Something to Ponder -- Dr Bob Mooreland (pastor in Seattle, WA)

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.

Why Did Jesus Fold the napkin?

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....

The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.

The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed separate from the grave clothes.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see.. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.

Was that important? Absolutely!    Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.

When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it..

The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.

Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.

The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the
wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.

But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it
beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table,
because.......... 

 The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!' 

WARNING: Long Winded Attack

As I watched the news ( I know, I keep saying I am through but masochism seems to hit every day) and I am reminded of the day that the first planes took off to bomb Iraq. Mariah & I were down in Snow Flake at a store. As the cashier and I were standing there chatting and laughing the radio was playing music. Rye said that it was kind of weird and creepy at how we stopped talking and laughing so suddenly and then she realized the whole store had gone silent. She listened to the radio with us but had no idea how hard all of us who had grown into adulthood during the Viet Nam mess.

As we left I saw people just walking around talking, laughing, just going on with life like nothing had happened. It was so strange to me. It creeped out poor Mariah to see the change in her usually very chatty mother. As we drove home, I tried to explain it all to her. She understood pretty well. I don't remember if I told her my fear that it would last long enough to see her brother being dragged into it.

It was at the time that I learned that life goes on. You can and must let normalcy be a part of your life. We are going to any event we can that includes music, to sooth our souls. We are going on with our projects to organize our home. We will get more lights up, have a little "fun" at other's expense . . . don't worry . . . it's all harmless and will give the "victims" a good laugh. Look to the future making note of the fine, wonderful, giving people surrounding us. Try to be one of them. Let the children with their joy of life, full of optimism, lead us.

What a day yesterday was!!!  Up and out clipping the attach bush (pyrachantha) before the sun was up, tearing out very old tomato vines and just getting the garden ready for my winter garden (two months late but, oh well).  Jon was busy as a little bee (like how I slipped that in there?) as well.  Loved getting so much done.

Then the boys were dropped off after they went to the infamous Jason L's baptism.  They were so excited.  I guess he is one of the nicest little boys and lives on their old street so the boys have really missed him.

 I had the wonderful job of sending them to 5 minutes of time out to practice being reverence as soon as they were changed into their play clothes.  Over all, they co-operated so it was over soon.  then it was time to stuff our faces and BUILD!

Gabriel got to put on a movie and they took turns coming into the dining room to build one of the many kids clinic kits that have accumulated when my hip was hurting too much to sit on the floor and build them in the store.  Came so close to getting them all done and it was just a sweet fun afternoon that didn't leave me drained.  Loved it!!!

Then it was off to two wedding receptions.  Such cute couples who have formed new eternal families that I see good things coming from.

When I have felt discouraged and hopeless, especially this summer, I have had to sit back and count my blessings.  It's easy to forget how  important good health is to someone who is antsy and hates to sit still for very long.  The last 6 months just about took me out physically.  Everything else can follow so easily.

I am so grateful to Nikki and her staff and all they are teaching me, the encouragement they given me and patience they have shown.  I am grateful for a husband that has been patient with my cantankerous side that has been all too present lately.  For my young grandchildren who actualy have tried to be helpful and understanding when tired ole" Granny- Nanny has not been able to keep up her old pace and REALLY hasn't wanted to get down on the floor to play because it hurt so badly to sit there or get back up.  Picture a 40-50# child trying to help me up . . . too sweet!

With all the help I have gotten with the Friday lunches the last couple of weeks, I have been so much better this weekend, which led to so much fun.

I started this post and got shlurpy and long winded (what a surprise . . hahahaha) so sent over to my blog (huishherd.blogspot.com)

In a nutshell:
1--Lots of great help at the institute before, during and after the Friday lunch. You kids are helping me reclaim my life. You'll never know ( I hope you'll never know) how much it means to me and how much it is helping me recover my health.
2--Had a great time at the social at the Marv & Sandra's Friday night. They have some fun neighbors. 

3--Got lots done before the sun was even up and as it was rising on Saturday morning.
4--Got lots of kid clinic kits built with three funny little boys, who were well behaved and didn't fight the whole afternoon.
5--Slept well for the third night in a row (we're talking record here) and now ready for a wonderful Sunday with friends and family.

Life is so good when we just open our eyes and allow ourselves to see.  I am not out of the woods yet, physically, but I have hope and have made some wonderful new friends who can teach me so much.  It's a great day, week, month, year . .  and yes, life.

FIGHTING FOR MY LIFE

This is Kathy's senior picture.
When my daughters saw it,
 they said me she was a lot prettier
 than I was.  I couldn't agree more.

The title may sound a little dramatic, but that is what I have often done, fought to preserve my life.  A life in which I could contribute to others and my surroundings.  Today I was reminded why I have fought that fight.

I have had the dearest friend since I was ten years old.  Today I found out that she died suddenly a few weeks ago.  She will always be remembered and treasured as a person of great generosity in every way; by her friends, several generations of her family and all who knew her.

She was also very heavy and was frustrated by the restrictions that caused her, especially after a couple of accidents that left her knees in bad shape, further restricting her activities.

So now I am recommitted to continue to fight for my life. I want to take back the health I have been blessed with and rebuild it, reclaim my place in making a difference in my own small way, in my own small world.  Be prepared to reach out and be of service to others, be a kinder and more understanding person.  Build a stronger determination to make right choices, to set a better example.

I am hoping to have the strength to ignore the sore muscles, the pinched nerves, aching joints and knots in my back, from "stem to stern" and have the patience to work slowly and carefully to reach my goals.  I hope I have the courage to become more like Kathy.

I remember having a conversation with my oldest brother once about time.  He shared some thoughts that Elder Boyd Packard had in  talk.  As eternal beings whose existence had not revolved around the time we have here on Earth, the minutes, hours, days and years that seem to control our lives during our mortal experience are very foreign. Our lives turn into a swirl of confusion. I couldn't agree more.

When I started my physical therapy this summer I could fit it right in with no problem.  Now . . . not so easy. Once again I am having to set my priorities, daily at times, to get these much needed exercises in.  Adding water aerobics has made it even harder.  Isn't it sad when taking care of one's health feels selfish?  It shouldn't and right now I HAVE to do this.  

So much more of life ahead . . . it needs to good, by my standards, my husband's, children and grand kiddies but most of all, Heavenly Father's.

I am so blessed to have the strong body I received when I was born and the means to help it heal itself.  Every month I look at the cost and decide it is pretty dumb to not use it to achieve this goal.  Just guessing, but I think it'll will be a monthly if not daily decision!

Life's Black Holes

A few years ago when Jon “retired” from DPS, we had no idea where we should turn or go.  Pretty scary time for us.  Just before the big day, he was offered to come and work for the state forestry (or something like that) and he spent the next few years working with a wonderful friend, who he sure misses since working with.

Stepping out and into the black hole last summer was so unnerving.  We were sure it was the right thing to do, but we also felt like our lives would take longer to settle in and we would know what to expect.  We were right, about all of it.  As time passed, things got harder and seemingly less hopeful.  When they asked me to do the Friday $1 lunches, I was so excited but not sure at all how we would manage just the gas to drive back and forth once or twice a week.  Out into the black hole we stepped once again, it got harder and harder until “things” finally started to fall together, slowly but not steadily.

It was a relief to discover just how creative we can still be.  To think back to our honeymoon years to remember how we stretched a buck until it squealed (yes, they were pretty fun memories . . . . looking back showed just how weird we must have (and may still) seem to others.

As we look back we realized how full of black holes our lives have been.  Each has been a different growing experience.  Some, of course, have been harder than others.  Each has had its own lessons to be learned and often involved closing doors while windows opened.  Since windows are off the floor, we have had to “rise” to the occasion.

Fortunately, we have commitment to the gospel, to each other, to follow the Savior’s teachings.  Though some have been an individual struggle, we have been blessed to have each other or been able to find others who could give us the support, love and guidance we needed to help us find the strength needed.

I am so thankful for the blessings in my life.

THE GOLDEN YEARS

Jon just asked me an interesting question.


Why are the "golden" years so tarnished?


I'm glad he did. When I worked at for company that made all kinds of valves and machined parts for submarines, aircraft, etc., I learned a lot about the finishes that are put on these parts that were unbelievably hard. It was amazing. These finishes might be very shiny or very dull, looking like some kind of oxidation or tarnish. Their hardness was achieved by different processes but achieved a hardness that would protect the part so that it could safely function and hold up under terrific punishment without giving out. It would provide safety and reliability for those depending on it.

And so is life. The experiences we have here may give us wrinkles, gray . . oops, I mean white hair (I refuse to be a gray hair), saggy bodies and faces. The muscle tone may go, the memory may turn into a bunch of disorganized files to be thumbed through often, and sentimentality becomes a chronic condition. Oxidation may hurt, but it can also serve many good purposes. It can be the catalyst that strengthens important bonds, builds a testimony of the gospel and of God's love as He allows us to make decisions and deal with the consequences.  He gives us the free agency to choose our paths.  He doesn't pull strings to handle us like puppets and control our lives.  He does promise us to always be there, no matter what; though he does often wait for us to go to Him so that we will listen with a more open heart and mind.   These times in our lives can show us who really is a true friend, who we can really trust. It can test us and show us what we have learned in life and what lessons still need to be learned.

Guess I will take the tarnish, the white hair, the wrinkles, sags and bags and all of those other signs of someone who has lived, really lived.   They are blessings.

Spring Has Sprung and . . .

1.  Billie Bird is back carrying on with the ladies.
2. The sprayed weeds are sitting, waiting  patiently for us to rake them up and send off to the happy
     mouldering ground (dump).
3.  The annual plant assassination is in full swing.
4.  ten minutes outside make a different person of this grumpy ole' lady.
5.  My arms are getting brown enough hat my PCP will scold me next time I see her.
6.  Even though Jon is home, the time just seems to evaporate before we can get to our projects . . .  what
     gives?

So with all that said, I will mop the tile before more dust and sand gets tracked in again . .  just so I can say I did.  This is an experiment . . . I want to see how many sticky places appear in the next two days when we have no kids and juicy sippy cups running around.  Just because I think it will prove my theory that my tile came with sticky spots built in.  Really, I'm not kidding.

MEDICAL INFO WOMEN SHOULD KNOW

MEDICAL INFO WOMEN SHOULD KNOW

Q:  Should I have a baby after 35.

A:  No, 35 children is enough.

Q:  I’m 2 months pregnant now.  When will my baby move?

A:  With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q:  What is the most reliable method to determine a baby’s sex?

A:  Childbirth.

Q:  My childbirth instructor says it’s not pain I’ll feel during labor, but pressure.  Is she right?

A:  Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q:  When is the best time to get an epidural?

A:  Right after you find out you’re pregnant.

Q:  Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?

A:  Not unless the word “alimony” means anything to you.

Q:  Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?

A:  Yes, pregnancy.

10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE “ESTROGEN ISSUES”

1.       Everyone around you has an attitude problem.

2.      You’re adding chocolate to your cheese omelet.

3.      The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.

4.      Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.

5.      You’re using your cell phone to dial every bumper sticker that says, “how is my driving?”

6.      Everyone seems to have just landed here from “outer space”.

7.      You’re sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.

8.      The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you just bought it yesterday.

TOP TEN THINGS ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND

     10.  Cats’ expressions.

9.  The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.

8.  Why bean sprouts aren’t just weeds.

7.  Fat clothes.

6.  Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.

5.  The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell.

4.  Cutting your hair to make it grow.  Cutting your hair to make it grow.

3.  Eyelash curlers.

2.   The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.

1.           1.     Other women.

 THANKS FOR THE GIGGLES MARSHA!!!

Live For Him and the Gospel

"PULL ONE MORE MILE"  by Ross Taylor

Recently, I said that I wanted to "die in the harness" but didn't want to be pulling so hard. How else should we be pulling? Can you imagine looking back and recognizing what could have been accomplished if only we had put a little more  effort into it? Eternity is a long time to think about something like that.


I have grown to be thankful for the strengths I was blessed with, genetically and through my upbringing.  No it wasn't perfect, but I was raised by two parents who were tenacious when they believed in something or needed to do something.  Though it was often misguided in their relationship, they meant well and we always knew that they loved us kids.


As life goes along, I have realized that I learned such good eternal principles.  Add the gospel, prayers and a sure knowledge of God's love for me and there is always hope.  I once heard a story of someone who told the prophet that they were willing to die for the gospel.  He told them that it was a wonderful thought but would they be willing to live for it.  Can not count the times that statement has played itself in my mind when I have felt discouraged.  Am I willing to live for His Gospel? Dedicate myself to making this world a better place? Continue how ever hard I need to?  Will I be there for the Savior as He was for us?  To be His hands?


I hope I can be there for Him and for my loved ones.  It would make me feel that my life has been worthwhile . . .  but there I go thinking about myself again. . .  Drat!

FINDING JOYS

Such a looooong wonderful day yesterday.  Got to hang out with the “youngsters” at the institute, then help the sweetest man from the stake high council.  If any of you kids have any doubts, Bro. Rorden loves you dearly!  I have had the opportunity to watch him prepare this Zoo Activity.  Fantastic job Randy!!!

There were some fun activities before dinner, then we fed them  (there’s a shocker, I was hanging around the food part,  giggles).  As they headed back into the zoo, we were visiting with the neatest couple from a small town south of here.  When Pam heard that our last name was Huish, she got all excited because she has an aunt whose maiden name is Huish.  We figured it was from one of the lines down near the Mexican border.  When she heard that Jon actually came from the Utah lines, she really got excited.  Ends up she was living in Thatcher with her Aunt Diana (from N. Utah) and Uncle Ken when we were living there as well.  We actually went to their wedding.  When I told her we were the ones who gave her that goofy milk can.  We had the best laugh.  What wonderful lpeople they are and what a joy to see that she has grown into such a great woman.  I look forward to getting to know Pam and Randy now that we know they are so nearby!

Jon & I were pretty disappointed  when we knew that a full time mission was not something that we would ever be able to pull off.  When I mentioned this to my oldest brother, he got a little irritated with me and said, Tthere are local missions that need to be done, you can do that!”   Thanks Bob.

 The last few years and especially this school year has shown us that maybe God has a better plan for us.  We get to serve, have a ball (is that allowed?) and still be here with and for our children and grandkids.  What more could a girl ask for?  Jon & I get to serve, work toward common goals, a little something that is so important in any good relationship.  Sometimes I am glad that we are not doing this 24/7.  Should I admit this?  But we are so different in how we do things.  I jump in, scurry around and get done.  He is thinks it through, very methodically start, using a thorough plan and just kind of plod along until it is done . . .  as he fixes some of my little blunders and bails me out, along the way. 

Balance in your life.  If you can’t find it by yourself, gotta find a good partner who will combine with you to achieve it.  I have to admit, we had no idea what we were putting together when we married, PHEW!  Lucked out there, didn’t we?

MIXED FEELINGS

There is a lot going on in our lives these days.  It has taught me that once a woman is a mother, she will always be one.      I have wondered if it must always hurt to rediscover that you have a mother's heart.  It is far better than feeling numb though, so I suppose I will take it.

INDEXING . . OR . . . "HANGING WITH THE DEARLY DEPARTED"

My goal was to hit the big "3" last night.  Just could not focus my eyes or keep them open so didn't make it, but just did.

Confession:  When I heard that the stake (for those who are not LDS, a stake includes several wards, or congregations.  We have at least 8 in our stake) had set the goal to index one million names by the end of the year I was flabbergasted. All I could think was they have no idea how busy everyone is.

I kept getting "the" nudge,  "You should be doing this".  So grudgingly, I began.  Nearly lost my mind the first week or so.  Finally went and took a short lesson in the closest Family History Center and that helped some.  Since I have listened to those little promptings and gotten faster, more relaxed and more willing, so many little ways to make it more accurate.  I can now do most full census sheets in less than 30 minutes, providing there are no little distractions ;~D  and the hand writing is reasonable.

 It is kind of like paying tithing. By contributing, we can serve so many who are not as fortunate as we are, and it actually is so little from us if we plan wisely.

Today Amanda, a great young friend of mine, called with questions about indexing.  I am so glad she did.  While talking, I realized when the bug had really bitten me and why I am enjoying it so.

One day I decided to see what all the hype was about, long story here, love me anyway please.  I got on the https://new.familysearch.org which our church has on the internet for those who are trying to locate their ancestors.  I found two good leads that might help locate more information about my infamous Grandpa Joe.  So many of us have searched for his real roots and not found much.   Aunt Carmen and Uncle John even went over to Germany and looked.  Now I have to wonder how many miracles will happen due to the efforts of those who can make time to get this information more easily available.

This life is all about families, the single most important unit in the eternities.  I am so blessed to be bitten by this little bug and what it is bringing into my life. I am praying that there are others doing the same thing in Germany so that I can find the links to Grandpa's family.  All of us are a product of where we came from and who we came from. I am truly blessed.

Growing, Better and Better

Just tucked in two of the most rumpled, snotty nosed, very well fed little boys.  Tucked them in, with the requested blankets, not the requested bed (Nanny really needs some sleep tonight) and watched 4 gorgeous dark brown eyes close as two little heads sank into the pillows.  Now really, does it get any better than that?  I think not.

When I used to look at Jon and wonder how loving someone so much could ALMOST hurt . . and then held each of my children in my arms and experience the same feeling . . . I just never knew how it gets better and better.  

Didn't a loving Heavenly Father give us such a wonderful plan and world full of opportunities  to live, grow, love and experience?  We were not promised that it would be easy when we were sent here to receive our bodies and experience mortality.  He did promise it would be worth it.  He has never and will never break a promise to us, His children.  I am so thankful for His gospel in these last days when we can enjoy it in its fullness, for the priesthood my good husband holds and blesses our lives with.  I am thankful Jon & I were able to go to His house (Temple) and be sealed for eternity.  that these sweet precocious children are part of my posterity that I share with Jon.

This is after I got to go see Arianna and Tati to see how all were after Arianna's eye surgery.  It was looking really well.  Excited for her.  She sure has the most "melt your heart" brown eyes, even after surgery.  Tati was happy to see her costume all ready for her recital on Valentine's Day.  She is such a good little cuddler!

Now with my heart full of gratitude and appreciation, I will go and relax, read and get a good night's sleep.  this is how I need to go to bed more often . . .  just might be good for my health!!

OBSERVATIONS OF THE DAY

• This is still the "celebrity" that I most resemble.
• My grandsons are so darned cute when they are building those Lowe's kiddie clinic kits.
• Lincoln can "build" when he has a one on one adult helping him.
• Mariah made me proud when she plopped down on the floor in Lowe's and helped Linc build his dinosaur this morning.
• Gabriel is such a sweet little nerd.  he just had to wear his safety goggles while we ran errands after the clinic.  Everyone needs to think of safety first after all . . . especially at a fabric store.
• I can still take a 5 minute shower.  I can not however shampoo my hair and shave my legs in that time.
• Six hours of straight sleep made me a new woman today.  It almost didn't last through the evening though.
• When I get to work, I have the hardest time changing gears from little kid to how to work the techie register, what would you do, and how can I do such & such? 
• The customers seem to find it very funny when I take a short "power nap" (go blank) at work.  Mean old ladies . .  oops that would include me, wouldn't it?
• I seem to have become the one that has strange, sometimes wonderful but usually weird questions get sent to.  Just to entertain everyone in the store.
• Drat!  I spent some money on bargains at the soon closing Bernina "Store" that is in Hancock's.
• I LOVE to shop at the local $ .99 Only Store.  Definitely one of the better dollar stores, and they really have nothing over $ .99.
• I must be tired.  I parked in a handicapped spot tonight, without a tag hanging on my mirror.  Live with it people!  I am wearing a boot going on 2 weeks now.
• "Keeping Up Appearances"(PBS) is still funny as all get out.
• Sitting to veg and put the tired old feet up is definitely a daily requirement.  If you need to, get a doctor's note.
• Jon is still SO nice to hug and nuzzle.
• Jon is still cute when he dozes off . .  here, there, every where . . .  until he gets to snoring very LOUDLY.  Poor Jon.
• We have a new strange, busy life.  Not sure how I feel about it yet.  I'll work on it . .  tomorrow.
• Saturday night TV still stinks.
• I have lots to do . . . I would rather do some indexing, sigh!  That really relaxes me and helps me go right to sleep at night.  That's a good thing, right?

Some Favorite Institute Lunch Ideas

Posse Stew             (for groups down below)


#401 Can of Pinto Beans
# 401 can of Hominy (I like to use yellow but the whole country seems to have gone white)
#401 can of Diced tomatoes
1 Dice onion
1 # ground beef, cooked
1 can of diced green chiles ( I use 1/2 can of green chiles that I dice myself)
Red chile powder or taco seasonings to taste.

**Equal amounts of beans, hominy and diced tomatoes.  I usually use beans I have cooked myself.

Dump (dumping is an important part of the technique here) all of the canned ingredients into a big pot; add seasonings and simmer while you brown the ground beef and onion until they are softened.  Add to pot and check your seasonings.  Simmer a while until the flavors are blended nicely and serve with corn bread, crackers or whatever sounds good to you.  This has always gone like hotcakes when I have served it!

When you have a big crowd, there will always be some that want it hot as hades.  I put a bottle of Tabasco or Frank's Hot Sauce where they can add it to their bowls.  Yesterday we also had a bowl of HOT diced green chiles that had been given to us that we knew we would never eat (wimps here).  The kids liked both.

Tonight I will post the amounts I used for about 75 people and the chicken soup as well.

Posse Stew for a Crowd---


This should make about 14 quarts of Posse Stew and serve about 28 - 30 people.
 
I just realized that this would be a little hard since I was using left-over beans and beef from our stake BBQ in November.  So I will figure it as well as I can.

# Ten cans hold 3 1/2 quarts of food.  Did you know that?  We always call them gallon . .  NOT!  So to fill young people, we get the big paper bowls that hold "20 oz." .  That will give you a little head room with a good sized bowl of soup or chile.  Keeping that in mind, here is how I start out the Posse Stew:

1 - #10 can of pinto beans
1 - #10 can of hominy
1 - #10 can of diced tomatoes
1/2 - # 10 can of diced green chiles  (at home I often chop up a #401 can of "Hatch whole chiles" that come
         in pairs at Costco)
2 # ground beef
1-2 diced large onions

Serve with cornbread, biscuits, grated cheese crackers . .  it's all good.

This should make about 14 quarts of Posse Stew and serve about 28 - 30 people.

Nanny's Little Helpers

 Kiddie Gates. . . . . 

        plus Kiddie toys. . . 

everywhere . . .

equals . . .  this!




Lincoln, being the ever faithful little helper, has offered to be my  easy open gate kiddie gate, so I won't get hurt again.






Watching Nanny picking up and putting away toys is exhausting! (Lynneah is sound asleep right where she was laying)


On Tuesday morning, I was stepping over a gate with my hands full.  My left toe got caught on the gate . . . yet again, and down I went.   I must have the toughest bones.  All my weight fell in my right knee and boy does that hurt!

Ever since I did this in December, my foot has hurt and I have to bind it up very tightly in shoes with an arch support in it.  Since the strain never healed, I kind of demanded a boot so I can get over this, once and for all.  It is hard to turn that foot sideways when the soft tissue has been strained or torn.

The Little Things That Count

I was chopping some nuts today with the food chopper and it took me down a funny little sequence of little memories.

When I moved up to Provo in January of 1973, my room mate, Darlene saw me making cookies and kind of doing my version "chopping" nuts by crushing and twisting them between my fingers.  She chuckled at me and showed me how to chop them with a knife.  I was 23 at the time.  Not sure how my mom had done it, can't remember.

Years later, my MIL gave me a set of knives and had to show me how to used a chef's knife, I found that to be a wonderful improvement and I now own 2 long ones and at least 3 of the shorter Japanese versions. Could NOT live without them . .  OK, slight exaggeration.  I still had nuts go flying all over when I chopped them.

Fast forward to last summer.  I was at my big brother and sister-in-law's house and she got her food chopper out, went chop, chop, chop and had the nicest, neatest little pile of nuts ready to use.  I  had her show me what she did and now that is how I chop mine.  Those little cups they sell with those choppers to hold the food being chopped just get in the way.  Clean the counter if needed and put the food right there.  Whack, turn slightly and whack again until it is just right.  So simple . ..  and I might add, just a little obvious  ;= ?

So many knives, 3 choppers, three teachers and 50 years later, I don't dread chopping nuts.   It is the little things in life that count!  Thanks girls!