“Keep all the truth and all the good that you have. Do not abandon any sound or proper principle. Do not forsake any standard of the past which is good, righteous, and true. Every truth found in every church in all the world we believe. But we also say this to all men—Come and take the added light and truth that God has restored in our day. The more truth we have, the greater is our joy here and now; the more truth we receive, the greater is our reward in eternity. This is our invitation to men [and women] of good will everywhere.” - Elder Bruce R. McConkie
“It is morally wrong for any person or group to deny anyone his or her inalienable dignity on the tragic and abhorrent theory of racial or cultural superiority.We call upon all people everywhere to recommit themselves to the time-honored ideals of tolerance and mutual respect. We sincerely believe that as we acknowledge one another with consideration and compassion we will discover that we can all peacefully coexist despite our deepest differences.” - Statement of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, 18 Oct. 1992; as quoted in Church News, 24 Oct. 1992, p. 4.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Friday, January 07, 2011
Foto Friday
This week marks the beginning of a weekly photo challenge.
It's a creative challenge with two of my photographer friends Heather and Mary.
I am super excited about doing this and I KNOW they both will be challenging me to do better and think more about what I want to say with my photos and then to DO it!
So the first week, and here are the three photos.
I love them together and how each of our minds work. I love that Mary was so bold and brave to put herself in it. (I find that to be scary). Love Heather's honest and open list of how she wants to improve. I love them all.
I'm already thinking of next weeks!
It's a creative challenge with two of my photographer friends Heather and Mary.
I am super excited about doing this and I KNOW they both will be challenging me to do better and think more about what I want to say with my photos and then to DO it!
So the first week, and here are the three photos.
I love them together and how each of our minds work. I love that Mary was so bold and brave to put herself in it. (I find that to be scary). Love Heather's honest and open list of how she wants to improve. I love them all.
I'm already thinking of next weeks!
Thursday, January 06, 2011
New Year's Resolutions
WEll did you make them?
I try to keep some in mind but I don't make myself crazy with them. Instead I kind of have a general I'm trying to do better in these areas kind of mantra.
But I thought I'd share my areas :)
1. Healthy living. We are trying to eat healthier and exercise more around here. Been doing the treadmill (it's even in the unheated garage so it's COLD when I go on it - so I feel extra proud of myself for doing it). Next weekend I will hopefully be all done my MSBH challenge. And then we are doing a whole lot more healthy eating. (Reg says I should cook a whole weight watchers book now to helps us all out. hahahahaha)
2. Religious-ness. Working on studying my scriptures better and for a longer time each day. Working on actually making what I read apply to my life and make a difference. Focusing more on reaching out to people around me in need.
3. Organizing. Reading a book and organizing my life. De junking (any one need a kitchen table or a big chalk board? Both have to go - along with lots of other things)
4. Monthly date night. We are pretty good - but sometimes Reg is busy and that kind of things gets pushed back and set aside.
Did you make any?
And since a post with a picture is more fun....
Alden with his current love.
I try to keep some in mind but I don't make myself crazy with them. Instead I kind of have a general I'm trying to do better in these areas kind of mantra.
But I thought I'd share my areas :)
1. Healthy living. We are trying to eat healthier and exercise more around here. Been doing the treadmill (it's even in the unheated garage so it's COLD when I go on it - so I feel extra proud of myself for doing it). Next weekend I will hopefully be all done my MSBH challenge. And then we are doing a whole lot more healthy eating. (Reg says I should cook a whole weight watchers book now to helps us all out. hahahahaha)
2. Religious-ness. Working on studying my scriptures better and for a longer time each day. Working on actually making what I read apply to my life and make a difference. Focusing more on reaching out to people around me in need.
3. Organizing. Reading a book and organizing my life. De junking (any one need a kitchen table or a big chalk board? Both have to go - along with lots of other things)
4. Monthly date night. We are pretty good - but sometimes Reg is busy and that kind of things gets pushed back and set aside.
Did you make any?
And since a post with a picture is more fun....
Alden with his current love.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Reader
This little girl is reading. She is at the beginning stages but she is doing really well. And all one her own. Lucy is a natural reader. She is half way through kindergarden and already can read quite a bit. I have done nothing and she just knows words. So I've committed to working with her and helping her along to encourage it. I love to read and I want my kids to as well. It sure is nice to have a child WANT to read and WANT to do homework! Refreshing change from fighting to get Alden to do it!
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
In the Kitchen: Caramel Mousse Napoleon with Caramel Sauce and Berries
We belong to a dinner club with some friends. It is really fun to try different foods and get together and laugh a lot :) We meet each month and have a theme - like Martha Stewart or French or Moroccan or 30 mile diet, etc. Well New Years' Eve we had a party.
Abby (the hostess) made Cornish Hens, something I've always wanted to make. It was soo good and so was the rice dish she served with it!!!
I had dessert, so I made this.
Caramel Mousse Napoleon with Caramel Sauce and Berries
from Epicurious
Pastry Layers
1 17.3-ounce package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
6 teaspoons sugar
Caramel sauce and mousse
3 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 3/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 3/4 cups whipping cream, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chilled whipping cream
Assembly and final decoration
Powdered sugar
Assorted fresh berries
Make pastry layers:
Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 400°F. Roll out 1 pastry sheet on lightly floured surface to 15x12-inch rectangle. Using small sharp knife and long ruler, trim sheet to 13x10-inch rectangle. Cut in half lengthwise, forming two 13x5-inch rectangles. Pierce rectangles all over with fork; transfer to 1 ungreased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pastry sheet, transferring to another ungreased baking sheet. Brush rectangles with melted butter; sprinkle each with 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar.
Bake pastries 8 minutes. Reverse position of baking sheets and bake until pastries are golden, about 8 minutes longer. Cool pastries on sheets.
Make caramel sauce and mousse:
Pour 3 tablespoons water into ramekin or custard cup. Sprinkle with gelatin; let soften while preparing caramel sauce.
Combine sugar, corn syrup and 3/4 cup water in heavy large saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves, frequently brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush. Increase heat; boil without stirring until syrup turns deep golden brown, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 1 3/4 cups cream and butter (caramel will bubble up vigorously). Return to low heat; stir until any bits of caramel dissolve.
Pour 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce into glass measuring cup; set aside pan of caramel sauce. Place ramekin with gelatin mixture in small skillet of simmering water. Stir until gelatin dissolves and mixture is clear, about 1 minute. Mix gelatin into measured 1 1/2 cups hot caramel; cool just to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
Beat chilled whipping cream in large bowl to medium-firm peaks (do not overbeat). Gradually pour cooled caramel-gelatin mixture over cream, folding constantly but gently. Chill mousse 15 minutes.
Assembly and final decoration:
Arrange 3 pastry rectangles on large clean baking sheet; drizzle each with 2 tablespoons caramel from pan. Spread 1 cup mousse evenly over each rectangle. Chill until mousse begins to set, about 1 hour. Reserve plain pastry rectangle.
Place 1 pastry layer with mousse on small baking sheet or board. Top with second layer, third layer, then plain pastry, aligning layers. Press assembled pastry lightly so that layers will adhere. Cover; chill at least 8 hours and up to 1 day. Cover and chill remaining caramel sauce in pan.
Using serrated knife, cut pastry crosswise into 6 pieces. Dust napoleons with powdered sugar. Transfer to plates. Rewarm sauce over low heat just until pourable; drizzle sauce onto each plate. Garnish with berries.
Soo good, and not hard! Give it a try!
Abby (the hostess) made Cornish Hens, something I've always wanted to make. It was soo good and so was the rice dish she served with it!!!
I had dessert, so I made this.
Caramel Mousse Napoleon with Caramel Sauce and Berries
from Epicurious
Pastry Layers
1 17.3-ounce package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
6 teaspoons sugar
Caramel sauce and mousse
3 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 3/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 3/4 cups whipping cream, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chilled whipping cream
Assembly and final decoration
Powdered sugar
Assorted fresh berries
Make pastry layers:
Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 400°F. Roll out 1 pastry sheet on lightly floured surface to 15x12-inch rectangle. Using small sharp knife and long ruler, trim sheet to 13x10-inch rectangle. Cut in half lengthwise, forming two 13x5-inch rectangles. Pierce rectangles all over with fork; transfer to 1 ungreased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pastry sheet, transferring to another ungreased baking sheet. Brush rectangles with melted butter; sprinkle each with 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar.
Bake pastries 8 minutes. Reverse position of baking sheets and bake until pastries are golden, about 8 minutes longer. Cool pastries on sheets.
Make caramel sauce and mousse:
Pour 3 tablespoons water into ramekin or custard cup. Sprinkle with gelatin; let soften while preparing caramel sauce.
Combine sugar, corn syrup and 3/4 cup water in heavy large saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves, frequently brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush. Increase heat; boil without stirring until syrup turns deep golden brown, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 1 3/4 cups cream and butter (caramel will bubble up vigorously). Return to low heat; stir until any bits of caramel dissolve.
Pour 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce into glass measuring cup; set aside pan of caramel sauce. Place ramekin with gelatin mixture in small skillet of simmering water. Stir until gelatin dissolves and mixture is clear, about 1 minute. Mix gelatin into measured 1 1/2 cups hot caramel; cool just to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
Beat chilled whipping cream in large bowl to medium-firm peaks (do not overbeat). Gradually pour cooled caramel-gelatin mixture over cream, folding constantly but gently. Chill mousse 15 minutes.
Assembly and final decoration:
Arrange 3 pastry rectangles on large clean baking sheet; drizzle each with 2 tablespoons caramel from pan. Spread 1 cup mousse evenly over each rectangle. Chill until mousse begins to set, about 1 hour. Reserve plain pastry rectangle.
Place 1 pastry layer with mousse on small baking sheet or board. Top with second layer, third layer, then plain pastry, aligning layers. Press assembled pastry lightly so that layers will adhere. Cover; chill at least 8 hours and up to 1 day. Cover and chill remaining caramel sauce in pan.
Using serrated knife, cut pastry crosswise into 6 pieces. Dust napoleons with powdered sugar. Transfer to plates. Rewarm sauce over low heat just until pourable; drizzle sauce onto each plate. Garnish with berries.
Soo good, and not hard! Give it a try!
Monday, January 03, 2011
Family Time
One of the things we like to do is go for walks together. It started way back when we lived in Nova Scotia and we would go for Sunday walks by the beach. And Tuesday walks. And whatever day it was. But most weeks especially Sunday walks. Well, if we need out of the house we still go for a walk. It's free. And you get to enjoy beautiful creations of God. Sounds like a win win to me!
Last week we went on a walk and I had fun taking pictures. And so did Alden.
Alden has decided that he wants to learn to take pictures. I still have my old D80 around. I couldn't sell it since some times it works and some times it doesn't. So Regan and Alden have claimed it to be theirs.
While we were out walking, Alden said to me "mom, how about we have like photography classes were you teach me how to take good pictures....but I might need a new camera since this one doesn't always work."
I told him photo classes with us two would be great, but no new cameras would be coming to him any time soon.
My mom makes all of us a new hat every year for Christmas. This was Eli's this year. I love it and so does he. He calls it his Santa Hat.
They just love love love each other. And I love that they do.
I told him to smile and this is what I get. Totally him right now.
Totally a goof!
Cold winter in Southern Alberta. Love the spots of color!
I love to find plants that survive the winter. It gives hope in a lot of ways.
I love the days when the sun is shining and sparkling the snow. Those are the winter days I enjoy!
In my 365 this upcoming year, I am doing one family shot a month. This one was out on our walk. I propped my camera in the snow and timed it. Lucy was goofing around, Alden was shooting it too, Eli was happy to be here. I love this picture!
Last week we went on a walk and I had fun taking pictures. And so did Alden.
Alden has decided that he wants to learn to take pictures. I still have my old D80 around. I couldn't sell it since some times it works and some times it doesn't. So Regan and Alden have claimed it to be theirs.
While we were out walking, Alden said to me "mom, how about we have like photography classes were you teach me how to take good pictures....but I might need a new camera since this one doesn't always work."
I told him photo classes with us two would be great, but no new cameras would be coming to him any time soon.
My mom makes all of us a new hat every year for Christmas. This was Eli's this year. I love it and so does he. He calls it his Santa Hat.
They just love love love each other. And I love that they do.
I told him to smile and this is what I get. Totally him right now.
Totally a goof!
Cold winter in Southern Alberta. Love the spots of color!
I love to find plants that survive the winter. It gives hope in a lot of ways.
I love the days when the sun is shining and sparkling the snow. Those are the winter days I enjoy!
In my 365 this upcoming year, I am doing one family shot a month. This one was out on our walk. I propped my camera in the snow and timed it. Lucy was goofing around, Alden was shooting it too, Eli was happy to be here. I love this picture!
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
In the kitchen: Christmas Cookies: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
from Martha of course!
Another favorite of mine!
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups light-brown sugar, firmly packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
1 cup confectioners' sugar (for rolling)
Making the Crinkle Cookie Dough
In a medium size bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat until well combined. If necessary, scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure all the ingredients are well blended.
Add the melted chocolate and beat until blended.
With mixer on low speed, alternate adding flour mixture and milk until just combined.
Divide the dough into quarters, wrapping each with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 2 hours.
Baking the Crinkle Cookies
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners.
Remove portions of cookie dough from the refrigerator one at a time.
Divide the portion of dough into 16 1-inch balls.
Place each of the sugars in a shallow dish.
Roll each ball in granulated sugar and then in confectioners' sugar to coat completely.
Place the cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Bake, one cookie sheet at a time, until the cookies flatten and the tops form cracks, about 12 to 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and place the baking sheets on wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container, between layers of parchment or wax paper for up to 1 week.
This recipe yields about 5 dozen Chocolate Crinkle (Crackle) Cookies
AND since I didn't take a picture of any of these this year.... here is a little treat I made for Lucy's K Class party last week.
White Chocolate Marshmallow Snowmen.
Saw the idea on the internet somewhere.
Three marshmallows on a stick. Dipped in white chocolate, with some eyes and a nose. I think pretzels would be cute for arms but I didn't have any!
Another favorite of mine!
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups light-brown sugar, firmly packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
1 cup confectioners' sugar (for rolling)
Making the Crinkle Cookie Dough
In a medium size bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat until well combined. If necessary, scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure all the ingredients are well blended.
Add the melted chocolate and beat until blended.
With mixer on low speed, alternate adding flour mixture and milk until just combined.
Divide the dough into quarters, wrapping each with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 2 hours.
Baking the Crinkle Cookies
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners.
Remove portions of cookie dough from the refrigerator one at a time.
Divide the portion of dough into 16 1-inch balls.
Place each of the sugars in a shallow dish.
Roll each ball in granulated sugar and then in confectioners' sugar to coat completely.
Place the cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Bake, one cookie sheet at a time, until the cookies flatten and the tops form cracks, about 12 to 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and place the baking sheets on wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container, between layers of parchment or wax paper for up to 1 week.
This recipe yields about 5 dozen Chocolate Crinkle (Crackle) Cookies
AND since I didn't take a picture of any of these this year.... here is a little treat I made for Lucy's K Class party last week.
White Chocolate Marshmallow Snowmen.
Saw the idea on the internet somewhere.
Three marshmallows on a stick. Dipped in white chocolate, with some eyes and a nose. I think pretzels would be cute for arms but I didn't have any!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Spiritual Sundays
"The Christmas season is wonderful in many ways. It is a season of charitable acts of kindness and brotherly love. It is a season of being more reflective about our own lives and about the many blessings that are ours. It is a season of forgiving and being forgiven. It is a season to enjoy the music and lights, parties and presents. But the glitter of the season should never dim our sight and prevent us from truly seeing the Prince of Peace in His majesty.
Let us all make this year’s Christmas season a time of rejoicing and celebration, a time when we acknowledge the miracle that our Almighty God sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem the world!" - BY PRESIDENT DIETER F. UCHTDORF, Second Counselor in the First Presidency
Let us all make this year’s Christmas season a time of rejoicing and celebration, a time when we acknowledge the miracle that our Almighty God sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem the world!" - BY PRESIDENT DIETER F. UCHTDORF, Second Counselor in the First Presidency
Saturday, December 18, 2010
In the Kitchen: Christmas Cookies: Cranberry-Pistachio Biscotti
One of mt favorites I make every year!
Ingredients
Makes about 4 dozen
* 1/2 cup dried cranberries
* 1/2 cup boiling water
* 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
* 1 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
* 3 large eggs, plus 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup (2 1/2 ounces) unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Place cranberries in a small bowl; add boiling water. Let stand until plump, about 15 minutes. Drain, and set aside. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating to incorporate after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in vanilla. Add flour mixture, and mix on low speed until combined. Mix in cranberries and pistachios.
3. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape each piece into a 16-by-2-inch log, and transfer to prepared baking sheet, about 3 inches apart. With the palm of your hand, flatten logs slightly. Brush beaten egg over surface of the dough logs, and sprinkle generously with sugar.
4. Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until logs are slightly firm to touch, about 25 minutes. Transfer logs on parchment paper to a wire rack to cool slightly, about 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.
5. Place logs on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut logs crosswise on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place a wire rack on a large rimmed baking sheet. Arrange slices, cut sides down, on rack. Bake until firm to touch, about 30 minutes. Remove pan from oven; let biscotti cool completely on rack. Biscotti can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Ingredients
Makes about 4 dozen
* 1/2 cup dried cranberries
* 1/2 cup boiling water
* 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
* 1 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
* 3 large eggs, plus 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup (2 1/2 ounces) unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Place cranberries in a small bowl; add boiling water. Let stand until plump, about 15 minutes. Drain, and set aside. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating to incorporate after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in vanilla. Add flour mixture, and mix on low speed until combined. Mix in cranberries and pistachios.
3. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape each piece into a 16-by-2-inch log, and transfer to prepared baking sheet, about 3 inches apart. With the palm of your hand, flatten logs slightly. Brush beaten egg over surface of the dough logs, and sprinkle generously with sugar.
4. Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until logs are slightly firm to touch, about 25 minutes. Transfer logs on parchment paper to a wire rack to cool slightly, about 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.
5. Place logs on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut logs crosswise on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place a wire rack on a large rimmed baking sheet. Arrange slices, cut sides down, on rack. Bake until firm to touch, about 30 minutes. Remove pan from oven; let biscotti cool completely on rack. Biscotti can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Friday, December 17, 2010
In the Kitchen with Christmas Cookies: Lemonade Cookies
My SIL Jen asked for some of my favorite cookie recipes for Christmas. Soooo here's one to start.
Lemonade Cookies (new to me this year but I loved them!)
from Maire Barfuss
1 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs beaten
Pinch of salt
1/2 can thawed frozen lemon concentrate
3 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
Mix margarine, sugar and eggs. Add lemonade, flour and soda. Drop onto cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes. (original recipe said 400 but it seemed to high of a heat for me, so I changed it). As soon as you pull them out of the oven you brush them with more lemon concentrate and sprinkle with sugar.
Lemonade Cookies (new to me this year but I loved them!)
from Maire Barfuss
1 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs beaten
Pinch of salt
1/2 can thawed frozen lemon concentrate
3 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
Mix margarine, sugar and eggs. Add lemonade, flour and soda. Drop onto cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes. (original recipe said 400 but it seemed to high of a heat for me, so I changed it). As soon as you pull them out of the oven you brush them with more lemon concentrate and sprinkle with sugar.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Overheard
As we were walking in today at lunch time after picking up Alden from school.
Lucy: "Hey, who smells like Grandma Davis?"
Mom: " What does Grandma Davis smell like?"
Alden: "Potatoes!"
Mom: "Grandma Davis smells like potatoes?"
Alden: "Well she IS a gardener!"
Mom: "I don't think Grandma smells like potatoes"
Lucy: " I think she just smells like an old lady"
Mom: "What does that smell like?"
Lucy: "ummmm bread and.... potatoes?"
Lucy: "Hey, who smells like Grandma Davis?"
Mom: " What does Grandma Davis smell like?"
Alden: "Potatoes!"
Mom: "Grandma Davis smells like potatoes?"
Alden: "Well she IS a gardener!"
Mom: "I don't think Grandma smells like potatoes"
Lucy: " I think she just smells like an old lady"
Mom: "What does that smell like?"
Lucy: "ummmm bread and.... potatoes?"
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Lovely Links
I found some super cute things to share.
One: these camera bags oh MY I'd love one! Look at how CUTE they are!!!!!!
Two: Read this right here that the great photographer Erin Cobb wrote about taking a picture a day. I am trying to do again next year.
Three: Look at these lovely necklaces. As always classic and beautiful!
Four: Rebecca is doing some great blogging this december. I am going to be doing a post next week.
Five: Look at this GREAT idea for a gift. Love love love it! and Alden would sure love to get it! (and so would Lucy!)
Six: A fun game of Holiday Bingo we are going to play tonight that you can download and print to play with your kids.
Seven: I love these ornaments here
Eight: I love books. A LOT. A couple I've got my eye on. Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision and Vision Mongers.
Anything online caught your eye lately?
One: these camera bags oh MY I'd love one! Look at how CUTE they are!!!!!!
Two: Read this right here that the great photographer Erin Cobb wrote about taking a picture a day. I am trying to do again next year.
Three: Look at these lovely necklaces. As always classic and beautiful!
Four: Rebecca is doing some great blogging this december. I am going to be doing a post next week.
Five: Look at this GREAT idea for a gift. Love love love it! and Alden would sure love to get it! (and so would Lucy!)
Six: A fun game of Holiday Bingo we are going to play tonight that you can download and print to play with your kids.
Seven: I love these ornaments here
Eight: I love books. A LOT. A couple I've got my eye on. Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision and Vision Mongers.
Anything online caught your eye lately?
Monday, December 06, 2010
Photo Talk: Christmas Bokeh
I assume you've seen the word Bokeh before? At some point. People loooove to throw it around. Like me I do! :)
"Bokeh (derived from Japanese boke ã¼Ã£', a noun form of bokeru ã¼Ã£'ã‚‹, "become blurred or fuzzy") is a photographic term referring to the appearance of out-of-focus areas in an image produced by a camera lens using a shallow depth of field."
Sooo really it means the fuzzy stuff in the background of pictures! :) Like in this one. You can see it easily in this one. All those little circles on the left side - Bokeh!
One of the great things about Christmas lights is getting cool bokeh from your tree lights!
See this picture is pretty... but no bokeh.
Want me to teach you how to take some bokeh? GREAT :) This is NOT going to be in photographic talk. (well unless we use the word Bokeh... but we can now since we already discussed that right! ;) )
The first thing is that you need to take off your automatic focus. It needs to be in manual. Then you put it out of focus so much that small circles appear. Then you take a picture.
small bokeh
f 9.0 1/8 ss
ISO 500
See how this one is lighter? Cause I was shooting more wide open with my aperture.
f 2.8 1/8 ss
ISO 500
Medium Bokeh
f 4.0 1/8 ss
ISO 500
This one is the same as number 2 it is just zoomed in more, and the viola bigger circles.
BIG bokeh
f 2.8 1/8 ss
ISO 500
Does that make sense??
And wanna try some and show them to me?
"Bokeh (derived from Japanese boke ã¼Ã£', a noun form of bokeru ã¼Ã£'ã‚‹, "become blurred or fuzzy") is a photographic term referring to the appearance of out-of-focus areas in an image produced by a camera lens using a shallow depth of field."
Sooo really it means the fuzzy stuff in the background of pictures! :) Like in this one. You can see it easily in this one. All those little circles on the left side - Bokeh!
One of the great things about Christmas lights is getting cool bokeh from your tree lights!
See this picture is pretty... but no bokeh.
Want me to teach you how to take some bokeh? GREAT :) This is NOT going to be in photographic talk. (well unless we use the word Bokeh... but we can now since we already discussed that right! ;) )
The first thing is that you need to take off your automatic focus. It needs to be in manual. Then you put it out of focus so much that small circles appear. Then you take a picture.
small bokeh
f 9.0 1/8 ss
ISO 500
See how this one is lighter? Cause I was shooting more wide open with my aperture.
f 2.8 1/8 ss
ISO 500
Medium Bokeh
f 4.0 1/8 ss
ISO 500
This one is the same as number 2 it is just zoomed in more, and the viola bigger circles.
BIG bokeh
f 2.8 1/8 ss
ISO 500
Does that make sense??
And wanna try some and show them to me?
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Spiritual Sundays
"Daughters of God know that it is the nurturing nature of women that can bring everlasting blessings, and they live to cultivate this divine attribute. Surely when a woman reverences motherhood, her children will arise up and call her blessed (see Prov. 31:28).
Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.
Oh, how we pray that every young woman will grow up to be all the wonderful things she is meant to be. We pray that her mother and father will show her the right way. May daughters of God honor the priesthood and sustain worthy priesthood holders. May they understand their own great capacity for strength in the timeless virtues that some would scoff at in a modern, liberated world for women." - Margaret D. Nadauld The Joy of Womanhood
Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.
Oh, how we pray that every young woman will grow up to be all the wonderful things she is meant to be. We pray that her mother and father will show her the right way. May daughters of God honor the priesthood and sustain worthy priesthood holders. May they understand their own great capacity for strength in the timeless virtues that some would scoff at in a modern, liberated world for women." - Margaret D. Nadauld The Joy of Womanhood
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Random
1. I feel overwhelmed lately with how kind people are to me. I am undeserving but so thankful. The birthday celebrations, some one brought me a cake and another offered to make me one, people calling to watch my kids so I can have some alone time, the calls, clearing the snow from my drive way. So much more. It has all made me feel a great desire to do more for others.
2. I loved Regan's post yesterday. If you didn't read it, go read it and tell him how funny he is :) Ah i just love that guy. And I am sooooooooo excited that he is coming home for a few days tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. I am one photoshoot away from being completely caught up on editing. And I couldn't be MORE happy about it. Recently I have taken less of my kids cause of the overwhelming amount on my plate to edit. I have edited 7 shoots in the past 2 weeks and 2 of them were weddings. That is a LOT of time in the evening doing editing. But since Reg has been gone the whole time I was alone and just hunkered down and did it!
4. Yesterday my friend took Lucy and Eli for the whole afternoon. (See #1) I went out to eat and read a book, went to the library on my own and did a whole bunch of shopping for Christmas and some for me. It was mmmmmmmarvelous. And Eli was so excited to see me when I got back that he was so happy during his normal crazy time. Loved it!
5. Today we are starting our Christmas advent tradition of reading a Christmas book each day until Christmas and doing a craft or treat or activity that coordinates. I hope to post about each one as we go along, but really I am not putting any pressure on myself about it!
6. Speaking of #5 I don't know if you've noticed but I've decided that I was putting too much pressure on myself about blogging. It is so silly. But I was trying to do it all the time just cause I said I was going to. And well, frankly it doesn't matter. Reading my scriptures before bed, more important. Hanging out with my hubby, more important. Going to be at a good time, more important. I am trying to change the part of myself that puts unrealistic expectations on me. We'll see how it goes. Not just with blogging. But with everything. It'll be a on going project. Really it has been brewing for a while and really this talk really hit home with me. Read it. I am going to work on making better choices and not just overwhelming myself with stuff, as I am sooooo good at doing!
7. I just watched some cheesey girl movie last night that reg would have HATED. I always watch shows he doesn't like when he's on call or out of town. But I'd rather have him home. (see #2)
2. I loved Regan's post yesterday. If you didn't read it, go read it and tell him how funny he is :) Ah i just love that guy. And I am sooooooooo excited that he is coming home for a few days tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. I am one photoshoot away from being completely caught up on editing. And I couldn't be MORE happy about it. Recently I have taken less of my kids cause of the overwhelming amount on my plate to edit. I have edited 7 shoots in the past 2 weeks and 2 of them were weddings. That is a LOT of time in the evening doing editing. But since Reg has been gone the whole time I was alone and just hunkered down and did it!
4. Yesterday my friend took Lucy and Eli for the whole afternoon. (See #1) I went out to eat and read a book, went to the library on my own and did a whole bunch of shopping for Christmas and some for me. It was mmmmmmmarvelous. And Eli was so excited to see me when I got back that he was so happy during his normal crazy time. Loved it!
5. Today we are starting our Christmas advent tradition of reading a Christmas book each day until Christmas and doing a craft or treat or activity that coordinates. I hope to post about each one as we go along, but really I am not putting any pressure on myself about it!
6. Speaking of #5 I don't know if you've noticed but I've decided that I was putting too much pressure on myself about blogging. It is so silly. But I was trying to do it all the time just cause I said I was going to. And well, frankly it doesn't matter. Reading my scriptures before bed, more important. Hanging out with my hubby, more important. Going to be at a good time, more important. I am trying to change the part of myself that puts unrealistic expectations on me. We'll see how it goes. Not just with blogging. But with everything. It'll be a on going project. Really it has been brewing for a while and really this talk really hit home with me. Read it. I am going to work on making better choices and not just overwhelming myself with stuff, as I am sooooo good at doing!
7. I just watched some cheesey girl movie last night that reg would have HATED. I always watch shows he doesn't like when he's on call or out of town. But I'd rather have him home. (see #2)
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