May 31, 2010

151- Decoration Day

Growing up Memorial Day was called Decoration Day. My mom would always buy a red poppy for herself and me from a veteran and cry; now I buy a poppy from a veteran and cry.

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I love the concept of remembering our dead, but for me the sad part come in the fact that I can't do any of the decorating... my loved ones are *planted* too far away.

Camille's fiance, Kevin, and his family have family graves right here in Springville. Kevin went beforehand and cleaned all the hard water deposits of his grandparent's headstone. Then this morning the whole family, including aunts and uncles, cousins and siblings all gathered at the cemetery to decorate the graves and pay their respects while Kevin played Taps on his trumpet. I told Camille that I thought that was wonderfully sweet; when I asked her if everyone cried (or anyone) she replied that "NO, only you cry Mom!"

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So the thought occurred to me... how about if I decorate here, on my blog, and remember not only my children and parents, long since gone, but also my uncles, who fought in WWII and all the other brave men and women who've fought and died in the defense "our God, our religion and freedom and our peace, our wives, and our children" (Alma 46:12)




P. S. ~ thanks to this list of facts compiled by Ree Drummond aka Pioneer Woman

Here are some interesting facts about Memorial Day—some you may know, some you may not!

* Memorial Day was was first observed on May 30, 1868.

* Memorial Day was originally called “Decoration Day.”

* Memorial Day was originally created to honor Union soldiers who’d died while fighting in the Civil War. Because of this, southern states did not observe Memorial Day until after World War I, when the holiday was expanded to include soldiers from all wars.

* The red poppy is a traditional symbol of Memorial Day (many veterans wear them to commemorate the day).

* The poppy was inspired by (World War I-era) John McCrae poem “In Flanders Fields”:


In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

* The “though poppies grow in Flanders fields” in the poem is thought by some to refer to the blood stains from shallow graves where soldiers were buried.

* In 1924, an artificial poppy factory was created in Pittsburgh, PA, and employed veterans who needed work.

* Memorial Day observance peaked in the first part of the 20th century, when aged Civil War veterans attended parades in towns across America.

* Memorial Day observances were at an all-time low in the 1960’s, then experienced a resurgence in the 1980’s.

* On the Thursday before Memorial Day, soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They patrol the cemetery 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing.

* This tradition, called “Flags In”, has been in place since 1948.

* In 2004, Washington D.C. held its first Memorial Day parade in over 60 years. This coincided with the dedication of the National World War II Memorial.

* Memorial Day traditionally marks the start of summer, while Labor Day traditionally marks the end.

* “Memorial Day” did not become the holiday’s official name until 1967, when federal law declared it.

* In 1968, Memorial Day was moved from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May in order to ensure a three-day weekend.

May 30, 2010

150- Purple Robe Locust

I love my perch up in my *playroom*! I love the view, but this time of year I particularly love being at eye level with my trees.

150- purple robe locust closeup

Perhaps it was the fact that my Daddy built me the coolest tree fort up our old white locust tree, but I love feeling like I'm in the tree.

150- locust

I can watch the birds and the swaying branches... so beautiful!

May 29, 2010

149- Ladybug Toesies & Musings in the Garden

First off I have to share my cute ladybug toesies! I love the whole polkie-dottie toesies. When I hit on this idea I though they looked just like a ladybug

149- ladybug toesies

Now for my musings...

This is my sixth spring here in Utah on my little quarter-acre of heaven. Every year I reflect on how grateful I am for all of the work the previous occupants put into making this yard a beautiful place.

The flowerbed that runs along the back fence where my raspberries currently reside had a slight mishap, last year the center third of the plants died (I think my bug-guy inadvertently killed them) I decided I want to have hollyhocks in that space. I love them... they are another one of the flowers that my mom grew.

149- hollyhock seed
"Faith is like a little seed... if planted it will grow..."

As I was weeding and amending the soil I thought, "Wow, look how nice this soil is! Isn't it nice that the *previous occupants* put so much work into this bed!" Then it occurred to me that when I weeded this bed for the first time 5 years ago the soil wasn't like this. It was hard and full of rocks. Wait... WAIT... I've made this soil as nice as it is! That surprised me. I realized that I've put a lot of work and effort into the beauty of my yard and gardens. Me!

As I pondered on that fact I mused how similar this is to our lives. We all start with rocky, hard, poor soil but by constant work, removal of the rocks and amending our soil we improve. The thought brought tears to my eyes. Just as my little quarter acre has taken the work and supervision of the gardener. If we turn our lives over to the Gardener, He will remove the rocks and soften our soil making it fertile and able to grow those seeds of faith, hope and charity.

May 28, 2010

148- Two of a Kind

Auntie P made a comment on yesterday's post that reminded me that I have this tiny iron; you know, to go with my tiny ironing board! As I remember it (and I will stand being corrected) I found it down at Corn Wagon shortly after moving to Springville. When Auntie P (and Rebekah) saw it they went nuts and I got them one as well, in pink for P and probably for Bek too.

148- tiny iron

I've been sitting here indexing with all of this rattling around in my brain; remembering how Auntie P and I were so connected at the hip when I lived in Palmdale (it just about killed us both when I moved away!) Rarely did one of us get something new without the other person NEEDING to have one too. I can't tell you the number of purses and wallets that we have that are alike.

Then a particular incident bubbled to the top and I laughed right out loud! P and I had gone to Target (what? no Wal-mart run??) this particular day. We usually shared a cart since neither of us were getting much and our purses would share the baby seat. We got up to the check out and I went first. I was putting my bags into the cart while P was being check out when she exclaimed, "JOAN, what is your wallet doing in my purse??" I wasn't her purse... it was my purse that looked just like the one she had hanging over her shoulder. Bwahahahaha... we laughed at ourselves... again!

Yeah, and don't even ask what happened the time P asked me to hold her keys while were in the car at the drive-up ATM. (Can you hear me laughing like a fool with tears streaming down my face?) Let's just put it this way... the people behind us weren't too happy when it took us 10 minutes to find the keys!

Oh... good times!

May 27, 2010

147- More Fun Tools

You know I'm a tool/gadget-nut (hmm... maybe more than just about tools and gadgets... maybe just plain nuts!) A bunch of years ago, maybe 15 when I first started doing serious quilting, I got an extra wide ironing board; it's 18" x 45". Since about the only thing I iron is fabric for quilts or flat quilt blocks that works just fine for me!

But have you ever tried to iron a tiny little dress on a ginormous ironing board? No? Well, it doesn't work- especially when you are trying to iron around the neck or armholes. But never fear! Several years before I left Palmdale I saw that Auntie P had this darling, little, baby ironing board (4" x 15") and I had to have one too! I don't know if she bought one for me or if I bought it myself, but it is just the pip for things like this!

147- elise's dress

You know, I'm starting to see light at the end of the tunnel! I just hope it's not a train!!!

May 26, 2010

146- No Magic!

Remember just a few days ago (Day 141 to be exact) when I showed where the magic happens? Well there was no kind of magic happening in here today unless you count the carpet cleaning guy! Doesn't this room look painfully clean and bare? Yikes, I don't think I can even have a creative thought until I get the rest of my *stuff* in here. (Well, that's not true... I thought up this post and I think that's pretty creative.)

The saddest part about getting the carpet cleaned, aside from the fact that I spent a good part of the day yesterday cleaning before it gets cleaned (why do we do that?) which threw me into a allergy fit, is that you can now clearly see where I knocked my very hot iron off the ironing board and melted the carpet. Sad... sad... sad...

146- no magic

On the up side! I LOVE HOW CLEAN EVERYTHING IS!! Look at my sparkly blinds. So maybe I was wrong... there was some magic in here *this day*!

(Bwahahahaha... I just went to tag this post and found that not ONCE in the last almost 3 years have I ever written about cleaning. Perhaps cleaning and housework just isn't that noteworthy!)

May 25, 2010

145- Happy Flowers

One of my *favoritest* flowers is the Gerbera Daisy. They just have such happy faces. They make me smile every time I look at them. I have two beautiful cobalt-blue pots that live on my deck that just wait for the daisies to come live in them for the summer.

A couple of weeks ago I found this beautiful bright pink at Home Depot when I was shopping with DeLoris. They lived alone in the pots until today when I went back to Home Depot hoping they would have more colors. I found a bright orange and a lighter yellowish-orange. I was hoping for a bright yellow, but there were none to be found this day.

145- gerbera daisies

I can see my Gerberas from our bedroom, dining room and kitchen windows. Happy, happy flower!

May 24, 2010

144- The Right Tool

One of my Daddy's favorite sayings was, "You've got to use the right tool for the right job!" I still cringe when I see someone using a screwdriver for a hammer (shudder!).

144- gathering foot

This dandy little tool is a gathering foot. I had one for my old Husqvarna sewing machine that I used up several years ago. My new Elna didn't come with one; enter Amazon.com! Yes, I love Amazon! I found one, ordered it on the 18th and received it today!

Now, just why do I need a gathering foot? Each of the 6 bridesmaid dresses has 10 yards (that isn't a typo, 10... TEN YARDS) of tulle on the bottom. I did the first one (Desi's) the normal way and thought, "I can't repeat this 5 more times!" Not to mention the three little girl dresses that have 6.67 yards of tulle each.

Yes... this is a very nice tool! I'm a happy pajama-clad sewer this day!

May 23, 2010

143- Citrus

Can't you just smell it? I love the smell of citrus! I found all of these lovelies yesterday at my neighborhood Ream's Market; they have the BEST produce.

I intended to make limeade for family dinner tonight. It just didn't happen. Hmm, guess that means I will have to make just for Gordon and I. (bwahahaha)

143- citrus
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May 22, 2010

142- Fun Day

I know this sounds like a description that a 6-year old would give you... but that's what I'm having... A FUN DAY!

I started by going with Camille to Allison Miller's brunch bridal shower. I sure do love that family!

Then it was home again, home again... to mow the lawn between rain storms! I love nature's watering system this year! (I fertilized in early April and with the warmer temperatures and all this rain my lawn wants mowing every 5 days!)

I helped friend Holly with some quilting/sewing situations and got to visit.

Then... THEN... I got to do one of my favorite things! Create! I put together all of Camille's reception center pieces. I am SO PLEASED with how they turned out... so Camille!

142- white gerberas
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I just munched down a steak sandwich (leftover from last night's High Priest Social) and now I'm off to babysit my newest little baby Sophie...

Yes, Fun Day!

May 21, 2010

141- Where the Magic Happens

I realize that this photo is way below my creative norm... but you know what? This is my blog... and it IS all about me! Since this is where I am spending most of my time lately I wanted to capture it in all of its cluttered glory!

141- wr 1

I feel like this is a *Where's Waldo*-type contest. Can you find?
  • My family
  • favorite drink
  • Harry Potter on CD
  • Serger
  • Baby ironing board
  • Telephones
  • snacks
  • Can you identify all the things on the wall?

Here is the progress report...
  • Wedding dress- alterations completed and ready to go
  • MOB & Desi's dress- finished
  • Katie-Nana, Amy, Emmalie, Bek & Deidra's dresses- mostly finished (just waiting for my gathering foot so I can attach the 10 yards of tulle to each skirt... no kidding 10 yards!
  • Quilt- rows together, still needs long sashing to finish the top, oh and then the quilting.
  • Kristi, & Elise's dresses- cut out
  • Kaia's dress- still waiting for measurements

141- wr 2

May 20, 2010

140- Flash-Back

Eighteen years ago I was busily preparing for another wedding... and I was in the thick of sewing just like I am now. It's funny how some things never change. As a mother I want so badly to do everything I can to make my daughter's wedding everything she hopes it will be. And for me that means sewing until I am literally dizzy!

The good news *this day* is that I've had lots more time AND help than I did last time. Auntie P helped me with the lion's share of the first 4 bridesmaid dresses. Yes, I did say the first 4 dresses... out of a total of 10 dresses... count them, 10! Oh, and a wedding quilt to boot.

So I ask myself, "Why do I do these things?" Isn't this taking *How hard can it be?* to a new insane level. Yes, but that seems to be my way!

When Rebekah was preparing for her wedding she was living here in Provo, going to BYU and I lived in Palmdale. I came up for a visit to assist her in picking out the fabric for her bridesmaids; six of them, that seems to be the number. The rub came in the fact that I would be coming back in to Provo in 3 weeks and needed to have all of those dresses finished so I could deliver them to all the girls. Oh, and a mock up of Bek dress before I cut into the $75/yard fabric!

So I started sewing like a mad woman.

After returning from my second trip to Utah I had to get earnest about the other sewing. I still had my suit to make, a sweet little flower girl dress for Camille and Rebekah's wedding dress. I was quite sure I could purchase suits for my two little boys; I'd seen them at Gottschalks! But when I went to Gottschalks, in a dizzy stupor, I found that they only carried boys suits *seasonally* for Easter. So I was off to House of Fabrics to buy fabric for little tuxs, tux shirts, complete with matching cummerbund and bow-ties. Yes, there must be something fundamentally wrong with me.

By the time I finished I'd made every outfit you see in this photo.

140- super mommie

But look at this radiant bride! She was worth every minute and every stitch.

140- beautiful bek

May 19, 2010

139- This Day...

This day is always a hard day... I don't suppose it will get much easier than it is now. My Miss 'Manda would be 34 today... she's been gone almost 29.

So this day I look for happiness. I served in the Temple where I was strengthened, but once home I feel a bit bereft.

This day I will look for beauty in the things around me knowing that tomorrow will be a better day...

139- japanese maple close up

My Japanese Maple

139- japanese maple
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May 18, 2010

138- Rainy Day Iris

This morning when I went to the family room (which if a half-depth basement) to open the blinds this is what greeted me. There are several iris plants in this flower bed but this is the only leaf that gets the rain. It just makes me happy to look at it.

138- rainy iris

Now for a recap on yesterday...

I've always tended to be a hard worker (Edna used to say, "Gordon married himself one good mule!") But as I've gotten older (DeLoris reminds me I'm not 30 anymore!) I've learned to *pace myself*. I will literally say to myself, "That's another job for another day!"

But that 'nother-day needs to come eventually and yesterday was it! The weather forecast predicted rain today so I knew there were things I HAD to get done! I mowed and edged the lawn; which is not small task at my house. Then I needed to clean, weed and replant the island that lives in the front corner of my lot and the flower bed that encircles the globe willow in the back yard. (Have you ever noticed how this kind of job just keeps morphing into more work? IE- These Shasta daisies have just gotten too large for this island, I need to dig up, separate and transplant them to a different location.)

I just kept pushing until all of it was finished. I worked like one good mule, I'll tell you! I haven't been as tired as I was last night for a very long time.

But the wonderful thing about yard work is that you can work like a mule and that work stays done for quite a while! It's not like dishes or laundry that just wants doing again as soon as you finish; I suppose that is why I've always enjoyed yard work. I get a great deal of satisfaction out of it.

May 17, 2010

137- Bearded Iris

This beautiful Bearded Iris has been in my yard since I moved here, but this is the first year I've gotten to enjoy its bloom. These rhizomes used to live along the back of the garage. They just were not happy there. So last fall I cleaned out that bed and moved them to the flower bed just outside the family room.

Ah, now Iris is happy! Look at her beautiful display!

137- iris

May 16, 2010

136- Poppies

Our short wedding trip to St George UT was just over 24 hours... but it seemed so much longer. It's been ages since we've gone and stayed in a motel. It was so nice to see our friends again.

On our way down yesterday I notice that for about 20 miles north of St George they've sown multi-colored poppies along the I-15; they were in full bloom. What a gorgeous sight! I'm used to acres upon acres of the orange California Poppy, but these reminded me of the Icelandic Poppies.

136- pink poppy

Today, Gordon made a quick stop for me so I could capture these beauties. He is always so good to accommodate me when I want to stop for photos.

136- poppies

May 15, 2010

135- Long Time Friends

It is so interesting what life does to you! It feels like not so long ago we were the young ones just getting married and starting out life together; now it is the next generation's turn.

We met Star and Shawn when we first moved to Palmdale 28 years ago. We'd had similar life experiences which tends to bond people quickly and closely. Here we are today...

135- not so old folks

Their oldest daughter, Desiree got married today. How can that be? It was only yesterday that we had Desiree and Spencer within a month of each other! In kindergarten they said they were going to get married (we can see that didn't happen!)

135- daddy & daughter

The newly-weds...

135- james & desiree

During the reception that followed we were entertained by these darling little dancers. What a couple of cuties.

135- little dancers

It was a lovely evening to reconnect with long-time friends.

135- sunset globe
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May 14, 2010

134- Promise of...

This is one of my happiest times of year. I go to the nursery and pick out my bedding plants. I'm always overcome the the promise that each plant holds.

I can see bushels of tomatoes, borders of fragrant petunias and bright, happy Gerbera daisies faces in my deck planters.

134- tomato & gerbera

Can I also just rave here on how much I love my 50mm lens? You notice the center tomato plant is in focus and everything else fades to that wonderful soft bokeh. I LOVE that look!

May 13, 2010

133- Pansies

It wouldn't be spring without pansies! I love their happy little faces. But I have to tell you that this is a color combination I don't remember seeing before. I LIKE it... a lot!

133- pansy
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BTW... these are some more of Shadowhouse Creations AKA SkeletalMess AKA Jerry Jones' textures. I like them a lot too!

May 12, 2010

132- Marsupial Pocket...

What a glorious day! It's been raining off and on but then the sun breaks through to provide beautiful photo ops! As I left the Temple today this is what I saw.

132- tulip at temple

Now, are you ready for this? This is what I used to take this awesome photo!

132- marsupial pocket camera phone

Yes, my marsupial pocket camera phone! Over a year ago my sister, Ann, asked me if I carried my camera around in my *marsupial pocket* and the name has just stuck!

When I finally upgraded my phone (well beyond the contract because it had to be something really cool for me to give up my pink Razr!) I knew I wanted a phone that had a decent camera. I've been very pleased with this one. It takes beautiful landscape and flora photos but I've been a bit disappointed with the quality for human photos.

Gordon upgraded his phone as well and I knew that with identical phones it was only a matter of time before he picked up the wrong phone. In order to avert disaster I designed and ordered a skin from UniqueSkins. I used one of my last year's POTD photos for the skin and the wallpaper. With careful placement you'll notice I was able to keep my Joanie's Balonie logo for easy identification (of course, the orange gerbera daisies also serve that purpose.)

So as Ann says... I am rarely without my camera in my little *marsupial pocket*!

May 11, 2010

131- Hair Saga...

Do we all struggle with having *good hair days*? I know I do. If I feel good about my hair then I usually feel good about my appearance. That being said I don't like to spend a lot of time fooling with my hair; it makes me tired!

So here is my story. I'll show you my finished hair lest you start to panic part way through the story. (I'll tell you I sure did some panicking half way through my story!)

131- new hair
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After letting my hair grow for almost 3 years I realized that I just need a shorter style. So about 3 weeks ago I had Desi cut it shorter. It looked great for about 1 hour after I did my hair and then it would be flat and blah. That means a perm. I talked to Desi, who is back in school carrying 17 credits she was going to be too busy to give me a perm but she dropped by one of her perms so I could do it myself (which isn't a big deal... I've permed my own hair for years).

So last evening after mowing the lawn I came in and permed my hair. The curl took wonderfully but since my hair was basically one length it bushed out on the bottom. The original plan was that I would perm my hair and then Desi would cut it for me. But last night those long pieces just had to go... so I trimmed my hair a little. I asked Gordon what he thought when I was finished (I thought it looked ok). He told me it was an old hairstyle. Hmmm, what does he know? But when I got up this morning and looked in the mirror I saw the same hairstyle that frumpy old ladies wear. Ahhhhhhhhhh...

I figured I would just trim it a little more... for years I've cut my own hair. The more I trimmed the worse it got... (coincidentally a friend of mine recently buzzed her head and now wishes she hadn't!) I quick put down the scissors (step away from the scissors and nobody gets hurt!), called my sweet daughter-in-law and cried, "Jess, help!" She told me I could come up in about an hour. So I drove myself with my very *with it* asymmetrical hairdo up to Jess's house and she fixed me up all pretty. Bless you sweet Jess!

With all of that being said... I'm so glad to have short hair again!

May 10, 2010

130- Green Thumb

I would never describe myself as someone who has a green thumb... but look here! Apparently I do!

130- green thumb

I think having a green thumb is something you learn to have. It is also greatly influenced by the climate you live in... and let me tell you, it's a lot harder to have a green thumb in Palmdale, CA than in Springville, UT (but frankly the place where my green thumb was most prolific was in Baker City, OR!)

I'm so blessed to have this very productive little quarter-acre of heaven! I have fruit trees, berry bushes, grapevines, beautiful bulbs, faithful perennials and lots of good sunshine and water. I heard recently that the gardener only does 5% of the work! Nature does the other 95%! Amazing!

I gave My Favorite Lilac a somewhat vigorous trimming last year when I enlarged the flower bed and it has responded with just as vigorous regrowth. It threatens to take over the bed, and perhaps that is not all bad.

130- lilac

129- Mother's Day... a Choice

Mother's Day can be a bit daunting if you choose to let it be so... but *this-day* I choose NOT to be daunted.

129- mother's day roses

This day I choose to rejoice in the mother who gave me life and raised me even though today marks the 33rd anniversary of her passing.

This day I choose to rejoice in the blessing of being a mother, even though motherhood is not always easy and sometimes thankless.

This day I choose to count my blessings for EACH of my children, those to whom I have personally given birth and those who I have come to love just as much as if I had.

This day I rejoice for my living (and those who have gone on before me) children who have called, text-ed or come to visit me and express their love and gratitude to me.

This day I am grateful for a loving spouse who supports me whether I am up or down, sad or happy.

This day I choose to be happy...

129- harley smelling roses

May 9, 2010

128- Camille's Shower

(In case none of you have noticed I'm running a day behind... oh well, maybe I will catch up soon!)

128- Camille
Camille and her shower hat! Such a good idea to put it on a hat, I've always just used a paper plate.

Today, Saturday, Camille's new sisters-in-law, Deidra and Amy, hosted a lovely bridal shower for her. You know you are marrying into a wonderful family with that kind of treatment. Amy and her husband, Charlie, run the Timber Wolf grill and restaurant at the Hobble Creek Golf course (and Charlie does magic things with food!) so that was our beautiful location for this party.

128- SIL
Deidra, Camille and Amy

Deidra and Amy had the wonderful idea to have some of the family members bring their favorite dessert for a taster's table, plus fruit, and other yummies. It was so pretty.

Camille got many wonderful gifts from sweet and generous family and friends...

128- spicy

Some of them requiring super-human strength to unwrap...

128- grrrr

It was wonderful to have friends who came from near and far to celebrate this happy day with her...

128- Millers
The Millers moved to our ward when Camille was only two and these girls all grew up together.

128- aunite p
And Auntie P who came special for her Camillie's special day (and to help her frazzled friend!)

At the end of the shower, Shirley, Kevin's mom, read a story she'd written for *Princess Camille and her Prince Kevin*. She also made bookmarks as a take home thank you for all the guests.

128- shirley

It was a lovely day. I'm so glad that Camille has found not only a wonderful man, but a wonderful family to marry. It makes my job of letting go that much easier... not that it will be easy...

May 8, 2010

127- Sweat-Shop and PSC

Pauline and I spent all day yesterday and most of today sewing in my *playroom-sweat-shop*! We have the sewing machines lined up on the tables, two irons and ironing boards! This is serious business. P got a little confused about which foot pedal to push to make her sewing machine go!

127- which foot pedal

After a short session of afternoon *retail therapy* it was back home and now into the *baking sweat-shop*. After a quick dinner of homemade french bread pizza it was time to tackle the dreaded Potting Soil Cookies (dun...dun... dun...), more commonly known at the Heavenly Provo Temple Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookie. (recipe to follow... but be warned... these cookies are not for the faint of heart! Serious bakers only need apply!)

The first thing you need to know is that this is just a HALF recipe! Yes, half-recipe!

Our first order of the day is to create Oreo Cookie crumbs. Pauline, Nikki and I opened three packages worth of Oreo Cookies and scrapped out the frosting in order to grind up the cookie part to get the crumbs.

So mix all your dry ingredients... I started in my largest Tupperware bowl and soon discovered that even my half-recipe was too large so I opted for a clean, clear garbage bag in my kitchen sink.

127- psc 1

Then blend together your wet ingredients. This did fit in the Tupperware bowl.

127- psc 2

Now mix. It was a good thing I had Nikki for an able assistant and P for a photographer!

127- psc 3

This is when we decided that the dough looks exactly like potting soil and we gave these yummy cookies a new name.

127- psc 4

Stinkin'-Cow... that's a lot of dough!

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I will spare you photos of me making myopic faces as I try to shape the cookies (this is a crumbly dough)

Ah, here they are all ready to bake.

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And the final baked cookie. I think it got offended because we called it Potting Soil so it oozed across the parchment lined baking sheets. The ones at the temple are more formed.

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I baked 7 dozen cookies, about half of the dough. At 11 pm I ran out of steam and turned the rest of the dough into rolls and froze them for future use. I'll let you know if that makes for a better shaped finished product.

Provo Temple Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookies
**Disclaimer**
This recipe makes 10 dozen LARGE cookies. Feel free to half the recipe but do not quarter it; the proportions do not come out exact and will require “tweaking” if you want to make a significantly smaller batch. The Temple makes the entire batch and then freezes the batter that is not being cooked immediately. However, freeze them in the patties and not in a block of dough since it is a sticky dough and will not thaw evenly.

WHOLE RECIPE / HALF RECIPE
2 cups Rolled Oats/ 1 cup rolled oats
5 lbs. Oreo cookie crumbs (fine) / 2 ½ lbs Oreo cookie crumbs
3 cups Flour /1 ½ cups flour
6 cups Coconut flakes /3 cups coconut flakes
3 lbs. Semi-sweet chocolate chips /1 ½ lbs chocolate chips
4 cups Chopped pecans / 2 cups chopped pecans
3 lbs. Heath Toffee crumbs (coarse) /1 ½ lbs Heath Toffee crumbs
1 ½ lbs. Mini marshmallows / ¾ lbs mini marshmallows

Blend all the above ingredients together well and set aside.
4 lbs. Sweetened condensed milk / 2 lbs sweetened condensed milk
1 cup liquid eggs (egg beaters) / ½ cup liquid eggs
2 ½ Tbls. Baking powder /1 ½ Tbs baking powder
1 ½ lbs. Melted butter (unsalted) / ¾ lbs melted butter (unsalted)
1 ½ Tbls. Kosher salt (I prefer this to table salt) /1 ½ Tbs salt

Blend the wet ingredients together well. Combine the wet with the dry but do not over mix. Bake at:
Convection Oven—350 degrees
1 tablespoon size cookie (traditional size) for 10 minutes
2 tablespoon size cookie (temple size) for 12 minutes

Thermal/Conventional Oven—375 degrees
1 tablespoon size cookie for 8-10 minutes
2 tablespoon size cookie for 10-12 minutes

**Notes of the Trade**
You can buy Oreo cookie crumbs but VERY few stores carry them. The only store that I know in Utah that carries them is Harmon’s. Instead you will need 5-6 packages of Oreo cookies and you will need to scrape the icing out of the center (each package is a pound but keep in mind that you lose some of the weight in the icing).
The cheapest way to acquire the Heath Toffee is to purchase the packages of miniature bars. It is FAR more expense to purchase an individual bar and more expense to purchase the pre-crumbled baking toffee. You can find the package of mini-bars in the candy grocery aisle at the store. Because the batch is so large, I used the counter top to mix all the dry ingredients. I also used two mixers; one to mix all the wet ingredients together and then the other to combine the dry and wet together in batches. Once I had combined the ingredients, I again mixed the entire dough together on the counter top. This is a very sticky dough and it of course will bake sticky. You must either use parchment paper or spray your cookie sheet with a non-stick spray. This cookie sets up as it cools so do not over bake. Let them cool for a few minutes on the pan but remove them to a towel before they cool completely because they will be VERY hard to remove from the pan without scraping. (Thank you Jennifer Cederstrom for getting this recipe from the Provo Temple)