C Life

During these cool winter days you'll find me nestled up in front of the fire place. It's my new favorite place to be. My boy captured this photo of me sitting in the very spot I'm referring to while I was reading " My favorite Ensign Article" out of the January 2011 Ensign . Readers were invited to share articles that had touched their lives in some way. I thoroughly enjoyed this article and couldn't help but take a moment and think about which article could be worthy of being called my favorite. I pondered quietly and recalled an article that had a personal impact on my life and had blessed me in such a way that literally warmed my soul. I read it exactly one year ago "How can I develop and Increase in Compassion?" (December 2009) . I was so moved by President Dieter F. Uchtdorfs quote "Disciples of Christ throughout all ages of the world have been distinguished by their compassion... In the end, the number of prayers

For the past 3 years we have packed up and headed to the snow for Christmas. This year we decided to stay home. We enjoyed having family come to our house this year. The kids traded in their ski clothes for swimsuits. We heated the pool and let the kids swim the day away. T he airplanes were a hit for the older boys (even Mr. B.T.C). Dawson however, looooved his star wars legos (I don't think he will ever out grow them!). The girls favorite gift was definitely their ipods .

I'm certain I have a crush on Santa. I stayed up just to bake him one of his favorites...SNICKER DOODLES. He loved 'em. Not even a crumb was left behind!

We've enjoyed all your Christmas cards, cookies, and special treats. We feel so very loved. Thank you!

The costumes the kids picked this year are so fitting to their personalities. Especially Breeley's kitty costume. She wishes it could be attached permanently !

Wesley doesn't just work hard in the classroom, this little stud (who wore #9 this year) shows his commitment out on the field as well. His middle school boys soccer team won their Championship game this year. It's so awesome to watch Wesley excel in all areas of his life. Way to go Wesley! We are your biggest fans.

I'm leaving town today so I wanted to make something extra special for the girls' lunch so they would know how much their momma loves them. I made Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies because it's a favorite. I've included the recipe for those of you who want to make that extra special someone a treat. 2 1/4 c. flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 c. butter 1/4 c. margarine (I use...I can't believe its not butter) 3/4 c. white sugar 3/4 c. dark brown sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 2 eggs 1 c. heath bits 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 c. white chocolate chips Preheat oven to 375. In mixing bowl combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Combine brown sugar, white sugar, butter, margarine, and vanilla until well mixed. Add in eggs. Slowly add in flour mixture until combined. Add chocolate and white chips and then mix in toffee bits. Drop dough onto cookie sheet. Bake for 10 min. Cool on cooling rack. Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies. Enjoy!

Well gee golly, take a look at this! It appears we have another gardener in the house.

About two years ago I stumbled my way through planting an outdoor garden. Through the process I learned something about myself that I didn't know. I l-o-v-e gardening! Because it's such a pleasure to eat fresh salad I've decided, for the very first time (with the help of my sister) to set up my own salad garden. So here we go... I think it's coming along quite nicely and this makes me giddy! My son however, after gazing over the garden muttered, " Of all the different things you've planted nothing in there looks good." I beg to differ. Let's just say this poor child is a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y missing out. As for the rest of the family, we're hoping that these garden beauties can hold their own over the next couple of months.

I pitched the bread machine years ago after attending one of SHAR'S cooking classes and learning how to make 100% whole wheat bread from scratch. I quickly realized that the feelings I had developed of being some what well, ok, a whole lot intimidated by this so called "complex process" of making bread quickly vanished once I got in there and actually tried it. It turned out to be quite easy and enjoyable. Let's face it there's nothing like healthy, nutrient rich, hot homemade bread right out of the oven. I will admit however that within a day it wasn't so "HOT" anymore because it began to crumble and I dislike crumbly bread very much. I wanted to find a way to make 100% whole wheat bread with the same consistency as the store bread. So how could I alter the texture? Well, I simply added sour cream to my bread recipe. It worked! Now I have what I would consider the perfect loaf of bread. Try it out and let me know what you think! Start out by a

Simple and easy. . 2 eggs . 4 egg whites . 1/2 cup milk . 1/2 tsp. vanilla . 1/2 tsp. cinnamon . pinch of nutmeg or sweet spice blend (optional) . one loaf (thick sliced) bread. I used homemade bread. In a bowl WHISK your egg and egg whites together until FOAMY . Whisk in milk, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. You know what to do from here. For an extra special breakfast ...Make a delicious syrup. Ingredients: 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup whipping cream 1 cup light karo syrup blend until smooth. heat and serve. You'll eat every last bite. It's that good.

You can always count on giggles ... squeals ... squirms ... and laughter when Mr. B.T.C is tucking the girls in for the night.

As we gathered around the ottoman for family prayer last night our twelve year old son said "I have a confession." He hung his head low as he said, "I got my name on the board and two checks today." All the noisy chatter seemed to vanish and all eyes were on Mr. B.T.C as he allowed Dawson the space to share specifics. As soon as he began to share details I tried my darndest to swallow down my giggle and concentrate on being the mature, concerned parent. But I couldn't, nor could anyone else. You could see our son's once concerned eyes relax as the entire family burst into laughter. He was off the hook this time but only because this class clown had us laughing so hard.

We spent some time at the Marriott's Desert Ridge over Labor Day weekend. The snake and reptile exhibit was a hit for the kids. As you can see.. our little Dawson wasn't intimidated by the the size or looks of these reptiles. The girls even warmed up to the critters. I didn't share their enthusiasm! Especially when one of the little creepy crawlers reached out its enormously long slithering tongue and touched my leg while I was busy snapping photos. I realize there are reptile lovers out there but clearly I'm not one of 'em!

When Britley is around it's like having a little bit of heaven right in our very own home. She is that special! Happy Birthday Brit We love you!

Saturday we headed to the lake at about 1:00pm. We spent hours out on the water playing and enjoying our family time together. We decided to rap things up just as the clouds began to roll in and the wind started to pick up. I was so grateful that my sister remembered to bring her camera because I was able to capture some great pics of the changing weather and some fun shots of the family trying to wake surf for the first time. Dawson's a hoot! We laughed so hard as Dawson attempted to entertain us while learning to wake surf for the first time. A few shots of the beautiful sky as the weather began to change

. get up . get the kids ready for school . get the menu prepared . get the laundry done . get that workout in . get that new house . get a reliable car . get good grades . get an enjoyable career . get the lawn mowed . get the "latest" T.V. ...ipod...camera...computer . get that lesson prepared . get that appointment scheduled . get some smiles on those kids' face are you exhausted yet? No, OK a few more... . get that dream vacation on the calendar . get the bills paid . get that book read . get a savings account . get a new pair of shoes . get those extra pounds to shed . get more money OK, I'm guessing you get the point! We spend most of our precious time getting "stuff" Would you agree?!? I realized this after reading Proverbs Chapter 4:7 "with all thy getting get understanding" This verse struck a chord with me in a quiet kind of self reflecting way(I think this is one of those verses worthy of a little yellow post it sticker). It teaches me

With every summer vacation there's a story. Ours included the perfect beach vacation. We enjoyed the water, the sun, the long bike rides along the beach, a little surfing for the boys, and swimming for the girls. Our experience at the Pacific Terrace Hotel in San Diego was F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C! Everything (shopping, restaurants, ice cream shops, bike rentals, beach and carnival rides) was within walking distance which made it convenient and enjoyable. balcony view beach view I love the sound of excited play and that's exactly what I hear when we go to the beach. This, along with the beauty is why we find ourselves returning often. Oh and one more photo: It's a real b-u-m-m-e-r that this kid didn't wear sunscreen even when his mama told him too. Some kids just gotta learn on their own. ouch!