Dear Mom and Dad-
The upstairs washroom has always annoyed me for one reason and one reason only.

But today I am more than grateful for that one reason.

You see, I left my straightener on ALL day.

And I mean ALL day. I left the house at 7:30am and didn't return to that washroom until 8:45pm. That is when I saw the straightener on.

I had a little panic attack.

Said a little prayer of thanks that the house didn't burn down during those 13.25 hours.

And then I remembered.
The reason why this washroom annoys me.

The outlet shuts off when you turn off the lights.

That annoying feature may be the only reason that you will have a house to return to soon.

Love-
your favorite daughter who can't wait to see you

Dear Mom and Dad-

I got you a new dishwasher.

It is really cute.

Sometimes it is really quiet but can get super loud at times.

And sometimes it gets water all over the counters and the floors.

But did I mention it is REALLY cute.

See. MUCH cuter than your old dishwasher.

Love-
your cute daughter (and even cuter granddaughter)

Dear Mom and Dad-

Last week, my super hero helper, his cute little sister and their fabulous mother were helping me weed the garden.

And look what we found:

A CARROT! All by itself. We didn't plant it but we did eat it.

It is was better looking than it was tasting.

Lots of love-
your green thumbed daughter

Dear Mom and Dad-
Guess what?

It's snowing. A lot.

I must say it does look kind of pretty with all the white snow on the green grass and trees.

Not sure your lilac tree would agree.

Like the pool that looks like it is our yard but it's really the neighbors?!? Not sure why they decided to put it right beside the fence... probably so I can just jump the fence and go for a swim.

Now if only it would stop snowing and go back to the 30 degree (90 Fahrenheit) weather we had 2 weeks ago.

Love-

your favorite daughter

Happy Birthday to YOU! part 2

It's that magical time of year again.... MY BIRTHDAY.

2 years ago I shared with you a bunch of things you could sign up to enjoy on your birthday (click here to check them out)

Today I will share with you a few more I have discovered. And as far as I know they are all good in the U.S. and Canada (unless otherwise noted).

Papa Murphy's
free cookie dough with the purchase of any pizza (and coupons throughout the year)

Orange Julius
free 16 ounce Julius Fruit Drink (and coupons throughout the year)

Pizza Delight (only in Canada- big in the east with only a few locations out west)
free meal ON your birthday (and a coupon when you sign up)

Lofthouse Cookies
coupon for free cookies (I haven't received mine yet for this year. hmmm...)

Michaels- The Knack
coupon for store discount during your birthday month (and coupons throughout the year)


Sign up today and have an even happier birthday whenever that blessed day arrives.

Please share if you know of any other birthday deals!

Dear Mom and Dad-

It has been a long time since I last "wrote" (even though I send you several emails a week!). My excuse for this past week is that it was SPRING BREAK!

As you know, I headed to Idaho and Utah where I was able to visit with a few friends. Not as many as I would have liked but that will just mean another trip in the near future!

One of the reasons I headed south was to attend General Conference. I got to go to both Sunday sessions and it was delightful. Thanks to my friends "presidential" connections we sat just 13 rows from the Prophet. So neat. I could make eye contact with the Quorum of the 12.
I so badly wanted to take pictures but since I was surrounded by family members of the people on the stand I was making eye contact with, I felt a little awkward.

After the morning session I was turning around to leave our row and who did I come face to face with? Sheri Dew. Oh my. I apologized and she kindly said "that's okay". (that may not have been her exact words but it was something to the effect of it being okay that I almost chest bumped her).

Don't worry- even after my brushes with fame I am still the same humble, wonderful daughter you remember.

Lots of love-
your humble, wonderful daughter

Dear Mom and Dad-


Last night my roommate and I went to the ward party- a Dessert Cruise. It was fun. And made me want to go on another cruise! When you came in they took your picture. You then could watch a movie in the primary room, do aerobics in the young women's room, golf in the relief society room, games and karaoke in the gym. Then came the dessert. mmm. I decided to make No Bake Peanut Butter Toblerone Cheesecake (click here for recipe).


I LOVE making desserts but something always goes wrong when I make something to take somewhere. Well I should have been smart and cut it up before- but I didn't. Someone (who will remain nameless) had to come get me to find out if they should take my dessert out of the pan. Apparently they have never used a springform pan before. So I removed the rim and she immediately began cutting it like squares. That kind of disturbed me since it was in a circular shape. And cheesecake. Whatever. It was really soft since it was supposed to be refrigerated and it had been sitting on the kitchen counter for over an hour. My roommate actually had to go get it from the kitchen because they hadn't brought it out and it was one of very few desserts she could eat (gluten free other than the crust).


I didn't have any until today. When I took it out of the fridge I realized that no one had eaten the crust. (you can see the pan in the picture where I cut the crust). It may look nasty but it was tasty. But with peanut butter AND toblerone- how could it not?? I think it is funny that the one time my crust isn't crumbly and falling apart it gets stuck on the bottom of the pan!


Back to the cruise... after eating desserts they had a Guess Whose Legs contest. 7 men hid behind a curtain on the stage showing nothing but their legs. I guessed 3 out of 7 right. Then there was a fun and entertaining "talent" show. The Elders played ukuleles and sang the Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World song. I wonder if both of them knew how to play or if one taught the other. All of the other numbers were wonderful. It was a great evening and you were asked about by several people.


I am sick again- the last time (only a few weeks ago) I was congested. This time it is my throat. I sound like a man and may possibly lose my voice. I am subbing the next 3 days for a friend while she goes to the Olympics. So if I don't lose it from that, all will be well.


Love-
Your sick daughter

Dear Mom & Dad-

Happy Valentine's Day!

(even though it was yesterday for you!)

I made these cookies for my primary class.

Gotta suck up on my first day of being their teacher.

Love-

Your sweetest daughter

Dear Mom & Dad-
Tonight was the opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics. There is a whole lot of excitement buzzing throughout all of Canada.

All of the excitement made me realize I never shared with you the pictures I took of the Olympic torch. It was pretty exciting having it so close- just down the street. Since I had the day off, I had to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Here it is right before everyone showed up. (It reads Canada welcomes the world).
Here are some fun ladies that got all decked out. Sadly I forgot my maple leaf toque, sweatshirt, facepaint and ribbon at home. The flame is being passed- you can't really see it. The previous "runner" was in a wheel chair. As it passed right in front of me. Look at all the people!! And there it goes.

It was over pretty quick. But so neat. I sure wish I had the means to head to Vancouver to enjoy some events in person. Since I don't I will enjoy them from the comfort of the couch!

Let's go Canada!!

Love-

your proud to be Canadian daughter

Dear Mom and Dad-

Last Friday night 4 of your granddaughters, 1 grandson and 1 of your OTHER daughters sleptover. It was a delightful evening consisting of some delicious appetizers- such as Brontosaurus stew, Polar Bear Pancakes and Triceratops Soup. mmmmmm.

And thirst quenching beverages. We ended the evening with a Barbie movie and popcorn.

Saturday morning began with Elmo & Cookie Monster waffles. I had finished up a bottle of syrup 2 days before on my french toast and just assumed there was more in the storage room. But there was none to be found. Luckily I remembered a recipe I copied down this summer after having waffles at my friend Martha's house. So while I made the waffles, Kristi made the syrups and all feasted and enjoyed.

Apparently your granddaughters have requested that their mothers make the syrup for them so I promised I would share the recipe. Hopefully you will have an opportunity to try it in the Philippines. If not, I promise to make it for you upon your return.

It isn't healthy. But it is delicious.

Cinnamon Syrup (makes a BIG batch so you will likely want to half it)

1 cup corn syrup
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup evaporated milk

Heat everything except milk in saucepan. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Then add milk.

*when you reheat syrup- don't bring to a boil.


I hadn't tried this next one before but Martha told me it was delightful so I copied it down as well. And boy, am I glad I did. So scrumptious.

Buttermilk Syrup

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 Tablespoon light corn syrup

Combine all ingredients in saucepan. Melt butter and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add:

1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla


Love-
your waffle-eating-everyday-until-the-syrup-is-gone daughter

p.s. these syrups would be a FABULOUS way to celebrate the upcoming Pancake Day- February 16th.

Dear Mom & Dad-
I went to the temple tonight. It was lovely- of course. Saw lots of familiar faces- and they all asked about you which I of course LOVE to talk about.
But unfortunately they also asked "Are you teaching?" To which I hate to talk about. Because I am not teaching. And I want to be. So I feel like a big loser. But the temple made it all better.

On my way home I swung by this place- It truly is delightful. So many fun things to dream of buying. Or wonder who in the world would buy (and eat!). They do have a selection of gluten free goods. Since my new roommate is celiac I thought I would try to buy some gluten free flour and pasta so I could make food that she could eat. I don't know yet what I am going to make- but be at peace as I will let you know what I make when I make it.
I am a little hesitant though since I made Puffed Corn Squares (rather than Puffed Wheat Squares) on Saturday. Luckily I had some before she came home. I was watching a movie when she arrived home so I told her they were available for her consumption. Well after the movie I went in the kitchen to find that she had eaten the ENTIRE PAN. I was shocked. And kind of mad. Don't people know that you should leave the last piece for the person who made it?

some people.

So what will she do if I make cookies, or banana bread. Or muffins. I would like to try some since I have never had gluten free cookies, banana bread or muffins.

Maybe I just need to be more charitable. Or like your grandson Taylor and shove as much in my mouth as I can in case it does all disappear before I finish swallowing. :)

Love-
your most charitable daughter

Dear Mom-

Your plant is dying. I am not too sure why as I ,being the obedient daughter that I am, water it each Saturday like you said to.

(I would like to say I tried to get the fuzzy white part at the bottom of the picture, but I am not sure how it happened!!)

The only thing I can think of is one of your OTHER daughters caused it harm when they were in charge of watering while I was in Vegas.

What shall I do about it?

I assume you don't know how to comment so I will teach you-

*right below this post are the words "0 comments" (or another number depending on how many people have commented). Click on that.

*Then type in your comment.

*You will also need to fill in the word verification area- just copy what it says.

*If you are logged into your gmail, you should be logged in so just click on "publish your comment". If you are not- then just enter your gmail information.

Don't make me regret teaching you how to comment! :)

Love-

Your obedient daughter

I am getting a dog.

Dear Mom and Dad-
It is so convenient really... I just mentioned in the other post how I want a dog so very badly. You know this of course. I know you always said you didn't want another one after our dear ol' Snuff passed on- but I know deep down you would LOVE to spend your days with a cute little thing that will cuddle with you when you watch TV or sleep at your feet each night. Well Kristi (one of your OTHER daughters) found the perfect solution for us all on Freecycle.Ad reads: Little girl Chinese crested (hairy hairless). Lucky is 8 weeks old and is in need of a good forever home. She was born with a
slight heart murmur so she is NOT suited for an active lifestyle. She would do
great in a smaller quiet home or apartment. She is very lovable and will remain
quite small (approx 10 lbs).


How perfect is that?? It was like she was made for you- quiet forever home. lovable. small. FREE.

And you can't tell me you won't love waking up to this every morning.
You can thank me later!

Love-
Your favourite daughter

There is Good News and There is Bad News.

The good news is:
I am going to try blogging everyday.

The bad news is:
It is probably going to be very boring. Because my life is boring.

Since my parents are on the other side of the world, and I am their favourite, smartest, most beautiful daughter, and they wonder what I am doing every day without them here-I have decided I am going to fill that void in their lives.

So you are welcome to check in whenever you desire. I will try my best to be funny and/or exciting.

But don't hold your breath.

Vegas- part 2

Since I have been home for 3 weeks, I figured it was time to share more about my adventures in Vegas.

It certainly was an adventure spending Christmas away from family and with no snow. And it was my very first Christmas not in Canada. But it sure was nice spending it with Alisa. We did what we wanted, when we wanted. It was perfect. Here is Alisa's cute tree surrounded by all our gifts waiting to be opened.

And here is cute little Buddy enjoying his new friend. I want a dog. Real badly.

One adventure happened when I was walking cute little Buddy. I saw a card on the ground- which at first I thought was a credit card but when I picked it up I discovered it was a gift card. I thought for sure there was nothing on it but it wouldn't hurt to check. My investigation proved there was $7.86 remaining. Then I discovered something else. It is from Dr. Phil. And his wife Robin. It started with $500 on it. And my holiday would have been greater if I would have found it then! But I do appreciate the $7.86 towards one of my Target purchases. Thanks Dr. Phil. And thanks to the person you gave it to that dropped it on the ground/tried to throw it away but missed the garbage can.





We decided to ring in the new year in San Diego. So we drove past the tallest thermometer in the world-which was kind of cool except I think it is kind of lame you can't see the temperature when you are next to it.

After a delightful dinner in Old Town San Diego we went to some of the shops where we saw a skateboarding chicken.

But since it was New Year's Eve all the shops were closing early. And we couldn't decide what to do for the rest of the evening- but we did agree we wanted to see the temple. I would have preferred to see the inside of it but settled for the beautiful outside.

That was the extent of our evening's events. Sad but true. We were asleep by 11pm. But that meant we could wake up "early" and head to the beach. Which was beautiful. A little breezy. But sunny and warm. Unless you are from Vegas. Then you think it is freezing. And you bundle up like this-

I don't get it. I couldn't handle the pansy Vegasites complaining about being cold so I went for a walk to discover the beach. It was delightful. I wish I was still there.

We headed back to Vegas that afternoon to continue the adventures there.

My friend had to go back to work so that meant Buddy and I got to spend the daytime together- alone. I was happy about it. He- wasn't so much apparently. This is what I found when I came down the stairs one morning.

He sure is cute- even though he apparently wasn't happy with what he saw.

I spent 3 weeks in Vegas and only went to the strip once. And it was to see-
by Cirque d'Soleil. It was fun. Odd. But fun. The usher who sat us said there was no photography allowed. I assumed that meant of the stage and the performance. But when we tried to take a self-photo of us well before the show started and she yelled at me to put it away- I knew she meant at all. She said they even confiscate cameras. Wow. If she really wants a picture of me and the 6 chins that came out for that photo, be my guest.
So we took one outside- after the show. I look a little freaky. But I had just watched some freaky stuff so it is to be expected.
And to end my adventures- a picture of how they like to hide their cell towers in Vegas. I think it is hilarious. But not as hilarious when they disguise it as a pine tree... because that blends in so well in the middle of the desert.

oh Vegas- how I miss thee. Especially when I returned home to a 45 degree Celsius (85 Fahrenheit) drop in temperatures.