Sister Koenig's blog is going private, if you would like to follow her, please contact me, and I will be happy to add you. Just want to be safe since I have her address posted there.
Good Things:
1. Miracles
2. Hope
3. Knowledge
So grateful today for so many things. I just have such a sense of gratitude for life, family, friends, and knowledge and hope of eternal blessings. I have so much!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
Tournament of Talent
I have a good friend who has to have a bone marrow transplant. In August, I saw that she and her family were asking for financial help through an organization online. So I asked if I could do a fundraiser for her. Although she wanted to say no, her family said yes. Shelly is an amazing person. I served with her for over six years in young women's and grew to love and respect her in so many ways. She has worked at the school through all of my kids, and everyone just loves Shelly. I knew people would want to help. So I contacted some people who "get things done," and Tournament of Talent, was born.
The event took place on Saturday, and I was so happy with the results. It was similar to American Idol. People auditioned with any talent for a fee, fourteen were chosen to move on to the actual events, then tickets and advertising were sold. The audience chose the winner by paying for additional votes. We also had concessions and a live auction of a date with a young man for dinner. Unfortunately, it was not sold out, but we were able to raise over $6500 for the Shelly.
I was so impressed with our community, and the very generous donations of so many people. Also impressive, was the talent, and the many people who helped with this event. So many donated time, services, and food. It was so exciting to see the community come together and help. What amazing and capable people I had to work with. Thank you, Thank you to all who helped in even the smallest way. It takes a village to pull something like this off, and I was honored to be a part of it, and see first hand how kind, caring, and generous people are. Today, I hear of a shooting just sixty miles away, and think what is this world coming to? But then I remember the previous weeks of planning and kindness of people on Saturday, and realize there is still good in the world. We just have to look for it.
Good things:
1. Communities that come together
2. Generous people
3. Friends who have touched my life.
The event took place on Saturday, and I was so happy with the results. It was similar to American Idol. People auditioned with any talent for a fee, fourteen were chosen to move on to the actual events, then tickets and advertising were sold. The audience chose the winner by paying for additional votes. We also had concessions and a live auction of a date with a young man for dinner. Unfortunately, it was not sold out, but we were able to raise over $6500 for the Shelly.
I was so impressed with our community, and the very generous donations of so many people. Also impressive, was the talent, and the many people who helped with this event. So many donated time, services, and food. It was so exciting to see the community come together and help. What amazing and capable people I had to work with. Thank you, Thank you to all who helped in even the smallest way. It takes a village to pull something like this off, and I was honored to be a part of it, and see first hand how kind, caring, and generous people are. Today, I hear of a shooting just sixty miles away, and think what is this world coming to? But then I remember the previous weeks of planning and kindness of people on Saturday, and realize there is still good in the world. We just have to look for it.
Good things:
1. Communities that come together
2. Generous people
3. Friends who have touched my life.
Sister Koenig
About ten days prior to B leaving, I was a wreck! I kept telling myself it was a combination of other responsibilities, but as those responsibilities were finished, and I still felt a mess emotionally, I realized it was just stressed. Generally speaking, I am mostly capable of keeping things pulled together. But I just couldn't get things together. I felt like crying every time I turned around. It was difficult to watch her goodbyes. Most difficult for me was when we took Davis to lunch right before we left to go to Provo. We dropped him off at school and she gave him one last hug...both had tears in their eyes, and I had to send D back to school! I guess they do like each other.
Some one told me sending a child on a mission, is "the best kept secret in the church." I agree, if we knew how it would feel, I am not sure we would do it. But I guess we do it because we know it will bring such growth for everyone involved, that we sacrifice for the greater good. I won't lie, I didn't like it one bit. It was the most difficult thing I have ever done. The feelings in my heart and head were so confusing for me. I knew it was the right thing, and was so happy it was happening, but my heart hurt.
We met my brother, his wife, and daughter, who was entering the MTC on the same day, for lunch just before going to the MTC. We saw so many missionaries getting ready to go to the MTC. The people at the restaurant call it missionary Wednesday. When we were dropping her off, I asked how many missionaries enter that day...650! So exciting. It was fun to take some pictures at the Provo temple before with the girls. They will be amazing missionaries!
She left on the 2nd of October, we received a letter written on her first night on Saturday the 5th, and then I waited, and waited, until the 10th for an email. And that was all I needed, to know she was happy and wanted to be there. I assumed that, but had to hear it from her. I could already see changes in her. So exciting to hear the happiness and spirit in her letter. A mom just needs to know their child is happy!
She flew on the 15th. We were able to talk to her for a few minutes at the airport. She was so excited to get to Florida and teach. So also said she wants to serve in Georgia and in the ghetto of Jacksonville. I assume, she will have the opportunity to do both. So the waiting started again... I was hoping either she or the mission president would send a quick email to let us know she arrived. I finally got an email on Friday night saying she had arrived and would be serving with Sister Lawrence in the Brunswick, Georgia area. I am currently not so patiently waiting for an email from Sister K with an address I can send a letter to.
The good news, is that my emotions and mental status are much closer to normal. (at least for me) I am posting her letters at sisterbaylee.blogspot.com if you would like to follow her.
Some one told me sending a child on a mission, is "the best kept secret in the church." I agree, if we knew how it would feel, I am not sure we would do it. But I guess we do it because we know it will bring such growth for everyone involved, that we sacrifice for the greater good. I won't lie, I didn't like it one bit. It was the most difficult thing I have ever done. The feelings in my heart and head were so confusing for me. I knew it was the right thing, and was so happy it was happening, but my heart hurt.
We met my brother, his wife, and daughter, who was entering the MTC on the same day, for lunch just before going to the MTC. We saw so many missionaries getting ready to go to the MTC. The people at the restaurant call it missionary Wednesday. When we were dropping her off, I asked how many missionaries enter that day...650! So exciting. It was fun to take some pictures at the Provo temple before with the girls. They will be amazing missionaries!
She left on the 2nd of October, we received a letter written on her first night on Saturday the 5th, and then I waited, and waited, until the 10th for an email. And that was all I needed, to know she was happy and wanted to be there. I assumed that, but had to hear it from her. I could already see changes in her. So exciting to hear the happiness and spirit in her letter. A mom just needs to know their child is happy!
She flew on the 15th. We were able to talk to her for a few minutes at the airport. She was so excited to get to Florida and teach. So also said she wants to serve in Georgia and in the ghetto of Jacksonville. I assume, she will have the opportunity to do both. So the waiting started again... I was hoping either she or the mission president would send a quick email to let us know she arrived. I finally got an email on Friday night saying she had arrived and would be serving with Sister Lawrence in the Brunswick, Georgia area. I am currently not so patiently waiting for an email from Sister K with an address I can send a letter to.
The good news, is that my emotions and mental status are much closer to normal. (at least for me) I am posting her letters at sisterbaylee.blogspot.com if you would like to follow her.
D and B
Tate, Challis, and Janet
Challis and B
President and Sister Craig
Good Things:
1. being a little more emotionally stable
2. Seeing growth already
3. knowing your children really do like each other
Monday, October 14, 2013
Hoping to catch up next week...
so for now, just :
Good Things:
1. A happy missionary
2. My emotions a little closer to normal
3. A marrow donor match for my friend
Good Things:
1. A happy missionary
2. My emotions a little closer to normal
3. A marrow donor match for my friend
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Precious moments
We got together one last time before B is off to the Jacksonville Florida mission!
K and A came to be with us as we went to the temple for B's first time. It was wonderful, and I can hardly wait until D can join us. There is such peace that the temple brings into my life, that I get excited when others can enjoy the blessings of the temple.
We were also joined by Gram and Pa Carter, Gram Guisti, Brett, and friends who have had an impact in her life. It was wonderful to have the support of so many.
We spent the next few days playing games and enjoying each others company. Weston received a name and blessing on Sunday and that was fun to remember I was in the same place not long ago. At least it seems not long ago! Carters left Monday morning, and we relaxed by the pool for a bit before going to celebrate Gpa Guisti's 70th birthday with a family dinner. On Tuesday we celebrated B's birthday with gifts, more food, and a few friends for cake. K and A decided they didn't want to miss that fun and stayed one more day with us.
K and A took off this morning after saying goodbye to B for 19 months. It made me sad in a happy way, if that is possible.
There is something about a sister's love that you just always need no matter where they are and how old you get.
I already can't wait until we can be back together again. I am so thankful for the temples that make it possible for us to be together FOREVER in the eternities. For now it is a temporary goodbye for these beautiful sisters.
I love this family. So happy I will get to hang these on my wall to see everyday until we are back together again. Thanks for a great weekend.
Less than one month until the rest of us have to say good bye. Not looking forward to that, but I am looking forward to all the opportunities that await sister K.
Good Things:
1. getting the family together
2. Opportunities of growth
3. Temples
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Ice cream toppings
Three months ago, I was asked to share the recipes I used for ice cream toppings at K's wedding dinner. Finally, I am taking the time to do that.
Hot Fudge Sauce - from Thomas 3rd ( I believe) ward cookbook years ago
3 Tbsp cocoa
1/3 c flour
1 1/2 c sugar
Dash of salt
Mix together in a saucepan. Add
1 1/2 c milk
3 Tbsp butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Cook over medium heat stirring until thick. It will thicken a little more upon cooling...but really, who likes it cool?! It will keep well in the fridge for 2 months.
Caramel Sauce - from Pingree 1st ward cookbook not quite so many years ago
4 C sugar
1/2 lb butter (sometimes I will use half margarine)
2 C corn syrup
2 - 13 op cans evaporated milk
2 tsp vanilla
Mix sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir to dissolve sugar. Cook to soft ball stage and add evaporated milk about 1/2 can at a time - about every 5 minutes, or when it starts boiling real good again. Be careful, because the milk will cause it to splatter. Cook until:
If I am using this as ice cream sauce: I just cook it until it is the right consistency you want for your sauce.
This is the same recipe I use for chocolate dipping, either straight caramel, of putting it over pecans for turtles, or adding anise oil for licorice caramels. All of those, it needs to be cooked until firm ball.
I using just use the spoonful in cold water method to see if it is firm enough.
When your consistency is right, add the vanilla.
So there you have it! Enjoy!
Hot Fudge Sauce - from Thomas 3rd ( I believe) ward cookbook years ago
3 Tbsp cocoa
1/3 c flour
1 1/2 c sugar
Dash of salt
Mix together in a saucepan. Add
1 1/2 c milk
3 Tbsp butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Cook over medium heat stirring until thick. It will thicken a little more upon cooling...but really, who likes it cool?! It will keep well in the fridge for 2 months.
Caramel Sauce - from Pingree 1st ward cookbook not quite so many years ago
4 C sugar
1/2 lb butter (sometimes I will use half margarine)
2 C corn syrup
2 - 13 op cans evaporated milk
2 tsp vanilla
Mix sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir to dissolve sugar. Cook to soft ball stage and add evaporated milk about 1/2 can at a time - about every 5 minutes, or when it starts boiling real good again. Be careful, because the milk will cause it to splatter. Cook until:
If I am using this as ice cream sauce: I just cook it until it is the right consistency you want for your sauce.
This is the same recipe I use for chocolate dipping, either straight caramel, of putting it over pecans for turtles, or adding anise oil for licorice caramels. All of those, it needs to be cooked until firm ball.
I using just use the spoonful in cold water method to see if it is firm enough.
When your consistency is right, add the vanilla.
So there you have it! Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
My baby is 15!
Happy Birthday to D! He is growing up too fast, soon our home will be empty. Fifteen years ago he arrived a little before we had expected, and things have never been the same. He is growing up to be a fine young man. I am so proud of who he has become. He is thoughtful, sensitive, funny, intelligent, kind, responsible, hard working, helpful, confident, huggable, and mischievous. So glad he joined our family. I love you D.
Good things:
1. growing up
2. fun kids
3. families
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