What Happened To Halloween?

I am seriously contemplating writing Vernal City a letter to ask them what they are doing. Today when I was driving downtown, the city workers were putting up Christmas decorations. What happened to Halloween?

Every spring, Vernal city plants a ton of planters along main street full of petunias Since we have have such a warm fall, the flowers are still in full bloom. So, right next to the pots of bright pink flowers there are now Christmas decorations. Kind of a funny combination right before Halloween!

Last weekend was a fun filled weekend with my family. I went into Salt Lake to celebrate my niece, Nicole's birthday and then drove back in Friday night so I could be there for my other niece, Tiffany's, wedding. My kids were elated to be able to spend time with their cousins. Ken and my nine year old nephew had a blast dancing at the wedding. It was funny to see Ken doing, "the sprinkler," and "the lawn mower." They had a blast dancing with their Grandma - (who also loves to dance, they must of inherited that gene from her.) I know it is something they will remember forever!

Right after the wedding ceremony, a bunch of waiters were walking around serving appetizers before dinner. They were good, but none were as good as my sister-in-law, Jenny's stuffed mushrooms that she always serves for Christmas. (All the Christmas decorations made me think about them!)

Jen's Stuffed Mushrooms

Wash one package of mushrooms and remove the stems. Brown a package of sausage and combine with one block of cream cheese. Stuff the mushrooms with this mixtures and place top side down on a cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes at 350*.

Inspiring Weekend To Recharge The Old Batteries

Dar and I spent a wonderful couples weekend at Powell. The weather was amazing! The water was a tad bit chilly, but when the temperatures got up into the 90's, it felt good. It was so nice to sit and read a book in the sun. I can't even remember the last time I was able to do that. I read Volume I of the, "Discourses President Gordon B. Hinckley." He was such an amazing man. I love to read books that leave me wanting to be better and renew my desire to help others and that is what this book did for me.

Saturday and Sunday we watched general conference. My presidency had given the young women in my ward the assignment to watch and write down their favorite quote so we can make a special gift for our bishop. I had so many favorite quotes it is going to be hard to choose one! Some of my favorites included: "Honor is the rich soil where the seed of faith thrives," by D. Todd Christofferson. Or Richard G. Scott's statement, "Nobility of character...gives life direction." I also liked Richard G. Scott's quote, "We become what we want to be by being what we want to become."

I love hearing President Monson speak. He talked about gratitude and said, "To live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven." But my favorite speaker was President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. The main theme of his talk was to SIMPLIFY, which I need to do desperately. President Uchtdorf is a retired pilot and his comments always relate to flying. He said when you experience turbulence, reduce your speed. Just like when you come to speed bumps, slow down a little so you can steady the course because that is when the adversary likes to hit you. I resolved that I am going to try to follow his advice to, "slow down a little and focus on the significant." I'm going to have to start next week because this week is going to be full of trying to get ready for my nieces wedding and then a fun family vacation. Hmmmm....Maybe after the holidays???!!!!

It was an uplifting, inspiring weekend, but I'm glad to be home with my boys. On the last night we were at Powell, we decided to use up all of our left overs from the weekend. We came up with a wonderful recipe that I call, farmers stir fry, because it came from everything home grown on my farm.

Farmers Stir Fry

In a large pan, cook four diced potatoes (we used white and red from our garden)in
4T. butter for about 10 minutes then add some fresh green beans, fresh pea pods, and diced zucchini and cook for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes start to soften up a bit. Season with some Jamaican me crazy season salt or any other season salt, some pepper,onion powder and garlic salt. Then add in some left over grilled steak (from Rosie the cow)that has been diced, and cook for another 5 minutes just to warm the steak up.