Well, today is the last day of classes. I'm done with Pharmacology and I just have an in-class-essay for my English Final at 2:00. Travis' sisters and their families are all here. Traci and Keith and their 6 kids got here a week ago, Teri and Asia drove in around 1am on Tuesday night/Wednesday Morning, and Last night close to Midnight, Trinity and Sebastion (aka Seb) landed. Tonight, we're headed out to Northpole to visit a little bit-even though we'll see everyone bright and early tomorrow, but as tonight is our first homework free night, we're gonna go wild.
Tomorrow though is exciting, pray for us that the rain will break cuz we are riding the Train to Denali, and camping! Then, Saturday we're doing the Denali Park tour where you ride the bus into the park for several hours, and see lots of wildlife! (We hope their out!) I havn't done that tour since I was really little, so I'm excited. And, on the Train my dear Friend Laura will be onboard-she's been a train tour guide for several years now, so it'll be fun to see her. I'll be sure to take lotsa pictures and share on here, so to convince everyone they need to come see me and Alaska.
After Denali Trip, Sunday I'm subbing in primary again, our regular primary music leader is a registered nurse and works at the hospital. She has been schedualed to work on Sundays for the next couple of weeks, I'm happy for the oppoutunity to serve in that calling from time to time (as I don't have any other sunday callings, I've available!) And then in the afternoon we'll go to church with the rest of Trav's family in N. Pole, and that evening enjoy dinner with everyone and a family home evening family talent show (I'm gonna teach some dance steps-that way I'm really "Sharing" my talent).
Monday we're planning on a bbq and canoe ride (again, pray for some sunshine), and then Tuesday we're going to Eldorado Gold Mine (I'm gonna get rich, and eat lots of their yummy yummy cookies). Tuesday night I have activity days, where we'll learn about gratitude and write letters to someone and plan the next activity which will be a picnic. :) Fun stuff!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Lori's 2 Pie Crust Recipe
Love Lori!
And before I loose the recipe, I want to put it on here (so I can put it in my recipe collection later)
Makes 2 DELICIOUS pie crusts.
2 1/2 c Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 c shortening
1/2 c butter
1/2 c cold water
In Large Bowl:
Combine flour, salt, and aking powder. Mix, and remove 1/2 c of flour mixture to small bowl, set aside. Cut in shortening and butter.
In small bowl, pour water into the 1/2 c flour mixture, and mix till no longer lumpy. Now, combine this with contents of large bowl, and mix till it forms a loose ball.
Knead on floured counter 1 or twice then roll out to desired size. Trim edges and bake empty @ 350 for 12 mins, or fill and bake according to recipe.
Enjoy!
And before I loose the recipe, I want to put it on here (so I can put it in my recipe collection later)
Makes 2 DELICIOUS pie crusts.
2 1/2 c Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 c shortening
1/2 c butter
1/2 c cold water
In Large Bowl:
Combine flour, salt, and aking powder. Mix, and remove 1/2 c of flour mixture to small bowl, set aside. Cut in shortening and butter.
In small bowl, pour water into the 1/2 c flour mixture, and mix till no longer lumpy. Now, combine this with contents of large bowl, and mix till it forms a loose ball.
Knead on floured counter 1 or twice then roll out to desired size. Trim edges and bake empty @ 350 for 12 mins, or fill and bake according to recipe.
Enjoy!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Enriching Marriage
So, on Sunday, Travis had a talk. And Sunday's theme in both Sacrament and Sunday school was "Enriching Marriage." Let me tell you, listening to your husband talk about how to improve your marriage is a wonderful thing. He talked about the good, the great, and the best things we do/can be doing. His talk was assigned from this Elder Holland talk, but Travis and I both really enjoyed this talk he found while preparing his talk. It was said by Stefani, that these words of guidance can apply to all relationships, and that's true. So, if your interested, you can go read those. But, what was on my mind while Travis was on the stand is what I want to share.
You see, right after Travis and I moved into second ward, they asked us to speak, and we were the ONLY speakers that day, so, there was time left over. Hoping not to repeat that experience, I was thinking of what I could say if Travis ran out of time and asked me to come speak, and I guess it wasn't anything anyone but me needed to know right then, because I was not invited to speak....but, my thoughts went to the evening before our wedding, and the story of Elijah the prophet.
You see, Elijah was an amazing guy, probably one of my favorites. He was SO obedient, God gave him greater authority than any man to walk the earth (except of course Christ). By the authority of the Priesthood of Elijah, what is bound on earth is bound in Heaven, it is the whole basis for our ability to be sealed together in the temple. Anyways, the story I went to specifically was of the widow woman. After God sent Elijah to the wilderness for a time, he told Elijah to go to Zarapeth, in Zarapeth, God promised Elijah that a widow woman would sustain, or provide for him, that he should not starve. Obediently, Elijah goes. He finds the widow woman gathering sticks, and calls to her, famished, and asks that she get him some water. As she goes to get him water, he also asks her for some bread. And here the scriptures read,
Here, Elijah replies,
Now the next story in sequence of the book, is how her Son gets sick and dies. The woman, turns to Elijah, who becomes like a Christ figure, and takes her son, prays and asks God for her sons life to return. Mercifully, God answers Elijah's prayer. The Child revives, and Elijah brings him back to his mother, to which the woman says,
You see, right after Travis and I moved into second ward, they asked us to speak, and we were the ONLY speakers that day, so, there was time left over. Hoping not to repeat that experience, I was thinking of what I could say if Travis ran out of time and asked me to come speak, and I guess it wasn't anything anyone but me needed to know right then, because I was not invited to speak....but, my thoughts went to the evening before our wedding, and the story of Elijah the prophet.
You see, Elijah was an amazing guy, probably one of my favorites. He was SO obedient, God gave him greater authority than any man to walk the earth (except of course Christ). By the authority of the Priesthood of Elijah, what is bound on earth is bound in Heaven, it is the whole basis for our ability to be sealed together in the temple. Anyways, the story I went to specifically was of the widow woman. After God sent Elijah to the wilderness for a time, he told Elijah to go to Zarapeth, in Zarapeth, God promised Elijah that a widow woman would sustain, or provide for him, that he should not starve. Obediently, Elijah goes. He finds the widow woman gathering sticks, and calls to her, famished, and asks that she get him some water. As she goes to get him water, he also asks her for some bread. And here the scriptures read,
"And she said, As the Lord thy God Liveth,
I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel,
and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold,
I am gathering two sticks that I may go in and dress it for me and my son,
that we may eat it, and die."
"Fear Not; go and do
as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first,
and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and thy son.
For thus saith the Lord God of Israel,
the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail,
until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.
"And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah,
and she and he and her house did eat many days.
"And the Barrel of Meal wasted not,
neither did the cruse of oil fail,
according to the word of the Lord
which he spake by Elijah."
"By this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth."
Now, what I have written in my footnotes of my bible here is about how the woman went to Elijah, trusted him, and her family was saved. Physically and spiritually. If she had not had the faith to go to Elijah what would have happened to her? Now, likewise, the allusion I was getting to, from the night before my wedding-
Travis was sick. He had pink eye and a sinus infection. I was breaking out, we were both nervous wrecks. Thousands of miles from home, about to make the biggest covenants of our lives. For in the Temple, we would covenants to be together for eternity, beyond this world. beyond our mortal lives, we have chosen to be together, and promised God to take care of each other and to stay together. It was a big scary exciting joyful deal. But, Travis asked his dad and my Brother in Law to give him a blessing. It was a simple get well kind of blessing, but I had been hoping for words of comfort and assurance that we were making the right decision. Well, he didn't get that, so I asked for a blessing. And oh my goodness. I was instructed to draw closer to the Lord to draw closer to Travis, and promised beautiful blessings, words of peace and comfort were uttered. And I knew that this is for real, that we are in it for the long haul, and that Heavenly Father has promised to be with us every step of the way as we invite his presence in. Its a beautiful wonderful joy to know that my husband and I have the same life line. So far, everything has been what you call marital bliss (besides the silly arguments that get blown out of proportion, but we quickly forgive and make makeup). Everything has been working together beautifully, our car works, our apartment is financially government assisted, we have received unexpected school grants, and I feel bad talking about it, because I know how unusual it is. Sometimes, I fear that greater trials still lay ahead in our path, in fact, I know they do. That's life. But, right now, I am at peace, for as the Prophet Joseph Smith spoke, "I know in whom I trust; I stand upon the rock; the floods cannot, no the shall not overthrow me." And my husband stands on that rock with me. And that means everything.
One last thought on the whole subject, are words from Howard W Hunter. He said,
"Whatever Jesus lays his Hands upon lives. If Jesus Lays his hands upon a marriage, it lives. If he is allowed to lay his hands on a family, It lives!"
Mine lives, and Life is Great!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
So...I think I can Dance
I'm talking about FAMILY FUN
Get your fill on wholesome, praiseworthy and an activity of GOOD REPORT
This is the best VOLUNTEER project I've ever done
I'm supporting a good cause
and,
I'M DANCING
In DANCING WITH THE FAIRBANKS STARS.
Coming to a fair near you! (If you live in Fairbanks Alaska)
Best fundraiser of All time. We're not asking you to buy expensive wrapping paper, no cookie dough or pricey show tickets.
All you have to do, is come, watch, enjoy, and vote! (and you actually don't even have to vote, but we'd appreciate it--votes cost $1) Vote as much or as little as you'd like. All proceeds go to the Lathrop Ballroom Dance Team. As team "Alumni" I get to preform as a "professional" and I'm paired with a local celebrity (This year, Kevin "Lynch" Barnes of Magic 101.1 radio) We will be preforming a Foxtrot to "I Won't Dance" by Jane Monheit and Michael Buble. There will also be Latin routines, some swing, some theatre arts, it will be fun!
Mark your Calendars, August 12th
Tanana Valley State Fair
Big Top White tent!
Morning and Evening Performances (times are TBA)
my goal is to beat my sister and my former partner, rocky barnett. nothing like a bit of friendly competition eh?
My Apartment is Clean
My apartment is clean
It feels SO wonderful.
Now I have room to dance
AND
CHOREOGRAPH.
I really gotta work out this routine by soon so Kevin doesn't freak out.
We both need practice.
I have an awful habit of back-leading when something is choreographed.
It doesn't help.
But so far, its coming.
We are doing a FOXTROT to
Jane Monheits:
"I Won't Dance"
with Michael Buble.
LOVE IT.
Heres the song:
And I'm surpisingly pleased with my ability to choreograph this.
But, I guess the real test to my ability will be putting it to an Audience.
However, at Saturday Practice, people liked my steps and asked if they could use them. :)
that is the BEST COMPLIMENT you can give a choreographer.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Parmesan Broiled Tilapia
This is our newest family favorite. It was easy, and fast, made a very small mess (because I lined the pan with tinfoil)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup Butter
3 Tbs Mayonnaise
2 Tbs Lemon Juice
1/4 tsp basil
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp celery salt
2 lbs tillapia (spell?)
Directions:
First, preheat broiler, grease pan or line with tin foil (Hint, super easy clean up with tin foil!)
Next, mix in a small bowl the Parmesan, butter, mayo, and lemon juice. Then season this with basil, black pepper, onion powder, celery salt. Set this aside.
Now arrange the fillets into a single layer on pan, broil them a few inches from heat for 2-3 minutes, flip fillets and broil another couple of minutes.
Remove fillets from oven, and cover with parmesan mixture on the top side. Broil untill golden brown.
Enjoy!
***Note, I didn't have celery salt, used regular salt. Also, I added a sprinkle of garlic powder because I love garlic. And, I served it over noodles with butter/more parmesan (what can I say, I'm cheesy!). DELICIOUS!
Travis couldn't stop saying "Wow" and "This is SO good" I think he was shocked I could cook...we've done alot of hamburger helper and chicken Alfredo, there's not alot of flavor in those, so this was a very nice, easy, flavorful change. We'll definitely be eating this again and again.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup Butter
3 Tbs Mayonnaise
2 Tbs Lemon Juice
1/4 tsp basil
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp celery salt
2 lbs tillapia (spell?)
Directions:
First, preheat broiler, grease pan or line with tin foil (Hint, super easy clean up with tin foil!)
Next, mix in a small bowl the Parmesan, butter, mayo, and lemon juice. Then season this with basil, black pepper, onion powder, celery salt. Set this aside.
Now arrange the fillets into a single layer on pan, broil them a few inches from heat for 2-3 minutes, flip fillets and broil another couple of minutes.
Remove fillets from oven, and cover with parmesan mixture on the top side. Broil untill golden brown.
Enjoy!
***Note, I didn't have celery salt, used regular salt. Also, I added a sprinkle of garlic powder because I love garlic. And, I served it over noodles with butter/more parmesan (what can I say, I'm cheesy!). DELICIOUS!
Travis couldn't stop saying "Wow" and "This is SO good" I think he was shocked I could cook...we've done alot of hamburger helper and chicken Alfredo, there's not alot of flavor in those, so this was a very nice, easy, flavorful change. We'll definitely be eating this again and again.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Grant
That is what we will name our first baby boy (No I'm not pregnant)! The name Grant would be in rememberance and gratitude for the tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father.
Backstory:
Travis and I had very little money coming in during the last couple of months.
Travis and I had some big expenses that added up to more than the amount of money we had incoming
Travis and I had some savings we had to dip into
Travis and I didn't have much left in savings
Travis and I were concerned about making ends meet
So, we paid our tithing faithfully, trusting that it will be all be okay. Somehow we are managing, quite comfortably actually, so we were sure to express graditute in our prayers and tried to refrain from asking much.
And yesterday, Travis got a 2,000 deposit from UAF into his bank account. Say what??? Yup. We're very grateful. It really makes no sense where the grant came from, the Financial Aid office told us that there wouldn't be a summer grant for us (we missed the deadline or they don't have them or something) yet, here it is. We still feel poor as for dollars, but very rich in blessings!
Backstory:
Travis and I had very little money coming in during the last couple of months.
Travis and I had some big expenses that added up to more than the amount of money we had incoming
Travis and I had some savings we had to dip into
Travis and I didn't have much left in savings
Travis and I were concerned about making ends meet
So, we paid our tithing faithfully, trusting that it will be all be okay. Somehow we are managing, quite comfortably actually, so we were sure to express graditute in our prayers and tried to refrain from asking much.
And yesterday, Travis got a 2,000 deposit from UAF into his bank account. Say what??? Yup. We're very grateful. It really makes no sense where the grant came from, the Financial Aid office told us that there wouldn't be a summer grant for us (we missed the deadline or they don't have them or something) yet, here it is. We still feel poor as for dollars, but very rich in blessings!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
3 month Anniversary
That's right. We've been married for 3 months as of today, Sunday, June 12th. Its funny, every week when we go to Travis' parents house for dinner/to do Laundry, his dad asks me if I'm ready for an annulment yet. He cracks me up (actually, I choose to be cracked up because I have no idea how else I'm supposed to respond to such an absurd question....anyways...)
I'm still working on stinking thank you cards. Between school assignments and Laundry and cooking and chores, and taxiing Travis and I to and from school and work and home, they are coming along slowly. But, they are coming, and so Thank You to all who have helped us out, and patiently awaited our formal Thank yous-I promise, they are coming.
I'm still trying to get into the swing of this cooking food or go hungry deal. I don't know what I used to do, but the inexpensive way of eating is to buy parts of meals and then prepare them. I don't really know how to put together a balanced meal regularly and have some variety in there.....but on the occasion that we do have a bit of every food group on the plate, we find the food goes further (we feel fuller while eating less-imagine that!). So far, we've eaten alot of eggs in various ways (favorite is the eggs quesedillas I ate at Sids a bunch last summer) and we enjoy our very inexpensive Malt-O-Meal. I had never really had it, but Travis showed me how he liked it prepared and now he says I'm better at making it than him (probably cuz I'm not shy with the brown sugar). We also fell in love with Hamburger Helpers friend Chicken Helper, specifically the lemon chicken box. When I have more time I fully intend to learn to make that without the box.
We've also attended 4 weddings since ours (Nicole+Alex Hansen, Jacob+Jung Ames, Kendra+Stephen Tibbs, and Shannon+Amber Telling), and let it be known we also tied the knot before the royal wedding (that makes 5 weddings since ours).
We've made a nice little home out of our nice little apartment. Hosted a few guests (we wish we had more opportunity for this) and enjoyed watching the leaves come out and the beautiful Tanana valley go from white to brown to green.
Travis has a calling as an Elders Quorum Teacher-which he was humbled to receive. Here he is Mr Newlywed asked to teach these men who have been married much longer, and who have raised children, held long laborious careers. Travis is just the little guy. Its going to be a good experience though. He taught his first lesson today and people came up to him afterwards to tell him they enjoyed the lessons and that "it was the first time I was able to stay awake." I've been called as a Primary Worker. LOVE IT. I always thought the primary was scary (still do really) because if your not prepared it can be pretty rough, but these kids are so sweet. I've substituted the 3/4 year old classes, and lead singing time as a substitute once, doing that again next Sunday. Its been fun. What I'm most excited though about "Primary Worker" is my specific assignment to help with the Activity Day Girls. Right now our numbers are pretty low because of summer vacations, but the girls I have met already are awesome and sweet. They're excited to participate-I love that! Also, the Sister I work with is pretty much amazing. She's one of those people that you can't help but want to be like. And her baby girl is adorable, has the ward wrapped around her finger-or at least me. I think she's one of the cutest babies I've ever seen.
As for school, if you didn't know-we're both taking 6 week summer classes. They are the same course as you would get in a full semesters length, but crammed in really fast. Benefits and Problems to this. It means homework is due faster-it also means that it only takes 6 weeks, so instead of suffering through a whole semester of English, I only have to suffer through 6 weeks of it. In addition to English I have Pharmacology which I am taking so that I can finish school by December. Travis is in a Calculus III course, and Ethics 300 level course, and an English Technical Writing course. Plus he has his regular 20 hr work week. So the poor guy is busy busy! I've also started my Externship at TVC, and am loving it. I've completed 24 of my 80 front office hours, and in July I'll finish my 100 back office hours.
*Disclaimer* I have seen many people I know come into the clinic. I just want you to know you have no fear. HIPPA prohibits me from even mentioning to anyone that I saw you there, let alone why you were there. Of course, if you want to tell my mom you saw me there (like one couple did) then thats another story. But I cannot bring it up unless you bring it up. So don't get offended if I don't say "HEY! How are you? I saw you at the clinic! Feeling better?" That would be against the law. Its not that I'm not concerned, I'm just bound by law not to say anything. capeesh? But if you want to tell me "I'm feeling much better" and ask me how the rest of my workday went, thats fine. *Disclaimer over*
Anyways, thats the goings on up here at the Payton Place. Whats everyone else been up to?
I'm still working on stinking thank you cards. Between school assignments and Laundry and cooking and chores, and taxiing Travis and I to and from school and work and home, they are coming along slowly. But, they are coming, and so Thank You to all who have helped us out, and patiently awaited our formal Thank yous-I promise, they are coming.
I'm still trying to get into the swing of this cooking food or go hungry deal. I don't know what I used to do, but the inexpensive way of eating is to buy parts of meals and then prepare them. I don't really know how to put together a balanced meal regularly and have some variety in there.....but on the occasion that we do have a bit of every food group on the plate, we find the food goes further (we feel fuller while eating less-imagine that!). So far, we've eaten alot of eggs in various ways (favorite is the eggs quesedillas I ate at Sids a bunch last summer) and we enjoy our very inexpensive Malt-O-Meal. I had never really had it, but Travis showed me how he liked it prepared and now he says I'm better at making it than him (probably cuz I'm not shy with the brown sugar). We also fell in love with Hamburger Helpers friend Chicken Helper, specifically the lemon chicken box. When I have more time I fully intend to learn to make that without the box.
We've also attended 4 weddings since ours (Nicole+Alex Hansen, Jacob+Jung Ames, Kendra+Stephen Tibbs, and Shannon+Amber Telling), and let it be known we also tied the knot before the royal wedding (that makes 5 weddings since ours).
We've made a nice little home out of our nice little apartment. Hosted a few guests (we wish we had more opportunity for this) and enjoyed watching the leaves come out and the beautiful Tanana valley go from white to brown to green.
Travis has a calling as an Elders Quorum Teacher-which he was humbled to receive. Here he is Mr Newlywed asked to teach these men who have been married much longer, and who have raised children, held long laborious careers. Travis is just the little guy. Its going to be a good experience though. He taught his first lesson today and people came up to him afterwards to tell him they enjoyed the lessons and that "it was the first time I was able to stay awake." I've been called as a Primary Worker. LOVE IT. I always thought the primary was scary (still do really) because if your not prepared it can be pretty rough, but these kids are so sweet. I've substituted the 3/4 year old classes, and lead singing time as a substitute once, doing that again next Sunday. Its been fun. What I'm most excited though about "Primary Worker" is my specific assignment to help with the Activity Day Girls. Right now our numbers are pretty low because of summer vacations, but the girls I have met already are awesome and sweet. They're excited to participate-I love that! Also, the Sister I work with is pretty much amazing. She's one of those people that you can't help but want to be like. And her baby girl is adorable, has the ward wrapped around her finger-or at least me. I think she's one of the cutest babies I've ever seen.
As for school, if you didn't know-we're both taking 6 week summer classes. They are the same course as you would get in a full semesters length, but crammed in really fast. Benefits and Problems to this. It means homework is due faster-it also means that it only takes 6 weeks, so instead of suffering through a whole semester of English, I only have to suffer through 6 weeks of it. In addition to English I have Pharmacology which I am taking so that I can finish school by December. Travis is in a Calculus III course, and Ethics 300 level course, and an English Technical Writing course. Plus he has his regular 20 hr work week. So the poor guy is busy busy! I've also started my Externship at TVC, and am loving it. I've completed 24 of my 80 front office hours, and in July I'll finish my 100 back office hours.
*Disclaimer* I have seen many people I know come into the clinic. I just want you to know you have no fear. HIPPA prohibits me from even mentioning to anyone that I saw you there, let alone why you were there. Of course, if you want to tell my mom you saw me there (like one couple did) then thats another story. But I cannot bring it up unless you bring it up. So don't get offended if I don't say "HEY! How are you? I saw you at the clinic! Feeling better?" That would be against the law. Its not that I'm not concerned, I'm just bound by law not to say anything. capeesh? But if you want to tell me "I'm feeling much better" and ask me how the rest of my workday went, thats fine. *Disclaimer over*
Anyways, thats the goings on up here at the Payton Place. Whats everyone else been up to?
Picture Perfect #3
heh-just let me know when you get sick of the photos, or else I'll keep em coming!
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| It was good cake! |
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| who loves fun-fetti? I love fun-fetti! |
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| Who needs shoes? |
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| Mothers and Sons Dancing |
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| Daddy Daughter dance |
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| My musical Manda singing "Grow Old Along with Me" for us :o) |
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| These two are now getting married |
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| My gorgeous cake! |
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| I thought this was super sweet cuz thats mom and son in law dancing. Super sweet. |
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