How to Live a Long and Healthy Life

(The short answer to this post is apple cider vinegar, but the long answer is a little more complicated.)

I met a new member of our local church congregation last week. Her name is June and she is an extremely upbeat and energetic 84 year old. When I went to visit her she had been working on her Spanish. She also showed off her large garden and told me about all of the things she still wants to learn. She's proud of the fact that she does all her own gardening and even continues to mow her own lawn. I was amazed when June told me that the only pill she takes is a calcium supplement for her teeth. When I asked June how she manages to stay so healthy, she exclaimed quite simply that she owed her health to the Lord and Apple Cider Vinegar! She then enthusiastically brought out her vinegar and showed how she applies it directly to any aches and pains she may have. My friend, who had been complaining of cracked feet from her own gardening work, came with me to visit June. June told my friend that the vinegar would soften her cracked feet and then took off the girl's shoes and began massaging her soles with the vinegar! (Now that, is service!)

I had to share this story because I have been thinking about June all week. What an amazing woman! My own grandmother is an inspiriation as well. She will be turning 90 this year and is still actively involved in the community. She was recently honored by the Springville Museum of Art for all of her charitable contributions over the last 25 years. She has been purchasing paintings for donation each year and the collection has built up to fill an entire wing of the museum. The picture above shows a James C. Christensen piece that I love from her donations.

My grandma and June have much more than old age in common. They are both farm girls that really know how to work hard. They both do gardening that gives them good exercise. They're actively involved in their communities and churches. They stay social and they keep their minds active by continuous learning. Here's hoping we can all live to such a ripe and happy age!

Gettin' Bigger Every Day!

We had Persy's 2 month check-up today. She now weighs 9 pounds 7 ounces. She is in the 50% for height and 25% for weight, (yes, she is just as tiny as she looks!)

Guys Fishing Trip

Last week, Gabe went on a fishing trip with all the guys in his family. They caught tuna off the coast of San Diego. On the first day, Gabe got horribly, horribly sick. I'll spare everyone the "Too Much Information" details of his barf fest, but he did say that he's never been so sick in his life, (and this from the guy who has dealt with Mexican stomach bugs!) Fortunately, he was able to get some medicine that kicked in by his second day on the boat. Once his illness went away he had a great time and caught two large tuna. Our freezer is now stocked with tasty and fresh fish! It sounded like a fun and memorable trip!


Jim, Brooks, Rob, Ken, Gabe




I spent the week in Logan with all the girls. Every time I'm in Logan during the summertime I am amazed by the gorgeous landscape. The light just seems more golden up there. With the smell of freshly cut hay, the sound of horses stomping around my in-laws property, and the taste of good old Aggie Ice Cream, I often feel like Logan is one of the greatest places on earth.

Perfection Found

One of my most popular posts had to do with my quest for the perfect cinnamon roll recipe. I am happy to report that the search is over and I have the gooey flavorful recipe here for all to enjoy! This recipe is curtesy of my friend Megan, a happy mom and wonderful chef.

Meg's "Sin"amon Rolls

2 Pkgs. yeast
1 tsp Sugar
1 Cup warm water

2/3 Cup Sugar
1 Cup warm milk
2/3 Cup melted butter
2 tsp. salt
2 eggs- beaten

6 1/2 -7 1/2 Cups Flour

Filling:
1/2 Cup melted butter
1 1/2 Cups Brown Sugar
3 3/4 Tablespoons Cinnamon

For Pan:
1/2 Cup melted butter
1/3 Cup white sugar

1. In a small bowl dissolve 2 pkgs of yeast, 1 tsp. sugar, and 1 cup warm water. Set aside.

2. In a Large bowl, mix 2/3 cup sugar, 1 cup warm milk, 2/3 cup melted butter, 2 tsp. salt, and 2 beaten eggs. Stir well and add in your yeast mixture.



3. Slowly add 6 1/2 -7 1/2 Cups flour. Make sure not to add too much flour. Lightly flour your hands and knead dough for about 8 minutes. In a large, lightly greased bowl set dough aside to cover and rise until doubled (approximately 1 1/2 hours.)

4. Punch dough and let rest for 5 minutes (I love this part! :)

5. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface into 15 x 20 inch rectangle. Brush with 1/2 cup butter. Mix together 1 1/2 cups brown sugar and 3 3/4 Tablespoons cinnamon and sprinkle liberally over dough.



6. Roll dough and pinch to seal edges

7. Cut into 12-15 slices. (Note: I like to use string or dental floss to make this job easier.)

8. Coat the bottom of a large cookie sheet or 2 small cookie sheets with 1/2 cup margarine and then sprinkle 1/3 cup white sugar on the bottom of the pan. This gives the cinnamon rolls an amazing carmal-like coating on the bottom!

9. Place rolls close together in pan and cover. Allow 45 minutes to rise.

10. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

11. Frost when cool



Frosting:
6 oz softened cream cheese
1/2 Cup butter
3 Cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt

What Do You Think?

Thanks to some kindly suggestions I have been able to change the title of my blog and I changed the template as well. What do you think? Can you read the white script against the green background? Any suggestions?

Music in the Mountains

The Perfect Picnic Basket
Originally uploaded by knitsational

Gabe and I were able to enjoy a romantic date on Saturday night thanks to the babysitting help of my sister-in-law Laura. We went to Deer Valley and heard the Utah Symphony play a selection of Broadway songs in the outdoor amphitheater. We brought along a fancy picnic and snuggled into blankets and just felt grateful to be together. I'm so glad I married somebody who enjoys events like this!