THIS is why I don't make Jello

I don't often make jello, (OK, so I've made it twice in the past 10 years. For real). I even called my sister to ask for directions yesterday. But our ward was asked to help make jello salads for an area zone conference. So I signed up.



All went well, until about 30 seconds into the 2 minute boil period when the pot started to boil over (note to self: IF there's a next time, use a bigger pan.) It splashed onto the stovetop and burner causing the smoke alarm to go off. The first time. Yes, the first.



I got into the dripper pan fairly well, but managed to spill more strawberry liquid on my white countertops. Then I was lulled into thinking all was well. Not so. The smoke alarm started to go off for the 2nd time. Yes, the 2nd. I had failed to turn off the burner so all the jello that had settled through the slats of the burner and onto the bottom of the stove...... was now giving off 2-3 inch flames. That would be the point at which I grabbed the box of baking soda and started pouring. And opened the front door, the sliding door, turned on two fans, you get the idea.



I did cut off a spoonful before sending it for missionary consumption and it tasted pretty good, but still...... Given the past events, THIS my friends, is why I don't make Jello.

It's my Birthday Breakfast and I'll be late if I want to......

So, on October 30th I bid farewell to my 20's and embraced the world of 30's. To help me celebrate, my awesome friends threw me a birthday breakfast the morning of my birthday. To show my gratitude I showed up late. Ummmmm...... 15 minutes late.



However, my lateness aside, the breakfast was fantastic. Breakfast casserole with ham,potatoes and cheese, punch/juice, canteloupe and honeydew, fresh cinnmamon rolls. Mmmmmmmm......



Then it was on to gifts which I am mentioning here for documentation sake- a camping/water backpack (you know the kind, right?) for any and all hikes intended for next summer. 2 original photos of pink flowers, framed and 2 kitchen dishtowels that were sorely needed.



Lots of talk, lots of laughter and lots of photo opps which I will post when I will get them off my friend's camera.



As a sidenote, I think some of the best moments were centered on the 2 1/2 inch stiletto, pointy toe brown boots I was wearing. As I was posing for pics wearing my new backpack I asked, "What about this pose says 'hiker'? Someone quipped, "I think it's the 3 inch heels!" OK , so maybe you had to be there but it was still very funny.



Bottom line- thanks, friends. You are the bestest and I totally felt the love!!!!!

Chocolate from Kind People

Last week for my employment my co-workers and I did home visits for 3 days. Here is how I sum up the first day. Chocolate. Mmmmmm...... At the first home we went to Mom gave us fresh brownies from the oven (2 very large brownies) 3 scoops of chocolate ice cream AND caramel apples. (OK, so not exactly chocolate but close enough :)



Ironically, the day also finished with chocolate. A parent works at a candy factory and gave us each a baggie full of choclates- my favorites were the cookie dough variety-doughy, chocolately and crunchy.



Thanks to all the nice people who feed me chocolate :)

What? French Toast is made from Bread????

Here is an interesting insight into a brain injury and..... french toast. You can read about it on my other blog: braininjurystory.blogspot.com



Good for a laugh AND a learning experience!



PS-how do I attach links to other sites within blog post? I would surely like to know!

Trapped in a Bed

Funny Story from this past weeks Relief Society Retreat- held at a ward member's family cabin, WAY up in Heber, not too far from the girls camp that resides there. Anyway..... because since when has geography been my strong point?????

I shared a downstairs bedroom with two of my friends, Michelle and Kerri. We were in one of those bunkbeds with a twin bed on top and a double bed on the bottom. The top bunk was "fenced in" with white metal railings on all four sides.

All was well until the next morning about 6:30 am when I really needed a restroom. Problem was, it was dark, I was in an umfamiliar place and the bed had rails all around. Long story short, I couldn't find my way off the bed/side where the was the ladder going down! I wasn't even sure if I was crosswise or lengthwise..... I started crawling around until I hit my head and a loud whispered "OW." At that point Kerri, who had awakened before me shined the light of her ipod towards me so I could find the ladder. And I escaped off the bed, all ended well.

So..... enjoy a good laugh at my expense, I don't mind.......!

Forgot One!

I forgot a culinary event from the past weekend: Friday afternoon. Lunch at the Pi. My first time there and I'm pretty darn sure I want to go back......

Scroll down the next post to read more about my culinary pleasures :)

Food. And Lots of It!!!!

I could probably sum up this past weekend in one word: Food. Lots of food. Here is the culinary recap.....
Thursday: Dinner at the folks. My mom's 5th cousin and spouse were in town for Conference from Norway. Delightful accents, lovely people. Treated our Scandinavian guests to Hawaiian haystacks and they were very well recieved! Coincidentally, that's also what I had for school lunch that day......

Friday Night: Saw Ramona and Beezus (LOVED that movie) and had dinner at Cafe Rio with a pork barbacoa tostada. I love pork barbacoa, the sweetness and softness of it :)

Saturday morning: Conference breakfast at a friends- she made Ableskivers, a danish puff pancake type treat. Reminded me of a cream puff-delicious!!! There was also loads of fruit, sausage and bacon. Can't remember the last time I ate sausage......

Saturday afternoon: Went out with some friends for a birthday to Kneaders- a place that is tasty for breakfast, lunch AND dinner. Enjoyed my turkey and avocado salad. Actually, I like avocado in any form...... I picked out the purple onions though......

Saturday evening: Had dinner with girlfriends and my mom joined us as well! We ate at Rumbi Island Grill- devoured my carribean chicken salad, a new meal selection for me.....

Saturday night: Ice cream with my Mom at Leatherby's. Had cherry chip ice cream. Haven't had ice cream with cherries in it in a long time. It was a happy reunion :)

Sunday afternoon: Dinner at my folks and we invited my sister and family, too. Was unsuccessful in trying to convince my niece that I was not too old to go to preschool with her.
Used up excess chicken and sauce from Hawiian haystacks to make chicken enchiladas.

Made SO many good memories assoicated with food and the people I shared it with :)

And I was spiritually fed as well from watching Conference. Especially touched by President Packer's "being not ashamed of the gospel of Christ" and Elder Scott's admonition to "develop character."