Elder Green in Basildon

Elder Green spent 4 months in Basildon which seems like an awfully long time to stay in one place. But he was extremely successful there. He was made a zone leader right when he was transferred there on August 25th, and was also a trainer at the same time which was a little difficult. He just got transferred to Norwich on Monday, Dec. 29th. But he and his companion, Elder Shaw were able to baptized a very nice family the Saturday before he left. The Mangono Family, from Zimbabwe. The mother Lisa, son Obrian, and daughters Memory (12 yrs.) and Marian (13 yrs.). The Nicholl's Family from the Basildon ward contacted me through facebook and I was able to keep in close contact with whats happening to Elder Green through their messages. It was amazing, he would be at their house for FHE and that night I would get an update and pictures. It was like I was right there experiencing it with them. I feel like I have become close friends with them and am eternally grateful for their constant watch over my son. When we talked to Derek on Christmas he was hoping to stay longer in Basildon, because of more baptisms coming up. But it was not to be the case. We talked to him for about 40 minutes. He bore his testimony to us in the end and I mentioned something about "enduring to the end" and he corrected me and said it should be "enjoying it to the end". I will always remember our conversation and his dedication to the Lord and his commitment as a missionary. He was at the house of the Stake President and the President let him use his phone to call us for free. Derek and his companion lived in the guest house behind the Stake President. There is about 6 acres of wooded property behind the guest house. He didn't seem to suffer any and was living in the lap of luxury. He had many great experiences while serving in Basildon and grew tremendously. I know the Lord is guiding his every step.

Flagstaff Dec 27, 2008

We went up for a day of Fun in the sun in Flagstaff. The weather was 19 degrees, but we were peeling off clothes it felt so warm. The snow was incredible from a weeks worth of snow. The Quizmo's roof collapsed from the weight of the snow. We also saw the biggest Elk I've ever seen in my life completely stuck in the snow up to his shoulders. Not able to move he was trapped by the side of the freeway coming out of Flagstaff. Police were protecting it from onlookers and hopefully it got out safely and quickly. I also saw 4 wild turkeys walking in the woods which was something I have never seen before. The traffic was unbearable but it didn't matter because it was so fun to just be in the snow looking at the beauty all around. Kenzie brought Moriah along to go sledding. They left their cute snow beanies up on the hill and went back up to find them only to have them gone. As we were walking back to the car I saw the beanies in a car as they were slowly driving by. I tapped on the window and politely said that was the girls beanies. The guy in the back denied it but we were adamant and they consented into giving it back to us. We said our "thank yous" and couldn't believe we got them back. Kenzie said they were her serendipity hats. It was a lucky day because we barely got back to the car just in time to not get a parking ticket that would have been $150.00. We agreed it was fun but Flagstaff is just a little hard getting in and out of and we would much prefer to go the extra miles to Sunrise.

Christmas Festivities

Christmas Eve was when we were all able to get together and have our big dinner, look at old family videos, re-enact the nativity scene and open presents. We put two tables together and sat 12 of us. Michael had to work but came just in time to do the traditional nativity reenactment and open presents. We had a real baby Jesus for the first time played by Carson and his mother Lachelle played Mary and Danny was Joseph. Rick was the narrator my mom and I played our violins while everyone sang Christmas songs and listen to the Christmas story. I had prepared a big Christmas dinner of turkey and prime rib, mash potatoes, north dakota butterhorn rolls, 12 layer christmas jello that took 6 hours to assemble, green beans, green salad, artichoke spinach dip and green tomatilla salsa. And for dessert a baked Alaska. I did most of my cooking the day ahead and could just relax with my parents by the fire before everyone came over. We so enjoyed having Ivette's mother and brother who were down from Canada visiting. The boys had a rousing game of ping pong while we enjoyed old family videos. Which reminds me to get them converted onto dvd's. (I heard you could get them done at Costco for $10.00 ea.) It was fun playing a duet with my mom on the violin. I think we should practise every Sunday because I was really squeaky. The nativity scene this year was a little better than last, just because we had more people and better costume's and I had zeroxed off the music. It was fun to open presents except for the pellet gun shooting incident which I won't go into. (With boys there's always some excitement.) Christmas day we opened more presents, just Rick, Kenzie and I and then had a really good chat with Derek from London. He sounded really good and bore his testimony in the end and told how much he appreciated us. It was the best Christmas presents we could have wished for. Then family kept popping in and we just relaxed and played some games and just enjoyed each other. Kenzie said it was the best Christmas she's ever had so all the work and preparation was worth it. We even caught a movie "Marley and Me" which was a tear jerker of a movie. Hoping all my family and friends are doing well and hoping you have a wonderful holiday.

Christmas Festivities

Visiting from Canada

Today I spent the day in Queen Creek with my daughter-in-law's mother Norma, visiting from Canada. She had never been to Kohl's before and we had a great time bargain shopping, my favorite pastime and had lunch at Chipotle's. It was a perfect afternoon. I also got a picture of my son Jon and his cute bulldog "Chopper". Chopper's favorite pastime is to go down the neighborhood slide. (I wouldn't want to be the child that slid down right after him.)

Tomatilla Salsa and other Secret Recipe favorites

I gave out chips and green tomatilla salsa again this year for my holiday neighborhood and friends gift. It was requested that I do this every year. I was very surprised at all the rave reviews, people going crazy over the stuff. This recipe is my daughter-in-law Lachelle's mothers recipe. It's not a secret and is better than Rosa's green salsa. You can find all the secret recipes from restaurants on the website: www.recipegoldmine.com/cct/cct.html My favorites include Sonic's Cherry Limeade, TGI Friday's Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip and PF Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps. They all taste like the real thing and you make them right at home.

Here is the simple "Better Than Rosa's Tomatilla Salsa" Recipe:
28 oz. can tomatilla (green tomatoes) drained, buy at Bashas or Food City 1/2 bunch cilantro
1/4 cup sugar
4 slices from a can of nacho jalapenos slices (pickled)
Blend it all together, refrigerate in an airtight container.

My Version of Baja

Rick just got back from his semi annual motorcycle trip down to Baja Mexico. He left Dec. 6th and returned at 3 a.m. on Dec. 11th. Rick usually writes up a 30 page blow by blow account of the trip (which you can find on his web site at Bajarick.com) which takes another month to accomplish, but this is my version which is ultra short. I always love to look at the pictures which are usually always the same barren desert and cactus pictures. When you go down to Baja it's not just a vacation trip, it's an adventure. We've been going down to Baja (San Felipe) yearly as a family with our good friends Shawn and Jane to their parents beach house. It is very relaxing and the best get away ever. But you never know what could happen, being that it is Mexico and somewhat primitive. Rick and his two buddies Shawn and Linkus usually start out their journey from the San Felipe Beach house, then they ride 200 to 300 miles each day to various destinations. Their goal is to ride hard and fast and to get in as many miles as possible. This year they rode to the Pacific Coast and back over to the Sea of Cortez side I think in one day. A few of the problems they encountered were, Shawn kept having his motorcycle engine heat up so that kind of slowed them a little. One day the wind was so strong that they had a hard time keeping their bikes on the road. Linkus twisted his ankle showing off for the camera. Rick's ribs were hurting from a previous injury he think happened at the gym. And on the way home Shawn's truck's drivers side mirror was taken out by another truck that veered into his lane a little too close. Shawn got a few cuts on his arm and his truck was pretty messed up. Rick received some shrapnel onto his truck which wasn't too bad just a few nicks. But all in all it was a successful ride, which means to me they came home in one piece. Rick's only regret was that he missed the funeral of his Aunt Ann which was held up in Salt Lake in Monday. But Linkus was flying in from Tennessee and it was the only time they had available to do this. I actually saw something on this trip that caught my interest and maybe will want to do an adventure of my own. It is to spend some time at the village of San Ignacio. They have package tours that take you to see the whales and burro rides to caves of ancient Indian hieroglyphics and you get to stay at a fabulous bed and breakfast under the palm tree groves. That's my kind of adventure! Who's in it with me and when can we go? Check out the website below:
http://www.ignaciosprings.com/content/view/8/10/http://www.ignaciosprings.com/content/view/8/10/

Winter Baja Moto Adventure '08

Carson's blessing day

We had fun helping Carson get ready for his big day. Grampa helped him get dressed, he didn't seem to mind all the fuss. Danny gave a nice blessing, Danny and Lachelle and Lachelle's Grandmother all bore their testimonies. Carson slept through the blessing and all through the sacrament meeting. We all went back to Danny's to have delicious soup, corn potatoe and chicken tortilla soup, cornbread muffins and for dessert chocolate layered trifle. The weather was a bit nippy but not too bad to sit outside.

Carson's first Christmas

Just had to show off my grandbaby. This Sunday he gets his baby blessing. We are all so excited. I thought these pictures were so darling. Danny has a great camera and actually has his own photography business on the side, if anyone is interested in family pictures, weddings etc.
Anyway thought I'd post a few pictures Danny took.

Annual Change Your Age Day

It always comes around, nothing you can do about it. Your friends try to console you, but deep down inside I'm never happy to see it come. I just realized the year I was born is how old I am this year! So I'm turning it into a positive note and am going to say this year is my luckiest year yet. It's so lucky because I have so many wonderful friends and family. Thank you everyone for all your well wishes and gifts. The week started out with a great breakfast at T.C. Eggington's with our ladies from Young Women's, thanks to Louisa for another great time. I got crazy with the camera and drew a smiley face on the eggs and then a sad face for those that couldn't come. I had a yummy birthday lunch with my neighbor and great friend, Darla. We ate at Tia Rosa's and I had my favorite (shrimp tacos). My 2 month old grandbaby Carson came over to help me celebrate and Diane G. and Darla came over to talk baby talk and show me the ropes of being a terrific gramma; like they are. They got Carson to smile and goo-goo for the camera. I had Young Women's tonight and they showered me with more gifts and cupcakes. Jane B. came for the last time and was priviledged to get one of her famous designer aprons that she makes. I hope I can do justice to the apron and cook up some delicious gourmet meals like she does. We'll miss you Jane and Ally, best of luck in your new ward. Hope they treat you nicely. Thank you everyone for helping me get through this day. Remember to "Bloom where your planted" no matter what stage your in (bud, blossom or wilting).