Cooking Inspiration

I finally made it to see the movie Julie & Julia... My thoughts on it... Wonderful!
Based on real people, including the cooking legend, Julia Child.
For many, Julia Child, was the ultimate!

As for me, Ina Garten, better known as Barefoot Contessa is the supreme Goddess of the kitchen!
My youngest son, Oliver, introduced me to Ina's show on the Food Network and I've been hooked ever since.
How I would love to have even one weekend cooking at her side!
If one woman could do it, so can I...

My Barefoot Contessa Cookbooks were gifts from my family.
My gift to them?
A resolve to trying out every one of Ina's recipes...
...Just One Recipe At A Time.

Sifting Through Old Photos

Some time ago, I created a blog entry about our Nanny girl's graduation from the University of Utah with a degree in Accounting...But failed to include actual photos of her in cap and gown. As I was sifting through photos and trying to organize them, I came across these two. They are very significant to me and worthy of recognition because they tell a story of our Nanny girl.

For those who may not know, the first photo is of Nanny and her cousin, Scottie. They began their academic journey together...in the same kindergarten class...Rarely apart. As a room mother, I can recall several times when their teacher would have to instruct Scottie to stop playing with his cousin's hair and listen to the story that was being told. Back then, they gave one another a sense of encouragement, support and love, I suppose. How exciting it was to see them accomplish this monumental occasion together, just as their journey had begun so many years prior.

The next photo is a reflection of a promise that our sweet Brian gave when he asked Doug for his blessing to marry our Nanny girl. Quite simply, Doug asked that Brian make certain that Nanny graduated from college so that she might be in a better position to support herself/family if it was ever required. It was a long and difficult road for Nanny and Brian. To say that so many sacrifices were made would be an understatement! But Brian kept that promise! Nanny girl worked so hard, giving her all right up to the very end. When discouragement would set in and Nanny would want to quit, it was Brian that would not accept anything but a determined spirit to finish...because he had made a promise to Doug. Together, they worked as a team and Nanny accomplished something, that even today, commands my respect and admiration! It was more than just acquiring an education. It was about setting a goal, sacrificing money/time from a husband and newborn baby and working tirelessly until it was finished!

These two parents, even now, feel immense pride and appreciation for this one particular goal becoming a reality!

Halloween Cuties!

Our adorable grand-daughter, Ella Mae Zern, as a Witch for Halloween Fun-2009! Here she is with her friend, Eva Mae, who is a cutie as well. Ella's Granny Zern made her fabulous Witch dress and my own Nanny girl made the darling Witch hat, spider web and spider included! Ella was the cutest little Witch from head to toe! Granny and Papa tried so hard to be scared but we couldn't help but laugh at the prettiest little Witch in the West! And oh how she loved the candy!!!

It was a really fun Halloween-2009! Puppy sitting Emily's cuddly little Terrier in the afternoon, a visit from our cute little Ella Bella and then the Blackout Utah UTES game at Rice Eccles Stadium against Wyoming. In the end, the UTES took the game and another victory! Fun day and celebration!

Halloween 2009 In Hawaii

Here are some of my favorite pics of my favorite Hawaiians - The Reich Family! Nicole and Zach had purchased these adorable costumes of Boston as a very scary Skeleton and Marley as an adorable Zebra. However, Boston led the family in a quick costume change that night...as none other than Utah UTE Fans! Papa was sure proud of Boston! Granny and Papa wished we could have had y'all here with us...It would have been fun to have all the grandchildren together! As always, we sure miss and love the Reich Family!

Miss Marley Kalia Reich

Okay...I'm a computer idiot and, after months of struggling, I finally asked Oliver for help. The explanation took all of a few seconds! How is it that my kids' generation innately knows all about electronics without having ever learned a thing about them? Thank You, Oliver!!!

Now...May I proudly present my most recent grandchild - She's now 4 1/2 months old

Miss Marley Kalia Reich
Born June 16, 2009
9:06 am.
6 lbs. 15 oz.
18 1/2 "

Granny and Marley met just a couple days after her arrival and I was able to visit for almost one month!
Thank You to Nicole and Zach for their patience in having a house guest for so long!
I'm crazy about my grandkids and I positively savored my time with Boston and Marley!

Granny and Papa are going on a romantic getaway to cruise the Hawaiian Islands in December 2009.
We're so excited to spend 4 days prior and 2 days following our week long cruise with
Boston, Marley, Zach and Nicole.
Can't wait to see Y'all!