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Sunday, June 21, 2009

my dad

I would be remiss if I didn't write a little something about my dad today. My dad was my daddy, my bestest friend. I honestly remember thinking (for a very long time) that he had made a BIG mistake and shouldn't have married my mother but should have married me! We are both very much alike. He always honestly complimented me. He didn't tell me I was the prettiest one there, he said I had a glow about me, or that I really stood out because I was such a gifted actress or I looked the most professional. He was a photographer and I loved joining and helping him taking pictures of weddings etc. Although since he was always taking pictures.. we don't have many of him.

It is very painful thinking of him. He died in 1988 at the young age of 62. It was devastating for our family. He was EVERYONE's friend. He was a People person. He was eccentric and loved being eccentric. He couldn't get names straight.. Larry, Gary, Terry, Barry. He played the trumpet in all sorts of bands for his entire life, even up to the day he died. When he would make my sister's lunch he would include a little something extra... like a screw driver or stapler for her to carry around the rest of the day. When he died, my mother was crushed and believed that no one would ever visit her again because he was the reason they came over.
Yep ..... still painful. The grandkids missed out on not knowing him and having someone to count on for extra support.
This is the last picture taken in March of 1988 when we came home from Iceland for a week visit. He died July 29th.

ok on a happier note. here's my cute husband with the twins at brunch today:
they are 3 peas in a pod!!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Happy Birthday Kieri

Kieri is the baby of the family... but at 23 hardly a baby. Kieri is the most easy going person ever. 2yrs younger than her sister. They have always been very close.
goofy girls- they entertained each other - (who am I kidding, they still do!!!)
Always the little performer- mugging for the camera. She is content playing by herself as well as with others! She loved all the little little things... miniature animals- littlest pet shop. She would make "displays" in her room for the holidays with her little miniatures! And one day dreamed of designing the CANDY window display in the Salt Lake store ZCMI.
Then of course always dressing up and putting on a show!
Halloween was special in our house with costumes ideas and general showing off to get candy. And it's not that she would eat the candy... no no, she had a box in her room that she would just "keep" the candy (I don't know what for... a rainy day????)
Then came Jr High and High School and more dressing up! ok lets face it folks, Kieri was my doll that I could make things for!!! although she did design this flame Prom dress.
and then there are the musicals, I only inserted a few pictures, but Kieri does sing like a bird! And has anyone else noticed how she looks like her Aunt Louisa.
For her Senior Musical (Pajama Game) she wore her Nana's wedding dress (from 1950)
and dance... ah, not so much, although here she is in her Bob Fosse Dance outfit! Two things she does not possess, good balance and good navigational skills.
We all love Kieri. Her glow is infectious. She is the most easy going, unjudgemental, fun, crazyyyy (did I mention the time she went to school in bubble wrap and duct tape?) beautiful, talented (keep up that singing you crazy kid) Person EVER. I am bless to have you as my daughter. We love you Kieri!!!
Kieri & Russell at Lauren's wedding.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Craft night

I decided to have a craft night and invite a few friends to "make stuff" (Carmen THAT's why I need YOUR email address!!! please send it to me)
So we made 'Coasters' with tile and stamps! It was great fun and lots of creative energy!!
A great craft that looks old-world-ish
gee that was fun
not too much talking going on, just a lot of designing
and not too messy
hope more people come next time :)

Monday, June 15, 2009

The weekend at Moses Lake

We had a great family weekend over in Moses Lake- Eastern WA. (pretty much desert) Lots of people were there in the sun under this fantastic Pergola... which resulted in shadows on everyone.... not too good for picture taking!! (boo) but here's a peek...
Tristyn, the graduate opening cards...
One hot dude
Grandma Kathrine (Rod's mom) she'll be 89 next month!

As I said, Eastern WA is desert, and not too much to look at.... except for the Clouds, Washington has THE most beautiful clouds. I must have taken 75 pictures of clouds (these are only a few... hey it was a long 5 hour ride home) and if you ask, I'll show you more!~~

over the Columbia River


Friday, June 12, 2009

Food Fun Friday-Stuffed Pizza Rolls


I am really tired of being on a diet, um ........... healthy eating kick (sorry don't know how to cross out the word, anyone?)
I found this recipe from Our Best Bites and am going to make it next weekend when the boys come.


Stuffed Pizza Rolls
1 roll refrigerated pizza dough* (or make your own)
marinara/pizza sauce
2 T grated Parmesan cheese
1 T olive oil or melted butter
1/2 t garlic powder
1 t dried Italian seasoning
mozzarella cheese
Pizza toppings of your choice: ie, ham and pineapple, pepperoni slices, sausage, etc.


Preheat oven to heat specified on pizza dough package. Usually it's 400 degrees. If you make your own dough, 400 is usually a good heat as well.
Unroll your pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Pat or roll the dough so it's about 12" by 8".
You're going to want to cut it into 24 squares, so just eyeball it if you need to. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into 24 squares

Place cheese and desired toppings on each square. (Note that you're not putting the marinara sauce on the dough- it's for dipping after) Just eyeball how much. You just need to be able to enclose the toppings in the dough so keep that in mind. I used a teaspoon each of cheese, canadian bacon, and pineapple.


When all of your dough squares have cheese and toppings on them, carefully lift up each square and wrap the dough around the toppings. Pinch to make sure each ball is sealed shut and then place them seam side down in a lightly sprayed pie pan (or similar sized dish).


Brush the tops of the dough balls with olive oil or melted butter (I've used both and there's not much difference in result) and then sprinkle with the garlic and Italian seasoning and top with Parmesan cheese.

Cook them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them! Doughs vary, so I'd check them after even 10 minutes.

Serve warm with warmed marinara sauce on the side for dipping.The outsides are like garlic bread and the insides are full of oozing cheese. This might just be a perfect food.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Wednesday Wisdom


God gives every bird it's worm, but he doesn't throw it into the nest.
Proverb

Sunday, June 7, 2009

I'm going to be a grandma (Nana)

I can't believe it.... my baby is having a baby!!!!
yep, That's the news, Lauren & Will are having a baby.
I just love babies, and their little pea size toes! and tiny little hands... and fat little cheeks.
and waiting 40 weeks for them to get to be "just right". and then you learn the meaning of THE MOST understated phrase in the whole world. .......
I just had a baby
It's going to be a long 9 months waiting for the new little bundle of joy.

We already have one little grand child. Mallory - The blondest little whirlygig you ever did see!
WE ARE SO EXCITED TO BE ADDING TO OUR FAMILY.

Proud Momma&Daddy
You can read more on Lauren's Blog (here)