The Sounds of the Season

I know,  I do this every year, but I'm gonna do it again.   

Some of the best music, I get introduced to by my own musical children.  So this year, I am enjoying some new tunes that were recommended by one or more of my offspring.  

So Even as I type I am listening to this:  

So yummy,  each one is better than the next.  Not kidding.  Just go on itunes and get the whole album.  Done!!!

 But then wait, there is more,  next go to here:  

 And just get a few.  You might want more, but the fav. in these parts is "A Holly Jolly Christmas".  Ah....  Then a new favorite -  this guy:

His "One King" is amazing.  You will not mind the whole album, but at least get that one.    And then for heaven sakes - get to this amazing performance: 

  Dec 22nd 7:30 in the Evening - @The First Methodist Church - Mesa

 This amazing composer/performer

- and yes he is related to me. (Shameless plug) I may be listening to it right now.  CD's available.

T.T.F.N. Huge Tree - The End Of An ERA

Before

R.I.P. Huge, Lovely, Dangerous Tree, that we loved and worried over at the same time.  I sometimes tell people that there is only one thing that Parker and I ever argue over - The Huge Eucalyptus Tree* in our Front Yard.  

One last hug at Madison's request

Well today, we said a fond goodbye to all our fodder for the fracas, fray, fuss, hostility, match, melee, quarrel, riot, rivalry, round, row, ruckus, rumble, scrap, just to name those ones I highlighted, because you know that it's an issue, not!!    Because it has become fodder for some other uses (pulp, paper and fiber board according to the web).  Neighbors came and watched.  Some got cookies.

Here is a little bit of what we watched. 

View from inside the house

  I will miss the wonderful filtered light, the awesome shade. It's already hotter, it's already more open(not a good thing), but I will not worry if it storms tonight and the lightning rages.

* We planted it about 26 years ago and the Professional Tree people all seem to think it was a 50 year of tree.  We know that it was over 100 feet tall, also according to the professional tree people.

So, So Excited!!!

From -  lds.org

{UPDATE Saturday Morning, 10/6/12, 10:20 a.m.

President Thomas S. Monson opened the 182nd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with an announcement of new temples, a new Church policy regarding missionary service, and a call for many more senior couples.

New temples are planned for Tucson, Arizona, and Arequipa, Peru, President Monson revealed. Exact locations of the temples will be announced at a later date.

He went on to announce a new Church policy that will allow all worthy and able young men the opportunity to be recommended for missionary service at the age of 18 instead of 19. Able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service at the age of 19 instead of age 21. (Read more at Newsroom.)

President Monson then echoed a message he gave two years ago, calling for many more senior couples to serve: “As your circumstances allow, as you are eligible for retirement, and as your health permits, I encourage you to make yourselves available for full-time missionary service,” he said. “Both husband and wife will have great joy as together they serve our Father’s children.”}

Such wonderful news for the faithful and waiting in Tucson!!!, My sister, Sally and her family included.  And what awesome news for those ready and able to serve missions!  We are so blessed indeed!! My heart is full.  The Messages were wonderful and needed this morning!!!

Oh, The Places You'll Go!!

Because of having "feet in our shoes" and "brains in our heads" - 

Parker and I embarked upon a fun little "get-away" to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, St. George, Ut. to meet up with Chris and Kent, Rob and “Alladin”, then off to Vegas, Baby!! To see Aaron DeJesus as he starred in Jersey Boys!!  We watched it with Rob and Tom and Gail.

Warning: Verbal Travel ramblings ahead......

  So the North Rim:  A bucket list thing. We had never been to the North Rim.  I was interested.  We were heading to Vegas and so, decided to start with this.  We stayed at the Lodge in Jacob Lake, rustic, but comfortable.  We drove over 40 miles from there to the north rim.  Well worth it! So different from the South Rim.  Y'all might need to add it to your list of stuff you need to do.  

WE then drove to St. George and met up with Chris and Kent and had lunch.  The she and I did some antique -ing and quilt showing.  Kind of fun.  Then Since it was Kent’s Birthday we had dinner with them and some friends and then Rob showed up and off we went to “Alladin” at Tuachan. I will share a private critique upon request.

Got to see Tyler and Brittney and their two little kids, but briefly!  Then drove off to Vegas, where we picked up Gail and Tom,  then had lunch at a 

Diner’s Drive In's and Dives place -  food was unusual, but yummy and Parker was like a rooster that he found it!!!

Then we checked in & hustled off to the show to watch Jersey boys.  O.K. so the language is a little “blue”, but the story is redeeming and Aaron DeJesus is wonderful!!! Really a special treat for us to be there for this special performance.  It pleased him,  that we made the effort to come. We really were amazed at how incredible the music is.  I may need to see it again.  Tom and Gail had JB in London so they were loving life.

 Next morning after goodbye with T&G we were off to the other side of town for 

“Hash House A Go Go” for breakfast.  They say their type of food is twisted farm food.  It was yummy and huge.  Look up the menu, unbelievable.

Another round of goodbye with Aaron and their darling baby, Lydia.  

WE drove home without incident and I listened to the CD of Jersey Boys while I drove.  

Really good times.

Join us next time will you?

Monday, Monday, So good to me.......

Mondays are a great thing for me.  Especially today, after a busy, eventful and productive weekend.  Why, you ask?  

Well, there are three things that make a 

Monday just lovely in my book:

1. It's letter day!!!!Yay!!!!

Hermana Moffat and we get to share letters back and forth typically on this day and Today's letter was great!! Complete with the photos of her birthday.  Great Stuff!

Gettin' to wear the yellow"jackets"

 2.  Powering down from a busy weekend, today I stayed in my Black House dress - you know the one, till , well almost 4:00

Sorry - Seriously bad photo(don't judge till you have walked a mile in my fuzzy slippers, yo).  I got to talk on the phone and in person to 4 of our 6 offspring(two at the same time on ichat), and to two sisters at the same time on the phone today!  Technology rules, eh?

3. Had opportunity to ponder on some of the lessons of the Sabbath Day.  It was Ward Conference and there were several special moments that were worth pondering about.  I love my Harmony Park Ward and the goodness that is here in our neighborhood.  Many of these good people worked side by side to get this cute couple married on Saturday, then came together to hear the Good Word yesterday and to be taught by our friends and leaders. 

 It was beautiful to me.   Ahhh. Monday!  A good way to start the Week, I say!!!

Happy Birthday Mom/Granny and a tradition!

Norma Crum Arnett, 

 

My mom,  would be 89 today.  

People who knew her, loved her.  

She was one "Dandy Lady".  

She made people feel as though they were her favorites and they were.  She raised 10 children -  the last few she raised on her own.  She played the piano, taught piano, loved music and passed that love on to all ten children.  

She baked bread. There I said it!  And -  she shared bread.  

She was known for it, actually. If you needed a loaf of her bread and she knew it - then next time the bread was baked - you would get a loaf.  You might need a loaf of Mom's bread if you had a new baby,  or if someone you loved was hurt or had passed away, or you may have won the ball game, or may have lost the ball game.  You might be suffering in a way that only you were aware of, and yet, a loaf of bread would show up. We were often called on to be the delivery service. If the bread was still warm - it would be delivered in a brown paper sack, but oh the aroma!  Some people "knew" the bread baking schedule and had an uncanny way of showing up at mom's kitchen.  Those folks were welcomed and sent on their way with bread and jam or honey as well.  If you were at her funeral 11 years ago, you would have been given a little mini loaf (baked with love by Ron @ Whole Grains Bread Store - having been a recipient, himself, of the famous bread)as you departed along with a little message.*  

  So fast forward a few years and Emily asked if I would share Granny's bread recipe with her.  She came over and we spent a few hours working on the art of baking bread.  In a short time, she mastered it.  She has had some remarkable experiences, where making and sharing "Granny"Bread had brought blessings to herself and many others, such experiences have caused them to call "Granny Bread" - "Miracle Bread".  

She called last week and asked if today, on Granny's Birthday, she and I could make bread and share it.  I was touched and motivated.  She and Jacob did this in their neighborhood last year on Mom's birthday.  They wanted to make this a continuing a tradition.  

Very Cool. 

 So today we did.  (We may have read to Jasper "The little Red Hen" as well)

The bread turned out kind of awesome.  Mom would have been proud.  

 We hope the actually recipients enjoyed the bread and felt the love of a wonderful woman who gave of herself, and it put a smile on your face.  Thanks Emily for a great day spent together and a reminder of the need to share and honoring a worthy example.   I think I will make that my new tradition.   Happy Birthday Mom!  We love you and miss you. Heart Peg and Emily!

*No Half Loaf, This

Friendly were the words you said,

Tendering the loaf of bread,

Oven warm and savory;

How much that gesture meant to me.

Almost a stranger, lonely, too,

And gladdened by the sight of you.

I would repay you if I could.

Oh, yes, the bread was extra good.

(I’d like the recipe some day.)

But let me ask you, if I may,

How you acquired the finer art

Of nourishing the hungry heart?

I never had the knack somehow.

(I’d like that recipe right now.)

— Virginia Newman

He Is Risen! A beautiful reminder.....

Easter!!! 

It was a beautiful day/weekend/season! 

 Saturday

We loved the Easter Egg Hunt in the Hood.  We had Mac and Cammy's Girls with us, so fun, since we have been AWOL for three years,  it was good to catch up on the neighborhood peeps(get that Easter reference?) and be a part of that delightful craziness.  An awesome tradition that we look forward to.

Easter skirts for the occasion - someone asked, here they are!

Did you get an orange Roll or a mini?

Weigh in... regular or mini?  It's time to own up.  Should we do it again next year?  Should Snaps! be offering them?  I just think it's good to ask.

Easter Sunday

We, well actually, I, got to start the day(yesterday) listening to talks that were incredible and uplifting. Some of the best speakers I know, even if it was just 26 weeks since the last time they(she) spoke, I loved it and it set the tone for an awesome day.  

We got ready for a small group and in the meantime and had church with the CSP Ward, where Sarah Udall spoke, (sharing some experiences from the Pageant, she's in the middle)

She(who is one of my visiting teachers) gave a great talk as well. 

Then off to feed the masses(little mass) The tradish/delish dinner and host the egg hunt.  

Very nice.  

throughout the day I got to hear several talks and music on Mormon Chanel  What a beautiful reminder that some my favorites, some who have gone on before, I will get to be with them again.  

Because He Is Risen! 

 It is my testimony and a Happy Thought many a day!

I believe He Lives and loves me and you and I will meet Him one day.  

Monday

Then a great letter/email from Hermana Moffat came this morning. What a good weekend!  

Can I get an AMEN?

Happy Princess Day!!!

Happy Birthday Emily!  

Some of you out there may know that our Darling daughter-in-law sings, dances and acts, but in one of her recent projects she is the voice for this doll and it so happens that it's her Birthday today!  

Singing to herself now is Emily! 

We wish you a great day Emily and hope that you are treated like a princess and get to do something fun and adventuresome today.    

 Shameful plug alert:  Target has these cute dolls on sale this week!  Go pick one up for the princess in your life!  Emily brings to our family, energy with kindness, warmth and awesome hugs,  a quick and creative mind and willingness to share her  intelligence, a sweet and caring mommy for Jasper and a loving support for Jacob, just to name a few!  

Love you, and as you sang to us, Happy Birthday to You!!!

Giveaway!!!

A new little addition to the Snaps line up of cuteness.




In honor of Spring and Easter ahead and just plain old good form, I just posted this on 
Snaps! Cookies and Catering Facebook page: 

It's a Giveaway, kids!!

Cookies!  The new Lemon Snap! is getting yummy reviews!

 Get in on the fun - tell a friend too!

Giveaway!!! 

First the details, like, what you have to do, etc. then the prizes and perks.

For the giveaway to happen, we need to have 100 likes – 100! It’s not so many if all of you tell 100 of your closest personal friends.  It will happen in a – Snap!

Three chances to enter – each comment counts as an entry:

a.     Like Snaps! Right on Face book, it’s that easy! 

b.     Share this giveaway on your wall or page!

c.     Submit a “Snap!” *see below

Now the prizes – drum roll….. Two baskets will be awarded,  drawn randomly from the “likers” and the from those who comment.  (All on facebook - sorry if that's not your thing)You will be entered each time you comment.  Winners will be loved and honored on that page and will get to choose a basket from say…..   Thank You So Much, You’ve Been Egged, Oh Baby! – Blue or Pink, Congrats! Happy Birthday – WOW-MOM, Spring has Sprung, and more.  Think out of the box or basket and give some Snaps!

Oh and don’t forget to order your Easter snaps – for yourself or for your co-workers or boss, or family, or neighbors, you get the idea, right?

• Snaps are smart-aleck comments on the outside of cookies sleeves.  Meant to entertain only.  Snaps would never be crude or lude, just clever and funny!
• Eg: Large, round, soft, delicious cookie seeks tall handsome glass of cold milk for a long-term relationship! 
• Eg: Take me to your liter! (of milk)
• Eg: I got a fever and the only cure is more cookies!

I Have a Valentine!

Apparently, I have a Valentine. 

Flowers from My boyfriend!! 

My boyfriend has been making points.  Starting with the tulips, replaced with roses, like twice.  And this came yesterday... 

cuisinart part #DLC -877BGTX-1 of course - It's been MIA since a Pesto accident last summer, so sad

of course you know what it is, right?  What lover could be without it? I swooned, seriously, I was so excited.  And this came with it. A points multiplier for sure!!

Also trash has not built up in the kitchen for days.  We have been miraculously free of trash two week in a row.  

Just saying... making points.  

Makes it so, so easy to plan and pull off my yearly Sweetheart Dinner,  in honor of my boyfriend and also in honor of "our sweethearts" that we have together.  This year is slightly lower key and simplified, but will still be fun and awesome and there are a few surprises, shh... don't leak.....  But may or may not include some of my Boyfriend's favorite foods  - Steak and Mushrooms (with thyme - and as you know love is all about spending quality thyme) and Arizona Centennial Trivia and possibly some poetry, don't share that part especially, cause it might scare some of them off.  

Happy Valentine's/Arizona Statehood -Day.