Passover Week

This being the passover week, I remember ,as a child, the wall in our kitchen adorn with pictures of Christ and what happened each day of this week. I try and remember on each day what Christ went through many many years ago. Beginning with Sunday being Palm Sunday, Christ riding a humble donkey enters Jerusalem across palm leaves laid down on the ground to the sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane to Thursday being the trial of Christ, tomorrow being Friday as the day Christ was scourged, crowned with thorns and crucified, and entombed. Saturday being the day Christ's spirit is forming the spirit world, and then on the third day, Sunday, Christ body is reunited with his spirit and is Resurrected. Christ lives again, even today.

I am grateful to know of the true meaning of Easter. I know that Christ was resurrected. I know that we too will be able to follow in His footsteps and be resurrected. This resurrection is His free gift to us. I feel a great peace knowing of his ultimate love and sacrifice for me. I am overwhelmed as I read and learn of how great His sacrifice and pain actually was, I am humbled that He would do such a task, even to someone such as I. I am eternally indebted and grateful to Him for loving me so much as to prepare a way I can return and live with him once again. This knowledge brings me great joy.

As we prepare this week for Easter remember the real meaning behind the celebration and for a moment in time reflect on what you are doing to show gratitude for this sacrifice and gift he has given to you, ETERNAL LIFE.

In like a Lion out like a Lamb...

Okay so we totaled 16 inches of snow in two days. I would have called it a blizzard, but I guess the winds weren't fast enough, though it was windy. The hot chicken noodle soup and hot chocolate I made was perfect for the snow plower named... Max and snow angel Alta (having fallen into a large drift covering her head, but was rescued by her dad). To keep us entertained during this long few days Max had rented some different Wii games and we watched an older movie Space Jam, from my own collection. I made a great caramel popcorn recipe I got off another blog to enjoy with the movie... It rocked and it was quick. Here is the recipe....

Tri C's popcorn (Caramel, Cashews, Chocolate)

In sauce pan melt 2 sticks of butter. Add 2 cups brown sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil.

Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp vanilla. It will become foamy and rise. Cook 3 bags of microwave popcorn. Remove old maids. In a very large bowl pour the caramel over the popcorn. Add 1 can of cashew halves, and a bag of milk chocolate chips after stirring the caramel over the popcorn. Let cool.

(Don't forget to brush your teeth after such a sticky treat)

This was a nice treat to end such a snowy day.

Isn't it spring yet???

I don't know what is different about this year, but I am really ready for spring. Yesterday in the 61 degree sunny weather day has made me tired of the COLD gloomy days. Today is a cold gloomy rainy day and I am ready for spring!!!!! I saw a robin outside my door 3 weeks ago, I thought spring must be around the corner, no... just 6 more inches of snow and I thought where is my robin? Sunday it was warming up and sunny, I saw my robin with another robin.... My heart smiled thinking spring is coming... but now back to ice storms and snow. I never thought I got the "winter blues", but yesterday I felt so much better and happier in the warm sun. I know weather has an affect on my emotions. I am ready for spring.

Who is my Valentine?

I found these fun questions on a favorite blog of mine.......

Who is your man?...... Max
1.How long have you been together? married for almost 9 years
2.How old is your man? 38
3.Who eats more? Max. He has a great appetite, when he likes it.

4.Who said "I love you" first? Max did. He typed it, in russian and it came across in english as we were chatting online, he in MI and me in DC. I was not quite ready to return it at that time.
5.Who sings better? I would have to say me, and that is not very well.
6.Who's Older? Max, 5 months and 1 day
7.Who's smarter? Max, no question.
8.Who's temper is worse? It depends, but usually Max's temper.

9.Who does the laundry? Max usually... it is in the basement.

10.Who does the dishes? Me.. Max sometimes emptys the dishwasher.

11.Who's feet are bigger? Max's size 13 feet. He has very long finger-like toes.

12.Who's better with the computer? Absolutely Max. He better be, it his Bachelors degree.
13.Who mows the lawn? Max most the time. I've done it two or three times.

14.Who pays the bills? Usually Max initiates it, but we do it together.

15.Who cooks dinner? Lately Me, but Max makes a mean chicken and rice dinner.

16.Who drives when you are together? Max prefers to drive, but his driving drives me crazy. When I have had enough, I take over.

17.Who pays when you go out to dinner? Max always pays.

18.Who's the most stubborn? Is there any question here? ME!! I should say I have more of an opinion than he, but if he cares he usually trumps me.
19.Who is the first one to admit when they're wrong? Definitely Max, he is always first to say he is sorry. He is good at that.
20.Who's parents do you see more? Right now Max's since my parents are on a mission in Cambodia.
21.Who named your dog? Me. Once again, I cared he did not.
22.Who kissed who first? I kissed him, the first time we met (after chatting for a month.) I thought he was too shy to do it.
23.Who asked who out? He asked me out first... to meet in Toledo at the Botanical Gardens for the first time.
24.What did you do on a real date? Walked around the Botanical garden
25.Who's more sensitive? I am more sensitive. I cry more, more emotional. He is aware of others, and seems more attentive.

26.Who is taller? Max is 8 inches taller.
27.Who has more friends? That's debatable, we seem to have equal, but I am more social.

28.Who has more siblings? Me, 4 sisters and 2 brothers. Max has one sister.
29.Who wears the pants in the relationship? We both do. I asked Max he said He did, but then he changed to we both do, I thought I did and then changed it to both, so I guess it seems to depend on what the topic is... I would rather say... we compliment each other nicely.

Salmon and Potato Cakes

I saw this recipe on Yahoo. I made it Sunday and it was a huge hit!! My children loved it, my husband ate 3 cakes. He is not a fish lover. He said how can it be bad with potatoes in it? He then said "I forgot how much I liked Salmon." This comes from a man who is very particular about what enters his body, not calorie- wise, but content- wise. I swear he needs to be a food critique. Here is the recipe:

3 tablespoons cooking oil
1 1/2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 onion, grated
1 pound skinless salmon fillets
1 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 scallions, white bulbs only, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
1/4 cup cooking oil
1/2 pound mixed salad greens
1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Nutrition Info
Per Serving
Calories: 623 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Dietary Fiber: 6 g
Fat: 39 g
Protein: 30 g
Sugars: 4 g
About: Nutrition Info
Powered by: ESHA Nutrient Database
2. Cooking Directions
Brush the bottom of a large deep frying pan with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Put the potatoes in the pan and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Top with the onion and then the salmon. Sprinkle another 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper over the salmon. Add the water to the pan, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the salmon and potatoes are done, about 15 minutes.
Remove the salmon and flake. Drain the potatoes well and put in a medium bowl. Add the cream and mash, leaving the potatoes fairly chunky. Add the salmon, another 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper, the scallions, and 2 tablespoons of the dill. Form the mixture into eight cakes; they needn't be perfectly symmetrical or smooth.
Wipe out the frying pan. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and heat over moderately high heat. Add half the salmon cakes to the pan and brown well on both sides, about 5 minutes in all. Drain on paper towels and repeat with another tablespoon oil and the remaining salmon cakes.
In a medium glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, and the remaining 1 tablespoon dill and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the remaining 1/4 cup oil slowly, whisking. Add the greens, toss, and put on plates. Top each salad with two salmon cakes and a lemon wedge.
Yield: 4 servings

I got carded

I was delighted that in the middle of casual shopping, I was carded. What a compliment. Let me explain.... My husband sent me to the wonderful Walmart at 10:30 pm (I love going to the store with out children!!) Our furnace fan was squeeking and needed oiled so we could sleep soundly... Well I thought I would pick up a few things while there. I was just enjoying the music on my Ipod and was listening to it around the store, that was just about to close, so I quickly went to the department, got the lubricant, picked up TP and a loaf of bread for the morning. As I was checking out I continued to listen to my music, thinking I have done this many times and could do it with limited communication. The checker was new with an assistant helping her. She scanned the items: first bread, second WD 40, third TP. As she was scanning the TP she looked at me and asked if I was over 18 yo. I took out one ear phone and said yes with a puzzeled look, thinking she was just teasing. I saw her holding Toliet Paper knowing I did not need to be 18 to purchase TP. The assistant encouraged her to get my ID. I had it, luckly, and questions "For buying toilet paper? Why? I reassured her I was 18, but felt complimented that she would think I wasn't. She informed me the ID was for buying WD 40. I paid her and off I went laughing that someone thought I was under 18.

I started to think how sad it is that this has to happen with house hold products. I must enjoy my innocent little world, not realizing how the world around me is changing. I would never had thought of abusing WD 40, or spray paint or anythings like that for that matter. I, once again, got a small glimps of a world trying to "feel good" with crazy things because they are so empty with purpose and meaning.

A time I wished my digital camera was working....

Last night my cute little family decided to eat out. Due to the fact that I haven't grocery shopped in a few weeks, and still did not get to it. We decided to try a different place, which ended up being T.G.I. Fridays. They have a good kids menu, nice variety. I had my children circle the picture they wanted for dinner. (Something to keep them busy) Chloe saw the picture of ribs and thought it was hot dogs, so she circled it. When I reviewed what they wanted I informed her it was not hot dogs, but spare ribs. She said she wanted them. I told her she will have to eat them if that is what she chooses, there is no changing her mind (which she is notorious for). She said she will... When we got the food, I cut up the 5 ribs, she sat there quietly eating every rib down to the bone with sauce all over her face and hands. She has never sat so still and ate so well. She usually takes a few bites then moves on to something else, busy, busy. Not last night. I got a cute cell phone pic of the event, but I'm not willing to use Internet off cell phone. ( I learned my lesson when we down loaded Christmas pic from our cell phone... 4 pics cost me $250 in phone bill. The price of a nice digital camera) So if you see me and want to see the pic or a short little video about it just ask, I'll show ya.
We were calling her "little ribblette" last night, she did not like that very much. But she sure like those spare ribs.

I have been tagged...

I've been tagged by Susan

The rules of the game:
• Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
• Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, as we all want to know them.
• Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.• Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

Well as I was asking my husband what was weird about me he went on and on....I had to stop him and of course comment in defense of some answers.

1.) The first one being... I blew a fuse yesterday by running the dishwasher, toaster oven, and computer, with the lights on all on the same fuse around 1:30pm. I wouldn't flip the fuse breaker. I waited for Max to come home. at 5:30pm. He says this is weird... to me perfectly normal. Now there is a complete explanation about why... The breaker is in the basement. I have a very weird phobia about basements, I avoid them pretty much at all costs. I can't explain it. The other reason i did not flip the breaker is going to be my #2.

2.) I really hate insects, especially spiders and bees. I will seriously go out of my way to avoid being next to a spider (spiders live in basements, at least our basement). They just really freak me out. I know I know "they" say spiders are all around me and I don't even know it, "they" also say you eat so many spiders in a life time(possibly as one sleeps). Well I guess my love for sleep trumps my phobia because I don't seem to have a hard time sleeping, or maybe I just don't believe the rumor. Now I am pretty sure bees bother me because I was swarmed by black hornets as a child and I just did not enjoy that experience. Yet I did survive the attack, obviously.

3.) When I was single, I lived in DC. I loved to exercise!!! I would get such a high trying to find a great place to run. My favorite spot was going from the Capitol building to the Lincoln Monument and back. It was only a 4 mile jog.

4.) Unlike most people who met their husbands at college, or through friends, I met my husband in an Internet chat room. I don't recommend this to anyone there are too many crazy people. I just got very lucky... actually very blessed. We will be having our 9th anniversary in March.

5.)I changed my major several times while attending BYU. As a freshman I was a political science major, that was only one semester since I really did not understand my philosophy class. Then I changed to Business Management. I studied that for about 2 years, but one semester as I was bored out of my mind in the accounting class wishing I was studying the cadaver in my elective anatomy class, a light bulb went on that maybe business wasn't my thing. So again I changed to an Agriculture Biology which then was fine tuned into Zoology. And I graduated with a BS in Zoology 12/1995. My father was glad I finally graduated. I then went on to specialize in Dental Hygiene, which I completed at Howard University in D.C. 2 years later.

6. )I love a great thunderstorm. I love watching lighting streak across the sky. I love watching heavy rain fall. I love counting between lighting and thunder to determine the distance to the storm.

7.)I love playing games, I could play games all the time. Some would say I am very competitive. I would correct them to saying I like to play well and correctly. My dad says I cheat. I am not one to cheat except one time. It was past 1AM, I was playing Euchre, I was tired and wanted to go to bed and the tournament was going on forever. It needed to end. So I made sure it ended.
I think we should put together a game night every once and a while.

now to those who are to be tagged.... the list is limited as to the fact I don't know anyone elses blogs

Christine
Tammy
Michelle
Amy
Max
Victoria
Kate

Big Day!!

YEA!! Chloe is finally out of diapers completely. She is staying dry at night time. She is becoming such the big girl. We are very excited for her... No matter that we will not be buying diapers anymore. Very big step for the Gay family.

Yesterday being the first Sunday of the year, in primary, everyone gets to change classes. Before church usually my children are a challenge to get out of bed, well yesterday I said "who is going to be a sunbeam today?" Chloe popped right up with a huge smile on her face and said "I am a sunbeam, I don't have to go to the baby class anymore." She has a yellow flower dress, she wanted to wear because it was her "sunbeam" dress. Very exciting day for our family.

Me, being the Sunbeam teacher, had a realization as I was introduced to all the new sunbeams how young they are at the beginning of the year. (especially because one child just turned a young 3 y.o. in Dec., while Chloe turns a mature 4 y.o. in April, ) My teaching method last years sunbeams changed as they grew through the year. Sunday as I was teaching I realized I needed to resort back to a younger method, I felt a little unprepared as I was coming to the end of my prepared lesson and still had 20 minutes to go. Jen and I played get to know you games. It was a good reality check back into improv time. I don't think the kids knew, but I will be more prepared next Sunday.

Update

Well off to school we go so early this year! Alta had a rude awakening this morning as she tried to get up this morning. The vacation has gone quickly as we have been from Michigan to Zanesville to Cleveland between 10 days. It was great to see all of the family. Christmas was extra special as we got to celebrate in our own home this year. What ever we had to wake up the children at 8:30, they were excited once they realized what day it was. I got an awesome Ipod Touch this year, I am listening to it as I blog. It is great having some music back in my life, although I am feeling when I listen to it I block out the world. I don't know if I like that so much. I have realized that as I listen I can have one ear phone in and the other out, so I can still hear children and things. I feel better as I do this since I still have the same responsibility. I love good music!