foreverblooming

oregaoSplit Pea Soup

2012-01-29T12:22:00.004-07:00

It has been awhile since I posted. Last week we had new carpet istalled in our dining room/family room and in the back laundry room. Ig took longer tp install than we had planned on. With everything out of the room, Ralph could not resist the chance to re-paint, re-finish a cabinet, and re-decorate. The result is a very nice looking room to spend time in. Kristen and I made Split-pea soup this week and I am going to include the recipe even though I think I have posted it before. January is a good soup month and this is a litte different kind of soup. Plus, it is one of our favorites.

SPLIT PEA SOUP

1 lb. split peas
2 quarts water
2 c. chopped carrots
2 c. chopped celery (including tops)
2 c. chopped onion
1/4 c. parsley flakes or 1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley
1 T. oregano leaves ot 1/4 tsp. ground, dried oregano
1 T.salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 Bay leaf
1 meaty hambone or hamhock. ( I used a small, leftover ham we bought for New Year's but never used.)
Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 hour thirty minutes until soup has formed. (Soup will thicken as it cools.) Remove bay leaf and meat from to soup. Return bite-sized pieces of meat to soup. Good served with a roll or piece of bread and butter.

SPLIT PEA SOUP

1 lb. split peas ( Kristen's husband was teasing her about having to split all those peas. At least I think he was teasing. Just buy a bag of dried, split peas at the grocery store. )

2 quarts water

2 c. chopped carrots

2 c. chopped celery and celery tops

2 c. chopped onion

1/4 c. dried parsley or 1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley

1 T.

Sloppy Joes

2012-01-12T08:52:00.002-07:00

Recently we went to the cabin and bought a tub of barbecued flavored meat to take up for sandwiches. We did not like the taste of the sauce and it reminded me of the sauce mom used to makebfor sloppy joes. Kristen and I made it on last week's cooking day. I think I have posted it before but I will post it again below. This week Kristen and I are making fish cakes with creamed peas, a good recipe to have if you live in a landlocked like Idaho. You just mix a can of tuna with soft bread cubes, an egg and your choice of seasonings. I like dill. You should be able to spoon out about 2 T. each of mixture onto a hot greased skillet to fry fish cakes. Make creamed peas to spoon over the top when serving by making a white sauce and putting a generous amount of frozen peas in it.

BBQ Sauce for Sloppy Joes

2 T. butter
1 medium onion, chopped fine (about 1/4" pieces)
1 clove of garlic ( I skip this often because I don't have it in the house at the time.)
1/2 c. chopped celery
3/4 c. water
1 c. ketchup
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 T. vinegar
2 T. lemon juice
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 T. brown sugar
1 tsp. dry mustard

Melt butter, add onions and cook until browned. Add remaining ingredients and cook 20 min. Makes about 2 1/4 cups or enough for 3 lbs. meat. ( I usually just brown hamburger and make the meat sauce with the hamburger in it. This week Ralph bought very lean meat and I didn't know it so I told Kristen to drain the fat off. It turned out drier than usual so I guess some of the hamburger fat is necessary to bring out the flavor.)

TWIN APPLESAUCE LOAVES

2011-12-24T09:47:00.002-07:00

This is a recipe from my childhood. Mom used to make these at Christmas and put a few slices on the "cookie plates" she made for neighbours and friends. Just like banana bread it is better a day later rather than immediately. However, Ralph and I couldn't wait and thought it tasted pretty good the day Kristen and I made it. Kristen made some in mini loaf pans to give away. I love its moist, chocolaty flavor.

TWIN APPLESAUCE LOAVES

Sift into a mixing bowl: (I don't sift)
2 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 T. cocoa
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice ( I have left this out if I don't have it.)
Add:
1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce ( I just used what was in the can because it wasn't very sweet anyway. In the past, I have used my home made applesauce.)
Beat 200 strokes or 2 min. with an electric mixer on low.
If desired you can stir in any of the following:
3/4 c. chopped dates
3/4 c. chopped raisins
1/3 c. diced citron
3/4 c. chopped nuts ( I don't like fruitcake so usually leave these 4 ingredients out.)

Pour into greased pans. ( 1 tube pan or two medium loaf pans) and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour for tube pan, accordingly for smaller pans. You may frost cakes with white buttercream frosting when cool.

Gingerbread Houses

2011-12-17T10:43:00.002-07:00

This week Kistin and I made Gingerbread Houses my way which is usually the easy way. We used to make 3-D gingerbread houses at my sister, Priscilla's house the day after Thanksgiving. Besides all the preparatiion, Priscilla used to talk about using "dynamite" to get her kitchen clean afterwards.
I just make gingerbread cookies and use gingerbread house cookie cutters. I decorate with colorful mini M&Ms as well as other candies. (I love the taste of gingerbread and chocolate.) I think I have included the recipe before but your favorite rolled gingerbread cookie recipe would probably work fine. I use the recipe from the red and white Betty Crocker cookbook.
for Rolled Ginger cookies. It's not Christmas until you've eaten a frosted gingerbread cookie. Besides, it tastes a lot better than eating a whole gingerbread house.

Fried Rice

2011-12-09T11:11:00.002-07:00

This week Kristen and I made fried rice which she said her husband was looking forward to. I think I have posted this recipe before but I will include instructions here as a refresher. I like this recipe. Besides tasting good, it is a good way to use leftovers.

FRIED RICE

In a large skillet, saute in vegetable oil, chopped (small, about 1/4" or so)onions, celery, shredded carrots and leftover meat (diced). I have used chicken, turkey, ham and bacon. I imagine other meats would work if you want to try them. When heated add cooked rice (at least two cups. There are no measurements in this recipe because it just depends on your taste and what you have available.) Add a little more oil if rice sticks to the pan. Flavor with 1-2 T. of soy sauce. Be careful not to add too much as this will make the dish too salty. (I usuually set the soy sauce on the table so individuals can add more if they want it. I have also added frozen peas and bits of scrambled egg.
This can be tailored to suit your families' circumstances and likes or dislikes.

Honesty

2011-12-06T09:43:00.002-07:00

"God commands that we be honest in all things. When we lie, cheat or steal we open ourselves wide to Satan's influence and close ourselves to God's influence. If we want to have the Spirit to guide and comfort us, we must be honest with God, with ourselves and with other people." ... Family Home Evening resource manuel

Story: "Recently our grandson, Adam, was traveling with Sister Stone and me on a trip. About noontime we we stopped for lunch. When the waitress gave me my change, I realized that she I realized that she had charged me for only two sandwiches instead of three. I felt this was a good time to talk to Adam about honesty and so I explained what had happened.
"I said we could leave now and keep the extra change and no one would ever know the difference, or we could tell the girl that we still owed her for a sandwich. Our decision wasn't at all difficult to make when we decided that if we kept the money that didn't belong to us we would be breaking the commandment, 'Thou shalt not steal".
"Adam and I approached the girl at the counter and I explained to her that she had undercharged us. She thanked us for telling her of the mistake. We continued on our way with a good feeling, and I am sure Heavenly Father approved of what we had done." (O. Leslie Stone, "Be Honest", Friend, Jan. 1975, p. 7 )

Have a family member read this statement by Mark E. Petersen and invite each member to comment on it.
"We come to the point where faith and works meet each other. Here we ask ourselves: Do our works verify faith?...
"Honesty, truth virtue and kindness are hallmarks of true Christianity. If we lack them, we can hardly say that we follow Christ.
"Whether it be lying, or cheating or robbery or deception; whether it is in the home, in business, in sports, or in the classroom; dishonesty is completely foreign to the teachings of Jesus." (In Conference Report, Apr. 1982, pp.19-20 or Ensign, May 1982, p. 15.)

SCRIPTURES: Exodus 20:15, Ephesians 4:25, D&C 51:9, D&C 63:17, thirteenth article of faith.

ASK: What are several manifestations of dishonesty? (Lying, cheating, stealing. )
READ: Proverbs 6:16-19
DISCUSS: Many of the of the sins listed in Proverbs are associated with dishonesty. Help your family realize that dishonesty is at the root of almost every other sin and that they cannot receive the blessings of the gospel if they are dishonest.

Sugested hymns and songzs : "Shall the Youth of Zion Flter?" Hymns no. 157
"Dare to do right" Sing With Me B-81

Persons of the week: Chad and Emily's family whose family visited for Thanksgiving. They brought two beautiful poinsettias, Taylor warmed up to grandpa and I loved watching Kennedy use her strategy and thinking skills learning a new game.

Honeybutter

2011-12-02T10:52:00.002-07:00

This week Kristen and I made honeybutter. The recipe came from a girl in our ward called Missy Babcock. If you live in Rexburg, you have to know how to make honeybutter. It was a feature at a popular restaurant when I went to college here, when my children went to college here, and probably still is today. Anyway I am glad to have this recipe and I'm glad to pass it on. It is an easy 1-2-3 recipe.

Honeybutter

1 cup butter (softened)
2/3 c. honey
3/4 c. powdered sugar
(we added 1/2 tsp. cinnamon but you can experiment with your own ideas. I wanted to try some strawberry jam that didn't set up.)
Mix and serve on scones (If you're in a hurry just fry some unbaked bread dough on a skillet. Even easier, use Rhodes bread dough found in the grocery store.), toast or warmed (in the microwave) rolls.

FAMILY HOME EVENING

2011-10-25T08:44:00.002-06:00

For this week's family home evening I have included a link to either a printed copy or a video of Ralph's BYUI Devotional talk. (Thanks to Ralph for setting it up.) Most of the family has already heard it and he is glad to have it over with but I thought it was very good so it is wortth reviewing.
Hymn: Ralph got to choose the songs for the devotional and he chose "Be Still My Soul" because the composer is Finnish and Ralph likes the message.
Persons of the Week: This summer I think everybody in the family, including kids, ran in some sort of race, a marathon, a half marathon, or some other distance. Congratulations to all!

Links to Ralph's devotional talk

2011-10-24T12:33:00.000-06:00

Video: http://www.byui.edu/DevotionalPlayer/BYUIplayer.html?StartCue=43&EndCue=2036&VideoName=2011_10_04_DV_Kern

Text: http://www.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2011_10_04_Kern.htm

Conference at the Cabin

2011-09-29T10:09:00.002-06:00

This weekend we are going to listen to the LDS General Conference in Island Park at the cabin. Ralph has been scrambling to get all his projects finished before winter sets in. Hopefully he can just relax and enjoy being up there. His devotional talk at BYUI isn't until Tuesday, Oct. 4th so I don't know if that will happen.

Emily and family will be there and I am looking forward to that too. While the men are at General Priesthood meeting on Saturday night, Kennedy and I are going to make a treat for them. I know it is a tradition in some areas for the women to go shopping but I would rather they have something yummy to come home to.

Below is the recipe we will be making which is a favorite of Ralph's and sooooo easy.

Cherry Cheecake

1 graham cracker crust (We will be using a store-bought one but you can crush some graham crackers and make your own.)
1 large package instant vanilla pudding
1 8 oz. package cream cheese

Mix cream cheese and pudding plus milk (according to pkg. directions) in a blender. Pour into graham cracker crust. Chill or freeze until set. Top with 1 large can of Wilderness Cherry Pie Filling. Serve and enjoy.

Back to Life as Usual

2011-09-13T15:50:00.002-06:00

We spent a good summer in Island Park and now we are home in Rexburg and Ralph is back to work as Director of the Library. He is scheduled to speak at Devotional on October 4,. In my opinion, he is doing a good job at both but I think the stress level will go down after Oct. 4. and great-grandma has a new foundation, while we have a new front porch on our cabin.

Stephanie from downstairs has been great help. Last week we made Wacky Cake, a good cake to make if you are out of eggs, and this week we are making a microwave dish called Beefy Enchiladas. Also Ben brought his six kids to the cabin and taught them how to make Foil Dinners in a bonfire. I will include the instructions here.

WACKY CAKE

2 1/3 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3 T. cocoa
Mix the above dry ingredients in a 9x13 or 9x12 pan using a fork. When thoroughly mixed, make 3 holes or wells in dry ingredients, large, medium and small. In the large well put 1/2 c. plus 1 T. of vegetable oil. In the medium well put 1 1/2 T. vinegar. In the small well put 2 tsp. vanilla. Pour 1 1/2 c. cold water over all. Mix all ingredients in pan well with fork. Bake cake in 350 degree oven for about 20 - 30 minutes. Cake will be soft so it is best to frost it in the pan.

BEEFY ENCHILADAS (microwave)

Brown 1 lb. ground beef with 1/2 to 1 finely chopped onion. In a large pan mix together ground beef and onion with the following ingredients:
2 cans tomato sauce
1/2 can enchilada sauce (We don't like food very spicy)
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. cumin
Mix and simmer a few minutes or microwave 5 min. on high.
Fill and roll flour tortillas with following ingredients:
refried beans
grated cheese
ground beef and tomato sauce mixture (Reserve some sauce and cheese for top.)
Place rolled tortillas in microwave dish and cook in microwave on high for 9 minutes

FOIL DINNERS
Ben carries over this skill from his scouting days but we used a few conveniences to update it to the 21st century and make it "kid-friendly".
Layer the following on a heavy piece of aluminum foil:
1 frozen beef pattie (It will probably be thawed by the time everything is assembled and ready to cook.)
salt and pepper to taste
1 slice of onion (We had to explain to kids that they did not have to eat the onion if they didn't like it but that it was necessary for flavor.)
Frozen hash brown potatoes (shredded works best)
Very thinly sliced carrots
Any other very thinly sliced vegetables of your choice
Place a double piece of tin foil on top and seal the edges well by folding over.
Write names with magic marker on outside of packet.
Place packets in fire coals until cooked.
These make a good camping meal but somehow don't turn out so good when cooked in the oven.

Recipes

2011-07-19T09:40:00.002-06:00

For various reasons it has been a long time since I posted a BLOG so I will try to catch up with a couple of recipes. I have made these with Stephanie but not posted them. We are kind of into easy summer recipes now.

Shrimp Salad

Cook 1/2 to full package of small pasta such as alphabet macaroni or small pasta shells. (Depends on how much you want to stretch 1 can of shrimp. Stephanie and I used 1 pkg. of small pasta shells.) in boiling, salted water.
Add:
1 can small shrimp (drained)
1/4 c. chopped green onions
1 cucumber (diced)
1/4 c. sliced radishes
1/2 c. chopped celery
2-3 chopped hard boiled eggs
(If you don't have all the vegetables, use 3 or more of them.)
Mix about 3 good squirts of hot sauce (I like Louisiana Hot Sauce.) in 1 c. mayonaise (I like Best Foods.) for salad dressing and pour over salad ingredients. Toss until mixed. Serve on lettuce if you wish.

Yummy Summer Drink

1 small can frozen orange juice
1 small can frozen lemonade
1 large can pineapple juice
5 mashed bananas
4 cups sugar
10 cups water
Mix all ingredients and freeze in a shallow pan. (Mixture should not be more than 1 in. deep.) When frozen fill glass about 2/3 full of broken up pieces of frozen mixture and pour 7-Up over. Serves 30 (or 2 people who really really like it)

Exercises for the Soul - Money Management

2011-05-20T11:18:00.004-06:00

i saw this lesson in the FHE Resource Manuel and reflected on what we taught our children which I am sure was not perfect. I thought this was a good lesson.

Scripture: Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
Proverbs 16:8

We should use the financial resources with which we are blessed to perfect ourselves and build up the kingdom of God. ( Family Home Evening Resource Book )

A Practical Experience In Budgeting: This uniqie way to help family members understand their part in helping with the family budget was suggested Dr. Dwayne Belt of the Brigham Young University faculty. You may wish to use some of his ideas or adapt them to the needs of your own family:
"I told the children to sit in a circle on the floor to prepare for a special activity for Family Home Evening. To their astonishment, I gave each one of them a large bundle of one dollar bills. My wife and I also had a bundle.
"All of this money together is the amount earned each month in our family", I said .
"Tonight you are all going to help Mom and Dad spend it."
[Note: It might not be practical to have this much currency in your home. You may want to make paper bils or use play noney or money from the Monopoly game. If possible, place a real bill on top of the bundle. ]
"For some time my wife and I had felt that one of the important things we should teach our children was the wise use of money. Although we felt the children should not be overburened with concern about the family budget, we believed that a better understanding of our financial resposibilities and goals would contribute to the harmony we desired in our home.
"You need to know that there are some things we are required by law to pay", I explained. " After those things are paid, there will be other things we need and must pay for, and then we can use the rest of the money as we wish."
"Tithing was quickly agreed upon as the most important thing we have promised to pay followed by other Church donations. Each person counted out his share and handed it to me.
"We have always paid our tithing first even when we 'owed' only $9.00 a month, and we have always been blessed for it," I reported to the family.
"So we continued on down the list - taxes, social security, house payment, insurance, utilities annd many others. The children looked distressed as their piles of money began to get smaller.
"Occasional questions arose about things such as retirement funds. These were discussed in an attempt to help each one see the reason for these kinds of programs.
"In our family," I said, " savings comes under the list of things we have promised to pay. We have promised ourselves that we would save regularly to prepare for missions, college or family emergencies. To help us keep that promise to ourselves my employer pays some of our money to our savings account each nonth."
"When we had exhausted the list of the things required by law and promises, we moved to other things we needed. Food was mentioned first, followed by clothing and medical care.
"Soon we began to mention a few things we would like to do or to have, and as families often do we found that we had too much month left at the end of the money. Long before our list of needs and wants was exhausted, the piles of one-dollar bills had disappeared.
The children stared in disbelief. My wife and I smiled knowingly.
Some of the comments were:
"I'm sick1"
"What do you do at Christmastime?"
"I didn't realize how fast we spend the money you make, Dad."
"Boy, it must take a lot of time to figure out the budget and pay the bills each month.
"It's all the dozens of little things that really add up."
"You sure have to plan ahead."
"Is it wrong to buy things we don't actually need?"
"It is not wrong to have and enjoy many of the beautiful and wonderful things in the world,", we told [our children], "as long as we keep two things in mind: First, our desire for material posessions should always be secondary to our desire to serve the Lord and your fellowmen.
Second, acquiring luxuries should always be secondary to acquiring necessities."
'That was fun.', said one of the children,'but what does money have to do with the gospel?'
" We have been told that our Heavenly Father gives us no temporal commandments. Everything he tells us to do is for our eternal good. And every part of our life, including handling the family finances, is part of living the gospel."
"That evening the following commitment were made
"I will keep track of what I spend for an entire month and then make a priority list for using my allowance."
"I am going to be more careful about the little things I buy that I could get along without."
"I'm going to try to save $100 from my allowance and baby sitting by the time school starts next fall."
"I'm going to pay my tithing the very first Sunday after I get my allowance, without fail."
"With an occasional reminder, our family have noticeably made sincere attempts to use our resources financial more wisely since this experience. We will never forget the night we helped 'spend' the family income." ("They All Held The Money," The Instructor May 1970, pp. 158-59.)

Suggested Hymn: "Count Your Many Blessings" Hymns no. 202.

Person of the Week: Alayna Hill for drawing a cute picture of fish in a fishbowl. I like all the wonderful pictures my grandkids make.

Porcupine Meatballs

2011-05-12T09:19:00.000-06:00

Last week Stephanie and I made Porcupine Meatballs. Every time I make them I remember a friend who said, "Do they really use pocupine meat in them?" No, they use just regular ground beef and are called pocupine meatballs because there is rice in them which pokes out like miniature porcupine quills. At any rate they are delicious and easy to make. I am also including this week's recipe which I may have posted before. It is for Ann Landers Economical Pound Cake. She says that there is no excuse for not giving a gift because it is inexpensive and it tastes good.

Porcupine Meatballs

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
3/4 c. uncooked rice (Ralph got Uncle Ben's Instant Rice and it worked ok but before that I had always used just regular raw rice which I think I prefer.)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 can tomato soup
1 cup or can water
1 T. minced onion

Combine meat, rice, salt, pepper and onion. Shape into small balls. (about 1 1/2 " in diameter) Combine and heat soup and water in oven safe pan or pressure cooker. Drop meatballs in soup mixture. Close lid securely. Place in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. When using pressure cooker place regulator on vent and cook 10 min. with regulator rocking skowly. Let pressure drop of its own accord. (I have never used a pressure cooker.)

Economical Pound Cake

3/4 lbs. good quality margarine or butter (I used butter.)
3 cups sugar
5 large eggs
3 C. flour, sifted
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. lemon extract or 1 tsp. grated lemon peel (I always use lemon extract because I never have a lemon.)
1/2 tsp. almond extract
7/8 C. ginger ale
Cream eggs (the recipe says eggs but I think it must mean butter.) and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and flavorings and mix well. Add flour alternately with ginger ale, mixing after each addition. Bake in two loaf pans in pre-heated 275 degree oven for about 1 hour and 45 minutes or until skewer or tablle knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly in pan before turning out.

Exercises Fot The Soul - Forgiveness

2011-04-28T10:08:00.002-06:00

I, the Lord will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. -D&C 64:10
Gospel Truth: Forgiveness is using the power within us to overcome anger, feelings of revenge, and unhappy and bad feelings. Oue Heavenly Father commanded us to forgive everyone, and he will help us as we try to keep this commandment. (FHE Resource Book).

Print the letters F,O,R,G,I,V,E, on seven small pieces of paper. Mix them up and give them to family members to make into a word. Give them help if needed. When the word is complete ask each family member to complete the sentence, "Forgiveness is ________________.
Read the above gospel truth and D&C 64:10.

All of us will have to exercise the principle of forgiveness in our lives, sometimes repeatedly or for great injustices. I am thankful that my father showed me the importance of forgiveness in his life.

Personal story: Shortly after my Dad was called to be Bishop when I was a teen-ager, a distant relative called the Stake President and told him lies about my father and that he should not be Bishop.. In my youthfulness, I was livid and thought we should take legal action against this relative. My father calmed me, ignored the claims and showed me the principles of forgiveness. Life went on and this relative faded into the background. I am greatful for his example as I have had to use these principles multiple times in my own life.

Expeience by Cheif Blue of the Catawba Indian Nation: "One day my eleven-year-old son went squirrel hunting with six other Indians. He saw a squirrel run up a tree and cimbed up to scare it out on a limb. After he had done this he called to the others to hodd their fire until he could get down. One of the Indians in the hunting party had always been jealous of me and my position as chief. He and his son both both shot deliberaately at my boy. He was filled with buckshot from his knees to his head. The Indians carried my boy towards home and found a spot where they lay him while they ran for the doctor. A friend came and found me and said, "Sam, run home at once; your boy has been shot.." I ran all the way home and found my boy near death. The doctor was there and said that the boy would not live. He was right; the boy died in a few minutes. The man and son who had done the shooting were in my front yard visiting with members of the crowd that had gathered. They did not appear to be upset at their deed. My heart filled with revenge and hatred. Something seemed to whisper to me, "If you don't take down your gun and kill that man who murdered your son Sam Blue, you are a coward.."
Now I have been a Mormon ever since I have been a young lad and I knew it would not be right to take revenge. I decided to pray to the Lord about it. I walked to my secret place out in the timber where I have always gone to pray alone when I have a special problem, and there I prayed to the Lord to take revenge out of my heart. I soon felt better and started back to the house. But again I heard something inside whisper, again I turned back and prayed until I felt better. On my way back to the house I again heard the voice say, "Sam Blue, you are a coward." I turned again and went back to pray and this time I told the Lord he must help me or I would be a killler. I asked him to take revenge out of my heart and to keep it out. I felt good when I got up from praying. I went back to the house a third time and when I reached the house I went out and shook hands with the Indian who had killed my boy. There was no hatred or desire for revenge in my heart. (See Marion G. Romney The Power of God Unto Salvation, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year[Provo,3 February 1960] pp.6-7.)

Ask: Was it too much to expect Chief Blue to forgive his son's killers - especially when they did not repent? How did Chief Blue's strong desire to overcome hatred and revenge make it possible for him to forgive? Where did he get the strength to forgive?

If desired and if time, you may want to contrast the above experience with the parable of the unmerciful servant. (See Matthew 35).

Emphasize the importance of wanting to forgive, believing we have the power to forgive, and receiving the blessing of having hatred and revenge taken from our hearts.

Possible Hymns: Should You Feel Inclined To Censure, Love One Another (LDS Hymnbook)

Person of the Week: Jacob Hill When he went to meet his Preschool teacher, she asked if he was always as happy as that day. His mother said yes! Conggratulations to "happy boy", Jacob!

Exercises For The Soul - Sacrifice

2011-04-19T09:29:00.003-06:00

The greatest sacrifice ever made was that of our Savior, Jesus Christ, when he took upon himself our sins and laid down his life for us. Anciently people were commanded to worship the Lord by offering their choicest animals as a sacrifice, in similitude of the Savior's yet-future sacrifice. As part of his gospel, the Savior instituted a different sacrifice-the sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit, commemorated at the sacrament table. And in this dispensation, the Lord has added to the law of sacrifice and gospel law, revealing tthe law of consecration. When we receive the law of consecration, we covenant to give our time, our talents, and to offer ourselves-our hearts filled with gratitude, love and humility. (Family Home Evening Resource Book p. 219)

Discuss the following experiences: Experience 1, While getting ready for baseball practice, David overheard his mother on the phone trying to get a baby-sitter so she could visit her sick mother. After two neighborhood girls said they were busy, David volunteered to stay home from baseball practice and tend the baby. During the hours he was with his baby sister, he felt more love for her than he ever had before.
Ask: What made David happy?
Explain: When we make a sacrifice, there is not always happiness immediately. Sometimes we have to wait a period of time before we can feel the resultant happiness or just feel good we have done the right thing.

Personal Experience: At one time in my life I was feeling like I needed to look for more charitable experiences so I began to pray for opportunities to give charity. I felt impressed to call my mom and offer to stay with my great aunt for the day while she did whatever she would like. ( She had been responsible for the care of her aged mother-in-law and my great aunt for about two years). I thought she would want to spend the day shopping at the mall or some such recreational acticvity. When I offered, she said."Thank you. I was wondering how I was going to get to the temple." I was glad I had listened to the prompting.

Relate the following incident to your family: A whole family gave up a comfortable life in a fine city and spent approximately ten years travelling to a new continent where they prospered and found freedom to worship Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Who were they? (The family of Lehi.)
What sacrifices did they make? (Gave up home, wealth and country.)
Why did they leave their home? (They followed the direction of Heavenly Father.)

Read Matthew 19:16-22.

Ask: What did Jesus require of the rich man in addition to following the commandments?
Why did the rich man leave in sorrow?

Assignment: Challenge family members to make at least one sacrifice for another member of the family, relative or close friend during the week. If desired, experiences can be recorded and shared at the next Family Home Evening.

Possible Hymns: Any of the Sacrament Hymns. "As I have Loved You", LDS Hymnal

Person of the Week: Josie Manwaring for organizing and putting on a fun carnival to help raise money for the girls in their ward to go to Girl's Camp.

Exercises For The Soul - Journals

2011-04-13T10:01:00.002-06:00

" Every person should keep a journal and every person can keep a journal." - Spencer W. Kimball "A journal is a continuing record of meaningful experiences that affect our lives. Through his prophets, the Lord has commanded each of us to keep a journal. As we record our activities and feelings, we can more clearly see the Lord's influence in our lives." -The Family Home Evening Resource book. WHY KEEP A JOURNAL? Help each family member understand how a journal can bless his life. Personal experience: I am not a very good "journal writer" but I am so glad I have some things recorded. Recently I decided to re-read the only journal I succeeded in keeping for about a year of my life when I was a teenager. There are not wonderful, faith-promoting experiences in it but mostly teenage trivia like a brief description of my 16th birthday, my first real infatuation, and my feelings upon moving to a new school and making new friends after doing the same thing only a year before. There is this tantalizing entry which taught me what not to do. It goes something like this: "I had an interesting day today but I am so tired I'm going to bed. "I will never know about the "interesting day". Still, it is interestinng to me to see that I had many typical feelings of a teenager. Scripture: To help famiily members understand why the Lord and his prophets have asked us to keep records, read and discuss 2Nephi 25:23. HOW DO I BEGIN A JOURNAL? When my children were very small I decided to help each one of them keep a journal. I got an inexpensive folder for each child. I would write what each child wanted to put in their journal. I could also put pictures the children had drawn in them t00 showing something they wanted to include in their journal. The first night I sat down with Ben ((then about 5 years old) and asked him how he wanted to start. I offered several suggestions like, "Dear Diary". He said, "I want to write 'Dear Children'. Since then I have used that perspective when recording events and feelings. As I have mentioned, all my attempts at keeping a journal have been short-lived. Here are some simple ways to keep records: -I kept my first check register after we were married. It is interesting to me what we spent money on and to see that we spent only $11.00 a week on groceries. That included something special for Sunday dinner like a roast. - I would make notes on my calendar of not only activities but things my children did and said that I wanted to remember. Every year I kept my calendar. -When I was in college I began the habit of keeping a notebook which listed my activities for each day. I kept this up most of my married lufe. I even listed phone calls I had to make and menus I planned for dinner. I saved all the notebooks. They not only helped me to be organized but now I am glad to have that record. There are many things I would have forgotten had I not kept a written record. -When there was an important event I would write down my feelings and store them in a box along with other poems and articles I had written. ( e.g. I am glad now to have a record of how I felt when each of our children were blessed.) -Instead of a Book of Remembrance, each of our children has a 'Box of Remembrance". At the end of each school year, each child could save their favorite school project. (I included my favorites as well as certificates and ribbons.) Each child now has their own "Box of Remembrance" and box of memories. -There are certain objects I have wanted to keep. No one will know why they are important to me when I am gone so I have typed up a brief history of each item. ( e.g. my music boxes, and each item of furniture and decoration at the cabin.) This way others will know that the reason we keep the black rocking chair is that it was the chair grandma Kern gathered her family around every morning for family prayer.) WHAT SHOULD I WRITE? Discuss the following suggestion by President Spencer W. Kimball: "Your journal should contain your true self rather than a picture of you when you are 'made up' for a public performance...The truth should be told, but we should not emphasize the negative." ("The Angels," New Era Oct. 1975 p. 5) Discuss what makes a journal entry seem vivid and real. (details, descriptions using the senses and feelings). (See autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, 5th edition, Salt Lake City, Deseret Book Co. 1961, pp. 233-34.) Assignment: At this FHE or at another time, encourage family members to write down an experience or feelings they think would be valuable to their children. Hymn resource: "The Golden Plates", Sing With Me, B-57. Person of the Week: Sam Manwaring for his creativity in making a "Star Wars" book for grandma Kern and a car out of a cardboard box.

Summer Squash Casserole

2011-04-09T08:11:00.002-06:00

Stephanie wanted to make this because she got some zucchini in her "Bountiful Basket". The recipe says you can use yellow crook-neck squash instead of zucchini but I never have. Zucchini used to be so prolific in my garden that I was always looking for recipes which used it. I even got a recipe from my sister-in-law for zucchini brownies. When I tasted this casserole this week, it tasted as good as I remember it. Summer Squash Casserole 2 lbs. summer squash (about 6 cups) 1/4+ c. chopped onion ( I have used as much as 1 cup.) 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 c. dairy sour cream 1 c. shredded carrot 1 8 oz. pkg. herb stuffing mix ( or make your own with dry bread cubes and your choice of herbs like poultry seasoning, sage and dried parsley.) 1/2 c. melted butter or margarine In saucepan cook sliced squash ( about 1/4 in. thick slices) and chopped onion in boiling salted water for 5 min. Drain. In a large bowl, combine soup and sour cream. Stir in shredded carrot. Fold in drained squash and onion. Combine stuffing mix with butter. Spread half of stuffing mixture in bottom of 12x7 1/2 x2 in. baking dish. Spoon vegetable mixture atop. Sprinkle remaining stuffing over vegetables. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 min. or until heated through. Makes 6 servings.

Exercises For The Soul - Sense of Humor

2011-04-04T10:32:00.002-06:00

"Good humor is truly medicine to the soul. Humor can ease tension, relieve uncomfortable or embarrassing situations, change attitudes, generate love and understanding, and add sparkle to life. A properly developed sense of humor is sensitive to others' feelings and is flavored with kindness and understanding." (Family Home Evening Resource Book p. 197) Scripture: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. Proverbs 17:22 In January of 1847 the Saints endured severe trials at Winter Quarters. They had been brutally forced from their homes and were suffering from cold, starvation, and the loss of loved ones. In the midst of their sorrow came a revelation to help prepare them for their journey west. Read; D&C 136:28-29 Explain that the Lord wants us to feel joy even during hardships and trials. Describe: How a pressure cooker works. ( The sealed pot builds up a tremendous amount of steam inside it in order tospeed up the cooking process. As a safety measure, however, it releases excess steam through a safety valve, which keeps the cooker from exploding.) Point out that pressures and problems can build up in all of us until we feel like exploding in anger or tears. One safety valve the Lord has given us is a sense of humor. Discuss: How can humor release frustrations and put problems in a different light? True story: When we lived in Canada, my dad had to have a clean white shirt evey Sunday morning. (He was the Branch President of our small Vanderhoof Branch.) My mother didn't always have one ready which is understandable because we got all our water out of the creek and things had to be washed by hand. One Sunday morning we were waiting in the car to go to church while mom put the finishing touches on Sunday dinner which would cook while we were away. When mom hurriedly joined us in the car we all looked at why she gasped and ran back into the house. There sat my dad in the car with his Sunday suit on, a tie around his bare neck, and no shirt. My mother said it was the fastest she had ever ironed a white shirt and he always had a clean, pressed white shirt waiting for him in the future. I learned a great lesson that day. Using humor, my dad was able to change behavior without nagging or causing contention in the family. Help family members understand that humor must be appropriate to fulfill its proper purpose. Read the following from Elder Richard L. Evans: "There is both dignified and undignified humor. There is loud-mouthed humor, uncouth humor. There is evil, offensive humor. And there is high-minded. delightful humor." (Richard l. Evans' Quote Book p. 221). Discuss what makes appropriate humor. Stress that humor that degrades, embarrasses or is based on sarcasm or indecent situations is inappropriate. We should never make fun of another's physical indirmities or handicaps, ethnic or racial differences, the sanctity of the body or sacred things. Help family members understand that even people in important positions in the Church see humor in serious matters without making light of spiritual things. We, too, can be light hearted without being light-minded or silly. Assignment: As a family, try to find humor in a problem you are facing right now. Encourage family members to help family members see the humor in future problems. Role-play some possible embarrassing situations and let family members find humor in the situations. (e.g. At a party someone points out that you have on one black shoe and one brown. Possible response: "I have another pair at home just like them.") Possible song: Smiles (Sing With Me p. D-5) Persons of the Week: Bella and Maya Kern for making beautiful St. Patrick's Day cards and sending them to Grandma and Grandpa Kern.

Recipes

2011-03-31T09:27:00.002-06:00

This Stephanie and I are making Lazy Dazy Oatmeal Cake. The recipe is in the red cookbook we made called "Cooking Lessons". Last week we made Clam Chowder. I think you all have this recipe. If you want it give me a call. ( I made a mistake and told Stephanie to use 1/2 as much flour for thickening as it called for. I felt bad but it still tasted delicious and I think I am always going to use less thickener as I liked it less thick.) I thought I would include a recipe Stephanie made for us. It is super easy and tastes good! Mexican Casserole tortillas (She used flour tortillas) 2 cans Hormel Chili with beans 1 can cr. of chicken soup 2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped grated cheese Cut tortillas into 1/4s and cover the bottom of a casserole dish with a layer of tortillas. Mix chili, cr. of chicken soup, and chicken pieces together. Cover the tortillas with 1/2 of this mixture and sprinkle with grated cheese. Repeat layering tortillas, chili mixture and cheese. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 min. What could be easier than that?

Exrcises For The Soul - Adversity

2011-03-27T12:45:00.002-06:00

"Adversity is part of Heavenly Father's plan for us here upon the earth. We are here to be proven - to do whatever God commands us to do. (See Abraham 3:25) As we struggle to meet trials, we grow and develop qualities that we can attain in no other way. When we seek his help, our Heavenly Father will strengthen us and make us equal to the trials that come to us." (Family Home Evening Resource manuel) Scripture: "Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. Doctrinw and Covenants 122:7 Discuss: As we cope with our trials and adversity we can develop God-given strengths. (See Gospel Principles manuel 1979 p. 11 and 2nd Nephi 2:11) Story: Relate Joseph Smith's experience in Liberty Jail as found in D&C 121 and 122. Ask: What are some of the blessings that came to the prophet and have come to all of us as a result of this experience? (He studied and increased in knowledge and understanding while there. He continued to receive revelations and, through his writings, direct the church. He grew in compassion.) Read Joseph's statement: "I think I could never have felt as I do now if I had not sufferedd the wrongs I have suffered. It has awakened my soul to the love of God" (History of the Church 3:290). Read D&C 121:7 Ask What can we learn from the fact that the prophet Joseph Smith received the blessing of peace in the midst of affliction in Liberty Jail? (We can pray for and receive peace of mind in any adversity that may come to us.) Tell: about a trial from your own life or one of your ancestors that has strengthened and blessed you. If desired, family members can tell of their own trials. (For example, Sickness can increase our compassion for the sick and our appreciation of good health.) Encourage family members to recognize trials as challenges and remind them to seek the Lord's help in overcoming them. Compare life to a kite. The following parallels may help in your discussion: Kite: Each one of us is like a kite. Wind: Trials, like the wind, push against us each day. The resistance it provides, keeps us up and going. String: We have the gospel which, like the string of a kite, directs, controls, and anchors our lives Activity: Have family members help make a purchased or homemade kite. Fly it. (This can be a separate activity at another time.) Person of the week: Kennedy Oman for making a card and bringing other gifts to her sister, Taylor, when she was sick and in the hospital.

Easy Calzones

2011-03-11T13:21:00.002-07:00

Stephanie and I used Rodes frozen bread to make a variety of things yesterday, I love to use Rhodes frozen bread dough. I learned about it when I was a busy, young mother. Even though home made bread dough is a good art to learn, this makes a good alternative. I like my daughter-in- law's approach. When people compliment her and ask her for the recipe when she uses frozen bread, she just says, "It's an old family recipe. " and usually doesn't have to go any further. I learned while taking it to the cabin over the years, it is pretty hard to destroy and tastes good hot or cold. Although you can make many things with the bread (scones, a variety of dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls, pecan rolls, monkey bread, hotdog or hamburger buns,), we concentrated on making calzones. I don't know if it the MS or that I am close to the Sr. discount age, but I can't multi-task very well these days. Yesterday I was trying to give instructions to Stephanie and BLOG at the same time. I didn't do either one very well. Here is the recipe for Calzones given to me over the phone by Emily Reil Kern.

Easy Calzones

thawed frozen Rhodes bread dough ( one thing I learned over the years is that you can punch down raised Rhodes one or more times without ruining the quality of the bread dough.)
Tomato sauce or sauce you like such as Prego or Ragu
Anything you like on a pizza (we used pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, canned mushrooms, black olives.tomato sauce.)
Roll out into a circle about 1/4 inch thick 1/2 0r 1/3 of a loaf of dough. ( I had never made these before and should have had a clue that 1/2 a loaf of bread would make a lot.)
Spread some tomato sauce on 1/2 of the circle of dough leaving a margin of at least 1 inch around the edges.
Top with your choice of pizza toppings being careful not to overstuff.
Pinch the edges together making a semi-circle. Dough can be sealed with beaten egg brushed on.
If a shiny crust is desired, brush crust with remaining beaten egg.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 - 25 min. or until crust sounds hollow when tapped.

We each ate 1/2 calzone for lunch and were very full. Later in the week Ralph cut the calzone into strips. Two strips were plenty.
Top with

EXERCISES FOR THE SOUL - Unselfishness

2011-03-10T10:02:00.003-07:00

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
- Matthew 16:26

I love this scripture. " Our Savior's the perfect example of unselfishness. If we are to follow his example, we must be concerned with the needs and feelings of others. We must be able to put our own wants and needs aside to show love and concern for others.' (FHE Resource book, p.222)

(Scripture Story) Review the story of the rich young man (See Matthew 19:16-22)
Ask: Why was the young man unable to do what the Savior asked him to do?
Define selfishness. (clinging to your own comfort, advantage or position at the expense of others). Theodore M. Burton has said that true love is the exact opposite of selfishness. (See Conference Report Apr. 1979 p. 100 or May Ensign, 1079, p. 72).

President Monson's story: When President Monson was a young boy, he received a train for Christmas. His mother had purchased a smaller wind-up train for Mark, a needy boy in the neighborhood. She allowed young Tom to keep an oil tanker out of the wind-up train set. But when he saw how happy Mark was with the wind-up train, he ran home, got the oil tanker, plus another car from his own train, and gave them to Mark. (See " Mark's Train," Friend, Oct.1977,p. 16.).

Write the following teachings on wordstrips or slips of paper. Have family members draw them out of a bowl and explain how they relate to unselfishness..

1. "Love one another." (John 13:34)
2. "Whosoever will lose his life for my sake, shall find it."(Matthew 16:25)
3. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33)
4. "Let every man esteem his brother as himself" (D&C 38:24).
5. "Love thy neighbor as thyself." (Matthew 22; ).
6. Any others of your choice.

ASK: Why has the Lord placed such emphasis on our learning to become unselfish? (Point out that selfishness comes naturally and easily, and it takes struggle and growth to rid ourselves of self-centeredness. But one of the purposeses of this life is to overcome our weaknesses and become Christlike.)

Assign: One or more members of the family to become reporters throughout the coming week. Ask them to observe others during the coming week and prepare a report on their acts of unselfishness.

Possible Songs: Jesuz Said Love Everyone, Sing With Me B-51 or Who's On The Lord's Side? Hymns 175

Person of the Week: Alayna Hill She practices doing math so much she is getting really good. She even does Sudoku puzzles which I can't evven do.

3 BEAN CASSEROLE

2011-03-06T14:53:00.002-07:00

This week we made 3 Bean Casserole. This is a hearty and good tasting dish which is easy to make. I used to make it when I was assigned to take a meal to someone. I had a friend whosehusband was out of work for many weeks. She was thankful for every one's generosity but confessed that she was really tired of turkey. This casserole avoids many specific food allergies, tastes and other idiosyncracies and tastes good too. When I tasted it recently, it was just as good as I remembered it.

3 BEAN CASSEROLE

2 #303 cans pork 'n' beans. drained
1 #303 can red kidney beans, drained
1 #303 can small lima beans, drained
1 lb. hamburger browned witth
1/2 c. diced onion
1/4 lb. bacon, cut in 1 inch pieces
Add: 1/2 c. ketchup
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 T worcestershire
Mix all ingredients andi smmer for 1 hour on stove ( The recipe says you can bake it in a 350 degree oven for two hours but I have never tried this.)

Add some bread and butter, a salad or fruit and you have a meal.

MaChel's Story

2011-03-01T09:09:00.002-07:00

(I couldn't find the story when I wrote the most recent FHE BLOG on self esteem so here it is now,)

In my Dad's family tree at least one person of many, many generationns has been blessed with the Wiser Gap...a large space between the two front teeth. I have fun pictures of me in grade school smiling my way through until about 5th grade when I was teased about my teeth. From then on, I never I never opened my lips to smile until I was a junior in high school.

Dad was a poor farmer and money to fix teeth (especially when mine looked just like his) was not really an option. But when I was in high school Dad got a new job and things were much improved. My older brother and sister were married and so Mom, who had listened to me over the years, understood and took me to see Dr. Hall in Twin Falls. I had two surgeries to remove skin between my teeth. Then over a five month stretch of healing, making gooey molds, and then resizing my two front teeth down to little slivers - painful and disgusting - Dr. Hall fitted me with caps. They were disgustingly yellow and did not fit my mouth, but these were the olden days when this was al new stuff. I just kept my mouth closed for two more weeks until my real porcelain caps were ready and put in place. They matched. They felt great. And they alm0st t0uched, just a barely noticeable, small sliver left of my Wiser Gap. A huge improvement!

Mom said I didn't have to go back to school that day, but I insisted. I felt like an entirely different person. I wanted to show off my teeth! I chatted with everyone, smiling all the while. No one said one thing about my teeth! I thought they were just being nice. Finally with 4 or 5 of my closest friends around me, I burst out, "Look! Look at my teeth! I can hardly stand how much I love them." They looked curiously at one another and then Karen said, "They look great but why are they new?" Exasperated I reminded them of the horrid space and all I'd silently suffered to come to this moment. Connie said, " Isn't that weird? I never noticed." AHHHHHHH! Could it really be true that it didn't matter? It mattered to me, but it was unbelievably surprising that I seemed to be the only one. Worrying over the Wizer Gap took years of energy. Amazing huh?

Exercises for the Soul - Self Esteem

2011-02-28T09:51:00.002-07:00

Twice in the last month.

I have seen evidences of low self esteem in my grandlids. One actually said, "Grandma, I don't feel very good about myself." While I know struggles with self-esteem continue into adulthood, (in fact, I beleve it is the root of most other problems), it has been on my mind and it is never too early to give your family some coping skills.

Scriptures: That I know of, there is no reference to self-esteem in the scriptures. I discovered that there are lots of scripture on the "worth of a soul" which is essentially the same thing. Look up the worth of a soul in the topical guide and discuss how self-esteem is important.

Adk: What are things we should not do if we are feeling low self--esteem or insecure? ( make fun of others, brag about ourselves whether true or untrue, treat serious issues lightly or jokingly)

Ask: What are some things that will help if we are feeling low self-esteem or insecure? (practicing until we become confident, asking someone with confidence to help us, humbly acting as if we were confident even though we may not feel that way, pray for help).

Many times we feel like everyone else is better than we are. This seems to be especially true about junior high age. This is a time when we have to decide how we are going to deal with it. I am impressed with the great way all of our children are addressing this with our grandchildren. ( giving them opportunities to develop skills and many other ways).
I remember being jr. high age and crying to my mother that I was sure I was the only one in our school that had to take a bath in a wash-tub by the cook stove. To make things worse, my mother would hang a curtain across the kitchen and I was afraid the tall missionaries or someone else would drop in.

Usually, most people don't even notice our insecurities. Here is an example.
True story from MaChel Stimpson: ( I cannot find the copy of the story shee gave me so I will post it later.)

Ask: Each family member to go around the room and list something each person is good at. (These can be intangible qualities too such as always showing gratitude or encouraging others.)

Suggested songs: I Am a child of God in either the LDS Hymnbook or the Primary Children Sing book.

Persons of the week: Jack Manwaring and Tango, the big dog he is helping to babysit while Victor and Virginia are visiting back east. Tango has very good manners and Jack is very nice to the dog.

FRIED CHICKEN

2011-02-18T11:03:00.002-07:00

Stephanie and I made Oven-baked fried chicken this week. I like this recipe because it is not greasy, it is good hot or cold, it doesn't make a "grease splatter mess" in your kitchen, and it is as easy to make for 3 or 23. I think I posted this recipe last year but here it is again in case you missed it.

OVEN FRIED CHICKEN

1 c. flour
1 T. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. paprika
1 cut up chicken
1/4 c. good quality oil

Put flour in a strong paper bag. (I use a gallon-size plastic zip-lock). Add salt, pepper and paprika. Pour oil on cookie sheet and tip to coat pan. Can be heated if desired. Shake rinsed chicken pieces in bag to coat. Put coated chicken pieces in oil skin side down then turn over skin side up. Sprinkle chicken with Savor salt or Season-all. Put in 400 degree oven for 15 min. Then turn oven down to 350 degrees and bake 30 min. longer.

Exercises For The Soul - Honesty

2011-02-16T11:09:00.002-07:00

"God commands that we be honest in all things. When we lie,cheat, or steal, we open ourselves wide to Satan's influene and close ourselves to God's influence. If we want to have the Spirit to guide and comfort us, we must be honest with God, with ourselves, and with other people." ( FHE Resource Manuel).

Ask: Each member of your family to give the definition of a lie. Compare it with Marvin J. Ashton's: "A lie is any communication given to another with the intent to deceive" (Conference Report Apr. 1982 p. 10 or Ensign. May 1982, p. 9).

Explain: We can communicate a lie without ever speaking a word. A nod of the head or just keeping silent can deceive.

Ask: What are some ways we can deceive? (Recommending a questionable business investment, pretending not to hear mother call, using flattery to get our way, or withholding immportant facts).

True story: While I taught piano lessons, Sara loved to cook even though she was only about six years old. One day she decided to make cookies. In between piano students I went into the kitchen and saw beautiful, warm cookies on the counter. They were light and fluffy and cooked to perfection so I quickly ate a few. My next piano student came so I began teaching. About half way through the next lesson I began to feel a rumbling in my tummy and I was so thirsty I couldn't get enough to drink. When I asked Sara about the cookies she said,"i couldn't remember whether to add 1/2 teaspoon or 1/2 cup of baking soda." She had added 1/2 cup which is about 50 times more than a recipe usually calls for.
I learned a valuable lesson from this experience. Just because something looks beautiful and good on the outside doesn't mean the inside is good. I wanted my inside to be good too, even though no one could tell for sure what it was like by looking at the outside.
Being honest is like that. You may not be totally honest inside. Even no one will know from the outside, there will always be a bad feeling inside.

Activity: You will need to have asked one family member in advance to answer each question falsely. Ask that member a simple question - for example, "Where were you just before FHE?" As he or she answers falsely wrap a long string or yarn around him once. then ask a follow-up question - or example, "Why were you there? As he answers falsely again, wrap the string around him once more. Continue to ask him follow-up questions, wrapping the string around him each time he gives a false answer. Explain that you asked the person to give false answers to show how one lie leads to another one and how fast we can become trapped by lies.

Discuss: how easy it is to tell a lie. Point out that even the smallest lie is a sin. (See D & C 42:21.) Be sure the members of your family understand they can repent of any lies they may have told.

Persons of the week: Kennedy Oman and her mom who came to visit this weekend and made delicious Valentine's cookies which we are still enjoying.

Spinach Soup

2011-02-11T10:39:00.002-07:00

This may not sound very good but Ralph and I like it. Also it is a good way to convince your kids to eat healthy vegetables and makes a good recipe when you are trying to use all those haed boiled eggs after Easter. When we first moved to Finland the R.S. Pres. gave me some women's magazines like Finland's version od Good Housekeeping. They had an article and some pictures of this soup. Shortly afterward we went to dinner Nico and Leena's house. She served this soup and called it her "comfort food".

Leena's Spinach Soup

3 T margarine
5 T flour
1 qt. milk
1 pkg frozen chopped spinach (150 g.)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
white pepper to taste (I don't have this so I skip it)
Melt margarine, add flour and mix with a whisk. Add only half the milk and stir until mixture is smooth and boiling. Gradually add the rest of the milk. Add frozen spinach. Mix all ingredients including seasonings. Cook a couple minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve with hard boiled eggs. ( I used to pour soup over halved lengthwise but Ralph served it with sliced eggs and it worked well.)

Exercises for the Soul - Heart Attack

2011-02-07T13:30:00.002-07:00

I saw this idea on a BLOG Sara gave me. I have seen variations of this but it was good to be reminded again. Even though this has a valentine theme I think it would be good for a family any time of year A "heart attack" is simply a bunch of hearts cut out and stuck to the wall. On each heart is written a short sentiment about a family member. (e.g. I love _______ because...). I think it would be interessting to see both what is written abouut each family member as well as to learn each's feelings about others. Hearts can be displayed in a bedroom. Who doesn't like reading about themselves over and over. Hearts can also be decorated with stickers, pieces of yarn, colored pencils, or whatever. Refreshments can be valenttine cookies or candy and you have an easy, worthwhile and fun family home evening. There are lots of songs and humns about love like,"Love At Home", "Love One Another", and "Happy Family".

Persons of the Week: All the in-laws who have brought such great love to our children and grandchildren.

Chicken and dumplings

2011-01-27T15:34:00.002-07:00

Tgis morning Stephanie and I made Cicken and Dumplings. They are not my favorite thing to eat but Ralph loves them and iit is nice to know what they are when you sing "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain". I think most of my family has the recipe but I will include it here. You start out by making your favorite chicken soup recipe.

Basic Dumpliings

2 c. flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. milk
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add milk gradually and mix well with a fork. With a Tablespoon, ( a regular spoon from your table service is fine) and divide into 10-12 portions. Drop dough portions in bubbly, hot stew. Cook for 12-15 min. with the lid on the pot. Serve dumplings with stew.

Exercises For The Soul - Judging Others

2011-01-17T10:12:00.004-07:00

This is probably the trait I have had to work on the most. I have inckuded two of my learning experiences.

My mother's experience: We moved to a new ward and my mother noticed a sister on the front row of the chapel. She was there every Sunday with a whole row of little kids that she wrestled all through church. Finally she would pull a clean disposable diaper out of her bag and fan herself until the end of the meeting. My mother told us how nuch she admired that sister for coming to church every week even though her husband didn't support her. It turned out she was the Bishop's wife.

My experience: After the temple was built in Rexburg, they had a cultural celebration to celebrate the opening of the Tenple. They did a dance with irrigation pipes. I thought it just showed what a "hick" farming community we lived in. A while afterward we went to church in West Yellowstone, MT while staying at our cabin nearby. The speaker was the West Yellowstone Fire Chief who reminisced about the great fire of 1988? in the Park and its direction towards the little city of West Yellowstone. They knew it was coming but didn't know what to do. I remember being at Grandma and Grandpa's cabin in Island Park and seeing the orange glow over the mountains. Finally they dynamited a big pond in the Madison river for water and all the farmers from down in the valley brought up their irrigation pipes. They saved the town of West Yellowstone from burning down and changed the way I felt about irrigation pipes.

Activity: Before FHE hide pieces of wrapped candy inside wadded up pieces paper and place around the room so it looks like garbage. Encourage family members to look inside the crumpled paper until the candy is found and allow the candy to be eaten.

Explain: Sometimes something or someone looks like garbage. If we will allow ourselves to investigate further, we might change our judgements and find the hidden goodness inside.

( The candy can be FHE refreshments)

Person of the week: Jessica Kern for being nice to younger cousins even though she may have preferred older kids her own age.
Scripture: John

Pumpkin Muffin omission

2011-01-16T15:43:00.002-07:00

I forgot to include one item that makes the pumpkin muffins taste just like the pumpkin bread at Great Harvest. I add a package of chocolate chips before I bake them. I like semi-sweet ones and Ralph likes milk chocolate. Both are good so it jusy depends on your own preference. I made a double batch andwe have been enjoying pumpkin bread and pumpkin muffins all week.

Janet;s Pumpkin Muffins

2011-01-13T14:00:00.002-07:00

Both Ralph and I got a nasty virus at the first of January so everything got put on hold for awhile but both of us are feeling better now and it is time to play "catch-up".
I have a new girl to help me as Hailey has decided to devote full time to her two children. She still brings up dinner once a week and I still enjoy her association. The new girl is Hailey's friend, Stephanie. She has a different personality but is very nice and I like her a lot. She wants to cook together too so this week we made Pumokin muffins. This is a recipe I got from another teacher.

JANET'S PUMPKIN MUFFINS

2/3 c. sgortening or oil
2 2/3 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 can pumpkin (l lb.)
2/3 c. water
3 1/3 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp.cloves

Bake at 350 degrees 25 min. in cupcake pans or 70 min. in 2 loaf pans

.

Jesus' Birthday Cake

2010-12-22T12:31:00.002-07:00

When my children were small I wanted them to remember the real reason we celebrated Christmas. So I made a bundt cake for our Christmas Eve dinner and I put a large (taper) candle in the middle. I had some other objectives too. I wanted a tradition from Ralph's side of the family so I used a recipe from his grandmother, Sara Ellsworth Madsen. Also, I don't like traditional fruitcakes so this is my alternative.

Grndma Kern's Christmas Cake

1/2 c, butter (1 square)
1 c. sugar
1 egg
2 c. cold applessauce ( 1 303 can)
3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. powdered clove
1 c. raisins
1 c. walnuts, cut in pieces
marascino cherries to taste and as you can afford them
dash of salt

Cream butter, and add sugar gradually. Add egg and beat thoroughly. Add applesauce. Add flour sifted with other dry ingredients. Add raisins and nuts. Add cherries (drained) and mix well. Bake 50 minutes in a 375 degree oven.
(Ralph's mom added extra honey but I never have.)

Christmas Baking

2010-12-22T11:50:00.002-07:00

Hailey and I made Nutmeg Logs this week. My mom got this recipe from Aunt Donna who called them Rum Logs but my mother thought it was important to change the name to Nutmeg Logs. They are different than most cookies and smell like Eggnog. Haiiley misunderstood me and put in 2 tsp. of Nutmeg instead of 2 tsp. of vanilla. They were a little heavy on the nutmeg for my taste but Hailey's father loved them. I guess the point is that you can adjust the recipe to your own taste.

NUTMEG LOGS

1 c. butter or margarine
1 egg
3/4 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. rum flavoring (imitation is o.k.)
3 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. (or what you like) nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt

Cream butter with flavoring. Gradually add sugar and continue creaming. Blend in egg. Sift flour with nutmeg and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix well. Shape pieces of dough by rolling into ropes on a sugared board, about 1/2 or 3/4 " in diameter. Cut in 3 inch lengths. Make 3 or 4 diagonal slash marks with a knife. Bake on greased cookie sheets in a 350 degree oven for about 12 - 15 minutes. These are pretty when drizzled with creamy white icing or melted chocolate.

Exercises For the Soul - Music

2010-12-06T09:00:00.002-07:00

This is a busy time of year so this may be my only Blog until 2011. I am sure you are busy with your own family's traditions. Music has always been an integral part of my life - especially at Christmas. It became a part of our own family's Christmas even when Sara was too young to play the pipe chimes with the older kids on Christmas Eve. (So she wouldn't feel left out, we gave her a pipe chime and rubber spatula to hit it with.)
When my children were teenagers, one of them told me they were leading the singing in seminary. I asked if they knew how to lead the singing and they replied, " Oh, its easy. You just write your name in the air with your hand." Leading the singing is a skill that is often called upon. In Finland, a missionary led the singing in Sacrament meeting. I was accompanying on the piano. He led a 3/4 meter song with a 4/4 meter beat pattern. I was surprised at how difficult it was to play the hymn under these circumstances. I could not look at him at all.
This is why I chose this topic for the FHE lesson. You may want to spend more than one week practicing musical principles. Enjoy the Christmas season and Christmas music!

Scripture: For my soul dellighteth in the song of the heart; yea,the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me. (D&C 25 :12)

Sing; two or three of the family's favorite hymns or reverent Primary songs.
Ask: What feelings should we have when we worship? (love, reverence, faith, respect etc.)
Discuss: Why is music important in having these helping us have these feelings in our worship service?
We should sit quietly and listen to the prelude music to prepare to worship when we go to church. For many years I was the ward organist. Sometimes while I played the prelude music, it sounded like I was at a basketball game. I love basketball games, but going to church has a different purpose.

MUSIC HAS GREAT POWER TO AFFECT OUR LIVES

True story: I had a friend who grew up far out in the country south of Twin Falls. One day she and her sister decided to go home for a surprise visit. They were both married and had a baby with them.
When they were far out on a lonely dirt road their car quit and wouldn''t start. They didn't know what to do. They decided that my friend would start walking for help while her sister stayed in the car with the two babies even though it was starting to get dark. My friend walked and walked through the dark She was so tired and scared she wanted to give up. She even saw cougar tracks in the dirt road. At the time, she was Primary chorister and she decided to sing Primary songs. She was so tired she wanted to lay down by the side of the road but she didn't. She just kept singing every Primary song she knew and walking. Finally as it was starting to be morning she saw a farm house and they helped get the car started. It turns out my friend had walked over 20 miles.

LEADING THE SINGING

Practice leading the singing at home or you can practice quietly when you sing songs at church by leading the singing in your lap with your index finger. There are instructions in the back of the hymnbook. If you take piano lessons you already know about Time Signatures. The most common are 3/4 and 4/4. Some easy songs to practice are "Come Follow Me" for 3/4 Meter and "I Am a Child of God" in 4/4 meter. Both of these songs start on the downbeat. The first beat of each measure is slightly emphasized.
Other songs begin on the last beat or two of a preceding measure. It is important to start the beat pattern in the middle or end so that the first beat of the next measure coincides with the strong downbeat of the beat pattern. It is not hard but it does take practice.

Persons of the Week: Emily Manwaring and Ashtyn Hill for practicing hard, memorizing lines and giving outstanding performances in "Charlotte's Web" and "Music Man".

Gratitude - Exercises For The Soul

2010-11-11T10:52:00.002-07:00

"Gratitude is being aware of and appreciating blessings and kindnesses given to us. We can express it through sincere words of thanks and through actions that show our appreciation. An increased spirit of gratitude will bring increased joy into our lives." (Family Home Evening Manuel)

Ask: What does gratitude mean to you?

Scripture Story: Tell the story of the ten lepers.(Luke 17:11-18).
Ask: How did the one leper show his gratitude? ( Luke 17:15-16)
What experience did the ungrateful miss? (They missed the opportunity of expressing gratitude and love to the Savior.)
Read: D&C 59:7 together. Have each family member write down two blessings they have received from Heavenly Father and two kindnesses or gifts they have received from other people. Then have them write by each blessing or gift the name of the person who gave it to them and how they showed gratitude to that person.
Discuss: How does showing gratitude help us feel closer to the giver of the gift or blessing?

Personal experience : When I can't sleep at night, I count my blessings. Sometimes I can't think of anything to be thankful for so I remember a time in Finland when we took a man to Sunday dinner at a friends' house after church. He was about 60 years old and rode his bike 70 miles to church. He asked us if we would stop so he could get his change of clothes from the place he had stayed the night before. When we reached the house where he had stayed, he got a plastic bag of clothes from under the house. He had slept under the house the night before. I looked at the dirt under the house held up only by stacks of rocks on each corner. I am grateful I have a bed to sleep in and a nice warm house.

(Suggested Hymns or Songs: When upon Life's Billows (Hymns no. 202) I Thank Thee Dear Father (Sing With Me, A-8 )

Person of the week: Alayna Hill - I love reading BLOGs about her creativity and imagination.

Authority - Exercises for the Soul

2010-10-26T10:46:00.002-06:00

God gives man authority for his guidance and protection. Without it there would be no order or freedom. God has commanded us to respect the authority of home, church and community.

As a family, make a chart of people in authority.

e.g.
Person in Authority Source of Authority Lord's Instructions
_________________________________________________

Parents God Honor
Bishops or
Church Leaders God Honor

Principal or
School Leaders School Board Honor

Mayor or
Community Leaders The people Honor

Ask: How should we treat those in authority?
Explain: To honor means to obey, esteem, support and sustain.
Discuss some specific ways we can honor some of the people listed on the chart.
Ask: Family members to tell experiences when those in authority helped them.

Story: Relate the following story told by Boyd K. Packer
"On one occasion he [Karl G. Maeser] was going with a group of young missionaries across the alps. They were crossing a high mountain pass on foot. There were long sticks stuck into the snow of the glacier to mark the path so that travelers could find their way safely across the glacier and down the mountain on the other side.
When they reached the other summit, Brother Maeser wanted to teach the young elders a lesson. He stopped at the pinnacle of the mountain and pointed to those sticks they had followed. And he said, 'Brethren. behold the priesthood of God. They are just common old sticks, but it's the position that counts. Folow them and you will surely be safe. Stray from them and you willl surely be lost.' And so it is in the Church. We are called to leadership positions and given the power of the priesthood. And we are just common old sticks, but the position we are given counts. It is separate and apart from us, but while we hold it, we hold it.'
("It Is the Position That Counts,"
NEW ERA June 1977, p. 51)

If desired, invite a community,school, or church leader to your home to explain his responsibilities and duties. Have him tell how he can be more effective when people respect his authority.

(Suggested Song) "Follow the Prophet" Children's Sing With Me book.
Person of the Week: Jacob Hill for being so kind and helpful when I visited their house and helping in his own way even if it was just lifting my legs onto the couch.

Meal in a Pumpkin and Wheat Chili

2010-10-25T10:04:00.002-06:00

For lots of reasons I have been unable to use my computer lately so I am making a very tardy entry. Last weekend Sara and kids came for a visit and we went to the cabin. Jacob (3 years) rode in the car with us. On the way Ralph saw a Farmer's Market and bought a couple of pumpkins. I told Jacob we were going to eat them and he said inn a disgusted voice, "Grandma, you don't eat Jack-O-Lanterns," So, I have included the recipe for "Meal in a Pumpkin" that Hailey and I made last week. I have also included a recipe for "Wheat Chili" which was given to me by my V.T. partner and tastes very good.

Meal in a Pumpkin

1 medium pumpkin ( It is best to use cooking pumpkins like 'Sugar Baby' but this time I used just regular Jack-o-Lantern pumkins that weren't too big {about 10" in diameter} and it tasted fine.)
1 onion, chopped
2 T. oil (I skipped the oil as the ground beef had enough fat.)
1 1/2 to 2 lbs. ground beef
2 T. soy sauce
2 T. brown sugar
4 oz. can of mushrooms, drained
10 3/4 oz.can crean of chicken soup
1 1/2 c. cooked rice ( I prefer regular rice. This week we used instant rice and it was o.k.)
8 oz. can of sliced water chestnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. (paint face on pumpkin if desired. I never have.)

Saute onions, brown ground beef and drain. Add soy sauce, br.sugar, mushrooms, and condensed soup. Simmer and stir 10 min. Add rice and water chestnuts. Spoon into cleaned out pumpkin. Bake on baking sheet 1 hour with lid on top.
Serve insides with pumpkin flesh mixed in.

Wheat Chili

Soak overnight: 1 c. red beans, 2 1/2 cups hot water, 2 tsp. soda
Rinse well and add: 1 c. raw wheat, 1 beef boullion cube, 3 c. water.
Cook 1 lb. hamburger and 1 chopped onion
Add 1 (15oz.) can tomatoes, 1 1/2 tsp. salt, 3 c. tomato juice, 1 Tb. chili powder, 2/3 c. ketchup, and 1/2 tsp. cumin.
Stir all ingredients together and heat thoroughly.

( I have not made this yet but tasted it and it was very good.)

Choosing The Roght - Exercises for the Soul

2010-09-21T13:44:00.002-06:00

At our recent family reunion it was fun to see all the grandkids and how much they are growing up. I have been thinking since then, about my hopes and dreams for them. I am certain all their parents have many thoughts too.
In these next 10-20 years some choices will be made that will affect you for the rest of your eternal life. Up till now your parents have been an active part in most of your decisions but you will increasingly be on your own. This is a good thing because you will become independent but it is important to make right choices. Fortunately there are many places to help you.

Ask: List some good sources to turn to for help making choices. (Parents or other relatives who have good experience and your happiness in mind, scriptures, the prophet of the church and other church leaders, the Holy Ghost etc.) One of the greatest gifts God has given us is free agency but it comes with great responsibility.
Ask: Is a person morally clean who talks lustfully but doesn't do what he talks about? (Read 3 Nephi 12:27-20).
Ask: Is a person morally clean who consciously arouses unclean thoughts or desires in another?

Game: "What would you do if..." Make up realistic situations that your children, at their ages, might face. See if your children can think of graceful ways out of bad situations. Sometimes there will be no graceful way out.
Tell the story of Joseph and the wife of Potiphar (See Genesis 39:-13)
Explain that it is better look foolish or displease someone than to disobey one of God's commandments and lose out on blessings of staying morally clean.

Possible songs or hymns: "I Am a Child of God" Sing With Me B-76 or "Choose the Right" Hymns no. 110

Person of the Week: Reese Kern (I heard him make a right choice at the family reunioj even though he was the only one at the time.)

Peach Jello Dessert

2010-09-17T10:24:00.003-06:00

August was a busy month so instead of trying to catch up I will just start with the recipe we made this week. This is a dessert using peaches that is a little different than the usual and quite refreshing.

PEACH JELLO DESSERT

1. Make a crust in a 9x13 pan. Press into pan and chill 15 minutes.

2. Beat 8 oz. package cream cheese (I used Neufchatel cheese. It is lighter and has fewer calories.) with 1/4 c. sugar. Gradually beat in 1/4 c. milk. Fold in 3 1/2 c. whipped topping and spread over crumb crust. Top with 4-6 peeled, sliced, fresh peaches and return to fridge.

3. Dissolve 1-4 oz. pkg. peach jello in 3/4 c. boiling water. Combine ice cubes and 1/2 c. cold water to make 1 1/4 cups. Add to jello,stirring until slightly thickened. Remove any unmelted ice. Gently spoon jello over peaches. Chill until firm about 3 hours. Cut into squares to serve. Makes about 12 servings.

Exercises for the Soul - Temple Marriage

2010-09-13T08:54:00.003-06:00

Last weekend a group of us went to the Rexburg, Idaho temple to do a sealing session for others who have passed on. It was a session I could participate in because we could do it early in the morning. Family and friends were there to help and there was a wonderful feeling in the temple.
August has been a busy month and I am ready to get back on my BLOGGING schedule. Because it has been on my mind, I decided to do a FHE lesson on Temple Marriage.

Ask: What happens when you throw a rock into a quiet pool or mud puddle?
Quote: Elray L. Christiansen said in April 1974 General Conference, "Probably the most consequential event in your lives takes place when you are united in marriage. It will have a far reaching effect on your future. Like the ripples caused by a pebble cast on a placid pool, the decision you make in regard to where, with whom, and by whom this event will take place will not only affect you, but the lives of many others, especially your children."
Ask: Why is a temple marriage so important?
How will it affect your life now and in the future?
Discuss: How will deciding early in your life that you want a temple marriage help you make many correct decisions in the future?

BLESSINGS OF ETERNAL MARRIAGE

On a poster or blackboard have family members list comparisons under the headings TEMPLE MARRIAGE and CIVIL MARRIAGE consider questions such as:
-What preparation is needed?
-Where will this marriage take place?
-Who performs the ceremony?
-How long will the marriage last?
-What will the people married in this way be doing throughout eternity?
-What will happen to the family after this life?

If desired show pictures from your own temple marriage. Talk about your wedding day.

Grandma Kern's feelings: When I was young I knew that eternal marriage was important, It was a tiny little point in time and a decision that would affect an eternity. Now that I am closer to the next life, I can't imagine it without my family and grandchildren that I love so much.

Suggested Songs: Families Can Be Together Forever or I Love to See the Temple

Person of the week: Grandpa Kern for making all the arrangements for last week's Temple visit. He saw to every detail from arranging for his colleague, a Temple Sealer to arranging for babysitters for the grandkids.

Fat-free Coffee Cake

2010-07-15T09:35:00.002-06:00

I got this recipe from Sara's roomate in college because at the time I was trying to lose weight and regulate my eating habits. Fat was the F-word in our family at the time. I was discouraged and had pretty much decided that I was just going to be a really nice fat person but that I was going to eat healthily. It took years but that's what did the trick. I stopped feeling guilty and deprived and weight was not such an issue. Now I eat what I want when I am truly hungry and have become educated in healthy eating.
I was surprised how good this cake tasted despite all the fat-free ingredients.

Sara's roomate's Fat-free Coffee Cake

Mix the following ingredients and put in a 9x13" greased pan.
1/2 cup fat=free dairy sour cream
2 beaten egg whites
1 c. skim milk
3 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
Mix the following topping and sprinkle on topof cake batter.
3/4 c. sugar
3 T. flour
3 tsp. cinnamon
3 T chilled butter (Cut into topping mixture.)
Bake 13 min. @ 375 degrees.
10+ min. @ 400 degrees.

Fish cakes and Creamed Pea Sauce

2010-07-13T10:00:00.002-06:00

Last week Hailey and I made Fish Cakes. It is kind a land-locked version of crab cakes found on the coast. It is my style because it is easy and inexpensive. Hailey and I may have made these fish cakes before but I like the creamed peas served with it. You could make a white sauce and add peas but this is even easier than that. Below is the recipe for fish cakes then Creamed Peas:

FISH CAKES

Open 1 can of tuna (I like Chicken of the Sea water-packed brand.) Drain and pour tuna into a large bowl and make a well in the center of the tuna. Into well put 1 egg, and 1 slice of bread broken or cut into 1/2 inch square pieces. Season with Mrs. Dash and Dill. I do not any salt or pepper as these spices seem sufficient. Spoon onto a heated and oiled griddle or pan. Cook on both sides just until egg is set and fish cakes are lightly browned.

Creamed Peas

Cook 1 package of frozen peas by barely covering with water. Boil peas and season according to package directions. 1/2 tsp. sugar may be added if desired. When peas are cooked add 1/2 to 3/4 of a can of evaoporated milk to peas and water. Bring to a gentle boil and thicken with 1-2 T. of cornstarch mixed with about 1/2 c. cold water. Stir into boiling peas and liquid and simmer until desired consistency. Creamed peas may be served on top of fish cakes like a sauce or on the side.

Exercise For The Soul - The Holy Ghost

2010-07-11T15:23:00.002-06:00

One of the most important things a parent can teach their children is how to hear and listen to the Holy Ghost. It truly is a great gift and important for our return to Heavenly Father. It can offer comfort, direction and safety.

There are many times in my life and the life of my children when the Holy Ghost was an influence. It is important to keep the commandments of God so the Holy Ghost can influence us and to listen and obey so that we don't become "past feelling".(See Book of Mormon)

Define: A testimony is a knowledge of the reality of God,the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This testimony can only come by revelation through the Holy Ghost. You cannot get it from your parents, brothers, sisters or friends.

Ask: What can we do to gain a testimony?

Bring out the following points:

1. The first step in gaining a testimony is to want one. (See 1 Nephi 2:16).

2. We must ask our Heavenly Father to help us gain a testimony (see D&C 42:51).

3. We must want a testimony enough that we are willing to work for it. (see Ether 12:6).

4. We will enjoy our testimony as we study and grow and increase in the knowledge of the truth. (see John 8:32).

5. We must care for our most prized posession, our testimony, by keeping the commandments of our Heavenly Father (see Mosiah 2:41, Alma 32:41).

Gaining a testimony sometimes takes a long time and requires diligence in attending church, listening attentively, living the Gospel principles taught at church, studying the scriptures, fasting and praying in faith that you will gain a testimony through the Holy Ghost. (see Alma 5:45-47)
Alma told his people that the word of God was like a seed that needs caring for every day so it will grow. (see Alma 32: 28-43) Our testimony of Heavenly Father is like that seed. We must care for it every day. If we neglect it, and do not nourish it, it will not bear fruit.

If desired, help the family plant some fast growing seeds and watch them grow.

True story: When Grandma and Grandpa lived in Finland we had the missionaries to dinner every week. In addition we had a strong impression that we should invite the missionaries over for Thanksgiving Dinner. Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Finland but I made a pumpkin pie other traditional "Thanksgiving foods". A turkey was not available so we had three chickens. Ralph went to look for the missionaries who were not home and found them in town. We were so glad we had invited them. One missionary was brand new and was related to William Bradford of the original Pilgrims. Thanksgiving had always been a big celebration in his family. He even brought genealogy charts that showed his ancesestors. Then we knew why we had been impressed to invite them.
Suggested Hymns: "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" ( Hymn No. 95) or "I Know My Father Lives" (Sing With Me B-39)

Person of the Week: Ben Kern who called me from a slumber party when he was just a boy because he had a bad feeling there.

Exercises for the Soul

2010-06-30T09:12:00.002-06:00

In case you haven't already guessed, I am using the first four principles of the gospel as indicated in the fourth Article of Faith for topics in these FHE lessons. Today the lesson will be on Baptism. There are two baptisms in our family this year, Jack Manwaring and Reese Kern. So they have been on my mind. There are also several grandchildren that have already taken this important step.
Start by displaying a picture of Christ baptized by John the baptist. Ask what important things does this picture suggest that we need to know. (It is so important that even Jesus was baptized. It is done be immersion [explain if necessary]. etc.)
Ask: What is a covenant? (An agreement or promise between two persons that each will do certain things).
Who are the persons involved in the baptism covenant?
What do you promise when you are baptized? (Read Mosiah 18:10)
What does Heavenly Father promise? (Read D&C 33:11, D&C 20:37 and 3Nephi 11:33.)
Why do you think our Heavenly Father has asked us to make a sacred covenant or promise to obey his commandments when we are baptized? (Because he loves us, he wants us to be happy, and he wants us to be with him in the kingdom of heaven.)

Story:
My sister,Stephanie, was baptized in Sinkut Creek by our house in Canada. My dad found a place that was surrounded by trees and was deep enough for her to be baptized by immersion. On the day she was to be baptized, we all walked down a trail to the place and my father baptized my sister. There were others there too, the full time missionaries, and others they had invited including Granny Hobsen, a nonmember who lived in town. Afterward we had a big dinner at our house for all in attendance. Even though it was different than a baptism at a stake center, it had all the important elements that Heavenly Father wants at a baptism. She was baptized by immersion by my father who had the proper priesthood authority with the approval of the mission president.

Suggested Songs: Any if the Baptism Songs from the Primary Children Sing songbook

Persons of the week Jack Manwaring and Reese Kern who are planning to be baptized soon.

Rhubarb Criso

2010-06-24T08:45:00.002-06:00

We have a patch of rhubarb in our back yard that came with the house. It is very good rhubarb and is one of the things that grows well in this climate. It was getting big so Hailey and I decided to do something with it. I do not like all rhubarb recipes but feel obligated to use it because it's there and it is free. Last week the neighbor brought over some rhubarb quick bread but neither Ralph nor I cared for it. It was kind of like zucchini bread which has never been a personal favorite. My mother used to make rhubarb/strawberry jam which to me seemed like a good way to ruin strawberries. We just took the recipe for Apple Crisp and used rhubarb in place of apples.

Rhubarb Crisp
Wash and cut stalks of rhubarb into 1 in. pieces. (Leaves should have already been cut off as I have heard they are toxic if eaten.) Fill the bottom of a 9x12 pan with one layer of rhubarb pieces. Sprinkle about 2/3 c. of white, granulated sugar over the top. (You can adjust this to your taste and the sweetness of the rhubarb.) Then mix the following ingredients and spread or crumble over the top of rhubarb pieces.
2 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar
16 shakes of salt (from a salt shaker not the box)
Mix and add 2 cubes of butter cut into slices
1 1/2 c. oatmeal
Mix thoroughly and spread over rhubarb pieces.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 min.

This is good served warm with vanilla ice cream. It is quite tart to me but everything tastes sour to me these days.

JAR CAKES

2010-06-18T11:30:00.002-06:00

This week Hailey and I tried an experiment and made Jar Cakes, a recipe found in Family Fun magazine. They tasted marginal in my opinion. It was presented as an idea to take camping but it is probably like foil dinners which taste much beter in the open air around a campfire. I know because once I cooked them in the oven for supper one night - not as good as when you are in the mountains and really hungry. At any rate, I will include the recipe below:

Jar Cakes

Mix in a large zip-lock plastic bag:
3/4 c.flour
1/2 c. sugar
2 T. cocoa powder
1/2 tsp.baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix in jar with screw-top lif (pint jars or jelly jars)
1/2 c. water
3 T oil\
1 1/2 tsp.white vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla
(At this point jars and zip-lock bag can be packed for camping.)
When ready to cook, pour contents of jar into zip-lock bag containing dry dry ingredients. Seal bag and knead with hands through the bag. When mixed, snip off corner of bag and squeeze out batter into 4 clean jars. Screw on lids. (not too tight)and then carefully place in rapidly boiling water. (about an in. deep or a little deeper, just enough so the jars don't float) Cook about 35 min. Let cool 10 min. Cake will be softer than most cakes. Serve while warm. Makes 4 servings.

Exercises For The Soul - Repentance

2010-06-14T07:47:00.002-06:00

When I was baptized. I was excited because I would be totally clean from every mistake I had made but I knew there was a chance I would make another one. Then what would I do? Throughout my life I have made more mistakes but I have learned that we get to recommit every Sunday when we take the Sacrament and have Jesus' wonderful gift called repentance.
I got a little feel for what life would be like without repentance when I was in 2nd grade. We lived on Castle Drive in Boise. Idaho across the street from a building site where my father was working on a new LDS Church. Sometimes my friend and I would play in the partly finished building. One day there were some classroom blackboards delivered and we discovered we could write our names in the dust on them. That night my father called me to him and explained that he had to admit to the foreman that his little girl was named Connie and listened to the foreman tell him that possibly the names were permanent and could not be removed. My father asked me if I had written my name on the blackboard. I admitted that I had. I will never forget the awful feeling that I had made a mistake that could never be fixed.
I have not been back to that meetinghouse to see if my name is still on the blackboard but I have been grateful for the principle of repentance every time I use it.

Display baby pictures of each family member. Have children guess which is each family member. Explain that all were pure and innocent when they first came from Heavenly Father to your family. Heavenly Father knew that we would all make some mistakes while we were growing up and learning to do right. He also knew that we couldn't return to live with Him if we were burdened down by sin. (See 2 Neph 9:23 ).
Show pictures of Jesus on the cross and at Gethsemane. Have a family member read D & C 19:16. Remind children that if Jesus had not atoned for our sins, we could not be forgiven and would continue to suffer for them. We should be grateful for repentance and the atonement of Jesus Christ.

As a family, take the following true/false Quiz.
1. The suffering and death of Jesus 2,000 years ago does not affect our lives today. (False. If Jesus had not atoned for our sins, we could not repent and grow. We could never return to live with our Heavenly Father again.
2. When we make a mistake or sin, Jesus stops loving us. (False. Jesus never stops loving us. It is because of this love that we have the gift of repentance.)
3. Because Jesus suffered and died for our sins, they ar automatically forgiven. (False. Jesus can only forgive those who are sorry for their sins and who repent of them. )
4. When we repent of a sin,we are completely forgiven and we do not need to worry about it any more. (True. When we have repented of a sin the Lord not only forgives us, but our sin is also also forgotten [see Isaiah 1;16-18, D&C 58:42)
5. When we repent of our sins, we can learn through correcting our mistakes and continue to grow and progress spiritually. (True. When we repent of our sins, we are free to go on and not be held back because of them. Our weaknesses can even become our strengths.[See Ether 12:27.])

Suggested Songs: "I Stand All Amazed" (Hymns, No. 80) or "I Want to Live The Gospel" (Sing With Me, B-65).
Person of the Week: Emily Manwaring who made a delicious chocolate/raspberry cobbler for everyone at the cabin.

Summer Salad

2010-06-09T13:10:00.002-06:00

Today Hailey and I made a macaroni salad. I could not find the recipe so this is totally from memory but it smelled and tasted the same as I remember it. Also, I have always made it with alphabet pasta but Ralph couldn't find it in any of our grocery stores here. Maybe they don't make it any more so we used the small shell shaped pasta and it worked out just fine.

MACARONI SALAD

1 bag small pasta ( Alphabet or small shells work.)
1 can small shrimp
3 0r 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped
Other vegetables to your liking
I used chopped cucumber (I think this one is especially tasty).
I also used onion (green onions or a regular onion, chopped very fine,
You can use vegetables to your liking such as chopped celery, sliced radishes, etc.
You can also add black olives or small cubes of cheese, if desired.
Thw dressing is easy. I just use about 1 cup of Best Foods (Not Miracle Whip) mayonaise with a few squirts of Louisiana Hot Sauce in it. This does not make it spicy hot but just brings out the flavor. Mix ingredients well and serve chilled at your next barbecue or picnic.

Whole Wheat Muffins

2010-06-02T13:28:00.001-06:00

I have used this recipe a lot. Like the ww cookies they don't "taste healthy". They are good with soup or with an egg-type dish like an omelette.

WHOLE WHEAT MUFFINS

Melt one cube of butter or margarine
Add:
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 egg
Mix well and add
! c. whole wheat flour
1 c. white flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. milk
1/4 tsp. vanilla
raisins or nuts if desired
Mix and put in a muffin tin (greased or with paper muffin liners)
Bake in a 425 degree oven for 10 - 15 minutes.

ONE MORE RECIPE

2010-06-02T11:32:00.000-06:00

CATCH-UP

2010-06-01T08:36:00.003-06:00

My computer has been in the shop. It is nice to have it back but after a wonderful weekend at the cabin with Josie and Blake's family it is back to the everyday world and blogging. We made cheesecake for a couple weeks because it is easier than you would imagine when you get those fancy desserts in a restaurant. I made cheesecake for Ben's Open House in our back yard when he got married and we were eating leftover cheesecake for about a year afterward. I don't know how many I made but though delicious, they are rich and you don't eat several pieces in one sitting. It is a good recipe to have, however, so I have included the recipe for Company Cheesecake which I used. The second recipe is for Everyday Cheesecake which is much less rich and very easy.

Company Cheesecake

Combine 11/4 c. finely ground graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 c finely chopped pecans, and 1/2 c. melted butter. Press on the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9" springform pan.
Beat smooth 3 well-beaten eggs. 2 8 oz. packages cream cheese (softened), 1 c. sugar, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. vanilla, & 1/4 tsp.almond extract. Blend in 3 c. dairy sour cream. Pour mixture into crust and bake at 375 degrees for about 35 min. or just until set. Cool. Chill 4-5 hours. Serve plain or with your choice of toppings. Makes 12-16 servings.

Easy Everyday Cheesecake
Make a graham cracker crust and press into the bottom of a 9x13" pan. In a blender mix 1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding. Blend in 1 8 oz. package cream cheese. Pour onto crust and refrigerate several hours. Cut in squares and serve. (I serve it plain or with cherry pie filling for a topping.)

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Keeping the Sabbath Day

2010-05-25T15:36:00.002-06:00

I didn't find a lesson on this topic so I will just give you some thoughts I have been having. I remember teaching a lesson a few years ago on the Sabbath Day and I was impressed by it's definition of keeping the Sabbath Day holy. It didn't have a long list of Do's and Don'ts. Rather it just gave the simple definition that it was the Lord's day and we should be doing what he wants us to on that day. I suppose one could spend a long time arguing over "the list" but each individual is different. For example, we had to wear dresses all day Sunday in my family,growing up. With five daughters I suppose it was easier than wrangling over every decision of appropriate Sunday activities. At the same time my Dad shot a moose in our corral on a Sunday morning. We needed the meat and the opportunity presented itself as a blessing. He called someone to help him dress it out and then changed into his Sunday clothes so he could take his family to church and fulfill his responsibility as Branch President. He figured out a way to keep the commandment of taking care of his family and fulfilling his Sunday obligations. I learned that one can figure out a way to make the Lord happy if he tries. I have been thankful many times for the Holy Ghost to help us make these decisions which he probably wouldn't do if one was in the habit of going hunting every Sunday.
Recently we re-watched a movie we had seen many years ago. I had remembered it as a good movie but had forgotten it had such a good message about Keeping The Sabbath Day Holy. I recommend it. It is called "Chariots of Fire" and was made sometime in the 1980's.
Several weeks ago I read about an idea called "Sunday Stations". Basically you just gather or purchase a group of karge plastic dishpans or tubs. Cardboard boxes would work too or whatever works for your family. Each tub is filled with an appropriate Sunday activity to be used only on Sunday so they remain "special" and interesting. A few suggestions follow but I am confident you can come up with your own ideas too. You could even prepare these "Sunday Tubs"for another FHE.

Reading Station: Fill container with appropriate reading materials. (e.g. Issues of the Friend, The scriptures in easy-to read cartoon form, good literature or other Sunday reading material that appeals to your children.

Writing Station: Fill container with notebooks and writing materials for journal writing. Materials cann also be included for letter-writing.

Creative Station: Fill with paints, paintbrushes, play dough or whatever. Use your imagination!

You probably can think of lots more to suit your family.

PERSONS OF THE WEEK: Jack Manwaring and Alayna Hill who read for hours to Grandma Kern. Jack read almost all of the stories from his "Frog and Toad" book and Alayna read all of the " Bob Books".

Exercises for the Soul - FAITH

2010-04-27T09:49:00.002-06:00

I am feeling very delinquent in posting this. Oh well, I still think it is important so here goes my delinquent post.

FAITH
Do an object lesson to illustrate belief, faith and knowledge. Start by having the father or mother pick up a child and explain that he or she knows and can show they can pick up the child because of their strength. Then have the child stand with their back to the adult and their eyes closed. Then have the child fall back while the adult catches them. Explain that they believe they will be caught because they trust the adult, they have a knowledge the adult can catch them because they saw their strength when the child was lifted. And they have faith they will be caught by the adult because he or she was willing to do whatever was asked by the adult because he or she knows they are loved and the adult would not let them get hurt.

Tell the story of Lehi's dream from the book of Mormon. Explain that he continued on the path even though there were mists of darkness and he could not see the tree with the delicious fruit. Holding on to the iron rod was important so he would not lose his way. Explain that we will all have times in our life when we will not be able to see what is ahead and it will be importent to hold the iron rod so we do not lose our way.

IT IS IMPORTENT TO HAVE FAITH IN THE RIGHT THING
When Grandpa Kern was a teenager he worked with a sheepherder in the hills east of Idaho Falls. One of their jobs was to dock the newborn lamb's tails. When lambs are born they have tail which is usually gotten rid of because it is a nuisance as they get older. The sheepherder decided to play a joke on Grandpa and told him if he would plant the tails, a sheep would grow. No matter how much faith one has, sheep do not grow from panted lamb tails. It is importent we have faith in the correct thing - Jesus Christ. Exercising faith in Jesus Christ is just like exercising a muscle - the more we execise it, the stronger it grows. As we study the scriptures, pray, and observe the way we are blessed, our faith will be strengthened. If desired have famiy members tell of a time when their faith was strengthened.

Hymn suggestion: To Nephi, Seer, of Olden Times (Maybe it is called
Hold to the Rod.)

Person of the week: Sara Kern for sponsoring a MS walk and participating in Salt Lake.

Whole Wheat Cookies that don't taste too "healthy"

2010-04-22T08:54:00.002-06:00

Yesterday Hailey and I made whole wheat cookies. My sister gave me the recipe and I have made them quite often. I like them because even though they are made with 100% whole wheat flour, they still taste pretty good rather than tasting like they're "duty cookies" because they are "good for you".

Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies

2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
2 beaten eggs
2 c, applesauce
2 tsp. soda
4 c. whole wheat flour (you can substitute up to 1/2 white flour if you don't have enough whole wheat flour)
2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. quick oatmeal
1 pkg. chocolate chips (I like semi-sweet)
2 c. raisins
chopped nuts if desired
Cream shortening and sugar. Add soda to applesauce and add both to shortening mixture. Mix flour and other dry ingredients (spices and salt) and gradually add to mixture as with other cookies. Add oatmeal. Add chocolate chips, raisins and nuts as desired. Bake dropped cookies on a greased cookie sheet in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes.

2010-04-10T11:03:00.002-06:00

I think I will just skip BLOGGING this week. We are going to the cabin in Island Park for a week or so as it is Ralph's Spring Break. He says he can do all his schoolwork from his computer up there. So much for a vacation. Besides he has a book he wants to read and the cabin helps him relax so he can do that. He spent last week at a conference in Indiana.
Josie and her son, Sam, spent the week with me. At first I felt embarrassed that she had to leave a busy family to come and "babysit" me but I thoroughly enjoyed her visit.

PIZZA

2010-03-31T13:13:00.002-06:00

Today Hailey and I made home-made pizza. I used to make it a lot when my family was younger but now getting a pizza is a nice break from making dinner so I don't make home-made pizza. However this is an easy recipe and a good one to have in your arsenal.

HOME-MADE PIZZA

1 c. hot water (too hot will kill the yeast, so not much over 120 degrees)
1 T. yeast (I like SAF-Instant yeast)
1 tsp. sugar sprinked over water and yeast

When yeast mixture is foamy add:

1 tsp. salt
3 T. oil
3-31/2 c. flour

Mix into a ball and let rise until double. Roll dough into a pizza shape about 1/4" thick. Add toppings to raw dough.
One can tomato sauce
sprinkle with Italian seasoning or basil and oregano
Top with your choice of toppings, browned ground beef, black olives, or mushrooms etc. I like thinly sliced ham (I use deli meat) and pineapple (not the unsweetened kind.)
Sprinkle grated cheese over all. I use mozzarella or Italian blend from the store.
Bake in a hot oven.( at least 475 degrees) until crust is browned and cheese is melted.
I use a round pizza pan but I have a friend who bakes her pizzas on oven-safe dinner plates.

Frozen Bread Dough

2010-03-28T14:52:00.002-06:00

This week we made cinnamon rolls from frozen bread dough. (Rhodes bread dough) I learned to become a fan of frozen from Grandma Kern and others. We always had it baked fresh at the cabin. I learned it was pracically indestructible. It was punched down multiple times. Somtimes it would burst the seams of of the plastic bag it was sold in while waitng it's use in the fridge. At any rate, it always tasted delicious. When people would ask our daughter-in-law, Emily, for the secret to her delicious creations, She would say, "It is an old family recipe."
I have borrowed her reply and unabashedly use frozen bread regularly from "an old family recipe".

Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Thaw 1 loaf of frozen bread dough and roll out to a rectangle about 12"x 18" or 24". Spread rolled out dough with melted butter or margarine. Sprinkle with white sugar, cinnamon, raisins and walnuts as desired. Roll dough and fillings in a long roll. ( the 18-24" side making the length of the roll). Cut into individual rolls with a sharp knife or string. Place on greased cookie sheet. Set aside and let rise until fluffy and light rolls are formed. (If you desire, you can squish down each roll with the heel of your hand. It will still rise.) Bake raised rolls in a 350 degree oven until done. (About 10 min. or less) Frost baked rolls with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, a few Tablespoons of milk and vanilla or your choice of flavorings like almond, butter or maple.
I have used Rhodes frozen bread dough for a number of things such as scones, Parker House rolls, or Sticky Buns. Emily R. Kern even made calzones for us once. They were delicious.

Exercises For the Soul

2010-03-25T09:30:00.002-06:00

I spent all morning yesterday typing a post for "Exercises For the Soul". I didn't publish it because of an interruption. I tried to find it this morning but can't so this week I guess you'll just have to use your own creative innovations for family home evenings. See you next week.

I'M GLAD THIS WEEK IS OVER

2010-03-20T09:48:00.002-06:00

Wednesday we didn't have the correct ingredients so Hailey and I didn't cook until Thursday. Friday I had to go to the hospital in I.F. for a bladder study test. Thursday I spent all day getting my digestive tract getting "cleaned out"
It reminded me of my Dad's opinion of chiropracters. He said, "The best thing about them is that it feels so good when they quit!" It wasn't particularly painful, just a big embarrassing mess. Anyway, I am glad to be on this end of it and think my problems before weren't so bad afterall. Here are the recipes of what Hailey and I made. The first is a recipe I cut out of an Ann Lander's column. She says there is no excuse to not give an expensive gift when you can give this "Economical Pound Cake". The berry topping I learned from Mary Ann Stanger, a lady in my Nampa Ward. I like it because you can make Strawberry Shortcake or anything else with Berry Topping without having to buy junket or "Danish Dessert" type of sauce.

Ann Lander's Economical Pound Cake
3 sticks (3/4 pound) good quality margarine
3 c. sugar
5 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. lemon extract (or 1 tsp. grated lemon peel)
1/2 tsp. almond extract
3 c. sifted flour
7/8 c. ginger ale (or similar soda)

Cream margarine and sugar until fluffy and light. Beat in eggs one at a time. Beat in 1 c. flour then add extracts and a little of the ginger ale. Continue adding flour and alternating with Ginger Ale until all ingredients are used and batter is smooth. Pour batter into 2 greased and floured loaf pans or 1 greased and floured 10 " tube pan. (Ww used non-stick cooking spray.) Bake in a pre-heated 275 degree oven for 1 hour 45 minutes or until knife inserted in middle comes out clean and cake has begun to shrink frrom sides of pan. (Baking time will be slightly longer for 10" cake.)
Serve plain or with your choice of toppings.

Berry Topping

1 pkg. berry flavored Kool-aid
1 c. sugar ( more if desired)
2 c. cold water
2-3 T. cornstarch mixed in a little cold water

Mix and heat until thickened
Add frozen or fresh berries .

(This can be served on any kind of shortcake too.)

Exercises For The Soul - Prayer

2010-03-16T09:51:00.002-06:00

Note: Prayer is one of the most important things you can teach your children so that even when you are not with them they wil always have someone to access for blessings, protection and guidance and they will never feel alone.

Start the lesson by asking family members to share a time when a prayer was answered. The following is a story that really happened to Grandpa Kern when he was a boy.

TO ME, IT WAS AN ANSWER TO PRAYER by Ralph M. Kern

One summer evening, after our weekly Young Men's Activity, my friends invited me to join them in an adventure that seemed destructive and of questionable value to me. They planned to walk home "the long way"passing a shopping center that included a 24 hour laundromat. The idea that excited them was to put coins in the large clothes dryers and jump in for a ride. There was also an old style pop vending machine that dispensed soda pop in bottles. Since the cap was exposed, it was easy to pop off the lid and use a home made paper cup to capture a free drink.
That summer I had worked as a river guide for the Boy Scouts, kayaking down the Snake River near Jackson Hole Wyoming...much more adventuresome than riding in a clothes dryer. Scouting was a major part of my life at that time and since I really didn't ever learn to play basketball (that was the regular activity for the boys my age), I had spent this particular evening with the younger boys in their Boy Scout troop meeting. I enjoyed scouting and had a very positive experience with the boys that night. I felt good. I was happy. I am no saint and not really a "goody two shoes", but the idea of riding in clothes dryers and stealing soda pop just didn't set well with me...yet I wanted to be with friends of my own age, especially since I had not been with them to play basketball.
While everyone was gathering their coats and using the bathroom, I slipped outside and knelt behind some bushes to say a fervent prayer... "Please Lord, help us find something else to do tonight."
As I joined the mob of 15 year olds we walked (actually pushed, shoved and tipped each other) down the street away from the church building to the intersection where we would normally turn right to go to our homes. That night we turned left. Almost immediately we heard gunshots, enough to make us run for cover in the bushes and behind the low fence surrounding a trailer park. After the firing ceased we huddled together to discuss the possibilities of what had just happened. and what we should do about it. We decided two boys should run back to the church to call the police. The rest of us stayed undercover to make sure no one left the crime scene (yeah right...we were so scared there was no way ant one would have approached someone leaving, but at least we figured we could memorize a license plate!).
The police were quick to respond, They put us in their squad cars for protection, grabbed their guns and entered the trailer park, (pretty exciting for us). It seemed like an eternity before they returned, looking relaxed, unruffled and calm. We were surprised they had taken no prisoners!
The policemen explained that no one had been hurt, but they had ticketed one resident for firing a gun within the city limits. Apparently he was angry with a neighbor's barking dog. I don't remember if the dog was hurt. I do remember a silent prayer of gratitude for "something else to do" that night. I was in awe of the power of a simple heartfelt prayer from behind the bushes...I am still in awe.
We continued our "long way" journey home, passing the laundromat without ever entering. No destructive rides, no stolen soda pop. We felt good. We felt responsible. We felt that we did not want to be a disappointment to the policemen we had just met. I felt a prayer had been answered, lessons had been learned and frienships had been strengthened through a common "bonding" experience. To me, a prayer had been answered.

Conclude the lesson by reminding family members that Heavenly Father answers prayers in many ways. Sometimes he says no because he knows what is better for us when we have to grow a little to understand. Sometimes he wants us to wait and sometimes he gives us something different than we are expecting. But we can be sure he loves us and wants to do what's best for us - just like our earthly father.

Hymn ideas: "Ere you Left Your Room This Morning". The name might be "Did You Think to Pray?" or "A Child's Prayer" from the Children's Songbook.

Person of the week: Grandpa Kern (Ralph) who has been kind and helpful and stuck with Grandma through this difficult stage of life even though it would be understandable to leave.

Whole Wheat Muffins

2010-03-15T11:52:00.001-06:00

Despite multiple computer problems, I am determined to post this BLOG. I am sure my ineptness exacerbates things but maybe someday I'll be computer-literate. This week Hailey and I made whole wheat mufins including grinding the wheat kernals into flour. I have never bought whole wheat flour at the store but I suppose it would work.
I like these muffins because even though they are made with whole wheat flour, they don't taste too "healthy".

WHOLE WHEAT MUFFINS

1/2 c. butter or margarine
1 c. brown sugar
1 egg
2 c. whole wheat flour (often I use 1 c. whole wheat and 1 c. white flour)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. vanilla (I am generous with this amt.)
1 c. milk
1 c. chopped nuts if desired

Cream melted butter and brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and stir in nuts. Bake in greased muffin tins at 425 degrees for 12-15 min.
Makes 12 muffins.
Serve with an egg dish like scrambled eggs or with soup. Ralph likes them with honey but since they are already quite sweet, I like them with just butter.

Exercises for the Soul

2010-03-08T13:01:00.002-07:00

My "FHM' is turning into a "FHA" (Family Home Afternoon) but thanks to a little encouragement, I'm going to keep trying.

This week's lesson, again, has ideas borrowed from the Family Home Evening Resource Book. It's Title is:

Keeping God's Commandments

Start by telling each child about your feelings the day they were born. Explain to them that because you love them so much, you want them to be safe and happy. First, you follow rules that will ensure their physical safety. Have members of the family suggest rules that ensure physical safety. (e.g. Don't touch a hot stove.) You also want them to be happy. Have members of the family suggest some family rules designed for happiness. (e.g. Take turns.)
Heavenly Father also has rules. They are called commandments. Ask, "What are some commandments that will ensure our physical safety?" (e.g. The Word of Wisdom.) Ask, "What are some commandments designed for our happiness?" (e.g. Serve Others.)
Stories;
Even animal parents want their children to be safe. When I was a teen-ager I was walking in the woods with my Dad. Suddenly he put out his arm indicating I should stop. In silence we watched a mother bear get her two cubs to the top of a tree where they were safe while she remained on a lower branch to be "guard".

An experience disobeying: Also when I was a teen-ager, the whole family came home from church one Fast Sunday starving hungry. My mother was hurrying to fix us a good Sunday dinner. She had just taken some steaming dinner rolls out of the oven. I couldn't wait until the family gathered for prayers and broke our fast, so I stole a roll and took it into the front yard to eat it alone where nobody could see me. The warm, delicious smelling roll did not taste as good as I thought it would and I have had to spend my whole life remembering that Fast Sunday.

Activity: Have family go on a Treasure Hunt with clues you have prepared ahead of time. (e.g. a picture of a bed where you have hidden the next clue.) The treasure can be a favorite family treat. Remind family members that not following the clues is like not following the Commandments to find our "eternal treasure".

Hymn suggestions: "How Gentle God's Commands" or "Keep the Commandments".

Person of the Week: Blake Manwaring who gets the children ready Sunday morning while Josie has YW meetings and has a good attitude about it.

Omelets

2010-03-07T08:36:00.002-07:00

This week Hailey and I made omelets. Really, it was a chance to use my omelet pan which is a novelty and makes omelets so easy. You can make them in a regular pan which I have a sneaking suspicion Hailey already does but she is so nice she would never tell me. Oh well, here are the instructions in case any of you don't have this already have this mastered. If I am serving a large crowd and don't want to make individual omelets for everyone I just make scrambled eggs and put all the fillings on the side so people can mix in what they want. They tasted so good Ralph even made them for his brother who was visiting and just discovered he has Celiac disease and is on a gluten-free diet.

We made two-egg omelets. These were a meal for us but if you want a bigger serving, three egg omelets work too.
For each egg add a tablespoon of water and mix together well. Put in pan and swirl around until the pan is coated. Place over medium heat. When egg mixture just starts to set, add fillings to 1 side (1/2) of omelet. Salt and pepper to taste can be sprinkled over the top of omelet in the pan or added to the egg mixture before putting in the pan. My biggest tendency is to overfill the omelet and then you just end up with a pile of ingredients. If you are not sure you may want to start out by just making a cheese omelet with cheese only for a ffilling.
For fillings I use what I have on hand but my favorite is the following:

ham -diced in 1/4 in. pieces
zucchini - unpeeled and diced in 1/4 in. pieces
a small amount of finely chopped grreen onion
cheese - the amount you like (cheese can also be sprinkled on top if desired)
Fold over empty half of egg mixture and cook a few moments or until cheese melts. ( Be sure to leave a margin around the outside of filling so filling will be sealed inside.) Cook untl egg is cooked and filling is warmed through. (Not long - like frying an egg)
Serve with fruit and some kind of bread and you have a meal.

Exercises For The Soul - Agency

2010-03-04T14:25:00.001-07:00

When I was a kindergarten teacher, I would spend one of the first days explaining the classroom rules. Afterwards I would ask, "Who is in charge of making sure you follow these rules?" Hands would shoot up with answers like, "The Principle, you (the teacher), our moms". Then someone would raise their hand, almost bursting, because they were sure they knew the right answer. I knew they were a regular "church-goer" because they would say, "God or Heavenly Father". They would be surprised when I shook my head no to all these answers. Then I explained that they were in charge of their arms and legs and making sure the rules were followed. This was a revelation to most and very empowering.

Teach the "Great Plan of Happiness" in a simple way so your children can understand it. Emphasize the fact that Heavenly Father presented a plan which Satan rejected and Jesus Christ promised he would carry out. Teach the meaning of the word "agency". Emphasize that one of the reasons we come to earth is to prove how we will use our agency - making good or bad choices.

Play a game where children show "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" to a list of every day good and bad choices. Agency can also be practiced and discussed by playing the board game "Chutes and Ladders"

Serve a bowl of colored jelly beans or another favorite candy and allow children to choose the one they want. Discuss the great gift of free agency from our Heavenly Father.

For older children, you may want to discuss the book "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, a member of a WWII prison camp. He learned that even though he had no choice in what he wore, what he ate or when and how much he worked, he still could choose his attitude.

Person of the week: Jessica Kern - When Jessica was very young she came to visit Grandma and Grandpa. During family prayers I blessed all the grandkids. Jessica said, "What about me? I didn't hear my name." She reminded that each individual is important. Now when I say my prayers every night I ask Heavenly Father to bless each grandchild by name and think about their individual needs.

I Promise...

2010-03-02T10:01:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I had a few distractions so I didn't publish my FHM (Exercises For The Soul) post. Hailey got me off the floor and onto the couch and I have been holding very still since. I promise to get a FHM post out tomorrow. Probably no one cares or reads it but I am surprised by statements from people other than family who comment. I know this sounds like one of those "what kind of pizza I had last night" BLOGS but I really do it for me as much as anybody and I hope there is something valuable in them.

Ben's Missionary Experience

2010-02-26T15:17:00.002-07:00

Interesting experience Ben had on his mission. We got a call from Ben and he said "I was in a boat and we had to jump into the ocean but I'm o.k." and then the phone went dead. I wanted to know how o.k. he was. It seemed like days but it was about 15-30 minutes before he was able to call back. Then we were told the story that is in the March Ensign. If you would like to read the story Click Here.

Exercises Fo The Soul

2010-02-25T14:06:00.002-07:00

I am using the 1983 Family Home Evening Resource Manuel which we used when our family was growing up. I don't know if the church still publishes it. As I have said before, this is merely for ideas as your family will have unique needs.

BUIILDING ETERNAL FAMILIES

Object Lesson to build interest: Show a healthy houseplant and ask family to offer ideas as to what the plant needs to be healthy and strong. ("happy")
Show a member of family household and ask what this person needs to be healthy and strong. ("happy")
Show the suggestion box you have made and ask each member of the family to put suggestions in the box with ideas for making your family grow healthy and strong ("happy") eternally.

The objective here is 1. to empower family members and 2. to find out what their needs and wishes are.

Suggested Hymn or song: 'Love At Home" or "Families Can Be Together Forever" .

PERSON OF THE WEEK: Jay Hill He tended all the kids while Sara and Emily went shopping without kids, something only someone distracted with kids while shopping can appreciate.

Skillet Scalloped Potatoes

2010-02-25T13:03:00.003-07:00

This is an easy recipe that fills everyone up and uses things you ha.ve on hand. Serve with a vegetable (I like green beans.) and some fruit and you have a meal.

SKILLET SCALLOPED POTATOES

Peel and slice potatoes about 1/16 in. thick. (I fill a large skillet about 1/2 full.) Brown potato slices in hot oil like you would for fried potatoes. I use about enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Add diced ham (according to your taste) and grated cheese. (Again according to your taste.) Add also 1 can of evaporated milk.
Cocer with lid and cook on low until potatoes are cooked through and tender. (about 1 to 2 hours).

This my style of cooking - easy, fast, and cheap.

Swiss Steak

2010-02-21T11:40:00.002-07:00

This is what my family called it but I don't know if this is the name or "Swissed Steak". At any rate, I thought it was time to make something that was not a sweet dessert. It was our alternative to hamburger and uses an inexpensive cut of steak which doesn't cost much more than hamburger when it is on sale.

Swiss Steak

2 lbs. rump or round steak cut 1 1/2 - 2 inches thick
1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 T. fat
1 bayleaf (I don't always have it and leave it out often.)
1 minced clove of garlic
2 c. tomatoes
2 c. sliced onion
1 c. diced celery

Rinse or use a damp cloth to wipe off meat. Trim off excess fat if desired. Combine flour, salt and pepper in a shallow dish and stir to mix. Dredge or pound into steak on both sides. Heat fat in skillet Brown meat quickly on both sides. Combine remaining ingredieandients and pour over meat. Cover. Cook on high until steaming then turn down to low and cook about 1 1/2 hours or until steak is tender. Remove steak when done. Remaining ingredients can be thickened with flour,water and spices to make a sauce that can be poured over the meat. (You might be temped to use the leftover flour mixture from dredging the meat but DON'T. Bacteria can be in this mixture after it has been sitting out for a couple of hours It is best to mix up some new flour and spices and throw out the other.
It makes about six servings. (I like to serve it with fluffly mashed potatoes.)

Valentine's Day

2010-02-11T16:19:00.002-07:00

This year Valentine's Day and President's Day come on the same weekend. So I am going to post a variety of thoughts. This weekend we are going to the cabin in Island Park with Sara and Emily's families. The kids were a little disappointed they would miss their school Valentine Parties so I said we would have a Valentine Party at the cabin. We are just going to decorate heart-shaped sugar cookies and make paper valentines with stickers. I hope no one is too disappointed. Hailey helped me make sugar cookies yesterday. At first we were going to make my sister's recipe which includes sour cream but decided to use a different recipe, the one I have always used because it doesn't require any special ingredients that I don't already have on hand. We are going to use store-bought frosting for decorating but you can make your own by mixing powdered sugar, a little butter or margarine, a small amount of milk and flavoring. (Vanilla tends to turn the frosting a brownish color.)

SUGAR COOKIES

1 c. butter (I always have used margarine because that is what I always have on hand.)
2 c. sugar
3 karge eggs, beaten
6 T. milk
2 tsp. vanilla
5 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
3 tsp. (1T.) baking powder

Mix ingredients in order listed. Roll out on floured board or counter and cut with your favorite cookie cutter. Place on cookie sheet. (If desired, can be sprinkled with sugar at this point. I have always preferred to frost them after they are baked.) Bake in a moderate (350 degree) oven until done. (6-8 min.)

We won't be back home monday so I think I will also post my FHM entry also:
Families need some kind of FHE assignment chart. This can range any anywhere from fancy to plain. You might already have something. In our family we had a wooden board shaped like a house and painted in R.S. homemaking meeting. We had each family member's name written on a small wooden heart that was attached to a magnet. Assignments were made each week and each heart was attached to a magnet in a house window. As I have said, there are lots of ways to do this - fancy or as simple as a piece of cardboard. All you need is the name of each family member on a moveable piece and a way to attach it by the FHE assignment. (e.g. Opening song, Opening prayer, Lesson, Refreshments, etc.) Parents will have to help young children with some assignments.

Calendar: I heard that Ben and Emily are moving to Twin Falls about June 1.

PERSON OF THE WEEK: Kennedy Oman is already planning ways to help her new sister even before she is born

FHM

2010-02-08T10:50:00.002-07:00

Announcing another aspect to my BLOG. Ralph and I still feel like parents and have responsibility for our family (which, by the way, we couldn't be more pleased with the way they are growing up. Yes, growing up. There is a difference between growing up and growing old.) We have tried to have FHE for the two of us but it has not been very successful. I am grateful for the passage of time and nostalgia that makes it seem we had good family home evenings when the kids were growing up. I guess the key is to keep trying and not give up ( By the way, I have attended FHE at a couple of your houses and I am impressed!)
So here's my plan. Each monday morning we will post a FHM (Family Home Morning I am totally wiped out by noon.) It will be a short thought called "Exercises For The Soul". (When I was a child, that's what my father called Family Night Lessons. This was before the Church had any formal program or lesson manuels.
Also we will include "Calendaring". (I can hear Dad's groaning from past FHEs, either audibly or with his facial expressions.) e.g. Sara's and Emily's families are coming up for President's day weekrnd and Valentine's Day which happen to be the same weekend this year. Josie's family is staying home because of Church responsibilities. (By the way, we love to have you visit but totally understand if Church or other responsiibilities take precedent. You are all in the thick of "family life".
Also we will include a feature called "PERSON OF THE WEEK". For example, this week we will feature Emily Manwaring who asked her mother if she could take plates of cookies to each of the neighbors - and she did, This way we can all see some of the good things you all do.
You do not have to incorporate any of this into your Family Home Evenings. You know what is best for your family. Just know that we love all of you and we are grateful for you as well as this technology that makes us feel closer.

Gingersnaps

2010-02-04T15:23:00.002-07:00

This week Hailey and I made gingersnaps. I got this recipe from a neighbor when we lived on Fair Lane whose name was Elaine Russell. Her son, Sean played with my daughter when they were pre-schoolers. He would come over to our house (three houses away) but was afraid he might meet neighborhood dogs on the way. He resolved this by wearing his He-man (a super-hero at the time) shirt. If he saw a dog, he would solve the problem by ripping open his jacket and exposing the He-man shirt. It must have worked because there was never a dog incident.
I like this recipe for gingersnaps because they are soft and chewy instead of thin and crispy like the ones you can buy in the store. Hailey and I have a new project now. We still cook every Wednesday. Every Thursday we do an art project. Hailey was an art major in college and I have made it cear on a number of occasions that I am no artist. I do have some experience with kindergarten art and how to give children confidence and exposure in this area. Today we started by making line drawings of each animal in Bill Martin Jr.'s Brown Bear Brown Book. At first kindergarten age children tell me in a discouraged voice, "I can't draw!' These young children are proud of their recognizable pictures that they drew all by themselves and parents are impressed.
Following is the Gingersnap recipe:

1 1//2 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. molasses
2 eggs
4 c. flour
pinch of salt
4 tsp. soda
2 tsp. ginger
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. cloves

Make dough into 1-1 1/2" balls and dip into sugar on one side. Place sugar side up on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 min. Do not over-bake.

EASY MICROWAVE RECIPES

2010-01-28T11:15:00.002-07:00

I remember when we bought our first Microwave. It was sometime in the '80s. There was a big snowstorm and most of the roads were closed in our area. We had planned a New Year's Eve get-together at my parent's house but it was cancelled because of the snow and closed roads. We decided as a family to cross-country ski down the lane (about 1/4 mi.) to my parents house and surprise them on New Year's Eve. We enjoyed merry-making anyway on New Year's Eve. Later that weekend we skied to Blackers, a large furniture store near my parent's house and bought our first microwave oven. When we took it home, we didn't have experience using one so we warmed chocolate chip cookies and maevelled at its usefulness. Over the year's I have learned of its versatility and can't imagine living without one now. I have included two of my favorite recipes.

CRUSTLESS QUICHE LORRAINE
Brown about 8 slices of bacon cut into 1 inch pieces
Place in the bottom of a microwaveble dish (about 8x8) along with the following ingredients to make a "crust".
1 c. of swiss cheese ( or whatever you have, I usually use cheddar.)
1/2 c. minced onion (can be browned in bacon grease if desired)
Whip together and pour over "crust" mixture in dish:
4 eggs
1 can evaporated milk
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Cook uncovered in microwave on high for 10 minutes or until set. Stir every 3 min.

BEEFY ENCHILADAS

Brown and cook about 5 min.
1 lb. ground beef
2 small cans tomato sauce
1/2 can mild enchilada sauce ( We don't like things very spicy at our house but you can adjust to your taste.)
1/2 onion, chopped fine
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/4-1/2 tsp. cumin
Heat 6-8 tortillas ( I like flour tortillas but I have used corn tortillas and they are good too.) Fill each tortilla with refried beans, gr. beef and tomato sauce mixture and grated cheese. Reserve some sauce and grated cheese to spread over the top. Cook on high for 9 min. or until heated through.

Carrot Cookies

2010-01-15T09:53:00.002-07:00

Both Hailey and I were tired of sweets after Christmas but it only took a day or two to get over so we made cookies. These cookies are different than the usual cookie and the orange frosting is a good midwinter choice, though they don't taste like carrot cake.

Orange Carrot Cookies

1 c. shortening 1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. sugar 2 c. sifted flour
1 c. cooked, mashed carrots
1 egg 2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add carrots, egg and vanilla. Mix well. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to carrot mixture. Mix well. Drop by large teaspoonfuls on greased baking sheet. Bake in 350 degree oven about 20 minutes. While warm frost with Golden Glow frosting.

Golden Glow Frosting
Combine the juice of 1/2 orange, grated rind of 1 orange, 1 T. butter or margarine and 1 c. sifted confectioner's sugar.

These cookies don't taste like much without the frosting but I think they are delicious with the frosting.

Lasagne

2010-01-08T10:46:00.002-07:00

This week Hailey and I are back to cooking. We made Lasagne. This recipe contains no ricotta cheese (which I don't care for) and was shown to me by Ralph's mom. It is an easy dish to serve company. You just have add a green salad and a baguette or frenvh bread and you have a delicious meal.

Grandma Kern's Lasagne

Brown two lbs. ground beef in large skillet. Saute diced onions and cekery with the ground beef. Add 1 jar of prego tomato sauce to ground beef mixture in skillet. (I like the kind with vegetables in it.) Heat through. Boil 12-15 Lasagne noodles according to package directions. Layer in 9x12 casserole dish as follows:

-A little Pam on pan to prevent sticking.

-cooked lasagne noodles in a single layer to cover bottom of pan

-a layer of ground beef and tomato sauce mixture

-spoonfuls of cottage cheese

-grated mozzarella cheese

Continue making 3-5 repetitons of layers. Cover top of casserole with plenty of mozzarella cheese and a little Paemesan cheese if desired.

Bake until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ralph looked forward to this all day and enjoyed eating it. We had it with fresh oranges, sent to us from Craig Casgneto, a friend who lives in Nampa.

Christmas Leftovers

2010-01-03T14:24:00.002-07:00

We had a wonderful Christmas at the cabin! There was not as much snow as usual (about 16 inches) and it was very cold. (about -16 degrees) - so much so that Emily and Chad had frozen water pipes and got water from our cabin.
Each family made a wonderful contribution. The highlight for me was when Emily got out her violin, Sara her cello, Josie played the piano and Ashtyn sang Christmas songs. It felt just like "the olden days" when we used to practice for programs. It was familiar right down to somebody yelling at everyone to be quiet so they could count. For me, it was wonderful.
Each of the son-in-laws contributed a specialty to the Christmas menu. Blake made crab and prime rib. Chad made a deep fried turkey. And Jay made Barbecued Ribs. The best part was all the leftovers. We have been dining on them since. They are even better than at Christmas because we can have them singly for a meal without confusing the palate or being too full.
Each of the families got a little snowmobiling in including one day when Jay's brother and family came up from St.Anthony with an armload of more Christmas goodies. Sara and Jay and brother Jeff and Jenny went out and celebrated dual wedding anniversaries while grandma and grandpa (mostly grandpa) babysat kids. The kids went together and got us a new flat-screen TV for the cabin. It came in handy to keep kids occupied.
We got a call from Ben Christmas Day. I have the best family ever!

Christmas Traditions

2009-12-22T13:30:00.002-07:00

In our family we have a tradition of eating Clam Chowder on Christmas Eve. This year 3 of our 4 children and their families will be at the cabin for Christmas Eve in Island Park, ID. I suggested Clam Chowder from a can but was vetoed. This week Hailey helped me make our traditional Clam Chowder. I guess family traditions aren't traditions unless they are the same every year. The recipe for our traditional Clam Chowder follows. I got it from my visiting teaching companion who brought us a jar one Christmas. She was a wonderful lady who taught me many things.

Bratten's Famous Clam Chwder

2 cans (6 1/2 oz .) minced clams
1 c. finely chopped onions
1 c. finely diced celery
2 c. finely diced potatoes
* 1 cube butter
1/2 c. flour
*1 qurt half and half
1 1/2 t, salt
2 T. red wine vinegar (optional I leave it out and instead add a couple squirts of Louisiana hot sauce to enhance the flavor. It does not make it spicy hot, just makes more flavorful. I add it to many things for that reason - cream sauces, gravies, eggs, etc.)
a few grains of white pepper ( I usually leave this out too and just let people seson at the table.)
Saute onions and celery in a thump of butter. Drain juice from the
clams and pour over the vegetables (potato, celery and onions0 in a small saucepan. If necessary add enough water to barely cover vegtables. Simmer covered, over medium heat until barely tender.
In the meantime melt 3/4 cube of butter in large saucepan. Add flour and blend; Cook and stir for 2-3 min. Add half and half. Cook and stir with french whisk until thick and smooth. (about 7 min.), always stirring in the samd direction. Add undrained vegetables and clams and heat through. (Never boil after clams have been added as the clams will toughen.) Males 8 servings

* really necessary to bring out the flavor of the clams

Christmas Cookies

2009-12-17T13:32:00.002-07:00

This week Hailey helped me make gingerbread cookies to take up to the cabin for Christmas. Three of our kids and their families will be there which surprises me because their families are getting older and hauling eveything up to the cabin becomes more and more complicated.
I love gingerbread so I have to admit this was a bit self-serving. I have some cookie cutters shaped like gingerbread houses so we used those. We shall see if grandkids are excited when I tell them that each one gets to decorate their own gingerbread house and eat it all if they want. I hope they won't be too disappointed when they find out it is just a 5"x5" gingerbread cookie. Here is the recipe we used:

Rolled Ginger Cookies

1 c. shortening
1 c. granulated sugar
1 egg
1 c. molasses
2 tbsp. vinegar
5 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2-3 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in egg, molasses and vinegar. Sift together dry ingredients and blend in. Chill dough 3 hours.
Roll dough 1/8 in. thick on slightly floured surface. Cut in shapes. Place 1 " apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 5-6 min. Cool before frosting. Makes about 5 dozen.

Another Christmas eve tradition is setting up the creche which we call the manger scene. Grandpa reads the Christmas Story from Luke in the Bible. As each character is introduced, the figure is set by or in the stable. This year at the cabin we are going to make the figures out of what we have up there which is construction paper.
Each grandchild will be assigned to draw a part of the manger scene and we will set it up as grandpa reads.

Party Mix

2009-12-10T13:30:00.002-07:00

This past week Hailey helped me make Party Mix. I like this recipe because it is different than any I've seen and it makes a festive gift for neighbors or "home teaching" families. I got the recipe from my sister, Kerry. Besides, I think it tastes good.

White Chocolate Party Mix
10 oz. or 1 1/4 c. small, round pretzels
5 c. cheerios
5 c. corn chex
2 c. salted nuts
1 lb. m & ms
Mix the above ingredients together in a large bowl and set aside.
2 12 oz. packages white chocolate chips
3 T. vegetable
Microwave white choc. chips and oil for 2 min. on med. high. Remove and stir. Return to microwave and cook for 10 seconds. Remove and stir again until smooth.
Pour over dry mixture and mix well. Pour out onto waxed paper and let set up. After mix has set up store in plastic bags.

Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-01T10:40:00.003-07:00

Hailey and I did not cook last week but Ralph and I had a wonderful vacation. I probably shouldn't speak for Ralph but both of us enjoyed being at the cabin. Ralph cooked a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and we had delicious leftovers every meal afterward. I struggled with the "wonderful" symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis but I would rather do it in that beautiful environment than anywhere else. Ralph was able to work a little more on his "Homes of the Prophets" book and make some shutters for the back window so the deep snow doesn't break the glass. We both watched the Utah/BYU game on TV and enjoyed a slow pace over the holidays. Hope your Thanksgiving was as enjoyable. Now it is on to the Christmas Holidays!

Home-made Butter

2009-11-21T09:29:00.002-07:00

Hailey and I made butter this week. This is something I used to do with my kindergarten kids the week of thanksgiving. It is easy and it brings back memories for me when I was a girl and had the assignment to churn butter every week from the cream urnished by our Jersey cow, using a paddle type butter churn with a glass bottom. For my kindergarten kids and Hailey all we needed was some clean baby food jars and a carton of whipping cream.
You just put about 1/2 in. of cream in the jar and screw the lid on tight. Then you start shaking the jar rhythmically making sure the cream hits the top (lid) and bottom of the jar alternately with each shake. Shaking does not have to be done fast but hitting the top and bottom of the jar causes the fat globules in the cream to turn into butter.
This takes about 15 minutes. while everyone was shaking and waiting for their cream to turn into butter we would take turns talking about Thanksgiving traditions.
After about 15 minutes a yellowish thump of butter should start to form and the leftover whey can be poured off. Sometimes I save it and use it in baking (such as cakes).
In kindergarten we made corn muffins (I just used the Jiffy brand corn muffin mix. I added a couple teaspoons of sugar since they were not served with honey or jam.) in a mini muffin pan. My mother added a little salt and yellow food coloring to our butter but in kindergarten we ate it without. It tasted a little like whipped cream on a cupcake.
Students were excited to make butter just like the pilgrims did and it might give your children something to do while they are waiting on the turkey.

German Chocolate Cake

2009-11-15T10:36:00.002-07:00

Last week I made German Chocolate Cake Frosting/Filling with Hailey. I have to be totally honest. The fact that Ralph's birthday is this week and this is his favorite kind of birhday cake probably entered into my choice. We made a chocolate cake mix since that was not the focus of the project. We each got a round 9" cake with German Chocolate Cake Frosting/Filling on the top. The cake got eaten before Sara & family came this weekend to celebrate his birthday. (Jay was in Texas at the football game with TCU.) We managed a quick birthday celebration during halftime and finished warching the TCU game while we ate dinner that Sara had made of Ralph's favorite foods, Roast Leg of Lamb, mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit salad with cool whip, etc. Sara even made another birthday cake (carrot cake with cream cheese frosting) with all 59 candles which the grandkids helped grandpa blow out.
Sara and Emily gave Ralph a Chocolate Latte machine and some cans of flavored Hot Chocolate mix so we each had a cup before we went to bed. All in all, it felt like a family celebration which is hard for two old fogies like us to accomplish.

German Chocolate Cake Frosting/Filling

Combine:
1 c. evaporated milk
1 c. sugar
3 egg yolks
1/4 lb. butter or margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
Cook in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until mixture thickens. (about 12 min.) Add 1 1/3 c. angel flake coconut and 1 c. chopped pecans (chopped walnuts may be used.) Beat until frosting is cool and thick enough to spread. Makes 2 2/3 c. frosting.

There is enough to spread the top layer and fill the midde of two 9" inch chocolate cakes (German chocolate cake is usually lighter chocolate.) I frost the sides of a two layer cake with regular chocolate frosting and put a marascino cherry on top like the bakery does.

White Chili

2009-11-10T15:39:00.002-07:00

Last week we made white chili. The nane has never sounded very appealing to me but we really like it and get a hankering for it from time to time. Neither Ralph nor I like spicy food so I cut the spices by as much as 1/2. The canned green chilis are not hot.

WHITE CHILI

1 lb. white beans (navy beans) - soaked overnite and drined ( 4 cans,including liquid of cooked navy beans may be used.)
6 c. chicken broth ( chicken boullion may be used.)
2 cloves minced garlic
2 medium chopped onions
1 T. oil
2 4 oz. cans green chilis, chopped
2 t. ground cumin
1 1/2 t. chopped oregano
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
4 c.diced, cooked chicken breasts
Combine and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 3 hrs. (If using canned beans cook for less time or until flavors are combined) Add more broth if necessary.
Serve hot and topped with your choce of the following items:
chopped green onions
sliced black olives
grated cheese
chopped tomatoes
sour xream
guacamole
crushed tortilla chips

Split Pea Soup

2009-11-01T11:11:00.004-07:00

We have been having snow and cold weather so it felt like soup. Ralph requested his favorite soup - Marcia Homer's Split Pea Soup. This is a recipe I got while we were young married and in college at the University of Idaho. It has been a family favorite in the 30 years since. It has a little more pizazz than plain old split pea soup.

Marcia Homer's Split Pea Soup

1 lb. peas, rinsed (I have never rinsed as the split peas I buy in the grocery store are pretty clean these days.)
2 quarts water
2 c. chopped carrots
2 c. chopped celery. including tops and leaves
2 c. chopped onion
1/4 c. dried parsley flakes or 1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley
1 T. oregano leaves or 1/4 t. ground oregano
1 T. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 bay leaf ( I generally do not have them and have never included them.)
1 meaty hambone or hamhock ( I usually use the bone left over from a holiday ham I have on hand.)
Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 hr. 3o min. or until a thick soup has formed. Remove cooled meat from bone. Add meat to soup and throw bone away. Enjoy with bread and butter.

Easy Peasy Cookies ( Pumpkin Spice Cookies)

2009-10-22T09:41:00.002-06:00

I don't really know the name of these cookies. Emily, my daugter, made these cookies for us at the cabin a few weeks ago. They were so easy and good I thought I would pass it along. I made up the name but it helps me remember that there are only three ingredients in these cookies

1 Spice Cake Mix
1 large can pumpkin
!/2 to 1 12 oz. package chocolate chips ( depending on your preference For me 1/2 bag was plenty)
Mix altogether with mixer and bake in 350 degree oven for about 10 min. (We had to add 5 or more min. These cookies are soft and mosist. Mostly they should be cooked enough so they don't have runny, cake batter-like middles.) I like them because they stay moist even when they are cool.

Boy Scout Doughnuts

2009-10-16T13:06:00.002-06:00

In our family we call these Boy Scout Doughnuts because Ralph used to make them with his scout troop they are so easy. I found the very same doughnuts in the Better Homes and Garden Cookbook. There they are called "Jiffy Doughnuts". I have made them with my grandchildren, some who were preschool age. I rarely do anything with deep fat frying partly because I have known some people who have suffered life changing accidents with hot oil. Hot oil and childen don't mix! The nice thing about these doughnuts is that the children can help away from the hot oil while another adult fries the doughnuts.

l or more cans of refrigerator biscuit dough
hot oil ( It must be 2 or 3 in. deep in a heavy pan. The recipe book says 375 degrees but I rarely use a thermometer. I just pinch off a pea size piece of dough and place it in the oil. When it floats and fries like a doughut instead of dropping to the bottom, the oil is ready.)
Make a hole like a doughnut in the middle of the refrigerator biscuit with your clean finger. Fry in hot oil (the cookbook says 2 min. on each side but we found they only needed seconds on each side) until golden, turning only once. Remove from oil and drain on several layers of paper towel.
When cool enough to touch, glaze with powered sugar frosting. If desired doughnuts can also be decorated with sprinkles, coconut or cinnamon and sugar.
These douhnuts taste best when eaten imediately rather than the next day.

Doughnuts (which my mom made from scratch) and fireworks remind me of Halloween because that is how we celebaated when I was growing up in Canada.

Fall Is Here!

2009-10-10T10:55:00.002-06:00

Fall is finally here and we have leaves all over our deck. I guess we had better hurry up and enjoy the whole week it will be here before winter sets in. We are enjoying the foods that taste good in the fall so this week Hailey and I made Stuffed Acorn Squash.

STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

The Acorn Squash was called Danish squash in the store but I have always known it as Acorn Squash. At any rate you need to buy one or two depending on the size of your family. ( 1/2 a squash is one serving size.) Cut squash in half from stem end to blossom end. The shell is hard so I always use my biggest, sturdiest knife. After removing and discardig seeds, place squash hakves, cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-30 minutes in a 350 degree oven. (You can use a little cooking spray on the baking to avoid sticking.) Remove squash from the oven when inside flesh is cooked and soft.
When squash is cooked remove from the oven and fill cavity with the following:
1 T. butter
1 T. brown sugar
Browned ground sausage
A little diced onion (browned with sausage)
a little shredded cheese (optional)
Heat stuffed squash again for serving.
Eat by scooping squash and stuffing mixture out of shells. (They look pretty on individual plates and can be eaten out of the shell at the table.) The recipe book also suggests that they are good served with applesauce on the side.

\Applesauce\

2009-10-01T11:09:00.002-06:00

This week Hailey and I made applesauce. I am not going to give a recipe for applesauce because you can buy a canning book or get pamphlets at the Extension service with step-by-step instructions.
The applesauce we made yesterday tuned out beautiful and all the jars sealed so that gave us a feeling of success. The only hitch was that I couldn't find my canner or canning supplies but luckily Hailey had borrowed some so we managed fine. Probably I gave them away when I gave away all my quart jars and can't remember.
One thing that makes a big difference to me is the variety of apple used. We couldn't find any canning apples around here so we bought some when we visited Treasure Valley last weekend. The lady at the fruit stand said apples are about 6 weeks late this year but we found some Jonathans and bought about 1/2 bushel. I have tasted applesauce, both commercial and home canned that tasted like cardboard. My favorite apples to use are Johnagold or a mixture of Johnathans and Golden Delicious. Red delicious, while good for fresh eating, do not make good applesauce. I don't care for Rome apples either for making applesauce. I have made pretty good applesauce out of Criterions, a new variety.
The nice thing about these Johnathan apples was that they had very red skins so when cooked with the skins on, and put through a "Foley Food Mill" or "Victorio Strainer" they make a pretty pink applesauce.
At supper last night we didn't want to open one of our precios new jars of applesauce so we made "quickie" applesauce" by peeling and cooking about 1 and 1/2 inch pieces of apple in a small amt. of water. (about 1/4 in. deep ) When cooked, mash the apples into a chunky applesauce. It was white because the apples were peeled and delicious when served warm. It is also good if refrigerated and eaten cold.

Life Goes On

2009-09-29T09:04:00.002-06:00

We have had a busy but good summer. Now it is September, the air is getting cooler and we are bracing for winter. It is supposed to snow in the mountains this weekend. I think we will watch the General Conference broadcast at the cabin this weekend and build a fire.
Last weekend we went to Treasure Valley. Emily and Kennedy stayed with us in a hotel in Meridian. We attended Bernell Norris' funeral, Ralph had meetings at BSU and we got to visit with Ben, Emily and family who attended and participated in the funeral as well. It was nice to see some old friends but we are both glad to be home again. Eastern Idaho is seeming more like home all the time.
Sara had a good idea. Each week I cook something with Hailey, a young married girl who lives in our basement and comes to help me four days a week. Its kind of a symbiotic arrangement. At least I hope she enjoys it. She does all the cooking. I just keep my usual spot on the couch and provide recipes and suggestions. Then we split whatever we have made. I feel like I can make a tiny contribution, new recipes and techniques for a new mom, and one night a week that Ralph doesn't have to make supper.
Sara's idea is to publish our weekly cooking fare each week on my BLOG. I think it is a good idea and about the only productive thing in my life right now. So I will start with my next BLOG.

Update

2009-08-15T10:31:00.003-06:00

A quick update:
We are headed back up to the cabin after spending this week in Rexburg. Dad has finished building a paint booth in his shop. He is planning to paint the MG green and paint some detail on the model As. At the cabin he moved the plathouse from in front of our cabin to Paul's property by Hungry Bear Market so he can use it for a tack shed. Grandma is fixing up Grandpa's old log tack shed for a playhouse. I think everybody is happy. Dad still has a lot of work to do on the water tank and well in front of our cabin. Grandma Kern is dealing with this first year after Gr andpa's loss the best she can.
All of our kids are busy with family life. Sara and Josie were both involved in Girl's Camp and now everyone's getting ready for a new school year. Josie and Blake are moving to Michigan on August 24. I think even Dad will be glad to start school after his many summer projects. Happy Fall!

2009-07-31T13:12:00.002-06:00

I was going to wait until I could post pictures but I probably should give you an update anyway.
Ralph took his mom and sister to a concert last night. It featured a girl in our ward singing with somebody Beck, a boy singer that others know about but I have never heard of. I got to stay home and listen to Grandma Kern's new dog yip in his cage for an hour and a half. Not many functions are held at 9:00 o'clock in the the morning before my body completely shuts down. Ralph is good to bring me pictures or a program. Misst Babcock, the girl, specializes in jazz music which I've tried to like but haven't made it yet. Ralph said his favorite song was "The Prayer" which Emily performed with two other girls at her High School graduation.
We will probably spend most of Augusr at the cabin which I am looking forward to. He has only one month summer vacation and has it filled with projects. Today he is picking up his third Modek A in Utah, meeting with a photographer in Salt Lake so they can collaborate on the book he is writing, and attending his aunt's 80th birthday party. He manages to stay busy but I think there could be worse problems.
The girls and husbands want to take another hike so they will probably go with Ralph into Yellowstone Park about the third week in August. Josie and family, Sara and family have already been up to Island Park once or twice this summer.
We found a wild strawberry patch in bloom and I hope there are some ripe berries left by the time we make it up to the cabin. Ralph made two new swings in our back yard. The Grandkids have been picking lots of raspberries from our backyard and making signs that say "Welcome to Raspberry Park!" This week Hailey and I (Hailey did all the work.) made Raspberry/Peach jam. Hailey, her husband and their new baby rent our basement apt. downstairs. She has become a good friend and helps us out with a lot of things. Happy Summer!

2009-06-23T10:12:00.002-06:00

Ashtyn went to Golf Camp with some of her cousins in Driggs, ID the following week and stayed the night at our house before Ralph took her home this Saturday. It was a delight for us to have her here. She picked a bouquet of snowball flowers for me. It was so beautiful we had to take a picture. (See below) I guess all the rain has been good for them. We each had a piece of oatmeal cake for breakfast and called it our "bowl of oatmeal". Each of us decided not to tell her mom. It was fun to have her here but I think she was glad to get home with her own family.

A Fun Week

2009-06-23T09:40:00.002-06:00

Last week our entire family was here for kind of a mini-family reunion. Wd were glad Ralph had finished the room over the garage so we could accommodate everyone. The room turned nicer than we thought - so much so that Ralph is interested in staying in this house instead of building a new one next door.
All our daughters and one daughter-in-law ran a half marathon in the Teton Dam Marathon. Two son-in-laws ran too. I worried about them getting rained on but weather for the race was beautiful. I didn't give any thought however to what it would be like to have 13 grandkids cooped up in the house while it rained the rest of the time. Chad saved the day and rented a "Bounce House" which eventually got rain-soaked too.
Ralph parked his recently acquired Model A a couple blocks from the finish line and put all he grandkids in it. They honked the "ah-oo-ga" horn at each runner to encourage them at the end of the race. Everybody in our family finished well and were proud of their accomplishment.
We also had delicious meals provided by each families' contribution. The weekend was wonderful! I was tired out from doing nothing but it was worth it because of all the good memories we made.

2009-06-22T22:02:00.000-06:00

Taking Things Too Seriously

2009-05-19T12:03:00.003-06:00

I was thinking about and remembered a time when I had to remind myself not to take things too seriously, There have been many times I've had to remind myself of this. I guess the key is to just keep working at being a parent. Teenagers have a way of making you wonder.
One day I was driving in the country with the kids in the car. My son, a teenager, said "Smell that dairy air." as we passed a farm. Concentrating on my driving and other things, I assumed he said the French word "derriere" which means "behind". I said, "Do you know what that means? " and proceeded to explain why his statement was inappropriate. It took awhile before I understood that he was just making a comment on a rural reality. Because he currently works in the dairy industry, I think he still likes to smell the "dairy air" and I have learned not to make assumptions quite so quickly.

Being a Mother

2009-05-11T09:12:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was Mother's Day and I talked to each one of my kids. Mother's Day brought back many wonderful "mother memories". Mother's Day used to be my unfavorite day of the year. Besides making sure each of Ralph's and my mother were appropriately taken care of, we sat in church and listened to some mother talk about how angelic motherhood was. At our house that morning we had panic because we couldn't even find the hairbrush. I'm not going to subject you to the same thing but I would like to list some of my favorite "mother memories". I'll admit there were times I knelt by each child's bed after they were asleep and wet their pillow with my tears because I felt like such a falure or wondered why I had childen in the first place because it was so hard when they were growing up. However, it is kind of like childbirth. You can't remember what the labor pains felt like, just the joy when you held the little one in your arms.
I remember an article in the Children's Friend magazine when I was young about a little girl who couldn't make up her mind what she wanted to be when she grew up. One day she wanted to be a teacher and the next day she thought she wanted to be a nurse. There were many other aspirations so she asked her mother for some advice. Her mother explained that they were all good ideas but a mother will be all those things to her children. I have felt like I have accomplished and become good at many things in my life but I still have much to learn as a mother.

Favorite Motherhood Memories

I remember my first time sitting beside my son, wearing his cub scout uniform, in church on "Scout Sunday" and listening to him sing a patriotic song.

I remember watching my oldest daughter give birth to her first child and the many sacrifices she made to ensure that the child thrived.

I remember a weekend when the family had planned to go somewhere but I was at my emotional rope's end so a teenage daughter stayed home with me while the rest of the family went. We layed in the grass in the orchard to talk and went to a garden tour together. At the end of the weekend my "cup" was filled again and I could face life.

I remember a gift on Mother''s Day from a grade school daughter. It was in a small white box with a note that said, "Open me, it will be a BLAST!" Inside was a paper clip that had been bent so one could make it jump.

I remember a mother's day when after the "Breakfast in Bed" tradition my ostensible gift was a red vacuum. Throughout the day each child gave me an unknowing gift. My teenagers sat on the stairs and talked to a discouraged mother, and my gradeschooler came out of her bedroom dressed for church with a big smile on her face. She said, "Look, Mom. I am wearing tights." Every Sunday before, putting on the tights had been a big fight.

There are many other memories that make me smile and give me comfort and peace. Now, I love watching my own children be parents. It confirms what I believed when my young children used to ask, "Why can't I go to daycare like all the other kids at school?" I used to think and I still do, "Why should somebody else have all the fun!"

2009-05-03T14:47:00.002-06:00

Today the elevator at church was broken so we decided to go on a Sunday drive instead. Ralph went up the stairs and checked it out but after going to the trouble of dressing and getting in the car (which is a big effort for me) we went to Kilgore the back way which Ralph nor I had never been. We also went to check on the cabin and yes, there is still snow there. This area will appreciate the moisture and I am really looking forward to our short summer. We listened to one of Elder Uchdorf's conference addresses and Sunday music on KBYI. It is cloudy and rainy today but we are having an enjoyablle day.
Now it is nice to be home with our variety of daffodils. I took a picture of our flower bed outside but I'm still working on getting it into the computer. I'm slow as I am with just about everything these days.