Fourth of July Half

My Sister and her family came into town the Sunday before the fourth to take a mini vacation for the summer. We enjoyed their company and made some new memories of the great Northwest. I had planned since June to run a half marathon the morning of the fourth. Which meant Justin, myself, and my niece began the day at 4 in the morning. Early, but we beat traffic to get to Sauvie Island.

Cold weather when we arrived, watched the sun come up.

Look at us bundled up in front of the Brooks running trailer.

One aspect I loved about this half was the location. Sauvie Island is just a bunch of farm fields. How refreshing this was for the farm girl in me. Justin and Megan infront of a red barn that had animals in it.

I heart John Deere tractors

Megan and Justin waiting for me to be done.

The end, finally- I was exhausted and sore!

Megan wore my medal for me. Grateful for the great support system of Justin and Megan.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Arise and Shine Forth- Super Heroes

In May I was asked to help with our Stake Girls Camp. I LOVED Girls Camp as a young women and was looking forward to the opportunity. Going as a leader is a whole different ball game....., but may be more rewarding because of all the work you put in to make it a great experience for the girls. The last week of June I set out for the responsibility in a raft down the Sandy river. We arrived after and hour and a half of freezing cold waters and new introductions.

The theme for camp was awesome and I was impressed with all of the creativity and kindness from all who attended. Dinner each night had a different theme (historical and scripture heroes, literary heroes, super heroes, Hogwarts)and everyone could dress up for the theme. My favorite night was probably the Hogwarts banquet night. The camp director went all out and had the dining room completely decorated and a whole thanksgiving dinner was served by the camp dad.

After dinner was the special program. This years program revolved around heroic women of the scriptures. Six, 6th year girls, and the Stake President's wife played these women. They were spread out along a hiking trail (at night) and each held a candle that was lit while they told their stories about overcoming trials in their lives and "Coming to see themselves as Christ sees them." At the end of the trail the Young Women that came through went to a lit up area where a long mirror was placed. On the mirror the words were written, "Do you see what he sees?"

It was very powerful presentation,  and what an interesting way to look at these women? I have read their stories many times- Ruth, Esther, Mary-the mother of Christ, Hannah, the Woman who touched Christs robes, Sarah, Emma Smith; but I had never really thought about their stories from their perspectives. As I was editing the scripts prior to camp, I realized just how much I had in common with these women. It brought to life the sisterhood we really do share in life with all of the women we know. We are more alike in our feelings, thoughts and challenges than we realized. The sixth year girls did an excellent job and the younger girls felt the spirit.

I really enjoyed getting to know the sixth year girls. They kept me laughing with their talk of 'hot' celebrities and silly jokes. They did a great job leading the camp and inspiring the younger girls and I know they have great things in store for them.

Sixth year girls and Kirstin who was the main 6th year leader and Assistant Camp Director (One I have my back to)

The end of girls camp was bitter  sweet. We made great strides in friendships and camp songs in just 4 1/2 days, but I was EXHAUSTED! Kirstin, the assistant camp director and who I served with is super camp woman and I learned so much from her and her example.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

My Favorite Things Party

A friend of mine hosted the cutest party last week. It was called, 'My Favorite Things Party.' Everyone that comes chooses one thing that they love. It could be a favorite recipe, food, store (gift cards), utensil, book, etc. They then bring five of that one item. When you arrive you enter your name in a bowl five times.

The party begins once every ones name is entered five times. You can start with anyone in the circle. They share why that item is their favorite and then draw five names out of the bowl. Those people whose name was drawn win one of the items. In the end everyone should go home with 5 different favorite items from other people.

It was really cool to see what everyone else loves in life, and I now have a list of new ideas to try. I also got some pretty neat items, one of which is the Turbie Twist. It may sound ridiculous, but is so handy in keeping your wet hair up until you are ready to do it. Justin calls it my turbin. It is like a towel shaped specifically for your head and has an elastic to hold it in place and keep it from slipping around. I believe you can find them at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

Another great thing about this party is you can do it once a year. We all know we have more than one favorite item. I took a mix that I absolutely love, but had several other items I debated between.

Reasons it is my favorite: This mix can be used to make pancakes, waffles, biscuits, or muffins and I LOVE breakfast. It stores in the fridge for 6 weeks or in the freezer for 6 months. Best of all it is whole weat and pretty healthy for you. Here is the recipe and the recipes that go with it (this recipe is from the Cache County Extension Office):

Honey and Wheat Mix

6 cups whole wheat flour

3 cups all purpose flour

1 cup instant nonfat milk powder, or whey milk substitute, or dry buttermilk powder 1/3 cup baking powder

4 tsp. salt

¼ c * powdered honey or ½ cup sugar (I have only used sugar because I haven't been able to yet find powdered honey, let me know if you do!)

In a large bowl, combine wheat flour, all-purpose flour, milk powder or buttermilk powder, powdered honey, baking powder and salt. Spoon into 12-cup container with tight fitting lid. Attach lid. Label container with date and contents. Use within 10-12 weeks if stored in refrigerator or within 6 months, if stored in freezer. Makes about 12 cups HONEY AND WHEAT MIX. *(1/2 cup liquid honey may be used. Drizzle over mixture while stirring with a wire whisk.)


Honey Wheat Waffles
3 eggs, separated

2 cups buttermilk

¼ cup butter or margarine, melted ½ cup canola oil

3 cups Honey and Wheat Mix

¾ tsp. baking soda


Preheat waffle iron. In a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, buttermilk, butter or margarine, and canola oil, beating with a wire whisk to blend. In a large bowl, combine Honey and Wheat Mix and baking soda. Stir into buttermilk mixture until just moistened. Batter will be lumpy. Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Fold into batter. Bake in waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Serve hot with syrup. Makes 4 large waffles.


Honey Wheat Pancakes
1 egg, slightly beaten

1 1/3 cup water 2 cups Honey and Wheat Mix

3 Tbsp. canola oil

In a medium bowl, combine egg, oil, and water, beating with wire whisk to blend. Stir in Honey and Wheat Mix until blended. Let stand 2 minutes. Preheat griddle according to manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly oil griddle. Stir in more water if a thinner batter is desired. Pour about 1/3 cup batter onto hot griddle to make 1 pancake. Cook until edge becomes dry and bubbles form. Turn with wide spatula. Cook 35 to 45 seconds longer until browned on both sides. Repeat with remaining batter.


Honey and Wheat Muffins
3 cups Honey and Wheat Mix

2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar

1 egg, slightly beaten 1 1/3 cups water

¼ cup canola oil

Preheat oven to 400◦ F. Generously grease 12 large muffin cups. In large bowl, combine Honey and Wheat Mix and brown sugar. In small bowl, combine egg, water, and oil, beating with a wire whisk to blend. Add egg mixture all at once to brown sugar mixture, stirring until just moistened. Batter will be lumpy. Fill each prepared muffin cup 2/3 full with batter. Bake 15 to 20 minutes in preheated oven until golden brown and wooden pick inserted in center comes out dry. Makes 12 large muffins.


Buttermilk Biscuits
2 cups Honey and Wheat Mix

½ cup buttermilk, milk, or water

¼ cup shortening

Preheat oven to 400◦ F. Pour Honey and Wheat Mix into medium bowl; cut in shortening. Add buttermilk, milk or water all at once. Stir with fork until dough follows fork around bowl. Turn out dough on lightly floured surface. Knead 10-12 times. Roll out dough to ½-inch thick. Use 2- inch biscuit cutter to cut dough. Arrange dough circles on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes in preheated oven until lightly browned. Makes about 9 biscuits.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Sick

This is what it looks like at our house right now. I feel like sickness hits at some of the most incovenient times. I won't whine too long I promise. I just am trying to finish up preparation for girls camp and stay dedicated to my half-marathon training. However, it is not going so well with the current sinus infection. Praying for it to get better and doing my best to rest and keep the fluids coming. All things pass. One positive thing, I have gotten several naps in the past couple of days. I do love a good nap. :)

I must also say- I am a terrible sick person, but Justin puts up with me. How grateful I am for his patience and still holding me when I smell like mentholatum and haven't put makeup on in days. He has run to the store for me a couple times now to get cold medicine, Emergen-C, and Gatorade. I sure do love him and his endurance with me.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Super Hero Capes

I am headed to girls camp this year as the assistant to the assistant camp director.... translation you ask- we are over the 6th year girls. The theme this year is Super Heroes and goes with the scripture D&C 115:5- "Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations."

The 6th year girls have chosen the name, 'Knights Rising' aka. Batman. The past few weeks I have put in several hours to making 12 of these beauties. I can't wait to present them to the girls and for them to get to wear them.

I also made some special capes for myself and the other 6th year leader. We are planning a surprise skit for the girls, kind of along the theme of 'If Justin Bieber and Jessica Black were Superheroes.' We still haven't ironed out all of the details yet, but are working on it.

I think the theme is going to be very powerful and am excited to watch the leadership of these 6th year girls. Now to just wrap up the craziness of getting everything together for it.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Furniture

When we moved to Portland, the only living room furniture we brought with us was this little maroon love seat. We got it when we wer first married and it fit perfectly in our other two homes.

I loved it! What is not to love? -Free, great color, and comfortable.

 It has been bitter sweet to say we needed new furniture for our apartment. Having this little couch in the living room allowed for alot of extra space. I mean, I probably had enough room to teach a small aerobics class.

We were greatly blessed to find a living room set that is modern looking, comfortable, the right price, and not to far of a drive to pick it up. For all of you curious what it is like to visit us- here is the living room.

I thoroughly enjoy sinking into these large chairs.

So grateful to have been able to find a great set for a great price. I count it as a blessing from the Lord. We had been looking for a few months, but really hadn't seen anything that caught our eye- or a more correct statement was it caught our eye, but not our liking.

A cool story came out of purchasing the furniture. As we were loading it into the back of Justin's truck, I commented that Justin should have gotten some help from some of the guys we go to church with.

The lady who sold us the furniture asked, "Where do you go to church?"

We repsonded, "The LDS Church."

She said, "I knew it, I knew it when I talked to you. (pointing to Justin and he had gone to look at the furniture while I was working) You have that spirit in your eyes that all LDS people do. I studied with the Mormon's for five years, several years back. All of those members have that spirit with them."

I thought that it was really neat she could recognize the Holy Ghost in those of our faith. I invited her to come 'study' with us again anytime she likes.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Train

We saw this exhibit out in front of the zoo. I'll give you three guesses of why we stopped to look at it, but you are only going to need one.  

Justin and Ruth Blazzard