After Thanksgiving until now.....

Last time I posted we were going to head out from my parents place in Idaho. Well it was snowing then, and my the next morning when we called the traffic reports they had closed ALL roads at the Utah/Idaho border.....so we were stuck. We waited a couple hours hoping they would reopen, but nothing changed. So we picked my grandma up and went to sacrament meeting. There were a couple other people visiting our home ward from Utah that got stuck too.

So, that afternoon/evening, we decided to go over to Daron and Kristi's to play games w/ them and visit. Daron made some yummy stroganoff while we played pictionary. I then made some kettle corn and popcorn which we all ate while playing "I'm thinking of an animal." It was a lot of fun and good to visit w/ them some more.

Playing a game and Riley showing us his jumping skills


Mom and Dad


Riley and Haley


Daron had also cut down some Christmas trees and gave one to my parents, so we took it home and decorated it. It was fun! It's been a while since I helped my parents decorate the Christmas tree. Steve even got to help! I also put together these mind puzzles. Once I got one I just had to finish all of them. Trust me ..... they are NOT as easy as they look.

Taking the Christmas Tree Home


It's a BIG Tree!!! Steve and my dad are putting on the stand...where are they?


Steve helping to decorate


All done!


My parents, Steve and I


My dad and I working on the puzzles
Tadahhh....got them all done!!!


Monday morning for Steve's birthday, my dad took Steve out one more time to call some more coyotes. This is Steve in his gear and his new coyote call. My dad just couldn't resist getting him one for his birthday. He loves it; thanks dad!


We then left around 10 a.m. I called the traffic report and they said I-84 to Utah should be open at noon, so we figured that would give us plenty of time. As we got closer (it was still snowing btw) I called the traffic report again and they said it wouldn't reopen til 1 pm now. And we got right up to it there was probably 2-3 miles of cars backed up waiting for it to reopen. I then called about I-15 going from Pocatello to Utah and it said was open, so we decided to go that way even though it would take us an extra hour. The roads were dry and fantastic once we got to Pocatello so I'm glad we took that route.

When we got home, we hurried and unpacked things then headed out again. Steve went to work and I went to watch my sister's kids in Stansbury Park while they went to Jared's work party in SLC. We both got back around 10 p.m., then went to bed.

I also got together w/ Rose and Pauline on the 4th for lunch. We went to Sweet Tomatoes then went to the mall to shop. We got some great deals on wrapping paper at the Hallmark store. It was fun; thanks!!

After we got back we've been trying to get into the swing of things. Our campaign is over now so I'm glad. I was #1 in SLC and #6 in the nation for net flows, yeah!!! I also qualify for a gift card, which will probably take a couple months to get, but I'm still glad I'll get it (makes the hard work worth while). I've also been busy w/ my new calling as Relief Society President. We've been trying to visit the new sisters that move in, get things organized, make callings, and keep track of sisters expecting and having babies (we had 2 that just had them, 1 tomorrow, and 5 on the way)....kinda expected since we're mainly a young newly-wed branch.

I also gave the lesson last Sunday on Charity, based on President Monson's talk from the General Relief Society meeting. It went well I think. I also found this quote from Marvin J. Ashton which goes well with it. He said, "Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”

This week Steve has been busy getting all his papers and projects turned in (and I've been staying up w/ him of course). Thursday night he finished his online stuff right before it was due at midnight then we went to bed shortly after. Around 4:30 a.m. I felt Steve move and then realized he was shaking. I asked him what was going on and he said he was freezing! I then tried to cuddle w/ him, put more clothes on him and blankets, we even had him get in the bath w/ warm water and hot chocolate but he just wouldn't stop shaking. Finally at about 6 a.m. we went back to bed, then I had to get up at 7 a.m.

I called his dad on my way to work and he said he'd better go to the DR, so I called his mom and asked if she could take him. They ran some tests and xrays and think he has or was on the verge of getting pneumonia. Luckily he didn't have any classes so he was able to stay home and rest. We slept in Saturday also and he took it easy. Dave and Jeff came over and gave him a blessing also which was much appreciated. He wasn't feeling well this morning so he stayed home from church. The drugs are helping, but I'm sure it's still going to take some time. He doesn't have school tomorrow, just work. Then a final on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday then he'll be done w/ his associates, yeah!!!!! We're still figuring out what he'll do next, but nursing in the most likely choice. So he's going to take the prerequisites.

We have a fireplace mantle this year.....I'm sooo excited for it. Here are some pics w/ our stockings.

Yeah for our mantle!!! So much more fun to hang the stockings ;)
Well we hope all is well. Just remember the true meaning of Christmas and to show charity to those around you. Love ya lots.
Steve and Penny ;)

Thanksgiving and Black Friday

Well this week we've been busy getting ready for Thanksgiving. We've had snow Sunday through Wednesday, which has caused some "excitement." It was supposed to hit us really hard on Tuesday, so they actually let us go home early from work. The U and SLCC also closed their campuses in order to allow people time to get home before the storm hit. I was glad I could go home and be w/ Steve since his evening class was canceled also. We went to Red Robin for dinner, since Steve had a free burger for his birthday, then went home, did some homework, and watched a movie together.

The snow we woke up to on Sunday morning


I also went and did initiatories at the SLC temple after work, praying more about who to have as my secretary. I called President after being in the temple and we talked while I was going home on the train. That Sunday we got our new secretary! Now we just need to get organized ;)

A pic of the SLC Temple taken from my phone



We packed Wednesday to get ready to go. I also signed Steve up for a free Birthday meal at IHOP so we went there w/ Steve's parents. Steve then went to work while I cleaned and got ready to go. He didn't get home til about 11 pm, then I decided to let him open his presents since he has to work Monday as well. It wasn't anything too exciting, some thermals, a pair of pants, a tie and a new hair cutting kit. My dad also got him a coyote call, which he's been learning how to use all weekend ;)

Steve w/ his gifts


The next morning we were out of the house by 8 am. We stopped by my uncle Stephen's house to pick up some more temple names for my dad, then continued on. The roads were good in Utah, but once we crossed the state border it was down to one lane due to snow being on the road. We had to travel a little slower, but made it by 1:30pm just in time for Thanksgiving! My sister Barbara and 3 of her kids were there, along w/ my brother Daron and his family, and Dexter and his family. We had a good meal, then watched a movie, chatted, and went and visited my grandma and cousins.


Steve multi-tasking, driving to Idaho AND shaking!



That night we played games for a couple hours, then decided to go to Wal-Mart for the Black Friday deals. Kristi and Haley stayed over and went with us. Steve decided to come also to help me drive (my eye sight isn't too good at night). Wade and Riley just stayed at the house while we went. We got into Mountain Home by 11 pm, just in time to scout out where everything would be and get our spots. We had Steve wait by the movies while we went over to the bedding area. At midnight when they let us take the plastic wrap off the crates and get our "deals." We got some bed sheets and Kristi got some other things, then we went to find Steve. Steve had told us before we separated to make the noise, "Kaa Kaa" so we could find each other. Well shortly after we got our items, we started hearing "Kaa Kaa" and sure enough there was Steve w/ the cart! It definitely made us laugh. We then tried to get in line to check out but it was crazy long! Steve then said for us to wait and he'd go look for another alternative. Pretty soon we hear him again, "Kaa Kaa." We then were able to make our way around others and get in the shorter line he had found. We checked out and were out of there by 12:30 pm! Pretty good timing if you ask me! We then drove Kristi home to Grandview, then brought Haley back w/ us. It was a lot of fun!


Kristi and Haley showing their excitement after Black Friday shopping!


Steve was pretty excited to go shopping as well, can't you tell?


I slept in the next morning of course. Steve went hunting though. I then did some puzzles w/ my mom and Wade helped w/ one too.

The 3-D castle puzzle my mom, Wade and I put together


A puzzle my mom and I put together


Tonight we had steak for dinner and I made a cake for Steve's birthday. After dinner we decided to take the cake down to Grandma's to share it w/ her, and our highered hand and his family who were moving to California tomorrow.


The cake


Steve blowing out the candles

Cafe Rio Pork and Rice

Here is the recipe for anyone interested.....

So....there's a million ways to make Cafe Rio Pork.....here's one that we like, enjoy ;)

Cafe Rio Pork
2 lb Pork Loin or Pork Roast (we use the tenderloin)
1 can Coke, not diet
1 c brown sugar
8 to 12 oz can red taco sauce
1 Tablespoon cumin
1 teas minced garlic
1 teas dry ground mustard
cilantro, as much as you like (I used prob. 1/4 cup or so cut up)

Basically put in crock pot on low for 7-9 hrs or high for 4-6 hours. I cut the tenderloin in half to fit in crockpot, then turn over 1/2 way through if you need. Also the last hour or two shed the meat in order to let the juices get inside the meat. This time it turned out just right in terms of not too much juices we I actually didn't have to train any; just let it soak it up!

You can put it on whatever you like, but burritos or salads are our fav! We layer a tortilla, then cheese, rice, black beans. :)


Cafe Rio Rice
1 c rice
2 c water
3 cubes chicken bouillon
1/2 teas dried onion
1/4 bunch cilantro

Just put it all in your rice cooker (I just put as much water and rice that my cooker calls for, then add the rest. Once the rice is done you can squeeze fresh lime juice over the rice and mix lightly before serving.

Super Easy Yummy Pumpkin Spice Cake!!!

Ok so I made this super easy yummy pumpkin spice cake on Friday and man was it a hit! I was looking for a recipe to use more of my mom's yummy canned pumpkin and I think I found a winner. The recipe is sooooo easy; anyone can make it. You basically just put everything in, blend for 2-4 minutes, bake, and vhwalah, you're an amazing cook! Check it out!

Pumpkin Spice Cake II




Ingredients

* 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
* 1/2 cup white sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (I also added pumpkin spice)
* 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
* 1 cup vegetable oil (I only used 1/2 cup)
* 4 eggs
* 1 cup chopped pecans (I didn't add any)


Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, stir together cake mix, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and ginger. Make a well in the center and pour in pumpkin puree, oil, and eggs. Beat on low speed until blended. Scrape bowl, and beat 4 minutes on medium speed. Stir in chopped pecans. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes (mine didn't take that long), or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.

I then put cream cheese frosting on top, but it's good w/out too ;)

FYI.............

Well, first thing is first, I have a new calling. I was sustained in sacrament meeting and set apart after church as our new branch Relief Society President. I was actually called a couple weeks ago, but it wasn't official until today. I also had 2 sisters called as my counselors, but still don't have a secretary. I had the opportunity to bear my testimony both in sacrament meeting and in Relief Society. Steve also is teaching our Gospel Principles class (now that we have an "investigator" and soon to be new member). He does a great job!

I met w/ my new counselors after church; we're going to work well together. I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited to serve in my new calling. I know the Lord qualifies whom he calls. Over the last couple weeks I have felt a great love for the sisters in our branch. Though we're in a branch, and a lot of us will be here only temporarily, we're really trying to get more unity and get people involved. I know we can get a more unified branch if we all just get involved and serve each other.

This evening we also had the Elders over to teach Ryan the 2nd lesson, the plan of salvation. The lesson went really well and Ryan is definitely ready for baptism. We are planning his baptism for this Saturday, the 20th at 11 am at our stake. We're really excited for him! Kind of funny, yesterday the Elders asked if Steve could just coordinate w/ the Relief Society president to make sure everything was taken care of. Steve said he definitely had it covered! Little did they know that I was actually going to be sustained today. So when they came over this evening, they were like, "Wow Steve you really have go it covered." Steve then let them know that I sustained today, so planning the baptism has actually been really easy. :)

Yesterday Steve and I went to the Worldwide Leadership Training meeting. It was good information and the new handbooks will definitely be helpful w/ our new presidency. Since my counselors weren't called til this morning, none of them came to the training. Afterwards, we went over to Steve's Grandma LuDean's w/ Rob. They helped put up the lights outside w/ Dave and I helped Diane w/ the decorations inside. It was fun spending time w/ them and working per say at the same time. Then last night we made some pizza and invited Rob over, along w/ our neighbors Dave and Melissa. We then played a couple games; it was a lot of fun.

Steve has been busy both at school and at work. He definitely liking his job and hopefully can start working full time come the new year. My work has been busy also. We have 2 weeks left of our campaign. So far so good, I just need to finish off strong and I'll qualify for another gift card, yeah ;)

Well, we hope all is well. We're praying for you. We are indeedly blessed. This is Christ's Church and He is definitely at the Head of it. The Lord works in mysterious ways. This is His Gospel! Here's a great quote by James B. Martino. "As we pass through the trials of life, let us keep an eternal perspective, let us not complain, let us become even more prayerful, let us serve others, and let us forgive one another. As we do this, 'all things [will] work together for good to [us] that love God' (Romans 8:28)." ("All Things Work Together for Good," Ensign, May 2010, 103)

Love ya,
Penny and Steve :)

It's November!!!!

Well can you believe it's November already? Man time sure is flying by. Here are some updates from this past weekend.

Friday Steve had to work late like usual. When I got home I cleaned and did laundry, then made some tacos and took them to Steve.

Saturday Steve had to work again from 9am to 10pm (long day I know). While he was gone I went to his cousin's kid's baptism w/ Dave and Joann. It was a really neat experience and the Spirit was strong. Afterwards, we went to lunch which was nice to spend more time together. When I got home I then did some grocery shopping, then went and dropped some dinner off for Steve on my way to the Temple. My sisters and I decided to go do a session together, but Pauline wasn't feeling too well, so just Rose and I went. We had a great time at the Temple; the Spirit was strong. We then went to Winco and did some grocery shopping. We then rented a Redbox and went home and watched it w/ Steve. Thankfully it was daylight savings, so we "gained" an hour.....since we stayed up til 2 am. :)

Yesterday we had church, which was also fast Sunday. It was a really good meeting. Steve and I both shared our testimonies. We also had an investigator, Ryan, there at church. He has actually been getting taught for about 4 months by other elders and just got turned over to our elders this week. He's been committed to baptism, so we're now just trying to work out the details. He started to study religion at school and his coworker suggested he read the Book of Mormon. Well after he started readying it, he felt the power of its message....and that's how it all started.

So, for Sunday school, we got together a group of people and had a Gospel Principle's class for him. It went really well. Steve and another branch missionary Otto taught the lesson; the 3rd lesson on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then after church, we had Ryan over w/ the Elders. We just went over the baptismal questions. He really has a strong testimony of the Gospel it's amazing! The Lord really does work in miraculous ways. We're planning on the 20th for the baptism and are working on the details.

After the Elders left, I made some rolls and a chocolate cake. We then went up to Stacie and Phil's for dinner. They made a yummy roast, potatoes and carrots. We had dinner, played Blokus 3D, then watched Toy Story 3. It was fun to spend time w/ them and just enjoy hanging out. Here are some pics.

Here are the rolls


Chocolate cake w/ chocolate frosting w/ choc. chips, choc. sprinkles and choc. crunchies


So chocolaty delicious!


Stacie gave London a sprinkle and a little while after she was really fussy. We then realized that she was wanting more sprinkles. So instead of just giving her some sprinkles we gave her a small piece of cake. This we technically London's first piece of cake, but she definitely wasn't shy or afraid to get messy. Here are some pics of her adventure w/ cake.

Trying it, being a little conservative


Fistfuls


Both hands now


Then she got it in her hair


See! She did a great job eating it all up.....besides the parts on her face and in her hair! ;)


Steve is just about done w/ the kitchen, so I'll post those pics once we get it done. Hope you all had a great week and have an even better one this week! ;)

Halloween Weekend.....

Just wanted to post real quick and give a few updates. Work is going well for me. We're in the middle of our campaign and so far so good. I've been doing some over time every week to try and help with my numbers, which has paid off so far. I'm liking my new position and learning additional information on the workplace side. I also finished my Personal Finance class last week. I got full credit on my huge project and my final, which made me happy. Since I've taken 5 classes this year already and I can only be reimbursed up to $10,000/yr, I'll have to wait til January to take another class.

Steve started working as a Medical Assistant back where he did his intern a couple weeks ago. He works Mondays and Fridays from 3 or 4 til closing at 10 pm or until they get all the patients out. It's hard to have him gone, but it's definitely good for him to get the experience he needs and to keep up on his skills. We don't know how long he'll stay there, but it works with his schedule now so we're thankful for that. Steve's school is keeping him busy as well, which he'll be glad to finish up this semester with his Associates. We're still figuring out what he'll do next semester, maybe take a semester off and get a quick break.

Steve is still working on our kitchen ceiling, but hopefully he'll get that done this week. I'll post pics of before/after as soon as it gets done.

We met with the branch president last week to get our temple recommends renewed, then went over to meet with the stake as well. Steve and I got our recommends renewed together when we got engaged. I can't believe it's already been 2 years since we did that last! Man time sure does fly. We'll celebrate our 2 year anniversary in January as well, wow!

While I was meeting with the branch president he left he for a while, then came back and we finished our meeting. He then asked Steve to come in so he could talk to us. We just thought he wanted to talk to both of us about our temple recommends, but instead he extended a new calling to me. We were both a little surprised needless to say. I won't get sustained and set apart til November 14th though; I'll tell you more about it then.

Since Steve works Friday nights, I had Eve come over to hang out. I put in a Digornio Pizza and Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls for dinner, then we just talked the whole evening. It was really good to see her and visit.

Eve and I


Yesterday Steve and Rob helped Dave move stuff out of Jeff's garage and back into his. I went to the temple while they were doing this. We then went and took our mattress back (the one we bought right after we got married) since it's been giving both of us back problems for quite a while. They said it must be a defect in the mattress, so they're going to refund the whole amount. Unfortunately we had to order in a new mattress (different brand), so we'll have to deal with this one a little while longer.

After we got done with the mattress, Steve and I went and volunteered at the D.I. for a couple hours. We were supposed to be unloading the dock, but they didn't need us there, so we ended up sweeping under and rearranging the furniture section. We then came home, had dinner, and I helped Steve with some homework. Steve was really hoping we'd have some trick or treaters, but we didn't even get one...so sad ;(

Today after church, I made the Cafe Rio pork. It turned our really well actually. I put it in the crockpot last night and it was ready to go by this afternoon. We invited Rob and a couple from our branch to come over as well. I also made the lime rice, salad dressing, and had beans, tomatoes, cheese and lettuce to top the tortillas. All the pork was eaten up, so I guess it must have been good :)

Last week I cut my hair. I just wanted to change things up and try something new. Here are some pics.

My new hair cut



Another angle


Steve and I


A cute flower Steve got me a couple weeks ago when he left to go to the cabin