Chocolate Bliss

FGO (for girls only) Milassco family event took place January 28, 2012 at my home.  My friend Kari came and instructed us on how to dip chocolates.   We dipped homemade caramels, almond joys, chocolate mint and orange truffles, cinnamon lips, nut clusters, homemade turtles, and peppermint patties.  I haven't acquired the art of dipping chocolates.  I need lot's of practice!! 
Those that attended were Amanda (Kenzie's friend), Kenzie, Claudia, Monica, Kari, our instructor
Kallee, Colleen, Natalie and Char the mom. (and Alison )  Lot's of fun. 

It's all in the number

• complete 12 craft projects  (three done)
• add an extra 12 to physical activity; minutes, reps, weights, miles etc. 
• increase personal study by 12
• divide home into twelve areas.  Purge and clean one area each month. (On top of daily cleaning)
• stop chewing nails by 12 (December)  so far..so good.  
• Ask myself, What can I do in 12 minutes? 
• Take 12 for me in 2012

This is working for me.  If I don't do it perfectly it is okay.  At the end of each day I know I've accomplished something worthwhile.   At school we are celebrating our achievements.  Our goals are posted on a bulletin board and now they are on my blog.  Caraline also shared with me that water doesn't boil at 211 degrees.  But with one more degree it boils at 212 which then produces steam, which produces energy and gives us power.  There is some movie about 212 degrees.  Anyhow it all fits with my "It's all in the number" theme I have going on for myself. 

Exciting news....

I am excited for Josh and Caraline.  They are expecting a baby girl in April.  Caraline has had many health trials so far during this pregnancy and I am pleased to report that the doctor checked out Baby Carlson and she thinks she is doing well.  I am amazed at the technology available.  Fred and I were able to see the ultrasound pictures of her and she looks a lot like her daddy so far. 

Kallee and Duncan's wee little one is about 1 inch long.  Baby Shelley is due to arrive late July/early August.  They are excited and are doing well.  We also saw pictures of the little peanut.  That is Kenzie's nickname for their child. Kallee enjoys her calling in the YW and Duncan in the primary.
He will be training in Boston for his new job and is working for an accounting firm in SLC. Kallee is a very gifted hair stylist and enjoys her job at the Bella Boutique and Spa in Roy.

Natalie and Clint are doing very well.  They are happy and healthy for which we are so grateful for.  They are working hard in the church (Nat just got called as YW President, Clint, executive secretary) and at their respective jobs.  I suggest that you play the game called, "The Logo Game" with Nat.  You are guaranteed a few laughs that will nearly knock you off your chair.  She is also a professional when it comes to crafting, beading, jewelry, life coaching, wellness coaching,cooking, etc.

Kenzie attended Weber State, LDS institute and works as the Head Shift leader for Downeast, Co.
She is working this semester and will enroll again in the fall.  She writes to about four missionaries and has fun with friends.  She is a CNA and hopefully will find a job in that field for now.

Blake is stationed at McGuire AFB in Trenton, NJ.  He is a PR and works on C 130's.  He is in the Navy but works on the plane.  He will be there for three more years.  We all had a great visit with him over the holidays.   He sure helped his Dad a lot while home and fixed the truck with Fred.  The boys went shooting which is something he is really good at and enjoys very much.  He was able to visit with many of his friends and I believe had a great break from work and Navy life.

Fred and Char work, eat, sleep, and teach the four and five year olds in Primary.  We love our calling.
We love our family and look forward to the new chapter in our lives called, "Grandparents"

Surviving Sixty

Steve

You look great Bro!!

I had a blast preparing the Surviving Sixty Kit for my twin brothers.  Steve is styling the black wig.

Scott had the stomach flu so we were not able to watch him open his gift.

I wish I had a camera to take the picture when he opened up the hair piece that once belonged to my father.

Love the twins:)

January 12, 2012

I want to make this

We enjoyed FGO (For Girls Only) at the Festival of Trees.  This quilt is an advent quilt.

We (my sistas and I) want to make this for next Christmas.

Isn't it adorable?

We have connections at a quilt shop and they are going to help us out.

Happy Sewing!!

Freedom Fighter

So proud!

Fall Happenings

 Clint and Limmie...She loves to cuddle with him.

 I look really bad here but this is where I recouperated for 6 weeks.

 at the syracuse city pumpkin walk.  K Mae and a friend

 K Mae and Mom

 a tradition for K Mae and I to go together

 Nightmare before Christmas display

 All branches of the armed forces displayed here

 For Blake

 Caraline dressed up as a Smurf for Halloween.  Josh and I stopped by to visit and help out by getting 300 pounds of candy ready to hand out.

 The Smurf and hubby

 New tradition for Halloween...handing out bags of cotton candy.  Go Cougars!!

This was Josh's contribution to the Halloween decor....or lack of it this year.

What an eventful fall we have had.  We were blessed to have an abundant harvest in the garden and have been busy canning.  Fred is the best help around.  I am a fortunate woman to have such a loving, hard working and caring husband.  Through thick and thin we are an eternal team!

moving on

Wow, it has been an eventful fall and with that I've learned many life lessons. 

I am profoundly grateful for the power of the priesthood.
I am a firm believer and have a strong testimony of prayer.
It's okay to be sad and not live up to the expectation that you have to be happy all the time.
Families are eternal.
I have more empathy for senior citizens.
My mind and body have separate agenda's.   
I'm still learning about patience.
Heavenly Father loves me.
I still snore and wake up Fred.
I don't like hospitals.
Parvovirus B-19 is a nasty, painful bug to get.
Time goes by and if it is God's will, healing takes place.
I am blessed with a wonderful spouse.

Memories

 cotton candy man

 kenzie's birthday

 the Ostergaard family at Arlan's funeral

 Ostergaard Siblings

 Carolee and Char   LOVE THIS WOMAN!

Ostergaard Cousins

On September 14, my beloved brother Arlan Mack passed away from pancreatic cancer.  He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor.  We all miss him very much.  During his illness I became ill with a viral infection called Parvovirus B19 which settled in my hips.  It has been a painful and slow recovery.  I still use a walker and try to use the walking sticks for some therapy, sitting is also difficult for any period of time.  However, I'm trying to be patient.  I know at some point I will get over this.  My husband has been wonderful to me and I have appreciated the support, prayers and love from everyone.
I hope to be able to go back to work in three weeks but it will all depend on the mobility and pain.
My brothers told me I have a puppy disease and I've gone to the dogs.  My brother in law teased be about what some people will do for attention.  HA HA HA  I love you guys and the humor is much appreciated.