16 Years!!!

Had a great day with Jared yesterday. It was our 16 Year anniversary. We had to finish up a few things on the water trailer so it can head to the oil fields on Monday but the rest of the day we were able to spend together. We both were fitted for running shoes and then we picked out a tred mill that will be here in about a week. It will be great to be able to run anytime.

I am very lucky to have a great man who still adores me and treats me like his girlfriend, most of the time. I have not held a full time job for over 14 years. He is a amazing provider and a hard worker. I know he would do anything to take care of his family. I love him more now than I did 16 years ago.

Our New Adventure

Last winter we were given the opportunity to sell our investment property. We had dreams of building a house there but knew we should probably take the offer, even knowing we would be losing a huge chunk of money. Our reasoning was that we would get ourselves completely out of debt. With the economy down and building was close to non-existant we decided to cut our losses and sell.

The building business has picked up quite a bit but nothing like we were used to so we decided to take our extra money and invest in a semi and water trailer and put it to work in the oil fields.

Today I am headed to Idaho Falls to pay the final bill on the trailer. Everything has been gone through and all of the parts that could be possible headaches are replaced. We want our drivers to be in a reliable work truck, not one that is breaking down all the time. That is the least we can do for them. They will be working 10-12 hours from home, two weeks on, two weeks off, in the Dakota's or in Wyoming. The money is good so it is worth the inconvienience but still not the ideal situation.

Hopefully the money spent will pay off quickly. Jared and I have been so blessed. Hopefully this will bless the lives of others who have been struggling also. I feel blessings are given to those who give and Jared has a huge heart when it comes to giving. He is a good man and I am grateful he is always giving.

Favorite Homemade Bread

So I have been making homemeade bread for about 2 years now.  I bake 5 loaves once a week and more if I give any away. I am sure I have saved thousands of dollars with the amount of bread our family of 8 goes through.

Here is the recipe:
6 cups warm water
3 T yeast
3 T salt
2 eggs
2 T dough enhancer
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup powdered milk
12-14 cups flour
3/4 c vegetable oil

Mix all ingredients except flour and vegetable oil in mixer ( mine is a bosch) adding 8 cups of flour till sticky then add vegetable oil. Add remaining dough till the dough no longer sticks to sides of the bowl. Mix for 6 minutes on med speed. Let raise for 1 hour. Punch down and divide into 5 loaves. place in greased pans and let raise another 30 minutes or until doubled. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes until tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and butter tops.

It doesn't last long around here but I know what is in it and that my kids aren't going to go hungry any time soon. Too bad I am on no sugar still and bread is off my menu.

Girls camp fundraiser

Hailey had a great time at the girls camp fundraiser.  Her dessert made the most money $75.  She was so happy.  Hailey had to be there early and set up.  I helped in the kitchen and watched to serving food to make sure nothing ran out.  I know that she will love girls camp this year.  She has great leaders with strong testimonies.  What an exciting way to build the testimonies of the girls.  I think every girls should get to go to girls camp.  Some of my most spiritual moments while I was young were at girls camp.

Heaven is freezing over! St George is calling my name.

I want to jump back in the car and head South.  It snowed again last night. 

I was hoping that Jared would be able to start on my green house

this weekend but it will be put on the back burner.

I am back on the no sugar diet to see if I can get my sinuses in check.  I am feeling great

and I am down 8 pounds since starting at the beginning of the month.  I am getting a double

bonus out of this one.

We had an awesome time in St. George and learned a lot about some of the

church history. Went camping and caught lizards.  We hiked and biked a ton

while we were down there.  Kody had a spill and the bike got

the best of him.  We all got a little too much sun

but I can honestly say that I loved the feel of a 

slight sun burn.  I was sweet bliss to feel the heat of the sun beating

down on my pastey white skin.  I feel that I can see myself

moving to warmer weather

in the future.

 My Great,(who knows how many times) Grandfather was

Anson Call, (a very close friend to Joseph Smith) and our family has a lot of connections

in the St. George area.  I really love hearing about how strong

our ancestors were.  I love them for their unwavering spirits.

I hope they have passed a little of that down to me.

I am very blessed to have prayers answered.  Tyler has been

 going out with the missionaries a couple of times in the last few weeks.

He is feeling the spirit and I have heard him mention going on a mission

more lately than we have heard in a long time.  He also likes a sweet, fun girl

who would like him to go on a mission.  I can only pray that he will make that decision and

serve.  I know he would love it and grow so much.