The Scenic Route: January

January 19 - Home Again!

Got back from Europe... sure is nice to be home again!

There was no snow to speak of. A far cry from last year. I was pleasantly surprised to see this bird nest still intact.

January 20 - No rest for the weary

Twelve hours after getting back home, I got a phone call from Bear River Valley Hospital. From the Social Worker, of all people! I was quite alarmed by that. The only other time I was called by a Social Worker from the hospital was when my dad passed away. I was told that Kelsey passed out and hit her head on the floor after having a mammogram.

Needless to say, Kelsey was in and out of unconsciousness for four hours and had to be transported to McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden for observation. She spent the night. I picked up the kids and kept them with me until bed time.

Though I had no time to recover from jet lag, I was more than happy to help Kelsey out at home and with the kids for the next week. It was nice to be able to pay her back in some small way from all her kindnesses done for me when I was sick.

January 23- Dad's Christmas Cactus

Dad's Christmas cactus usually blooms in December, so you can imagine how excited I was that it had waited for me to get home. Seeing the beautiful vivid pink blooms just made me feel so happy all over!

January 24 - My Room

One of the best things about coming home, is my bedroom! I was so happy to dive in my big, comfy, wonderful bed again and wake up every morning to such a lovely sight. Oh..... so dreamy!

January 25 - Grandma's Bed is not just for sleeping!

Audrey came up to visit this afternoon. The kids couldn't wait to climb up on my bed and watch a movie. It's the first thing they want to do when they come to grandma's. I just love that! I missed my little ones so much. It took Emilee some time to warm back up to me. Three months out of a one year old's life is a pretty big deal. I think she had forgotten me.

January 27 - Cinnamon Rolls

I made a batch of mom's cinnamon rolls while sitting with Kelsey. I had never made them before and was quite pleased with the results. They turned out really good.

Ingredients:

2 eggs, 1 c. sugar, 4 tsp. salt, 4 c. lukewarm water, 1 c. butter, melted, 3 Tbsp. dry yeast, 1/2 c. lukewarm water, 4 Tbsp. sugar, 7 -14 c. flour, 1 c. powdered milk, melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, raisins and nuts (optional)

Directions:

Beat 2 eggs 'til foamy; add 1 c. sugar, 4 tsp. salt, 4 c. lukewarm water, and 1 c. melted butter. Mix well.
Dissolve 3 Tbsp. dry yeast in 1/2 c. lukewarm water and 4 Tbsp. sugar. Let work.
Add to liquid mix.
Add 7 c. flour and 1 c. powdered milk. Beat vigorously for 5 minutes in bread mixer. Add 7 more cups flour, or enough that dough can be handled without sticking.
If bread mixer is used, beat 10 minutes. If by hand, knead well.
Let rise 'til double in bulk. Knead. Let rise again. Then proceed as follows:
Roll dough into triangle.
Brush liberally with melted butter.
Sprinkle with mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Add nuts and raisins, if desired.
Roll up and slice 1 inch thick.
Let rise.
Bake in 400 degree oven for 20 minutes.
Frost with icing made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

January 20 - Domestic Violence Coalition Training

Amie was the guest speaker for the Domestic Violence Coalition Training in Price this morning. She did an outstanding job of sharing Shaniel's Story and had several people come up and thank her for her remarks. I was happy to be there and support her. Amie made her mother very proud!

After Amie gave her speech, we went to the cemetery to visit Shaniel's grave. Her headstone was beautiful, as usual. Amie does such a wonderful job at keeping it decorated for our beautiful Angel.

Later in the afternoon, I went to Morgann’s basket ball game. And, of course… her team won! Against Helper Jr. High. Morgann made 12 points for her team. Way to go #20!

January 31 - Snowman