Happy Halloween

As a kid I remember the best part of Halloween was getting home, dumping out all my candy and separating it into piles of different categories of candy and than trading it with my siblings. Doesn't get much better than that. Happy Halloween everyone!

Apple to My Eye

Grandma's Apple Cream Pie (May be the easiest and yummiest apple pie you could make)

How to make the crust for two large one-crust pies
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/8 cup skin or whole milk

Blend all together with a fork, and form into two equal balls using your hands. Roll out between two sheets of wax paper. Peel the top paper off the dough using a spatula. With the paper side up, carefully fit the crust into the pie pan. Now carefully remove the wax paper. If the crust tears, don't worry. Using your fingers, carefully paste over the hole. take care not to stretch the dough. Unlike the old- fashioned lard dough, you can handle this mixture as much as you like. You will probably never make the old- fashioned dough again.

Note: the following recipe for pie filling is for one ten-inch pie; if you want to make two pies, double it.
3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons flour
6 large Granny Smith apples
1/2 pint heavy cream
cinnamon

Combine three quarters of a cup of sugar with three tablespoons flour and one half teaspoon salt. Stir. Add three tablespoons of this mixture to the dough-lined pie pan, and pat it gently but firmly into the crust with the opened palm of your hand. This little trick promises a crisp bottom crust when baked. set aside the remainder of sugar mixture.

Peel, core, and cut into eighths six Granny Smith apples. Add two tablespoons of lemon juice if the apples are not tart enough. Arrange apples in the crust, sprinkle with the remainder of the sugar-flour mixture, and dust liberally with cinnamon. Pour a half pint of heavy cream over all and sprinkle one tablespoon of sugar on top of this wonderful creation. Place in 450 degree oven for twelve minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and bake about one hour of until the apples are done. You should test for doneness with a toothpick. 

The next X Factor

Don't we all wish we could sing like her. Pure talent. Amazing!

Ahoy ye maties!

Today was national talk like a pirate day! Krispy Kreme was giving out a dozen free donuts for those that came into the store dressed up like a pirate and yelled AARG!! Those of you who know me, know how much I love anything that involves dressing up. So of course couldn't pass up this opportunity. Happy sailing.

9/11

Eleven years ago today I was in lock down at my Elementary school in Washington D.C 15 min. away from the pentagon, that had been hit in the 9/11 attacks. Its a day I will never forget. The students weren't allowed to know what was going on, and as a 5th grader I honestly thought the world was ending. When I finally got home from school, I remember the terror I felt as I watched what major event had just occurred, I couldn't stop watching. Even though I was young I remember it affecting me in a way undescriable. My father used to work in the pentagon, but had been transferred to another building 10 minutes away. His old office had been hit. I am so blessed to still have him here with me today. Smoke filled the air near our home for weeks, my dad was very busy helping with evacuation plans and other military duties he had in the Air Force. I'd never seen him look so sad and defeated.

The Twin towers no longer stand in New York City but the memories of that day, and the many firefighters who lost their lives do. Let us all remember how blessed we truly are, and never forget 9.11.01. I love liberty, freedom, and I love America.

Summer Comes to an End

 

What a great and FUN summer it has been. So glad for the amazing family, friends, and loved ones I have in my life. Feel so blessed.

Feels like each summer brings more joy, happiness, and sunshine than the one before. Glad I could make this the best summer yet before I leave for 18 months! 

Many Slumber Parties and Bridal Showers

 Sisters Reunited

 

Visiting old EFY Friends

       

Best Friends Wedding

  

             

 

 

Toy Ship My Dad Built

 Solar Eclipse

 Lake Powell

Rooming with the Best Friends A Girl Could Ever Ask For!

My Mission Call!

Well I got my mission call!! I have been called to serve in the Lubbock Texas mission, English Speaking! I report to the MTC November 7th!

So You Think You Can Dance

Since season one, I have always been A HUGE fan of "So You Think You Can Dance" Now eight years later I still am enjoying it as much as I did then! Audrey and Matthew are already huge fans of mine! And what would make me like them even more! A "Titanic" inspired piece. Can't get much better than this!
 “Dance is the hidden language of the soul” ― Martha Graham

Dare to Be

Found this Quote Today. Great words of wisdom! Any of you have great quotes to share?

“Dare to Be"

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.

When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.

When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.

When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.

When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.

When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.

When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.

When times are tough, dare to be tougher.

When love hurts you, dare to love again.

When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.

When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.

When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.

When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.

When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.

When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.

Dare to be the best you can –

At all times, Dare to be!” ― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

Families are Forever!

I'm probably bias but seriously I feel I am so blessed and have one of the most amazing families ever. For the 4th of July all my family was able to get together for a little family reunion. We don't all get to be together very often since I have siblings who's own families live in other states outside of Utah. This time was especially special to me being with the family, because I knew it would be the last time we would all be together before I leave on my mission! I have nine beautiful nieces and nephews and I love every single one of them! My parents always taught us the importance of family, and have been great examples to me my whole life. All the Sisters together at our favorite place, Cafe Rio!

One of the funnest things we did as a family is we put on a mini peter pan scavenger hunt. My dad is in the process of building a tree house pirate ship and so we wanted to take the kids on a little adventure. My mom made costumes for all the grand kids (who says you can't have Halloween in June) and I put together the scavenger hunt providing clues of pirate items they had to find until they found the treasure chest full of treasure! Then afterwards we all watched Peter Pan.

FUTBOL

Today I had the amazing opportunity to go watch the Womens U.S olympic soccer team vs. Canada play at the Real Tinto Stadium with my dad! Its not everyday you get to watch soccer at that level! They seriously are incredible! Their passing is so precise and they have amazing skills and are so in shape! It was such an exciting game! We took the win 2-1! Hooray for America and hooray for London Olympics 2012! Who else is excited for the olympics?

She's All grown up!

Well I can't believe it. My best friend Katelyn is all grown up and married on me!! Katelyn is one of those girls you can't help but smile when you see her. She brings so much light and happiness to everyone. She is so kind and gentle, she is so beautiful both inside and out! It seriously was such a blast. I'm so happy for Katelyn and she couldn't have found a better match. Her husband Mckay is such a sweetheart and treats her with most care and respect a man could! Hooray for the happy couple.

House boat, sunshine, lake powell.. all you need

So this past week my dear friend Natalie invited me to go to Lake Powell with her and her family. I had never been before, and holy was I missing out! It seriously was probably one of the most relaxing and amazing vacations I have ever been on. I could seriously just live out there. Our vacation consisted of boating, fishing, tanning, swimming, playing cards, napping, sleeping underneath the incredible stars, tubing, more boating, more swimming, more napping and more tanning. Lake Powell oh how I miss you already.

Together Forever

Well Today was the day. I let my best friend go... ha no not really. But today was a very emotional day! Elsha married the man of her dreams, her prince charming, her better half. They looked so happy and the wedding was beautiful! Kevin is part Hawaiian so they had a classy Hawaiian themed wedding. I am so so happy for them! Elsha truly is one of the most amazing friends, roommates, and ginger, I could ever ask for! She deserves true happiness, and I believe she has found it! Here are some pictures of the AMAZING couple.

Photos taken by J. Taylor Photography! She is amazing! Also Elsha has an awesome blog if you want to check it out and see more incredible pictures and stories from their wedding. Her button is on the right side of my blog "h & H"

Prayers are answered

So this past weekend as been one spiritual roller coaster! For a few months now I've really been trying to figure out if I should serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! I have received my answer, and I know that this is what I'm supposed to do!! I would be lieing if I said I wasn't nervous or scared, but I know I am supposed to spread the gospel and the thing that is most important to me in my life, the thing that brings me most joy, and to share that with others!! You can read more about my story and process of how I decided to go on my mission by following my Missionary Blog at karicalledtoserve.blogspot.com. Take your guesses on where i'm going!?

love birds

Kristine Chase now Kristine Curtis is one of the most beautiful, giving, selfless, amazing girls I have ever met! I had the great opportunity of getting to know her this past year down at school. She was married today to her cute husband Kedric. They seriously make such a happy couple! When I see them I really can see the true love they have for each other! It was fun seeing other friends from Cedar at the wedding too! Hooray for weddings! Many more to come this summer!

Frozen water and cliff jumpin Fun!

This weekend some friends and I went to Sand Hallow! My friend Jared who used to go to SUU with us was able to come down and visit, and he brought Elsha's Fiance Kevin with him too. A Bunch of us went down to do some serious cliff jumping! It was such a blast! It was extremely hot outside however the water was FREEZING. It was so cold right when you hit the water, it took the breath right out of you. This maybe had something to do with it only being April. ha ha. Probably should have known the water wouldn't have been warm enough. Were tough though. Made the best out of it, and had a usual good ol time!