Baked French Fries

I have had Stevie home for a week because she has the chicken pox. Today even though it was Saturday, her mother was at school and her dad at the ward with Zane and Noah, so we are watching Peter Pan, Twinkle Belle and other cute movies. I decided to try and find a healthy recipe for french fries and this is what I found. I thought I had made enough for Ceci and Baxter to have some but they were so good that Stevie and Grandpa finished them up.

1 large baking potato or 1 for each person
1 tablespoon Olive Oil or 1 TBl per person
1/2 teaspoon paprika " "
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder "
1/2 teaspoon chili powder "
1/2 teaspoon onion powder "

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
Cut potato into wedges, ( I cut mine like regular fries.) Mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder and onion powder together in a gallon bag. coat potatoes with oil/spice mixture and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 45 minutes in preheated oven. I cooked them for 15 minutes on one side and then turned them and baked for another 15 minutes. Yummy.

Then I made my regular fry sauce with salad dressing, catsup and a dab of mustard. Well Grandpa said if we are making these healthy lets try sour cream in the place of the salad dressing. All three of us liked the sour cream mixture the best. Now if anyone knows how to figure the weight watchers points they can tell us if we did good.!!!!

You're eating..... What?

I read this article on MSN this morning about some of my favorite foods. It makes me wonder if I still want to eat them or start making my own from scratch. I used to make yogart and my own french fries. I knew there was some reason I didn't like jelly beans or gummy things.

Strawberry yogurt
By Sally Wadyka for MSN Health & Fitness
Want some dead bugs with your dinner? Well, that's just one of the freaky ingredients involved in making some popular processed foods. And while all seven of these sound incredibly icky—though presumably used to help make your food tastier or look better—some additives are decidedly more disturbing than others. Here's what you're eating—which may inspire you to start contemplating those ingredient labels a lot more closely.

Carmine
According to the FDA, this red food coloring (also known as cochineal extract) is made from dried, ground bugs . The Dactylopius coccus costa insect is native to Peru and the Canary Islands, where it feeds on red berries. The berries accumulate in the females' stomachs and in their unhatched larvae—which is what gives the extract its red coloring. Carmine is one of the most widely used coloring agents, and food manufacturers routinely use it to turn foods shades of pink, red or purple. Chances are it's what makes the color of your strawberry yogurt or that cranberry drink look so appealing.
But the problem is that at the moment, you have no way of knowing if you're ingesting these little red bugs. Instead, the label will simply read, "artificial color" or "color added." But the Vegetarian Legal Action Network petitioned the FDA to disclose the presence of carmine, and in 2010, that requirement will go into effect. "But it will still be listed only as carmine or cochineal extract, with no mention of the ingredient's source," says Michael Jacobson, Ph.D., executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. "The onus will be on the consumer to know what carmine is, and that's asking a lot."

Bowls of chocolate pudding
Carrageenan

This is a fancy way of saying seaweed, and it's used as a thickening agent in foods such as ice cream, pudding and other dairy products. According to Jacobson, it's extracted from red seaweed that's plentiful on the Irish coast. It meets the FDA's GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) criteria and it's vegetarian, unlike some other gelling agents.

Jelly beans
Shellac

Just in case you haven't eaten your fill of bugs, here's another opportunity for insect consumption. Shellac—which is used to make that shiny coating on jelly beans and to give fresh fruits and vegetables that perfect, glossy finish—is made from the excretions of Kerria lacca insects that are native to Thailand. Again, vegetarian lobbyists have urged the FDA to require that labeling indicate if fruits and vegetables are coated with an insect-derived substance. The FDA wouldn't go that far, but, according to Jacobson, it did require produce packers to disclose whether any coating used is animal- or vegetable-derived. "But it would be on a placard or on the box of produce, not in bold type on the fruit or vegetable itself," says Jacobson, and not necessarily displayed to grocery shoppers. "And I don't know that the regulation is very strongly enforced," he adds.

Gummy candies
Gelatin

Gelatin is used in many packaged foods as a thickening agent. In addition to gummy candy, gelatin is found in Jell-O, ice cream and yogurt. But those innocent-looking little Gummi Bears are hiding a somewhat distasteful secret. According to the USDA, the gelatin that gives them their kid-pleasing texture is created at the expense of several different animal parts, including ligaments, skin, tendons and bones. Though some non-animal versions of gelatin are available, vegetarians know to avoid packaged foods containing gelatin, unless it's specifically labeled as being derived from a vegetarian source.

Sandwich with cold cuts
Bacteriophages

This is a case of an additive that sounds perfectly disgusting, but experts reassure that it's also perfectly safe—and even smart. Cold cuts and cheeses are often sprayed with a mixture of viruses (known collectively as bacteriophages) that work to help prevent listeria—a microorganism that can be lethal when eaten. "The viruses attack the bacteria and prevent bacterial growth on the food," says Jacobson. "It's actually better than harmless; it's a very clever way to prevent illness."

Lettuce leaf in salad dressing
Xanthan gum

While we're on the subject of bacteria, here's another one. Xanthan gum is a microbial polysaccharide that's derived from the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris. It's used to thicken liquids, and since it takes very little for it to accomplish that goal (concentrations of 0.5 percent or less), it is generally considered safe for use. You'll find it in most bottled salad dressings to help stabilize keep the oil from separating out. But what you may not know is that Xanthomonas campestris is responsible for the plant disease known as black rot.

French fries

"Natural" flavors

Natural flavors are the mystery meat of the food-additive world. And while they sound like a good thing—who doesn't want to eat something that's "natural?"—the term can be misleading and confusing. You will find these so-called natural flavors in just about every sort of processed food. They're used to give a "smoked" meat a smoky flavor; give canned peaches back their peachiness; and give an almond-flavored cookie its advertised nuttiness. The mystery is always that when the ingredient isn't specified—and it usually isn't—you don't necessarily know if that "natural flavor" is coming from something you want to eat.For example, you might assume that if canned peaches list "natural flavoring" in the ingredients list, the flavor would be derived from a peach. But according to Jacobson, it could just as likely be referring to apricot extract. Which is fine, unless perhaps you are allergic to apricots. And according to the current Federal Code of Regulations, a natural flavor could be extracted from meat but does not have to specify that if "the function in the food is flavoring rather than nutritional." Once again, it's a case of consumer beware.

Trusting souls aren't we????

Sunday's Relief Society Lesson

Saturday as I was reading the lesson, Finding Joy in the Journey by President Thomas S. Monson, a couple of things danced out at me.
By the way the Bishop assigned this talk to someone to give in Sacrament yesterday so we had it twice.

The first thing was when President Monson talked about the Music Man and Professor Harold Hill. Professor Harold Hill voices a caution , says he " You pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll find you've collected a lot of empty yesterdays."
When I look back on my life I think I have collected a lot of empty yesterdays. I have thought about all the things I wanted to do when I got older, retired, had all the money I needed. Now I'm to tired to drive to some of those places I wanted to see. Don't get me wrong, I loved raising our family and our camping and fishing trips. I have always wanted to travel and see the world. I have always wanted to see how many temples we could go through. Now there are so many temples in the world.

Another thing was the sentence we often assume that people know how much we love them. We should never assume; we should let them know. William Shakespeare wrote, "They do not love that do not show their love." I grew up in a home where I never heard I love you from my parents. I wondered if I was loved. After I was married and I would end a phone call to my parents with I love you, there would be a long pause. After awhile my mother started beating me with the phrase, I love you. Now she says it all the time. My dad would shine when you would tell him he was loved and he started saying it also. It is so important to say the words I LOVE YOU and mean them. President Monson says we will never regret the kinds words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.

So I want everyone in my family to know how grateful I am for a good husband, good family, good parents and sisters, friends and my health. I love you all. I don't say it as often as I should and probably don't show it in actions like I should.

Flashback Friday Grandchildren

It was fun being a mother, but it is grand being a grandmother. It all started with a call from my daughter Tina, who had married Lincoln Stevens, in July of 1986 saying, "Hi Grandma, it's a boy. When Grandpa and I first saw Justin, we just fell in love. Justin was born in Murray, Utah. It was like seeing Tina the first time and the love just expanded to one more.

Then Lincoln, Tina and Justin moved to the farm and along came our first granddaughter, Halley, in June of 1988. Halley was born in Delta. It was love at first sight also. They lived just up the road a few miles so we saw them quite often.

Then the Stevens family moved back to Salt Lake where in Jul of 1990 our second grandson, Chancy came along. I went to Salt Lake to help with Justin and Halley and my heart swelled with love again for this new little one.

Then our youngest son, George married Lora Kinsman, and in Mar 1991 and he and his wife went flying (driving) to Provo to have Hope. Sid and I couldn't stand not knowing how things were going so we drove to Provo also. What a blessing, the second wonderful granddaughter, Hope. We saw a lot of Hope as they just lived up the street.

In Apr of 1993 our third granddaughter blessed the home of George and Lora, Jackie. She was also born in Delta. Our love just kept expanding . Jackie is so precious and cute.

By this time Trudy had married Steve Bainter and in Aug 1994 Baxter came along. He was born in Salt Lake and I went and stayed with Steve and Trudy for a week. Baxter was our third grandson and again that great love kicked in when I saw him. Grandpa and I really didn't get to see much of Baxter until we moved here to Maryland.

Then in Aug 1995 our fourth Grandson was born to George and Lora, again in Delta, Utah, Tayler. I think George was relieved because his Grandfather George had 5 girls and no boys. Again that wonderful love filled my heart.

In December of 1995, Grandpa and I went to Salt Lake and was with Trudy when our fourth granddaughter Cecilia came into the world. Trudy just barely made it to the hospital for this one. Steve was working nights and had to come home and get her and it was close. That Cecilia was a bundle of love.

In Mar of 1996 I flew down to Houston, Texas for the birth of our fifth granddaughter Sydney. Sid and Chanhei had been married 8 years, what a blessing in their lives to have this little baby girl. A friend of Sid's picked me up and took me the hospital. It was love at first sight when I saw Sydney through the window at the hospital.

When Tina was expecting her fourth child, she asked Grandpa and me if we wanted to be in on her ultra sound to see what the baby was going to be. We were all so excited, Lincoln, Justin, Halley and Chancy were all there. Halley just knew it was going to be a girl, she already had two brothers, but to her dismay it was going to be another boy. She cried and cried but when McKay was born in May 1996 it was love at first sight for her too. McKay was our fifth grandson. You'll notice we are tied 5 grandsons and 5 granddaughters.

In April of 1997 little Emma, our sixth Granddaughter was born to George and Lora and in Delta. They were still living in Abraham and we were just up the street and so we saw them quite a bit. I started all four of George's children on the piano. You just can't help loving Emma. It about broke my heart when George moved their family to Oregon because we had been so close to them. So now George has 3 girls and 1 boy.

In Feb 1998 our sixth grandson, Zane was born to Trudy and Steve. I went up and stayed with the Bainters to help out with the older children. Again love at first sight. Tina and Trudy didn't live that far apart so it was fun being there and seeing everyone. Zane was such a cutie.

Trudy didn't believe in wasting time so in Oct 1999 Noah came along, our seventh grandson. He was also born in Salt Lake. Noah was such a happy baby you just couldn't help loving him. The Bainters came down to the farm as often as they could so we spoiled the kids whenever we had them.


In May of 2002, Stevie was born to Trudy and Steve. Trudy wanted to know if Grandpa and I wanted to see Stevie born so we sat in the hospital room with Steve and Trudy until little Stevie made her appearance. There is something special about seeing that first breath and hearing the first cry of a newborn. It tugs at your heart strings and you know that these special children came from our Heavenly Father. Stevie is our seventh granddaughter. We are tied up at 7 and 7. How special is that.

Here is a picture of one of the last sleep overs we had at our house in Sutherland. Wall to wall grandchildren. Lincoln and Tina had come from Maryland and Sid was here from Oregon. It was just after this I think when George moved to Oregon closer to Sid Jr. and Steve and Trudy moved to Maryland closer to Tina. Leaving Grandpa and I alllll alone in Utah.

That didn't last for long because we moved here to Maryland next to Trudy and closer to Tina and we have been enjoying family and hopefully still sharing our love. I understand that this love just keeps growing as the great-grandchildren come along. I can hardly wait.

Valentine cookies

Stevie has been asking to make cookies so yesterday I made the dough in the afternoon and put it in the fridge. When Stevie came home from school the dough was ready. The cookies turned out great.

When Stevie put the cookies on the cookie sheet she moved so fast I had a hard time getting a picture.

Almond Milk

Someone told me not to drink milk but I might could drink almond milk. Thursday Trudy was going up to Waldorf so I asked her to pick me up some almond milk. She called to say they only had unsweetened almond milk but I told her to buy it anyway.
I thought I would enjoy it in cold cereal.
That is the nastiest stuff I have ever eaten. I had some corn flakes and had to add sugar, and then a lot of heavy cream. That made it palatable but defeats the purpose of no milk products. I guess I will stick to just cream in my cereal and be happy.
Actually it tastes like chalk with a tint of almond. Now I can see why Noah doesn't like almonds, he used to drink almond milk as a baby, poor thing.

Sunday Afternoon

Today has been sunny and bright. Church was great. We have a new missionary Elder Dillon, he was just in the Anacostia Ward for three months before coming here to our ward. He gave the lesson today in the Gospel principle class today, he did a pretty good job, especially when two good looking girls walked into class.

About this afternoon. Earlier in the week my sister Barbara called me on the phone and wanted me to send her a gedcom of my family history file so she could take a class. Then a couple of days later Tina and I were talking about the same thing. I thought Tina was going to download the paf file and then let me know so I could gedcom her. I got to thinking my file really isn't up to date. I had been working every Sunday in the Family History last year with insight to get my ordinances up to date. George called in November or December and asked me if I had gone into the new.familysearch. org. I had, so we both went into it together, so did Tina and I last week. Well to make the long story short, our lines are a mess. Left off ordinances and they have Sid dead, buried in Delta. Well actually Sid is in there twice, once living and once dead. Even Uncle Joe picked up on that one.

Thursday I bought and downloaded Family insight, it is supposed to work with the new.family search. This afternoon I worked all afternoon looking up missing ordinances and even added some new spouses. I saved it and went into my files and nothing. I couldn't find the information at all. I had been so excited because I found my Dad's sealing date to his parents and it wasn't there. So Sid, to the rescue. I had two files open and we found the information on one, but it had doubled up the parents and my dad then had three sets of parents. I finally went back into Family insight wrote down all the names I had looked up and started looking at each drive to find the information. When I found the right drive, I then matched merged all the new information and made a backup. Then Dad went into the Family insight and looked at a few things and showed me what I had done wrong. Turns out it is a pretty decent program when you know what you are doing.

I should be able to upload everything to the new.familysearch program and hopefully get everything straightened out. I"M STILL SMILING.

Flashback Friday

Leman Caves in Nevada and traveling the loneliest highway in America.

The first time I went to Leman caves was with Dad when we were dating back in 1962. We had traveled 150 miles from Murray to Abraham but Emily, his mother, would not let us travel alone out to the caves. She sat in the back of dad's corvair and did word games. She said she was thinking of words that would be in her book that she was going to write. I think that is the only thing Emily didn't do before she died.
I found these pictures on Google earth, rather dad did, and I started remembering all the times we had traveled this road as a family going to Lemans for family reunions, pine nuting, or going on to Ely, Nevada to visit family or for funerals.
This picture is kinda of dark but I loved the sky. It is just outside Hinckley, Utah.
I loved this picture also. It is taken at the beginning of the 105 mile trip to Lemans just outside Hinckley.

That road was so straight and long. One of the sites along the way was the Sevier Lake bed. It was part of the Bonneville Lake that used to cover all of Utah way back when. It was often dry and I don't know if you kids remember driving out on it. When the flood came in 1984, because that is where all the water flowed from the Sevier it had quite a bit of water.

By now kids were restless because of how long they had been in the car. You know, don't touch me, Sid's looking at me, are we there yet? We didn't have TV's in cars, mp3 players to listen to we sang as a family all kinds of neat songs. Dad would lead us in On Top of old Smokey, another song I can't remember ended as "and throw it out the window.

Sometimes we would play 20 questions, find different shapes in the clouds. And are we there Yet? There were quite a few pictures of Notch Peak and I liked this one. Really this is looking back at Notch peak on our way home. Amsey valley is on the east side of Notch Peak.

I think Kings Canyon was the only turn in the road. There were a lot of serious accidents and deaths in this canyon. It is 60 miles to Delta and in the day's I'm talking about there were no cell phones. I think this canyon was so unexpected people forgot to slow down.

When we saw the mountains in the distance we knew we were also most there!!!!!!

Here is the border town. Half is in Nevada and half in Utah. In the Nevada half you could get your beer and play the slots. It was also a gas station. They had some pretty good week-end deals if you liked that sorta of thing. We never went but a few Deltans would head out to the border for a week-end of fun.

Then just before the turn off to the caves there was this sign saying how far it was to the next services.Here is a picture of Wheeler Peak in the distance. It was just above Leman Caves.

We camped up at Wheeler peak once in the Aspens with Grandma and Grandpa Blake. I think if my memory serves me right that we pulled our fifth wheel up that scary road behind our International Truck. When we were there for the Young Reunions we always camped in the lower camp grounds. The first year we were there for a reunion, Sid Jr was just a baby and I couldn't keep him out of the fire pits. I had a sooty child the whole time. I'm just glad they were always cold when he would crawl in.

These are just a few of the rooms we would see in the caves. I couldn't find the organ. It was cold inside no matter what time of the year you came. In the summer you had to wear a jacket to keep warm.

After all the fun of the caves then we would pile back into the car for the long, long, long road home. But it was worth it.

Cold Building

Today when we arrived at church and went inside we found it was colder inside than outside. It was 35 outside and the breeze was blowing. They turned on the heat but it never warmed up.
It reminded me of Leo saying that in Korea they didn't have heat in the chapels. It was fast and testimony meeting today and I felt the spirit really strong so it just goes to show you that you don't need heated up chapels to feel the spirit. I had my gloves on until they passed the sacrament and my hands had warmed up enough that I could play the piano at Relief Society without gloves All in all it was a great Sunday.