Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Some people are crazy about running.  Others are just crazy!  I found myself in the second category on Thanksgiving morning as Candice, Camille and I stood out in the cold at the beginning of a 5K turkey trot race in 0 degree temperature.

By the time we were finished with the race, we were semi-warmed up and sweating.  Then the cold really set in!  

There was a children's dash at the end of the race.

3-year-old Kels participated with a little help from Aunt Camille.

Miss Em, in the red hat, gave it her all!

Mr. Cy, lead the pack in his age group and won a $10.00 gift certificate!

Later that day, after a hot bath to warm up the old bones, we had a wonderful dinner with the family! 

 I have so much to be grateful for!  

Safe Holiday Travel

With the TSA, pat-downs, and full body images being prevalent in the news, I'm reminded of an airport security incident we had.


Five years ago, my son, Jordan, graduated from Army basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.  Graduation is a special time for the family to attend and see what their soldier/son has accomplished and what he's learned.  There were 4 of us who flew to Missouri to witness this occasion; My husband, our daughter, Jeanette, and son, Jacob and me.  We had a great time.  It was good to see Jordan again after 10 weeks.  He looked stronger, more alert and very happy to see us.  
We had a lot of fun on the base.  We went bowling, to a movie, and shopping.  While shopping, 14-year-old Jacob saw a belt buckle in the shape of a hand grenade.  He HAD to have it.  He bought it and replaced his Metallica belt buckle with his new purchase.  (I've learned to choose my battles)

After spending a few days with Jordan and witnessing the graduation ceremonies, we bid him farewell as he boarded a bus and headed to Mississippi to complete his training.  With heavy hearts we hurriedly made our way to the airport.  

After checking in, we proceeded through security.  Shoes, nail clippers, keys, watches and anything else that would set off the alarm were put in bins to go through the x-ray machine. I was a little nervous to go through the scanner since I had been wanded at the Salt Lake Airport and then, while driving on to the base, they flagged us down to let us know we had set off the radioactive alarm.  After trying to figure out why that would happen, we determined it was because of a thallium stress test I had had a few weeks prior.  I was ready with my schpeel to let the authorities at the airport know why I "radiated".  I went through first without incident.  Jeanette came behind, then Jacob, then the Hubs. Soon, the officer looking at the x-ray screen called other officers to look at the screen.   By this time I was concerned about what they were observing and then it hit me.  The belt buckle! 

Before I could say anything, the officers very slowly and carefully advanced the bin containing the curious object.  They stood back a bit as it came out of the machine.  The supervisor, who looked like Carl Winslow from Family Matters,  reached in the bin and retrieved the contraband.

He sauntered over, with device in hand, looked at Jacob and said, "Hey, Slick!  Is this yours?"  

Jacob sheepishly answered in the affirmative.  

"Carl" then barked good-naturedly, "You want to give us all a heart attack?"

After boxing up the device and putting it through the luggage scanner, we proceeded to the departure gate. 

If you have to travel this weekend, be sure to leave your hand grenade at home!

To all my wonderful friends,

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

  

Doin' Donuts

It's a quiet, snowy, Sunday afternoon.  We're still in our church clothes. My teenage son, who owns this 1979 Datsun ZX, said,  "Mom, let's go do donuts!"  

I knew that his kind of donuts were OK for my diet.  I didn't consider the effect on my heart!

With a little Blues Traveler playing on the stereo, we went to the junior high school and got a few decent ones in.  The seminary parking lot was small but not so good.

The next stop, the church parking lot, filled with cars.  

A little more successful.

So much for a quiet, Sunday afternoon.

Do you call it Doing Donuts in your neck of the woods?

Time Out!

The words "time out" don't always have to take on a negative meaning.  I had a time out this weekend that was rejuvenating, invigorating, strengthening, and inspiring.  I went to "Time Out For Women" in Salt Lake City.  The theme was "Infinite Hope". There were over 3,900 hopeful women in attendance!  
My daughter, Camille, and I had a wonderful time.   We were sad that my other daughters were unable to attend but maybe next year.

The speakers were inspiring and entertaining.  The songwriters were amazing!   And after looking at this picture, I realize that I really do need to get smaller pants.

We went to Blue Lemon by Deseret Book for lunch.  The Pear Gorgonzola Spinach Salad, that we split, was delicious!

The sweet potato fries with the dipping sauce were heavenly.  I think more people would eat sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner if they were served fried!

After 2 days of being gone, I came home to a clean house, a cleaned out garage, and a hard-working husband!  What an unexpected, delightful surprise!  So, you see, my friends, a time out really is a good thing!

p.s. I met two more wonderful blogging friends this week.  Yvonne is here for her daughter's wedding.  Her daughter and I work at the same school!  Yvonne came to a bridal shower we had for Heidi and we were able to talk and get to know each other even better!  She's a beautiful lady, inside and out!

I met Wendy at her son's viewing. The occasion was much more solemn and heart wrenching.  Wendy, too, is absolutely beautiful!  My heart goes out to her and her family at this tragic time.

I've been Grilled!

Hey ya'll!  Check me out at Grandma's Briefs!

Then have yourself a wonderful Wednesday!

Healthy Cookies and Friendship

I have a sweet tooth.  Since being on Weight Watchers, my sweet tooth has been satisfied with a little more healthy sweets.
Here's a cookie recipe, with no fat, that is only 1 point per cookie.  Even if you're not watching your calories, you can still make these cookies and enjoy them, especially if you like bananas.

1 cup mashed, ripe bananas
2 eggs or 3 egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
chocolate chips


Mix all ingredients together.  Drop on baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until outer edge is golden. 

Isn't it fun to meet another blogger?  I met Natalie and her husband.  

They just returned from their mission to Paris, France.  It felt like we had known each other forever!  She's beautiful, fun, intelligent, genuine and easy to talk to.  Her dear Husband is the same way. It was very comfortable to be with them.  I hope we can always be friends. (Sorry about the quality of the picture.  I just cleaned my camera lens)


Have a good weekend!

Mishmash

The weather has turned cold!  I took Clara out of the coat closet. 

She was happy. I've missed her.

This guy turned 60 a few months ago. 

 He plays basketball with the young guys (20 to 30 year olds) 3 mornings a week at the church.  Last week he came home wounded.  Someone, who obviously was intimidated by the Hubs prowess in basketball, did a drive with his shoulder to the mouth, knocking 2 teeth loose and gouging a large, gaping hole inside his lip.  The teeth are dead, so, on Friday he gets 2 root canals!  It probably doesn't matter how old a basketball player is, injuries happen.

Trying to work the Weight Watchers plan. 

 Notice I said, "trying"!  Not always as good as I should be (remember my donut post?) but I have lost 14 pounds.  I hope those pounds don't find me again!

We have two local radio stations that have been playing nothing but Christmas music since November 5th. How do I know?  Because I listen to it!  

In my mind, November's not too early for Christmas music!  Would/Do you listen to Christmas music in November?

Recap, Donuts and Harvest Hoedown

I know!  I know!  Halloween is so yesterday, but I've been busy lamenting over my lack of MoTab tickets, that I haven't had a chance to post some pics and a recipe from our family dinner. 
We had our dinner on Sunday and I encouraged everyone to come in costume.  

Some decided to forgo the costume and dig right in to the candy!

Here's the good doctor, Nicole.  It's a good thing she's not a surgeon! She needs a little steadier hand to get the stitches just right!

C8 doesn't have to be wearing a costume to be roaring with Uncle Dave!  

I have many pictures and videos of their roaring contests! Not sure who looks the scariest or the most frightened! 

For dinner we had sloppy joes and homemade donuts.  The donuts are a tradition.  They're definitely NOT a weight watchers food and after consuming 6 of them, I decided I was over my points (for the week!)

As you can see, we all enjoyed them.

It was fun for the kids to decorate their own.

See why I couldn't resist these morsels of goodness?

Donuts

• 2 (.25 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup butter
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying

Dissolve yeast in warm water until foamy.  Add all ingredients together and mix well.  Knead for 5 minutes.  Place in greased bowl, cover and let rise for 1 to 2 hours.  Roll out to 1/2 inch thickness and cut with donut cutter or you can use a glass and a vinegar lid (like I did).  Cover and let rise for 45 minutes to an hour.  Place the vegetable oil in a pan.  Heat to 325 to 350 degrees.  Place donuts carefully in oil and cook on each side until golden.  Let drain on a cooling rack over a cookie sheet.  

When cool enough to handle, dip in glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla and water, dip in sprinkles.  Makes about 30 yummy donuts. Krispy Kreme has a run for it's money!

Tonight was our Relief Society Harvest Hoedown dinner!  It was for the men and women and we had lots of fun.  The decorations were all harvest related and there was a pumpkin decorating contest where we were supposed to bring a decorated pumpkin.  I asked my talented son, Dan, if he could paint a picture of our bishop on a pumpkin.  He did!  

We won!  

The prize?  These cute pumpkin salt and pepper shakers! 

Thanks Dan!  

Better Luck Next Time!

Today, I'm joining The Corbanator in the sad/mad face department. 

When I checked my registration status of the tickets to this: 

These are the words I read:

We are sorry, but you were not selected to receive tickets for the 2010 Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. Please try again next time. Thank you!

Oh well.  I'm sure Christmas will still come even if I don't attend.  

Invasion

Early Saturday morning, a group of women went out for their 2nd annual Halloween breakfast.  They should have suspected that this breakfast would be a little unusual when they pulled in to the parking lot of the restaurant that was over flowing with pickup trucks filled with antlers, manure, rifles, and cowboy hats!
To get in to the Halloween spirit, this group of friends dressed "up" in pajamas, robes, slippers, and hair rollers.  They approached the restaurant in a jovial mood, anxious to get caught up with each other's life. 
They opened the door and saw a sign that read, "please seat yourself."  They looked around the joint to spy the perfect booth.  It was at that time they noticed they were the only ones in the room of the female gender!  They had invaded the local men's hangout!  Amidst the glares, stares and chuckles, the women chose a corner booth away from the men. 

This man is saying, "What are THEY doing here?  I left THAT at home!" 

The women had a wonderful time!  They laughed, cried, talked, ate, and got caught up on all the latest!

Emma and Darla

Lynette, Me and Valerie

When they left, 2 hours later, the same men were STILL there! 

Next year we'll go to the Primrose Retreat, and avoid the men all together, or we may just go here again and wear something even MORE ridiculous! 

p.s.  If you recognize your spouse in this group of men, apologize to him for us!