HEAVEN JUST GOT CLOSER!

...and the angel of the month award goes to my amazing sister-in-law CAROL for sending this miracle-in-a-mug!

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) {why optional?}

A small splash of vanilla extract

1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.

Add the egg and mix thoroughly..
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) {when} and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).
And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?

Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

There's just one thing more to say...mmmmmmmmmm!

NOT AS TOUGH AS I THINK I AM...

Look out bubble bath - here I come!

Life (or the dealing with loss) doesn't get any easier. For some reason, I thought I wouldn't find it so hard to bear another hole in my heart, but it just gets tougher and tougher - not my heart, but the healing. Maybe, because of all the other holes there, the fabric is wearing thin and ragged. ...maybe it isn't ragged, but more resembles lace, and all the greiving has made it more beautiful - you know - that breathtakingly painful beauty?... I do know that time will soften the edges just as age softens our vision (so the wrinkles don't show up as much in the mirror) and with the help of loving family, friends and my Savior I will cope.

...and a nice long soak in the tub.

THE CHALLENGE: ACCEPTED

I know I've been a slacker lately, but...here goes the challenge Bev gave {a while back} on:

Some interesting and not so interesting things about ME!

I am: stubborn, sassy, yet very old fashioned, and a great hugger!

I think: it's time to do something seriously FUN!

I want: my Lena...and Wanda, Norene, Mom...

I have: way too many pairs of shoes - since I'd rather be barefoot!

I dislike: constant whining & complaining

I miss: my Toni & Todd...

I fear: scorpions, fire, and deep, dark water

I feel: privileged to have formed so many lasting friendships!

I hear: QUIET, and it is FABULOUS!

I smell: Red Door - wear it daily

I crave: chocolate & cheese - they are both so sensual on the tongue...(I seriously need help)

I cry: when happy, sad, mad, whatever...

I usually: make my bed every morning - at least I pull up the covers on hurried mornings

I regret: the grey hair my rebellious nature inflicted on my mother

I search: for far more things than I care to admit as I age

I wonder: if I will ever marry again (guess I have to date first, huh?)

I love: having my daughter and granddaughter near me

I care: about making a difference while I'm here

I always: wear nail polish on my toes

I worry: about the success of my agents

I am not: afraid to try new things

I remember: my carefree and wonderful childhood (wait- did I ever leave it?!)

I believe: in eternal families - that's what keeps me going

I dance: in the rain - alone

I sing: in the car - loudly if I'm alone

I don't always: get my trashcan to the curb on Wednesdays 'cause I can't get my can out of bed!

I argue: with myself - you see my body and mind don't agree on a lot of things anymore!

I write: because I like the feeling of pictures flowing out of my fingers in words

I win: at Yahtzee about half the time and Andi wins the other half

I lose: track of time when I'm happy

I wish: I could time travel

I listen: to my heart over my head most of the time

I don't understand: how an ounce of chocolate makes a pound of fat!

I can usually be found: at my desk

I watch: my granddaughter grow way too fast!

I need: to use the stairs more often!

I forget: ...now what was I going to say?

I am happy: most of the time!

If you read this, you are now challenged to do the same blog with your answers! Have fun!

PEACE AND REST

I love you LENA...and I miss you already...

I'm glad I got to say goodbye ~ for now ~ and give you love and kisses yesterday. You have enriched my life far more than I was ever able to tell you (I tried here), and it's going to have a another hole in it without your presence . I know we will be together again --- however, I don't intend for that to happen for a long, l o n g time. So, hug my babies for me, please, and give my love to Mom & Dad and Wanda and Norene...Have a wonderful reunion {I think I may even envy you that} and enjoy that peace and rest you so deserve.

Until we meet again...

TAKE IT FROM THE SQUIRRELS - STORE, STORE, STORE!

OK - I am now the official lead squirrel for the ward I'm in. It's a good thing we don't choose our own church callings! My bishop said he wouldn't have chosen it either! Well, actually, I'm quite excited about it. This is kinda' how he said it - "We as a ward have done a project - like a dry pack day - and felt really good about it. But, then we don't do anything for another year. We need you {that would be ME} to be a thorn in our side {wow, a thorn, huh} and be constantly reminding us to work on our food storage!" I know I'm thankful for revelation and inspiration, but if any of you have some great tips and ideas for me that would be ever so GREATLY appreciated!