Hats off to the chef...and thats NOT me

My daughter Dayna is so super talented...she can do just about anything. She could probably make gold from thread if she really wanted to (you never know). Several months back she told me about this recipe that she made up and tried. She calls them "Delicio Wraps". She told me all the yummy stuff that goes on them and how much Jack liked them. So a month ago when I went out for a visit we were trying to think of something to make for dinner and I begged (yes, I really begged) her to make them so I could try them out. They were everything that she said they were!!!! They were a little bit of heaven! If you love mexican food, you would love these. I ate until my stomach hurt and I couldn't shove another bite in my mouth (so unhealthy I know).  A couple of nights ago I was wondering what to cook and wanted to try something new (Thanks Megan for your inspiration to  try "New recipes") and I remembered these scrumptious wraps that Dayna fixed, so I emailed her and got her recipe. I made them for dinner, with a little hesitation as to whether Deron would like them or not, but he raved about them. He just kept going on and on about how good they were...as did the rest of the family. It will definatly be one that we eat often and has become a quick favorite recipe!....by the way, I won't put the recipe on my blog, hoping that Dayna will put it up on hers! Thanks Dayna for sharing one of your many talents with me, I love you!

PS.... sorry not pics of the food...everyone ate things up too fast so I couldn't get a picture of this yummy meal!

An AMAZING fAkE!

Leading the "thrilling life" that I lead, I was surfing the net the other night for recipes and found this recipe for "WINGER'S STICKY FINGERS" and "POTATO SKINS", I apologize to whomever site I found it on, I don't remember which one it was so I can't give them the credit (just know it isn't my original recipe). I have to say...some of the "Fakes" for different chain restaurants that I have tried over the years just don't quite hit the spot, but this one hit it square on the head!!!! If you love "Winger's Freakin Amazing Sauce" you will love this! Its super easy and so delicious! After telling the kids about the recipe, they kept begging me all day to make it for dinner. Honestly, I didn't think that I could get this 1 KEY INGREDIENT here at our local grocery store (as our store is small and sometimes limited in what they can carry), but to my surprise, they carry it, I was thrilled!!!!  Anyway... for the recipe...here it is-

Wingers Sticky Fingers

 Chicken Fingers, (how ever many you want) deep fried or baked, but the baked is better because it makes the chicken crispier

Sauce:

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

4 T. water

6 T. "Franks" Hot Sauce (it has  to be this brand)

Heat hot sauce, water and brown sugar in a sauce pan until all the sugar is dissolved. That's it for the sauce. If you let it sit for a little while and cool, the sauce will thicken up some. You can use the sauce for dipping or pour it over the chicken, which ever you prefer. Mix a little bit with homemade ranch dressing and it makes their creamy buffalo sauce....Very close to the original. 

Winger Potato Skins

I don't' know the exact measurements  for this one because you can do as much or as little as you want to for these~

Pre-baked potato's

cheddar/mozzarella cheese (grated)

bacon (cooked and crumbled to small pieces)

Melted butter

 Don't bake the potato's in foil, it will cause them to go soggy and you want them crispy.  Once they cool a little cut potato in half the long way and scoop out some of the center, not all of it because you want some potato left in...leave about 1/2 inch around the inside of the potato. Brush whats left of the potato with melted butter and broil for about 4 minutes (until its warm but not crisp) then add the cheese and bacon and broil again for 2-3 minutes (watch because oven times vary) and eat! Serve it with the sticky sauce or buffalo sauce or just plain ol' ranch! 

These 2 are by far the best "Fakes" that I have tasted. So true to the real thing....enjoy and let me know what you think...Happy cooking!

Brothers make the best friends!

I just have to say that I have the most AWESOME brothers in the entire world! I went and saw my Dad today. Two of my brothers were hanging out with him too.  John (my 2nd to the youngest brother) has this nice, souped up motor bike, and when we got to the office dad and the boys were standing out by the bike,  just chatting. Cameron was looking at the bike, checking it out. I knew that he wanted to go for a ride, but really didn't want to ask...but before long my other brother Lee (just younger than me) said "Hey, I bet John would take you for a ride". John said "Yeh, hop on there, I will take you for a ride". So Cameron, beaming from ear to ear, hopped on that big bike and off they zoomed, down the road! It made Cameron's day. He loved it! Its not just the motor bike ride that made Cameron's day, but just knowing that his unlces think about him, care about him and want him to be part of their lives. They always include my kids in what they're doing and take the time to get to know them....whatever it takes. I am so happy that I have the 4 brothers that I do, in my life. They are the absolute best brothers in the world! Thanks brothers, for always being there, for being a part of my life, my kids life and allowing us to be a part of yours! I love you guys!!!!!

"MuRpHy...and his LaW" are haunting me!!!

If its going to go wrong...its going to go wrong to me! Many of you recall only 2 years ago I was the proud (not really "PROUD", but happy) owner of a brand new black Chevy suburban. From almost the moment we drove it off of the lot it was a "disaster magnet". On DAY 3, yes 3, someone door banged it and took it clear down to the metal. On DAY 5, oh yes 5, someone at my local grocery store decided my beautiful vehicle would look much nicer with a big "KEYED" mark down the side of it. And then throughout the course of our 2 year ownership it was in and out of the shop for various problems...constantly, if it wasn't one thing, it was another. Our previous vehicle (a van) was also a lemon, so I was beginning to get quiet a complex...another story, anyway... finally one day I went out to start it and of course it wouldn't start, well you would think "bad battery" right off wouldn't you, well the problem was that just a few days prior to this we had bought a new battery because it wouldn't start, so NO it wasn't the battery. I had had it! I called up the dealership, in Salt Lake, and told them I was bringing it out and needed it fixed. They gladly obliged, set me up an appointment and I left. LUCKILY Deron followed me in the truck because we just weren't sure the battery would stay charged. We stopped for a potty break in Heber, it died. Deron jumped it and off we went again. Every stop light I had to stop at...it would threaten to die (how humiliating)...the stop light just before I turned to go into the service department at my dealership, it totally quit. So I coasted in to the doors of the garage and jumped out and said..."Its your problem, now fix it"...(I was nice though). After waiting for hours the service people came and told us that it was just the battery. I think that I just about lost it. I proceeded to tell him all my "car troubles" and insisted that he dig deeper and find out the root of the problem. While he was doing my bidding, Deron and I went out and looked at NEW Suburbans, which after some figuring we decided to trade in the "Lemon" for this wonderful new gem of a car, that was 20 months ago. Our new white suburban has been wonderful...haven't had a bit of trouble with her, no door bangs or key marks (knock on wood) or any other problems...UP UNTIL LAST WEEK!!!! I know, your all saying to yourselves "those things happen"...yep, but really how many times do I have to deal with Murphy's law???? HONESTLY!!!!   Cloee,  (yes I name my cars, runs in the family...it makes me feel more..."attached" weird, I know!) was having the same "battery issues" as my last one. The battery won't stay charged, but then it will stay charged...this went on for a week and then Sunday it finally gave up the ghost. Wednesday we called "Roadside Service" (thank heaven for our warranty) and they sent a tow truck and hauled Cloee off to Price for a fixin. I was dreading the weeks that it might take them to get her fixed, but the dealership called the next morning and said the problem was fixed and we could go and pick her up. YES!!!!! I have to put a plug in for the great people in Price at the Chevy dealership there who fixed her so quick, and so far...(knock on wood), I think they actually fixed the problem. It was a computer glitch that caused the radio to continue to draw from the battery even when it was off (I think that was the problem with the other car too) and they just had to re-program the radio and re-set some things and we were good to go!!! I am hoping that "Murphy's Law" is done with me...and can move on ..."You've proved your point, Murphy.....I've learned to not take life or the things that I have in it, for grantide."

Once upon a time....

It was 3 years and 4 months ago (even to the day) that we got another addition to our family...

Jack Wayne Ady

Although... this bundle of joy was much easier than the first 6 because I didn't have to give birth to him and then I didn't even have to raise him....all that was done. I just got the 

VERY BEST SON IN LAW IN THE WORLD!!! And I truly mean that! He really is the best! 

Today is Jack's  birthday and he is turning 25 years old!

Happy Birthday to you!

I am going to brag on him and probably embarrass him to no end, but mom's can do that on birthdays right?! (that includes mom-in-laws too) I love Jack and think the world of him!

And I am going to share just a few reason's why I do: 

1. He takes such good care of Dayna. When you see your daughters (and son's too) go off with their new spouse, all happy and oblivious to the world around them, you always wonder what will happen when the honeymoon wears off. Will they have a good relationship? Will they get along..etc.... Jack has always treated Dayna like a queen, before and after they were married. He loves her, he takes 

care of her, he is loyal and he's genuine. He makes her laugh and he makes her happy. They both think the world of each other and it shows on their faces as well as in their actions. He is a wonderful hubby.

2. He is a hard worker. Jack has always held a job. He gives his all and works hard to help make ends meet. He has held a job as well as go to school, which isn't an easy task. But he continues to support his family no matter the circumstances. He has had a variety of jobs, one of which he worked outside in California during the hotest year ever...it was 125 degree's and he never gave up but kept plugging along. He isn't afraid of work and he works hard!

3. He is a very compassionate person. He would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it, and he wouldn't even complain about it. He genuinly cares about other people. 

I know that he has given money to people on the street that need a little extra help. He isn't afraid of what other people will say, he does little things like that all the time, just because he thinks of others and doesn't judge them or their circumstances. He is very thoughtful that way.

4. He has a testimony of the gospel. Jack served a full time mission and truly loves the gospel. He lives it, he doesn't leave to question what he believes because it always shows in his actions. He is able to stand up for what he believes in and doesn't let other people persauade him into believeing something other than what he knows to be true. He is a good example to me and all of all of our family.

5. He makes others feel important. He is so good to spend time with family. One summer he and Dayna had some of Jack's younger siblings and some of our younger kids go out for a week at a time during the summer (at different times). He (and Dayna) spent time taking the kids hiking, swimming, out for a burger, to a movie....just visiting with them and learning more about them, playing guitar hero..the list goes on, but the point is, he made each one of them feel so important and cared about. Thats just how Jack is, no matter what, he makes sure that those he is around know that he loves and cares for them. 

Those are just 5 of the reasons that I love this guy...there are so many more. Jack really is the best son-in-law. I appreciate him so much and I really couldn't ask for anyone 

better to be Dayna's husband. I hope that our other 2 girls can marry someone just like Jack...but sorry, I think Jack will always be my favorite son-in-law...I don't know that anyone will ever quite measure up to him. 

Happy Birthday Jack...Have a wonderfulDay! 

Just A Valentines Note...

My Valentines Surprise from my sweet hubby!

I've been driven over the edge...AgAiN

Driving in the city brings on its own set of challenges for me, especially coming from a little country town that has no stop light, not much traffic and almost no traffic after 7:00pm. But when leaving town and venturing out the the city I've learned that I have to watch for things like stop lights, people crossing the road actually "in the cross walks", road rage, trains, irresponsible drivers, UTA buses stopping at the drop of a hat, and of course all of the many other cars that are on the road as well..I can handle pretty much all of that, yes every bit of it, but throw in a a bicyclist and I get furious....if you are one of these fearless pedestrians on wheels/motor vehicles, this is nothing personal and I don't want your hate mail...I am venting! (I am not talking about or to the occasional person riding their bike across the road or having to ride a bit on the side because their is no where else to go, no- I am not talking to you)

 

Visualize with me...Here I am driving down the road in the middle of the city and I think I have things under control, I come upon a stop light and start to brake, coming to a complete stop. And then I look in my rear view mirror to see some irresponsible bicyclist with a helmet on, driving up the narrow strip of road between me and the car next to me, just to get to the front of the line (in front of me of course)....OKAY, MY BIG BEEF WITH THIS IS- if you are a car, automobile, and part of the traffic you are to stay in your place and wait your turn, (after all none of us THAT ARE PART OF THE TRAFFIC CAN sneak to the front of the line) if you are a pedestrian and, yes we the fearless "car drivers"  have to "Yield" to all pedestrians, GET OFF THE ROAD AND ONTO THE SIDEWALK AND BE A PEDESTRIAN!!! And...then there are those times when I am just driving along at the speed limit (which a bicyclist usually can't keep up with) and come upon this "bicyclist" that is driving down the middle of my lane, who can't keep up with those of us who actually have motors. They slow the rest of us down to a snails pace, but won't move out of the way. I know there are signs to "share the road" but I don't think that means the rest of us that choose to drive our cars, are at the mercy of those with only 2 wheels. I think if you are going to ride a bicycle in the traffic you should obey all the traffic laws, the first one being...go the speed limit or get out of the way. Second being...pretend you are a car and act the part, stay in place and don't sneak in and out of cars to get to the front of the line at a stop light just in time for it to turn green and you to slow us all down again. Third being... make up your mind and decide whether you are going to be a pedestrian or a moving vehicle. You can't be both. We hear of accidents all the time with cars and bicyclist on the road, especially in the spring and summer months, all of which are horrible tragedies. But honestly, I think that if bicyclists were required to wear bright orange vests (which make them stand out a little more and not blend into their surroundings), and stay off the roads when possible, there wouldn't be so many accidents....there you have it, I've got it off my chest and out in the open. This is a huge "drive me crazy" kind of thing. Nothing that anyone says will ever change the way I feel about it. It has always driven me over the edge, it will continue to drive me over the edge and I will go to my grave with the absolute frustration of the "car vs the bike" theory, eating away at my sanity!  

Whats for Dinner?

On several occasions I have been asked to share my "menu" idea, where to begin, how I do it and what to put on it. I have been using a menu off and on for about 6-8 years now. Some times I am really good at it and sometimes I'm not. I have tried several different ways of doing it, but I have been using this particular one for quite some time now and I love it. I just made up a generic menu outline (mine is the one that I posted) for 2 weeks. I look at our weekly schedules and plan around them. If I know its going to be a hectic night and everyone is going to be coming and going then I plan something easy. If its a night that the entire family will be home we do something a little bigger. I try to plan things that I know everyone (for the most part...can't please everyone, EVER) will like. I often have the kids help come up with the ideas of what we are going to eat, that way they look forward to dinner and often help cook it. At times, I assign them a night that they are in charge of doing the cooking. They actually love that. They look forward to choosing the dinner idea and then cooking it all by themselves. Yes, I understand that my kids are older than some and can do that, but smaller kids could at least help with some of the simple cooking tasks such as cutting up vegetables or tearing lettuce, stirring etc... I love planning a menu because it ABSOLUTELY saves me time and money. Often I have things in the fridge that I forget about (left overs) but with the menu, I actually schedule them in so they get used. So it saves on the "throw outs" and I am not going to the store wondering what to cook for dinner and then spending alot more money than I had planned on. It saves me time because I can plan ahead and I know what we are having for dinner and I can schedule what I need to do for it, into my day. A couple of days ago I made up my menu's for 1 entire month. So I have dinners planned clear through March 8th. I am so excited. I know exactly what I need at the store and don't have to wonder whats for dinner ( I know I am weird and often get excited over stupid things...but oh well). A sample of  "What's for Dinner" is:

Monday-BBQ Chicken over rice and frozen veggies

Tuesday-Stacked Taco's 

Wednesday- New Recipe Night...Italian Chicken

Thursday- Kim Cooks

Friday- GONE

Saturday- Chicken Enchilada's and Salad 

Sunday- Roast, Potato's, rolls and frozen veggies

Monday- Spaghetti, Garlic bread and salad

Tuesday- Soup, bread sticks

Wednesday- Breakfast food

Thursday- Kim Cooks

Friday-Hot links, chips and BBQ Beans

Saturday-Fajitas or Homemade burritos, chips and salsa and relish plate

Sunday- Hamburger Strogonoff over mashed potatoes, Rolls and Veggies

I have learned that I have to be flexible and if something doesn't sound good one night, we switch it with another, or make something else that we have on hand. I just don't stress it. If I don't fix whats on the menu, I know that I will eventually fit it back in. Also, Sunday night is leftover night at our house. Everyone gets to eat whatever is in the fridge. We have a buffet and they can eat whatever they want, but it has to be a leftover. If we are getting too many leftovers during the week, one of the nights will be scratched and will become "leftover" night. That way things don't go to waiste and I free up some space in the fridge.

I am thrilled that I finally found something that really works for me because I love being organized and this defiantly helps in that area of my life. 

Good luck to those who venture out in "Making a Menu"

We're just always having a party around here...

Just to clear up the "Pink Cake" and Cameron being a boy- He wanted strawberry cake with strawberry frosting....and that flavor only comes in PINK. But Cameron loves to fish and is an amazing fisherman, (He can catch fish in lakes that fish don't exist.) so I 

decorated his cake with fish and a fishing pole, he liked it and thats all that counts. For Cameron's birthday breakfast he got homemade crepes with cream and strawberry jam (a favorite because- yet again, I don't make it very often) and for his dinner he wanted a stuffed potato bar, with all the fixin's. So we made a mess in the kitchen and used every dish in the house, and gave him his desired birthday dinner. It was yummy and made him happy (he's always happy anyway, but this was a special kind of happy, a "pleased that I got my favorite dinner", kind of happy.) We had Todd and Dana over and everyone ate until they were about to burst. Birthdays are fun around here.  I love to see my kids smile when they get to order whatever it is they want to eat and I get to make their day special for them. It's great being a mom. I think I have the best kids ever.

The next birthday isn't until March...so you won't get to read another tribute from me until then....

 

Another year gone by...

Yes, we are having another birthday in our house. On this day (February 7th) 15 years ago, Cameron Mikal Wilkerson was already trying to make his way into the world. But my Doctor was out of town until the 8th, so I suffered in silence at home, hoping that Cameron would wait just one more day, which he so thoughtfully did. On February 8th Cameron came bouncing into the world. He was excited for life and didn't want to miss a thing. He never has liked to sleep because (I think) he was always afraid that something good would happen and he would miss it. Cameron is a lot of fun and is such a great boy. I appreciate his wit and his zest for life. Cameron gives me lots of reasons to love him...a whole bunch, but I am only going to share 5 with the world-

I love Cameron more than anything in the world because-

1. He is so thoughtful. He can always tell if I am having a bad day. So he spends time talking to me and trying to cheer me up. He does really thoughtful things all the time, liking running errands or helping me with daily tasks. He's just a really good kid. 

2. He is 15 years old and isn't afraid to give his old mom a hug. He is so affectionate and sweet that way. Not too many 15 year old boys will hug their moms in school, at the store, at home or anywhere else. He makes me feel important in his life as well as loved. 

3. He is so appreciative of things that I do for him. He always tells me "Thanks Mom, for dinner (or breakfast or lunch), it was really good." He thanks me for taking him places and for cleaning up after him. He is so sincere and grateful, it makes me want to be a better mom. 

4. He is a very hard worker. Last summer Cameron worked 3 jobs during the summer. He gives a job everything he has and then some. He never complained and some days he even worked up to 15 hours or more. Not to say that he wasn't beat when he got home, but he continued to get up each day and do what he needed to do. 

5. He is a family guy. He still likes to hang out with the family. He loves spending time with all of his sibings. He and Kim spend alot of time togther and he loves spending time with his married sister and his married brother, talking, laughing and just sitting around with them. He loves feeling like they want to spend time with him too. He is such a great brother, as well as a wonderful son. I couldn't ask for a better son.

Cameron is my Sun Shine. He makes me happy and helps me to want to live better. He is so much fun to be with and I enjoy spending time with him on "mom dates" or chatting in the kitchen or helping him do whatever. He makes life fun, he makes life great. He is such a special person in my life and I am grateful every day that he was sent here to earth to be my son, my sun shine!

Happy, Happy Birthday Cameron!!!! I love you so much!!!

  

And to top it off....

For the kids birthday's I always let them pick what they want for breakfast and for their birthday dinner. Kim chose "German Pancakes" for breakfast (which we seldom have) and for dinner we had 

"Fetticcini Alfredo and Crab Wontons", which we only have on special occasions. The Alredo recipe I found on the internet and its called "Better than Olive Garden Alfedo Sauce". It is wonderful, althouth it comes with all of the nutritional facts and that is enough to sicken you on the spot. It is 1050 calories for a 1 cup serving (with the noodles) and it has 235% of your aloted daily amount of saturated fat....OH MY GOSH!!! Needless to say we just

 gave Kim clogged arteries for her birthday, no wonder we are such good parents right?! (ha-ha-ha)Kimber wanted her all time favorite cake for her birthday, its the boxed white cake with colored  chips in it, and the frosting to match. Then I added a little plastic shot needle, thermomter and stethescope (went all out on those cake decorations). And we all sang her a big happy birthday and sent her off to bed. She had a great day and a fantastic dinner. I added the recipe for all of you out there that don't get enough of your alloted daily fat intake. Let me know how you liked it, if you give it a try. It really is scrumptious....just not something you want to eat on a daily basis is all.

 

Better Than Olive Garden Alfedo Sauce

1/2 c. sweet butter

2 garlic cloves, minced (I just add one or its too garlicy)

2 cups heavy cream

1/4 t. white pepper (i just used regular pepper)

1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese

3/4 c. grated mozzarella cheese

1 (12 oz.) box fetticcini noodles

1. Melt butter in a medium pan over low heat

2. Add the garlic, cream, pepper and bring mixture to a simmer

3. Stir often (constantly or it burns)

4. Add the parmesan cheese and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until sauce thickens and is smooth

5. When sauce is thickened add the Mozzarella cheese and stir until smooth. Stir Frequently. 

6. While sauce is cooking, boil noodles for 3-5 minutes.

7. Place pasta on serving plates and spoon sauce over pasta, serve hot

ENJOY!!!

A long, long time ago...

I can't believe that its been 17 years ago that our bouncing baby girl, Kimberly Kay Wilkerson, came into our lives. She started out her life being a calm, content and happy baby. She is still that same calm, content and happy young lady. 

Some of the reasons that I love this special girl are:

1. She is such a

 peacemaker in our home. If she ever feels contention she try's to ease it by saying something to calm the situation or make those around her feel at ease

 and she just melts away the stress.

2. She is a family girl. Her best friend is her brother Cameron. She loves to be with her family (which is uncommon for a teenager) and loves just being home and hanging out with us.

3. She has a strong testimony of the gospel and lives it. She is a good example to me, to her family and to her peers. Kim lives what she believes and I love her for that. 

4. She makes me laugh. There isn't a day that goes by that this sweet girl makes me smile. She has the best sense of humor and spreads it all around.  

5. She is a leader. She doesn't go along with the crowd, she does just that, she leads.

She isn't afraid to say "No" I don't want to do that. And she is ok

with doing her own thing. 

....there are many reasons why I love her and why I am so happy that she is my daughter, but those are the only 5 that I am going 

to share. Kimberly, Kim and Kimber....(all the same) We love you, I love you and I am so proud of your good choices, your good example and your strength and courage. Thanks for being the wonderful, sweet and loving person that you are! 

Happy, Happy Birthday sweetheart!

It's done...ready or not here I come!

As you already know I have been writing a list of things that I want to do before I die. Well, I finished my "Bucket List" and have gone back and forth as to whether I really wanted to post it or not. Whether I wanted to put it out there for everyone to read or just quietly keep it to myself. I have thought long and hard as to what I REALLY want to do before I die. I read some bucket lists that other people had posted on the Internet and thought that so many of them sounded more like a "dream list", than something they really wanted or would ever accomplish in this life. Most of them based their lists on the possibility that they would somehow become independently wealthy and be able to "live in a castle" or " own a professional sports team", which is all fine, if you are just choosing to dream. But when it came right down to it, I wanted to actually accomplish the things I put on my list. I wanted to make them attainable and be able to set out and really do what I wrote down. Some of them are a little more "out there" than others, but when you consider that I have 45+ years left to accomplish all of them, I think they are all within reach. There is no specific order in which I will do them, just whatever happens, happens. Some are things that I can do on the spot, some I have to plan and prepare to do, and others will take years to accomplish, but I really and truly plan on doing them all (other wise, they wouldn't be on my list). Anyway, with that all said, I have decided that I will post them for you all to read and share with you, my journey.....

Before I die, I am going to.....

walk in a marathon, sale something that I made, go fishing with my dad, go on a trip with my mom, hike to the top of Timanogos and go through the cave, go snorkeling, travel to a foreign country, write a poem and have it published, be int he audience at the Oprah show, sleep under the stars with my kids on the trampoline (this is a real stretch for me because I hate sleeping outside), take a college class, win something, visit Niagara Falls, eat something weird that I haven't eaten before, do service for 21 days straight, fly in a hot air balloon, get passionate about a cause and spend time helping with it, ride on the roller coaster at the top of the casino in Las Vegas, take a day and spend it reading a novel and not feel guilty, laugh out loud in a movie theater, send a message in a bottle and toss it in the ocean, learn NOT to say yes when I really mean NO, swim under a waterfall, take 1 entire day and spend it eating junk food and not feel guilty about it (probably won't happen until my last day on earth), accept myself for who I am, take some kind of a dance class, ride in a helicopter, swim with dolphins, take a painting class, paint a picture, go white water rafting, go back east and see the Autumn leaves, spend a day a the spa and not feel guilty, attend a concert of my choice, learn 10 new words and use them fluently, plant an herb garden that will grow, learn photography and then take photo's, write a book, dance int he rain, make sure that I let all of my loved ones know that i love them so when I die I will be at peace, see the play "the Christmas Carol", sit in a hot tub in the middle of winter, travel on a train to somewhere, roll Easter eggs down a hill with my grandchildren, go sailing, go for a horse ride, be a better listener, have a dinner party at my house with friends, test drive an expensive sports car, collect spoons from all 50 states, see a bear in the wild, go on a trip with each one of my brothers, write a letter to someone/someones that made a difference to me in my life growing up, go see the "River Dancers", visit a castle, go to a drive in movie with Deron and take pictures, go on a zipline high above the trees, go whale watching, taste snake, taste frog legs, bathe in a river, spend a night in a 5 star hotel, take each one of my children (individually or with their own families) one-by-one, on a trip...take a day and relax and just watch DVD after DVD and feel no guilt, go on another cruise to anywhere, see a lighthouse in real life, drive a convertible with the top down and the music up, go on an over night trip with a close friend, buy a house int he country and fix it up then use it for a "get away house", take a road trip, walk down the Las Vegas Strip, buy a pair of jeans that "really" fit me (everywhere) without worrying about the price, feel confident enough to be in a swim suit to have a picture taken, get an autograph from someone famous, sketch a picture while sitting on a beach 

There you have it, 75 in all. Some of them I have done in my life time already but I want to do them again, so I added them (just in case those of you that know me well go thinking that, "hey, she already did that") to my list and plan on make a better memory of it this time. I feel guilty about taking time for myself so by putting a few things on my list that sound really lame with the, "and not feel guilty" behind it, its because I want to get past the "feeling guilty about giving myself some time" issue. When I am old and my children are sitting around and my grandchildren have climbed on my lap, I want to have fun, interesting stories to tell them about my life's experiences. At this point of my life, I want to take what I have left of my life- by the horns and ride the ride of my life. I am getting to a point where all of my children will be grown soon and I don't want to just sit back and watch TV or wither away and die, I want to continue to live my life to the fullest and enjoy it, so that's what I plan on doing. I find my bucket list motivational and it gives me a sense of purpose and a hope for my future. 

The wind beneath my wings...

I have to brag a little it bit on my dad. His birthday is coming up this week, on February 5th (Thursday) and he is going to be 69 years old. To me, he seems much younger, but Father Time tells us that he really and truly is 69 years old. To me, my dad is the greatest dad in the world!

I love my dad and think he is the best because:

1. He loves me right back. I've never had to question my dads love for me. 

2. My dad has always been a hard worker. Many times as a child/teen I only got to see my dad on the weekends because he was up and out of the house by 5:30am working one job, then working another until midnight. I never heard him complain or say how hard it was. He just did what he had to do to make ends meet and provide so lovingly for our family.

3. My dad is always there for me. I know that no matter what, he would drop what he was doing if I need something. He would give me the shirt off of his back if I needed it. He is always readly available to visit or talk to and doesn't make me feel as though its an inconvience. His door is always open and I

 know that. 

4. He makes me feel special. He has 6 children and makes each one of us feel as though we are always at the top of his list. He has never played favorites and continues to let us each know how special we are by the little/big things that he always says and does for each one of us. I've never question my place in his heart. 

5. He is an awesome grandpa. Dad takes a fishing trip each year with his sons and all the grandsons that can go, with him. They all go down to Lake Powell (or someplace else) and fish and visit and he spends time just hanging out with them. They laugh and have a great time (or so I am told, never been, its a guy thing) Its built lasting relations between him and the grandsons. My boys always talk about all the fun/special things they have done while tripping with grandpa.

 

6. Dad is a teacher. He has taught me so much through his example. He taught me to be a hard worker. He taught me to enjoy the moment I am in. He taught me to be thankful for what I have. He taught me to drive. He taught me to laugh at myself. He taught me to be happy. He taught me that its okay to cry. He taught me how import family is. He taught me to be caring and kind. Dad has taught me so much, and I am so grateful for the wise, but humble man that he is. 

7. My dad taught me the love that I have for the Book of Mormon. As a teen we use to read it every morning before school, which

 was at 5ish in the morning. I didn't understand alot of what I read in the Book of Mormon at the time, but by reading it together it gave me the itch that I needed later in my life, to read it on my own and gain a strong testimony of it. I also know that he has a testimony of the Book of Mormon. 

8. My dad always puts his family first. I have always known that! I watched when I was younger, as he would take care of his parents, his sisters, his grandparents and us. He always makes time for family. He always makes sure that his family knows that he loves and cares for them. I rememer countless times that he would drive out to the city, to visit his aillying parents or grandma. He never took thought as to what he had to do in his day, that might have been more important, because at that moment, family takes presidence over anything else. Dad is a family man. 

9. My dad is so much fun to be with. As a child I didn't get to spend alot of time with him (I've already mentioned why), but as an adult I have had many opportunities to spend one-on-one time, and I have loved every minute of it. Just to name a few---He and I went down to Las Vegas together to visit my aunt. With just the 2 of us in the truck, we had hours to talk, to listen and to laugh. Also, a couple of years ago, Deron and I went with him and my step-mom to Yellowstone National Park and had a great time just strolling and driving and talking and having a wonderful time being together. I realize that not everyone has the chance to spend time like this with their dads, and I recognize it as a great blessing in my life. 

10. My dad has a strong testimony of the gospel. He lives his life so that I know that he does. He chooses to live the gospel that he loves and therefore sets a good example for me and my children to follow. 

I could go on and on...but to sum it all up-My dad is my hero. I love you Dad, more than anything!!!! And I think you are the best dad in the entire world. Happy 69th Birthday!!!!