Food, Glorious Food

I am guessing this is what my kids felt like before I learned to cook . . . :-)

NO, my blog is not going to turn into a food blog -- but I just HAD to share these marvelous recipes.

I CAN cook.

Who knew? It was not my inability to make something taste good -- it was my lack of proper ingredients. I used to try and come up with something glorious from nothing -- it just does not work that well. I would sometimes try and be "creative" but it rarely turned out yummy.

Now I know I can do it. I want to try MORE! Cooking has become enjoyable, even FUN! (I always wondered why some women looked so happy in the kitchen!)

Now I know!

I'm starting to feel like the happy homemaker that I have always wanted to be. ;-)

There is a different feeling when you prepare something you know will be good and present it to the family. There is a sense of new-found confidence that I did not have before.

I have created food this last week that everyone was happy with and Charles especially enjoyed. Dinner has been an experience with new flavors, and we have all become awake while eating instead of sleeping through the same old stuff.

Life just seems full of all sorts of possibilities now!

My new favorite ingredient is CILANTRO. It is so yummy. It makes such a fantastic difference!

Below was last night's specialty . . .

Note: I used black beans and smashed them, rather then the called for refried beans. It was SUPER especially with the lime squeezed on top! It smelled excellent while cooking.

Southwestern Beef & Bean Burger Wraps

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/southwestern_beef_bean_burger_wraps.html

From EatingWell: January/February 2007

Kids and adults alike will love these quick, zippy burgers. The beans make the burgers a little fragile, so be careful when taking them off the broiler pan. Make it a meal: Serve a green salad and frozen mango slices for dessert.

4 servings | Active Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 ounces 93%-lean ground beef
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapenos
• 1 avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1/2 cup prepared salsa
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 whole-wheat tortillas, warmed (see Tip)
• 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
• 1 lime, cut into 4 wedges

Preparation

1. Position oven rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler. Coat a broiler pan with cooking spray.
2. Gently combine ground beef, beans, cilantro and jalapenos in a medium bowl (do not overmix). Shape into four 5-by-2-inch oblong patties and place on the prepared pan.
3. Broil the patties until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F, 12 to 14 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, mash together avocado, salsa and garlic powder in a small bowl.
5. Place tortillas on a clean work surface. Spread each with the guacamole, then sprinkle with lettuce and cheese. Top each with a burger and roll into a wrap. Serve immediately, with lime wedges.

My core, My cure.

You may be wondering why I have taken a sudden interest in food (I mean real food, not imitation-food). Well, for a few months I have not felt great. I have felt yucky on the inside. I have even experienced some occasional pain in my hip. I have never really had pain before -- at least not something that keeps bothering me. I have not felt good and I don't like it.

The thing is, I have not been devoting the time and energy that my body needs to be healthy and for me to be fully happy.

I have been neglecting me . . . and it does not feel pleasant!

I take a lot of effort. I take a lot of time.

Darn it.

Unfortunately for me, I cannot ignore myself and remain the same or even "maintain". I have to always have me on my mind, or else I will turn into a lot more of me. It really kind of stinks. Sometimes (a lot of times) I wish I did not have to think about me so much. I wish I could just go about my life perfectly healthy without any effort on my part -- but that is impossible.

I have to think of me. I will always have to think of me.

Nuts.

Along with some hip-pain, I have also felt really bloated. (I know, too much info!) But really, I have felt yucky -- to the core.

Ugh.

And that is just the problem . . . I have been neglecting

my core.

After doing a little research on my hip pain, I discovered that you can often alleviate a number of physical issues if you have a strong core. For example, my hip is working over-time and compensating for bad posture, extra pressure, etc. because of my weakened mid-section. People often have back pain because of a lack of ab/core strength.

If you think about it -- it is your center.

Where everything important for your health happens.

It deserves a little attention. At least I know mine does!

There is something to that yoga "finding your center" thing.

Both physically, and spiritually.

Plumbing

My core has also been clogged. The food going in has not been the right kind of food, and so my body is not responding well to it. It just holds on to it, clings to it, rather than letting it go . . . like it should.

What goes in . . . should go out. Smoothly, naturally, regularly.

So, now, I am working on my center. All of my recipes for the week have been high-fiber recipes. And my current focus physically has been on strengthening my gut. I run, but then I do a lot of crunches, lunges, etc. to help my fluff turn into buff. ;-) (Or at least a little less fluff!)

There was a time when I would let people punch me in the gut, and I would not flinch. (Tae-Kwon-Do days) but now, I think I would barf, or die. So I know the difference between walking around feeling good, and walking around feeling BLAH.

Good is better than blah. A lot better.

I have to think of me. I have to work hard. When I do, I am happy.

I need a "firm foundation" again.

Wish me luck in uncovering it. :-)

Another Success . . .

Lettuce NEVER tasted SO GOOD!

The recipe was super, but my one recommendation is: do not eat it when hot. Wait -- be patient --until it cools. Let it sit for awhile and then add a BUNCH of the toppings: carrots, cilantro, chives -- LOAD THEM UP! And then . . .WOW!

YUM!

Five-Spice Turkey & Lettuce Wraps

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/five_spice_turkey_lettuce_wraps.html

From EatingWell: June/July 2006

Based on a popular Chinese dish, these fun wraps also make appealing appetizers for entertaining. Make it a meal: Serve with chile-garlic sauce and rice vinegar for extra zip; toss diced mango and strawberries with lime juice for a quick dessert.

4 servings, 1 1/4 cups filling each | Active Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup instant brown rice
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 pound 93%-lean ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 8-ounce can water chestnuts, rinsed and chopped
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, (see Note)
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder, (see Note)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 heads Boston lettuce, leaves separated
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro, basil, mint and/or chives
• 1 large carrot, shredded

Preparation

1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add rice; reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add turkey and ginger; cook, crumbling with a wooden spoon, until the turkey is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice, bell pepper, water chestnuts, broth, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder and salt; cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
3. To serve, spoon portions of the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves, top with herbs and carrot and roll into wraps.

Proper Ingredients

"Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity."

~Voltaire

I have never been much of a "cook". I enjoy baking, but I have never really enjoyed cooking or creating a dining-masterpiece. I have always wondered what my problem is. I should love it, right? Right.

Well . . . after a conversation with Charles we decided it is time to start EATING RIGHT. I am not just talking healthy, but rather, we want to eat GOOD FOOD.

Food had become kind of boring. It has been the same old stuff, for a LONG time: spaghetti, bland rice and beans, enchiladas, cheese sandwiches (you know the tight-budget drill). But we have had nothing truly exciting, nothing really flavorful. Food was dull. It was not something to look forward to -- making or eating.

If you "are what you eat" . . . we are bland, cheap, and boring.

(Sounds about right!)

We want to change. We are tired of the same ol' same. We are attempting to have our meals planned out ahead of time (I know, what a novel idea!) so that we can get all the right ingredients and have a more pleasant dinner experience with the family. And maybe we might remind our taste-buds that they still exist!

An Awakening

A few months ago Charles brought home some California Rolls with Wasabi. I had tried them a bunch of times before, with just soy sauce -- but I had never been brave enough to try the green blob. He told me I had to try it . . . so, reluctantly, I did. BAM! Fire and spice! (And watery eyes.) It was AMAZING!

It was like my mouth was asleep and Wasabi woke it up!

I LOVED it.

I have been thinking about Wasabi ever since. :-)

I have realized my taste-buds have been asleep, bored, tired and I really want to wake them up!

I want to add some SPICE to my life!

MY FIRST ATTEMPT

Last night -- for the FIRST TIME EVER -- I used garlic, fresh basil and lemon zest in a recipe -- who knew? As I was browning the garlic (never done that before!) I knew it was going to be good. The new aroma was invigorating! It did not take very long to make either, super-fast and fairly simple.

Lemon Zest . . . no idea what it was. Now I know!

(Thank goodness for the internet!)

Fresh Basil . . . what a pretty little thing!

The kids all hovered around the new flavor filling the air and when Charles got home he mentioned how yummy the house smelled. Something new, something different. The kids were EXCITED to eat dinner, wondering what it might taste like -- rather than knowing what to expect. Dinner was gobbled-up without a scrap left behind, even William loved it. (I did not think he would!)

So here it is . . . my very first attempt at being a real "cook" using real ingredients.

It was AMAZING!!

Fettuccine with Shiitake Mushrooms & Basil

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/fettuccine_with_shiitake_mushrooms_basil.html

From EatingWell: Fall 2004, The EatingWell Diabetes Cookbook (2005)

EatingWell reader Sidra Goldman of Washington, D.C., contributed this fresh-tasting whole-wheat pasta recipe. Lemon zest accents the basil beautifully.

4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each | Active Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced (1 1/2 cups)
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces whole-wheat fettuccine, or spaghetti (see Ingredient note)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, (1 ounce)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, divided

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil for cooking pasta.
2. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over low heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Add mushrooms and increase heat to medium-high; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.
3. Meanwhile, cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 9 to 11 minutes or according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.
4. Add the pasta, the reserved cooking liquid, Parmesan and 1/4 cup basil to the mushrooms in the skillet; toss to coat well. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining basil.

YUMMY!!

The proper ingredients make ALL the difference!

Wish me luck in turning food into a pleasure, rather than a pain!

Happy Cooking!

(Five-spice Turkey and Lettuce Wraps tonight!)

School Days Hallelujah

I rewrote the lyrics to the song Hallelujah.

(You know, the song from Shrek.)

This video is my tribute to our school days . . .

and anyone who has gone through school -- especially with a young family.

They were the hardest days, but the sweetest days.

It was not the destination that changed our lives -- it was the journey.

This May marks 4 years since our graduation from law school.

Now those days are just memories . . .

Hallelujah.

Blog Background

I decided to update my blog background.

(I am sure you noticed!)

I like change.

Just ask my friends and family . . .

I rearrange my furniture at least once a month!

If the new background is too wild and crazy (or if it hurts your eyes),

let me know . . .

I can go back to the more subdued brown. ;-)

A touch of destiny . . .

About 12 years ago, I was dating Charles. (What fun times!) One day he pulled out a photo album and I found an image of him (above on the right) in his Scouting uniform. When I saw that picture of him -- I knew I wanted his children. It was one of those moments when everything was pulled into view and made clear.

Sometimes you just know when something is right.

I saw that picture of Charles and I knew I was supposed to marry him!

A few weeks ago, Daniel started the Scouting program -- he put on his uniform, and I took a picture (above on the left). As I stood there with camera in hand, that photo album moment from 12 years ago flew forward into my mind. I then realized what it was that I saw in that classic picture of Charles -- it was Daniel.

You may think I am crazy and I would readily agree with you. But when I saw that picture of Charles, it was as if I could see the future . . . as if I could see our children in his face.

His childhood face was a familiar face to me.

I must say, all of these years later . . .

I am so grateful that I was prompted by a picture, to pursue our relationship!

The rest is history.

Or maybe, perhaps . . . destiny. ;-)

Stage Fright? Me?

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to teach a lesson in Relief Society. (I have been subbing since they are missing a teacher.) The lesson was on missionary work. I had prepared well, I had studied, searched and written down my plan for the lesson. I was prepared . . .

But for SOME reason, no matter how much I prepare for a "performance" whether it be teaching, speaking, or singing -- my body ALWAYS responds in a "fight or flight" way. I have sung in public hundreds of times, I have spoken in front of people a bunch of times, and I have taught A LOT! And I actually LOVE doing all of these things. I like to "perform". I enjoy it. I even volunteer myself to teach, anytime. I get excited about singing, speaking, teaching. I dare say I LOVE to preform, when I am well prepared.

SO WHY DO I STILL GET NERVOUS?!

WHY DOES MY BODY STILL FREAK-OUT?!

As I was teaching the harmless ladies of the Relief Society, and while reading a story -- my mouth got so dry that I started making this weird mouth-smacking noise (you know what I mean?) my mouth was SO dry -- painfully dry -- I wanted to barf. (I know, too much info!) Seriously, I think I understood the "burn" that Edward feels in his throat when he is around Bella. (I am assuming you know a little something about Twilight?)

So, in a very out-of-character way, I actually said out loud, "Does your mouth ever get so dry that you can hardly talk?" I got a few chuckles from the ladies and then I went on with the lesson.

And then, not two moments later, a few ladies had run out of the room and returned saying, "Ta-Da!" They held a glass of water, offering it to me for relief. (It is not called Relief Society for nothing!) And so, once again, very uncharacteristic of me -- I drank it in front of everyone! It really helped a lot!

The lesson went on, and it went well. I love to have people engaged and involved in the lesson -- lots of comments and discussion is how I do things. It was great . . .

But when I got home I had to wonder why? Why do I STILL get nervous? I mean, really? I am 31 years old, not a teenager! I have given birth, broken boards with my hands, sung solos in front of hundreds of people. So what's the deal? In some respects, my body's responses seem to get WORSE with age?! Mostly dry mouth. And I mean DRY mouth. NO moisture. It drives me nuts! Aargh.

So, I briefly mentioned it to some ladies after class and they all claim to have some sort of weird body response when they teach: sweating even when it is cold, skin turns a bright red, shaking knees, butterflies, etc, etc.

I am glad I am not alone in my nervous/excited response. No matter how excited I am too do something, and no matter how ready I am -- the dry mouth comes. Blah. It is pretty ridiculous. How about you? Do you get stage fright?? Or rather "performance anxiety"?

Also, any suggestions about performing and dry-mouth? I think chewing gum would be a little tacky, and sucking down water while singing is not really an option . . . ;-)

I am a Child of God

I thought this was so very cute! I must be getting old cause I cried through most of it! When the music gets peppy -- I totally think it sounds like "it's a small world". Wouldn't you know, I cry during that, too! :-)

Blogger

Has anyone else noticed their blog is acting a little weird? Mine was missing a post for awhile and now has missing comments . . . ?? Is it just me?

Piggies

Question:

How long does it take my family to finish an ENTIRE bucket of Laffy Taffy?

(We are talking Costco bucket.)

Answer: 2.5 vacation days

Oink, OINK!!!

There were wrappers EVERYWHERE!!!!

(And a LOT of lame jokes!)

Mother's Day in McCall

This year we decided to get out of town for Mother's day . . . so we could spend some real family time together. We were going to go to Spokane, Washington. Then we thought about Bend, Oregon (we were there last year on Mother's day). But ultimately we decided to go somewhere we have never been, and also somewhere close (one tank of gas got us there and back again, with gas left over!)

So we loaded up the car and headed to McCall, Idaho!

We rented an AMAZING cabin for a really low price (it is the off-season). I think this will be a new tradition . . . Mother's day in McCall. It was so great!

This was the main cabin. It was HUGE for us. It was amazing to have so much space (and an upstairs -- the kids loved that!)

You can also rent out the unit over the garage if you have a big crew . . .

we did not need it, this time.

You walk into a beautiful living room heated with a propane stove. It was so warm and instantly inviting. It had the "wow" factor. It was better than I expected! Every detail was perfect!

This is the family room with comfy couches and flat screen. (This was NOT a rustic experience, just so you know!) There was cable TV and everything. I spent a lot of time watching HGTV learning about home decorating. It is a good thing we do not have cable in our home -- I think I would watch all day!

They also had a selection of 175 movies to choose from. There were a lot of games to play, which I thought was an awesome thing! They had games for ALL ages.

The kids loved playing monopoly with daddy . . . mommy was kicking back with the home decorating channel. (I do NOT like monopoly!)

It was the little things in this cabin that made it special. They had games out like this frog tic-tac-toe (love it!)

and this rustic checkers board

There were other cabins around, but you still felt like you had privacy in the ponderosa pines -- which smell so yummy!

The dining room, with the laundry room off the back

The Kitchen -- so cute!

The back deck

Playing in the very deep snow -- it felt like Alaska!

After snow jumping they warmed their feet by the fire

The master suite had a king size bed -- we could have fit a whole other person between us!

It was located upstairs

This was Sammi's room she was in Heaven with her own room. It was located downstairs.

The boys room -- it was so fun!

It even had a Playstation (which they did not really play, too much to do!)

We did go out to eat the first night we were there. About 1 minute away from the cabin we found this place. It is called Lardo Grill and Saloon -- how could we resist such a classy-looking place? I just knew it was right for our family. Sure enough -- it was AMAZING food. They load you up! We all brought boxes back to the cabin . . .

William finished his spaghetti the next day

We did go for a walk on Saturday and we saw this guy . . .

Sammi said, "Hey that is really big cat!" We all looked for what she was talking about and we saw it. A pet Bobcat!? Weird!

We had a really good time together as a family. It was very relaxing, which is just what we needed. We had nothing planned. We spent most of the time just in the cabin, doing whatever we wanted to do. We went to church in McCall on Sunday and we really enjoyed the ward out there. The Mother's day speakers were really fantastic. The kids all cried when we left the cabin. They did not want to leave! We will go back, for sure!

I think Mother's Day in McCall might be a new tradition!

Angels and Mothers

A few years ago my mother and I ended up with the same Christmas Eve pajamas, ordered from L.L. Bean. It was unplanned, and too funny when we opened our packages . . .

Look how cute we are in our Jammies!

It just goes to show you how much I really am like my mother.

And being like my mother is a very wonderful thing.

I have come to realize and understand deeply -- the strong ties between family bonds and who you come from. No matter who (or what) your past consist of (for better or worse) you are affected by those ancestors who have gone before you. Similar to the concept in the Lion King movie, your ancestors essentially "live in you".

King Mufasa says to his son Simba:

"You have forgotten who you are and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the Circle of Life."

The more you understand those who have gone before you . . . the more you will understand YOU!

The more you understand you . . . the more you will understand them!

And so on . . .

Life really does become circular.

A circle has no beginning and no end.

Eternal. Families.

I have come to have a deep love and special gratitude for the women of my family line. They are the Queens in whose mighty company I hope to dwell . . .

For this Mothers Day, I wanted to honor them.

Without them . . . I would not be me.

For those who might think a mother is "just" a mother . . . think again.

Time will tell your great worth. Generations will know your great worth.

Ann Steele Murdoch

Great, Great, Great Grandma

"Muzz"

1829-1909

• Joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Scotland with her husband John Murray Murdoch
• She left her homeland behind to face the hardships of crossing the ocean and the plains of America by Ox-team, where 2 of their children passed away shortly after arrival.
• She had 15 children
• Her husband worked for Brigham Young when he first arrived in Utah and was the Stake Patriarch
• She was the Relief Society President
• She loved helping and serving others
• They helped in settling Heber City, Utah
• It was with her approval and consent that John Murdoch followed the principle of plural marriage and so he married Isabella "Bella" Crawford
• "Muzz" and "Bella" were the best of friends and were known for their friendship and love for each other. They worked together to take care of their very large family.

I LOVE this picture!

John Murdoch with Ann and Isabella

John, both wives, and children all lived under one roof for many years in peace and harmony.

(22 children grew to maturity 7 dying very young)

John had been sent to jail for practicing the principle of polygamy and had to build another home for Isabella. They lived separately for years until almost all the children were grown, then he built a smaller home with two separate living quarters for the two ladies, in accordance with the law.

NOTE:

(Any questions about polygamy, send me an e-mail!)

To make it clear: POLYGAMY IS NOT PRACTICED in the church today.

It was a commandment for that time.

The more I learn about that time in history -- the more I understand the need for it. (Lots of women left to fend for themselves, they needed a provider.) I am amazed by the faith of those willing to live the principle.

Though I better understand polygamy -- I CANNOT IMAGINE being that selfless! WOW!

It was said of Ann Steele Murdoch:

"We will miss her pleasant, motherly smile, her wrinkled face and her gentle voice with it's quaint Scotch accent."

----------

Sarah Jane Murdoch

(daughter of Ann Steele Murdoch)

Great, Great, Grandma

1859-1933

She was one of the daughters of John Murray Murdoch and Ann Steele.

"One day my girl chum and I went into the school room and a little parcel was handed to us; it read "Dear Valentine." We opened it and there was a cedar pointer of beautiful workmanship and a stick of candy. Thomas Heber Rasband and John Carlisle were the givers."

Sarah married that boy Valentine, Thomas Heber Rasband.

They lived a happy life full of life, trials and children . . . until one day Sarah recalls:

"What is the matter?" Annie said. "There has been a terrible accident at the mine and Papa was in it." I said, "Come inside and we will kneel down and pray that there will be no lives lost." But at 3 o'clock James Rasband came in and said, "Sarah, it is Heber that is in the accident . He had fallen down the shaft 275 feet into a sump filled with water and they did not know if they could ever get him out. My first thought was that I must go to the mine. I started up the hill in front of our house and went blind and fell. They carried me back into the house and laid me on the bed and would not let me get up.

No human tongue can tell what I passed through at that time. What a terrible calamity had overtaken me to think that my dear companion was in such distress and that I would never see him alive again. Then to hear the pitiful cries of our dear children. Their cries were heartbreaking. I tried to make myself believe it was all a mistake and not true.

At 8 p.m. word came that his body had been taken to the undertaker. This was little consolation in this terrible trying time. There were many people outside crying and praying for me. I was helped into the room where I got to look at that dear face and mangled body. There were no tears for me for I was past shedding tears. I knew I would meet him again.

She lived a life of faith and trial and sacrifice.

Now, she is with her sweet Valentine, Heber.

--------------

Emily Isabella Rasband Cram

1886-1967

Great Grandma

"Embell"

"Embell's life was full of faith, hard work, laughter, tears and goodness and seemed blessed with an innocence (untouched by evil) that is unknown today."

• She was not afraid of anything as a child
• Her child nickname was "Curly"
• As a child their family would sing, play games, have skits, poetry, shadow plays with a sheet and light behind it. There favorite hymn was "Love at Home".
• Emily Isabella was 5'6 and 140lbs
• She had dark blue eyes and beautiful dark curly hair and good health
• Embell was the "Beautiful Belle of the County".
• She had a wonderful disposition

In August of 1908, Victor Dee Cram and Emily met. He was on a semi-pro baseball team and had a game in Park City. He was 28 and had a black eye and hurt hip from the game. Embell was 22 and worked at the candy counter of the drug store. Victor came limping in with his hurt leg and black eye. She was at the fountain, and turned around; she had a black eye also. Vic said, "Hi Curly! How about swapping black eyes?" Later he asked if he could take her home. He borrowed a bicycle built for two to come after her. "A love rose up between Sarah and Dad that lasted all their lives."

Victor

It took two days to get to the temple in horse and buggy. Mother was their chaperone from Heber City and on June 22 1910 -- two years after they met -- they were married in the Salt Lake Temple.

• Their home was lovely but after 10 children it really wore out. But it was orderly and clean.

"Sometimes I wonder how mother stood our gangs. Her arms were always outstretched to us, or around us! The eight loaves of hot bread, the homemade soups, Saturday night baths in a big iron tub were all a story of their own in our lives."

• She taught love thy neighbor, honesty, virtue, kindness and compassion in all they did.
• Embell lived her religion everyday of her life -- her example
• She worked in Primary, taught religion classes, and was Relief Society President
• She always had a Relief Society quilt in her living room
• She was such a peaceful, happy person to be around
• The corners of her mouth seemed to be turned up in a permanent smile.
• She never wore pants or slacks -- she did not like them!
• She always wore a housedress and silk stockings and lovely apron

"A bed was always kept on the front porch where many song fests were held. It was a joy to hear Mother's beautiful tenor voice."

"Mother always took the harmony -- tenor or alto-- whatever was needed." Sometimes as we all lay in bed before going to sleep, we'd all sing -- upstairs and down. We'd sing anywhere -- in front of the house, canyon parties, or just riding in the car."

Few things frightened Embell, but she hated lightning and thunder. She would close the drapes and gather her family around.

Embell laughed a lot. She enjoyed a good joke and loved to laugh. She could get so tickled; she'd get the giggles and couldn't stop. Even during occasions of deep sorrow, Embell and her cousins would be able to find something to laugh about. It was their way of saying, "It's sad, but we can go on."

Her favorite saying was: "The Hurrier I go, the behinder I get."

"Our home was a haven for the sick, the tired, the hungry, the lonely; the doors were always open to everyone. There was always food and room for one more. Many transients were welcomed to a good meal."

Embell had cancer of the mouth which caused her jawbone to be exposed. The doctor was amazed how she "hypnotized" herself out of the pain. He had never seen anyone with such patience and forbearance as she had. Even when she was sick, she was still kind and pleasant. She was still thinking of others. She passed away from the cancer.

Now, I am sure she is still "Belle of the County" in Heaven.

-----------

Sara LeIsle Cram Post

1923-Present

Grandma

"Nan"

• Played semi-pro softball on the teams "The White Stars" and "The Lucky 13". (Like the teams on the movie A League of their Own).
• She was co-editor for the high-school paper
• She was Valedictorian in her class
• She married Bill Post; Radio personality, composer, vocalist.

• They courted for 1 month and married -- he was 12 years older than her!
• She had eight children
• One of her children, John, drowned in a boating accident
• She worked in the Primary and Relief Society programs
• She was part of the PTA
• She had to work to support the family when her husband became ill
• She is the most adorable, kindest, sweetest person you will ever meet
• You always feel better when you are with her
• She always has something nice to say about everyone and everything
• After learning about her mother "Embell" she sounds just like her!
• Their family was all about music and singing -- all the time!
• She learned to smile through the hard times
• In her older age she was crocheting bandages for a leprosy colony
• She is always making or doing something for someone
• She bakes with love and you can taste it!

Nan also says often, "The Hurrier I go, the behinder I get!"

I love and adore my Nan. Just thinking about her makes me smile and happy. Her face is the face of an angel.

Nan is an angel.

*Poor Nan just fell a few weeks ago and hit her head. We pray she will recover quickly.

We all love her so much!

Just look at her sweet face and smile lines. :-)

------------

Sara Emily Post Lindquist

1943-Present

Mother

"Sally"

OK, so I could write a whole story about my mother. I used to love her as my mother, but now I adore her as an angel, like Nan. My mother is my best friend (besides Charles, of course!). We can talk and talk for hours. (Just ask my dad!) ;-) wink! As I mature, I grow more and more amazed at all my mother is.

• My mother is all about MUSIC
• She has played the piano/organ for THOUSANDS of occasions
• She played the organ in church for years, without it being her calling
• She has put on huge youth productions, fabulous elaborate roadshows, plays, musicals, etc.
• She can create an "atmosphere" in a home and you will NEVER want to leave!
• Don't get me started on how gloriously she cooks/bakes
• She has 5 children -- all married in the Temple
• She is the epitome of "Grandma"
• She has a special "sparkle" in her eye
• She is also all about FAMILY (family and music are tied closely together!)
• She would gather us around the piano for Sunday night singing time
• When she tells a story it is way more exciting than the actual event that took place. If there was a whale in the ocean, then in my mother's eyes they were "breaching, doing ballet dancing, smiling and waving at us!" (If there were actually two whales then she saw 20. ;-) wink!)
• My mother can just get the job done and done right
• She is not afraid -- of anything
• She has been the President of Relief Society, Young Women, Primary (all with young children)
• She has a special way with the youth -- usually through music
• She is master church choir director
• Growing up the oldest of 6 brothers (1 sister) she has learned to be "tough"
• She is on her second mission with my daddy right now. The faith of our fathers (and mothers) seems to grow stronger with each generation
• She is very passionate in all she does
• She just makes you feel better by being with you
• She is beautiful
• Like Embell, "The corners of her mouth seemed to be turned up in a permanent smile."

My Mother, My Friend

My family is full of angelic women and my mother is one of them.

She just keeps getting more and more beautiful.

I love this image.

It captures her perfectly.

Oh, Mother . . . how my heart bursts with joy when I think of you.

I will rise up and call you blessed, forever.

With Angels like these women walking behind me, how can I possibly fail them?

How can I not fulfill my potential?

As a woman. As a Mother.

“The errand of angels is given to women"

(Hymn, As sisters in Zion)

I have known such angelic women.

I can only hope to follow in their footprints of faith

and continue on creating my own footprints . . .

filling my place in the Circle of Life, and eternity.

Mothers are Angels.