Birthday Wishes

I feel loved! That is how my birthday left me feeling. I love my family and friends! The wonderful messages, cards and phone calls brightened my day. I tried to keep it quiet, but people actually remembered!

Brady made me a card. Homemade cards are my favorite!

 He made me feel happy, loved, valued, cherished - wow! Such a great card! I was surprised that he took the time to make me a card. That he actually thought about it is wonderful!

 When I came home from work, this fun gift was tied to my door knob from Maralee. Maralee is always creative and thoughtful. I served in a Primary Presidency with Maralee and just love her!

 I also received a telephone call from Stephanie, a great friend from my ward. She sang me the cutest song. It was really kind of her to remember my birthday... Still smiling about the cute song she sang to me!

Jason and Sharon brought me a cake and doughnuts. I told them I didn't want to do anything special. I was tired. Thursday is my biggest cleaning day and I was exhausted. I think more exhausted because I really didn't have a weekend for downtime last weekend and that really kills me... I need a day off. I was so tired that at 8:30 pm I told Brady we needed to pray so that I could go to bed. I was tired. 

 It was wonderful to see Jason and Sharon, and I felt bad that I was such a dud and tired. 

 Ella, a girl from my Primary class sent me this beautiful birthday card in the mail. How thoughtful!

Look at all those beautiful pictures se drew. She also brought me a heart full of chocolates on Sunday for Valentines day. What a sweet girl (and parents). It makes my heart melt!

 One of my customer's remembered my birthday too! It happened that I cleaned their house on my birthday. There was lots of special wishes from them.

Mary Kay and Steve and their children Cody and Kelsey, plus Fran and Don gave me a card and $25 gift certificate for the Cheese Factory..  Mary Kay also gave me a box of Chocolates last week for Valentines day. She is always giving me extra gifts. They are good to me!

A couple of years ago they built on to their house to let Steve's parent live there. Their original house is big, and they built on another house (1200 square feet or so) for Fran and Don. Cleaning their house is like cleaning 2 houses - it's a big job - but a good job too. 

Thanks for all the great phone calls from my Mom, Sister Chris, Brother Richard and Rhonda. Email messages from my sister Cindy, niece Tracy and Zoey Michelle and Rhonda too. 

Lots of love spread around. Plus, blogging messages. I have to put what Ann Marie wrote me in the comment section - I have to add it to a post so that it will print in my book (I don't print comments). Here is what Ann Marie wrote me - she is soooo nice! 

Today I am grateful that your blog is open.. since your not on FB anymore.. and I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to wish you a HAPPY Birthday!!!

Since I can only comment to you here.. in the open.. I guess everyone is going to get to read my novel comment! lol!!

So... Happy Birthday to you.. Happy Birthday to you.. Happy Birthday dear Sondra..... Happy Birthday to you!!!!

For your birthday... I'm going to list a few reasons why I love and adore you!

1- I love your dedication to your family.
You put so much love and effort into everything you do for them -- and it shows!
I love that you show unconditional love to them.. even if they don't make the choices you would wish for. You truly are a wonderful mother.

2- I love your dedication to your calling!
You give it 100% and it shows with your structure.. enthusiasm.. and the fact that you make time for the kids with parties and things that are not required of you. Any child is lucky that is taught by you!

3- I love how much you serve. Even though you get paid to clean.. I know many women would say that you go above and beyond to help them... just because you are so kind and generous.
I will always remember that older woman that died a while back -- and when you blogged about her.. I could feel that you gave her MUCH love and charity.
I know you are full of it.

4- I love that you strive to be happy.
You have had a hard life ( like I have ) but you choose to find ways daily.. to bless others and make your family happy. You look for ways to eat healthy, be prepared.. and you are grateful.
I know life isn't always easy for you.. but you still try each day to be positive and happy.. and that is truly admiring!

Something will be in the mail.. but maybe not until next week. Sorry! I am not up to par.. but Organizing and a sick family has taken over me!

I hope you have a fabulous day and weekend!
Love ya! XO

Anther great Birthday. Thanks everyone for making me feel special!

Recipe: Homemade Oreos

Brady and I love these OREO cookies. I quit purchasing the ever shrinking OREO's from the store and we were in withdrawal. I decided to try it out and loved it! Below are two recipes, one with a cake mix and the other from scratch. I have made both of them, but tend to use the cake mix recipe more because it whips up quickly.

I make 1/2 of this batch with the cake mix. It is perfect for brady and me, but if you have more then 2 people in your family - make the full recipe. You'll be glad you did.

2 Devil's food cake mixes

4 eggs

1 1/2 cup Shortening

Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese

1/4 cup butter (or 1/2 stick)

4 cups Powdered Sugar

Combine cake mix, eggs and shortening. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.

I use a "1 teaspoon spoon" of cookie mix per cookie on the cookie sheet. I like them small (you can see the comparison with the real OREO above. The real OREO is darker brown. You can also see my teaspoon by the frosting bag. That is what I use - small uniform cookies. I've also used a bigger scoop, but prefer the small size. 

Bake in 350 degree oven for 9 - 10 minutes. I bake mine for 9 minutes. 

Remove to cooling rake. After cooled, put frosting on one cookie and put another cookie on top. Yum!

Here is the homemade version from Kimmie:

10 TBSP butter (1 cube plus 2 TBSP)

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 egg

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/4 cup flour

Mix together butter, sugar and vanilla until creamy.

Add in egg, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cocoa powder and mix until thoroughly mixed.

Next add in flour until blended well.

Form into "tiny balls" and bake on a greased cookie sheet

375 degrees for 9-10 minutes.

Remove from cookie sheet and completely cool on a rack.

Cream Cheese filling

1/4 cup butter

4 oz cream cheese (1/2 package)

1 to 2 tsp vanilla

2 cups powdered sugar

Cream together for one minutes.

After cookies are cooled spread cream cheese filling on the bottom side of one of the wafers and then place another wafer similar in size on top to make a sandwich cookie. Squish together and store in an airtight container. 

Book Review: Shadows of Brierley by Anita Stansfield

Overview:

With a few of his remaining coins, Ian purchases a copy of the book from which he hears a "preacher" quoting, an act that somehow gives this troubled prodigal the courage to leave the dark alleyways London and begin the long journey home-home to his beloved Brierley and to the woman whose heart he hopes to win.

 Little does he realize the impact this book will have on him and his family as they struggle with the grim consequences of unrestrained compulsions and passions, and the seemingly insurmountable challenges of mental illness. 

As the threads that hold the tapestry of the MacBrier family together threaten to unravel, Ian realizes that . . . The Book of Mormon had been destined to come into his hands, and he was destined to follow where it led him. In The Wanderer, set in the lush highlands of nineteenth century Scotland

I am an avid Anita Stansfield reader. This is her new book and saga. It was a pretty good beginning to the series. The mental illness is a hard part of the story and I wonder how they will handle it going forward. There was quite a bit of tragedy in the book, but good too.

I can't wait until the next book comes out, their conversion to the gospel and travel to America (or the other way around). It is a making of a great saga. 

Thumbs up - but it might be because I am an Anita Stansfield fan. 

***Update: I actually read the next book to this series and hate it. I wouldn't start this series unless you like tragedy and no connection to the characters. I feel like Anita Stansfield has lost her story telling ability. I don't have the same involvement in the story as I used to. I don't think I'm an Anita Stansfield fan anymore in her new books. It's just not the same as the way she used to write when you felt part of the characters and story line. Plus, I'm not much into reading about tragedies with no happily ever after. Hated the series and didn't even start to read book 3. Don't read ***

Book Reviews from Author Lori Wick

My sister Christine gave me a couple of christian books to read. It was unusual to read non-LDS books, but I did enjoy them. 

The biggest thing from the two books below was the understanding that the characters are born in sin - "Adam and Eve's sin". They were humble and undeserving of Heavenly Father's love because of the sin. That was a hard concept for me, because I know that Adam and Eve's sin was taken taken care of by Jesus Christ during the Atonement. I am not born with their sin. I believe I am a divine Child of God and He loves me. I also believe that I am responsible for my own sins. I am not perfect, but can be forgiven when I repent. 

I loved that they were righteous women, who loved to serve God. They always had a prayer in their hearts and their religion guided their life. I prefer LDS/Christian romance novels, because they have high standards. It was enjoyable to read a novel in a different religion perspective on life. 

Here is a quick overview of the book "Bamboo and Lace"

 Shy, lovely Lily Walsh leaves her rural homeland, the tiny Asian country of Kashien, to visit her brother Jeff in Hawaii. Everything is new and exciting to Lily: grocery stores that overflow with food, chewing gum, coffee makers, and the luxury of hot showers. Most thrilling of all is Jeff's best friend, the handsome Hawaiian Gabriel Kapaia, who teaches her how to play tennis and golf, and encourages her to become more assertive. Despite her conservative father's disapproval, Lily falls in love with Gabe and must choose between pleasing a parent and following the tug of her heart.

This book was a hard read for me. In this book Lily came from a foreign country and is regarded as a low human being. She was not allowed to look up with her eye's or look into a man's face. I would hate to be taught that way. Thank goodness I am American and am equal to a man. The book was slow. I enjoyed it, but didn't love it.  

An overview of this book:

After the tragic death of his wife, Alec Riley struggles to put his life back together. He and his three children are lost in their grief...until Sophie walks unexpectedly into their lives. Having left her native Czechoslovakia, Sophie has discovered the land which seemed so bright with promise is far from her dream. A highly educated woman, Sophie now finds herself keeping house for Alec and his family

How can Sophie find peace in her new job? Will God use her gentle spirit to help heal Alec’s broken heart?

I really did enjoy this book. Also a woman who came from a foreign country. She was very smart and spoke many different languages being a translator in Czechoslovakia. However, English was not one of her strong languages and people in America treated her like she was dumb because of her broken english. It made me think, if I treated  people with foreign accents like they were dumb because they can't speak english well. 


Sophie is a strong, loving, funny and God fearing woman. She had courage to move to America on her own without knowing anyone. She healed Alec's family and Alec's heart. I laughed out loud several times and cried too. It was a great story.

The religious references from the author's point of view were difficult for me with my knowledge of the gospel. But, I loved the morality and Christian theme. I loved that they were great missionaries and tried to spread the "word" to all who would listen. I do prefer LDS romantic novels - but these were a good read too. 

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day

  We started off the weekend with pink heart pancakes. Yummy Tradition!

Then I ran Brady to play practice bright and early Saturday morning.

I came home and whipped up a batch of cupcakes for my Primary Class party.

Then I set up my living room for the party. 

 I did not take ONE pictures during my Primary party. I can't even believe I did that! Only 6 kids came out of 13. BUT, we had a ton of fun. Pizza for lunch and some crafts. Here are the crafts we did.

 Lollipop butterfly, monkey book marker, I love you sign to color, an airplane to color and fold. I also gave them a pencil and bubbles. It was a fun party! I love my Primary children! Friday evening I put together all the kits for the party - I add glue dots for easy assembly. The airplane, butterfly and monkey kits came from Oriental trading. The heart sign came from Michael's. 

After the party I cleaned up the house and put everything back into order. 

THEN I had to start working on Brady's seminary devotional. I started making sugar cookies. I had to make 2 batches because Brady's seminary class is huge and we needed 36 cookies and I can only get 30 cookies out of a batch. The extra is for our family and friends. 

Saturday I cooked the cookies, put together the cupid poop, and laminated and cut out the book markers.

I finally figured out where to purchase bulk red hots! At Winco in the bulk section. They are located by the chocolate chips and baking supplies - NOT by the candy. I bought little zip lock bags at Zurchers and attached the cupid poem. They turned out cute. 

I've been battling a cold this past week that has put me to my knees. I seldom get sick and it was terrible. Not to mention running at full speed ahead to get all the Valentine things ready. I ended up decorating the sugar cookies Sunday morning before our 1PM church. I'm glad I did this because we had the Baptismal Preview Sunday evening. 

Saturday I also finished preparing my Primary lesson and Baptismal Preview talk. By the time Sunday evening came around, I was exhausted and kept tripping over my thoughts and words during my talk. I'm sure it was fine - but not my best moment. I was happy that 10 children came to the preview (out of 13). It was a fun evening for the children. 

After the Baptismal preview, I put the ribbons on the book markers for the devotional. As you can tell, it's been busy weekend. 

Now it's Valentines day! I took Brady to school so he could drop off the Valentine goodies to the Seminary building. I will stop by Jason and Sharon's house to drop by some love this afternoon. 

It's been a busy and LOVELY Valentine weekend.

I hope some love is spread around you today! Enjoy the day!

Ex-husband Getting Married

WOW! I just received an email from my ex-husband. He is getting married again, 3rd time. Here is the email he sent me:

Hi Sondra. Well, you will never guess what. Saying that you might know now. Yes, I have asked Connie to marry me, and she said yes.  

We have been dating for 16 months. I enjoy being around her and always want to spend more time with her. She was the one that was texting me when I was there for Brady's advancement in the priesthood. I love her and want her to be happy.  

She is really sweet and I'm sure you will like her. (I still have good taste in women.) Brady has met her and I think he likes her. Porter likes her. She has 5 kids' a boy and 4 girls. All are married. They all like me and are excited for us. The youngest just got married on the 10th of Feb. in the Manti Temple. She has 3 grandkids and 3 on the way. 1 is due the 17th, your b-day. Happy B-day!

We want to get married in the Oquirrh Mtn Temple. My bishop will be getting a hold of you. Be looking for a letter in the next couple of weeks. I need a sealing clearance to get married in the temple again. They will want to know how you feel about this and me. Be nice Please respond asap. This letter will go to Pres. Monson along with others for the sealing clearance request. 

Then Connie and I will set a date. I would like Brady to be here if possible. I will send you some pictures of us if you like so you can see what she looks like. Let me know if you have any questions. 

Thanks for being such a good mom for Brady. I sure love that boy! See ya later. Maurice

It's always strange when one of my children's fathers get married. I think I struggle, because from my experiences with both of them, I have NO desire to be married again. I am totally broken, which is kinda sad. 

I am happy for them and want them to be happy too. At least this time Maurice isn't getting married 14 days after our divorce was final. It's been 14 years since I have been married to him. I have no problem or feelings over this now. 

I know I am still sealed to Maurice. Brady is sealed to both of us, regardless of this marriage. My sealing won't be canceled and I will enjoy those blessing anyway - although a little bit happier not being married to him - LOL! 

Divorce is hard and so are re-marriages. I think it is best if you make a better choice the first time you are married and don't divorce. Divorce is hard and heartbreaking!! Don't do it. 

Honestly, I can't imagine getting married 3 times.  I am glad that they have dated for 16 months. I think that is wise, and planning on a temple marriage - double good. Hopefully for him it will last this time. 


Update 3/7/2010 I thought I would attach the letter I sent back.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
First Presidency

Bishop E. J.

I have been asked to provide a letter with my feelings about a sealing clearance with Morris Mathews.

It has been 14 years since Morris and I have been civilly divorced. Unfortunately we were not wise when we entered into our marriage. The path in my life was altered 9 years before I was married to Morris, when I became a single mother.

Morris and I rushed into our marriage quickly by dating for 1 month and a 2 week engagement. We didn't really know each other. I just wanted to be married and have more children. Morris even received an answer to his prayer not to marry me, and I basically "told" Heavenly Father that I was going to marry Morris. I was not humble at all. At age 30 I wanted to be married.

I was not the perfect wife and he was not the perfect husband. There were many conflicts regarding my son, and I was a protective mother bear. I knew quickly that I had made a wrong choice, but tried to make it work. Morris and I had a son during those next few years. Unfortunately things escalated and we were terrible to each other. I hurt Morris and he hurt me.

If I could go back right now and change the worst, totally unmentionable things, I am not sure I would really change any of them. Especially if changing would mean I would not have the temple blessings I have now or our son. Being sealed as a family and having temple blessings mean the world to me and I am thankful for them even though our marriage failed.

Time has healed my heart through the power of the Atonement. I am thankful that my sins can be forgiven through my Savior, Jesus Christ and that my heart has been healed. There is not a greater gift in my life than the sweet, simple act of forgiveness from my Savior and forgiving myself for not being able to make the marriage work. I might not be the person that I am today without the trials that I had to go through.

I am thankful for those trials. For the lessons I have learned, for the heart that has been both broken, and healed. I am so thankful for my Saviors loving influence in my life.

I would never deny Morris the chance of happiness by being sealed to Connie in the holy temple. I know that things will work out in heaven, for Heavenly Father is just and will bless us with happiness in the eternities if we live worthily to our temple covenants. I don't believe Morris and I will be together in heaven. I believe there is someone else up there that I will be with. However, I need to have my temple ordinances in place to obtain these blessings - my ordinances with Morris.

Morris is also current in his financial obligations in regards to his son. He has always been current through the past 14 years.

Please grant Morris the sealing clearance.

Thank you and Sincerely,
Sondra

******* I have to remind others who have to write a letter to the First Presidency for a temple clearance .... I know that you have been through a rough marriage and divorce .... but please remember that you are sending the letter to a Prophet of God and Apostles. Please write your letter in an appropriate way. I know reading these letters everyday from angry people weigh on their hearts and minds. I would imagine it is a difficult task to do and read those letters daily.

Write a the letter as if it was going to Heavenly Father himself. Be humble, be repentant and loving - no matter who is at fault. I don't believe they need to know detailed descriptions and anger.  I believe we will be judged at our anger and unforgiving spirit at judgement day. (my own thoughts). Just a gentle reminder to you that those letters go to a Prophet of God... **********

Once Upon a Mattress

We just received the flyer for Brady's play.

He has enjoyed all the practicing, singing and dancing. I'm glad he has had this opportunity to be in the play. 

I ordered the movie and received it this week. It was fun to watch. In the movie the Jester doesn't really have that much of a part. But, in the play he sings 3 songs. I can't wait to see Brady sing and dance on stage. 

Hungry Children

What would you do if some children came to your door looking for work to do. They wanted to earn some money for lunch.

Hungry children probably junior high school age, a boy and a girl trying to get money for food.

That is what happened this morning around 11:30 am at my door. 

It took me by surprise. They asked if I had any chores for them to do for a couple of buck so they could buy some lunch.

I couldn't think of a chore for them to do. One of my policies is that I don't let anyone in my house that I don't know. 

But, I couldn't let them go without giving them some money.

However, I had just gone grocery shopping early this morning and my cash was gone. I did find $8.00 in my wallet and gave them that. 

I felt bad for them. 

Then I thought .... I should have given them a loaf of bread, peanut butter, jam, apple, banana, cookies, chips, a gallon of milk, a box of cereal, a can of soup.. Food - more then just one meal for the weekend. But, I just wasn't thinking - it took me by surprise... 

Hungry children.. 

Soooo sad.

I wonder if our area has a back pack weekend lunch deal for kids in poverty. I'm going to have to check that out on Monday. If they don't they need to.

I know there are free lunches in the summer at the park. But what happens in the winter. 

Still, it breaks my heart when you come into contact with hungry children.

What would you have done?  Next time I'll do better. 

Recipe: Ham & Cheese Braid

Ham & Cheese Braid

1 loaf Rhodes bread dough - (I made my own in my bread machine)

1 cube butter or margarine softened

1 envelope hidden valley ranch mix 

3/4 lb. thinly sliced ham

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 tsp poppy seeds

Combine butter and ranch mix.

Roll bread dough out into a rectangular shape so it's approximately 1/2 inch thick. 

Spread about 5 tablespoons of mixture on the rectangle. 

Layer Ham down the center of the rectangle. 

Put the cheese on top.

Use a pizza cutter to cut strips along each side of the dough (even numbers on each side). 

Starting at the bottom, take each piece, cross and twist. Continue crisscrossing until your pizza is braided. Brush remaining butter/ranch mixture over top. Sprinkle with poppy seeds.  

Place on foil lined or greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. 

YUM!

Pioneer Trek Memories 2007

Our local area church (Stake) is preparing the youth ages 12 - 18 to go on a Pioneer Trek this summer. It is scheduled for July 13-16, 2011. A meeting (fireside) was held on Sunday 1/23/11 evening to kick off the planning for this wonderful event for our youth. 

It was an amazing evening and the theme was presented in a very touching way. The LDS pioneer exodus was a sad time in our church history. Mobs of non-believers persecuted the people of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint faith or "the Mormons". They killed our Prophet Joseph Smith and there was an extermination order given to kill all the LDS people. The saints had to flee for their life to a desert area in the mid-west (now known as Salt Lake City, Utah). It was a land that no one wanted so they could live and be safe from those who would want to harm them. 

They left their homes and their possessions to flee for their lives with wagons and hand carts. Many saints lost their lives along the trail. However, they kept moving onto Zion. There were a couple of hand cart companies that got stuck in terrible snow storms and were on the verge of losing their lives. President Brigham Young sent help to rescue these stranded dying people. 

This year, the theme of the trek is "Go Bring them In". 

Brady went on a pioneer trek 4 years ago when he was 12 years old. It was a WONDERFUL experience for him. They had a great time! While sitting in the fireside, I reflected on preparing Brady 4 years ago to go. I can't believe it has been 4 years, but when I pulled out the pictures he looked so young. He has grown up a lot in these past years. 

Here is a look back at them arriving home from the trek. 

 They left and arrived home on a bus. The trek is held in Wyoming.

Here is a picture of Lance and Jenny (Jenny was my secretary to my Primary Presidency). They were a "Ma and Pa" of a trek family. 

A trek is set up in "families" with a "Ma and Pa" and brothers and sisters. Each team has a trail boss to guide them on the way. The kids as split up from friends as a growing experience to meet new people and have it become a meaningful experience as a close knit family who help out each other on the trail. 

This is Brady and his Ma and Pa. He felt like part of their family. They still care for him 4 years later. They made a HUGE impact on his life. It was a GREAT time for growth in his life. We love them. They are Brother and Sister Griffith. We didn't know them before the trek but came to love them and value their friendship after the trek. 

They were tired and dirty after arriving from the trek. 

Here is part of a speech from President Brigham Young to rescue those stranded Pioneers:

"Many of our brethren and sisters are on the plains with handcarts and probably many are now seven hundred miles from this place, and they must be brought here, we must send assistance to them.... That is my religion; that is the dictation of the Holy Ghost that I possess. It is to save the people .. I will tell you that your faith, religion, and profession of religion, will never save one soul of you in the Celestial Kingdom of our God, unless you carry out just such principles as I am now teaching you. Go and bring in those people now on the plains." Brigham Young Oct 15, 1856

They had watermelon set up for the children. I made the signs taped on the church walls :-D welcoming them back. 

The scripture for this year:

Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountains of thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established. 

Brady was a "LITLE BROTHER" in the family. They called him "HALF A MAN". They were good to him.

Here are some pictures of other youth in our ward (local church area). 

Joseline (spelling?) and Kaitlyn

 'Jesus and Taylor

Kylan

CarolLynn (a Ma who went pregnant - wow!!) and I can't remember the girls name. 

Brady and ??

All around us are many who are in need of help and who are deserving of rescue. Our mission in life, as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, must be a mission of saving." Gordon B. Hinckley Nov 1991.

All the supplies each child took had to fit into a bucket (minus the sleeping bag). We purchased a padded seat for his bucket. This let him use it as a seat when they camped out on the trail. (It's great to still have this bucket and all the supplies - it will be much easier to prepare this time)

 This is what they pioneer children must wear on the trek:

Here is the equipment checklist. 

A tip we did for the trek 4 years ago. We purchased Gel shoe inserts for Brady's shoes. He didn't get any blisters during the 30 mile walk. It is a great thing to help those poor feet as well as good fitting laced up shoes that were broken in. They have encouraged each of the youth to start walking every day to prepare for the trek IN the shoes they will wear. It is NOT a good idea to wear new shoes.  

This year, Brady will be a BIG BROTHER with more responsibility. I'm excited that he will have the opportunity to join in the trek 2 times in his youth. It's wonderful training for his mission :-D. 

PLUS, a huge testimony building experience. 

Another benefit for Brady from a divorced home is to enjoy a "Ma and Pa" and their fine example of love they have for each other and their leadership for their Pioneer family.