Sunday, August 23, 2009

Three's a Charm!

This day is a blessed birthday with 3 family members at once! (OK so Joslyn maybe an adopted family member but you can't tell me that) It is one I am thankful that can be celebrated!

  • Uncle Doug
  • Cousin Dakota
  • Joslyn Whiting
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

The birthday celebrations started off Whiting style with a family dinner for Jos. They made her favorites crepes and Pazookie's for dessert. She received a quilt from her mom with all the T-shirts from each event she was in as youth and a singing Hannah Montana card! We had a fun For Strength of Youth FHE knowledge bowl too!

For any of you that know Jos you know that she is a burst of positive energy! Finds joy in life both during hard times as well as the best of times! She is always seeking out high adventure (thanks Wade!) and you will catch her singing and dancin at any given moment if she has the chance. She also has a love for a pretty face! Believe me if she has a chance to talk about Zac Effron she will :) Jos is very creative and crafty like he mama. He recent love is making the CUTEST headbands ever!

She handle's lives challenges with faith and optimism and never let's anything get in her way! She is a girl that is dedicated to finding joy in the journey, reaching her goals, family time and the gospel. I am SOOO lucky to have sweet Jos in my life!

Next was Dakota's surprise 29th Birthday celebration! She has the best hubby around and he planned a birthday surprise that was RIGHT UP HER ALLEY! We all showed up at their old reception center and he had There she is, Miss America music on repeat so that when she walked in blind folded that was what was playing! Amazingly enough we got everyone including small children to stay quiet so she thought they were just going someone privately! When she was allowed to lift the blindfold, SURPRISE! He 3 small boys were in front of her with a cape, a sash a crown and 4 dozen roses!! Oh yes the reaction happened! Tears were flowing and kisses being handed out! She was a HUGE fan! Then we Karaokied the night away! So much fun!

Koty is one of the most amazing women that I have in my life! She is so on the ball! Not only does she have 4 boys under 7 yrs old, she runs a fully functioning farm, has a few side businesses, serves people freely and willingly, is the go to girl for EVERYTHING! Believe me I call her for food quanities for a wedding, sales, to borrow things, get advice, vent.. she rocks! You should check out the things that she shares on the If you care to share blog! Always useful items, sales, and crafts!
She was one of my bestest friends growing up and continues to be well into my adult years. She has never gotten tired of me.. now that is LOVE!

My Uncle Doug is one of my Mom's youngest brother's so he was always around as I was growing up. I remember writing him as a 10 or 11 yr old on his mission. And the way I felt when I got a letter back it was so awesome! He is so patient and loving. In our older years I have LOVED watching that loving, patient side of him shine through with how tender he is with my aging grandparents. He is always trying to help them and I can tell that he really enjoys serving them. He has always been so family focused! He comes to our family things even if for only a moment to lend that support! It means the WORLD to us! He even showed up while he could be out celebrating his own Birthday to Koty's surprise party! Now that is commitment and love! I think that says a lot about a person. I am thankful for his choice in who he married as well. His wife Kim was instantly my best friend and some of my fondest memories are with her! Way to go Uncle Doug! Lot's of reasons why we celebrate you!

Friday, August 21, 2009

The Whiting Family Reunion!

JULY 30 -August 2
2009
I am thankful to Monica for doing such a great job with picture taking!! I just grabbed some of her photos from this glorious event and they are great!!
We stayed around Utah this year! It was so fun to explore our own state!
We went to The Mt. Oquirruh temple open house. It was much more reverent this time around. What a beautiful house of the Lord!

I got to go to This is the Place State park for the first time and would HIGHLY recommend it to ANY family, any age! There were pioneer crafts to be done, music played throughout, we got to go to see what an old school day would be like, there were pony rides for the kids, a little candy shop, a train ride all for $8! Well worth the money! I also heard that Christmas time is AMAZING there! I am planning to return!
I got to feed this great crew for 4 meals during the week and LOVED it! Thank you everyone for being so gracious and eating what I had prepared! You are troopers!

We had a blast whether it was trying on pioneer clothing, throwing horse dung (yes Wade started it!) or the lovely solo's that were sung in a church with some GREAT acoustics!This is the Place State Park is definitely a treat for young and old.. no chance you can get bored!

I love this family and really love when we are all together.. we missed Justin and Beth...at least they both came a few weeks before to see us or we would have been ripped off!

My favorite of all the activities would be WHITING IDOL!! There is some serious acting talent in this family! From the parents on down! We got the privilege of seeing an older and younger version of Sony and Cher. I think the both were out of this world AMAZING!! We had Hans and Frans show up from Saturday night live with a rendition of "Muscular" from the wicked song Popular! Loved that! We had various children perform great delights! Jeff even wowed us with his poetry memorization and presenting skills!

Our Judges were: Simon (Matt Heaps) Paula (Jill Heaps) and Kara (Monica Whiting) Still Not sure what happened to Randy! These judges were true to their character and as Randy would put it...WE LOVE YOU DAWG!



Saturday I wasn't able to do any of the activities and heard I REALLY missed out. But I was able to be at Nunn's park for a fun night of laughter, food and Charades. We stayed up till 3 am that night ending it with a nice stroll in the neighborhood.

We didn't want all the fun to be over! Even the Buhrley's stayed longer than they planned to continue the family adventure!! Sunday we celebrated Lynn's Birthday and had a blast together!

What great adventure, family building and togetherness we enjoyed!! Thank you for adopting me in and letting me in on the FUN!!

I LOVE YOU!!

Next year??? Bear Lake anyone?!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

There are reasons for everything: Biggest Loser

Today when I found these sneak previews of Season 8 I didn't feel bad anymore. They have GREAT people on there this season!! And Dan is one of my all-time favs! Can't wait! Don't take my word for it.. see for yourself how AWESOME it is going to be! Get ready to be inspired... maybe it will be one of these days ;)



This woman has such a light to her! I can't wait to follow her journey this season!



Dan is the man!! He was on last season and got kicked off way to early! He as been given a second chance this season!! He is going to ROCK IT!



So as you can tell, I am excited for those who made season 8. Everything happend for a reason!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Happy Birthday MUDDA!

I need to send a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my Mission Mommy Mudda Mandi Thomas!! Hope you live up your Birthday.. you deserve it!! Love you!

Classic Mandi face!
Here is a post from last year so you can get to know one of the people I love mostest from my mission!


http://meggazaway.blogspot.com/2008/08/memory-monday-my-mission-mommy-trainer.html

Thursday, August 6, 2009

A taste of Heaven...Try it you'll like it, hey mikey!

Aebleskiver

So this isn't a NEW obsession... I have ALWAYS loved these thanks to my Boise family, but I have been thinking about what I am going to do for breakfast at the Pectol family reunion and this craving for Aebleskiver's came to me.

Now if you don't know what they are, I feel horribly bad for you! They are a piece or Heaven! I have however after placing the need for the pans on Facebook, found out that LOTS of my friends enjoy them and have these unique pans!! YIPEE!

To some of you this may be a foriegn thing. Let me explain what these are: (wikepedia)

In Denmark, æbleskiver are common before Christmas. In Norway, warm waffles have much of the same function as æbleskiver in Denmark.
They are also often sold at charity markets, scout arrangements, local sports gatherings and similar, or served at children's birthday parties, due to their popularity and easy preparation.
Unlike what is sometimes assumed in America, Danes don't eat
æbleskiver for breakfast (at least not in modern times).

I am American and I eat them for BREAKFAST and a yummy breakfast they are!! Now there are wonderful things that you should know about these delights..

  • You can make them plain or you can add things in them
  • Adding things in depends on your creativity. A few added items include: apples, blueberries, strawberries, sausage and cheese, bacon, eggs, cream cheese, frosting, pudding...get the point..anything goes!
  • They are delicious with strawberry jam, powdered sugar or syrup too!
  • And of course, they can be made into desserts to!! VERSITILITY RULES!

You should try them!! Yes you do have to buy a special pan which they carry at most Bed, Bath and Beyonds but it will create endless yummy food memories in your families! Maybe even a knew Christmas one!

Here is a video that shows how it is done. Pam works just as well instead of oil.




Here is a recipe for plain ones.. I will add more as I have them!
2 cups white flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups buttermilk
3 eggs, separated

DIRECTIONS
Sift the flour, salt, and baking soda together in a bowl. Add the buttermilk and egg yolks; stir until you have a batter.
In a separate large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy until soft peaks form. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: the egg whites will form soft mounds rather than a sharp peak. Fold the egg whites into the prepared batter.
Place an aebleskiver pan over medium heat; prepare each cup with cooking spray. Pour the batter into each cup to about 2/3 full. Cook until golden brown on each side, using a toothpick to flip, 1 to 2 minutes per side.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Two greats share today! Uncle and Niece





These two are definately NOT strangers to this blog! These are two souls and faces that I reverence and love so much! Happy Birthday Lynn and Holls! What a blessed day today is!!
I have written about Lynn last year click here to be reminded of his greatness!
http://meggazaway.blogspot.com/2008/08/just-like-dad-to-me-happy-birthday-lynn.html
And of course the Dolls. Can't wait for her to be here next Thursday!! I don't know if I can sleep until she comes I am SOOO excited!
I wish you both the BEST birthdays ever!! Know that you are loved and I am so THANKFUL YOU WERE BORN!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!