Happy Easter

ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE
I LEARNED FROM THE EASTER BUNNY
Don't put all of your eggs in one basket
Walk softly and carry a big carrot
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears
There's no such thing as too much candy
All work and no play can make you a basket case
A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits
Some body parts should be floppy
Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans
Good things come in small sugarcoated packages
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket
An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare
To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey

The Grocery Game

I have found a great website. It is called the grocery game. I found it from a spot on TV where they were talking about how to save money in these difficult days. It also fits in with my concern that all of you build your food storage up. That includes water. I am certain food is going to skyrocket in price after we have to start paying for all the government give-aways that are going on.

You can find it by going on the Internet or just click on this link:

http://www.thegrocerygame.com/ I have been using it for awhile. It is a list of items that are on sale at the store of your choice. It also includes a list of the current coupons to take with you. And where to find the coupons.

I have found that it takes a few weeks of saving coupons to get caught up, but the savings are really good. If you follow her plan, it is even better. She recommends that you stock up on items when they are at their lowest price and then only purchase things on sale.

It is working so well I am going to have to buy a freezer to take advantage of the frozen items. Put me down as the person who referred you if you decide to try it. It is only $1.00 to try. Let me know how you do.

Yummy!

I have a new recipe on the sidebar. It is for Classic French Chicken in White Grape Sauce. It is sooooooo good!!!!! Try it, you will love it.

Fridays with Jim and Ginger

This Friday we took a short trip to Carlsbad to see the flower fields. The Ranuculas were in full bloom. It was just gorgeous. We got out and walked around a little. We didn't go up into the fields because they now charge $10 apiece and I thought that was crazy. So I saved the $20 and bought 3 bouquets for $12. Quite a savings and I get to enjoy them for a week.

It was a gorgeous day and you could see the ocean sparkling in the background when you went to the top of the fields. It really makes you feel like Spring is here.

Do you twitter?

I was wondering if any of you twitter? I have wondered if that is something that would be good for my business or if it is just a waste of time. I have had a hard time getting into facebook, as a matter of fact, I don't do it at all. Any comments?

Making Progress

It has been a miserable few weeks, but I think I am about to the end of it all. All of my tests are in and it looks like I have a giant hiatal hernia. One third of my stomach is in my chest. No wonder I've been hurting. Don't know what the treatment is going to be. I think it's just good to know what it is. The cat scan also showed diverticulitis. So I guess that is going to mean a diet change. I might go to a acupuncturist when I am done with the specialists and see what the ancient Chinese would do. I have 3 weeks until my next DR. appt, so I might try some things on my own. I think once they decided it wasn't cancer the Dr. relaxed and gave me nothing new.

Business is really picking up. I am feeling a little stressed, so much to get done. Most of it's behind the scenes, but really important to do. I am just glad I have work. Our Real Estate market seems to be picking up. I hope it holds for awhile.

If you want to see what's going on in Relief Society check out the blog, societystuff.blogspot.com; we have so many good things going on. Also be sure to try the sauce recipes on it. They are fabulous, especially the salmon and chicken ones. If you haven't tried the chicken salad receipe Lauri posted, give it a try, it's great.

I am really looking forward to Conference weekend. I am going to veg out the entire time.

You might like this.

I thought I would share the beginning of my talk at Enrichment. I think the talk was OK. It was short and sweet. Since we hadn't eaten yet, no one wanted it to last too long. It was really a great night. I have the most amazing enrichment committee. I never have to worry about a thing. They just step up and do it all, and they do it wonderfully well. We had a DVD of the different sisters talking about Relief Society. Our theme was Relief Society and Me. (Does anyone know how to put a DVD on your computer? I want to put it on the RS blog, but have to first put it on my hard drive. Help!). After the program we had a delicious dinner. Laura was in charge of the dinner and hopefully she will put her pasta recipe on her blog. It is a good one to do at home.

Today is my Dr. appointment, can't eat all day. I'm hungry already. So sad.

Here is the beginning of my talk.

M. Russell Ballard "A Woman's Lifeline."
Age 3: She looks at herself and sees a Queen.
Age 8: She looks at herself and sees Cinderella.
Age 15: She looks at herself and sees an Ugly Duckling. ("Mom, I can't go to school looking like this!")
Age 20: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"—but decides she's going out anyway.
Age 30: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"—but decides she doesn't have time to fix it so she's going out anyway.
Age 40: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"—but says, "At least I am clean," and goes out anyway.
Age 50: She looks at herself and sees "I am what I am" and goes wherever she wants to go.
Age 60: She looks at herself and reminds herself of all the people who can't even see themselves in the mirror anymore. Goes out and conquers the world.
Age 70: She looks at herself and sees wisdom, laughter, and ability. Goes out and enjoys life.
Age 80: Doesn't bother to look. Just puts on a purple hat and goes out to have fun with the world.

I'm Working!

At last! I am finally seeing some action at work! I have alot of things going on ( said with a happy circular hand motion)! I have 2 escrows, and will be listing 3 houses this week. One of the houses has been on the market for 3 months with another Realtor, so I hope it sells. I think if I get them to come down on the price it should sell. It hasn't been like this for a very long time. I am really scrambling to get everything done. And to add to the fun, I have 2 short sales that need immediate attention first thing in the morning. Not to worry, I will get it all done.

Tuesday is our RS Birthday enrichment and I am the concluding speaker. I really need to get my act together for that. I am drawing a blank on this one. I would like to say something meaningful that will add to the meeting, I hate boring. But at this stage of the game I just don't know what to do. I am hoping I will be hit with a lightening bolt and get an idea.

I went to a cooking class last week on sauces, taught by Deborah Haynie. It was so good. I have tried both her salmon and chicken recipes at home and loved it. It was so easy to do, but had a real gourmet taste to it. She also showed us how to do Alfredo sauce and that will be next on my list. I will post the recipes when I get a chance. We have great enrichment activities in our ward. You are really glad you are there.

Other than church and work it is pretty quiet here. I think that is a good thing. I am still having tests done for my tummy. They are going to stick a scope down my gut on Thursday, hope they see something. It is probably just that I need to quit the Diet Coke. I know it is coming, but I am not looking forward to it. I really like my sodas! The Dr. would also like me to lose some weight, I will as soon as I am tired of making Alfredo sauce and salmon and chicken smothered in sauce. It shouldn't be too long.

How to make pie crust

I realized I might have fallen down on the teaching of pie making so I have a tutorial for you. My pies are always the very best and the all time favorite is lemon meringue. I have a step by step slideshow to show you how to make the crust. You can then go to the sidebar for the best recipe ever for lemon meringue. It takes a little bit of time, but it is worth it. You can always freeze the crusts unbaked, thaw bake and add chocolate pudding for a quick easy desert. I hope you give it a try.

Home Cooking Recipes

Here are all the recipes on the sidebar.

Classic French Chicken in White Grape Sauce
2 TBS butter
3 or 4 bone in chicken breasts
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1/2 rib celery, finely chopped
2 oz prosciutto or country ham finely chopped
3/4 cup white grape juice
3/4 cup low salt chicken stock
3 TBSP heavy cream (at room temperature)
Chopped fresh parsley

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook it in the skillet on the skin side to brown it and render the fat from the skin about 15 min. Turn chicken over and cook on the bone side for about 5 min. Remove and save the chicken. Pour off all but 2 TBSP of the fat from the pan. Add the onion, carrot, celery, prosciutto or ham and saute until the onion is browned and the vegetables are softened, 8-10 min. Add the juice and chicken stock to the pan and stir to combine with vegetables. Put the chicken back into the pan. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover the skillet with a lid and simmer the chicken in the sauce until cooked through 20 to 25 min. Remove the chicken from the pan, turn the heat to high and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the volume of liquid by half, about 5 min. (6-7 min. for a thicker sauce). Add the cream, stir to combin and remove the pan from the heat. Pour sauce over chicken and sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Great served with mashed potatoes.


Lemon Meringue Pie
Pie Crust
2 cups flour
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup shortening
6 TBSP. water (the colder, the better)

Your crust will be more flaky if all ingredients are coldMix flour and salt together and cut in shortening with pastry cutter. Add water, one tablespoon at a time. Stir with a fork after each spoonful of water, just enought to move flour around, until mixture will hold together. Divide dough into 2 balls. Roll out between 2 sheets of wax paper. After crust is fitted, trim edges evenly, leaving a 1 inch overhanging border, fold dough under and back to make an upright rim. Flute edges. Prick crust thoroughly around bottom and sides with a fork(to let out steam).Bake 450, 15 minutes until lightly browned.Makes 2 crusts

Filling
7 TBSP cornstarch
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cup hot water
3 egg yolks, beaten
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel
2 TBSP butter
Mix cornstarch, sugar and salt in saucepan. Slowly add water and stir until smooth. Cook and stir constantly over med. heat until thick and bubbly. Reduce heat and cook 2 minutes more. Remove from heat.

Add 1/2 cup hot mix to egg yolks and mix quickly so it doesn't cook eggs. Keep adding hot mix to egg yolks a half cup at a time until egg mixture is warm (about 1 1/2 cups)pour egg mixture into the rest of filling. Add butter and peel. Mix well. Gradually add lemon juice. Pour hot filling in cooked pastry shell.

Spread meringue over hot filling making sure there is no holes between meringue and crust edge. Bake 350 for 12-15 minutes or till meringue is golden on top of peaks. Cool before cutting.

Meringue
3 egg whites
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
6 TBSP sugar
Beat egg white, vanilla, cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar one tablespoon at a time beating at high speed until stiff glossy peaks form. Immediately spread meringue over pie, all the way to the edge. Leave no holes or meringue will shrink. Bake as directed.

Sheperd's Pie
1 pound ground beef
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 (14 oz) can cut green beans drained
1 (10 3/4 oz) can tomato soup
6 large potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed (can be done ahead)
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. salt
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Brown ground beef in olive oil. Add onion, salt and pepper and saute until onion is tender. Put into a greased 9X13 baking dish. Top with drained green beans. Spread tomato soup over beans. Combine mashed potatoes, milk and salt. Mix well. Spoon potatoes over mixture. Top with grated cheese. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Serves 6

Sparkling Butter Toffee Cookies
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. bking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup English or almond toffee bits
Sugar

Heat oven to 350. Combine sugar, butter, egg,vanilla. Beat until creamy. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, reduce speed to low. Beat until well mixed. Stir in toffee bits by hand. Shape rounded tablespoons of dough into balls. Roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten each with bottom of glass to 2 inch circles. (They spread out, don't put too close together)

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Do not over bake. Let cool 2 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar while warm.

Pumpkin Delight
1 large can of pumpkin
3/4 tsp. salt
3 eggs beaten
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1/3 tsp. mace
1/3 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. vanilla
Pre heat oven to 350.
Mix above ingredients together, put in 13 X 9 in. pan.
1 package yellow cke mix, sprinkle over top of mixture.
1 cube butter, melt and pour over top of mixture.
Top with chopped pecans.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Top with cool mix.

Turkey and Dressing
1 large turkey already stuffed with Mrs. Cubbinson's dressing. Preferably cornbread. (Follow dressing instructions, but add onion (use less) , celery and 1 lb. browned sausage
Procedures
Preheat oven to 450. Place stuffed turkey, breast up, in the center of greased, wide, heavy foil. Bring ends of foil up over breast; overlap fold and press up against end of turkey. Place bird in a shallow roasting pan. ( I use 2 throw away pans, one inside the other) Open foil for last 20 minutes to brown turkey.
7-9 lb....2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours
10-13 lb....2 3/4 to 3 hours
14-17 lb....3 to 3 1/4 hours
18-21 lb....3 1/4 to 3 1/2 hours
22-24 lb....3 1/4 to 3 3/4 hours

Remove from oven and let stand 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Use drippings for gravy.

Giblet Gravy - Boil Giblets (minus liver, unless you like live liver) in water on a saucepan. Drain and cut into small pieces. Set aside. Mix 2 TBSP. drippings with 2 heaping TBSP flour and 1 TBSP butter in skillet. Heat and stir until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Slowly add 2 cups milk, put back on heat, stir and bring to a boil stirring constantly. Add giblets. Simmer until giblets are heated through. Can be doubled, tripled, etc. If too thick, gradually add more milk.

Mom's rolls
2 pkg yeast (check date to make sure it's not old)
1 cup cold water
Dissolve yeast in cold water. Set aside.
1/4 lb. butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup boiling water
Pour boiling water over butter, salt and sugar. Stir until melted. Cool until you can stick your finger in it comfortably. Add to yeast.
Add 2 beaten eggs
Add 6 cups flour one cup at a time.
Cover with a damp dishtowel and refrigerate overnight.
Remove from refrigerator and let sit for 30 minutes. Shape and place on greased pans. Place in warm area, cover with damp cloths and let rise until double in size. Bake 400 for 10 to 12 minutes. Brush tops with butter.

Cheesecake
14 gram crackers = 1 cup crumbs (boxed crumbs OK)
1/4 cup butter (softened)
1/4 cup sugar
12 oz cream cheese
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
5 TBSP+1 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
Crust - mix together gram cracker crumbs, butter and sugar. Pat around sides and bottom of a 9 or 10" pie pan. Set aside.
Filling - Combine softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth and light with an electric beater. Pour into crust. Bake 350 for 20 minutes.
Cool 5 minutes, gently spoon topping on cooked filling
Topping - Mix together 5 TBSP + 1 tsp. sugar, 1 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla. Spoon over top and bake an additional 10 minutes at 350. Refrigerate at least 5 hours.

Calling all Chocolate Lovers! This is soooo easy to make and soooo delicious!
1 box of brownie mix3 extra large Hershey Bars
Prepare a box of fudge brownies according to directions.
Pour have the mixture in a 9X13 pan (grease bottom).
Lay 3 of those giant Hershey Bars on the mix.
Pour the rest of brownie mixture over the candy.
Bake according to directions. Cool completely before cutting.
Frosting not needed, but if you want to eat with a spoon instead of fingers try it with whipped cream that has a small amount of chopped pecans and grated chocolate folded in.

Mom’s Pudding Cake
In a 13 X 9 inch pan mix:

1 c brown sugar
1/2 c cocoa
Stir in 1 c water
Add 48 minature marshmallows

Make a Devils food cake mix and spoon this over the mixture in the pan.
Top with 1 cup nuts
Bake 40-50 minutes

Fridays with Jim and Ginger

This Friday we did something different! We went to the San Diego Opera and saw Don Quixote. It was fun getting all dressed up and having a night on the town. Don Quixote is a spanish opera but they have english sub titles so you know what's going on. The opera stage was really well done. The orchastra was wonderful. The costumes and scenery were exceptional. I expecially liked the windmill scene. However, Don Quixote is a very, very slow moving opera. Don Quixote does most of the singing and there is not too much action, at least not in the first half. There were quite a few people around us that were sleeping.

The second half? Not sure, we left during intermission. We decided we could stay or go get a bite to eat. The stomach won that argument. We just barely made it to Anthony's before they closed. We had a window seat with the spectacular view. I just had a cup of chowder and a shrimp & crap cocktail since it was so late. It was the perfect meal and a great way to end a fun evening.

Saturday Night Live - Don't Buy Stuff

Click for video: Saturday Night Live - Don't Buy Stuff

My new assignment

I have a part of an amazing new program. Elder Perry came up with this plan for California, and especially San Diego. They have done pilot programs to see how it works in other areas before giving it to us. I imagine it will go across the US before too long.

I attended a meeting for Bishops, High Priest Group Leaders, Elders Quorum Pres. and Relief Society Pres. We had people from Orange County as well as San Diego County so the room was packed. It was given by 2 Gen. Authorities. It was special just to be included. I was given the assignment to find 5 people who would want to commit to take the missionary lessons. Since I am pretty private about my beliefs I was a little afraid to do this. However, the promise was that if I would just be the messenger the Lord would do the rest. So I had my Presidency pray with me for 5 names. Together we came up with 5 people. We then spent 2 weeks praying, fasting and taking these names to the temple. We still felt they were the ones we needed to speak to.

My next challenge was to make the call. For the first one, I went with Billye (my sec) and we visited with a lady we had never met. As soon as I told her we had been praying for her, she burst into tears. I told her the Lord had sent us there to let her know He cared about her and had blessings waiting for her. The feeling was so strong. She agreed this was just what she needed in her life. Her husband then came in and I also asked him if he would meet with the missionaries. I told him this family can’t do this without him. He also was touched and looked at his wife and said, “I think I am ready.” Wow! The feeling of love in that room was amazing. Billye and I left overwhelmed at the privilege of being the messenger.

I went to another family with Jim and gave the same message with a slight twist. I felt prompted to tell them the time is now, not next week, not next month, not next year, but now. I was very bold. They were also in tears. The wife from beginning to end. The husband less so. He told me they like to do things in their own time and own way. I told them to pray and I would continue to pray also. I wasn’t sure if they would accept or not. This last Sunday right after the sacrament was passed, I turned around and they were coming in for the meeting. I was so touched; it was overwhelming to see them there. The missionaries are stopping by their house this week.

So far 3 have been called (my 3rd is a family with 3 kids, they were at church Sunday and meeting with the missionaries tonight) and I will see the other 2 this week. I can hardly wait. This will be an ongoing project for me. When one drops off, I will find another one. It is really a spiritual experience.

When I thought of how much my life has been blessed by my membership in The Church, how could I not want others to experience that as well. Maybe next step will be those people I already love.

Catching Up

It has been a busy two weeks for me, with little time to share on the blog. I will try to catch everyone up in the next few days. It is now Sunday evening, and I am collapsed with exhaustion. My thoughts are just a little jumbled but they are good thoughts.

Today I started my meetings at 7:30 with Ward Counsel, Sacrament at 9:00. I was asked to speak in the other ward with the High Counsel speaker at 11:00. That meant I was going to have to miss Relief Society. I rushed to get everything set up before I left for the chapel. I walk up to the stand and didn't see Bro. Alires, my companion speaker. Instead Bro. Gonsales was on the stand. The meeting was just about to start and I noticed everyone giving me a strange look, like 'what are you doing?' I grabbed a program and my name was not on it. Embarrassed and red faced, I left with no idea where I should be. Jim found me coming out of the chapel and went inside to ask Bro. Gonsales where I was suppose to be. Well.... my assignment was not until 1:00. I was in the wrong ward. They gave me the wrong time.

I then went back to Relief Society and had to hang out at church until 1:00 since I was low on gas and didn't want to chance on it. I spoke on prayer and think it went pretty good. A lady came up to me in tears at the end and thanked me for my talk. I think that is a good sign. It was a good Sunday even if I am tired.

Last night we were invited to our neighbors Tom and Delayne for dinner. They also invited our other neighbors Denny and Linda. It was a fun night with good food. I had the dessert assignment and made lemon meringue pies. And they were fabulous! So incredibly good I was so proud. I am going to post step by step directions so you can make one too. You won't be disappointed. It made for a good Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine Day

Hope you have a great romantic day!
"The pleasure of love is in loving, and we are made happier by the passion we experience than by that we inspire." La Rochefoucald, 1665

52 Blessing Project Weeks 4&5

Opps! I am getting behind! I was going to be so good this year. I really have been grateful for my blessings but I have been so busy and have not taken the time to sit down and write. This week I am grateful for prayer. It is so hard being far away from those I love, especially when they need me. I wish I was independently wealthy and I could just hop on an airplane and go whenever the mood struck me.

So many things have happened, Julie having a stroke and not knowing what is wrong, Amanda having her baby early, Dani and Sammy back in the hospital with such a scare, Lauri sicker than a dog (she's also in the hospital, trying to get fluids into her). I worry about how everyone is making it in this economy. And then there are baby blessings I am missing and just wanting to see everyone again. Sometimes I feel helpless and unable to do much.

I have found great comfort and joy in taking these and many other problems to the Lord. It really is a 'Sweet Hour of Prayer', although for me it is 'Sweet Minutes of Prayer'. I have been amazed at how well everyone is doing. Prayers have been answered and one by one, each is improving. I am also overwhelmed with the peace I feel. I take comfort in the promise given by Jeffrey Holland, "The Lord has said, He would fight our battles, our children's battles and the battles of our children's children." I think I will turn it over to the Lord.

My part is prayer.

Fridays with Jim and Ginger

This Friday brought us a wonderful change of pace. We decided on a movie and dinner. The movie was The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I wasn't sure if it would be good and Jim really wasn't sure about it. I like deep movies, he likes comedy so I won on this one. It is the story of a man who is born old and gets younger each day. It is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald and the movie verson stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. How can you go wrong with that?

Anyway, I absolutely loved it! I am going to have to buy the book. There were so many little treasures throughout that I want to remember and maybe even quote. I don't know when I have enjoyed a movie this much.

Dinner? Taco Bell. Couldn't have been better.

Letter to my grandchildren

Written by Paul Harvey, agreed with by me.
We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better. I'd really like for them to know about hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car. And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep. I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in. I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him/her. I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.

On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom. If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one. I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.

When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boygirl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole. I do care if you try a beer once, but if you do I hope you don't like it.. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle. May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays. I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life. Written with a pen. Sealed with a kiss..... I'm here for you. And if I die before you do, I'll go to heaven and wait for you

Trials

Why does something always seem to happen? Just when things were getting better? This is a question all of us ask from time to time. Sometimes it is hard to keep a proper perspective of things. I was reading the Ensign and came across this short story from last months issue. It touched me and I thought you might like to read it too. Just click on the link. http://lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Magazines/Ensign/English/2009/EN_2009_01_10___04201_000_025.pdf

I would also recommend you read the latest post on www.societystuff.blogspot.com It is also a good one.

Look at the fun you could be having!