Glenn Beck's Tribute

This clip touched me.
Enjoy.
(again, scroll down and pause the music first)

We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet

On Sunday Evening we lost our beloved prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley.

President Hinckley has always touched my heart. I always looked forward to hearing him speak. He was the prophet for most of my marriage, and I don't remember him not being in the First Presidency.
When the news came, I was shocked, and then immediately calmed. I was so overwhelmingly glad to think of him with his Sweetheart once again.


His humor was always so refreshing. I remember that at his 95th Birthday Celebration he said, '...let's do this again in 5 years.' So funny.

Also, he was advised by doctors to start 'carrying a cane.' That is exactly what he did.



He found many uses for it, from light-heartedly 'knighting' Elder Eyring as a member of the First Presidency,



- to waving to crowds of loving members of the Church.



We shall miss you greatly, President Hinckley.

Nicky's 3rd Birthday!

Our Little Man is now 3 years old!

No official poses. He was a little busy either opening gifts, or licking frosting. Enjoy the candids!


Family Tradition: Breakfast in Bed; on the menu- scrambled eggs, toast and fruit salad.



Lilly was very happy that it was Nicky's birthday. She was really excited for him.

Here is the cake that John made for Nicky! He was so delighted. :)






We had parachute drops from the upstairs complete with paper planes and army guys. The kids had a lot of fun.


It was so cute to see him giggle when we were singing to him! He was super excited and pure joy was all over his face.

All in all, a totally great time. I can't believe that he is three years old! Preschool next year and then we'll be off and running all of the time. I think that right now I will hang out and watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with him!
The Sunny Side: Potty training is right around the corner! (wait, is that sunny?)

Blog Snatching

I snagged a copy of my funny brother Greg's latest blog post.
Enjoy!

A Lunch with Matisse

Looking for an interesting place to have lunch, instead of the same old hoagie or soggy hamburger I took the suggestion to try the Kimbell Museum. (As a side note Kimbell- her first name, and the museum founder's grandaughter/namesake is a friend and client)

The museum truly is fine, a beautiful place that has a noteworthy permanent collection as well as hosting some of the most remarkable artists and exhibits I have ever seen.
I enjoyed curried chicken soup and a feta and spinach quiche with fruit salad, a delicious glass of wine with tomatoes and artichokes, and all at a table a foot away from an original Matisse relief.

Having enjoyed myself so much and feeling a little carefree and clever from the wine, I sent an e-mail to my client and friend.

"Dear Kimbell.
Had lunch at your museum today. The food was great and the place seemed clean. Love what you've done with the upstairs.
P.S. Borrowed a Matisse."

Her response came quickly:
"Glad you enjoyed yourself. Are sure sure you wanted just the one? It is a part of a set of four."

Word of the Year

As Seen On TipJunkie--

Thanks to the Inspiring Blogs of Great Women, I have thought a lot about what I would like 2008 to be for me.

I am a busy mother of 4 great kids; they range from a Freshman in High School to a busy, meddlesome Toddler. With a lot of irons in the fire, I often feel like I am just skirting the edges of what 'needs' to be done.

I am trying to make healthier choices; I am trying to organize my house (thank you Executive Homemaker for all of your great charts etc.); and I am really trying to love and blossom at all of the things that I am involved in.

I have decided that my Word of the Year will be:



The Sunny Side:
Choosing a word to help me focus my energy on has been a really neat experience. I don't really write down my goals, and for me this has been just that!

The Quiet Chair

Okay, so there are just some times when you are a parent when you have to just laugh,... and then get the camera.

Nicky has a bit of a listening problem. To be precise, he doesn't. He can, but sometimes he just refuses. We lovingly call him, 'the Brick.'

In all honesty, I can't remember what he was in trouble for that day. He was sentenced to the Quiet Chair. In general you have to stay there until you are quiet, and have reformed yourself, of course.

Nicky was on there for a LONG TIME. So long, in fact, that he fell asleep.



The Sunny Side: A great family story (with picture) for Future Bride to sigh and go, 'awww..'

The Stuffed Shoebox

In a desperate attempt to gain some sort of control over the slips of paper that are lovingly tucked and forgotten all over my home, I have started a second blog for such delightful finds.

I plan to post recipes, stories and other fun ideas.

The Stuffed Shoebox

Silent Scripture Sunday

Doctrine and Covenants 19:23

Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

Good Mail and Good Chocolate

Last week I commented on Holly's blog for a giveaway that she was doing. And guess what? I was one of the winners!



Holly made me a box of her special Christmas Star Ornaments. They are so lovely. The pictures don't quite show how beautiful they are! I picked white and I can't wait to put them on my tree next year! Also included in my little package of delight... chocolate! Lindt Truffles, chocolate mint, to be precise, and Ghirardelli hot cocoa mix; yummy! Bring on the cold front, Texas, give me all you've got. :)


The Sunny Side: Come on, do you have to ask! :)

Mormon American Idol Hopeful?

Okay, Okay, so now you know. I am an Idol watcher. It's true.

Now I have to say that before last season I only watched a few episodes of the first American Idol season. But last year, I started watching it with my big girls and we had a fabulous time! We got to sit on the couch and laugh and cheer and tear up together, twice a week for 4 months! Now, those of you who don't have teenagers (probably all of my audience) don't know what gold that is, but you will.

So we have been anxiously awaiting this season. They have been waiting for the entertainment, no doubt, but I have been waiting for my Big Girl time.

There were many stinkers, and a few gems. Brooke White was a definite shiny, bright moment. I am sure that she must be LDS; raised in Mesa, AZ and she's never seen an R-rated movie. Hmmm....

Enjoy the clip!
(you may want to scroll down and pause the background music first- I don't know how to turn it off without deleting it!)



The Sunny Side: A mormon Election Hopeful and a mormon American Idol Hopeful in the same year? It's going to be a wild ride!

Happiness Through April!

I know that everyone knows about Masterpiece Theatre's Jane Austen spring lineup, but here is the schedule in case you want to know when your favorites are coming up. (as if we won't watch them all--no DVR them all, watch them all, and watch them over and over, and subject our darling hubbies and all of our girlfriends to indulge with us!)

Persuasion was a delight. I haven't ever read the book, it is on my list, but I remember greatly the mid 90's version of the movie. Yummy! I may still like that one better, but this was a very lovely way to kick off our Delectable Spring.

What did you think?

The Sunny Side: Um, hello?

Silent Scripture Sunday

John 20:29
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

A man died and was resurrected and waiting in a room to be interviewed. Another man was ahead of him. The door opened, the man entered, and the door closed. The man on the outside could hear the conversation on the other side of the door. The interviewer began: “I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.”
“Well, He was born of Mary in Bethlehem; he lived thirty-three years, spending the last three organizing his church, choosing his Apostles, and giving the gospel to direct our lives.”
The interviewer stopped him and said: “Yes, yes, that’s all true, but I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.”
“Well, he suffered and died so that we could have eternal life. Three days later he was resurrected so that we might return to Heavenly Father.”
“Yes, yes, that is true, but I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.” The man, a little perplexed, again began: “Well, he restored the gospel in its fulness to the earth through Joseph Smith, reorganized his church, gave us temples so we could do work to save our dead. He gave us personal ordinances for our salvation and exaltation.”
The interviewer again stopped him and said, “All of what you have said to me is true.” The man was then invited to leave the room. After he left the door opened and the second man entered. As he approached the interviewer he fell upon his knees and cried, “My Lord, my God.”

Blog Bling!

Okay, so imagine my surprise when I found out that I was given an award for my blog! Wow.

Holly over at 2KidsandTired who gave me this award, said that my posts, 'always make me smile.' I am so glad. I am usually smiling when I post. Thanks, Holly!!

I named my blog Sunny Side Up because I want to concentrate on the funny, sweet, sunny sides of life.

Well, today, I couldn't seem to muster any sunshine. Do you ever have one of those days?
So I plugged off to my blog and received this very welcome blessing! The Lord really is good to us. He meets our needs and tells us He loves us through his other children.

A little ray of sunshine in an otherwise murky day--

--

And now to pass it along!

Well, there are many blogs that I consider 'treasures.' I'd like to pass along this particular award to Rochelle for keeping it real- and doing it with style and charm, Chanda for the fun and laughs and the great craftiness and to Casey for her faith and strength and sweet spirit.

I look forward to each and every blog post from all of my Blogging Buddies!

The Sunny Side:
And though it is often said that it is an honor just to be nominated... it really is a thrill to win, don't you think? teehee

Calling All Divas!

Okay, I don't know that I would call myself a diva, but I can dream, right?

I guess it is only fitting that I would be a 1950's diva since I love all of the classic movie divas. I mean, who wouldn't want to be Tippi Hedron, Eva Marie Saint or Sophia Loren?

You are a 1950s Diva

High heels, pretty dresses, classic makeup... You're a feminine beauty who knows how to play up her assets!

What Decade Diva Are You?

The Sunny Side: Somewhere out there, I have been called a Diva!

I Love Cheating!

Do not get alarmed, I have not lost my mind. (well, that is definitely up for debate...)

If there is an easier, faster way to do something... I will try to figure it out, and if you know about it, I want to know about it.

This weekend we had a dinner party with some of John's work friends and their families.

This is not us, but let's pretend it was this luxurious!

It was loads of fun. However... I had to confess that my delicious (if I do say so myself) lasagna :) was a total cheater recipe! And, in my excitement I said that I would post my recipe for all to enjoy. Now, I would have preferred to be thought of as a fantastic cook, using age-old italian recipes from my hubby's italian ancestors, but... there it is.

We love lasagna around here, (that could be part of my weight problem, but that is for another post!) but who has that kind of time? I mean, besides the time, who wants to wash three pots after dinner, either?

Tried the 'no-boil' noodles-- gag me. Totally mushy and grainy. Yuck! So, I invented my own process. I can have the lasagna on the table in 50 minutes. This is not a joke, please to not attempt to adjust your monitor.

Sweet Basil Lasagna

1 lb. ground beef
1 bottle Classico Tomato Basil spagetti sauce
1 can tomato sauce
1 large tub of cottage cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella or italian blend cheese
1/2 box lasagna noodles
salt
pepper
basil
parmesan
secret ingredient: 2 cups VERY HOT WATER in a measuring cup

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Brown ground beef; salt and pepper the meat; add spagetti sauce and tomato sauce; bring to a boil and turn off.

In a 9x13 glass pan layer:

meat sauce (just a bit to cover the bottom of pan)
lasagna noodles
*pour some hot water down the center of each noodle*
meat sauce (1/2 of it)
cottage cheese (half of it)
2 cups mozzarella
sprinkle with basil and parmesan;

Repeat the layers a second time
Discard remaining water

Cover with foil; bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 5 more minutes or till cheese is a bit browned.

Voila!

At the party, one of the runaway dishes of the night was a delicious apple dip dessert, so I would like to post it, too.
It is from my sweet friend Kelly. It is another super-simple recipe that is magically delicious!

Caramel Apple Dessert Dip

Wash and slice lots of apples; do not peel. She used Fuji, but she says that Red Delicious are yummy too.

2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 jar Smuckers caramel topping
Chopped pecans

Mix the cream cheese and the sugar (I presume with a mixer; I forgot to ask)-- correct me in the comment section, Kelly!
Spread the cheese mixture into the bottom of a glass pie pan, or any pan with sides.
Cover with the caramel topping.
Sprinkle with the nuts.
Garnish with a few apple slices (sticking up in the middle so people know what to do)
Serve beside the bowl of apples as a most delicious dip.

Enjoy!

If you have any crazy-easy recipes, please share!

The Sunny Side: Yummy stuff is easy to make, and people think that you are super-awesome! :)

Silent Scripture Sunday

For today's post I have decided to copy (since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery- teehee) Holly's tradition of Silent Scripture Sunday.

Matthew 7: 7-11
7 ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

I have the pleasure and great responsibility of teaching the young women at church. Today's lesson is on God the Father.

Our Father in Heaven is the ultimate loving parent. Think of all that you do for your children and the deep and abiding love that you have for them; how it grows and strengthens the more that you care for, teach and take care of them. Would we ever want to be out of contact with them? No! Would we do everything that we can to help and assist them? Yes! Do we sometimes have to let them learn things the hard and painful way? Unfortunately this is true. Do we spoil them by giving them their every frivolous wish? We shouldn't, but this is a tough one, isn't it?

Our Father in Heaven wants to help us. He wants to guide us and give us comfort and relief. He wants to give us all of the 'good gifts' of life.

I am very grateful to know that I have a loving Heavenly Father.

Enjoy your Sabbath Day.

And So It Starts...

Another January, and as soon as it hits I am thinking, 'I want to lose 10 pounds by Valentine's Day.' (not that I only need to lose 10, but... it sounds valiant, right?)

The problem? I am a lazy dieter. I can't stand counting, weighing, journalling.
I'd rather not eat at all than have to count it.

Problem #2? Voracious appetite late in the day. I won't even go there, folks, cause it isn't pretty. Let's just put it this way. I love food.

Problem #3? I am in the vicious circle of being too tired to exercise, and yes, I am well aware that I will get energy from exercise-- being aware of the right thing to do doesn't necessarily make it any easier.

Well, today I threw out tons of candy, froze some cookies and got all sorts of other junk out of the kitchen. That is my first step. One small step for me, one large step for my eating plan.

In the meantime, I wonder what is in the fridge? Pathetic, I know.

A Brand New Year

I can't believe that it is 2008!

I remember when I was a little girl and using all of my math powers to figure out that I would be a whopping 31 years old in the 'Year 2000." It sounded so far out there, and I thought that I would be an old lady!

Now we are just 2 years away from the 'space odyssey' year of 2010. Unbelievable.


So, it is both comforting and disappointing to know that not much has changed, and then again everything has changed in the 'new milennium.'

I remember when the pocket calculator was invented. (my kids laugh at this)



I remember seeing the rooms full of computers on tv and being told that one day there would be a computer in every home. No one believed it, I mean who has that kind of room?


I remember going to the computer lab to type out papers in college and printing them out with the lovely dot matrix printer-- yes, I am aware that most of my audience isn't quite sure what that is... but maybe there are a few out there who are dinosaurs like me.


Our first video game system was ATARI and we absolutely loved PONG. I mean, get a load of those graphics!




I remember when the key fob was a novelty, no, a LUXURY.



When I was a kid, we just bounced around the car on road trips. There were no seatbelts in back seats.



Back in the Stone Age, we would run around the neighborhood for the entire day and our only rule was to come in when the street lights came on. If mom pulled out the whistle because you hadn't shown up yet, then you were in BIG trouble.



Our first cell phone was the thickness of a few decks of cards.



I think this might actually be it. It was the first 'flip phone'. Very cool. Our kids laugh at this, too.

But some things haven't really changed.

Kids still mimick daily life in their play. There are a few differences, though. When my older two girls played 'telephone', they would stand it up on the table or pretend to hang it on the wall when they were through. My younger kids, however stick it in their pocket or purse!

Kids still try to pull the wool over their parents' eyes, but now we are the ones with eyes in the backs of our heads. I didn't even notice them growing there!

Technology still dates us. I mean, Maddy's first cell phone didn't even have a camera, hello! Wait till she tells that one to her kids!

Girls still hang posters of hearthrobs in their rooms. They get giddy as they get ready for dances, and can talk and giggle into the wee hours of the morning. (can you tell that we just had a house full of giggling teenage girls here last night getting ready for the New Year's Eve dance and then talking about the results of said dance for hours?)

So the point of this post? None really. I am just amazed at the year. This is the year that I turn 40. The year that I would be really old according to the childhood me. And it is here.

Bring It On!