Happy Anniversary to me!

Father's day is always followed by our anniversary... things just go in order that way.  :)
June is our anniversary month, and the 25th is the DAY!  It's always hard for us to believe that it's been any length of time...or that we used to look like this, lol

crazy!!
Well, it's been 31 years, folks, and I think he's just gotten better and better.  We're committed to lasting at least another 40 years together... we were talking with an older couple last week in the temple that have been married 63 years.  wow!

Well, for our anniversary this year, since it wasn't a 'big' number, (last year was the cruise as it was the 30th, lol) we went up to Powder Mountain.  I keep forgetting how it feels like that place is on the top of the world!  It's sooo nice and quiet!  We weren't there very long, unfortunately, but it was sure nice.

One of these years I guess I'll get the whole selfi thing right... when I posted it on my facebook page, my daughter laughed at me because I spelled it celfi since it's a cell phone ...isn't that logical??  oh well...  Anyway - it's another gorgeous day.  Enjoy! 

Happy Father's Day to all

especially my hubby.  :)   He is the best, the poor man is sooo stressed right now, and is trying to get things prioritized.  Sometimes it's a real mixed blessing to own a home.  Like when that home is the one you grew up in and is almost as old as you are and needs updates... sigh.
Anyway - we finally got him to tell us what he wanted for dinner...and since he likes to save his absolute favorite cake (my daughter's carrot cake) I made him a twist on our favorite desert.

Key Lime Trifle.
Now, I know trifle is actually made with specialty things like lady finger cookies soaked in stuff - but we make a simple non-alcohol version at my house.  It's layers of angelfood cake (or loaf) with whipped topping and usually fruit and some sort of pudding.  Since it's kind of hard to put limes in a desert and have them be tasty, there's no fruit, just the key lime pudding.  I guess we'll see how it turned out when we eat it.  There are a LOT of recipes out there for key lime pie, did you know that??  I guess it's almost everyone's favorite thing.  Well...it's definitely ours.

Anyway - happy father's day, my love.  Thank you for all the crazy lives that we brought into our home.  I'm still not sure how he managed to talk me into 7... I was only going to have one child!!  But oh well, what can I say.  I kind of love the Guy and he's irresistible.
Hope the rest of you have a wonderful day too.  :)

Lovely Rain

Well...Week two is here, and I've actually been busy.  I've been making lists and trying to get them crossed off.  I should have taken a picture of the pile before I combined them and threw them away, lol.
But anyway - it's progress.  Problem with today is I'm scattered.  I have so many things on my mind to do that I am ADHD and jumping from one to another without finishing much of it.  I've accomplished a couple of items, but then I'm up and looking at something else.  Possibly the reason is that it's raining, and rain always makes me want to...READ!
Books have really been calling to me, as I haven't had a chance to read much yet.  That and working on my current books...sigh.  There's just so much, ya know?
I was up late last night ordering more facepainting supplies because I have a gig this Friday and hopefully next Wednesday and need stuff.  ugh.  I spent pretty much everything I made last Saturday - which is good and bad at the same time.
Saturday's fundraiser seemed to go well, I'm hoping the family gets lots of help.  I had one kido want me to paint his face to look like his shirt, lol.  Kids always surprise me with what they want on their faces.  I did a lot of blue/green butterflies as well.  Who knew.
Well, so, hopefully you are enjoying the wonderful summer.  I'm debating whether to wake up my adult daughter who is STILL in bed and letting her sleep.  She's an adult...if she doesn't accomplish what needs to be done today, I guess she gets to deal with it, right?
sigh.
Time to go curl up with a good book.  My brain needs a rest, lol.

Awesome Book release!!

So...one of my friends is a writer.  I know...big surprise, lol.  But anyway, I get to help with her new book launch.  You really want to check her books out, she's an amazing author.  Thought I'd give you a little background on her...

Happy book birthday to Danyelle Ferguson on her new release, Once Upon a Wish. This book birthday is extra special, as it marks her 10th published book! #HappyDance

A few years ago (Danyelle isn't divulging the exact number), she spent her senior year of high school as an exchange student in France. She lived on the coast, near the port of La Rochelle. The towers at the port marked her very favorite spot. She loved the cobblestone streets, the gorgeous architecture, and most of all, to look across the ocean, knowing that her family in Pennsylvania was just on the other side.

As a writer, one of her goals has been to write a book set in La Rochelle, France - and Once Upon a Wish made that dream come true. It's true that "Every dream fulfilled begins with a wish."

Be careful what you wish for . . .

Delphine Baudry wished to be a best-selling author, but now instead of celebrating and jumping into her next novel, she's frozen with fear. What if she turns out to be a one-hit-wonder? What if all her new fans hate the next book? To top it all off, she can't even discuss the situation with her favorite brainstorming partner, her mother, who is losing her memory to Alzheimer's. Taking a cue from some teens tossing Euros into a fountain, Delphine gives into some whimsy and wishes for her next book plot.

Jean-Paul Chassériau wished to start an online marketing company in La Rochelle. Now the real work begins. Feeling pressure to live up to his father's name in traditional marketing, Jean-Paul has a million ideas but no clients. When he finds a funky old Franc lodged between cobblestones near a fountain, there was only one thing to do. Make a wish.

When their coins collide, Delphine and Jean-Paul's wishes become intertwined, changing the course of their futures, and teaching them that wishes are sometimes fulfilled in unexpected ways.

Ready to jump into Once Upon a Wish? Buy it on Kindle for only $2.99.

Doughnuts, my friend...are the answer

to all life's ills.  I mean it.  It's kind of like the number 42...the answer to all that troubles you.  There is a doughnut for everyone's needs...

Baked ones for those who hate fried  





Healthy ones for those who don't want sugar - like with zucchini in them and applesause and yum...

deep fat fried for everyone else, lol


jelly filled (for those like Hollywood)

cake type doughnuts 

Spudnuts for purists - which is what I was raised on.  My foster dad would drive to the next city over in the morning on a Saturday every once in a while just to get official spudnut doughnuts!! 

and raised ones for those who don't really care - just give me sugar! which is another word for Krispy Kremes...  

 I remember when they first opened in Layton - we had our pizza store at that time and Big Budda asked us to donate pizza to their overnight waiting to open party...sigh.  We thought it was a craze that would go away.  They're still there...

Personally, I only like cake doughnuts - and chocolate is best.  However, our little local store sells blueberry doughnuts and they're awesome too.


Hug Your Cat Day - this is a difficult thing for cat owners.  Some cats are like Chloe in the Secret Life of Pets...
https://youtu.be/lYCq6x3AHYw
 
Leave The Office Early Day - this is good, right?  Everyone wants to leave work early...  especially on the last day of school.  :)

National Rotisserie Chicken Day - if you have to have regular food...somewhat healthy...instead of doughnuts... although why anyone would want that instead...lol

Anyway - it's a beautiful day, wonderful life and you should tell everyone you love them and share a doughnut with the world.  It's the secret to world peace...really.
enjoy.

It's (sort of) officially summer!!

So where is everyone going this summer?  I'll be jealous of those who get to go to the beach...haven't been in a couple of years and I'm starting to go through withdrawals, lol.
At least I'm going to be seeing water this summer...we love going to Island Park in Idaho.  It's sooo nice!  Where is your favorite place to go?  Yellowstone has become our park of choice because it's so close, but there are other places too. 

So, there are a couple of celebrations today that are fun:

National Nailpolish Day - get your nails on, girls!  It's nailpolish day.  I am not a big nailpolish wearer now - was when I was younger.  Now I don't like to deal with the chips and dull and yada yada.  I get my nails done with gel shine and leave them.  

National Olive Day - Olives!!  They are so much fun - I love watching my grandchildren stick them on their fingers and totally enjoy eating them.  I used to like them much more, but once in a while I still nibble.  My hubby likes the green ones.  Which are your favorites? What I didn't know until today was that 99% of the olives we eat in the states come from California.  Who knew?  I knew they grew lots, but...yeah.

Oscar The Grouch Day - everyone loves to hate Oscar.  I guess that's why he's such a great character.  I've heard rumors that he no longer exists on Sesame Street...so that's their loss.  There are all types of people in the world, and pretending that grouches don't exist doesn't mean your child won't run into one at some time or another.  There...that's my soap box for the day.  lol  Enjoy the day!   Say Something Nice Day - and I think it's ironic that this is the same day as Oscar's day.  I guess they hope to counteract or something.  However - I think this is great.  If everyone said something nice to everyone, there would be a lot less stress in the world.  Have you said something nice yet today?  Even a smile helps...

National Go Barefoot Day - now this is MY day!  My hubby would say that was everyday at our house, but ya know.  I have the worst time wearing shoes...I'd rather not.  But then, I also dislike mud between my toes, lol.  And cold, wet, okay, so I'm just a complainer!!  I'll stop... but barefeet...yes!

Hazelnut Cake Day - and so we end with food...it's always the best way to end, don't you think?  I have never had a hazelnut cake, but I do like the flavor, so I might have to investigate this idea.  I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow...it's Doughnut day, and Bowmans was even advertising it in their add for this week...so maybe they'll have a sale... 

and just for grins since we got to have a video clip....one of the family faves from Studio C...


Whatever your drive, thoughts, or goals for the day, may it be an awesome one!!

happy Thursday and cookies!!!!

Today is Cookie Monster's bday!!  so that means we should all celebrate!
I know some parents and teachers are ready to string all the students up with duct tape somewhere and throw water balloons at them, but since they can't do that, perhaps you can share these video  clips with them and bring some laughter to their day... lol.
It's definitely a gorgeous one!

Cookie Monster's Birthday - in honor of Frank Oz, cookie monster gets two birthdays.  One is today, and another one is November 2nd.  If you have Sirie on your phone, you should ask her what 0 divided by 0 is and see what she says...  :)



National Tap Dance Day - in celebration of amazing dancers everywhere who can tap their way in circles around everyone else...one of my favorite videos...


Nerd Pride Day or Geek Pride Day - show your geekiness!!  If you know that computer stuff or can program the VCR (LOL) you're a geek everyone loves!

Red Nose Day - I didn't know it was red nose day before now, or I would have worn one to my schools 😊   I think everyone should wear one tonight so their kids are wondering what happened...  lol  If you are inclined, you might donate to their cause and bring some FUN into the world.  I'll always remember Robin Williams... one of my favorite scenes from Patch Adams...


Towel Day - in honor of the man who wrote Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy... Douglas Adams, everyone needs to remember the importance of the towel.  😊


Eat More Fruits & Vegetables Day - what Cookie Monster would never understand, lol.  I wonder if they promoted it in opposition to his birthday??  :)  Well, my sister says anything green is not for the body, lol.  I love pretty much everything green...and fruity.  

Hope you have a healthy, yummy day!!

Wednesday Sadness

Hello all my avid dedicated readers...  Hope you're doing well!  It's Wednesday!  And while that's an exciting thing, I'm feeling the sadness this morning that lingers from Monday's concert in England.  My prayers are full of comfort for their poor families and the singer.  What a terrible day that was and still is for them.  Perhaps these thoughts might bring a bright spot...

EMSC (Emergency Medical Services) Day - (well, after this first one...)

I thought this was appropriate for what is going on in England right now.  They had an excellent response team.  We have some great people on this side of the pond too, and if you know anyone who is an EMT or Paramedic, you want to be sure to thank them for taking on this job that most of us wouldn't be able to handle.  I was reading about the concert and the many children that were injured and killed...it's so sad.  But that's what makes it terrorism, isn't it?  their aim is to disrupt and make us afraid.  It just makes us angry and sad.  😞

International Tiara Day - this is something that many of those young women would enjoy...a day to pretend their princesses.  Everyone deserves to wear a tiara at one time in their lives.  But it's important if we can help them realize they don't need a tiara to make them special - they already are.  I've heard two reasons for this day - one, it's Queen Elizabeth's birthday

and it's a way for everyone to honor her, and two, it was started in 2005 by some company that was encouraging women to show their leadership qualities.  I don't care which, I know my granddaughters like to wear them.  😊

Morse Code Day - anyone know morse code?  It's pretty handy if you can wrap your brain around the dits and dots and bips...sigh.  I'm afraid it's a little much for me, I'd have to spend a LOT of time figuring it out.

And last...it's National Escargot Day - UGH.  Sorry, but I'm not into snails.  Anyone like these??  What do they taste like? just curious...please don't tell me they taste like chicken...lol
Well - have a great day.  It's supposed to be gorgeous, blue skies and plenty warm.  Great day to be outside.

Tuesday Smiles

and the weather is finally feeling like summer is near!  of course...by this weekend it's supposed to cool off again, so I guess we'll see.  😊

Anyway - not a lot to mention, but it's still kind of fun...
today is National Taffy Day!  Everyone has their favorite flavor of taffy.  Some are even brave enough to make it...but you have to have good arms.  How do you think those women kept those arms in the old days??  food work!!
now adays, it's mostly by machine. 

I think even back in the day they had crank ones...  people had taffy pulling parties, but no one does that any more.  At least not where I live... 

It's also International Turtle day...I guess if you are worried about the turtles and want to save them, today is your day.  I used to have some baby turtles, but they didn't live very long.  My sister-in-law has a couple of larger ones that were hibernating.  I wonder if they've woken up yet?  😊
 
Well, hope you have a wonderful Tuesday...find some tacos if that's your thing.  I'm thinking I need to make some crispy wheat peanutbutter bars... (same as rice crispy ones, but with puffed wheat).  I know...how very unglutten free of me.

Yes! It's Friday! And Pizza...

I could have sworn I'd written about these items already - I know I told my daughter earlier this week that it was national pizza party day, but I don't see the post!  So...  you get it again.  Sorry if you feel you're living in a loop...no this is not the Matrix...

So - today is National Pizza Party day!  Pary...party...party...  always a good reason/excuse to eat pizza.

It's also Ride Your Bike to Work Day...which you know, makes it kind of difficult when it's cold and rainy...  😉


there's always National Scooter day - which is always fun, but it's not any warmer than the bike idea, right?  There are some days I miss my scooter...

then for those of you sports enthusiasts, it's NASCAR Day - I don't know if it's racing season, though I think I heard something about Danika crashing again - though this time it wasn't her fault.  That woman has nine lives, I'm telling ya.

and for the foodie in all of us, it's Devils Food Cake Day - which is one of the best cakes in the world...

and National Baking day - so good reason to go home and bake something.  I think it would be a good day for cobbler, unless you wanted some of that Devils food cake...be honest - it's calling your name... "come eat me hollywood, Hollywood..."  
(sorry, can't be helped - flashback to Mannequin..)


Anyway - have a great weekend and hope you have much to smile about!

Mother's day joy...

Well... Mother's Day is not always the best weekend.

Personally, I liked it better when the kids were little.  They were all there because we all lived in the same house, (lol) and they usually made something fun for me at school.  They all loved me and thought I was wonderful (sort of).
Now, if they aren't living here they don't show up.  I guess I've become persona non gratta...

I woke up in the morning and reminded myself not to have too much in expectations, and decided to enjoy the day.  After all, Saturday had been a lovely day, so I fully expected Sunday to be nice too.
And it was.  My live at home kids got up and fixed the breakfast that I'd expressed a desire for (eggs Benedict and fruit salad...YUM) and then I helped my hubby make dinner for his mom and we took it to her and her sister and spent a lovely couple of hours with them before we left and came home to have dinner with my kids.  The ones that live at home, that is.
My hubby surprised me with a HUGE snoopy card...seriously, I think it's at least 2 feet tall.  It's awesome.  I thought he'd gotten it for my mother-in-law, but no - it was for me.  And he even had all the kids sign it, so it was kind of like they were all here.  It was incredibly wonderful.  :)

And he made me pie.  It's a tradition he's done every year for as long as I remember. Strawberry pie...one of my favorite things.  sigh.  And he made it from scratch (well, except the crust...that was premade)  and sweetened with honey!!  It was sooo good.  This picture doesn't do it justice, I hadn't put the whipped topping on it, but it's good, believe me.
And then my daughter send me the cutest photos of my grandson the other day...first he likes to bounce and so she got him one of those Johnny Jumpups and apparently he loved it, but he didn't do a lot of bouncing, it was more spinning around, lol.

and then she sent me another one of him at eating time.  He was
LOVING the peas...lol .  My hubby asked her where the baton girls and drum majors were...looked like he was drumming.    He's such a tank!!
Anyway - Saturday my youngest daughter took me to breakfast at Kneaders, which was yummy!  and then we went shopping at Seagull Book, which is right next door, so to speak - and I got some new books that we've read but didn't have copies of.  Then we went and got my hubbies hair cut, and I went shopping at Payless shoes while he did that and got two pair of sandals.  Still looking for something white for church, but at this point, at least I have something comfy!!  sigh.
Life is good, ya know?
I have an awesome hubby and kids and home and ...what can I say more.
Life is awesome.
Enjoy!