bad during a strong storm. We fill the 5 gallon "Home Depot" buckets to keep in our bathrooms for flushing toilets.
• If you have a pool, that water can be used for flushing, also.
• Even if you have running water after a storm, here are 2 major thoughts 1) Confirm it is safe for drinking or eating (a notice from your local government 2) You may still lose running water during times of repair so keep a supply on hand.
• The above information is meant to help and is not complete. For more in depth information, go to the site  linked at the beginning of this post and use the links that may apply to your situation or answer your questions about water storage and purification.
• The main focus is safety, safety, safety. 
• Don't take chances

Hurricane Preparation- To Evacuate or Not

In Palm Beach County, preparing to stay home during a hurricane is generally the safest plan.
Even for a catastrophic category 5 storm, evacuation is more risky than staying home where you have prepared to hunker down. There may be damage to your home and property, but if you have prepared a safe area in your home, stay there, rather than try to flee.
Last minute evacuations catch people unprepared and stuck out on roads in traffic jams or in parking with no source to re-fuel a vehicle that has spent 12 hours to travel a distance that usually takes 2 hours. Not to mention..try to find a shelter with room or a hotel with vacancy. Not going to happen.

If you know you are going to evacuate during a storm. Leave early.  Leave early. Leave early. So early that people think you are over reacting. Be cautious and safe. Prepare your home and then leave with the supplies you will need for at least 72 hours. Prepare a backpack for each member of your family to use before, during, and after the storm.

Do you know if you are in an evacuation/flood zone? Here is the map for Palm Beach County. Don't wait until the last minute to discover that you should be gone. If you are in one of these areas, know where you will stay before, during and after the storm.

If you are in an evacuation zone and want to stay in the area,  where will you go? Friends? Family? A shelter? Where are the shelters? Which shelters accept pets? What if you have special needs? Special needs shelters have limited space and require advance reservations and applications
Check HERE for Palm Beach County emergency shelter information.

And remember...don't wait. There is no need for a last minute frenzy.
Stay safe!

Hurricane Preparation Tips

Hurricane Irma is moving closer to Florida.  Close enough that we are taking it seriously and I am posting my hurricane preparation tips on Facebook. After doing this for several years through several storms, I decided I should post those tips here where they will be easier to find in the future. I usually post tips depending on how far away the storm is and what the intensity is. Irma has me watching with both eyes wide open and this is my post from today, in no specific order.

With Irma's path uncertain, it is wise to prepare and plan. Based on some questions I have been asked in the last few days, here are some ideas, in no specific order, on how to prepare at this point.
If the storm gets closer, I will update.

• Don't cut down trees, large branches, limbs, or do any major landscaping that would create a pile of debris that may not be picked up before the storm hits. If you are certain the piles will be picked up, put coconuts, limbs, branches out for pick up.
• Prepare to stay at home and be without electricity for a few days (up to a week) Think about what you will eat and how you will safely store it and cook it. 
• Have water and food for one week. 
• Fill your prescriptions.
• If you have babies, young children, elderly, medical needs, or any special needs, plan accordingly.
• Review your supply of flashlights, lanterns, batteries, propane, fuel, etc.
• Test your generator and review operating instructions.
• Decide what you will run from your generator and do a trial run NOW rather than when you need it and something does not work. 
• Review the exterior of your home and decide what will need to come inside and what day you will do so. (Basically, EVERYTHING outside comes inside or up against the house/garage if the storm is coming at us) 
• Make a plan for your pets to stay comfortable and inside. 
• Fill your freezer. Don't leave any blank space.You can use crumpled newspaper, brown bags, or plastic containers filled with water (ice) to fill in the gaps. 
• I like to cook several meals and then freeze them so we eat well with limited preparation.
• I also like to keep cereal and boxed milk on hand for quick snacks/meals.
• And comfort food...remember everyone's favorite chips, cookies, cereal, and treats. After all, hurricanes don't happen very often.
• Wash laundry all the way up until the storm hits. Go into the storm assuming you may not have electricity to wash clothes, towels, etc.
• Locate and review all of your insurance paperwork and important documents. Make sure they are accessible and in waterproof envelopes/ containers.
• Store all of your family photos, history, papers, etc. in large rubbermaid/plastic storage bins. 
• Review your tools, supplies, and instructions for installing shutters. Decide when you will put them up and who will help you.
• Take photos of your house and yard. Go room by room. Include photos of electronics, antiques, jewelry, guns, furniture, etc. Include photos of your yard, the location of trees, furniture, etc. Back up these photos.
• Develop a plan for communicating with family and friends before, during, and after the storm.
• Fill your cars with gas (don't complain about lines or prices- our homes were not destroyed or flooded like Houston)
• Fill up gas cans for generator fuel.
• Have cash on hand for after the storm to pay for food/gas/ clean up help etc. Don't, however, be bullied by price gauging. Report it.
• Don't evacuate at the last minute unless it is mandatory. Evacuating at the last minute is more dangerous than staying in your home that you have prepared. You run the risk of getting stuck out on the roads in traffic jams with other cars who cannot find fuel and cannot get to a safe place in time before the storm hits. The routes out of South Florida are limited, making evacuation at the last minute a bad idea.
• If you know you will not stay in your home or apartment during a storm. Make your plan to leave early.
• I am not an expert. I have learned through experience, and from many others who have generously shared their experience over the years.
• When your preparations are complete...help your neighbors. We are all in this together!

Stay tuned for the next level of hurricane preparation recommendations. Irma is looking like it will require more attention. 

Tropical Storm Emily

School starts 2 weeks from tomorrow.
Back to school brings the peak of hurricane season.
Right on schedule, Tropical Storm Emily will cross the state of Florida today and tomorrow.
Carry on.

Option B

Thank you, Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant, for sharing this well-written, engaging book. It is a treasure for anyone who has faced adversity, loss, change, grief, or disappointment in life.  Rising after adversity and feeling joy in life is possible and Option B was a reminder of this truth.

If you, or someone you know and love, has faced challenges in life,                 read Option B and apply the principles taught. Everyone can benefit, at some level, from the messages in Option B .  Everyone, regardless of the best made life plans, will need to select, "Option B", either in a small way or in a life-changing, gut-wrenching monumental way.

I have gained insight for not only my own life, but for my interactions and  relationships with others. I am living parts of my life differently as a result of this book. I am definitely feeling more joy in my daily  life as I apply the principles shared in Option B.

This was easy to read, well-written, and a book with messages I have already referred to as I teach and speak. This book is not just a "summer read" that will soon be forgotten. Option B will be quoted and referred to for many years to come.

Sheryl Sandberg is a beautiful example of using her paralyzing tragedy and grief to lift others. Adam Grant is spot on in his counsel and perspective. Together, they are a "Dream Team".  Thank you for sharing this important message.

Childhood Memory

Recently, I came across this photo of my two brothers and me from around 1964

It represents a favorite childhood memory.

Brent in the front, Mark in the middle, and me in the back

I am guessing that in this photo, we were close to these ages:

Mark-18 months, Brent 2 1/2-3 , and I was around 4 1/2

We livd next to a lot where horse trailers were sold.

We lived on State Street in American Fork, Utah. Our house was on the east side of the road, across the street from my Aunt Marilyn's house. Today, a Mc Donald's sits on the location of Aunt Marilyn's former home and a KFC sits where my house used to be.
Today, State Street is a very busy congested main highway as opposed to the early 1960's when we walked across the street to visit our cousins. The road was a highway but not with the heavy traffic it sees today.
Our grandma Hoglund lived within walking distance at 44 South, 600 East, where there are now homes and condos.
My dad was working 3 jobs and going to BYU to complete his MBA at this time. My mom would load the 3 of us up in the wagon and take us for long walks. I remember going to visit my Grandma and Grandpa Hoglund, as well as Aunt Marilyn and my cousins, her children. We would also stop and visit with other people along the way. My mom would sing songs and we would join in.. She lined the bottom of the wagon with a towel for us to sit on so we would be more comfortable as we took our walks.
Most of the walks I remember were in the evening, but I am sure we went out at other times during the day as this was most likely the only method of transportation for us on some days. We had one car and I am sure my dad needed that car most days, although I do remember times that we would drop him off at work so my mom could use the car on grocery shopping day.

Photos speak so many words and provide a step back in time that nothing else can.
This photo always creates heightened gratitude for my parents and their sacrifices for our family.
At the time, this may have seemed like an ordinary day, doing an ordinary activity but this is a priceless memory.

Take those photos...even when your family complains, especially when your family complains!

Raspberries Anyone?

Last week, I had the blessing of taking care of 3 of my grandchildren.

This little guy melts my heart at every turn.

After raising 5 children and being a raspberry lover myself,

I had never seen someone put raspberries on their fingers.

(This was always reserved for the olives at Thanksgiving dinner)

His love for raspberries is clear.

Pioneer Day 2017

July 24

Today commemorates the day the first Mormon Pioneers arrived in the 

Salt Lake Valley 170 years ago. 

I am grateful to stand on the shoulders of their sacrifices and dedication, 

the depth of which I cannot fully comprehend.

President Gordon B Hinkley said the following,

"Whether you were born among the posterity of the pioneers, 

or whether you were baptized yesterday, 

each is the beneficiary of their undertaking."

My great aunt, Minerva Teichert, depicted the pioneer journey in many of her paintings.

These are a few of my favorites.

 "Not Alone"

I know that angels carried these Saints through dark and desperate circumstances.

 "Handcart Pioneers"

This is my favorite and hangs in my home.

The strength of this pioneer woman speaks to me. 

She is throwing her bonnet in the air but it is cut of in the painting.

"Covered Wagon Pioneers"

Spaghetti and Colossal Meatballs

Each year after Young Women Camp, I am inspired to step up my cooking game. Our camp cook prepares meals from scratch, using fresh ingredients. It is remarkable to see what she plans and executes for 100+ people 3 meals, 1 snack, and 1 dessert per day. All of this is done with a calm, beautiful spirit for $10 per person per day. No pre-made frozen meals, no hot dogs, nuggets, etc. just an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, and delicious well-balanced meals.

One of her crowd pleasers is homemade spaghetti sauce and giant 3-meat meatballs. I prepared this meal for Ron on Father's Day and he is a believer. Megan loves the sauce, but since she does not eat meat, I don't have her opinion on the meatballs. Katherine loved the sauce and meatballs. She is working hard to change her eating and she appreciated the homemade sauce with little sugar and no preservatives. She loves the meatballs, also.

As for me, I have had 1 meatball per day since Sunday and they are almost gone. I am looking forward to having Andrew home soon and I will plan to prepare this meal for him. (There will be no leftovers, I am certain)

Colossal 3-Meat Meatballs
1 1/2-2  C Fresh Bread Crumbs (don't use pre-made)
3/4 C Heavy Cream

1 C Chopped Prosciutto Ham
1 lb Ground Beef
1 lb Ground Pork
3 Eggs
3/4 C Grated Parmesan Cheese
2-3 T Fresh Parsley- minced
2-3 T Fresh Basil - chopped
1 T Fresh Oregano
5-6 Cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 tsp Pepper, ground
1 tsp Sea Salt, or to taste
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Soak the bread crumbs in the heavy cream for about 30 minutes.
Saute the garlic in a small amount of Olive Oil, set aside and cool.
Mix all other ingredients, except the Olive Oil, well. Use your hands (I wear disposable gloves)
Add the bread crumbs and garlic
Mix well.
Form into 2 1/2 inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil and lightly coated with Olive Oil

Bake at 400 for about 25-30 minutes.
Watch to see when meatballs are brown on the outside.
I turned mine at 15 minutes and they baked 15 more minutes.
This made 20 large meatballs. See photos below.

Spaghetti Sauce
Saute in Olive Oil:
1 Large diced onion
4-5 Cloves minced garlic

Add:
3- 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes (use high quality)
1- 28 oz can whole tomatoes
1 tsp Granulated Sugar
1  tsp Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Dried Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 C Chopped Fresh Parsley
1/4 C Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
1 T Fresh Oregano

Simmer on low for 2-3 hours, stirring.
I put the sauce in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. No need to stir or watch closely.

Serve with cooked spaghetti noodles or the pasta of your choice.

Confession: Most of my adult cooking life, I have used spaghetti sauce from a JAR.  It will be a rare day that I ever go back to using pre-made sauce in a jar.