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!

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?!

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!

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

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.

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!

http://meggazaway.blogspot.com/2008/08/celebrating-life-of-one-and-only-holli.html

I wish you both the BEST birthdays ever!! Know that you are loved and I am so THANKFUL YOU WERE BORN!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday Sweet Jen!

HaPpY BiRtHdAY WiLlIs!!!

Anyone that really knows me.. knows that this is my Willis!! I don't make many decisions without counseling with her! She has become such a HUGE part of my life in the last 5 yrs... I don't know what I did without her before it!

Jen is a LOVER! She loves people, pooches, family, friends, good food and diet coke, laughing, teasing, traveling, serving, the gospel, the scriptures, playing the piano, singing, concerts, road trips (even spontaneous ones!), hanging, she even loves me!

I have traveled from Mexico to London with the girl! We have so much fun together!! I wish it was more often but that is my fault, not hers!

Jen is truly A-mazing in every way!! Ask anyone that knows her! I love that she is tender and that she is close to the spirit. She gets teary eyed hearing a good story or even watching a Disney parade.. I LOVE THAT!! I think that is a good way to be!

Jen thanks for sharing so much of your time, talents and love with me.. I cherish you more than you will ever be able to comprehend!

***There is some more about her on my blog from last year check it out... you may want to turn off the music that is with the video.. it is pretty annoying. Just click the right hand bottom corner of the video.***

http://meggazaway.blogspot.com/2008/07/tribute-tuesday-jens-bday.html

It's my Bombee's Birthday

Today is our sweet Shelisa's Birthday. I have called her Bombee since she was 1. It is really Bambi but that is how I pronounce it. There is a reason but it is a long story.

Shelisa has been my buddy since she was a baby. I would watch her and love her. She was absolutely beautiful then and she still is today.

Shelisa is loyal. She is protective and she loves deeply. She has some great qualities that anyone would want to possess.

She is a second cook at her Dad's Mexican Restaurant Cocolitos by Harmon's in Orem. You should try it out if you haven't it is DELICIOUS! She is such a hard worker and I can tell she helps her Dad out immensely!

Shelisa has always been really responsible and put other's first before herself. She is also so faithful and puts the Lord first. Bombee has a GORGEOUS singing voice which I wish she would do something with.. I could listen to her sing all day!

Shelis, you are so special, talented and have a family of 106 people that ADORE YOU! Thanks for being you!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Kylie Smiley turns 21

Happy Birthday Ky Ky!

Today our sweet Ky Ky turns 21 yrs old!! There is a lot of celebration to be had in those short years!!

Kylie would ALWAYS keep us over-entertained. She was very theatrical and dramatic! She would talk and talk and talk to you some more. From the time she was a 4 she thought she was a teenager! She always talked like an adult.

Ky was a little rascal. Because she felt older than she was, she would always get herself in to mischief! But then you would look at the pretty little porcelain face and it was hard to get mad at her!

Ky has always had a good sense of humor and could always laugh at herself.. there is something to say about someone that can laugh at their blonde moments.. one of the many reasons I love Kylie Lynn.

Now all grown up and a mommy I love to read he blog and see her insights. I have always known she was wise, even as a child, but now I get to read it!
Kys thanks for sharing your life with us! You are a delight and I am proud to call you my cousin!

Sunday Sampler: Broken things to mend

This subject has been resting in my mind for a little over a week. I had a deep discussion with a dear friend of mine last weekend and it ended in us talking about broken things.. that each are broken at one point in our life, and from one thing or another.

I remembered two powerful things in my life that had to do with this topic. First was a time that I felt the spirit so POWERFULLY at EFY while this principle was being taught. and Second how I felt when an apostle of the Lord addressed us with this very topic.

One of the Coordinators at an EFY counselor training shared a story about a time that he was able to go with a youth to meet with an apostle at church headquarters. This youth had been through some really hard family issues and this apostle has been made aware of them and had asked to meet with the youth to give an apostolic blessing. Fernando related this experience with us and the spirit completely filled the room and tears began to flow from all in attendance. The apostle shared with this youth an experience he had while visiting in Jerusalem a while back. While on a tour of this sacred city he saw a Shepard in the distance who was carrying a lamb around his neck. He thought that it was quite interesting seeing in person what he had seen depicted in pictures many times before. He asked the tour guide if he could go closer and meet this Shepard. When he got there he asked the Shepard, why he carried the lamb around his neck to which the Shepard replied that the lamb had broken legs. You see, this lamb wandered away from the flock and when lambs do this the Shepard would break their legs and carry the lamb around their neck until the lamb recognized the Shepard's voice and then they would put the lamb back down and the lamb would never stray because it knew the Shepard's voice!

This illustration has meant the world to me. There are so many times in our lives when we too feel broken or are broken. Whether it is something that we ourselves did or something that was done to us we are in the need of "The Shepard's" healing. We need to be picked up, carried around his neck, and then taught his ways and learn once again what his voice is saying to us. We each have those broken things to mend in our lives.

In this very talk by Elder Holland he teaches us that not only does the Lord know the way out, he knows the way up! He knows it because He has walked it. He knows the way because He is the way.

Many of you understand how much I have been deeply touched by this apostle of the Lord. I have had such intimate and personal experiences through his words and actions that I will never doubt that he is a man of God and a true messenger of Jesus Christ. The closing of this talk gives a plea to us all:

"Brothers and sisters, whatever your distress, please don’t give up and please don’t yield to fear. I have always been touched that as his son was departing for his mission to England, Brother Bryant S. Hinckley gave young Gordon a farewell embrace and then slipped him a handwritten note with just five words taken from the fifth chapter of Mark: “Be not afraid, only believe.” I think also of that night when Christ rushed to the aid of His frightened disciples, walking as He did on the water to get to them, calling out, “It is I; be not afraid.” Peter exclaimed, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” Christ’s answer to him was as it always is every time: “Come,” He said. Instantly, as was his nature, Peter sprang over the vessel’s side and into the troubled waters. While his eyes were fixed upon the Lord, the wind could toss his hair and the spray could drench his robes, but all was well—he was coming to Christ. It was only when his faith wavered and fear took control, only when he removed his glance from the Master to look at the furious waves and the ominous black gulf beneath, only then did he begin to sink into the sea. In newer terror he cried out, “Lord, save me.”

Undoubtedly with some sadness, the Master over every problem and fear, He who is the solution to every discouragement and disappointment, stretched out His hand and grasped the drowning disciple with the gentle rebuke, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

If you are lonely, please know you can find comfort. If you are discouraged, please know you can find hope. If you are poor in spirit, please know you can be strengthened. If you feel you are broken, please know you can be mended.

In Nazareth, the narrow road,
That tires the feet and steals the breath,
Passes the place where once abode
The Carpenter of Nazareth.

And up and down the dusty way
The village folk would often wend;
And on the bench, beside Him, lay
Their broken things for Him to mend.

The maiden with the doll she broke,
The woman with the broken chair,
The man with broken plough, or yoke,
Said, “Can you mend it, Carpenter?”

And each received the thing he sought,
In yoke, or plough, or chair, or doll;
The broken thing which each had brought
Returned again a perfect whole.

So, up the hill the long years through,
With heavy step and wistful eye,
The burdened souls their way pursue,
Uttering each the plaintive cry:

“O Carpenter of Nazareth,
This heart, that’s broken past repair,
This life, that’s shattered nigh to death,
Oh, can You mend them, Carpenter?”

And by His kind and ready hand,
His own sweet life is woven through
Our broken lives, until they stand
A New Creation—“all things new.”

“The shattered [substance] of [the] heart,
Desire, ambition, hope, and faith,
Mould Thou into the perfect part,
O, Carpenter of Nazareth!”

I am so thankful to know that I too can be mended of broken things. I have needed mending so many times and I have clung to the hope and called out "Lord, save me!" and he has done just that. He has sent someone my way, given me the words to read, or spoke peace to my soul in ways that no one else could have healed me and made me feel whole. I am thankful that it is never too late to be mended, that no matter how long we have held on to the broken things that we can be made whole again in every way. The Savior DOES LIVE! He DID atone for our sins! He is the ultimate healer of our hearts, minds, and souls. May we all be mended in the ways that only HE understands!

Sammie-Sammo! Birthday Wishes!

I wish I had all my OLD photos on CD or I had a scanner. I have some real good ones of this girl from the years before my mission, my preschool teaching days!

Sammie is a wild one :) She is for sure an independent spirit. She has always been adventurous and never afraid of a little dirt! But the thing I remember the most about her is that she was SOOO creative and imaginative! I guess that is why Harry Potty would be one of her favorite movies right?!

Sammie loved food and if I remember right she loved JUNK FOOD! She would always beg for the treats!

One of the saddest days for me was the day that I went with her mommy to check out the new daycare in Springville cause I was leaving on my mission. I didn't want to leave them to be loved by strangers!

I haven't got to be around Sammie a lot since I have been home.. but when I do get to hear conversations she is having or be a part of it she can still make me chuckle!! I love you Sammie! Hope your Day is wonderful!

Birthdays Glore.. Celebrating Josh!

What more can I say about a cousin that was the same age as me growing up!! He is amazing!! I have always thoroughly enjoyed every minute of him!! Can you blame me?!

Josh will always keep you in stitches with his sarcastic ways. He was a pretty interesting kid. A few random memories. He would ALWAYS be in just his under ware. I am talking all the way until I was 16 I was seeing him in his under ware. At the time, I didn't think it was a big deal... now I think it is HILARIOUS!

Also I am envisioning his staple food from teens years.. a loaf of white bead and a pint of Sour Cream.. I know.. VERY weird.. but I swear he would eat it a lot!

He was the best of friends to me. He even had pity on me in high school and came to a Sadies Hawkins Dance with me!! Now that is LOVE! Funny thing is we just all dressed in matching shirts and went to get pictures and then ditched the dance. ha ha ha

It is so fun to watch him in love. I can tell that he REALLY loves his wife, can you blame him.. HE SCORED!They do a lot of fun things together. I will tell you what, I would have never thought that Josh would have an interest in running marathons but with her I believe he has run 2. I could be wrong on my numbers.. but just the fact that he ran 1 would be a FEAT!

And my favorite thing that I love to see as Josh has grown up... his even bigger role as Dad. He is such a good Daddy and you can tell he COMPLETELY enjoys the joys of Fatherhood!JOSHY WASHY!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Isn't 31 GREAT!

17 today.. Happy Birthday SCHWEE!

Today is Ashlee's Birthday. Ash has always shared her Birthday with Grandpa Schroeppel. I have never heard her complain or not show up to the family party on their birthdays. What a special girl she is!!

Ash is tender hearted. She has always been a cuddler, a lover and a peacemaker. And look at her she is also a LOOKER!!

I got to hang out A LOT with Ash when she was younger. Is always had a contagious giggle and a fun personality. I still remember all the songs that she would sing as a very young girl. At Christmas her Mom and I spent so much time in ShopKo she would sing, "help me make more of the magic HOPKO the store for you!" When her Mom and I worked at Casual Corner she would use the cash register hanging pole as her microphone and sing to her hearts desire!

I will always have a special place in my heart for my dear Ashlee Ann! I celebrate your Birth my dear girl! Thanks for being so loving, caring and selfless on your birthdays and always!!

HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT DAY!!

Being 80 is a GREAT reason to celebrate!

See this Handsome guy... no this is not a movie star, this is MY Grandpa!!
Today Grandpa turned 80!! Now that is reason to celebrate!

We had a fun, family and friend filled day with Grandpa at Timpanogas Park, also known as The Storyteller Park. Lots of yummy food and lts of family sharing musical tributes as well as story tributes. Even though the sun was really hot that day we all seemed to leave with smiles on our faces knowing that this man was well celebrated!

Happy Birthday Gramps!!
So glad that I got to help celebrate you today!

Celebrating Rachel Squires!!

I am about to blog about someone that I think is absolutely PHENOMENAL! I tell her this every Sunday that I get a chance to talk to her.. but today I need to put it in writing cause she truly is!

Not only does she excel in everything she does in her callings she is also a chemist!! Yes I said it, a chemist.. atleast that is what I remember! She is one smart cookie!

Today is my sweet Rachel's Birthday and she deserves a MAJOR shout out on my blog. Why you might ask? The reason is simple.. her smile. That smile has cheered me up on SOOO many occasions! Seriously.. Rachel is in my ward and some Sunday's I am not gonna lie going into to a single's ward kind of bums me out.. then I see if from across the room her smile that lights up everything it reaches!

Rachel and I were in the RS Presidency together for a couple months and I felt so blessed to be able to sit next to someone every Sunday that has such an amazing spiritual presence to her. Rachel is a spiritual giant. I am in awe of how you feel when you are around her.

Now make sure to not let Rachel fool you though, she pretends to be so quiet and shy but my girl Rachel can hold her own.. she is so charming, funny, a tease and can recite movie lines with the best of you! She has a quick whit to her and I love it because if I find something EXTRA comical in church I can look over at two people and know that they feel the same about what is being said or done. Rachel is one of those I can count on to be getting a kick out of it too!

Although I don't know everything there is to know about Rach, I do know that I love her already and appreciate the meekness she brings into our presence every Sunday.. I think I need to be around her more often.. what do you say RACHIE BABY?!