The Biscoff Cookie Recipe Like on Delta

• 2 C all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 C unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 C sugar
• 1/4 C firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together flour, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves), baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on low speed. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually blend the flour mixture into the butter mixture until it is well combined.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. From here, you can either bake it as a large sheet of cookies to cut later, or, you can use cookie cutters to make cookie shapes. (I used my awesome Williams-Sonoma cookie cutters! I had a bit of trouble rolling the dough and found that if I chilled it for a bit, rolling was easier.)
6. If you choose to bake it as a large sheet, bake for 20-25 minutes. Cut out cookies to shape as desired.
7. If you choose to bake it as shapes, place dough shapes onto parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes.
8. Cool on cooling rack before serving. These are best once they have cooled.

Read more: http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2010/07/biscoff-cookies-from-scratch-recipe.html#ixzz1i3gijcnN

A Fancy Cookie Simple to Make

I found this neat recipe for the Biscoff cookie they offer on the plane for a snack. I can't wait to make my first batch.

Biscoff Oatmeal Cookies


Servings: Dozen cookies
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus 2 tablespoons of flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup Biscoff Spread
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the butter, Biscoff spread, sugar, and brown sugar and beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Add the egg and vanilla extra and beat until smooth. Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the dry ingredients, beating only until blended.
Chill the dough 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Form the cookie dough into rounded tablespoons and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies are golden and just firm around the edges.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and then remove with a spatula onto a cooling rack.

Recipe courtesy of Maria and Josh of Two Peas & Their Pod Blog

Dining Out at Red Lobster~

We went to Red Lobster tonight for steak and lobster. It was our three month anniversary tomorrow so we went today, being Thursday. The steak was medium well and it was a New York Strip (14 oz) with an eleven ounce lobster.

I was kind of apprehensive to go there with some of the comments of the patrons about going to Red Lobster. Well, I ignored the negative comments and realized that the ones that were positive had the higher priced items on the menu combos.

We had our $50 gift card from the Christmas Gift Exchange at Ron's work party, plus our dinner only cost 5.54 cents besides the gift card. I think we chose a well used item, which was done to perfection.

The waitress took our picture. We went home and watched a BYU Basketball game.

Our Merry First Christmas

We took this snap shot of us ourselves. The first two tries were with me in Ron's shadow. So, I switched sides and it came out best. He held the camera and I touched the button with the stylus. His arms are longer. It captures how we feel.



Tanise saw it on her iPhone and wrote: Merry Christmas to the happiest couple of parents I know (and Love). Hope you had a great "first" Christmas together as family. We love you, Tanise.

She called on facetime and chatted a bit to wish us a Great Christmas. We got to talk to Kaiwi about his associate-ship and finishing up his dissertation. Way to go!

We went to our sacrament meeting at nine. The we came home to get ready for our guests. The three girls, Shelly, Shannon Annie and their families came by.

We had a buffet set up and they chowed that down. Then later, about seven I fried some 'taquitos' Annie helped to make more guacamole to have with the taquitos. A delicious combination.

There were lots of treats, crackers and dip, potato chips with cottage cheese with green peppers, a relish tray for the sandwiches, cold cuts, cheese. We had a plateful of cookies and treats from friends dropping by. The kids helped eat those very well. There was fresh Organic apple juice along with wassail mulling spices with cloves, cinnamon and dried orange peel, slighty warmed. Yumm.

The whole day was amazing. Several of the kids out of state called or we talked to.
Just as an FYI, Johnny was unable to come due to bad weather in Denver airport. So he stayed in Texas. Michael called on their way home from the Husted's. Tracie called too, the kids all loved their Lego Pyramids. Matt called too, and said the boys loved the same Pyramid Legos too. Hallows were thrilled with theirs too. Hank called from Djibouti first thing this morning. He was on the ball early with the time difference.

I also got a call from my granddaugher, Aislyn, who is Aaron and Candice's oldest child. She was so excited to talk to me when Ron answered. He talked her a few minutes to find out if she was having a great time. Then she asked to talk to me, her grandma. I took the phone and she blurted out that her "Mama is going to have another baby." She is thrilled as is her siblings. I am for them. Congratulations!
What a nice Christmas surprise.

Celebrating Our First Chrsitmas Eve Together

I count my many blessings being with the love of my life, and eternal Sweetheart.

It is Christmas Eve. Our first together. We went shopping for some last minute things we didn't find to finish up our shopping for each other. Ron went in the truck and I went in the car. Yesterday, he went to one store, and text me while I shopped for him to see if I was done at Target. He said "take your time and I did. He suggested that could mean more goodies! Yea!

Yes!

He went out again while I stayed home to catch up on some gift wrapping and stocking stuffers for the kids. We were going to a family get-together at Shannon's house at 4:00.

Then I had a turn to go to the store to get a few more things for Ron. I only found one or two things from my list left to buy. I think it is done. All I have to do is wrap some of his and stuff his Christmas stocking. We couldn't find the ones I brought from Utah. We bought two more from Dollar Store. I know we will come across the ones we brought as soon as Christmas is over. That is how it is sometimes.

Ron teases me about having things for him that I already had before he came into the reality of my dreams. It was about planning ahead and having room for the man of my dreams with a nice denim shirt in the closet, a tie or two, a few more casual long sleeve size "L," shirts too. Also having new dishes for my future kitchen, tools, nose clippers, or aftershave cologne. And a myriad of other things too numerous to mention that were in my storage unit!!!

"You build it and he will come," was my mantra. A quote from "Field of Dreams."

It worked. What else can I say?

Evening Out at Aromatics Party

We were treated to dinner at Ron's work Christmas party.

They served Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, salad, yams, ham and prime rib. There was pumpkin pie and strawberry cheesecake. It was fun to meet Ron's co-workers and bosses. They were very kind and welcomed me to the dinner.

Ron is in the back row. He stands out in the group and only Gringo in that row.

They had an "Ugly Sweater contest." No kidding. Lots of peple decorated their sweaters, we did too. But the one who one, really did have an ugly sweater. No wonder he won. The prize was $100.

They had a $50 gift card exchange of a lot of restaurants, gift cards for gasoline, Sears, Macy's, other dept stores as well. Ours was a $50 gift card to choice of Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Longhorn Steak House. We look forward to going and redeem our gift card at Red Lobster.

Mannheim Steamroller Concert

We were treated to a Christmas concert. We saw Mannheim Steamroller. They were fabulous. Never saw or hear such sound that brought the house down, well almost.

So much incredible talent up on stage. I sat and watch it with field glasses. I could see the main musicians playing electric violins, a piano that had some kind of magnified soumd, and it was a grand piano at that. The drummer was going nuts playing chimes, so typical of the Mannheim sound. I was in hog heaven enjoying the concert LIVE! It gave me chills to hear some of those old favorites. Hark The Herald Angels Sing, among others. IT was two hours of pure delight.

It was that good. Ron enjoyed it and didn't want it to end. It made our week.

Newest Little Angel in Our Family

This is Presley Jane Hallows. She is now six months old. She is such a joy and blessing to us. Her eyes are blue like one of her big brothers. She is Miss Congeniality and Miss Personality. A Miss America in the making.




A cute little Pumpkin outfit.

A Fine Tribute to Mothers

"The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world."




This Mother’s Day, the talks were centered on the subject of women and the honor given to mother’s on their special day. I think of my own mother and all that she taught me, and how that influenced my life and what I taught my children.

Several youth were called upon to speak. Those who spoke had some very sweet memories and kind words about their mothers. Then, a married man gave his talk and honored his wife. We all know his wife, she is a dear, loving and kind example of womanhood. She has in the past year had some very difficult health issues and overcoming so much of her debilitating condition with faith, love and enduring patience through it all. Her husband told of how much he learned from his wife, to always give thanks and honor to God, and The Savior for their unconditional love and pure faith.

I know this sister in our ward, her heart is always full of recognition of one more day, and the appreciation she has to be a wife and mother. Her children are the jewels in her crown, no doubt. A few of them were in the audience in attendance to be with their mother and hear the words that their father spoke so lovingly about her.

There in the row where they sat, I saw two sons accompanied with young women whom they may very well be considering marriage. A thought came to mind, that mother’s in a general sense have great influence upon their children, of both her sons and daughters in whom they choose to marry. The caliber and quality of that prospective partner depends on how that mother dresses, how she cares about herself and her modesty and strength gained from her daily challenges. A mother of faith, will instill upon those children whom she’s nurtured from the cradle, the beginning of their lives and how she demonstrates her faith in God and the prayers she renders in their home by her example. Her honesty has great influence as well. Her standards of integrity also give that mother’s influence to generations. She would be one to speak the truth even if not convenient. Her children learn honesty in that home by how she carried out her callings and diligence of those responsibilities place upon her shoulders as they grew up.

A mother who is honored by her husband also has great weight upon the success of how those children see themselves seeds of promise to excel in their future companionships.

So, it is no small task to be a wife and mother. Her influence is timeless and takes those posterity with her for the eternities by the hand and is their example and guiding star.

May all mothers realize their great potential as they walk that path of influence upon their tender children, whose sons and daughters benefit by her confidence in herself and what she believes.

Welcome to Sweet Baby Tess

April 30, 2011--7lbs. 13 oz. 22.5 inches long born @ 7:48 am,

One Hundred Eleven Years Ago~

Today, was the birthday of my maternal grandmother, Anita Recio, @ age, 36. She was born in 1900. The above photo is Anita with her two children, Albert and Elena.


This photo is Anita with her sister Amada, on the left and she on the right of her. Her only brother, Felix, Jr in on the front row on the left. C.1916.

Anita was a very happy and energetic personality she loved to dance and sing and laugh a lot.

She had beautiful dark natural curly hair. She was a lovely young woman and took very good care of herself. She was always there for us when there was a new baby born. She would come to take care of us when our mother was in the hospital. She also traveled to be with us when there were important events, like graduation, weddings, etc.

I remember she also came to Utah from California with my own mother, Elena when I had Tracie, my fourth baby when they both flew on an airplane for the first time. That was quite a milestone for her being seventy-one at the time. I will always be grateful for her coming at that time in my life.

Family was always important to her, and my mother. She left us a rich heritage for which we are proud to be her descendants.

Mama Told Me There Would Be Days Like This. . .

I love the song the sisters (nuns) sing in The Sound of Music about Maria and what are they going to do with her? She seems to always be in the Mother Superior's office and talked to about some infractions she may have done or asked to be focused to do what is expected of her in her daily tasks. It is like a flashback of when I was growing up, almost.

Some days, that is how I feel when I have times that I am reminded to keep focused and on track to get things done. I do the best I can and know the Lord knows that as well.

Congratulations for Grandson, Austin Hallows' Baptism

Saturday, April 9, 2011 was Austin's baptism. Here is a photo of all our family who were able to attend. It was quite a crowd.

Afterward we went to Brick Oven in Provo for lunch. Austin was quite pleased with his surprise presents extended from his birthday and turning eight years old. He looked quite happy with himself and his experience becoming a member of the Church.

He has a lot of family support, and had a memorable day.

Honoring My Ancestors

Clemente Ulloa~born in 1819 in Guantajuato, Mexico. This is my great-grandmother's parents, or my second-great grandfather/grandmother. I can only tell you a few things that I do know about them. He was from Raya Rul, Guanajuato Mexico

Their names were placed on my grandfather's birth certificate, as parents of his mother. Likely his profession was being a miner in the silver mines,which are there in Guanajuato. I do know that my father's grandmother knew how to read and write, and had a very legible penmanship from some of her letters that I had seen. My grandfather had a very nice script handwriting, with a kind of flare to it.



Maxima Munoz-Ulloa~
She was from Encarnacion, Jalisco, Mexico
I also think that my second-great grandmother was an educated woman who perhaps taught her children how to read and write; she saw to it that they learned while young. Her grandson was my grandfather; he had a very beautiful handwriting. I love reading his letters. He was probably taught by his mother too. My paternal grandmother also knew how to read and write. It is something to be pleased about how their education desire was instilled in me as well. So, what little I do know, tells me they were very humble people and worked very hard in their lives. They were also honorable and righteous individuals. They appear by their clothes to be refined and have culture as if middle class or more. I know I am from a long line of worthy ancestors. They chose/agreed to come to earth when they did, since they made it possible for me to have the blessings I have now, to live in America and worship my religion freely. God bless them, and America!!

P.S. I had the opportunity to download some of these pictures and was excited to post them here on my blog entry for today.

A Time to Visit the Widow~Elijah Heals Her Son

Taking care of the widow's needs.


My friend happened to be transferred today to a new facility for her full-time care. I made it a priority to go see her in her new surroundings. It is an adjustment at best.

I went to the store and saw a few things she might enjoy and would brighten her day.

There was those gel stickers for "Happy Spring." The stickers included the words and a small chick with a few flowers and a figure of a toy animal, I think. I placed it on her mirror so she could see it each day.

I told her the stickers were so she could remember me, and she said she did not need anything to remember me, that she would anyway. I laughed. This care center is one of the ones that I had patients to visit when I was doing Hospice counseling in Orem, by University Mall a few blocks south of it.

She likes treats once in a while so I brought her some pastel colored M & Ms plain milk chocolate and some pastel colored milk chocolate covered peanuts in a can with a clear plastic lid. She enjoyed them, and appreciated the gesture.

It must be difficult for her to have to be there away from her home and family, so it is good to be able to visit her and bless her life, if only for a small portion of time. Her daughters live in New Jersey and Texas, and her son son lives in Orem.

A Time to Forget Oneself

Today I went to see a friend, Donaire, who is in a skilled nursing facility. That just means she is unable to take care of herself and is receiving some physical therapy to strengthen her ability to walk better or to recover from a stroke back in December of last year, 2010. She is eighty-six years young, very alert and mentally quick.

My days in the week will consist of going to see her at least three times a week. It depends on my schedule and what I need to do otherwise. It gives me a time to be still and visit with her as if I was visiting my own mother. I cherish this dear lady and the opportunity to get to know her all the more. We have been friends since, 1996, so that is about fifteen years now. She is also a widow.

It is like going visiting teaching and taking the time to sit with her during her meal, or go to sacrament meeting with her, which I did once, unaware that she would be attending the services there at the center. I have also trimmed her hair for her, which reminds me I need to do that again soon.

Another time, I was there when the Relief Society President came to her room to invite her to their meeting. It happened that Donaire started to tell her "no", since I was there. I insisted that we could go together and I would stay to visit with her afterward. It meant a lot to my dear friend.

She is Jewish and this week's lesson was on the Atonement and given from the Ensign, an article by Elder Bruce McConkie in the April Ensign. I really liked the lesson and just listened without getting any feedback from Donaire, and it was timely since this month is Easter. The closing song was, "I Stand All Amazed." It is one of my favorites and the words are very uplifting to me.

I think back about how things played out for the visit to see Donaire. It gives her support and helps her think about something else besides the pain she is in most of the time. It was good to visit with her, and I am the one blessed for her company

Interesting Experience to Share

Today I met a young mother who had such an aura about her. I could not help to notice her. She radiated something I do not see very often in my day to day experiences.

She was a patron in the temple. She was having a dry coughing fit. I went to get her a drink of water and a cough drop. She appreciated it and it seemed to help. She thanked me and we went on about our tasks.

Then, shortly after that I stood before her and all of a sudden a thought came to my mind to tell her something that I did not even know I would say before hand, that "You look like Jesus' sister." It even amazed me.

It was kind of strange thing to say to someone, but it was true! Her hairwas to her shoulders but pulled back a little which had a slight dark blond hue with red highlights, her color eyes were between blue and green. Her skin was kind of freckly, but she still glowed is all I can say to describe how she appeared to me. It was as if I could see inside her heart or soul and I felt a purity about her that was so sweet and beautiful. She had some makeup on, but it was very natural looking. It just enhanced her beauty.

She smiled and almost giggled when I told her who she reminded me. She said it was interesting that I said that to her, because she has a brother, that when he grows a beard people tell him he looks just like Jesus (too).

I laughed and only said back, "Well there you go. I was right!"

I smile when I think of this incident,

It made my day, really.

Scripture to Feast Upon the Meaning

Helaman 5:12

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.


Alma 26:6

Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.

God Wants You To Know

Don't fret or worry.
Instead of worrying, pray.

Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers,
letting God know your concerns.

Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness,
everything coming together for good,
will come and settle you down.

It's wonderful what happens
when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)

God Bless You!

We Do Not Run The Race Of Life Alone

"We do not run the race of life alone. We are entitled to the Lord's help."
Thomas S Monson.

Angel From Heaven

Tanner William McIntire~cutest little bundle of Joy! Happy parents, Michael & Joanna, brothers, James and Austin. Born in Cincinnati, OH., March 20, 2011

Missionary Experience Right Here in Lindon

Today I went to my Family History Center for three hours, my regular weekly assignment. Normally there are very few visitors who need help, so I work on my own family search.

Shortly after 9:30 am, two men came in that needed help with their ancestral search. One was from Guatemala and the other, Peru.

I volunteered to be their consultant since no one else spoke Spanish. They were both converts. The younger of the two, Mario, brought in Miguel. Miguel knew very little about his parents and grandparents. But, just enough to link him to them and go back to his grandparents' and placed them in his pedigree. I was able to pull information out of him to piece together his family information.

He walked away when we were done with the information entered so he could have his parents and grandparents with both sets temple work ready and to be sealed to his parents. I showed him how he could do the paperwork and just take it for completion.

He was thrilled, as I was as well to bring him the blessings of an eternal family. I gathered from his comments that he really never knew his father, who had died when he was two years old.

I explained to him and Mario how right nowhis family was in a place where they could not progress except for his help in identifying them. He smiled when I told him what an honor it is to have their ordinance work done in their behalf and have the joys of eternal family blessings.

It felt so good to be an instrument in the hands of God to be a help for this man who had no one to bless his life in this way. Although I don't know his whole story, or even much of it, he did join the church fifteen years ago, and was faithful to received his temple blessings by the next year mark and ever since.

This New.Familysearch.org website really helps families unite and can be found to receive their eternal blessings to come to pass on both sides of the veil.

I bore my testimony to both of them (in Spanish, no less) that I know that this is an inspired program and that the promise, "receiving hidden treasures, even hidden treasures of knowledge," reveals unto them in this work for our kindred on the other side of the veil. I also bore witness at how thin the veil is and how we are blessed to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

I had confirmation after confirmation as I bore my testimony that what I was telling them was true. Wow, what a missionary experience I had. I could feel the Holy Ghost's promptings. Miguel gave me "un abrazo, fuerte," a strong hug as he left!

He reminded me so much of one of my great uncles, Raul Sanchez, a brother to my maternal grandfather, Alberto Sanchez.

Mario, the other fellow, was in his mid forties, and had ten children. His parents live in Guatemala and are LDS as well. He was able to get into New.FamilySearch.org and find his pedigree to connect to his ancestors from Guatemala into Oaxaca, Mexico, even though he came so the other man could get help.

It was a very rewarding experience. I am thankful to have that calling. This morning I wanted to just stay home and fought that feeling to stay home. I felt I might have a great experience if I went, since I do whenever I am there. I must have overcome the opposition and forged ahead, and see why I was being tempted to not go today. So much would have been missed had I not been there to help these people.

A Celebration to Welcome New Grandson~

Welcome to sweet, not so little, bouncing baby grandson. Tanner William McIntire. I already want to call him T.W.! or Tee Doubya. He weighed in at 9 lbs. 6.9 oz.

Michael and Joanna are the proud parents of this adorable son. He joins James and Austin, his big brothers. Congratulations to all of you. God bless you. I am thankful for his safe arrival, and for Joanna's quick recovery yet to be the next few days rest she gets in the hospital in Cincinnati.

Relief Society Stake Luncheon

A Lingerie lace Blouse from Victorian Era


Our Lindon West Stake Relief Society had an activity for the women to come celebrate the 169 anniversary of the organization.

Our stake president, Jimmy Trent spoke, as well as our ward Relief Society President, Raylene Ireland. It was a real treat to have Sister Ireland speak. She is very articulate and expresses herself so well. Her theme and talk was centered around, "Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things."

There was a delicious luncheon that more than adequately filled our stomachs with the croissant chicken salad sandwich, spinach salad, and strawberry shortcake. Everything was so well planned and carried out. The decorations were outstanding and the fashion show was superb.

A woman from Bountiful, UT came and showed us some of her collection that she had made over a period of thirty-five years. He husband was an antique car aficionado and she became interested in antique clothing along side him. She designed dozens of outfits of the mid-to late nineteenth century and into the forties of the twentieth century.

She narrated her stories and history of each outfit modeled by our own stake sisters. Everyone was amazed at her ingenuity and ability to find so many nice things at such shopping bargains over the years. She redesigned hats made from covered straw hats with wide brims to fit the style and times of her dresses and gowns modeled. I have never seen anything like it.

Her name was Sister Hawkins. I hope to get some photos to show here soon of those taken of Candice, who was asked to model several of the gowns. She looked stunning in the peach colored dress trimmed in black lace as well as a black one of different 1920s era.

Women of Valor

A quote from sister, Kathleen H Hughes formerly of the R. S. General Presidency said:

In 1856, Julia and Emily Hill, sisters who had joined the Church as teenagers in England and been disowned by their family, had finally earned passage for their way to America and had almost reached their longed-for Zion. They were crossing the American plains with the Willie handcart company when they and many others were stranded on the trail by an early October storm. Sister Deborah Christensen, a great-granddaughter of Julia Hill, experienced this touching dream about them. She said:

"I could see Julia and Emily stranded in the snow on the windy summit of Rocky Ridge with the rest of the Willie handcart company. They had no heavy clothing to keep them warm. Julia was sitting in the snow, shaking. She could not carry on. Emily, who was freezing as well, knew that if she did not help Julia stand up, Julia would die. As Emily wrapped her arms around her sister to help her up, Julia began to cry—but no tears came, only soft whimpering sounds. Together they walked slowly to their handcart. Thirteen died that terrible night. Julia and Emily survived."4

Sisters, without each other, these women probably would not have lived. In addition, they helped others survive this devastating portion of the journey, including a young mother and her children. It was Emily Hill Woodmansee who later wrote the beautiful words to the song "As Sisters in Zion." The verse "We'll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak"5 takes on new meaning when you imagine her experience on the snow-packed plains.

As Sisters in ZIon

On Aug. 2, 1856, some residents of a small Iowa town approached two young women who were traveling with the Willie Handcart Company. The two young women were the Hill sisters, ages 20 and 23. The younger of the two was named Emily.

The townspeople attempted to entice these attractive young women away from the company, using written messages that they delivered to the two sisters. Their messages promised all of the comforts and conveniences that life had to offer if they would simply abandon their trek to Zion.

Notwithstanding they were worn and weary from their 4,000 miles of travel over the past three months, which began in Liverpool, England, they resisted.

On Oct. 19, 1856, Joseph A. Young was the first rescuer to reach the Willie Handcart Company. Young had been a missionary in England and had known Emily there. Eventually recognizing that the starved figure with a gaunt face standing before him was Emily, Young burst into tears. He gave Emily an onion from his pocket and told her to eat it. Instead, she saved it and unselfishly gave it to a man, near death, lying on the ground by a fire. This man credited Emily’s act of kindness with saving his life.

Emily Hill(Woodmansee) later authored a poem which became the words to the beloved LDS hymn “As Sisters In Zion.”

Fiddler On The Roof

I really love going to see live theater. I was able to go see a production of "Phantom of the Opera," not too long ago at a local high school. It was excellent and the talent, costuming and over all production were outstanding.

Last night I went to see a production done by a junior high in Spanish Fork. One of my granddaughters was in the play, so I wanted to go see her sing, and took two other granddaughters, Aislyn and Ella. They loved it.




The production was called a "Jr." play. It was an abbreviated version of it. They did a good job, the main character was played by a young man, perhaps about fourteen. He really held the audience and sang his part.

We had second row seats. The music was recorded so it was by a great orchestra that accompanied the singing. The group sang and the recorded music was their background. There was great acoustics for the music to sound so well.

I remember my maternal grandmother taking us kids to the movies and to live theater. I really appreciate that now and still have fond memories of riding the "EL" to go to downtown Chicago with her. She didn't have a car but we took the bus and the EL.

What is so crazy that I remember about riding the Elevated transportation was how we would be going along the curves and buildings and it would look like we were going to crash into a corner and the train would swerve the opposite direction.

I have seen in some movies of riding the EL and coming to the same twists and turns that looked exactly of how it did when I was young, in Chicago.

Make My DaY!

Go ahead,make my day!!

This afternoon I met a lady who is in my oldest son, Hank's ward. She noticed my name tag and said there was a Hank McIntire in her ward. Then she asked me if I was his sister!!! Everyone seems to love him...

She made MY day!


A young Clint Eastwood, famous for the phrase, "go ahead, make my day."

Stake Conference Sunday Meeting

Our ward, rather stake met for Stake Conference. Aaron had YM/YW morningside with the Stake President. They fed the youth doughnuts and juice or milk. Aaron and Candice needed to get the family ready the rest of the way so I left a few minutes after nine for the ten o'clock meeting.

I like being in the same building as the conference was held in three buildings in our stake. There is noting like being their and feeling the music played on the organ and the choir singing live!

Even though I was so early, most all the seats in the chapel were filled. I found a row of seats, 7, for us to all sit in the second row of chairs. The first row was open, but from past experience the kids think we are in their living room and get up and walk around in the aisle in front of them.

We had a great conference last evening with the adult session. Again, I saved Aaron and Candice seats. They had gone to have a quick bite, (so they thought) so I found some soft seats in the chapel. The Spirit was great, the talks were uplifting. There was a couple who spoke that just returned from a temple mission in the Hong Kong Temple. They gave inspirational talks and bore testimony of the work they did and those they had to leave behind. They commented on the tender mercies of the Lord as they served and He took care of their family at home.

Today's talks were exceptional. I was so appreciative of the time I spent in the temple this week. I know it prepared me to hear the talks and feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost. It was sweet and comforting. The children were good,no one had to be taken out. They are pretty much well behaved. If they go out, it is to go to the bathroom.
We have such great men who lead our stake. They each bore their testimonies which we heard last night and today. It is always good to give support to our leaders. The Mt. Timpanogos temple president spoke, L. Edward Brown. He has such a gentle, tender spirit about him. He and his wife, the temple matron add so much to the peaceful, caring and loving feeling in our temple. The workers love them dearly and once can tell as we function in such unity.

I went visiting teaching today in the late afternoon. I took a nap and I must have slept three hours when I realized it was almost five o'clock. I went teaching and left her home to go to Hank's for dinner for K10's birthday. She turned four. We had Hawaiian Haystacks, which is a favorite for some of the younger kids, they request it often for their birthday dinner. The baby, K12 was awake and I got to hold him and cuddle him. He smiled a lot and cooed too. He got a little fussy, but Lori just sat down with him and fed him. He was fine after that.

We read scriptures in the Book of Mormon with everyone, in Ether 12. Hank asked me to give the family prayer. I had not been asked that befdore, except for the blessing on the food occasionally. I felt honored and gave the family prayer. I am grateful for the time I get to spend with them, and see them read the scripture together. Reminded me of when I would gather my little flock and read with them when they were growing up.

It has been a good day.

Random Acts of Kindness

Bestamor aka Esther Christiansen Burt-- A picture of beauty, love and kindness.




"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882); American poet

Kindness is something that can be developed with little effort. Just thinking or doing something for someone else. How easy that can be.

I love it when I receive the kindness of someone else. I know what it feels like when I do that for someone else!

Giving of oneself on a regular basis without being asked and just follow that inner voice inside to follow through. I like the quote at the top of the page. It was from an article about Random Acts of Kindness or RAK.

Have a blessed, kindness giving, filled day!

Listening to Good Music~

I really find the Children's songs on my blog relaxing and soothing after a long day.

The guitar that plays some of the songs has a great touch. Listening to good music lifts your spirit, too.

The Primary songs are a favorite. These are great songs to listen to on an iPod while walking. Now that the weather is getting warmer, I won't mind walking, which is one of my goals. I am working on being a healthier ME!!

I look forward to Spring, which is just around the corner...whaahoo!

Marathoning Through The Book of Mormon!

This picture was taken in Chichicastenango, Guatemala~These women remind me of the mothers of the 2000 Stripling Warriors. They perhaps would have dressed like them.




I put my Book of Mormon cds in the car and enjoy listening to the scriptures as I drive around running many errands in my day. It seems that I got to listen to about ten chapters today. Now that is what I mean by 'marathoning' through the Book of Mormon. Alma 19: to 29: in a day.

I was impressed with the response that Abish, the woman that witnessed all the conversions of the Lamanites when King Lamoni was converted. It mentioned that her father was in King Noah's court and heard what Abinadi had preached and was martyred. She went about to the houses to tell everyone what she saw and heard. It seems to me that she was a missionary and bearing her testimony as she went about telling her neighbors of what happened in the household of her master, and his wife, the queen. She most likely was converted by what her father had been taught and told her. She kept quiet what she knew of that time until King Lamoni's conversion.

I picture in my minds eye as Alma went about preaching and teaching the people and judging them as Chief judge. The land was very green with trees and bushes. The country side filled with small villages and acres of farmed land, with corn, and banana trees. Those images in my mind are somewhat factual since I did see that land and area of the Waters of Mormon when I went to pick up Michael from his mission in Guatemala, 14 years ago this month, February. I arrived on Michael's 21st birthday and was there about 8 days.

I hope I can post a photo that I took myself that I call, Mothers of young Stripling Warriors at the market place. We went to the market on Thursday, which was open only that one day a week. We went to Antigua, Chichicastenango, Panahaschel, Santiago, Guatemala City and of course, Tikal where the ruins were located.

Reading the Book of Mormon is a wonderful reminder of seeing that land and having traveled both by air and by car. The ruins were especially impressive. To see them in person and wonder what all transpired there centuries before and the past civilizations come and gone. I am intrigued by the Mayan culture and how refined they had become and knowledgeable in so many areas.

Don't Push the Panic Button

Aaron and Candice went out of town for a few days. I am watching the kids for Wednesday and Thursday this week. The girls got off to school okay and I was going to take the boys for a ride to get out of the house.

Parker and Joel were in the car waiting for me to take them for a ride. Then, just as I was going to put something in the back of the car, I heard a familiar click that sounded like the car locked the doors.

Sure enough. Joel was playing in the driver's seat and the keys to the car were on the console. I tried to show him where to open the locked door or even lift the door lock that opens all the doors. NO such luck! Parker could not help since he was locked in his car seat. He is unable to unlock himself out of his seat belt either without help.

I talked to Joel a few minutes, which seemed longer than it was. Joel had a long orange plastic stake in his hands. Coaxing Joel to give the stake to Parker was not the easiest thing to do. Parker could reach the door lock near his back seat to unlock it, if the stake was easy. He managed to open the locked door with the stake.

It worked! The car door slides open, but when the door unlocked, the buzzer to the door alarm went off. I tried to push the red "panic" button, but that would not work. So then, I pressed the unlock button on the car keys that were inside the car. The loud buzzing sound stopped immediately and off we went to Aunt Tracie's!

The boys had fun swimming. They then went to stay at their Aunt Tiffiny's in Lehi. They had a sleep-over and their parents came home on Saturday evening. Grandma went to pick them up. Parker fell asleep on the way home. He was zonked!!

A Feeling of Longing for Home

A visit to San Antonio in 1952 during Easter vacation at Nane's house~



Ever have the feeling of being so alone it almost makes you feel sad or like crying?

There are days, as one gets older when I miss "home." I had this feeling of longing for home, and then, thought, "Wait a second, am I not home already where I am?"

Then I realized it was the spiritual sense of that home I left a long time ago before I was born.

Plain and simple. The Spirit comforts me, sustains me, and gives me peace. But wouldn't it be nice to just see through some of this earth stuff and get that glimpse heavenward?

I go there in my dreams, so that will have to be good enough. Otherwise I may be reluctant to see it in my awake state. I must be patience and enjoy NOW and appreciate the present. So it goes. It is sometimes ike missing my loved ones who have gone to the other side. I feel the Comforter and can bear through it valiantly.

One of my cousins called me, Connie from San Antonio today. She sounded a bit depressed and as she talked for a while, she expressed how much she missed her mother who passed away in 2009. She admitted they had a difficult relationship, but even so, she loved her mother and was missing her. I know how she feels, like an orphan, perhaps.

It seemed we as children don't realize when our parents are alive, just how much they really mean to us, until we lose them. I always let my parents know how I felt about them in my letters, or whenever I saw them for visits. It was always a joy to be with them and enjoy their company, a treasure. My only regret is that I didn't get to see them more often. I am fortunate to have most of my children close by.

I miss those who are farther away, however. Seeing them once a year is not enough. I wish many times I had the means to go see them more often.

It is not easy to live away from your grandparents, like I had to when I was growing up and lived in Chicago. I am grateful my grandmother, Anita came to see us, and moved where we lived whenever we moved to a new place. Our family was able to go for a two week visit once a year around Easter break to see our relatives in San Antonio.

A Blast From The Past

This last week, since doing the vicarious temple work for our Mexican ancestors I have had the desire for "heritage food." It reminded me of the time I had an anniversary dinner a year after I was sealed to my parents.

I decided to make tamales and have everyone over for dinner. It was on a Sunday, October 20, 2005. Michael and Matt were not aware of our get together. I called them on Monday to tell them about the family party. Each one told me that both said, Michael and Joanna had a craving for my tamales the day before. Matt and Beth said the same thing not knowing what we had for our dinner. I thought that was a strong witness of the influence of our family link to our family on the other side.

So, the feeling I had of the tamales this week was similar the day I was in the temple. It brought my ancestors the the forefront. I had some extra tamales dough and meat filing in the freezer from the holidays when I last made them.



Then, when this craving for tamales came I took the frozen food out to thaw. I made them in a few hours of the afternoon on Thursday. They were delicious, beside to top off the feeling, I made homemade Mole. I cooked a couple of chicken breasts in the crock, and while steam cooking the tamales, I made the Mole sauce for the chicken. I make by taste and by trial and error. It comes out almost the same each time, even though I have written down a recipe in our family cookbook.

I made it that time and wrote down what I put into it. Sometimes it is a little sweeter. I used the Abuelita chocolate "cakes" with the sugar and cinnamon seasoning that are store bought. I sometimes make my own mixture out of powdered chocolate. I could not tell you how much I used, since I start mixing and tasting as I go. You know, that is how good cooks do it!!

Nevertheless, I had a bit of that with the nostalgia about my maternal grandmother that I wrote about last. I definitely see the connection even now. Hindsight.

I have been very blessed over the years to have the photographs, and documents, and stories about my ancestors. I am so thankful for the motivation it gives me to keep on writing, researching and bringing my family up to date about them all.

I truly cherish my heritage. I am thankful for the influence they have all had on me, even now. Their lives are important to me, and I believe they are all around me and assist me in my day to day life. The veil is thin and they are aware of all of my (our) needs, and as we search them out, they show their gratitude for our remembering them and bringing them the same blessings we enjoy.

The Spirit of Elijah is the chain and link to our past and blesses our present and future, as well as my taste buds.

Paying it Forward and Backward

My grandmother, Anita in 1940

The thought just came to me how I continue to do service to those around me.
Many times I have had opportunities that arise that I was unable to be at a certain
place, or at a certain time. But, time has a way of taking its course.

My maternal grandmother, Anita had reached an age where her body and mind were slipping away from us. She had developed a type of Parkinson’s disease. Her husband and she were in their eighties. She, being born in 1900--it is likely that this occurred in around 1980-82. I was unable to be there after she went into a care center.


I found myself, ironically--ten years later attending college classes that brought me into the field that gave me the experience and training to give time and comfort to those in care centers in their later years. Many times in my visits in my work, I would picture my grandmother, Anita in her room, unaware of those around her, being cared for by her care givers.

It is twenty-four years since then, and I cannot rewind the tape to go back and be at her side. But I am paying it (backward) and forward now in the time and service to others who wait for me to come see them as often as time allows. I know God understands and has brought me the understanding to make the best use of my time to serve.

I am grateful for being given another chance and serve those who need it. I am the one blessed as well.

Finding a Missing Glove & Sauerkraut

What do these two things have in common?

Let me explain. I went to get a manicure this afternoon and wore my gloves to drive there since the weather was below 20'. I think anyway. The steering wheel was very cold, so I wore my gloves. I was about a minute late so hurried out of the car when I parked.

Then, as I was leaving to go back home, I looked for my two gloves, that were fleece and warm to cover my hands. As I drove away from my parking space, I could only find ONE glove! I thought, I better turn around and go back to find it in case it dropped out of the car.

Well, as I was nearing where I pulled out, there was my glove, but it was in the aisle, and not near where I was parked. Then the prompting came, someone may have seen the glove on the ground by the car and placed it on the top of the car. Not seeing it as I drove away, it flew onto the ground where I found it!! That happened before once at another location. I was grateful for a caring soul to put it where it would likely be seen when I got back into the car. However, I did find it and felt the Holy Ghost prompting me to go find the lost glove.

Then, a few minutes later, I went to the grocery store, Ridley's that used to be Albertson's near the house. Looking for Sauerkraut was not easy. I looked down the aisle for canned vegetables, and even asked a clerk working that aisle. She couldn't find it either. I later realized she had never heard of sauerkraut!!

I went to another place she suggested and wound up going back to the aisle and thought,"If I was that sauerkraut, where would I be?" Then, within a few seconds, there it was, hidden but on a bottom shelf. The clerk crawled under to get the jar and gave it to me. It was on sale, and the tag on the end of the shelf had the better price. I was thrilled.

After I explained to the girl what it was good for she learned how good it is for you and thought she might try it. There I was, sharing the information stored in my head (memory bank) again.

Some days, I cannot help what I know and pass it one to some unsuspecting soul eager to know just how good sauerkraut can be for one's stomach and liver!!!

I came away, thankful for the Holy Ghost that helped me find my glove, and the sauerkraut.

A Teaching Moment to Recall

A thought came up about family and serving each other at breakfast yesterday. I remember a story poem that President Kimball used in a conference talk about children helping and doing their chores. A teaching moment was there and I was unable to share what I remembered of the poem, only the idea. I found the poem, and just Googled it!

I like the comments made from someone named,Maggie, from her blog...here it is and the poem posted below. Enjoy.

When I was a child my mother used to recite a poem which began, "I love you mother, said little Nell, I love you more than words can tell..." It goes on to say how each of her children declared their love then raced off to play ... all but one, and that child stayed behind and helped with all the day's work. It ended by saying, "Then at night when she laid to rest, which of her children love her best?" I can't find it anywhere and would really like to have it since it was one of my mother's last memories before her death. Can anyone help?


WHICH LOVED BEST? by Joy Allison (1917)

"I love you, Mother, said little John;
Then, forgetting his work, his cap went on.
And he was off to the garden swing,
Leaving his mother the wood to bring.

"I love you, Mother, said rosy Nell,
"I love you better than tongue can tell."
Then she teased and pouted full half the day.
Till her mother was glad when she went to play.

I love you, Mother," said little Fan,
"To-day I'll help you all that I can;
How glad I am that school doesn't keep!"
So she rocked the babe till he fell asleep.

Then stepping softly, she took the broom,
And swept the floor, and dusted the room.
Busy and happy all day was she;
Helpful and happy as a child could be.

"I love you, Mother," again they said,
Three little children going to bed.
How do you think that mother guessed
Which of them really loved her best?

Great Lesson To Be Learned

I was looking for a picture of a rose and the scriptures but was unable to find. This photo will have to do!!!


Alma 7:23 "And now I would that ye should be ahumble, and be bsubmissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive."

I was feeling a bit discouraged and I came across this scripture. It gives me hope that in my impatience I needed to be reminded of what really matters and have faith that all my hopes and dreams will be fulfilled. . . someday.

Love, Grandma Mattie

The Greatest Joys of My Life

I hope my readership (3) can bear with me as I share these thoughts today. My apology if sometimes my posts are mostly "scriptural." My days come and go and I begin them with looking to what the Lord has to say initially. It makes my day. I ponder those things as I read and like today share the one or ones that stand out in my mind and heart. So, for all intents in purposes, if it is boring, I offer my regrets in your behalf. I have none here.

Mosiah 5:15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

My other greatest joy, besides the Lord is my children. They and their children especially. As I go about my day I pray for them and desire that their lives be filled with the Spirit of the Lord. My service is ofttimes in service to others.

I went visiting teaching to one of the sisters I assigned myself which I go see alone. We have amazing conversation centered on the message. I am most grateful for the opportunity I have to visit with her and make sure she is doing well. She is an outstanding person who serves in the Primary and loves her calling and works very diligently in it. I do have a regular district and companion to visit teach three other sisters monthly. It keeps me busy. But I love it.

I also visited another ward member and gave them some of my Soft gingerbread cookies. They were pleased and delighted and had a nice short visit.

Later in the evening I went to have dinner with son, Hank, Lori and their children. It was two of their birthdays K7, K9 who celebrated together for the sake of convenience with doubling their birthday celebrations. Having that time with them also is one of my joys as well.

However, there was another birthday grandson, Adam, who also had his birthday so I went late to his house to wish him well. He was so excited his dad had given him a new fishing rod for his tenth birthday. He had already been out on Saturday with his dad to catch a foot and a half (maybe) inch long fish. His smile was big in the photo his dad took of his special catch.

So, there I have it. My day spent in church and feasted upon the Spirit and fed very well. Sunday is the high light of my week, and blesses me not only spiritually but temporally and mentally. I take time to read in between getting ready to go to bed and go to sleep.

God's Never Ending Message of Love

Mosiah 2:41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

I believe this with all my heart, and fiber of my being.

Stay Tuned. . . Atuned

A dash in the life of Anita Recio, seated in the foreground

I was reading scriptures in the Book of Mormon this morning. I love to read them first thing in the morning, so I have my "homepage" http://www.classic.ldsscriptures.org~

Today I read in the book of Omni and how those who were given the charge to keep the records. There were several statements made in as little as one verse each. It is almost as if they had no record to write and just made a token entry. Are our lives going to be like some of those leaders? I was particularly drawn to the scripture below. It was written lastly by Amaleki. I quote it below:


Omni: 26 And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.

It made me realize how important it IS to write regularly about our comings and goings. To record those spiritual experiences along with the every day ones.

It reminds me of the story about the dash. The one where someones life begins in a year and separated by a (-) i.e. 1900-1988. That is my grandmother's birth year and death year. It began in 1900, at the turn of the century. She lived until 1988. Her whole life was in between, representing the dash. Our lives will be recorded in the book of life. What do we contribute in the (dash) between years? It is up to US, ourselves. No one can do if for us.

We are more than just a dash (-) if you think about it.

Words to Listen and Heed

Jarom 1:6

And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.