Running like Grandma Moses

Last week, I didn't run. I had a little cold, and well, you know. Why is it so hard to get back into running again? Yesterday, I decided to run. I was not looking forward to it. So after I checked my email, read the blogs, changed the sheets, emptied the dishwasher, read my scriptures, baked 20 loaves of bread, cleaned the oven, washed the windows, changed the oil in my car, raked the leaves, washed the curtains and rehung them, paid the bills, and went on family search and found 100 ancestors, I decided to lace up. During the first half mile, I said to myself, "Lisa, you are running like Grandma Moses". And then I said to myself, "who the heck is Grandma Moses, anyway?" So here she is! She was a famous painter who didn't start painting until her 70's. She was feisty and a real character who lived to be 101. Who knew? I sure didn't!

Thank you, Little V

Yesterday morning, Linz called me on the phone and Little V said she wanted to talk to me. This is rare. Little V does not usually want to talk to me on the phone. Linz handed her the phone and she didn't speak, she began to sing. She sang the entire first verse of "I Love To See The Temple". It drove me to tears. Little V is just three years old and her speech is that of a three year old's. But she sings every note in tune and with the exact melody. The combination is the sweetest and the most angelic voice. It was the perfect start of my day. Thank you, Little V.

Ding! Dong! Avon Calling!

Sunday morning, DTA walked out to get the paper and the Christmas Avon catalog was also sitting in our driveway. We were so excited to see our granddaughter, Little O, on the cover! Little O is the adorable little girl on the right. Her picture is also inside the catalog. This time she is on the left! DTA and I are mighty proud!

Book of Mormon Challenge!

You have just completed week 1 of the Book of Mormon Challenge! You should be on Page 71. So how did it go? I really enjoyed it. I found that it wasn't that difficult to find the time or take the time. I love knowing that others are reading besides me. My niece-in-law has a blog(http://teamz-nwz.blogspot.com/) and she posted the Book of Mormon Challenge and many of her friends signed on. Besides those of you who commented that you would be reading, I know that my mother and Samyo are also reading. My mother told me that my Dad stated it was time to go to bed the other night and she said, "Oh, I can't go to bed yet. I haven't read my ten pages!" I love that! Happy reading!

The November Station

This is my November station. I would like to share a pumpkin chocolate chip muffin recipe. I shared one last year, but this one is ten times better! I bake my muffins in large muffin tins.

4 eggs
1 c. sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
15 oz can pumpkin
1 1/2 c oil
2 c flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 to 2 c chocolate chips

In a large bowl, mix together eggs, sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin and oil. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. Blend flour mixture into the egg mixture. Add chocolate chips. Fill greased muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Makes 2 dozen. ( 1 dozen if you use large muffin tin and bake 25-30 minutes)

Who Would You Invite?

There is a commercial running on TV right now that I really love. It is a Macy's commercial and celebrities are gathering around a holiday table with Martha Stewart at the helm. It got me thinking about our upcoming Thanksgiving dinner and although my family is sufficient for a fabulous time, I thought about what celebrities I would invite to bring a little pizazz to the table. Well, first of all I would invite Tim Gunn. I can just imagine him standing over me in the kitchen while whipping up my gravy and in his most concerned tone saying, "Lisa, talk to me" and then him giving the "wow factor" to my orange rolls while sitting around the table. I think he would offer interesting conversation at our holiday table...you know the latest in fashion talk!

Next, there would be Bruno Tonioli who would stand on my holiday table and call me "Leeeeesa the Queen of Culinary" and the "Seductress of the Table"! He would have us on the floor laughing with the pure outrage of his character! What fun he would be around our holiday table.

And speaking of laughing...we must invite Mary Murphy! She would eat and scream and laugh and soon we would all be on the Hot Tamale Train! She would be very entertaining.

And for my mother.............................................I would invite Len Goodman.

So what celebrities would round out your holiday table?

Have you ever spent Halloween in the Halloween capital of the world? Well, I have!

This year, we spent Halloween in the Halloween Capital of the World...Anoka, Minnesota!

Part of the festivities is an afternoon parade. DTA wore his costume to the parade and he was a hit! Everyone was waving at him and the princesses were blowing kisses!

The parade begins with a 5K race! Most of the runners are in costume! We loved it!

The temperature was in the 40's but the wind was intense! We were a little chilly.

Having a Halloween parade is such a great idea! I loved seeing the spooks!

Thank you, Kennedy Krew for a wonderful Halloween weekend! We enjoyed celebrating and trick or treating with you!