Palm Sunday A Time of New Beginnings

Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It is the Sunday before Easter and is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar after Christmas and Easter. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Holy Week, the week of events leading up to Jesus’ death. The Bible reveals that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him by waving palm branches and covering his path with their cloaks and palm branches.

The gospels record the arrival of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, the crowds shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” to honor him as their long-awaited Messiah and King. “Hosanna” was the shout of praise or adoration made in recognition of the Messiahship of Jesus.

The significance of Jesus riding a donkey and having his way paved with palm branches is a fulfillment of a prophecy spoken by the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9). In biblical times, the regional custom called for kings and nobles arriving in procession to ride on the back of a donkey. The donkey was a symbol of peace; those who rode upon them proclaimed peaceful intentions. The laying of palm branches indicated that the king or dignitary was arriving in victory or triumph.

Palm Sunday precedes the arrest of Jesus on Holy Thursday and His Crucifixion on Good Friday. Christians celebrate the mystery of their salvation through Christ’s Death and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

This egg tells the story of the world’s most holy week.  And it serves as a reminder of the hope and love we seek.  Today we began the Easter Story and pray that this egg will bring us closer to the man we call God’s Son.  Because Jesus gave His life for us it is through HIm our salvation was won. 

Sad–People can’t handle other’s success!

From Jason Thompson:

Our ability to succeed is largely based on how we choose to view the world. Much more so than formal education, natural ability, or athletic talent.

If we blame someone else, a horrible boss, a broken system, an absent father, an unfair God, then we lose the opportunity to take control of the chance to become more knowledgeable and a cycle is formed where there is no end to the blame.

I have, honestly like all of us have, been blessed with amazing people that have helped me, supported me, lifted me up, pushed me forward -- if you don't see these people around you, look harder.

But if you think that my success, as humble as that success has been, is because I was handed something that you weren't and not because I've worked hard for it every single day of my life, then maybe it is my fault. Maybe it's my fault for making you believe that it was easy, that I didn't get up early every weekend to work at a grocery store at 15, that I didn't immensely struggle through 6 years of college, that I didn't spend endless hours consuming knowledge while my co-workers were out partying, that I didn't take great financial risks to build what I was passionate about.

Maybe it was my fault or maybe you just find it easier to blame someone else rather than taking responsibility for your own successes and failures.

Response from mom:

I wish I could handle the changes and demands in my life with a bit more grace and acceptance like you have. You are an amazing son, love you beyond words, and know that you have worked your butt off to get where you are. Wish every day could feel like a "Happy Meal" .What other people think about you, me, or family is none of our business! You rocked this world with your successes and you should own that success. Be proud of yourself and stand tall! No one knows how hard you worked and no one has the right to judge you or me! xoxo

One Step Closer

Blueberry Salad

After years of searching I finally found my Aunt Rosa’s blueberry salad recipe.  I’m downsizing my recipe collection and as I’m flipping through clippings there it was…Hallelujah!

And yes it is heavenly….

2 (3 oz pkgs. raspberry jello 

1 16 oz can crushed pineapple – don’t drain

1 16 oz can blueberry pie filling 

2 cups boiling water

Topping:

1 8oz pkg. cream cheese

1 8ox carton sour cream

1/2 c sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 c chopped pecans

Mix the jello, pineapple, pie filling, and water until dissolved.  Pour in a 9 x 13 dish to congeal overnight.

For Topping: Using a mixer combine the ream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla.  Spread this over the salad and sprinkle pecans on the top.

Thank you Aunt Rosa Carter

Italian Chicken Salad

3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 cup lemon juice concentrate

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese

3 teaspoons chicken-flavored bouillon

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 garlic clove, minced

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 pound chicken strips

1 pound linguine, cooked and drained

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup chopped red pepper

Toppings – Avocado, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, etc – your choice

Lettuce Leaves

In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup of the oil, lemon juice, cheese, 2 teaspoons of the bouillon, sugar oregano, garlic, and pepper; mix well

IN a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil on medium heat.  Add the chicken and the remaining teaspoon bouillon.  Brown the chicken until it becomes tender, stirring occasionally. 

Cook the pasta while browning the chicken.

Add the chicken, pasta, and the remaining ingredients to the oil mixture; mix lightly to coat.  Cover and chill.  Add toppings you desire, avocado, olives, tomatoes, cucumber.  Serve on lettuce leaves.

Oven Chicken Fajita

For the Seasoning:

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Fajita filling:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs , sliced into 1/2-inch thick strips (slice extra wide strips in half)
• 1 of each red , orange and yellow bell peppers, cored and sliced into strips (3 whole total)
• Sliced Mushrooms
• 1 medium yellow onion , halved and sliced from top to root
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 3 Tbsp chopped cilantro

For serving

• 8 taco size flour tortillas
• Sour cream , avocado slices or guacamole, diced tomatoes, Mexican cheese blend (toppings are optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray an 17 by 12-inch rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Place a baking rack on top of the tray to keep vegetables and chicken off the bottom of the tray.

2. For the seasoning:

3. In a small mixing bowl whisk together chili powders, cumin, paprika, coriander, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper, set aside.

4. For the fajitas filling:

5. Spread bell peppers and yellow onion, mushrooms onto baking rack. Top with chicken strips then sprinkle garlic and seasoning evenly over chicken strips. Drizzle olive oil over top then toss everything to evenly coat. Spread into an even layer working to keep chicken from overlapping. Roast in preheated oven, tossing once halfway through cooking, until veggies are tender and chicken has cooked through, about 18 - 25 minutes (test a few of the larger pieces to make sure they are 165 in the center, careful not to over-bake it or the chicken may be dry). Wrap tortillas tightly in foil and warm in oven during last 5 minutes of fajita filling cooking.

6. Drizzle lime juice evenly over top of the chicken fajita filling, sprinkle with cilantro and more salt to taste and toss to coat. Serve filling warm in warm tortillas with desired toppings.

Roasted Cranberry and Goat Cheese Flatbread

1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries

3 T. pure maple syrup

1 T chopped leeks

1/2 tsp. chopped dry thyme

Salt, to taste

2 flatbreads 14.1 oz each

4 oz fresh goat cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup chopped pecans, divided

For topping freshly chopped anugula, pomegranate arils and honey

Preheat oven to 375 F Mix cranberries, maple syrup, leeks, thyme, and salt in an 8 inch square baking dish.  Roast, stirring every so often, until the mixture begins to caramelize, about 15 minutes.   Remove from oven and stir until the cranberries are broken down and the mixture is thick.   Let cool for 5 minutes.

Divide the cranberry mixture and spread evenly over the flatbreads  Top each with goat cheese and pecans.  Bake directly on the oven rack for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is warmed and flatbread is crispy.  Garnish with freshly chopped arugula, pomegranate arils, and a drizzle of honey.  Cut into small wedges or strips, and serve.  Refrigerate any leftovers.

Our Very Own Jr. Mustangs Cache Winter Classic

Congratulations to the Jr. Mustangs 8U, champions at the 2017 Cache Valley Winter Classic.

After winning the first game of the tournament against the Oval Dawgs 5-4, the Jr. Mustangs posted wins over the host Jr. Aggies and the Davis County Wind to reach the final undefeated.

In the final, the Jr. Mustangs convincingly defeated the Dawgs 9-2 sweeping the tournament and taking home the banner.

Congratulations to the players, coaches, and families….we love our hockey family!

Something's Coming

Could be?
Who knows?
There's something due many days!!!!!
I already know, it’s true
Soon as it shows I’ll tell you…
It may come cannonballing down through the sky
Gleam in its eye
Bright as rose
Who knows?
It's only just out of reach
Down the block, down the street
Under a tree?   Well many trees!
I got a feeling there's a miracle due
Gonna come true, comin' to me….

Yes we have big plans and I haven’t been on this blog for way to long.   In fact, so long, I can’t even connect with the friends I used to read blogs every day!   SAD for me…but life sometimes gets busy!   REALLY????

Today I gathered 3 storage boxes of Halloween and labeled them carefully.  

Sunday Morning Breakfast

This morning Big K enjoyed breakfast with these great friends.   We are so glad that K & K have become best of friends on and off of the ice.   After breakfast it wouldn't be a complete day without going to the ice sheet for a round of stick and puck! 
Love you to the moon and back Big K

The Legend ~ Our Visits with Tommy Lasorda

 

2 Months of Lovin’ this Princess

Strawberry Shortcakes

When Time Moves To Quickly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the advice I hope you follow as you continue your road to success:

Hang around people smarter than you. At the end of the day, you’re going to pick up some things, learn some things, and hopefully be a better person yourself.

It’s better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction.

Be the person other’s want to hang out with!

Speechless

Unhappy People

8 HABITS OF UNHAPPY PEOPLE & HOW TO AVOID ACQUIRING THEM

From David Wolfe

When things are going great and everything is perfectly balanced in our lives, it’s easy to be happy. The true test of happiness comes when things aren’t going the way we’d like them to. When life seems a little hectic, we often have to make a conscious decision to be happy and refuse to let chaos bring us down. Remember, the only person who can truly control your happiness is you. Here are eight habits of chronically unhappy people. If you identify with any of these points, it might be time to start focusing on the positives.

1. Holding Grudges

Holding a grudge is like carrying around a weight. It’s always there, even if you’ve pushed it to the back of your mind. Carrying a grudge won’t allow you to be truly happy. While it can be extremely difficult to move on when someone hurts or betrays you, try not to let your bad experience affect your future. Let go of the grudge you’ve been holding. You’ll feel lighter and happier.

2. Being Critical

True self-love can take years to develop, but without it, we can’t be truly happy. Realizing your self-worth contributes greatly to your happiness. It allows you to be more confident and comfortable in your own skin. That confidence radiates to others. In the same way, being overly critical of others says more about you than it does about them. Someone who is constantly criticizing others isn’t truly happy with themselves. It’s important to respect that everyone is different, and that’s perfectly OK.

3. Addiction

Unhappy people often look for an outlet to help them forget about their anger or sorrows. Depending on alcohol, drugs, gambling or other vices to cover up how you’re really feeling will only bring you down further. Try to instead find a positive outlet. Painting, writing, music… find a way to express yourself that won’t cause you any harm.

4. Constant Complaining

Happy people know that complaining won’t do them any good. If they want things to change, they need to act, not complain about it. People who are constantly complaining give off a negative energy that affects everyone around them. Instead of focusing on how unfair or awful a situation is, think of a way to turn it around.

5. Being Filled With Regret

Research shows that repetitive negative thoughts about decisions made in the past can lead to chronic stress and depression. We all wish we had done or said something different from time to time, but the past is the past. Obsessing over a mistake won’t change what happened, it will only hinder your future. Learn from your mistakes, decide what you would do in the future if the situation occurred again, and let it go.

6. Gossiping

Someone who gossips exudes insecurity and unhappiness. When someone isn’t satisfied with their own life, they instead focus on the lives of others, trying to find the most negative things to say about people, to make themselves feel better. A happy and confident person has no use for gossip. If you are truly happy, you’re focusing on all of the positive things in your own life, instead of trying to bring others down.

7. Worrying About the Future

Saving money or having goals and plans for the future is one thing, but a life full of constant worry about what may or may not happen can only hold you back from being happy. The future can be scary, but have enough faith in yourself to know that you can handle a situation when it arises. Work hard, be kind, aim high, and the rest will follow.

8. Making Problems Bigger

When a not-so-great situation arises, an unhappy person will almost always make it worse. They tend to overreact,blow things out of proportion and see things negatively instead of finding a way to fix what went wrong. We all encounter things we’d rather not deal with. The difference between a happy person and an unhappy person is how they handle a tough situation. Take a step back and a deep breath, and search for a solution!

Fiesta–No Siesta

Looking Like A Draft Day

In That Galaxy Far Away–Princess Kaliyah was Sent Our Way

It’s May It’s May–Hip Hip Hooray

Of All My Dreams–Hockey Mom Was Not One of Them

I’ve fully struggled with this transition to hockey life. I didn’t have any plans of having a hockey breathing, eating, loving kid but he has had other plans and surely, now we are all along for the ride.

He worked hard, he fell down a bunch but he loved it. Loved it. The highlight of every day of the week is going to the ice sheet – and not just skating – but putting on the gear and playing hockey -  and he is so determined.

Just a few weeks into lessons he was skating circles around kids twice his age. He did it. Now he is part of the family and what is a mom to do – but go along for the ride….And be Proud as all get out!

he smiles the biggest smile when he hangs with these friends…or when he puts on his gear because he can do it.

And maybe this will be a one year thing and we'll move on to the next thing. And maybe we won't. Either way, I'm proud of Big K. For trying something new, for working hard – beyond hard -  for being determined to do it and not let anything get him down. He isn't out there comparing himself, he's out there working his little tail off – and I’m telling you – he can do it!

Yes,  now I'm a hockey mom and I'm the first to tell you, I had no plans of being one. And next season when the Mustangs come to town – he asked if we could please be a host family….OMG – My Kid – he will turn me, twist me, and get me in the end!   He melts my heart!

Our Beauty with A Little Beast

Hard to Play–Hard to Stop

Yes – Hockey is a hard game…but it is even harder to stop playing once you start!

Can’t Get Enough

I know…she is just the cutest little girl ever!  

Handsome As All Get Out

Buffalo Wild Wings

I told you they had I-Pads….can we go again?

1 Month

For Our Weekend

The Princess is Awake

April Showers

2 weeks

Our check up was great today....everything is perfect!   So blessed

Mini-Me-Momma

So Much News At Our House

Look who waddled in to our house on Easter Morning.

We will tell you her story soon.   




We are so excited to have her here with us...and 4 weeks early...doing great!

Baby Girl Has Arrived

Our G16 arrived...thank you for all your love, hugs, and prayers. She is doing well - Mom is recovering from a C-Section a month early and it is a good thing! Chunky Monkey was 8 lbs 3 oz.

Where Have I Been? Across the Sea to Ireland - where people say it's so!

Yes, I've been to all of the Western States - I've been to Narnia - I've been to Tuscany - I've been in The Shack - by the Seaside - and countless other places.   This month I again went for a visit to a wonderful B & B in Ireland. The visit took me to Stone House, the old home of the three beautiful Sheedy sisters, Beatrice, Jessica, and Miss Queenie. I just love a cozy B & B.

Stone House is in Stoneybridge, a small village on the coast of Ireland, a place fled in short order by Geraldine “Chicky” Ryan in order to follow a charismatic man to America, much to the great embarrassment  of her relatives. The man wanders off after a short while, and Chicky is thrown onto her own devices (“she’s got guts altogether,” one character says of her), working and saving money, and gradually being forgiven by her family back home (she can’t bear how smug they’d be at learning the truth; she tells them he died in a tragic accident).  Funny how no one ever learns the truth!

During a visit to Stoneybridge, Chicky is approached by the sole surviving Sheedy sister, Miss Queenie (“Two of the old Miss Sheedys had been carried away by pneumonia in the winter...I felt the pain of pneumonia also this winter! “The old person’s friend, it was called; it ended life peacefully for those who couldn’t catch their breath”.   The idea born for Chicky’s savings to turn Stone House into an inn and advertising it as a peaceful destination for a week’s vacation by the sea.  

Ms. Binchy presents a large cast of characters and manages them with mixed results. Indeed, there are many odd, complicated characters in this story. 

1. Among them are a bad boy trying to be good

2. Two women in a struggle over loving the same man

3.  A couple bereaved

4.  A disaffected spinster,

5. A man caught between duty and desire

6. Another hiding out from a life that no longer works for him. 

They, along with other characters, are people at crossroads in their lives. As varied as their issues might be they nearly all manage to find their peace during their week at Stone House. Oh, wouldn't it be loverly!    All I want is a room somewhere

Far away from the cold night air

With one enormous chair

Oh, wouldn't it be loverly?

Lots of chocolate for me to eat,

Lots of coal makin' lots of heat.

Warm face, warm hands, warm feet

Oh, wouldn't it be loverly?

Perhaps I'll be visiting London soon!

back to Ireland ....This novel is very different from her former books in that there is not a smooth narrative arc from beginning to end. Instead of a unified story, A Week in Winter is written almost as a series of short stories, each focusing on the backstory of one character or team of characters, leading up to the point at which they arrive at Stone House and reach their Aha…moment!

It is bittersweet that I won't be visiting Ireland again with Maeve Binchy in a new story...but I will continue to find time to relax and enjoy her stories for many years to come as they are all worth reading more than once!

Our fingerprints don't fade

from the lives we touch.

... Judy Blume

I'd be lying if I didn't tell

you that my stomach was

in knots and I almost felt

queasy when I learned the story! 

Have we been living a staged play with some of the characters who enter having very short roles to play, others, much larger....One seemed like/for sure he was/ a villain and others are good guys.  Are all of them necessary, I guess so otherwise it wouldn't be much of a play.

So as we have embraced them all, we are now ready to  move on to the next act.

The fingerprints they have left will be forever in our memory - but  we are now peaceful,  content, in love with what is in our future , and hopefully we will only attract to our family those who are in alignment with our highest ideals.   With lots of prayers we know we will heal!

Where Is Love OLIVER !

1 John 4:7-12King James Version (KJV)

⁷ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

⁸ He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

⁹ In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

¹⁰ Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

¹² No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Tree-mendous

“I play because I love it.”

      Blood - Sweat  - Tears the many hours of hard work are paying off....this kid is a natural! The invite has been received....he will join the Mites at the age of 5!    How cool is that!

Love Heals

The healing that love brings might not always look like you think it should, but as you assign value to your experience, it will prove to be exactly what you need for your good and God's glory.
Start with Forgiveness-

Jesus said, if you are holding on to offense, hatred, or grudges, the devil will have a foothold in your life (Ephesians 4: 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil), and you won't be able to experience the forgiveness and peace of God in your life.

Forgiveness is not an emotion, it is a choice. 

Today I pray that God will strengthen me to be able to forgive, because sometimes I don't know if I can or want to. 

Lesson learned - forgive people who have hurt you and sinned against you, you will feel a powerful sense of God's presence break through immediately. So I forgive you --- smiles are returning to our lives, we are relieved from the pressure, and we can travel on down our path with pleasure!

God Bless and miracles happen! xoxo

Shrimp, Sausage, Veggies and Noodles ~ Yum

.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
• 1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
  
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
  
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper, Crushed
  
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, Coarse Ground
  
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage
  
• 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  
• 3 large handfuls baby spinach leaves
• Don’t forget the mushrooms! Generous Handful
• 4 cups chicken broth
  
• 8 ounces pasta or your choice, uncooked

,,,,,,veggies sautéed  ~ aroma from heaven!

• Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add celery, onion, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and spinach leaves; cook and stir 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in Italian seasoning and red and black pepper.
  
• Cut sausage in half lengthwise, then in 1/2-inch slices. Add sausage and shrimp to skillet. Cook 2 minutes or until shrimp begin to turn pink. Add chicken broth. Bring to boil.
  
• Break pasta in half – we used penna so it doesn’t have to be broken; add to skillet. Cook 5 to 7 minutes or until pasta is just tender, stirring occasionally.
• Pine- Nuts from Sacco’s ….just what this dish needed!

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

The best sign anybody can have that something is not quite right is her instinct....boom get off the track!