Shay - Foot Surgery

Well Shay had surgery on her foot a over a week ago. She is doing better. She still has to use crutches to get around and today she progressed from taking baths to taking a shower. She was so happy. This is hopefully and end to a long journey to get her foot repaired. She had the surgery the first part of October and will be able to go back to work November first. She has gone through a lot of painful rehab to try and get her foot repaired. She had a worse case scenario so it came down to surgery.

Cheers,
John...

Happy Birthday Luke!!!

Luke's 14th birthday was on April 1st. I can't believe he is 14. It seems like yesterday that I had him. His was the worst delivery and worst recovery ever but I'd do all again, look what I got out of it, an amazing son!!! He was excited all week long. The day of his birthday the whole family, including Lareen and Taylor, went and saw How to Train Your Dragon in 3-D. What a great movie. I would highy recommend it (plus the cute dragon reminded me of Sophie). The creepy part was the 50 year old couple behind us going at it. GROSS!!! It wasn't just a little smooch, it was full on make out mode. Finally at the end of the movie as we were leaving John yelled "get a room". My kids were totally creeped out (okay so was I). We came home and had birthday desert - cheescake and cookie dough ice cream. Then Luke finally got to open his presents. He got the Percy Jackson book series and the latest Fablehaven book. And then his "big" gift was Guitar Band Hero (I'm sure I'm not saying that correctly). It was really fun. It came with a guitar, drum set and microphone. John can really belt out Kung Fu Fighting. It was a great night. Friday night John and I took Luke to the Cheesecake Factory. We let him order whatever he wanted. So for an appetizer he ordered deep fried macaroni and cheese, the entree was a yummy pasta and then he got a slice of tuxedo cheesecake. I thought he was going to burst.

14 Reasons I love Luke...

1. He is so dang cute with his dark hair and dark eyes.
2. He has the most random facts in his head and is willing to share them with everyone!
3. He loves to sing (he's even in choir)
4. Not only does he love to sing he usualy has actions to go with the songs
5. He loves to read (a boy after my own heart)
6. He honors his priesthood
7. He can make friends with anybody
8. He still hugs and kisses me goodnight
9. He will massage my feet whenever I ask (he will be a great husband one day)
10. He is a real gentleman
11. He loves to laugh and make people laugh
12. He is very honest
13. He is so respectful to me
14. He is always wanting to learn new things.

I can't imagine life with out Luke. He makes our family c omplete! I wouldn't know what a quiet dinner would be (LOL). We love you Luke!!!

Is January really over???

Once again the month is over and I can't believe all that has happened. Ethan made it into the final round of his school spelling bee. I asked if he was excited and he said no. He doesn't like spelling. Well, he didn't win but he did a great job. He is such a smart kid and really loves school and learning. We are so proud of him. Jake finally got a job. Can you say amen!! He started working January 11th at Arby's. It is close to home so if he doesn't have a ride he can easily walk. He's very excited to start making money and save for a car, college and his mission. I asked if he was going to get a cell phone (the kids have to buy there own and pay the bill each month) he said no. It's a waste of money and he doesn't like to talk on the phone any way. The big event this month was my birthday. Not just my birthday but my 40th birthday!!! John and the kids have been so excited for this day. They planned a huge party for January 23rd. So the frenzy of cleaning the house began about January 8th! We deep cleaned and dejunked every room in the house. Washed walls, floor boards, cupboards etc. It was a lot of work but the house has never looked better. I also think it really helps a family grow and learn when you work together (don't get me wrong, there were some cranky moments ;). John and the kids planned everything. There where lots of whispers, e-mails and phone calls happening behind my back. It was driving me nuts. I need to know everything! I think that was the best part for the family, knowing the secrecy was driving me crazy. The day of the party John and the kids were busy bee's preparing food and decorating the house. They wanted me to open my gifts before the party started. Amanda got we some really nice knifes, an original snuzzle (it was before the snuggie) finger nail polish and a really pretty serving tray. John was great. He got me new pots and pans. After 21 years my old pots and pans had seen better days. The new set is so nice (now if I can just teach my kids not to use metal in them). I thought I was done opening gifts when John told me to look in the back of my card. I knew he was up to something. Taped to the back was a picture of a Nook. I couldn't believe it. It was on back order so I havent' gotten it yet but I'm counting down the days. I've already been perusing Barnes and Noble for the first few books I'm going to down load. I am so excited. I probably read 1-2 books a week so this was an amazing present. Thanks Babe!!! After all of the fun presents were opened I left and had my hair done for the party. It was a nice treat to have someone do my hair and get a little pampered. The night was so much fun. I was a little stressed because I don't like to be the center of attention, but once I got over that I really enjoyed myself. John made so much incredible food it was crazy. We had about 60 people show up and it was chaotic, loud and absolutely wonderful. I am so blessed to have so many friends and family that love me enough to come celebrate this milestone with me. I just want to thank everyone for coming and making my 40th something special (and not something to be depressed about ;) My family is incredible and they did all of this with a very big heart. During the party Ethan said he wasn't feeling very well. I told him to go lay in my bed and watch TV. Well about 10 minutes later Luke informed me that Ethan had thrown up all over my bathroom. He had a fever of 104. UGH!!! So I cleaned him up, the bathroom up, drugged him and put him to bed. At about 1100 that night after everyone left he still had a very hig fever. So John moved Ethan's mattress into our room so we could keep an eye on him all night. The next morning at 830 when Insta Care opened I took Ethan in. He looked and acted horrible. His fever was still 104. He had major tonsilitis and strep throat. They said his tonsils were just filled with infection. They gave him a shot of penicillin and sent us on our way. I stopped and got him a Jamba Juice on the way home but as soon as we stepped in the house he threw up. I got him comfortable on the couch, gave him sprite and told everyone to keep an eye on him. I went and laid down because I didn't sleep the night before. About 1 1/2 hours later Luke rushed into my room and yelled "Dad needs you now, Ethan is unresponsive". HOLY CRAP!!! Talk about a wake up call. So I run down stairs reviewing the ABC's (airway, breathing and circulation) to find my poor boy sitting, totally not with it staring at the wall. They had all been asking him questions and trying to him get him to talk, but his mental status and definately changed. I have never been so scared. It's totally freaky to see your kid look so sick and not be able to even say his name. John and I threw clothes on and put Ethan in the car to take him back to Insta Care. I called Insta Care on the way and told them we were coming and be prepared. I told them I didn't think it was an allergic reaction to the penicillan but that he was dehydrated. Insta Care was great. They were waiting for us and got Ethan hooked up and started doing vital signs right away. They could barely find his blood pressure because it was so faint. It took forever to get an IV started because he was so dehydrated. Finally a cute girl from radiology came in and got the IV started. They gave him a good dose of Zofran (makes you stop throwing up) and started him on fluids. It was amazing, about 10 minutes after starting the fluids he was perking up. He asked why we were back at the doctor's. He couldn't even remember the entire episode at home. After about 2 hours at Insta Care, 2 doses of Zofran and a litre of fluids we went home. Ethan was really sick for most of the week but nothing as scary as Sunday morning. I am so grateful for modern medicine. I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have and I knew what to do. I so gratful for prayer (like my continual one on the way to Insta Care). I am so grateful that Ethan is OK. It made me really think about all of the parents that have children in my unit at work and the agony and fear they must go through on a daily basis (sometimes a minute by minute basis). So, that was our Janauary in a nutshell - Clean, Busy, Fun, Friends, Scary, but most of all family!

Where Did December Go?

December was a crazy month but also a lot of fun. John had to go in for his fun colonoscopy. They found some more polyps so he will have to do the fun adventure again in 3 years. I am grateful he is so diligent in doing this procedure. I need him around for a long time. He hates the whole thing but when he his done and the drugs are wearing off he is hilarious. I at least get a good laugh from him!!! On December 12th we had our ward Christmas Party that I am in charge of. For some reason there were many problems leading up to this party. But the day came and it turned out great. We had amazing food, a great turn out and a visit from Santa Clause. We have a really young ward with lots of kids. So the line for Santa Clause last year was really long and very chaotic. So we did things differently this year. We broke the kids into 3 groups. One visted Santa Clause, one group went to a room and had the christmas story read to them and the last group decorated an ornament. Then they all switched so everyone got to enjoy all 3 activities. It was a winner. The next Sunday I was released!!! Amanda asked if I was sad. My answer was NOOOOO!!! The next week was Luke's Christmas Choir Performance. He really enjoys choir and does a great job. He is the most animated kid when he sings. Good job Luke!!! That Friday was my nieces birthday. For her birthday she wanted to go to dinner and a movie with our family. So off to Cafe Rio and Avatar we went. It was a lot of fun. Avatar was a great movie. We saw it in 3-D. I would highly recommend it (did I tell you John has already seen it 4 times). Before I knew it, it was Christmas Eve. We did our traditional taking the kids to breakfast and a movie. We saw Princess and the Frog. It was a really cute movie. Even Jake loved it. Then we went to my parent's house for a yummy dinner and to open a few presents. The kids still love getting their Christmas PJ's. After we left my parents house (kids in their PJ's) we drove through Layton Park to look at the lights. We got home and John read the Christmas story to the kids. All the kids were in bed by 1000 and John and I in bed by 1045 (so long days of putting together bikes, kitchen sets and barbie houses). The kids got us up at 0700. They wanted to sleep in but I told them we needed to stick to tradition and get up at 0700 (I remember waking them up when they were little, I can't stand the waiting!!!). We had a great morning filled with fun, laughter, food and lots of presents. We are very blessed and thankful for all of our blessings. I even surprised John with a present. He had no clue that I bought him an H2 (voice recorder). I think in the 22 years we've been together this is the first time I actually surprised him. We then went to my moms for more food and presents. That evening we hosted the Salmond family Christmas Dinner. Once again lots of good food and company. It was a great Christmas. So Saturday we began working on my Christmas present from John, redoing the main floor bathroon. We painted, put up new fixtures, a new mirror, lights, towels, the works. It looks awesome. It's one of my favorite presents ever!!! I had the entire next week off and I just hung out with the kids. It was a lot of fun. We had a huge New Year's Eve Party at our house. Lots of good friends and family. Once again we are so blessed with the family and friends we have. New Years day we went and hung out at my parents house. It was a nice mellow day. Then Saturday John installed all new base boards on the main floor. It looks awesome. Other than the air compressor and air gun putting Sophie (our cute puppy) into a shaking, not eating, looking horrible, might need therapy state, the whole project went well. Finally on Sunday we got to go see our cute great-niece Ambree be blessed. It was a great day. She looked so beautiful in her white dress. Good work Dan and Sheila! So here it is Monday, the sugar buzz has worn off, the house is semi-clean, I'm back to work and I'm looking forward to 2010. Happy New Years Everyone!

Shay...

MaryAnn's Secret Potatoes

Well this is a funny story in a way. For those of you who know MaryAnn she use to bring these secret potatoes to all of the family events. She would never tell anyone what the recipe was. Without going into detail I got my hands on the recipe several months ago. My hunch was right. Years ago we had a get together (when we were still doing that sort of thing when my Dad was alive) with all of my Dads kids that were in town. We ate at this restaurant in Ogden called Catus Reds. The potatoes we ate were very similiar to MaryAnn's potatoes. Interesting.

Well you can call Cactus Reds and for around $15.00 dollars you can get an entire tin platter of them prepared and cooked for you... kind of like I remember eating out of at family get togethers. Hmm... makes you wonder doesn't it? Anyway here it is the recipe for those potatoes. I hope you enjoy and take them to your next family get together.

(original recipe from Catus Reds 'Million Dollar Potatoes')
50 lbs Uncooked Potatoes
4 gal. Heavy Whipping Cream (Marigolds Cream)
1 Cups Salt (16 Tbsp)
1/4 Cups White Pepper (4 Tbsp)
2 lbs Corn Starch (6 cups)

I broke them down for my family to a more usable portion. Here are two versions and you can tweak them yourselves or you can just do it the easy way and order them from Cactus Reds already done.

It's a Secret Potato Recipe
11 x 14" glass pan
2 32 oz. bag Cubed Hashbrowns
1.5 qt. Heavy Whipping Cream (Marigolds Cream)
1 Tbsp Salt
1 1/2 tsp White Pepper (1 Tbsp for spicy)
1/2 Cups Corn Starch (1/3 for creamier mix)

Boil water in pot, after water is boiling put cubed hashbrowns in boiling water until cooked and still firm, drain and put in pan (3/4 full). Preheat oven to 380 degrees. Before water begins to boil pour chilled Whipping Cream in a different pot and then blend in corn starch with a whisk as you pour in the corn starch. Add salt and white pepper to whipping cream. Cook whipping cream mixture on medium to low heat until it is the consistency of gravy (it is a dairy product so it can burn easily so keep low and stir continually and takes about 10-15 min). When whipping cream is done pour over potatoes (best if potatoes are still hot) so they are completely covered and slightly mix in. Cover with foil and cook for 1 hour.


Version two with different potatoes.

It's a Secret Potato Recipe
11 x 14" glass pan
10 lbs Uncooked Potatoes (you won't use them all)
1.5 qt. Heavy Whipping Cream (Marigolds Cream)
1 Tbsp Salt
1 1/2 tsp White Pepper (1 Tbsp for spicy)
1/2 Cups Corn Starch (1/3 for creamier mix)

Start water to boil in pot big enough for potatoes. Peel potatoes and cut into thin slices like Au Gratin style and fill pan until 3/4 full. Put potatoes in water and boil potatoes so they are almost thoroughly cooked (cooked but firm). Preheat oven to 380 degrees. When potatoes are put into the water to boil pour chilled Whipping Cream in a different pot and then blend in corn starch with a whisk as you pour in the corn starch. Add Salt and white pepper to whipping cream. Cook whipping cream mixture on medium to low heat until it is the consistency of gravy (it is a dairy product so it can burn easily so keep low and stir continually and takes about 10-15 min). Do not over cook potatoes. When potatoes are done put in pan and when whipping cream is done pour over potatoes (best if potatoes are still hot) so they are completely covered and slightly mix in. Cover with foil and cook for 1 hour.


Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Cheers,
John...

P.S. Oh ya... please share this recipe with the whole family!!!

Fun Weekend... NOT!

Well we had a batch of car problems over the week end along with a date change for the Ward Christmas Party Shay is in charge of.

The Church Building Scheduler called Shay and said that the chapel was double booked and the other ward had it first. Shay takes excellent notes and a long time ago she had a conversation with him about the conflict. He assured her that we had this day and time and the other ward had moved. Well to make a long stressful event for Shay short she got it fixed and we pushed ours back three hours. We won't have all the cool decorations like before and not everyone can help, but what do you do.

Then on top of that Shay's van speedometer went out and part of the dash. Turns out it was a short in the brake resivour sensor and almost $400.00 dollars later and five days without a Van. We get it back tomorrow.

Then we were forced to drive my truck. Well it snowed really bad and I went to put my truck in the four wheel drive and that went out making my truck useless. Why? Because I had two balding tires that I moved to the back thinking my goods one would do wonderful on the front when I was in four wheel drive. That is going to cost us $60.00 just to get it looked at. I have dropped almost a grand into that thing lately. Oh well. Such is life. Everyone has problems and we are not alone.

To make matters worse we had to do tons of driving and it has been heavy snow storms this week. Shays Mother was kind enough to lend us her car.

Well that was brief and to the point. I am grateful the truck did not go out later because it may have gone out on Shay during the week because she would have needed it to go to work. That would have been bad. So it was a blessing that it went out when it did.

Cheers,
John...

Happy Birthday Mom

My mom's birthday was Friday (November 6th). She turned 71 years old. I was thinking of listing 71 things I love about my mom but that seemed a little overwhelming. But I will tell you a few things I love about her. I can't ever remember my mom saying a bad thing about anybody. She always tries to find the positive in everyone and in every situation. I have great childhood memories of my mom. Our house was always immaculate but my mom never seemed "stressed" about keeping the house clean. She is an amazing cook and no matter what, we had a great home cooked meal on the table every night at 5:30. I also loved Thursdays because that was the day my mom baked. Cookies, pies, bread, rolls, you name it she baked it. My mom was also very good at sewing. She made a lot of my siblings clothes and items for the house. When ever something was torn my mom could fix it (not like me, if it looks bad, in the garbage!). My mom could also make a dollar go along ways. She is the most frugal person I know. Having said that we always had a nice home, clothes, and basically everything we needed but money was never spent in a silly way. My mom is one of the hardest working people I know. She could get up at 6 in the morning and not sit down until 8 at night. She could accomplish more in one day then most people do in an entire week. I remember calling to chat with her at 9 in the morning and my mom had already cleaned the house, baked 4 loaves of bread, changed all the beds, weeded the gardens and was starting on her next project. AMAZING!!!! I always felt safe and secure in my home because I knew my mom was always there. I could go on and on but I won't. My mom is loving, compassionate, funny, an amazing grandma and I admire her a lot. Happy Birthday Mom, I hope there's many more to come!!!

Shayleen...................