We Don't Put Plates on Walls!

When everyone was here at Christmas-time, two-year -old Gabbi said a cute thing. She was eating in our dining room all by herself. Michelle walked in to check on her and found her just giggling out loud. "What?" "What's so funny, Gabbi?" Michelle asked. Gabbi, looking up at all the plates on her Grandma's walls, was just cracking up. "We don't put plates on walls!" she giggled.

I guess it is kind of silly, Gabbi. When looking through the eyes of a child, we can see how silly some of the things we do are! But, silly or not, I like the plates on my walls!

24 Hours of Bliss

We do a lot of traveling now our kids are gone. But this time of year- tax season- we pretty much stay put. It's kind of nice. I like normal, day-to-day boring life. So, I'm not complaining. But I do look forward to our one getaway this time of year. Ken does government audits all during the fall and audits a lot of the little towns in Utah. All towns, by law, require an independent yearly audit- and many of Ken's audit clients are the little towns of Utah. His firm does them in Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Nebraska, California and Arizona. But Ken's are all in Utah. So, then, sometime in December, January, or February he has to travel to those towns and attend their city council meeting and present the findings of the audit. Usually he drives up and presents, then drives home that evening, but the Tropic one is a little too far away and it's on a two lane highway where the deer roam- so it's not really safe to drive home at night. So, we've established the tradition of me going with him on that one each year. We spend the night at Ruby's Inn where we honeymooned and always go into Bryce Canyon National Park in the morning before we come home. This year we left at 1 pm on Thursday and got home at 1pm on Friday. So it was exactly 24 hours. We loved this little trip. It gave us time to talk in the car. Then, I loved sitting outside the city council meeting in the hall and listening to him present. It's obvious that they honor him and appreciate his work. It's fun to hear my husband work. This is the town of Tropic, taken from Bryce Canyon:

We ate at the lodge there at Ruby's Inn. When the hostess sat us at the table, we were surprised to be right next to three of Ken's first cousins. They were there, attending a quilting convention. They are all avid quilters and two of them were even presenting one of the classes. It was fun to see them. I wish I had thought to take a picture. I had the camera right there, but didn't think!

They have THE best food. I think I told you about it last year. It is really, really good food. Ken loves the "bottomless" hot chocolate and has it for dinner and then again in the morning for breakfast: I love the portabella mushrooms with gorgonzola cheese as an appetizer. Oh, my, my mouth is watering looking at this picture.

I was too busy eating to take a picture of the main course of steak. Oh, and the rolls. They are so good. Here's the wagon wheel dessert.

Then we swam off some of the calories consumed in the wonderful indoor pool, and then a soak in the hot tub.

The next morning, we went into Bryce Canyon National park. It is so pristine and beautiful . . . and silent. I think we forget what absolute silence is. We were the only ones at one of the lookouts and you couldn't hear anything except occasional sound of the wind. Peace . . .

We came home rested and renewed. I love our little 24 hours of bliss!

Hinton Family Pictures

When our family was here at Christmas time, we had family pictures taken. Here are some of my favorites:

Kristen and Jared's family:

Shonna and Blake's family

Michelle and Brian's family

Us with our Seven Grandchildren

The Original Five Hintons

Mother- Daughter Shot

Sisters

Three Best Sons- in - Law

And maybe my favorite of all: I just love this picture:

Lucky Rock

I own a lucky rock:

You may remember this guy- John:

From this post: http://kenandkayhinton.blogspot.com/2011/11/tuesday-st-lucia.html

If you don't remember: I was out in the ocean on a boat in St. Lucia last November, and this Rastafarian, John, paddled out on his "water taxi" to sell me stuff (and to get rum from our boat). We got to talking and he and I became friends. That's the short of it. But what I didn't tell you before is that John gave me a lucky rock. After we visited awhile, he reached down in his boat and pulled out a rock. Then, with great ceremony, he presented it to me, declaring it was a lucky rock- obtained from the local volcano. He told me it would bring me luck. I smiled. I thanked him, and when I got back to the ship, packed it in my bag and brought it home. I set it in a basket on my dresser and kind of forgot about it. Recently, I noticed it in there. Hmmmm . . . I thought. I guess it isn't that lucky of a rock. I thought of my teeth (three of them) that have broken since I got home. I'm still seeing the dentist, trying to get two of them fixed. The dentist broke the 2nd one, fixing the 1st one. Anyway, it's been quite an ordeal. I thought of the terrible cold I had last month- and still, I have a clogged ear, lingering from that. I thought of two of my grandchildren who have had RSV- one of them having to be hospitalized. I thought of other disappointments and hard things in my life. "No, that's no lucky rock," I thought. Then, in almost the same thought, I was overwhelmed with how lucky I am: I have the kindest, nicest husband who honors and loves me. I have three beautiful daughters whose greatest desire is to be a good mother and who strive every day to be a better person. I thought of my three fine sons-in-law. And then I thought of each of those seven precious grandchildren (LUCKY!) and how much I love them. I thought of my comfortable home with running (hot) water and a washer and dryer and dishwasher and computer and many, many conveniences that make my life better. I thought of the good people I live near, the opportunities I have to serve and the joy I feel in every day. I thought of my siblings and extended family and of my heritage. I thought of the many opportunities and blessings I have in my life. "Oh, yes," I thought," That is one LUCKY rock." That is a good, good rock. Now, I know you'll all be wanting a lucky rock, too. So here's what to do: Just go out in the ocean near St. Lucia and John should come floating up. Tell him you're there for a lucky rock and that Kay sent you. I'm sure he'll give you one. He's just that kind of a guy. OR, you could just sit down and think of all the ways the Lord has blessed you and guided your life. That might be cheaper, and I think you'd find that maybe you don't even need a lucky rock. I kind of suspect I don't need one either. But I'm hanging on to it . . . just in case!

Grandpa and Gabbi Christmas Duet

Whitethorn Woods

Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy My rating: 2 of 5 stars This book was an exercise in frustration for me. I was relieved to finish it. I don't think that's the emotion you should feel when you finish a book. It wasn't a novel, really. It was a bunch of little stories, with the characters all having some connection to a place in Ireland- Whitethorn Woods. Some of the stories and characters intertwine, but it's very hard to keep track of everyone. Though Binchy is good at characterization, I kept forgetting them before they came up again, so I felt like I was always needing to go back and try to find them. I do like some of Binchy's earlier books, but just wasn't crazy about this one. View all my reviews

Patty and Hal come for a Winter Retreat

Last week, Patty and Hal came for a short visit. Hal is now a branch president at the MTC and had a big group of missionaries from his branch leave on Tuesday morning. So he felt he could miss his Tuesday evening responsibilites there. (He got another big group in on Wednesday) We always have such a good time when they come. On Tuesday, the sisters went for lunch at Sakura and had bento boxes. Yum! We were eating when Roger and Hal showed up to "take our picture." I think the waitress and staff there were pretty sure we were famous or something when two guys show up with cameras to take our picture! We then went sister shopping. We always have fun shopping together and talk each other into buying stuff. It's just what we do.

Then Wednesday, the guys went golfing. We all went to Pancho and Lefty's for dinner, then to Pam's for pie after. It was fun to visit and be together.

Thanks for coming, Patty and Hal . . . and thanks for the pictures, Pam and Roger! (I forgot my camera.)

My Favorite Things- Fortified Oat Flakes

By far, the best cereal ever made was Fortified Oat Flakes. I LOVED this cereal. I still can remember when I first tasted it.: When I was in fifth grade (that's a long time ago, people!), my best friend moved from our town of Caldwell, Idaho to Moscow, Idaho. Her mom and my mom were good friends and they cooked up this plan that I would fly to Moscow and spend a week. It was such a big adventure for a fifth grader. I had a wonderful time. (I still chant "Camera, purse, cheese!" sometimes. It's the chant Ellie taught me as I was getting back on the plane to fly home. She told me to say that to myself as I got off the plane, so I wouldn't leave anything on the plane. They'd taken me to a cheese factory while I was there. "Camera, purse, cheese!" I chanted to myself the whole way home on the plane.) I loved Ellie Frank (the mom.) She was so kind to me. Anyway, she asked me what kind of cereal I liked and I said, "Captain Crunch." So she bought me Captain Crunch and also bought Fortified Oat Flakes. I tried the Oat Flakes and LOVED them. It was misery for the rest of the week, feeling like I had to eat Captain Crunch when what I really wanted was Fortified Oat Flakes.

I was hooked. From then on, I ate this cereal a lot! It was still available when we were first married, but it was expensive, so I lived without for many years. And then, it just disappeared. Now that I could afford it; it was gone! Vanished into thin air. I can't tell you how many times I've searched up and down the cereal aisle- just hoping to catch a glimpse of that box. I finally googled it and found that it is indeed no longer made. But, I found there are many others like me that are sorely missing it. There's even a facebook page devoted to encouraging Post to bring it back: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Post-Cereal-Please-bring-back-Fortified-Oat-Flakes/101245193254832

Post: Are you listening?????

It's #6 on the Top All-Time Favorite Cereals List: http://www.mrbreakfast.com/cereal_votes.asp

(Though I do have to question the validity of a poll that has Cinnamon Toast Crunch at #9 [oosh!], Cocoa Krispies at #12 [double oosh!], and Life Cereal [the 2nd best cereal ever made]clear down at #56.)

What was so good about it, you ask? Well, though it's like trying to describe salt to someone who's never tasted salt, I'll try to describe it. They were flakes, but not really hard, cut your mouth flakes like Wheaties. They were softer . . .and sweeter. There was just a delicious natural sweetness- though that didn't stop me from adding sugar. And . . . (you're going to think this is weird) .. . they were really good soggy. You could pour on the milk and even if they got soggy, they were so yummy. Okay, I now have drool on my chin. Man, I miss this cereal.

Alas, this has turned into a sad, sad post, for Fortified Oat Flakes are truly one of my favorite things!

(I can remember this box with the little stitchery kits on it. I even ordered some, I think.) Sigh.

What's your favorite kind of cereal?

Disneyworld with the Mackrorys= Fun, Fun, Fun

We had a wonderful vacation for a week in Orlando with Kristen and Jared's family.

We arrived on Saturday, the 7th and went home on Saturday, the 14th.

We grocery shopped on Saturday evening and moved into our nice 3-bedroom condo. We also got reacquainted. Jakie is such a sweet, little cuddler.

On Sunday, we attended church at the chapel across the street from the Orlando Temple.

After the three hour block, we walked around the beautiful temple and took some pictures.

We had homemade lunch and dinner at the condo, and after a significant nap . . .

We enjoyed a nice, restful evening.

We started early on Monday at Magic Kingdom.

Some of the Christmas decorations were still up. I've always wanted to see Magic Kingdom at Christmas time.

We pause in front of the castle long enough to take a picture.

Kristen went to get fast passes, and the rest of us headed to Buzz Lightyear ride. The kids were SO excited to tell her all about it when she met us at the end. Their first Disney experience.

They loved driving the cars.

Next, we visited Rapunzel. She was absolutely darling and spent so much time with the kids. It truly was a highlight of the week. (I thought it was so cute how since Rapunzel was kneeling, Brielle knelt down, too)

On to "It's a Small World"

And Aladdin's carpet ride.

I saw a lot of this all week. It was run, run, run . . and I was always lagging behind.

Teacups are always a favorite.

Winnie- the - Pooh ride was one of the longest waits of the whole week. They had fun things for the kids to do while they waited.

And Splash Mountain is fun. Brielle looks terrified. Nathan wasn't quite tall enough for this ride. You had to be 40". He was devastated. His hair touched the 40" mark, but they wouldn't let him go. His parents figured out that his tennis shoes had a slightly bigger heel, so that's what he wore the rest of the week. When we got home Monday night, he ate a lot of broccoli. He was SURE the reason he grew bigger was because he ate that broccoli.

The castle was so beautiful at night.

The Electric Parade

TUESDAY- ANIMAL KINGDOM

We started the day on an African jeep safari.

We saw all kinds of animals.

The train ride was a bit of a bust. Waiting for the train . . .

The river rafting ride was a blast, but we got absolutely soaked to the skin. Nathan was barely tall enough to go, but he had to be "captain." That meant he got a special wrist band that signaled to the workers that he needed to sit in the "captain's chair"- a special chair with a yellow bar to hold him in. It made him feel so important. I sat by Brielle and we got soaked.

We decided since we were wet anyway to go again. We told Nathan that since he was captain, he needed to keep us dry. As we all got buckled in on the raft, he announced to everyone on the raft, "I'm not going to be able to keep you dry." Just so you know.

Nathan loved it and wanted to go again. Brielle was freezing. I held up my ever-present "tarp" and her parents helped her change into dry pants and jacket. She was so glad to get out of those wet clothes. Then she, Ken, Jakie and I waited near the exit for Nathan, Kristen and Jared to go again. As we waited, a little girl came out that was soaking wet. Brielle looked at her and said, "I hope her parents are as well prepared as mine." I thought that was such a sweet, mature thing to say.

After drying off a bit, we attended the Finding Nemo show. It was so well done. The actors had the fish puppets on sticks in the dark and did the voices. It's hard to describe, but it was really cool.

Then we went to the Lion King show. Earlier, Jared had gone to get tickets for it. I think they liked his cute accent and thought he was cute, because they gave him VIP tickets. We had to meet the escort at the back door. We were escorted right to the front and had great seats. Then, they kept coming to us during the show to assist. First, Ken was asked to come up and had to make the noise of a wart hog. I got it on video and intend to use it for blackmail purposes! He did a great job.

Here he is making the wart hog noise. Unfortunately his back was to us, so you can't see him making the face of the warthog. It was pretty funny!

Then later in the show, Brielle and Nathan were pulled up to be part of the musical parade. They played shakers and marched around the stage. They were awesome!

Nice work, Jared! You totally scored!

Our whole group as we were leaving the park. I can't help but notice that we still looked like drowned rats. My pants were still wet when I took them off that night. We really got soaked.

We went to dinner that evening at a pizza place. A "Balloon Man" made the kids balloon animals.

WEDNESDAY: HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

We were up early the next morning to go at it again. Breakfast.

This time we went to Hollywood. There were lots of good shows there. First we saw The Little Mermaid.

The kids enjoyed playing in the "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" playground.

Ken had been eyeing those huge turkey legs all week, so chose that for lunch. He said they look a lot better than they taste.

Nathan loved the stunt show that taught how they do car chase scenes and jumps and fire and other boy stuff.

I preferred Beauty and the Beast.

Kristen and Jared went on the Tower of Terror while we were in the show. Then Brielle, Ken, and Kristen went. As they got off, Kristen and Ken were excitedly chattering about the experience. Kristen asked Brielle, "Do you want to go again?" Brielle looked up and asked incredulously, "Why?" I Loved the Rockin' Rollercoaster. The biggest thrill is the start as they blast you so fast. It's all in the dark. I know you go upside down at least a couple of times, but you can't see, so it's not as scary. THURSDAY- GRANDPA AND GRANDMA'S DAY OFF

Thursday, Kristen and Jared headed back to Magic Kingdom, and Ken and I took the day off to rest and for my blisters to heal. Ken didn't get much rest, though. He left early in the morning to go birding. He saw several new life-listers, including two whooping cranes. There are only about 200 whooping cranes left in the wild, and he saw two of them. Lucky!!! I spent the day resting and reading by the pool at the resort. We went out to dinner that evening.

Here's some of what Kristen and Jared did on Thursday. Brielle loved the parade in the afternoon. After they saw her reaction to the princesses and characters in the parade, they decided they needed to visit more of them.

EPCOT CENTER: FRIDAY

Friday was Epcot Center day. I love the Epcot Center. We went on Soarin' And Test Tracks. That was fun.

We ate lunch in Morocco. It was delicious.

Jakie signing more.

After lunch, Jared took Brielle and Nathan to do kid things. Kristen, Ken, Jakie, and I explored the world. We had a pastry and creme brule' in France.

And loved Japan. We loved going through the very authentic stores there. Kristen and Ken both served missions in Japan. Kristen was overwhelmed with emotion, seeing the sites and hearing the language. It all seemed so real. We bought Mochi and curry mix to make Japanese curry at home.

Mochi: Weird marshmallowy stuff- a Japanese treat.

Germany:

We went on the Imaginations ride several times at the end of the day because it's one Jakie could do and he loved it. Ken, Jared, and Nathan ran to ride Soarin' again. Kristen, Jakie, Brielle, and I rode this one several times.

This was in the exploration center. It played music when you jumped on the squares.

We also went on the Nemo ride a couple of times. Outside of there, was a huge aquarium that had dolphins and lots of other fish.

The Mackrorys stayed that night for the Illuminations show. It was cold that day, so Ken and I left our coats with them and went home. It's really the only thing the weather kept us from doing all week. Thank you, Mackrorys for a wonderful week! It was exhausting, but oh so fun! It truly was magical!