Ahhhh!

I can finally breathe!!! This break is just starting but it is still going to be crazy. I was going to finish up Christmas shopping today but had a weird reaction to some medicine that I was taking. So needless to say I was up-chucking all last night. Feeling a lot better. The medicine says it can cause nausea but my body doesn't do so well with medicine. So I am going shopping next week since I don't work much and we are rescheduling our temple trip for sometime before the end of the year. I do have to say it is really nice to have a real relationship with Jake now that school is over. I finished my last classes and I am now onto student teaching. I will be at Spanish Fork High School and Elk Ridge Middle. I am really excited and ready to go. I will try to keep a little more updated now that I am swimming above the water :) Well that is all. Good night!!!

1. THE INFAMOUS CHRISTMAS TREE CINNAMON ROLLS

1. THE INFAMOUS CHRISTMAS TREE CINNAMON ROLLS

2 C scalded milk
6 tbsp butter (salted) or shortening
2 tsp salt (a little less if using salted butter)
1/2 C sugar
1 tbsp yeast (add a tbsp or so of sugar to dissolve)
2 eggs
6-7 C flour

Scald milk, add butter to melt, then add eggs after it has cooled a bit, don't want to cook the eggs. Add sugar, salt and then beat. Then add flour slowly. You will mix dough with beaters until it starts to climb the beaters. It will be sticky but when it starts to peak and pull away you are just about done. It will be sticky but oh sooooo good. You then roll it out into a circle. Add melted butter and cinnamon sugar on top. You will then make small marks in the dough dividing it into 3rds if that helps. You will take the top two 3rds and fold them over then cut bottom to make a roll and look like a stump. Then cut parallel lines to make it look like branches and twist them. You have a Christmas tree now just bake at 350 for 22-30 mins. Then decorate with sprinkles, frosting, and our personal favorite, red hots.

This is a gift we give to the families in our ward who we are good friends with. It is funny because come Christmas time everyone starts asking my mom when she is doing trees. Practically every Sunday in December is dedicated to making these for friends. Dad and I would usually deliver them to the neighbors. Such great memories. Can't wait until FHE this Sunday to get some!

It doesn't look like this but this is the only picture I could find so hopefully it gives you an idea.

2. Macaroni Salad

2. Macaroni Salad

1 pkg. elbow macaroni (16 oz)
1/2 bottle Sandwich Spread
1/4 pkg mixed vegetables (optional)
6 boiled eggs
1/2 block or (4 oz) cheddar cheese, cubed

Boil macaroni. Cook mixed vegetables. Boil 6 eggs, peel, and cool. Add chilled macaroni, vegetables, and eggs together in a large bowl. Add cubed cheese to mixture. Mix and then add sandwich spread. Mix until evenly covered and chill for 1 hour.

I am not a fan of macaroni salad because it is all slimy and funky tasting but this recipe is awesome. My mom made this up and takes the largest bowl you could ever find and takes it to every function we have together. It is always one of the first things to go off the table. I also learned how to make this and did a demonstration for my FACS class at Utah State and everyone loved it. So easy and really fun!

3. Pizza Dough

3. Pizza Dough

1 1/4 C warm water
1 tbsp yeast
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3-3 1/2 C flour
1/4 C butter or margarine melted

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water 
2. Add sugar, salt and 2 1/2 C flour. Mix to form a dough.
3. If more flour is needed add up to 1 C more. Mix about 3 minutes.
4. Let dough rest for 10 mins
5. Roll out into jelly roll pan make it how you want then let it rest for 10 mins.
6. Bake at 375 for 20 mins.

I use this recipe for the two of us and make bread sticks with the other half of the dough in the pan.

I added this recipe because Jake and I love homemade pizza but also because it is a Pyne family tradition to make pizza on Christmas Eve. My husband says whatever to a lot of things but when it comes to Christmas he loves homemade pizza and all the other traditions that come with it, probably thanks to his mom. We have started to carry this tradition on when we are home for Christmas Eve.

4. Crepes

4. Crepes

1 1/3 C milk
1 tbsp vanilla
1/2 C sugar
2 eggs
1 C flour
strawberries, powdered sugar, syrup or other toppings

Directions:
Add all ingredients together. Add more milk or sugar to make the consistency you want. Mix in the blender. It should form a whirlpool in the blender.
For pan:
Use a non-stick pan and put butter in it just to make it flip easier. Pour mixture and swirl around until it covers the whole inside of the pan. Flip over when cooked and cook the other side for a few seconds. You will want just a light brown color on each side. Put in strawberries and whipped cream and roll them up.

I figured I had to do a tribute to my dad. My dad doesn't cook much but his specialty is breakfast. He used to always makes crepes on Saturdays. He has a nice crepe maker though which makes it so much nicer. One memory that we still joke about to today is when my dad made breakfast in Park City for us when we stayed the night. My mom got a free hotel room for something and it was supposed to sleep 8 or something so she invited all the kids and even my oldest sister who was married. There may have been a few kids I am not sure. So we get there come to find out it is a dinky little place smaller than the average size hotel. We didn't care we made the best of it. But my dad brought stuff to make breakfast because the ad said we had a kitchen, little did we know we had to fold away the bed to get to it. He started making crepes and we noticed they looked a little gray but didn't think much of it. Everybody said they tasted funny so dad and I just kept eating. Then we got to thinking about the mylar bag of flour was missing its silica packet. Oops! So to this day we ask my dad if he added his secret ingredient.

Yes he is wearing my sister's headband!

5. Lucy's Jello Salad

5. Lucy's Jello Salad

1 small carton Cool Whip
3 oz jello (dry, any flavor)
1 small can pineapple (crushed or tidbit), drained
1 can mandarin oranges, or fruit cocktail, drained
1 small carton of cottage cheese

Combine all ingredients and chill.

So this is the recipe from my sister Lucy who always makes this salad. When we have our big family dinners or FHE we all bring something. Leave it to Lucy to bring this awesome salad or a green salad with her homemade ranch dressing. It is so easy but yet so good. Love you sis!

6. Acini De Pepe

6. Acini De Pepe

Cook thoroughly one cup acini de pepe.

Drain the following fruit:
20 oz crushed pineapple
Mandarin oranges
20 oz tidbits pineapple
bananas are optional but it won't keep if you add them

Sauce:
1 C sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 beaten eggs
1 3/4 C pineapple juice, thickened with 2 tbsp flour

Cook sauce over medium heat, stirring continually. When come to boil, pour over acini de pepe. Chill in fridge for several hours. Add mixture and 1 small package miniature marshmallows. Add 1 (9oz) Cool Whip. Mix well and it is ready to serve.

This is a family recipe but what makes it so great is that this was the first time I made it this year and took it to Thanksgiving dinner. It is a Pyne recipe but I took it to the Hofheins side. I always love sharing family traditions with the other side and vice versa. It seems to bring both families together without actually coming together.

This year we had a very fun Thanksgiving. It was also very memorable because we played basketball after and it was the first time that Jake has really played since his surgery in 2008!!! I was so excited!

7. Chicken Enchiladas

7. Chicken Enchiladas

3 Chicken Breasts
2 C cheese divided
1 C sour cream
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 small can of diced green chilies
10 tortillas

Mix cheese, sour cream, soup, and green chilies. Dice chicken into cubes and brown. Mix cooked chicken with 3/4ths of the mixture. Put the other 1/4th aside to put on the bottom and top. Spread a thin layer of the soup mixture on the bottom so that it doesn't burn. Take the tortillas and fill them with the chicken mixture. Lay them in the pan and then top with the rest of the soup mixture. Top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 mins or until thoroughly heated.

This is a famous recipe from my mom and definitely a family favorite. My mom is a very good, but simple cook. She always takes all the fluff out of the food and makes it just simple good food. I love this recipe because I am not a fan of enchilada sauce and it has just the cream of chicken soup. This brings back memories of many family meals that brought us around the table.

8. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2/3 C Shortening
2/3 C Margarine
1 C Sugar
1 C Brown Sugar, packed
2 Eggs
2 tsp. Vanilla
3 C Flour
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Salt
1 C Chopped Nuts (optional)
Chocolate Chips (takes a whole package)

Cream together wet ingredients. Add dry ingredients. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.


I would have to say I get the most comments on these cookies out of almost all of my cooking. This is a family recipe that my sister-in-law Missy is known for. I have adopted this recipe but like to put white chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. The key is to take it out before it is done cooking and let it finish cooking outside of the oven. These are some of the softest cookies you will ever taste. One of my favorite things is how it says that the chopped nuts are optional. In our family mom always makes half of everything with nuts. Dad loves walnuts and other nuts so they always put at least some nuts in every desert.

9. Pyne's Popcorn

Pyne Popcorn
1 C Popcorn (pop-it)
1 C Margarine
3/4 C Karo Syrup
1 C sugar
3/4 tsp. salt

Boil all the ingredients for 5 minutes. Add 3/4 tsp. salt. Pour over popcorn and bake for 30 minutes at 250 degrees.

A big part of our marriage is about making traditions for our family. We have really tried to take both of our families and make our own. One thing that I love about Jake's side of the family is the recipes and the stories. Even though I have only been apart of the family for a few years by cooking their recipes I feel even closer. Also I want my children to learn about these traditions. One of the infamous recipes in the Pyne family is Pyne Popcorn. This is a candied popcorn. Also I love making popcorn because it takes me back to the days of going to my aunt Chris's house where she would make a huge, I mean HUGE (she has 10 kids and I come from a family of 5) pot of popcorn and we would put butter and salt and watch a movie with all the kids. I love popcorn and love how this recipe has brought our two families together.

Recipes

So for my Family Meal Management class I have to compile 10 family recipes. I figured instead of putting them in a file which I will never see again I will put it on my blog to share with everyone. If you have other memories or recipes let me know! Hope you enjoy.

10.  Easy Teriyaki Bowls
3-4 C rice
2 Chicken Breasts
Teriyaki Sauce
Lite Soy Sauce
Mixed Vegetables (or your choice of vegetables)
Salt and Pepper

1. Cook rice in either a rice cooker or on the stovetop (best is sticky rice).
2. Cut chicken into cubes and cook in wok or large saucepan. Add teriyaki sauce, salt, and pepper to chicken and keep stirring until well cooked. Add water or teriyaki sauce to make the consistency that you want. I usually add more sauce because I like it to cover rice.
3. Cook vegetables in separate saucepan.
4. When all is cooked, add the rice, chicken, and top with vegetables, sauce, and soy sauce. Add any other toppings such as peppers, onions, or mushrooms.

I decided to add this recipe because it one of our go-to meals. Jake and I are very busy and this has become one of our signature dishes. Also since Jake served his mission in Korea we make a lot of things with rice. We adopted this recipe because it was cheap, fast, and gives some Asian flavor without being too Korean (I can't take it so much).

Reward for Lost Husband

I seem to have lost my husband this week. If anyone sees him let me know. Thanks!

Lynette

Go, Go, Go, Go, STOP!

My week has finally stopped! Man oh man it was crazy! I had a foods lecture to teach and then my demonstration lesson (90 mins) yesterday, we moved to a new center at work (not too sure about it yet), have tried to keep working out, quiz for D&C, test to take for jogging class, cleaning a ridiculously messy home, conference this weekend, need I say more? But at officially 11:00 am yesterday it stopped. I did go home and clean and did go to work after and have done homework since but it finally calmed down! So thankful!

On another note, our demonstration lesson went fabulously! We did the lesson and then showed them how to make these cute flowers that you can put on pins, headbands or anything. they are super simple to make. You take just a circle of fabric, baste around the edge with single thread at about 1/8th inch away from edge, then pull the stings together and tie off. It will make a little puffy flower but you just straighten it out and glue it down. All of the girls LOVED it! Also everyone was so enthralled with the activity that they gave us good advice but weren't paying attention when we were supposed to be talking about what we could do better so it must have gone good.

Also, Jake had an interview last week at Goldman Sachs. I didn't say much to anyone because didn't know how it would turn out. He is still in for considerations for the job but he won't take it. Just didn't feel right about it and one of the guys who interviewed him was a jerk and very unprofessional spinning his phone around. Also you have to work a lot of hours. Jake and I have always known that when we start out there may be a lot of hours required at his work but he was actually the one who didn't feel right about having to work 60-70 hour weeks. I was just very impressed and how he didn't even care about how much money it makes he wants to have time for family. It is always interesting to see men act like this. I don't know about any of you but sometimes I don't give Jake enough credit. He is definitely a guy but he most definitely knows when to step up to the plate (he was better than I was with this).





The last freaking awesome thing that happened was that I found out one of my placements for student teaching and that is at Spanish Fork High School. I will be with a teacher who teaches the preschool, interior design, and Adult roles. I am getting way excited. Well that is all for now!

In gratitude for...the life I chose

Do you ever see people you have dated in the past maybe take a turn for the worst, friends go astray, or find out something you really wanted to do or go to turned out for maybe not the best. Days like this I am thankful that I married my amazing husband, have decided to stay in school, moved to the ward we moved into, decided not to buy a house yet, have the job I have, and ultimately for my testimony of the gospel and of my Heavenly Father. I found out something today that just made me realize that there was a reason to all the madness and I chose the "better part." I am sure you have all had those moments in your life where you finally realize why you did the thing that you did or that you didn't do something because you listened to the spirit. Thank heavens for the little angels that are looking out for us. After re-listening to Elder Hollands talk on gratitude yesterday it made me really want to notice the miracles and "helper" in my life helping me along to make it back to my father in heaven. So to all of you who have been my angels by helping me making a right choice or for being an example thank you...for helping choose my life, because it is pretty awesome!

October is here...and half way through already!

So today, me and two other girls did our first real teaching lesson. We taught for 90 minutes! It went really well. I feel more and more prepared to teach. It is always reassuring when you realize that you are pretty good at what you are going into. This is not me being prideful but there is a reason why I went into teaching and not nursing...that would have been a mistake. I just really feel like the Lord has found a path for me and is preparing me for the future. I love teaching and I am so excited but even more so I feel the Lord is preparing me to be the best teacher in my home one day.

The next thing that was fun was our Halloween party this last weekend for our ward. We decided to invite David and Stephy and the kids to make it more fun. Jake and I love Halloween, I think my love and creativity definitely goes to props to my mom! this year Jake and David were Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Stephanie and I were the playing cards. Abby went as little Alice. Our ward party was Alice and Wonderland theme which was way fun. It was so much fun! It is so sad to think that we won't be in the ward this time next year most likely. Well hope you like the pictures I thought they were fun.

 Me and Stephanie

 Jake and David in Jake's fat pants

 Jake and I at the ward Halloween party!

Jake on day 30 of the p90x workout. Jake's testimonial: "It worked for me it can work for you!"

I am just curious how much he will lose by day 90!!!

THE CHURCH IS TRUE!!!

So grateful for my life! My husband taught a great lesson today and our RS wanted to really push for 100% without me pushing at all. We are going to rock the socks off these next months girls! We can do it! I have never met such amazing women! The church is true! Life could not be better! It is the inspiration of these women who make me realize the true joy in the gospel. When there is so much sorry and sin in the world I love seeing people enthusiastic about making a difference and truly serving others! Love you all!

I know the church is true! It truly is the plan of happiness that our Father in Heaven has planned for us. We have a living prophet and apostles on the earth today who guide us to what God would want us to do. They don't care about what is popular or what is most convenient but what is truth! I am so thankful for the priesthood and the power that it holds. Also for repentance and the Atonement that I can return to him someday.

Something about home

One of my most favorite places in the world is the cabin. Not just the cabin but the outdoors. This weekend for conference we went to the cabin. The leaves were gorgeous and the weather was amazing. I always feel at peace and have time to relax. I love getting away from real life but the thing I love most is coming home. There is just something about where your family is. One thing I have really tried to focus on lately is making our home have the spirit more welcome. I have always noticed the feeling that you have when you go to other people's home and I want to make that possible in our own home. Most of all it is where our own little family is so all I have to say is that it is good to be home!

P90X

Okay so this morning at 6:55 we finished week 3 of P90X. The whole time I only missed one day for jury duty (go me!). So I have to tell you I don't think I have lost much weight but man I am feeling great! Also hopefully I am just gaining muscle so that isn't going to cut pounds off real quick. All I have to say if you are thinking about doing this good luck! It is hard, but not impossible, you just need a LOT of push, drive, and support. Thankfully Jake has been wanting to do it more so he is up and moving at 5:30 AM and I meander my way out of bed so we can go over to Jeremy's. Tomorrow starts our rest week, you know what that means? Just no strength training. Hallelujah but at the same time that means Yoga twice this week and crazy stretching :S Well wish me luck!

Our story starting Sept of 2007

About three years ago I was taking an Institute class (1 of 2) so that I could get credit and transfer it up to BYU in a few months...little did I know finding a spouse was part of the curriculum. When I first saw Jake I thought why am I sitting in the back of the class when I can sit by those cute guys up there (mainly Jake)? So I did! I started up a conversation and Jake proceeded to tell me about how he was a returned missionary gone rock star. I told him I just had to see it...obviously he wasn't getting the point. So then as we walked off he kept talking to me and I kept hinting that I was going western swing dancing. Thought he still wasn't getting the point so as I got to the library "okay bye!" I obviously wasn't getting it because latter that night he shows up to western swing to find me. Of course he didn't tell me that but after having a blast and laughing more than I think I ever had from his silly lift but definitely smooth dance moves, he asked me for my number. He then proceeded to text and call me the next day. He couldn't wait for me to get off work so I went over before work to hang out and then we went to the park and for a drive to Manti when I got off work. I had no idea how much this silly 21 year old boy would change my life. I left for Cali for the weekend but we had to see each other before I left and text each other the whole time. Got back on Sunday and he held my hand on the way to the cabin and then kissed me that night. We were officially dating after less than 3 days. He told me he loved me first less than 3 weeks later. Five months after we met he proposed and we were married in May. Just wanted to thank him for being persistent and showing me to have fun and to truly enjoy life. He is truly the example in finding joy and serving others. What an amazing and crazy three years it has been since I met him!

Amazing moments

Today was definitely one of those days filled with amazing moments when you just know that Heavenly Father is aware of you and what you need, want, are feeling, and what is most important to you. How amazing is that? Prayers really are answered. He knows us. He loves us! He trusts us to perform miracles and to be angels to those in need. I am just reminded today of how perfect his plan is and that with His faith we can truly move mountains. He will take our ordinary lives and do extraordinary things!

He knows how hard you try!

Lately I have been really thinking about what matters most in this life. I have had some really amazing experiences amist my crazy life lately. Jake and I are back into the swing of school and work and we are both super busy. Even though we are busy and we do get to see each other until after 8 on 3 out of 7 days we are doing really well! Even though I have had the most stressful moments this last week I have had some amazing spiritual experiences. Isn't that crazy? I wanted to focus on two things that have really struck me lately. The first was the fact that our stake is starting a 100% for 100 days again this year. 100 days before Christmas (Sept. 17) you strive to be 100% on all of the following items:

Daily:
-family and personal scripture study
-family and personal prayer
-do something nice for your spouse

Weekly:
-date night
-fhe

Monthly:
-Visiting and Home Teaching
-Temple Trip

We did okay last year but life got in the way...how silly does that sound..life got in the way of what is most important? Well not this year. We have been really working on fhe and family scripture study. We really need to work on going to the temple more and making our study more meaningful. Here we are and we are going to rock this one. I know this sounds corny but I know that it will really help us to prepare for bringing children into our home by starting these good habits and I know our marriage will be stronger.

The next thing that has really been on my mind is a quote that I heard a while ago before all the craziness of my calling but it has really hit home this last week. It can be really hard with people falling through on things and I feel like my efforts are for nothing. Bishop Averett said something that helped to reassure me last week that it was all going to work out and we are doing great things. Then on Sunday at Regional Stake Conference Sister Beck said You are doing better than you think you are, we can do better than we are doing. I haven't just been worried about my calling but mostly my personal life and the path that we are taking and just trying to be better. So here is to us all to know we are doing an amazing job and here is to the energy and faith to know that we can do better with His help. Here is to the faith that will "create miracles in our lives." I am so thankful for my Heavenly Father who trusts me in every aspect of my life.

Settle or try harder?

So have you ever had a job that you liked okay and get paid not the best money but you feel obligated to them like if you leave they just might survive or something? If you found another job that paid a quite a bit more and also more in the field you want to study and open up more doors do you take it? Well this is not me but somebody I know is struggling with this. What would you say to do? This has always been hard for me and I feel I cant give this person too much advice because I HATE getting new jobs and I hate telling an employer that I will be quitting. The only times this has happened are when I am moving like to school or something. I feel so obligated to a job. Why? I am a good worker but they could obviously survive without me. Is it me feeling like I couldn't survive without them? Not sure. Just curious if anybody else has some insight and also what my friend should possibly do, just apply? Keep the job? Oh well we shall see!

Busy, Busy, Busy...

So today was Jake's first day of class and I am already worn out. He starts work at 8 and has class until 9 at night! Oh man it will be nice to finally be done even though we have just started. Jake is doing 19 credits (the most he has ever done) and me 12 (the least I have ever done) with jogging and being a TA for foods lab. This will be nice though because I have to apply for student teaching, graduation, and get lesson plans all together. Also I just talked to my boss today and my last day of work will be December 23rd! Oh my goodness! Days like today with lots of screaming babies it will be nice to be done but I am doing to miss it sooooo badly! I don't have favorites but if I did it would be one little girl and she turns 1 in a month and a half. I can't believe they are growing up so fast and I have been there for most of it. Some of them are just starting to take their first steps, trying solid food, and talking like crazy. It will be nice to not have to go everyday but I will miss all the little ones. Well on another note I am starting to get another blog put together with my sisters and possibly an etsy shop. Tell me what you would like to buy or see on our posts so we can get some ideas.

July 2010

This month has been so crazy! Fun, busy, and really stressful! Thought I would just do a recap of what has been going on lately with the Pyne Family:



Fireworks for Dad's birthday at Granite High School. The debris was so close to us. This chuck fell right by our feet!



David and Stephy had their baby. Jake and baby Isabelle



Jamie, Mom, and Dad



Welcome Home Elder Pyne!



Us and Mr. Toad



The crew with LA in the background



Us at the Dodgers Game



We had so much fun at Disneyland and California but it was so nice to be back home!

What a great man

So as some of you may know I got some type of bug yesterday. I am still just getting better today but I knew I had to say something about the most amazing man in my life. Last night as of course I felt like I was on my death bed Jake was there to take care of me. He went to the store to get me gatorade and saltines, he opened my gatorade because I couldn't, but most of all what made me realize how amazing Jake is was that he gave me a blessing when I just wouldn't stop throwing up.

I went to church earlier in the day even though I wasn't feeling great, and our lesson was on the priesthood. Jake taught the lesson in his quorum but it really hit home when I was feeling so sick and to know that we have this special power in my home made me feel so grateful. When I was getting a blessing by Jake and Jeremy I just started balling, probably just because of my sickness emotions but also because I was in such great gratitude for my life and the amazing family that I have. How thankful I am for all the amazing men in my life who are willing to help out at anytime but mostly my wonderful husband. Thank you Jake!

She Passed!!!

This may seem really silly but my car passed on its safety and emissions for registration! So here is the deal my car has a crazy quirk where the check engine light goes on and off because the 02 censors have gone out. I bought this car 5 years ago from my mom who bought it from my cousin new. So on Wed. the check engine light went off and so I went to take it in yesterday. I was praying so hard that it would go off soon and also yesterday that it would stay off and it would pass. It did!

So let me just say I had to put this post on her to show my gratitude because this is such a little trouper. I bought my Toyota Corolla 5 years ago from my mom for $2,000. This is the best investment I have ever made. Rolla has only had very few problems like the 02 censor, clutch, hydraulics in the clutch, and brakes. this is all fairly typical and with 193,000 miles that is pretty awesome. Well probably only one more year with this car which will be so exciting but soooo sad at the same time! It has been off roading in Moab, taken the bumpy road to the cabin way too many times, many, many trips to Ephraim and home. It shook its bones in the freezing Logan winter. It has been hit twice by my dad and once by mom. Then I bumped someone ooopps! It has been repainted twice (because of the bumps). All I have to say is that cars aren't usually this great to most people. So thanks

Presidency Lessons

So as being part of our RS presidency once a month we get to teach a lesson on any topic. This is really great but sometimes hard to just pick one thing. We have ours picked for next week but thought maybe just get some ideas as to what maybe you struggle with, would like a lesson on, or maybe just know people who would like or need a lesson on something. Just thought what greater way to get ideas than to open it up to some of my closest friends.

Lastly, just curious maybe what your ward does for ideas to get sisters to do VT or just coming to church and getting to know each other better. We have a huge turn over rate in our ward and I always feel like there is something more we can do to get the sisters to become closer and truly love RS. Just throw your ideas at me I would love it!

Happy Father's Day

It may be a day late but I figured who would I be if I did a tribute to the mothers and not the fathers. So here it goes:
Dad (Rob Hof): Thanks for always being there to be the example in my life. You always worked so hard but I never remember a day where you weren't there for family events and all of my school stuff. You always were pushing us to have family scripture study even if lucy would fall asleep by the heater in the winter. Thanks for making us laugh and randomly making the scriptures have moms name in them to see if she was paying attention while cooking us breakfast. Thanks for always bearing your testimony because you knew mom wouldn't because she hated talking in front of people. Not only for teaching me about the gospel but for teaching me about goals and going for what you really want in life and not letting anyone else tell you otherwise. Thanks for being my hero.
Dad (Papa): Thank you for so openly letting me into your life. I remember just a few weeks ago in Moab you were talking about your oldest daughter to someone. I laughed and said your oldest daughter you only have one. You then said that you counted me as one of your daughters. I had always known that but not until that day had I realized how much you meant it. You are an example of a man of faith. Never have I seen somebody so willing to serve. I am so glad that at least some of your goodness and willingness to serve has rubbed off on Jake. You have always been willing to share your toys with everyone. You have never been afraid of what you know and you are always willing to show it. Thanks for being my hero.

Last of all Jake: I know you aren't a dad yet but there are so many moments in my life where I see you helping someone or holding a little one and realize how luck I am to have you and how lucky our children will be to have you as their dad. I couldn't have picked a more amazing man to raise my children, be my help mate, make me laugh everyday, cuddle up next to, fight with, have fun with, and help explore this life. Thank you for being my best friend!

I love you all,
Netter

A New Blog

So I started a new blog to put up some of the stuff that I make such as cooking, crafts, and scrapbooking ideas or creations. Check it out at http://lynettescreations.blogspot.com/

:)

Babies, Babies, Everywhere!!!!

Oh my goodness I am surrounded by little children everywhere I go (not that I am complaining). So my sister and 2 sister-in-laws have had babies. 5 women in our ward have had babies in the last 2 1/2 weeks not to mention 2 within the last 24 hours. Meagan just had her baby this morning. 3 girls at work have little ones out of the 7 of us. It is just a little crazy right now.

Other than that a little update. My calling is going so much more smoothly but as it is the beginning of a new month that means presidency lesson this next week, new VT list which is a little crazy with the change of semesters, new callings (lots of new callings), and apparently it is the time to have a baby. We are doing a fun activity tomorrow which I am really excited for. All I have to say is that it is a little nuts. Sometimes I feel bad because I hand off (delegate) things to all the people who have callings now (especially feel bad for Tori and Megan thank you girls so much) but at the same time I got distracted from my craft this morning because I remembered something I needed to do for my calling, an hour and a half later I am going to be done for now with calling stuff. AHHH! I am seriously loving it SOOOO much and I am shocked at how many people I know without hardly actually KNOWING them. It is definitely keeping me on my toes but it has been so great. I have realized that I try a lot harder in everything I do just to make sure I won't be a hypocrite if I tell the sisters to do it. Well that is it for now maybe I can go finish making my bracelet now. :)

May 2010

May has been a fun month for us, well me at least. Jake has been doing school but in between all of it we have done some fun stuff. Here are just a few pictures of what has been going on and what we have done

Can't see this too well but the Rolla doing a little off roading in Moab. We were following dad to their scout campsite. It got worse after this so we decided to just turn back and head home instead.

Happy Mother's Day to me from mom. She got us these make and takes for Jake and I and Missy and Luke. It was fun making them because they all turned out so different. I had always seen Nanas and wanted to make one for me and my mom. Now I know how so maybe mom will be getting one for Christmas.

This is my favorite. Jake put on my new headboard that Missy and Teri found at a yard sale in Heber. I LOVE IT! I know Jake thinks headboards are lame and pointless but thanks for putting it up for me. It is so nice seeing our place look nicer and nicer all the time. Okay so it makes me laugh because seriously everything was so cheap in this room. Bedspread, Always kiss me goodnight sign, frames, quote tile, and mattress were all wedding gifts. The headboard was super cheap at a garage sale (then dad decided to just give it to us as an anniversary gift, I think he thinks we are super super poor but I am not complaining). Sconces and drapes from my bedroom in high school. The missionaries are using my old room now so my mom let me have them so they didn't get ruined.

A sign from the heavens that I should be fat. I went to work out at the gym and the restraint cord had busted and so the metal totally scratched up my leg about 2 to 3 inches long.

Jake and Ruby at the Breast Cancer walk at the beginning of the month. So much fun to have him there this time.

Just a picture of the two of us. I love taking just random pictures. Jake doesn't seem as bugged in this one from my randomness. Thanks Jake! Just a little recap of our month. We have a party for Josh's birthday tomorrow so we might have some more pictures if I remember.

New Shoes

So I have a hard time spending money on stuff I need but not really want or spending too much money on something I really want. Such as buying:
bras-seriously you don't even see it but you need a good one
tennis shoes-not fun I just want some cute high heals but lets be logical I usually wear sneakers
feminine hygiene products-hate it but you KNOW you have to
groceries-seriously we spend so much money on food
gasoline-really I have to pay to drive to work?

Anybody else feel my pain?

Those are just a few but my point is Jake is always an encouragement to buy things that I want because he knows I can be really cheap sometimes. I do the same for him because he is cheap to so it all works out, but on Saturday I found some really cute running shoes at kohls on a killer deal. I really liked this pair of nikes better but couldn't find my size in orem or af (called them to check). Long story short I was easily going to give up because I didn't want to spend the money but then Jake found almost the exact same pair just another brand in my size. I figured since I have been working out a running a ton I deserve a good pair of shoes, so I bought them. They are so cute! They are orange and pink!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

So here is a little tribute to Jake and I and our two years together. We stayed in Salt Lake last night and went shopping and saw Robin Hood today. Tonight we went to Rumbi Grill and then watching a movie. It was nice just for it to be us. As a little thanks to Jake for everything and for all the good times here is a list of things I love about Jake.

I LOVE...

-that he makes me laugh

-that he likes to cuddle at night

-he always tries to do something I want instead of his own wants

-he loves talking to me about everything

-he loves to do things with friends and be involved

-he tells me to buy things for myself because I am too cheap to usually do it (got some new running shoes tonight thanks to him)

-he helps me with all my calling stuff. Just the other day he ran home to get my lesson and helps me drop off things to girls even if we are supposed to be somewhere

-he is great with kids, today there was this cute girl in front of us today and he just kept smiling and laughing at her and saying how cute she was

-he comes and follows me when I go shopping

-he will seriously do anything for me as long as I ask him to

-he loves everything I make and eats it with a smile on his face

-he loves watching movies and spending lots of time with me

-he makes me feel beautiful

Thanks Jake for everything and all the amazing times. I love every moment. Thanks for driving me crazy and making me laugh while you do it. I love you!

Just a good day

The other day we went for a walk and I noticed these gorgeous tulip, that is why I love spring time, and noticed how they point to the sun. I have always known this but I just really noticed it. Ever since then I have noticed all the flowers looking to the sun. Maybe I need to focus a little more on the light myself. Since then I have tried to notice more good realize how great my life is and today it just seriously hit me how wonderful life is. I obviously don't feel this way everyday with bills to pay, jake doing 15 credits this summer, worrying about what our next turn is, but today I was just so thankful for now. I have a wonderful husband who is kicking his butt to be done with school sooner so we can start the new phase of our lives. My family, I was reading a blog today and it struck me about how much i love all my sisters especially and my cute nieces and nephews who make my life so much more interesting. My new calling that has taught me so much about not judging, and watching what you say. Also our great friends, Josh and Sha, David and Steph, Lis (PS it's her birthday today!), Jilliford. The cute girls that I work with. My job that I have. The schooling that I have been able to do. Just so thankful for all the many blessings I have. It just feels so good to have those days where even though they are tough and super tiring you realize that it is all worth it. So here is to having pretty amazing lives where ever we are in them!

Hofheins Family Pictures

All because these two people fell in love...

These 22 people got together to take pictures for:

The Hofheins Family Photo Shoot

here it is:

The whole family

Mom and Dad

Tena and Charlie

Chuck and Mindee and their kids

Teresa and Cannon

Nick and Lucy

Nick found a horse to ride on

Jake and I

Well that is all they turned out pretty cute but it was a little chaotic. Next time we won't have Aunt Sushi be our photographer. Just kidding what can you do when there are that many kids?!

Why are women just so amazing?

All of us girls making bracelets to help auntie dez raise money after she got diagnosed with cancer

Atkinson cousins girls annual retreat

My mother-in-law Teri

Lucy, Me, Tena, and Teresa

Mom and Dad singing karaoke to Celine Dion

Missy and Ruby

Audge Podge

So why all the pictures of these people...so i was doubting myself a little bit about my couselors for Relief Society because one will be out of town the first month we are in and another was gone the first week and one other was gone last week. I was doing a lot of it myself and starting to get a little discouraged. Then this week. We really just kicked butt. We are doing visits tomorrow to see the new girls. The girl who is on her month school thing has contacted me multiple times through email and text to find people to help on sundays or anything else. She also told me she was trying to memorize pictures and sisters names so she can jump in when she gets back! How great is that? I gave a lesson on Sunday about women and mothers and how we are unique and what makes us special. I think these examples show exactly what I was trying to portray. We love men but there is something about women where we go the extra mile and are just so charitable to others. Also this weekend we are doing our breast cancer walk in Salt Lake and it is so amazing to see all those women band together to really serve a great cause to celebrate with survivors and mourn with those who have lost loved ones but celebrate the lives they lived. So here is to those amazing women that we all know who have truly changed our lives. I know I don't tell them enough but here is my small attempt to give tribute to them.

My Mother: Colleen-She really knows how to make me cry and realize that it is okay. I have never met a woman who is more honest about her feelings and says what needs to be said when nobody else will say it. She has a way with people to make everyone involved. Even when I hate that she gets too involved in my life in certain ways I actually love it. Thanks mom for raising me and letting me go to start my own family!

My Mother: Teri-After this week with some things going on with my grandma my mom said to me, in tears, having grandma getting sicker and sicker was harder than losing her mom to cancer. I started balling because this is how I feel about Teri. I have only known Teri for 3 years but she has so graciously welcomed me into her life as her own daughter. She is one of the most faithful women I know.

My wonderful sisters: Tena, Teresa, Missy, Lucy, and Mindee

Tena-for letting me be the big sister sometimes. Even though there is 10 years difference sometimes I feel like there isn't any difference in her eyes and she treats me as equal. She is one of the greatest moms I know

Teresa-for being a woman of faith and knowing exactly what the Lord has in store for her and having such a great attitude about it

Missy-for being my little crafty friend who teaches me all her fun tricks. Also for being such a great influence of the joy of being a woman and mother

Lucy-for being my sidekick for most of those years. For not caring what other people say and for always treating me as your friend not just your little sister

Mindee-for making my brother a better man and for showing the power of womanhood

My aunt Nonie-for being my second mom and for spending all that time with us when we were younger. In my lesson on Sunday I used a talked called Are We Not All Mothers? by Sheri Dew and it reminded me of my aunt nonie. She has never had children of her own but she has adopted us in as her own.

My good friends Lis, Audrey, Jill, Stephanie, Sha, Jen

For showing me to look at life in a different way, realizing how amazing being a mother is, to trust yourself, to love yourself, and helping me realize how amazing I am

To all those other women who have touched my life in a small or huge way, thank you!