Super Bling -

Have you ever seen such super bling shoes? Do you wish you could have a pair of shoes as beautiful as these?

Just give this little fashion gal a call and she'll let you know just where you can get your own pair of super bling shoes -

Our little Cate is crawling all around now - here's some pictures to share -

We're having "Hoe...whats?"

So you know - I am really lucky to have a husband who prepares dinner most nights and has it ready and waiting for me when I walk through the door after work. Also lucky to have husband who enjoys cooking, trying new recipes and exposing me to new and unsual foods from time to time. Well, except for last week when I came home and saw these "things" cooking in the frying pan and asked "are those potato cakes or something else?" He replied "they are hoe cakes". "Hoe - whats?" I ask looking closer. Anyone who knows Curt, knows he researches everything and proceeds to tell me about hoe cakes. So here's a picture -

Now you get the low down on hoe cakes - "originally, Native Americans cooked these on hot rocks in an open fire and they were commonly referred to as "ash cakes". Later on, settlers from Europe adopted the recipe, cooking the cakes on the blades of their hoes in the fireplace. This is where they get the name "hoe cakes". " Excellent - so I take a taste of the batter and instantly ask, "exactly what is in here?" "Well - water, cornmeal and salt". Yeah - that's what I thought (think TREK everyone).

"Where did you get the recipe?" I ask, "Well, I found it on the Hillbilly Housewife site, she says this recipe was the oldest, cheapest and tastiest of all." I'm thinking, "the Hillbilly Housewife? That doesn't even sound like a site I'd be interested in visiting, and NOW, not a site I'm going to visit." (side note - please DO visit the Pioneer Woman Cooks link on my page, it's FABULOUS - no hoe cakes there). Anyway - the hoe cakes were NOT good. When I used to read my Little House on the Prairie books with Laura Ingells telling about how delicious the food used to be after slaving away over their wood burning stoves - I believed her. I know they didn't have the wealth of spices and herbs we do today, but when I was little, I ate my Grandmothers food (from the wood stove) and it was delicious. Cornmeal, water, salt. NOT delicious - NOT the best experiment.

Out of curosity though, I did google hoe cakes and found a recipe from Paula Dean (adding buttermilk and bacon grease) that might be worth trying. It sounds alot better than the Hillbillies. Always an adventure!

Happy, Happy Anniversary

Eight years ago today Brandon and Jamie were married. It was one of the proudest days of our lives to witness the union of these two. As parents, we couldn't have been happier - as you know, these two are some of the very choicest people and we are in constant awe at all they have accomplished. They have been so much fun, and it has been such a pleasure to be associated with them.

It seems like only yesterday that Brandon broke his leg mid-way though his sophomore year and was home bound for several weeks. I soon became aware of a certain "visitor" that would come and go, bringing homework and entertaining. Brandon was always so happy and content when Jamie would come and he looked SO forward to the next time she would come back. Although very young at the time, I could tell that Jamie meant something more to Brandon than anyone else and she had secured a special place in his heart. He never seemed to tire of being with her - and always looked forward to the time they would be together again (and they were together ALOT). They are two-halves of a whole and we couldn't be happier for them. Here are a few of my favorite pictures -

This picture is the first "formal" picture taken of them (other than dance pictures), I think they were Jr's. It also has a special place in my heart because it is the picture they used to pull one of the best "April Fools" jokes on Kathy! I can't help but smile when I look at it -

Of course, a beautiful wedding picture -

Here they are today - a beautiful, happy family with two more of our most treasured possessions (our grandkiddies).
Happy Anniversary Brandon and Jamie, and thank you! We hope you have a most excellent day.

Weekend in SLC

Brandon flew in for a quick trip over the weekend. We were lucky enough to see him for a little bit - and squeeze in time to go for a family dinner at one of our favorite places (next to The Garden, of course), Market Street. Here is Annie eating one of her many shrimps (the kids meal at Market Street is outrageously affordable for what you get - I wish I could order from it).The family -

Annie whispering to Uncle B, "Where is Berlynn?"
Two handsome men and one pretty little lady!

It was so fun to see Brandon, if only for a tiny bit. We sure missed Jamie, Berlynn and Ezra - and hope to see them on a more regular basis really soon. Thanks for coming Brandon!

We're having a "Going to Utah" party!

Berlynn: Guess what - we're having a "Going to Utah" party.
Me: You are?
Berlynn: Yes, and do you want to know who is coming?
Me: Yes, who is coming to your party?
Berlynn: ALL of my friends - and Annie, and Cameron.
Me: Oh, I'm so excited for you to come to Utah.
Berlynn: I know, and we're bringing Ezra too.

1) The house sold (4 or 5 days!)
2) They got what they needed out of it
3) Move-out date extended to April 24th
4) Jamie's Pre-school ends April 23rd
5) Brandon graduates on May 14th
6) THEY'RE COMING HOME!

CONGRATULATIONS BRANDON & JAMIE!

Family Home Evening FUN!

Heather put together this great, fun activity for all of us tonight - thanks to Matt's skill in making the frames, Steven's connections for the sheet metal, Dad's precision with the metal cutter and everyone else's contributions - we had a really successful, "MAGNETIC" night!

Here is Kathy working diligently on her frame while Tiffany is deciding what to start on first. Heather is just all smiles because we are all together!

Michelle popped in for a second to say hi -

Peter joined the ladies tonight, and Amy multi-tasked with Elly

Holly, Wendy, me, Tiffany, Peter and Amy -Tiffany modge podging a "match book cover" mirror keepsake from some of the match book covers they inherited from Grandpa Ernie Summers' collection (clever!) -
One of my finished projects (without the sheet metal) Lots of beautiful smiles

The BEST babysitter/entertainer EVER! Thanks Mom for keeping the kids occupied -

(Jake, Elly, Mom, Sydney, Connor)

THANKS AGAIN HEATHER & MATT!

Thanks Larry

Today we just heard the news that Larry H. Miller had passed away from complications of Type 2 Diabetes. He has struggled with his health for the last year after he suffered a heart attack and bleeding ulcers. In January of this year, he had both legs amputated below the knee in an effort to improve his quality of life - but it was not to be so. I love the Utah Jazz - and Larry Miller was the one who took a chance to keep a professional basketball team here in Utah - when NOBODY said it could be done successfully. He has also contributed SO much to our State and Church, he put his money where it could best be utilized, he was a good man. His death will surely leave a big hole in our hearts, community and State so I want to say, "Thanks Larry"

1944 - 2009