Unexpected Artistry

Magic Peanut Butter Cookies!

2010-02-12T07:54:00.001-08:00

It was the super bowl and TJ started a tradition of everyone joining for the festivities. The men enjoyed the game and the women the commercials with lots and lots of food throughout the process. TJ missed it this year because he moved to Utah but we held it any way (not as much shouting from the family room, kind of calm) (TJ, you should think of joining us next year) I do like to try new recipes and this one jumped way off the page calling to me. I found the recipe on the web site Tasty Kitchen (The Pioneer Woman's outlet for the cooks that follow her), posted by Karly Campbell thanks Karly . It's my new favorite cookie. The recipe follows at the bottom of the page, or click on the link and go right to the recipe.

I only changed one small way that they cookies were made and that is that she said to make 30 balls (cookies) but I found it easier to make them into 32 by dividing the dough into fourths, and then divide equally again and again until I had 32 of both the filling and the dough. I find this easier than guessing and making 30. What can I say I need structure, I'm not for much free form. OK, I have issues, but if you know me you already know that.
Dividing the dough.
Rolling the peanut butter/powdered sugar into balls for the filling. It is wonderfully yummy!
My hands don't look so wrinkly on this side just a little pink and I thought that the undertone of my skin was yellowish.

Make sure to completely cover the filling with the Chocolate/Peanut Butter cookie dough.
I then placed them seam side down on my cookie sheet. I love, love, love my silpat mats. I ordered them from ebay (huge ones, and then cut them exactly to fit my cookie sheets, all four of them) boy do they make cooking and removing cookies easy. I also use them for candy making, just pour the candy or carmel corn or whatever you don't want to stick out on the sheet, this way you save having to butter a pan and save a few calories so that you can have more cookies or candy, it's a win/win and easy.
Then I dipped a glass in granulated sugar and gently pressed down on the dough and you get great looking and tasting cookies.

Out of the oven and ready for their fate of making us smile and say yum.
Putting out the cookies for the game, see I'm leaving another spot for the other two types of cookies that I made.
One bite leads to another, and soon they are all gone. Just look at the creamy filling surrounded by a crunchy chocolate/peanut butter cookie. I know you want some!! Better get cooking, it's not too late today.
Just wanted to add this picture, it's our new glasses, yes!! we needed new glasses. I love dishes/glasses and this set was calling our name it's a Riedel, they are crystal but-- a new crystal without lead-- instead they add titanium and their feel is so light yet strong (a little on the pricy side). They are wonderful. Doesn't the milk (in the previous picture) look perfect in the glass?
ENJOY!!

Magic Peanut Butter Cookies

FOR THE COOKIES:

• 1-½ cup All-purpose Flour

• ½ cups Cocoa Powder

• ½ teaspoons Baking Soda

• ½ cups White Sugar

• ½ cups Packed Brown Sugar

• ½ cups Butter

• ¼ cups Peanut Butter

• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

• 1 whole Egg

• _____

• FOR THE PEANUT BUTTER FILLING:

• ¾ cups Powdered Sugar

• ¾ cups Peanut Butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a small bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. In a large bowl, beat together the sugars, butter, and 1/4 cup of peanut butter until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and egg. Slowly mix in the flour mixture. Set aside.

For the peanut butter filling, combine confectioners’ sugar and 3/4 cup peanut butter. Beat together well. Roll filling into 32 small balls. Try to keep the balls all the same size—around 1 inch.

For each cookie, use 1 tablespoon of chocolate dough and roll into a ball (32). Squish the ball of chocolate dough flat and place a peanut butter ball in the center. Wrap the chocolate dough up and around the peanut butter ball to completely cover. Place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Dip the bottom of a glass into white sugar and use the cup to lightly flatten the cookie balls. Bake for 7-9 minutes.

Lassi!!

2010-01-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

Here is the recipe that I used to create the Lassi for Connie's Indian feast a couple of weeks ago . . .

Bhanu Hajratwala’s Mango Lassi

Serves 4-6

1 big can (30oz) of sweetened mango pulp

3 cups of buttermilk

1 cup water

5 Tbsp sugar

pinch of saffron (optional, but recommended)

1. Blend all ingredients together. (note: if your blender can’t handle all the liquid at once—then put in half the mango, half the buttermilk, all the sugar and the pinch of saffron to make sure the sugar is dissolved and the saffron blended. Then you can add the rest of the mango, buttermilk and water to the blended stuff in a pitcher and just give it a good stir.)

2. Serve over ice or well chilled.

Don’t you love a simple recipe sometimes? I don’t know why every other Lassi recipe I’ve seen has been made with yogurt—the buttermilk is way better in it and the pinch of saffron is just brilliant. It gives it a little exotic aftertaste that is not really place able, but really makes the Lassi special.

Enjoy!!!

Banana Brunch Cake

2009-12-17T08:09:00.000-08:00

I (Mark) don't bake that often. I have this favorite recipe that is worth sharing: enjoy!

Banana Brunch Cake

_______________

1/2 C. butter ( I use canola oil to cut down my cholesterol)

1 C. sugar

2 eggs

1 C. mashed bananas

1/2 C. sour cream

1/4 tsp. vanilla

2 C. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

Cream butter and sugar together beating constantly. Beat eggs in one at a time. Mix in banana, sour cream, and vanilla.

Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Fold into creamed mixture just until moistened.

Sprinkle 1/2 topping into a well greased bundt pan. Spoon 1/2 batter over topping. Sprinkle remaining topping over batter, then cover with remaining batter.

Bake @ 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes.

When baked let cool for about 5 minutes then turn out upside onto a plate to finish cooling.

Topping

_________

1/2 C. chopped nuts

1/4 C. sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon ( I always add more!)

Scott's Graduation from CSUSB in Accounting!

2009-12-13T15:24:00.001-08:00

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Scott Mark Hendrickson walked in his commencement ceremony for his completion of his Bachelors of Science in Accounting from California State University San Bernardino. His finished his schooling in August and already has his diploma but got the opportunity to walk. He graduated with Honors!!

Scott and Amanda--both glad that this part of his schooling is done. Now his 4 CPA tests to pass!
Here he is with his money donors.
Grandparents Bill & Jean Fiet--, his sister Jodi and her husband Robby were also there being very supportive (didn't download a pic, sorry).
Also his In-laws Ken and Penny Marks, Ken's parents (oops, don't know their first names) Grandma & Grandpa Marks, and Amanda's brother Cameron were there.
And the man of the hour with a rainbow of tassels and ribbons around his honored neck. If you watch the 3 minute video you will see that he was the very first one of the day to receive his bachelors degree. (masters program went first, but he was the first undergrad to walk.)

Finley's Quilt

2009-11-11T13:28:00.000-08:00

I was a little behind on the Grandkids quilts. I finished Caleb's and then I did a mad dash to get a quilt made for Finley. Jodi helped me pick the pattern and I had a roll of "Jelly Roll" fabric by Moda so it actually went pretty quick. I agonize way to much over fabric choice when I'm working on a quilt and then when I'm finished I feel fabric retarded, so this took all of the stress out fabric choice. A Jelly Roll is 40 - 2 1/2 inch wide strips x 42 inches long of coordinating fabric sold as a roll. Already cut and matched, the easy way out, and I took it.

Here is the finished quilt, it had 5 "Braids" of alternating fabric I really tried to be random when sewing another fabric to the braid. I finished it off with a small pink 1 inch border, and then added polished cotton pink stripe with a small white lace in-between. I like the look but I don't know why with all my weirdness the border seemed a little wavy. I don't like wavy! I like straight!!
This pic is actually before it was finished and I was pinning the "sandwich" together on the parlor floor so that i could machine quilt it.
Finley with her quilt.
I hope the it brings her happiness and warmth for many years to come.
Finley even seemed to like the color choice and appears to be looking and picking out her favorite fabric in the quilt. I love you forever Finley.

She's At it Again!

2009-10-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight Connie was serving a dinner for The Stake President's from around the area and visiting General Authorities. They were gathered for some priesthood training and Connie was in charge of the dinner! She feeds the sisters of the stake spiritually, gives them counsel and guidance, and often feeds others at a variety of functions! She just fed all the sisters before the General Women's Broadcast, and now this tonight! She is, what we sometimes call, the RS caterer.

Her counselor Tupou'ahau and other helpers

Kim Allen - who made the desserts!

lovely server helpers

Breaktime, already?

Aidan at the Beach

2009-10-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

Mark, Jodi, Robby, Aidan, Finley, and I went to the beach for Labor Day. I know it's been about three weeks, but I had to post this. The Baird's haven't even seen it yet. Aidan made friends with a girl and she was playing on the beach with him, A huge wave came up (washed alot of peoples stuff away, not ours yeah!) and it made a huge puddle (for lack of a better word) close by and the played there for quite a while. Then she had this great idea. Boy did Adian have fun, and a little fright, but they did this several times with Aidan always asking for more, she was patient. Enjoy the wild man.

Summer Concert Series! Music

2009-09-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

This summer we were able to go to several concerts (boy are we varied) and had a great time enjoying the music, the entertainment, and the wonderful friends who shared these evenings with us. Here is a banner from the last concert, it seemed appropriate!

We attended the LA County Fair on opening day to see Al Green and the Spinners in concert. The LA Fair in always an experience. We did a lot of the usual things, the Art building, looking in the buildings for all of the winners in their varied entries, the flowers, looking for Piggy Wigglies (never found them), a tradition we couldn't continue, how sad (it's true Utah daughters, no Piggy Wigglies). But we did find Chocolate covered Bacon, but alas it didn't have the appeal for me. Here we are waiting sooo patiently in our seats. Notice the corn dog.

Here is a pic of "The Spinners" they were very good at motivating the crowd. We did get to see and enjoy all that they had to offer.
Who could not enjoy yellow suits? But with our seating situation during Al Green we heard him but couldn't see him, lots of Gospel, lots of his great deep voice. It was a fun night. Here is the true pic of the night, the fair in all of it's glory, complete with fair food.

In between these concerts we went to see Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire, at the Ontario Convention Center. No pics of the event but we really did go. We went with the Ellsworth's and the Kirtley's. If you know me you know I really like Chicago, but I was disappointed, they sounded like a cover band, not the band of my youth. I had tickets to Chicago when I was 16 but wasn't able to go (you know teen age drama, boys) and I have been waiting a long time to finally see them in concert but something happened, they turned old! and many members were missing. Yikes. I thoroughly enjoyed Earth, Wind & Fire, particularly the percussion guy. Great entertainment, great stage presence. Speaking of entertainment there was a women close to the stage dancing, and her moves were indescribable and entertaining, laughs are always good.OK, so I alluded to our trip to the Hollywood bowl to see Aretha, and we went to the Hollywood Bowl again last night to see Diana Krall so I'm going to combine pictures from the two because I didn't take a camera either time and Lisa did the first time , so I stole some pics off her web site and Tada! here they are. It was a great night with great friends. The Gamboa's, The Kirtley's and us, what fun, what great music. We all contributed to our meal in the park (part of the Hollywood Bowl tradition) and the food was great which added to the evening.

Looks almost like a Barbie Dress, I said almost! If was a very warm evening, and she wore the fur coat through her performance. Show a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T, the woman can still sing and belt it out. I was impressed she never sat down during her performance except to play the piano briefly. She was impressive, and a great performer.

Diana Krall was spectacular! She was my favorite concert. I only had 5 songs of hers on my ipod, but there are more now. What a great performer, moving music, multi talented, all around enjoyable evening.

Check our her sultry voice, and music.

A summer of music, friends, and fun. I guess it really started before summer when we went to the Belly Up Bar to see James Morrison who put us in the concert mood. I hope there aremany more concerts in my future.

Caleb's Quilt

2009-09-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

Caleb is already one year old, and it has taken me awhile (long) to finish his quilt that I started before he was born.

Just look at his face saying "Am'ma, what's taking so long, tears and all. I love the colors of this pic.

Here's my favorite man holding up the quilt for the pic. He also packaged it up and sent it off for me. I choose a vintage fire-truck material for the focus. Drawing from the colors of the fabric I added my accent fabrics. When I was trying to decide what to do in the corner pieces, the thought came to me Dalmatians, so that was the inspiration for the paw print and the dalmatian dots. I added a yellow fleece/soft fabric for the backing. I love the playfulness, but got a little speedy in machine sewing the whole thing together, and so my stitching isn't always "in the ditch" as I would like it to be. Slow down next time.

LOVE YOU!! Caleb

I hope it comforts you and snuggles you because I can't be there as often as I would like to comfort and snuggle you.

Here is close up of the quilt, Heidi showed me how to do paper piecing, and the results were fabulous, the points are all perfect. But I wouldn't to it again unless it is a very special project. It was so time consuming, glueing all the pieces to the paper, folding all the lines, sewing the lines, and then carefully removing all of the scrapes of paper. Perfect points, perfect matching of seams=lots of time.

Caleb--Enjoy!

Texas Visit - Part II - The Renovation

2009-09-02T16:21:00.000-07:00

Steve and Darla, and their family, have been restoring a 114 year old 'farm house' from the 'historical' section of town. I say 'historical' because although it is a historic house (it was built by one of the three founding families of the community) the city does not value it's historical properties and does nothing to save structures such as this one. The home is around 3500 square feet with an additional 1500 square foot porch that wraps around 3 sides of the house. The first floor has 13 foot high ceilings and the second floor has 9 foot high ceilings. The home had just been saved from squatters by the county and was about to be put on the market when Darla spotted signs posted (she ran home to get her binoculars to see what the they said) that declared the premises uninhabitable (to get out the vagrants). She did some detective work and found the bank that owned the property. She negotiated a favorable deal - realizing that they were in for a great deal of work, but recognizing the properties potential. They have done a remarkable job - ask them to see the before pictures sometime! - and will have a fantastic homestead for Hendrickson texans! I had so many photos that I decided to follow the great example of my friend Ken and put them into a slide show for ease and speed - - - enjoy! sorry I can't explain each one . . . oh - also the pictures at the end are of the where they live now. The music is "Strike Two" by Joe Sample from his Ashes to Ashes CD.

Visit to Texas - Part I (Todd's Farewell)

2009-08-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

I am a bit slower than Heidi to get my pictures up! I have decided to split my Texas blog into three parts. So here is part one: Todd's farewell

Here is the missionary himself! The flag of Chile is very similar to the flag of Texas - the colors of decorations reflected the flag (red, white and blue).

Steve and Darla getting the tables ready . . . .

Darla getting the food ready . . . . .

I think this is last of this kind of hugging for 2 years. Here is Todd with his "other sister" Angela.

. . . friends from Lufkin 1st Ward

Steve and Darla with their guests having a good time . . .

Here is Ryah with one of her best friends . . .

here is (future missionary) Gabe mugging for the camera . . .

Todd with some of his friends (members and non-members)

here is proof I was there! This was taken after church on Sunday - Gabe was very quick to get out of his Sunday clothes - so we 'hid' him in the back!

Had a great time and Todd gave a very nice talk in church and will be a great missionary!

See Heidi's blog for pics in Utah. Look forward to part II - (progress on the 114 year old house they are renovating).

MAMA MIA! Birthday Pizza for Scott (beginning)

2009-08-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

Although Scott's birthday was last month, he never got his birthday dinner! He chose homemade pizza and we celebrated (again!) his birthday. Connie made the traditional pepperoni pizza with thick crust. She also experimented with a chicken pizza with pesto and a thin crust. Here is how it all went down:

Here is the 'birthday' boy with Amanda ready to dig in.

here is our master chef . . .

and her helper - I didn't do much: made the floats, set the table, and cheered (took photos).

I must admit - the floats looked and tasted great with the pizza!

Keep reading the 'next' - as I messed up in my 'publishing'

MAMA MIA! Birthday Pizza for Scott (continued)

2009-08-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

oops - here is the rest . . . . .

luckily, Connie picked a perfect melon!

the pepperoni pie before it went into the oven . . .

(a picture worth repeating)

here is the artiste at work!

here is some of the raw ingredients for the dough - flour, natch . . . .

but also cornmeal!

This is the finished rolled out thin crust pizza dough!

here are the ingredients for the pesto: pine nuts, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh basil (out of our garden), and parmesan cheese. Don't forget a pinch of salt and /or pepper.

spread the pesto onto the dough . . . be a bit more generous than this!!

. . . add grated cheese . . .

then the chicken is placed on the pizza . . .

the pizza is removed from the preparation pan onto the pizza stone that has been warming in the oven. Cornmeal helps the pizza to slide off the metal sheet onto the stone (this time it did not work! cornmeal seems to have 'stuck' to the dough).

this is the cooked pizza coming out of the oven . . .

sometimes the best way to cut a pizza is with kitchen scissors!

Bon appetit!

for the recipe to make the dough:

Pizza Dough

15-20 minutes at 425 degrees (watch)

1½ cups warm water

1 package yeast

4 teaspoons flour

1 teaspoon honey

Mix first 4 ingredients in blender, then let sit for 30 minutes (15 minutes on warm days)

4 cups flour

½ teaspoon salt

add last two ingredients to yeast mixture.

Knead for 10 minutes.

Let rise for 45 minutes until doubled.

Punch down.

Divide in 2.

Dough is sticky (no oil), keep hands wet, spray pan with PAM.

Spread dough to edges of pan,

Add toppings.

Dough can be prepared and frozen for 2 months. Thaw at room temperature

----------------------------------------

or check this out RECIPE

Corona Del Mar - 1st Beach Trip for Finley

2009-08-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

Mark's last blog for his school assignment:

Summer must include at least one trip to the ocean. If you live in Southern California, multiple trips are desirable. One of the most enjoyable, but also stressful, experiences is going to the beach with children that are experiencing it for the first time! Connie (where are the pictures of her? I think she was behind the camera most of the time!!) has already blogged about this visit to the beach, but I decided to add a couple more photos and some comments for my last blog assignment for school.

Here is Aidan (one of my nine grandchildren) and I. Corona Del Mar is one of the best places to take children. There is a side of the beach near the Newport harbor where there are no waves. Parking is really close to haul all of your stuff (with children there is more to carry). There are tide pools at low tide to explore with your children.

Aidan really was interested in the seaweed that had washed up on the beach. He carried it around, even though it was as big as he was!

Of course, at the beach you just have to have fun - and there was plenty of time for that. Aidan and I were covered in sand and got drenched in the small waves and had the best time!!

my grandaughter Finley was at the beach for the first time and wasn't shy about having the full experience. She 'ate' plenty of sand. She was not afraid of anything. I think she looked beautiful in her bathing suit and preppy hat!!

For more information about Corona del Mar click on it. One note on parking: the main beach is considered part of the state parks systems, but is operated by the city of Newport Beach. Discounts that one may possess for state parks are not honored.

George & Dora Hatch reunion!

2009-08-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

I went to Arizona for Pioneer Celebration/Heritage and George P & Dora Palmer Hatch family reunion. It was a wonderful reunion planned by my cousin Jodi. She put in so much time and thought into everything and it showed, even though my pictures don't show all the fun that I had.

The reunion started on July 16th at 1:00 pm, Patti was only able to come for Thurs. so off we went with our parents for our own personal tour of Taylor and the surrounding areas in the morning. My mother was born in Taylor and spent many a year there. But she was funny and she said frequently "I don't remember that being there", well you moved over 60 years ago. I hope things have changed.This museum in the former general goods store of my great, great grandparents, Alma & Alzada Palmer. His original store was in Snowflake and later he purchased this building in Taylor for his store. Alma Z. Palmer was one of the very first settlers in this Northern Arizona area, and many of his descendants still live there.
His wife also has a very interesting history and story, here is a short read about Alzadas' history.
George P. and Dora Palmer Hatch are my Grandparents. They owned this store until my mother was 6 years old. They lost their business because of the generosity of my grandfather and giving many, many people (and family) in the town; credit. The people couldn't pay so the store was lost, (George burned the very large stack of credit receipts so no one would know who owed him and be embarrassed).
All of these Palmer/Hatch descendants had a store in this building for a while.

This is headstone of my Great Grandparents John & Jane Hatch (Mary Jane Standifird), George Phineous Hatchs' parents.
Here is the resting place of Katy Hatch (my Grandfather's sister), scroll down a little farther for more information about her and her short life. She is buried next to her parents in Taylor, Arizona cemetery.
Now I'm in Woodruff, Arizona in the small cemetery there. As you can tell it is a very desolate place. I think it was 110 degrees while I was there. Her husband and his other wives are buried in Utah, and she is here alone. The life of Alice Hanson Hatch link.
This is a picture of the damn in Woodruff as it stands today. Lorenzo Hill Hatch was called to Northern Arizona to colonize, and one of the first things that they did was to build a damn so that they could farm. The stones were huge, and the first three damns would wash out during the rainy season because of the great rainfall. This fourth one was built a little farther up the river and has stayed today. Amazing.
Here are my parents at the Woodruff damn, we spent the week together. I slipped back into the daughter roll and let them take me where they wanted (I played the part well, sitting in the back of the car with my ipod).
Jodi and her husband Keith arranged for us to go horseback riding while we were there, mine was a very short ride (I wasn't feeling well), but enough for a picture.
The next day we drove to Pine Top, AZ to go to the Katy memorial but first we stopped and had lunch together and told the story of her life (we were kicked off the land by an Indian Marshall even though we had a permit), but he guided us straight to the memorial that was on Indian land but we were allowed to be there.
The Katy story is a part of my history, I remember my mother telling me this story when I was young and I remember it being sad but oh, so intriguing, and then as an adult making me weep as I viewed this story as a mother. Grab a kleenex and read her story, told by Katy's sister who was 11 years old at the time. Here is a shorter version from the news paper if you would like a short read.
Everyone in this picture is one of the originals (my mom and her sisters), and then first cousins and their spouses. There was another pic took of everyone that came to the monument grandkids, great-grandkids, and so on, but too many people.
Here I am after shooing the little kids off the monument (there are three kids behind, they didn't want to leave). So many places I went, so many people I saw that I hadn't seen in a while. It was a great blessing to be able to go and share my genealogy with so many wonderful family that I love. Thanks for a great reunion at the land of my (part of)heritage.

Argentine Licuado

2009-07-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

The latest post from Mark: When I was a young man on a mission in Argentina, I would often go to a street vendor and purchase something that was called a "licuado". They would have blenders and bins full of cut up fruit and whip us up a frozen beverage that was very refreshing! When I returned to the states and later was married I missed the licuado and created my own recipe from the memory of what I saw them put into the blender. It was very simple:

first I start with ripe fruit. Bananas are my favorite. I also really like apricots, peaches, and strawberries. Use whatever is on hand (and about to be thrown out for being over-ripe!) Two bananas are just right. Use the equivalent amount of other fruits

In the blender: pour just enough milk to cover the blades. Then add your fruit. Add some sugar - I just pour some in - about a quarter of a cup. Begin to blend. Hint: if it doesn't want to blend at first, try the "pulse" or "chop" setting.

Get some ice ready in a bowl (16 to 20 cubes as pictured). Add the ice to the running blender one at a time.

The licuado will begin to 'thicken'. When it is the consistency of a milkshake then you know that you have added enough ice!

Now comes the good part. Pour the licuado into two tall glasses . . .

and . . .

Enjoy!!!!

If you don't have a blender - here is a website to help you pick one out. If you think you need the 12,000 dollar one, I recommend that you take a trip to Argentina instead!!

American Lion

2009-07-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest post from Mark:

I was given the book "American Lion - Andrew Jackson in the White House" (Jon Meacham, Random House paperback 2009) as a gift for Father's Day from my son. I had hinted that I would like it. It has been a wonderful read. I am about a fourth of the way through it. Here is a couple of 'fun' facts that you may not be aware of: he was the 7th president of the United States. He was in his early 60's when he took office. His wife passed away suddenly just a few weeks before the inauguration ceremonies. His niece (in her mid 20's) took over the duties of the first lady (hostess and such).He carried around a bullet in his shoulder that he received in a dual where he had killed the other man - it often caused internal bleeding. His opponents thought that he would not be healthy enough to take office, much less make to fill a second term. He made many changes that truly made our government more one of the people (instead of the 'aristocrats'). The thing that I like especially about this book, and others that I have read that are like it (Lincoln, Truman, John Adams, 1776), is that it gives a sense of everyone else that was important at the time and what was going on in the country - not just about the man. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical books.

Andrew Jackson

here is a link to another review of the book

Biking with Ken #2

2009-07-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

Here is the second post by Mark (one of these days it will say "Posted by Mark H at the bottom!) -

Sometimes I think the world views Southern California as one big stretch of cities broken up by freeways. This morning I went riding with Ken #2 (there is only one Ken #1) through a place called Thompson Creek Trail and then into San Dimas Canyon. I thought this would be a good addition to my current school assignment. Ken #2 was patient while I stopped periodically to take pictures:

These flowers were growing near the 210 freeway - I had to put my camera lense through a chain link fence to capture them!

This is looking north along San Dimas Canyon Road.

There is a little stream along the Road. Unfortunately, there is trash - I avoided including this in my picture.

Here I am with Ken #2. This is taken along the Thompson Creek Trail.

It is great to get outside and see nature, exercise the body and spirit!

Here is a link to the location of Thompson Creek Trail. I recommend that you start at the parking lot at the top of Mills Avenue. The trail begins across the street to the west. To get to San Dimas Canyon Road: when the trail crosses Baseline, turn right, and then right again on San Dimas Canyon Road. There are other ways to get there, but this is the easiest to remember!

Pansies!!!

2009-07-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! This is Mark and although Connie and I set up this blog (thanks Nicole!!) to be for the both of us I have never contributed to it. I am in a class this summer at Cal Poly that is teaching me to use technology to help me as a teacher. For one of my assignments I am required to set up a blog (or add to this one!). This is my first posting. I decided to add a few photos that I took recently in our garden and comment on them. Many of you may recall the watercolor paintings that I have done of Pansies - it is my favorite flower. I love the variety of color, contrast, and texture. They are such a 'happy' flower. Enjoy these photos, the poor things have not done well recently with the heat! I realize as I read this that it is rather lame, but hey! everyone has to start somewhere. Who knows - I might get better at it! Each posting (for my class) must have an information/educational element, picture(s), and a link. So if you notice these elements - then I am doing ok (lol)

Pansies are easy to grow from seed. they can be purchased in small pots at the nursery.
As you can see - they come in a wide variety of colors!
Besides the actual flowers, I like the shape and color of the leaves and the buds.
Some of the flowers do not have the dark contrasting centers, I think it gives them a totally different look and makes them seem more delicate.

These seem very regal - dressed in their finest 'velvet'!

The following link tells why pansies (violas) make a good addition to the western garden.

Beach Days

2009-07-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

Mark loves the beach! He has beginning skin cancers (and scoops as I call them where some have been removed) on his back to prove his reckless teen years. But his love for the beach is strong. The beach is always in our summer plans so we invited kids and grandkids to join us.

You know these cute faces, so I'll refrain.

We went to Corona Del Mar so that we could show Aidan the tide pools, but we didn't check the calendar and it was very high tide, Scott did manage to find some sea anenimees (I have no clue how to spell this and neither does spell check) to show him. Keep Laughing.
He found lots of sea weed to carry around and each time it kept getting bigger. He called the sea weed gorgeous!

Grandpa found lots of time to enjoy the ocean with Aidan.

What a pretty day. Couldn't have asked for better weather, warm with a slight breeze, and as you can tell, decent waves.

Utah with Grandkids.

2009-07-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

My summer vacation is very short this year, so I started it off right where I wanted to. With Grandkids!! With Nicole's family now in Draper and Heidi's still is Payson, Utah I needed ten days (that's all I had) to soak in all the time I could with them.

This is in Nicole's back yard, it had been raining quite a bit since I've been here, the sunshine was a nice escape.

We (them really) ran around for hours enjoying everything and everyone.
I sure do LOVE all of these people.
These pictures should be switched, the kids got to paint/art first, then when things got quite in the evening the adults came out to play I mean paint.
Grandpa always brings art supplies when he comes to teach art concepts, and create with them.
One day we went for lunch and a hike in the mountains not far from Heidi's place.
I Love this pic. Adam is giving his all to the "smile for the camera", and Isabelle just makes me smile. We really had a great time hiking, and then playing in the stream for several hours. It was just beautiful.

I love this picture except for one thing, Nicole sacrificed herself for the good of a pic. Wish we were all in it.
This is what we always seem to do to Grandpa. I don't know if we bore him or wear him out. But after a few zzz's he is back up and rearing to go.

Pecan Graham Cracker Chewy Bars

2009-07-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

I have promised several people that I would get them the recipe for these yummy bars (finally posted Danielle). So when I made them to take to the 4th of July celebration I took a couple of pics while I was cooking (sort of Pioneer Womenisk) (is that a word?) This recipe is adapted from a cook book "Celebrating With Julienne". They have a pecan pie taste with a great toffee undertone and a really yummy crunch from the graham crackers. Make and enjoy, if your lucky enough to get one, they were all gone after the pot luck and I didn't take one to munch on so I guess I'll be making some for me to eat! The complete recipe is at the bottom of the post.

Some of the ingredients, the major ones anyway, I assume you have the basics of the rest in your pantry. ie: salt, flour, baking powder and powdered sugar, that's it.
This is how I get my crumbs. Good ole zip lock bag and a rolling pin. Yeah, no mess.
Graham crumbs, butter, sugar and flour, this makes up the crust. I just mix with my mixer and then press firmly into a 9x13 pan, I used a glass one.
While the crust is cooking I whip up the this rich custard filling. If you noticed I didn't clean the bowl after the crust because the filling has some graham crumbs in it also.
Oh these pretty pecans, such pretty halves. Soon to be in pieces.
When the crust is done pour the filling right onto the crust and then just slide it back into the oven for the custard to cook.
Almost there.
If you could smell my kitchen it would make you happy.
I added a dusting of powdered sugar to the top, this hides any uneven surfaces, oh, I didn't have any, it still tastes great with this added addition. Cut when cool and enjoy, then watch the faces of those enjoying as they taste all of great flavors and smile, smile, smile.

Graham Cracker Chewy Bars

From Julienne’s bakery in San Marino

Crust:

3 cups graham cracker crumbs (2 pkgs)

¾ (1 ½ sticks) butter, at room temp.

¼ cup sugar

2 tbsp. flour

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar, and flour until moist and well-blended. Press the mixture firmly and evenly over the bottom of a 13-inch by 9-inch baking pan. Bake until the crust is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Do not over-bake the crust.

Topping:

2 ½ cups brown sugar

4 extra-large eggs

2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

¾ tsp. salt

½ tsp. baking power

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 prepared crust

Powdered sugar, to sift over the top.

1. While the crust is baking, in a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and eggs to blend. Whisk in the graham cracker crumbs, vanilla, salt, and baking powder until well-blended. Stir in the pecans.

2 2. Spread the mixture over the baked crust and return to the 350-degree oven until the filling is dark-golden on top and jiggles slightly when tapped, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and cool completely.

3. Sprinkle a light coating of sifted powdered sugar over the pan, cut into 24 bars. The bars can be made 1 day in advance. Wrap in plastic and keep at room temperature.

Let Freedom Ring

2009-07-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

With the 4th of July tomorrow I've been thinking and pondering about so many of the Freedoms that I enjoy. How grateful I am for all who came before me to provide me with so many blessings associated with our Independence. May I never take it for granted. Thank you to all you gave so freely and so much. God Bless America!

As a side note on the light side after my sober contemplations I've posted a table-runner that I made to remind me of this great holiday. It was inspired by my Nicole in her Relief Society and many of the fabric pieces/scraps were donated by Heidi out of her stash. Thanks Heidi for the fabric and Nicole for the Idea. I LOVE you both.

Let's Celebrate our Independence!!! And never Forget!

How does my garden grow?

2009-06-29T09:34:00.001-07:00

Here is a quick update on my gardening boxes. I was gone for 10 days to Utah, and what a blessing to come home to this. Yeah for modern irragation.

Chris asked about my planting mix, so with out having to go to the square foot gardening website here's a quick mix. You combine 1/3 compost, 1/3 perlite, and 1/3 spagnum peat moss. It contains all the nutrients that the plants need. I didn't use my own soil. I purchased large pkgs of the stuff from a nursery in Upland. They were pretty reasonable compared to Home Depot who only had small pkgs. of the last two.
Some of the tomatoes are ready, and I can't wait for the rest to be harvested.

Queen Of Soul

2009-06-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a cop out of a blog. On Friday night we joined with four dear friends to attend an Aretha Franklin concert but I'm sending you a link to Lisa Blog because she has pictures and I don't. I also want to add that after the great concert I throughly enjoyed the ride home as we discussed gospel and temple related ideas. The evening was filled with great friends, great music and great spiritual interaction. http://lisakirtley.blogspot.com/

See how my garden grows!

2009-06-12T21:48:00.000-07:00

I'm trying a new way to garden because I have abused my soil in the back yard retaining wall for toooo many years. I have planted tomatoes way to many times (32 years) in the same place, so I'm using different soil. Here is a link to the web site that helped me get everything set up. www.squarefootgardening.com (it didn't make it a link, so you'll just have to copy and paste this address, thanks for patients) I'm so excited to see the results. This pic right below is of the pansy in my front yard, you all know that I love Pansies. They are in full bloom so I had to add the pic for fun. Thanks for Mark for taking such great pictures. You just have to smile when you see pansies smiling at you.

Here I have planted my tomatoes in this planter with the new soil. I have two of them. You'll laugh at me but I just replaced one of them, I had planted an heirloom variety and when the tomato was ripe I didn't like the mealiness of it so I ripped out the plants and started with two new fresh ones, yellow pear. This is my better boy, with a purple pepper plant tucked in.

Here it is hard to see, but it's exciting. The starts of my beets, cucumbers, and my most anticipated, cantaloupe, sounds boring, but here is the quick story. Last year I bought this weird looking, odd cantaloupe (a different variety), but when we ate it--wow--it was so sweet and great texture. Soo, I saved the seeds and planted them this year, and 12 of them are growing. Too many for me, so if any ones interested, come and get a couple.

Let's see what happens. Love ya all, and happy gardening!!

Jungle Book Prom

2009-04-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

There has been so much in-between my last blog and this one, I'm sooo far behind. Any way I thought that I would just quickly put in some pictures of Marks' extracurricular art work.

Three Stakes in our Area rotate the responsibility of doing a Mormon Prom for the Youth here, and the Ontario Stake was in charge this year, and to make it spectacular they enlisted the help of my art genius for the decorating committee. He was in charge of this really cool Ka the snake, it has many really spiffy features that this pic doesn't do it justice but I hope that you get the idea.

I am so caught up in the school Prom right now at work I realize just how important Prom is to the youth, and what a blessing for the youth to have somewhere to go that has values, modesty, and mega doses of Mormon fun!
One of his murals on the wall of the cultural center. This pics are in the setting up stage of the decorations so there are bonus stuff, but it was awesome. As you can tell this mural was huge, I mean really huge. There were other murals but I didn't get a pic.
The last of his part of the deco are these great ruins at the monkey palace. Who would have ever thunk? Love his creative brain.

Nicole is 29! Really!

2009-02-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

Nicole Kathryn Hendrickson Shelby
It's just amazing, but my Nicole was born this morning 29 years ago. What an amazing addition to our family, what a beautiful daughter, inside and out. I love being with her.

   May, 1980

   Easter 1981
   Easter 1985
   Orchestra performance--Claremont Youth Symphony

High School Graduation, 1998

Isabelle's Baptism, April 2008

What more can I say you are loved and I will Love you forever!!

32 Joyous Years

2009-02-04T21:14:00.001-08:00

Word's can't express what I feel today. I have spent 32 years with a man that I love with all my heart. A man who still makes my heart do funny things; my heart stops at times when I look at him and know how blessed I am to share life with him, it still skips a beat when I see him, it races when we are together or just holding his hand. I love to feel his touch, to laugh, cry, talk, share, explore, just be together and share space without words, and to be enveloped in his arms. He is my lover, best friend, companion, spiritual leader, protector, provider, my true earthly joy, life is wonderful because of him. I can't wait to spend Eternity with him, I never grow tired of being with him. He is an awesome husband, wonderful father, caring son, true friend, who wouldn't want him in your life.

Now brace yourself, here is a couple of pictures of our life together, OK more than a couple but I wanted to put so many more. I didn't even get to the ones where he is with the Grandkids. Some of those are my favorites. He is just the best!!!

This is Mark and I on our very first date, 5 days after he returned home from Argentina on his mission, April 1976.

February 4, 1977--We are young and eager to share life and all it brings.
My how we grow.
I love this group! I know that everyone isn't here, but as of today Mark and I have gone from 2, to 19, who would of ever imagined. Time flies by so fast.
Nostalgia.

Mark and Scott on his (Scott's) blessing day.
Mark and Jodi and her family on his graduation day.
Mark and Nicole the day they blessed adam.
Heidi and I at her visit. (Not my favorite picture but I added it from the small thumb nail, it looked better small, sorry Heidi--I owe you a better pic of us)

Thanksgiving 2006, Utah.
This picture was for our wedding announcement.

I love this man!
We took this picture tonight after we got home from dinner. February 4, 2008--32 years, and all I ask for is Eternity with him.

Saturday Night--Belly Up Bar

2009-02-01T17:58:00.000-08:00

Saturday Night we headed to Solano Beach to attend a concert of James Morrison with the Kirtley's. The tickets were theirs and they generously shared with us. We met them for a fabulous Greek dinner first, yum. Then off to the Belly Up Bar. My first standing only concert with a room more than full of fans. It was a fun concert with good music and good people watching. Here's a video of one of our favorite songs that he preformed that night.

Christmas on Monday

2009-01-27T16:19:00.001-08:00

OK, it's been way tooo long since a post. I did blog about our Christmas in Utah, now I'll blog about our early Christmas with the Shelby's before they left to ditch us at Christmas. They came on Saturday evening to be here for the blessing of Finley Jean Baird. It was a beautiful Sunday with a great blessing and family and food. Thanks Bairds.

This sure was a great start to the Christmas week. I love family!

Then on Monday it was Christmas here with some very excited kids.

Adam is a delight.

Caleb, he is easy, he just watches and enjoys all of the fun.
Hannah, so easy to please. So easy to spoil.
Nicole, good thing that this wasn't her only present, kind of small. More on the way.
TJ, in cashmere, everyone needs at least one.

I love my family.

Dinner for 20

2009-01-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

I know that it is too late to use your ideas (maybe), BUT if you had to fix dinner for a General Authority (Donald Tenney)and 19 others on a limited budget what would you fix?

Saturday is our Stake conference, with dinner being served in-between the Priesthood session and the Adult session. The bonus of this is that this conference I am not speaking (a first for me) so I get to speak with my cooking, much better. You never know what might turn up on their plate.

I am so Thankful!!

2008-11-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving, 2008.

This pic is from the night before. Mark and I with Finley & Caleb, life couldn't be any better.
Thanksgiving Day, Cousins so happy to be together.
I'm at my post, the stove/oven.
My right hand man, ready and willing to carve.
Dad Fiet, visiting on the all man couch.
Mom Fiet, adding encouragement to get the food on. Not really, just talking and keeping me company.
We had Pilgrims and Indians at our feast disguised as the Shelby's. What a fun surprise to have them dress for the occasion. Even the kids kept it a secret until the unveiling.
The Bairds were there with food in tow, and in mouth.

Aidan

Hannah

Adam

Caleb

Finley

See what turkey does to you.

I hope that your Thanksgiving was also filled with family, food, thanks, and Joy. (Scott & Amanda were missed as they were crusin with her family) (Maloy's sure were missed, come home for christmas)

Pre Holiday Fun.

2008-11-28T14:18:00.000-08:00

I have the whole week of Thanksgiving off from work, so what a great way to start the week by spending it with great friends. Ken and Lisa invited us to their boat for two days of friends, food, fun, biking and talking and in Lisa's words Chill-axing. The weather has cooled off, with rain forecasted in the next couple of days. The clouds provided many great photos but in the end we arrived home before the rain.

We took off for dinner and site seeing on our bikes, this is a great bike path (it went most of the way to the shops) it's been way too long since I've been on a bike, I need to bike more often it felt great.

Before he fixed his pant leg that he had rolled up so that it wouldn't get caught in the spokes. We rode our bikes to the shops on 2nd street in Long Beach. This pic was typical, there seemed to be some sort of coffee shop every few stores. We stopped at "Taco Surf" for dinner and were going to stop at "Sweet Jill's" for dessert, but were too full.
Lisa posed for me Monday evening when we where walking the shops on 2nd Ave. I couldn't resist the sky, so I added Lisa, and voila a nice picture (no photo shop here).
I saw this restaurant featured in "Diners, Dives, and Drive-Ins" located in San Pedro so off we went for breakfast. It says diner, but the place looked like a dive, but the food was home cooked and great. All the food this week-end was a stretching excercise for our Thanksgiving meal coming up.
Warming up in the sun at the back of the boat after a cool morning.

Taken on the side of Ken and Lisa's boat "Bella" isn't she pretty. Getting ready for our bike ride.

We went for another bike ride today, look to the left of the photo, this is where Ken's boat is and where we started out. On the right is the Queen Mary which was one of the stops of our bike ride. As you can tell there wasn't a direct route, so away we went. The weather and sky couldn't have been more beautiful!!

On one of our stops to enjoy the scenery.

This is a wave--water fountain. It was very cool.
This is out in front of the Aquarium in Long Beach. I have to say it again--What a wonderful two days!

Christmas early for me!

2008-11-23T22:02:00.000-08:00

I'm spoiled! In July while I making making Scott's b-day dinner PIZZA, I turned around for 20 secs. and my Kitchen Aid mixer walked off my counter. I was so blessed, they were grandkids running around and people everywhere, and no one was hurt, and the tile floor was not cracked. The mixer was in a couple of pieces, and I put it back together, it worked but was out of sinc in the spin, and didn't smell very good when I made bread dough, to much work for it. I did some research on the net and decided that I wanted a bosch mixer. When we were in Utah visiting the Maloys, Heidi informed me that there was a Bosch store in Orem, so while we were shopping we stopped by. Mark bought me one after we looked at them, they threw in a cook book, a blender, and reduced the price of a metal piece that replaced the plastic one that it came with. I was so excited.

Here is my new cool mixer that can mix up to 14 cups of flour, quickly.
Here is my second adventure with the mixer, garlic/parmesan bread sticks.
I made these for Jodi's b-day dinner. I think that turned out well, and tasted great. I will be mixing all kinds of fun stuff. Thanks Mark for giving me the present early. I LOVE you.

This post is for Heidi

2008-11-22T08:59:00.000-08:00

Heidi you doubted me when I choose Hugh Jackman as my man in my personal mosaic post on 8/31/08. I win.

Christmas and Time with the Maloys

2008-11-21T21:21:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile, i don't know if I should start from today or catch up, or start or catch up, start or catch up??

I guess I'll choose middle. Nov. 7-12 we headed to Utah to be with our Utah family. We knew that we wouldn't be there or see them for any of the upcoming holidays' so we rented a car and away we went. Friday we left after my work stopping in Vegas at my cousin Shelley's home to visit and talk with her and Russ, then saturday morning we headed for Payson.

This is about 2 minutes after we arrived. Grandpa popped the trunk and gifts were everywhere. We love gifts and Grandkids!

Grandpa brought several art projects with him to teach and play with the girls. Here he is getting ready with all of the beads that he brought with him so that the girls could make many necklaces and bracelets. Because of my great blogging skills the picture of them doing an art project is at the bottom of this blog.

Christmas has come early to the Maloy home.

With lots of smiles.

and wonder

and new clothes and toys
and surprises

and growing kids.

These are the pictures that I took of them Sunday morning before we left for church. All cleaned up and smiling for the camera.

We had many great times, and many great meals (and more great meals and many delicious desserts), they will be missed the rest of this year.
We LOVE you!

Who's techy now!

2008-11-15T07:12:00.000-08:00

Nicole is visiting, and teaching me how to post youtube videos. Isn't she clever, so here is a Chicago song of the past, don't you love the 80's look. I'm so techy. I hope that i remember!

How I think they dressed for Halloween!

2008-10-31T22:34:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would show you the pics that I took of my grandkids when they were at my home a couple of weeks before Halloween.

Aidan the ferocious Giraffe.

Adam, one cool Alligator!

Hannah, Pocahantas is very becoming on you.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Sometimes you just have to laugh WITH them.

2008-10-31T22:10:00.000-07:00

I work with teenagers, enough said.

Well, anyway my student aid 4th period found the perfect costume (according to her) for me for Halloween. And we all (4th period is lunchtime) had a great laugh. Funny teenagers. Thanks Courtney!

Here is picture that she choose to help me get my costume together.

Isn't life funny.

Painting with the Geezer

2008-10-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

While Nicole was here, she got to spend some great time with her dad, they spent it creating (throwing paint) and creating art. You start by soaking the canvas with water and then adding/flinging acrylic paint in different manners on the canvas. Our driveway is covered with a huge tarp to help contain the mess, the process is messy but the pictures turn out great. You can keep them the way that they are, or you can then add more paint in a different manner on top on the finished product. This is the process that Mark used on his LA Temple picture for the background. Every one sure does turn out different.Here is Nicole's first painting project.

I sure do love my painting/artsy family.

Shelby October Visit

2008-10-19T20:35:00.001-07:00

I send a quick post tonight and add to it another day when there is more time.

The Shelby's arrived wed. in preparation for the boys (Tj, Robby and Scott) pack backing trip the next couple of days. Nicole took TJ up the hill Thurs. and Robby and Scott joined him on Fri. and Sat. for male bonding and crazy hiking.

These are pictures that Nicole took when they dropped him off.

I survived my food callings

2008-10-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

My life has been sooo busy lately with my church calling which has revolved around food. On Sept. 27 there was a General Women's broadcast from salt lake. The Prophet has asked that we as women gather together to watch this broadcast so I elected to serve dinner before the meeting to bribe them to come together to watch. My Presidency planned decoration, dinner and dessert for 150 (the first year I was in charge we planned for 100 and ran out of food, those of you that know me know that this is unacceptable) (for the previous 3 years they only had 50 sisters show up, I guess the advertising worked). The room was full and the food never ran out, and the broadcast was wonderful and so uplifting so I consider it a success.

Then on October 11, I was asked to decorate, provide appetizers and dessert for 80 High Priests and their wives for a high priest meeting/fireside, the Trasks who have just returned home from serving 3 years as Mission President in the Philippines were to speak to us. The tricky part of this was that the Shelby's were visiting since Thurs. because they are going to bless Caleb here tomorrow on Sunday, and I couldn't spend time with them on Sat because of the crazy schedule that I keep. So with a fall theme and one councilor and my secretary out with issues (silly things like a new baby/Utah trip and new replacement surgery) I spent Sat. cooking and preparing the appetizer food for the evening myself then Amanda (Scott's better half) came over to help, my other co. and sue with the bad knee baked two cakes each for me . For appetizers I served mini sausages wrapped in biscuits, meatballs in sauce (another funny story, recipe said to mix grape jelly and chili sauce and pour over meatballs, when I started mixing the sauces I realized that I had bought cocktail sauce instead but I used it anyway, they were yummy and spicy, new recipe), I also whirled in the food processor sun dried tomatoes with cream cheese another keeper, also I made seven layer bean dip and served with spicy chips and regular chips, fruit, spinach dip with crackers, mixed nuts, and candy. Then for dessert we made the cakes called better than everything, truly a mans dessert (bake a choc. cake, when cool poke holes with the back of a wooden spoon and then pour in 1 jar of carmel ice cream sauce, and 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and refrigerate for a couple of hours to soak in, then top with cool whip and sprinkle with heath bar pieces, cut and serve more than yummy. Needless to say there was lots of food only about 50 showed up, lots of food to send home with the interested.

Then finally Thursday night we had our Leadership meeting where we meet with the Primary/Young women and Relief Society leaders for opening exercises and then separate into departments. We (the RS) were in charge of refreshments for 100 for the evening, plus to provide a meaningful meeting to help the very busy RS pres. with their calling. So it was another busy cooking filled event. I baked 200 cookies and Heidi Broberg purchased 100 cookies which we served with milk or ice water. We didn't run out (always a plus) and the night went very smoothly. I think that i'm done with serving and preparing food for the church, at least for this year.

This calling (just in case Stake Relief Society President) has been very different than any that I have held before, lots of conducting, lots of being in front (not my favorite), lots of meetings, lots of hostessing (is that a word), lots of food prep and serving and lots and lots of speaking (I have given more talks in the past two years than all the other years put together). The amazing thing is that it's just me and I find that weird that people treat me different, so I won't tell them it's still just me.

All in all it's been a very growing calling, both spiritually and emotionally, and I am so thankful to the Lord for his trust and constant guidance. Thank you.

Finley's second day on the planet.

2008-09-24T20:00:00.001-07:00

I thought that I would post more pictures of Finley now two days old. First I need to start off with "the day with Aidan". I waited until Mark got home from work before I went to work (late) at 10:00 am. He then watched Aidan until 4:00 pm when I got home. Mark said the funniest thing when I arrived "Thank you for coming home". I think he's not used to the high energy and patience needed for the all day haul (he went to bed early, haha).

We took Aidan for a visit with his mom and dad and got the bonus of visiting with Finley. Aidan is very curious about this new baby.
Here I got a photo of Finley with her eyes open. But no picture of her dimples.
Jodi's friends Wendy and (I'll fill in later when I remember her name) brought her by a gift of lots of cute bows for Finley's hair (hand made). They were I great idea and ohhh so cute. Jodi already requires lots of pink, and now lots more for Finley. I don't think she'll have to glue the bows in very long, look at all that hair.
My parents were visiting also, (they were there when we arrived) they stopped by on their way home from working at the Regional Employment Center where they spend three days a week. Perfect time to take a four generation picture (we took several, none with all of us looking at the camera). Robby's mom was there also and gladly took the pictures for us, thanks.

Finley Jean Baird has arrived!

2008-09-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Finley Jean Baird

September 23, 2008 10:55 am 6 lbs. 5 oz. 18 1/2 inches long

Mother and Daughter and doing great!!

Jodi has had very high blood pressure the last couple of weeks (compliments of her father), the Dr. has been keeping an eye on her. Monday the Dr. decided it was safe for the baby to be delivered, and induced Jodi 9 days early to side step any problems with her blood pressure. I'll let Jodi tell you the details of the birth, I just want to hold Finley.

It was during the lunch rush that Jodi called to let me know of her birth. With the encouragement of Peggy (partner (boss) at work) as soon as lunch was over and the $$ counted I left early to head to the hospital, I was the only one there this time so I held her most of the time.

Later in the evening Mark and I took Aidan to the hospital to meet his new sister and see his parents. When we arrived--it was a party! you can't see everyone that was there, but the room was full. So nice to have friends and family that care. When we were leaving, 2 more friends arrived.

Here is the new Baird family!

Aidan was fascinated (for a minute) then he resumed running around the curtain and entertaining everyone with his enthusiasm.

We even tricked Papa into holding her (he likes to hold them when they are a little bit bigger), but he obliged for a picture.

Aidan has been very good while we have had him. Papa had him all day today while I was at work, which is great for Aidan, it's Papa that he wants. He truly loves his Papa and I bet Finley will too. --So do I!

End of the First 'Trek' Day--Thursday

2008-09-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday we stopped for lunch and just as we are finishing up a mob came into our camp and demanded that we "mormons" leave (silly priesthood leaders in bandanas over their faces and dress shirts) but the youth thought that it was a hoot and we packed up quickly and headed out again. After many long hours and miles (while still running) we arrived at the camp for the night. They had planned games for the afternoon. But in our weakened state we all declined. I started on dinner with the help of my youth, (Buster, showing off for the camera) (stew with carrots and potatoes and canned beef, I smuggled in seasonings to help with the flavor since I didn't pick the menu) and corn bread on the side. We cooked all our meals except the PB&J's at lunch time in a dutch oven. We didn't have to carry the oven, just the food for the day. While the food was cooking we relaxed , sang hymns (the youths idea), read scriptures (again the youths idea) and visited with others. When the food was ready we dished it up, savoring the comfort of a hot meal. The comfort didn't last long as the heavens laughed at us and started hailing on us and continued hailing on us while we ate. It was still so hot out, but we had wild, wicked weather. It cleared up and spirits were now high that they had their bellies full. Boys are so easy if you keep them full. We were the only family that didn't have leftovers, they ate everything, even 1/2 the chocolate brownies that I smuggled in hidden by our tarp. I think that running for hours in the sun contributed to their eat everything in site state. (Looks like mandarin oranges, but it baby carrots)(Visiting with the Fugates, he was the official videographer for the trip)

So off we went to the barn for a hoe down. The youth said that they wouldn't dance they were too tired. But the caller was great and he had everyone up and dancing for about 2 hours. Silly pioneers. After a fun night of dancing and skits we headed off for a family devotional. These youth are amazing and so thirsty for the gospel, what a joy to share this family time with them. There are no pics of our sleeping arrangements, but at the camp we paired up with another family (Crystal & Kevin Matheson) and the boys/men took their tarp to one side of the camp, and the girls/women took our tarp and we headed across the camp to sleep under the stars for the night. We had 10 girls, Crystal and I with our sleeping bags spread out and ready for sleep, hoping exhaustion would set in. Lights out at 10:00 pm., 10:25 pm. we could tell the girls were asleep and then it started raining! RAIN! Like true pioneers we now crunch everyone close together so that we only take up half of the tarp and flip the other half over us. I'm just grateful I wasn't one of the girls in the middle completly surrounded by bodies with tarp over your face. I was at the fold with my head poking out (I don't like confined places). Even with the rain it was really hot in there, so i slept (using this term loosely) on top of my sleeping bag with the tarp on top of me, and the rain hitting the tarp feeling it hit my face. The rain would stop for 1/2 hour or so and start again for 1/2 hour for several episodes during the night. Needless to say it was a long night and we got heavenly intervention to make sure that we got the whole pioneer, outdoor experience. That was the shortest/longest night in a very long time. My youth talked about the rain but they never complained about it (they were truly amazing). The next day was truly beautiful or at least it seemed that way at 5:30 am when they got us up, no sweater needed. So I did survive my first full day as a pioneer. And I'm so grateful that I had been asked to participate. Grateful for my 10 kids that now call me "ma", and grateful for a new and different day.

A resounding YES on Proposition 8

2008-09-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

I am voting YES on California Proposition 8.

I am writing this post for two reasons, 1st to state where I stand on the issue, 2nd to respond to another blog written in opposition to Proposition 8.

There are many reasons but I will site my main reason. My true conviction and beliefs follow the doctrines of the Restored Church, The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints. I am not a blind follower, I have studied it out carefully and found the truth to be revealed to me personally. Therefore, I will follow a living prophet! He has revealed to us and I quote "We ask that you do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman. Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage" this is signed by 3 living prophets. Who am I to justify or reason in disagreement with a prophet of the Lord. I believe him to be a watchman on the tower. He sees and understands things that I can not, we always don't understand why he is asking this of us but his abilities and insights are always on point. We can find ourselves on the left-hand or the right-hand of the Lord, the decision is ours. Heavenly Father gives us everything that we have and the only thing that we can give back to him is our will, we have two choices, and I choose wholeheartedly to follow the living Prophet Thomas S. Monson who is the spokesperson of the LORD, and in Amos 3:7 it states that God reveals secrets to his prophets. In 2 Nephi 2:27 it speaks directly about the consequences of our choices and I choose to follow God so that I might obtain Liberty and Eternal Life. I also would like to direct you to Mosiah 3:19, it is not always easy to put off the natural man and become as a little child but worldliness is open rebellion against God. Be careful in all decision that you make. I know that the Prophet is looking out for our best interests and I will follow him. I vote YES.

Connie Hendrickson

First day of the Pioneer Trek (Thursday)

2008-09-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

On Wed. evening July 10, 2008 we met at the Stake Center to be introduced to our family, name our family (the youth picked "The Knights" in honor of my past pioneer ancestors), make a family flag (isn't it cool), weigh our buckets (they couldn't weigh over 15 lbs. and the lid had to fit on) in preparation for the three days ahead.
We started off at 6:00 am Thursday morning, this pic is before our kids arrived (they didn't arrive until 7:30). We had 10 youth in our family, a very eclectic group of youth from various backgrounds, but we always had a very cohesive family and they always looked out for each other, that said-- they were the best. Our 4 boys are Buster Imbach, Mark Duncan, Russell Withers, and Josh Casper, our 6 girls, Tyaan Haslam, Adele Leslie, Katlyn Koyszyk, Sarah Noble, Beverly, and Theresa, (sorry I can't remember your last names). I now need to comment about the two words I had never imagined myself saying on this trek that were said frequently at the beginning "STOP RUNNING"! I soon let them run thinking that they would tire out and stop themselves but then realized that they would be running the whole way. Their energy level needed to run, so run the must. We were the first handcart in our company and the others weren't so keen on running, so we would run ahead and then rest while the other companies caught up. It was over 100 degrees that day with very little shade, I did make sure that everyone drank plenty of water and sports drink but we weren't with out some problems. Our family had the first health issue and our family took care of it's own. (OK new-bee problems, I want the pictures added here, but they went to the top)(Help), (oh well I'll finish up this part), our strong boys helped Katlyn into the handcart (she couldn't walk any father) and they willingly added her and began the trek again. I watched with awe at never a complaint but happiness from both sides of the handcart inside and out. Boy was I grateful that I wasn't riding in the back, sitting on the buckets and stuff as they pulled/pushed her over this road (while they ran). About a mile later they put her on one of the quads that they had following us while they were taking pictures and video of this whole experience and took her to the base camp for the rest of the activities later in the day.

Great Friends

2008-09-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

Closest Picture I could find of Midas being in a Sunday Outfit (at Mark's senior show at Cal Poly). The reason for this decision is to thank him for all he has done for his ward (hey, I'm not even in his ward). Ken was released as Bishop last Sunday, Sept. 7 he is truly one of the most spiritual men that I know, always serving with a true love of the Lords work and always giving his all. He is an inspiration to me. Thanks for being such a great example!

Before I continue with my summer escapades, I want to spend a few minutes blogging about one of my greatest gifts, my friends whom I shall call by the name given them from my son-in-law "The Midas'" I guess that makes Lisa--Danae (Midas' wife)! They have been my sanity for the past 19 years. When ever life is crazy and Mark and I need a safe harbor (boat reference, ha ha) we enjoy the company of truly great friends. OK, so we also enjoy them in calm, or whenever we can find the time to get together with them.

They called us up on Friday 29th and invited us to go kayaking with them the next day, they had their sail boat docked in Newport, YES was the immediate answer. Our son was visiting and later he called to see if he could come along because his wife had to work. Now a double pleasure. The Midas' had two double kayaks so Scott needed to rent one, and then off we went for an adventure in the deep blue sea. The weather was wonderful the ocean was gorgeous and off we went. This was Mark's and my first time in a Kayak together it took me a minute to figure it out and a little frustration on my part because i just wanted to know how to make the boat do what i wanted immediately, but very soon we were in unison. Out of the jetty and into the ocean and down the coast. I saw sea lions lots of seaweed and a fish jump out of the water, and oh yeah, lots and lots of houses that were just too big, but they were amazing. About 2 1/2 hours later we were back at the dock, a little red, and allot sore, but very content. We then headed for the beach for a rest and chat. Amanda joined us for dinner at a little Mexican restaurant and then with perfect timing a call from BJ's pizza where we had left our name so we headed there for dessert (not needed, but thoroughly enjoyed) for the pizza cookie sundaes, yum, yum. What a great day, wonderful friends and family too.

Going With the Theme of Things

2008-09-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

This is a quote of something said by Scott Adams (the creator of Dilbert; as shown to me by our son Scott):

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."

(as found on http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/show/11609)

Personal Mosaic

2008-08-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

This is my first post, I'm following my children's example.

Concept:

1. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.

2. Using only the first page, pick an image.

3. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker. (choose four columns and three rows, also choose individual URL's)

Questions:
1. What is your first name? (connie, think maiden name)

2. What is your favorite food? (chips and salsa)

3. What school did you go to? (Chaffey High School)

4. What is your favorite color? (sage green)

5. Who is your celebrity crush? (Hugh Jackman)

6. Favorite drink? (milk)

7. Dream vacation? (hawaii)

8. Favorite dessert? (homemade ice cream)

9. What you want to be when you grow up? (dental assistant)

10. What do you love most in life? (mark hendrickson)

11. One word to describe you. (happy)

12. Your nickname. (ama)

Unexpected post

2008-08-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Mark and I had an amazing, crazy busy, super spiritual summer that will forever be in our hearts. Today I'll just post about the start of the summer with the addition of a new grandson. Caleb Shelby was born on the 4th of July and amidst all of the fireworks he had to spend a few extra days in the hospital. Modern medicine brings with it the gift of restored life. How grateful I am to the Lord for his many tender mercies. I also got to spend some extra time with Hannah and Adam which is always a pleasure to be with grandkids. Another bonus from them being at our home also brings in the Jodi/Robby and Scott/Amanda families. yahoo. I LOVE my FAMILY.

to begin...

2008-07-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

jodi and i (nicole) decided that mom (and dad too) need to blog. they are involved in such a wide variety of things...that we find interesting. and yet, they are difficult people to stay caught up with. hence, the blog. we think they should do this. they are not quite in agreement. just this month - they've gone on a pioneer trek, gone on a cruise to the mexican riviera, sold stuff on ebay, made delicious food, had another grandson, played with their other grandchildren, gone beach camping, and more...