Happy Day :)

Two weeks ago I met with the bishop and he extended me a new calling. But since last week was Stake Conference, it didn't become official until today in church. I AM NO LONGER IN PRIMARY! I am so excited! Since I married Josh almost 10 years ago, I have spent about 7 years serving in the primary program, so I am overly excited to be able to have a calling that is another part of the church services. I did have to go to primary one last time this week because the new piano player wasn't ready to take over. But starting next week I am the new Relief Society Chorister. Yay, I get to go to Relief Society!

I was so happy today, I actually made up a song and sang it to Josh.

"Today is my last day in the Primary.

The Primary.

The Primary.

Today is my last day in the PRIMARY!

And that makes it a very happy day."

I will admit I'm a little nervous about Relief Society and how it my stir up my feelings on infertility. But I've been anxious for a change in church callings that will give me a better chance at growth so hopefully this is just what I need. 

Bountiful Basket November 20

Last week when I picked up my Bountiful Basket, they told us that they were now coming to Ballard every week. At first I was excited because I LOVE Bountiful Basket. But then I reminded myself that we struggle to eat that much stuff in 2 weeks. There is no way I could do it each week and not have food go to waste. So I decided that I would continue to stick to the every other week schedule. 

Then on Tuesday I got an email that listed what the add ons would be this time. Add ons are stuff you can get in addition to your basket. This time they had the hostess pack for another $10. They didn't know for sure what would be in it, but they were hoping for pineapple, cranberries and fresh herbs among the items. I WANTED to get that! But you can't get just an add on, you have to get a basket first. So even though I just got a basket the week before and still had a TON of stuff left from it, I decided to get the basket this week too. 

The add on ended up having just as much food as the basket so I have a TON of stuff. In the picture below you can see all the new stuff on the table, but if you look at the dirty counter behind it, you can see a lot of the stuff from last week. ;) And I also got an add on of cranberry orange bread. It was 2 loaves for another $10. 

The basket this week has lots of goodies:

The basket had:

* 1 stalk of celery

* 4 red onions (there is only 3 in the picture because I gave one to Josh's grandma)

* 2 green peppers

* 5 red potatoes

* 3 tomatoes

* Lettuce

* 2 bunches of radishes

* 1 honeydew melon

* 9 bananas (I'm going to start freezing these)

* 8 Brae burn apples

*4 Asian pears

* 7 Concorde pears

*7 oranges

We've already eaten some of the celery, one red onion, one tomato, one green pepper and an orange. They are all so good!

The hostess pack also had lots of goodies.

The hostess pack included:

* green bags

* 1 package grape tomatoes

* 1 yellow onion

* 1 stalk celery (that I also gave to Josh's grandma)

* 2 parsnips

* 1 lb carrots

* 1 bag cranberries

* 2 HUGE yams

* 1 pineapple

* 10 lbs. potatoes

* Fresh Rosemary

* Fresh Parsley

* Fresh Thyme

* Fresh Sage

Parsley

Thyme

Rosemary

Sage

The kittens are always a nuisance as I try to bring in the basket, empty it for pictures and then put the stuff away. Even Pyro got in on the fun this time. 

PCOS Sisters

My very best friends in the whole world and I share something in common, we have PCOS. Because we have PCOS we all have to fight infertility to try to have a family. It is so hard dealing with infertility. One of the hardest things (at least for me) was feeling so alone. But these dear friends have made it easier because we all know what its like to dream of babies, hope for babies and loose babies.

Over the last year I have been able to form an amazing relationship with this ladies. We do EVERYTHING together. Trips to the city, lunch dates, cake classes, craft nights, we even pick up our Bountiful Baskets together. I have also stayed overnight with them just so we can go to the late show of "Eclisple". Besides my wonderufl husband, everything happy in my life is because of them. I would be lost without them in my life.

We frequently talk about even more we can do together. We talk about weekend getaways to spas, cruises and starting a local infertility group. Our friendship means the world to me. I know they are always there for me to listen to me whine and cry. I know they are there because I am always there for them.

One of the things we have talked about is our own take on a BFF necklace, but PCOS style. Kim was sweet enough to custom make some charm bracelets for us. I think we were all excited to get one last night. We hope to add charms as we do different things together.

Fondant Decorating Class: Week 4

Fondant has been my favorite of the three cake decorating classes I took. Its a bit of work, but I've decided each type of icing is a bit of work. But I always love the finished project so it is worth the effort.

Last night I started by finishing my Quilled flowers. I like how they turned out, but I liked Jessica's more. I made mine by forming each petal and then stuffing the smaller petal inside the outer petal. She made hers by making the smaller petal and then wrapping the outer petal around the smaller one.

While I finished my flowers Randi and Kim made marshmallow fondant. I was a little jealous because it looked like so much fun. You start by melting a bag of marshmallows with a little bit of water. Then when they are melted you add in powdered sugar and mix it with your hands. Then you knead it for several minutes. I can't wait to try it on my own. Plus it taste much better then Wilton Fondant.

I should have got my camera out and took pictures at each step. But I was running behind the others in class because I didn't have a vision for my cake yet.

You start by crumb frosting your cake with butter cream frosting. This helps lock the moisture in and it helps the fondant stick to the cake. After you roll your fondant out, you use the rolling pin to drape it over the cake. Then you smooth the edges down with your fingers and then a fondant smoother. I love how smooth a cake looks with fondant frosting.

I knew I wanted some color on it so I finally decided to add some stripes up the side. I will admit I probably rushed it too much. I didn't measure my stripes and I just eyeballed it when I put them on the cake. Then I needed a border to hide the stripes edges. So I used my flowers. I thought about adding my Quilled flowers, but I thought they would be too much so I decided to leave them off.

Here's my final project!

Randi is taking a break from classes for the holiday season, but she will pick back up in January. You can see a list of her class schedule at the top of her blog HERE. 



Bountiful Basket November 13

1 head of leafy lettuce

1 bundle of celery

5 lb. bag of Russet potatoes

6 ears of corn
1 acorn squash

15 Brussels sprouts

8 Tangerines

7 Fuji Apples

6 Concorde pears

9 persimmons

1 bag grapes

6 bananas

I think the basket picture is pretty, but I don't think it shows just as much food there is, so here is everything spread out on the table too. 

We already used some of the potatoes and last night Josh shared a Tangerine with me. They are so good.

Bountiful Basket October 30th Update

I did not do as well with my last basket. Here is a reminder of what my last basket had:

1 head of leafy lettuce

1 yellow crookneck squash

2 cucumbers

9 yams

4 tomatoes

a bag of green beans

6 pears

6 granny smith apples

a bag of grapes

7 bananas

1 pineapple

blackberries

Misc. sizes of tortillas

I didn't use the lettuce, grapes or the squash. I still have the cucumbers, tomatoes, a few of the apples and a few of the yams. I think I'll take the cucumbers and tomatoes to my in-laws tomorrow so they will get used.

I have eaten a few of the yams. My favorite way to eat yams is to peel them, slice them and then eat them just like you would carrot sticks or other fresh veggies. They are so good! They still are in good condition so I might just keep eating them that way. 

One of my friends suggested a dish for the green beans, Blue Cheese Green Beans. We used Feta cheese instead of Blue Cheese and we loved this dish. 

Josh was excited about the pears, but because of work he didn't eat them. So last night I made a Pear Tart. 

The pineapple was my favorite thing from the last basket. I LOVE fresh pineapple! We used it and the Bountiful Basket tortillas to make Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Quesadillas. Another night we used the Tortillas to make Apricot Chicken Burritos. The tortillas were so good. 

I froze the blackberries. I want to start making smoothies, but need a blender or a smoothie machine. 

It bothers me that he loves her more then he loves me

I've never had a cat that loved someone more then they love me. It bothers me that Buddy loves Ally more then me. I think its because she still lets him nurse. That's about the only time he purrs. Sometimes he will purr  for me if I let him chew on my hand for 10 minutes first. 

Book Club - "Baptists at our Barbecue" by Robert Farrell Smith

Last week our book club met to discuss the book Randi had chosen, "Baptists at our Barbecue" by Robert Farrell Smith. I've seen the movie and loved it so I was excited to read the book. 

Randi made a DELISH creamy potato soup and fresh rolls. It was so good! Then we settled in with popcorn to watch the movie. Its been years since I saw the movie, I thought they followed the book pretty good, except they left out my favorite part! When I read this part of the book, I couldn't start laughing. Josh had to check on me twice to make sure I was okay. I thinks is unfair it was left out of the movie so I'll post it here.

"I stood up and checked to see if I were leaving the couch as clean as I found it.

My heart stopped.

There on the cushion where I had been sitting was a spot about the size of a silver dollar. I sat back down as quickly as I could. 

Ian looked at me oddly. "Are you ready to go?" he asked.

"I..." I had no idea what to say.

"We really should be going," Ian said.

There was no way I was going to stand back up.

"What about a prayer?" I asked, trying to buy time.

"That would be nice," Ian said, realizing he should have suggested it before."Brother Crimsal, since it is your home would you like to call on someone to give a prayer?"

"I'd like to give it," I blurted out.

"Well, Tartan, that's up to Robert here."

"Please, Robert," I begged.

I had ulterior motives. If I could give a long enough prayer I might have a chance to clean off the spot while everyone had their eyes closed.

"If you would like to that much, go ahead," Robert said.

"Thank you," I said. "We all need to make sure we close our eyes out of respect for the one we are talking to."

Ian looked at me as if I were crazy.

All three closed their eyes and I began my plan. I started the prayer like any other prayer, but while I spoke I felt around for what I had spilled.

I knew it-- my consecrated oil vial had popped open. I had filled it up this morning in anticipation of these visits, and now it had done me in. My dark pants didn't show the stain, but the oil had leaked down the side of my pants and onto the couch. I continued praying as I tried to figure out what to do. I needed a solution fast. I was running out of things to pray for.

"And bless us that we might all be able to find the joy we wish we had, that we might know assuredly this earth is a place for us to live and to dwell one with another, brothers and sisters in harmony..."

No one was peeking yet, but I felt certain they were all growing weary of my prayer. I slowly stood up still praying and examined the stain. It wasn't huge, but there on the pure white couch cushion it looked to be the size of one of my mom's old vinyl records.

I was having a hard time keeping my voice directed toward the Crimsals. I needed to be able to turn around and clean the cushion.

"...help us to understand the true blessing of tithing. And let us know what though preferest we pay on, gross or net. Guide us as the seasons change..."

Facing them I put my hands behind my back and tried to flip the cushion over. It was no use. The cushion didn't fit unless it had the stained side up. I quietly pulled the cushion in front of me and then sat down on the couch where the cushion had been. Amazingly everyone still had their eyes closed. With the cushion in my lap I used the end of my tied to try and lift the stain out. 

"...we're thankful for today, that it's not tomorrow, and that there is still the possibility of the next day." I was scraping the bottom of the prayer barrel. "And let us be wise enough to make an extra effort in all we do, that no task will be left undone in the presence of others. And that time will treat us kindly, taking us from one point to the next smoothly and with peace of mind."

It was no use, I wasn't doing anything but making the stain worse. I scrubbed harder.

"And, and, and bless the weather that it will be nice this week, and that, and that if its' not we won't complain..."

Sarah was the first to peek.

She nudged her husband who in turn looked over at me in confusion. There I was, a grown man sitting where my cushion should have been, about six inches lower than Ian, scrubbing one of their couch cushions with my tie while praying for things so vague that even God must have lost interest.

The Crimsals started to whisper between themselves. Ian hearing them whispering cracked his eyelids and turned to look at me.

"Amen," I quickly said.

"What are you doing?" Ian asked.

It was no use, I had to fess up. I hung my head in shame.

"I got some oil on your couch," I said defeated.

(Taken from Baptists at our Barbecue by Robert Farrell Smith pages 143-145)

Now every time Josh thinks I need to laugh he says "We are grateful for today that it isn't tomorrow..."

New Haircut!

Last Friday I had my cousin Kim cut my hair. I love it! 

Its been awhile since I had a hairstyle this short; I forgot how easy it is to do my hair when its shorter. :)

Fondant Decorating Class: Week 3

Last week in cake class we started our Quilling Flowers. It ended up being a little bit more work then we planned, so Jessica and I went back this Tuesday to finish cutting out our flower petals, centers and leaves. We also used green paste and clear vanilla to cover our sticks. Then we set it aside and hoped it would dry well enough to use for class tonight. 

 Tonight we started class by assembling our flowers. I had issues with some of my centers so I re-cut some centers and will assemble my last two flowers before book club tomorrow night. (Wow, I've sure spent a lot of time at Randi's house lately. )

 After assembling our flowers we also cute out smaller flowers. I LOVE fondant. To me its like playing with play dough and tonight it was kind of like using cookie cutters. From the looks of my board I was caught up in the fun. We also made a few daisies. They are so much easier then making daisies with Royal Icing! 

We only have one more class left. We will learn how to make marshmallow fondant (so far we've only used store bought fondant), put fondant on a cake and then we will assemble our final projects. We won't be meeting for cake class for 2 weeks so I have some time to brainstorm about my final project. 

Formspring Questions Answered - Bountiful Basket

I have always wondered how much comes in the bountiful baskets, so I am glad you posted pictures. In your opinion is it worth the cost or is the cost the same if you were to go buy produce from the supermarket?

To me it is worth it, but that's because I make it that way. I do not buy fruits & veggies in the store because I know if I do, I will forget I have them and they will go to waste.

Going to get a Bountiful Basket is an adventure for me. :) I have to drive about 45 minutes to the pickup location so its time I have to commit on a day off to leave my house. I also go with my cousins and we each get one. We get so excited to see what we might get. So in a way, Bountiful Basket has made eating fruits & vegetables fun for me. And because I blog about it, I feel responsible to follow through. I was so mad at myself the first week when I had to post that my lettuce went bad.

For me personally, I don't know if I do save a lot of money because I end up giving away some of the vegetables because I am such a picky eater. Each basket contains at least 2 things I don't like so if I were to buy my own fruits & veggies I wouldn't even buy them. Hopefully we'll keep more once Josh is home more often. But on the other hand, it is opening my taste buds to new fruits & vegetables. I never would have tried Bake Cauliflower if I hadn't of gotten Cauliflower in my basket.

There is a blog that I follow that makes my Bountiful Basket less scary, http://basket411.blogspot.com. They do a price comparison each week which I think is pretty cool because you can get a feel for how much you are saving. Each week they use a different store to compare so some weeks they save more then other weeks. You can see the price comparisons at http://basket411.blogspot.com/search/label/price%20comparison.

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Ask me a question on Formspring. Also be sure to view my page there, I'm not posting all the questions and answers on my blog.

Halloween Night

Last night we went to a Halloween get together with Jessica & Andrew, Kevin & Calleen and Kim & Brandon (at their house). :) We had chili, cornbread, and Pumpkin Cheesecake and watched "Jaws". I was the only one there who had never seen "Jaws". I thought it was pretty good and I didn't even cover my eyes during the scary parts. 

Strawberry Bag

 A few weeks ago Basket 411 did a giveaway for some cute bags. My entry was one of 50 and wouldn't you know it, I DIDN'T win. :p 

Then last week Jessica called to tell me she had found a similar bag for a really good deal. I'm a fan of Pinching Your Pennies on Facebook, but I never really pay attention to it. But she had noticed they had the bag listed for $12 off, which made it only cost $1. So we both ordered one. :) 

I love how the bag folds up and stuffs into the strawberry pouch! So cute!

Close to My Heart October Pages

This month Janel had two different designs we could choose from for Halloween. I couldn't make up my mind, so I did both.

 I made both of the next pages in my first Close to My Heart group with Andrea.

 This page was so much fun to make! We put a few drops of ink in a bowl, then rolled a marble around in the ink. Then you put your paper in a box that is just big enough to fit the paper. You carefully dump the marble in the corner of the box and then gently roll it around on your paper.

If you want to order any Close to My Heart products, Janel has a website HERE.