A Very Blessed Christmas

My Christmas was wonderfully happy and chocked full of family... which is what made it so happy. In a week's time I got to see most of my children and their families: it just doesn't get any better than that.

Bekah, Curtis, Caden and Brock came to Utah for Curt's grandma's funeral and we got to visit with them on the Monday and Tuesday before Christmas. It was heaven! First thing I had to get a pix with my *little* boys! I guess I'm just their little Grammie!

We had such a lovely time.

Bekah said it best in her weekly letter to Tadhg-

We were able to visit with Camille and Stuart and all their little ones at Grammie's house for dinner on Monday and Tuesday! That was the best part, being able to visit and get my baby fix. I was able to hold and rock baby Emmy for a long time and got some baby squeezes in on chunky Liam! Stu put Emmy and Fiona through the paces of his kiddy circus act.

Boxing day, or as it is known at my house- Dia del Boxeo, was a wonderful success. Spencer, Deborah, Riley and Annabelle arrived early that morning for a week-long stay.

My family is always so good helping me remember that I want to get a family photo before people start leaving. I almost like this one better than the first!

Annabelle came prepared to play in the snow. Her daddy chose just the right Christmas gift accessories for this beautiful little girl.

Riley and Chief spent a lot of time romping in the snow too.

The sibs got together frequently for fun activities. This day Deb, Spencer and Stuart had a trek up Hobble Creek canyon.

The next day the three couples went to the Payson Temple together while I had Grammie duties! When I saw these three precious faces sitting at my counter it took me instantly back to when their parents were lined up just so.

The next day they all went to the Zoo without Grammie... too cold for Grammie!

Teeny-belle, as her Daddy calls her, got to know her Grammie again. It usually takes a few days for her to warm up to her long-distance Grammie.

Fortunately, Riley knows his Grammie loves him and has no worries about crawling into bed with me in the middle of the night after a bad dream. Sweet Harley did his doggy-therapy-duties several nights for Riley snuggled up with him in bed for the whole night. Harley's good that way... he always know who needs his love. (Although Harley would never let me catch him in a photo op!)

This wonderful Christmas season started with taquitos for the Flynns and then again on Boxing day and ended with our traditional waffles with strawberries and whipped cream at midnight on New Year's Eve (even though we started early as soon as the waffles started coming off the irons at 11:45!)

It is the best Christmas I've had in decades! And I am very, very grateful for that rich and wonderful blessing!

Coming and Going

I just got home from my wanderings in the West! This is the first road-trip Elio and I have made! It all started on April 11 when I headed south  down the I-15 to visit family in California.

Shortly after this gas stop, where I reset my trip/mpg averages, I realized that there's something seriously wrong with this particular reading!!! I just WISH I was getting 72mpg!

Since I've *worn out the I-15* over the years I have some favorite sights... Virgin River Gorge is one of them.  Just outside the gorge I saw the happiest thing, but it wasn't a safe photo-op.  I passed a livestock truck hauling pigs.  Out of one of the holes was a little pink piggy ear- flapping in the wind!

And, favorite stops! Vegas used to be the first available In 'n Out Burger! So glad we have it in Utah Valley now.

The kids always loved Monkey Mountain at the top of the Baker grade. (This is what gave me the idea of the coming and going title...)

My first visit was at Spencer's house! I was able to accompany him and Deborah to the LA Temple for their Stake Temple Night.

And the next day I got to see my good friends- Batman and Robin (aka Auntie P and Sonny). Apparently I didn't get the memo that Auntie P's grandson's 1st birthday party was themed. But that's ok... I'm always Wonder Woman!

Sunday was Stake Conference with Spencer and family... happy day.

Monday found me on the road again. I'd noticed that the Joshua trees were blooming when I was headed through Barstow but didn't stop to get a photo until I was headed west out Hwy 138. They say this doesn't happen very often.

Next stop was at Rebekah's. I told her that her job was to make sure I got a photo with my Flynn boys! I can't believe how grown up they all are. Where did my tiny babies go?

But somehow I didn't get photos of Rebekah and I. We had a delightful visit. We went to the Fresno Temple on Wednesday evening. Truly the words from 3 John 1:4 apply to me, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

Bek and I found this beautiful fountain at some random shopping center in Fresno.

In the original planning stages I hadn't planned to go to the Bay Area but as the time drew close for my trip I knew I just *needed* to include it. I stopped first thing at Roselawn to leave early birthday flowers for Tony. I felt great peace and love for my wonderful first-born and not too many tears.

I had a lovely visit with Sue and family. We all got together for dinner the first night and I was able to meet my newest little grand-niece, Audrey Ella. I was able to have a wonderful visit with all. I'm so grateful for family. Plus Sue and I made a productive shop at Blue Door Antiques where we found some wonderful orphaned quilt blocks. Sue already has hers in various stages of completion! I told her she was the Queen!

Saturday I took I-5 south back to Palmdale. It's been years since I've taken that route. I normally go via Hwy 99. I was interested to see that they've moved Harris Ranch's stock yards away from the freeway. We've driven past there when you can literally see the methane gas hanging in the cow-manure scented air.

This time around I stayed at Auntie P's house but we had Spencer and family over for dinner and delicious strawberry dream cake.

This may very well replace Pig-Pickin' Cake as our family favorite.

Monday we went to the garment district in LA with Deborah and Andrea.  Pauline was the winning shopper this day... all I got was some zippers.

And no trip to So Cal is complete without a trip to Cielito Lindo. It has pretty much replaced Disneyland.  Well, maybe not, but it's a lot cheaper!

And our trip back home from LA- I've always love this series of tunnels that transition to the I-5.

Tuesday was the day of reckoning and time to come home. And here is Monkey Mountain headed north.

So what of this trip? Here are my stats-

• 12 days
• 2287.3 miles that Elio drove (this doesn't count when other people drove us somewhere)
• A combined total of 40 hours driving time
• 27 family and family-by-choice members visited
• Elio- 9 months old
• Joanie- 60.5 years old
• Countless potty stops (oh, for crying out loud!)
• And quite possibly the easiest solo road-trip I've made in the last decade... I think that must be a result of Elio's comfortable ride and awesome family visits.
• One happy Pup and Pap when I returned home!

Palmdale Visit

I started my California trip (3/8) in Palmdale and the first stop was go to Spencer's house! Deb and Riley were at the gym so Deb told Riley there was a surprise for him at home. I met him at the door and he wanted to know what I brought him! Not exactly the reaction Deb was looking for! bwahahaha... but that's ok... I love my little guy!

The next day we NEEDED a beach day! This time we decided we'd try the Santa Monica Pier. I haven't been there for ages, not since... well, I don't remember when! Spencer chauffeured us in their minivan. And you know what? He drives like a dad... all mature and everything. I was relieved to have him drive. I know I can still drive in LA traffic, but after driving for 9 hours the day before, I was a little road weary.

SPENCER, DEBORAH AND RILEY (WITH SEE'S SUCKERS IN THEIR MOUTHS)

We parked at the Santa Monica Mall (I'm sure there is a better name than that but I don't know what it is... maybe Auntie P knows! Jump in here on the comments and tell us P.) After using the facilities we took a walk down to the pier. I saw a darling *Angry Birds* stocking cap that I would have gotten for Riley (remember- what did I bring him?) but he took one look and gave it the thumbs-down.

We wandered to the end of the pier where we were accosted by Snake-Man! ICK! saw some fishermen and the Amusement Park. They've done a good job of providing fun rides for the littles! I love this shot of Riley looking so pleased with Deb and Spencer in the background.

Next up was the mini *Mali-boomer* (I stole that name from CA Adventure).

Put up your hands, Riley!

And, since we were in the neighborhood (took us 2 hours to travel 13 miles! I'm not joking!) We HAD to stop at Cielito Lindo.

OhMyStinkin'Heck! Do I ever love this place! I told the guys I'd come all the way from Springville, Utah just to eat their taquitos and tomatillo sauce and he gave me extra! YUM! (It makes my mouth water just looking at this lovely mess of greeness!)  But Auntie P scored the biggest deal getting taquitos for Steve AND a pint of sauce for $10!

There are always interesting-sorts down at the beach... it makes me so grateful for my home!

We arrived back in P-dale at dark-thirty so Spencer dropped us off and took his tired-self and tired little family home.

Next day, after some retail therapy with Auntie P, they came back for dinner at P's house. And look what Auntie P had for Riley!! Now we see who the best Grammie is!

My stay in Palmdale was too short this time around... I will have to plan better on my next trip. I'm so grateful for my sister-by-choice and Spencer, Deborah and Riley. It was wonderful to see them all again.

11-11-11 Fun

We told Spencer and Deborah we would take care of food at their reception. I suggested we serve chips and salsa (A friend in our ward did this and it was a wonderful success). When I talked to Auntie P about my idea she said, “I think we should make little taquitos! I’ll call Camille and ask her if she wants to have a taquitos-making night!” (Camille was always her able-bodied-assistant when we made taquitos for P’s annual Christmas party. So I ran the idea past Spencer and Deborah... they were thrilled!

We planned our trip down so we would arrive early enough to make taquitos. Stuart, Gordon and I went down in Gordon’s Buick. Camille and Kevin went down in her little Mazda. Silly side note... we left a full two hours before Camille and Kevin, but because of all of our potty stops, meal stops and picking up Spencer and El Pollo Loco for dinner (whew!) we all arrived at Auntie P’s house about the same time!

After dinner we were all there in the kitchen... the girls cooking, the boys chatting, and it felt just like all those other fun gatherings at Auntie P’s. I love that feel of tradition and connecting. Sonny came up for the day so I got to see her too! What a wonderful blessing.

I DO LOVE THESE FUN GIRLS!

We initiated Deborah in the arts of taquito making... showing her how to roll the meat in the softened shell and then secure it with a toothpick. Ah, we do love this girl. We are so glad she's in our family. (Can you guess which are the bride's hands? Hmm, not hard!)



Poor Kevin's back was hurting (9 hours in a car will do that to you!), but he didn't want to miss out on all of the conversations so Auntie P brought out her special quilt (that someone very nice made for her) and he laid on the floor.



After the taquito fry was completed I caught some pix of everyone.

SPENCER, UNCLE STEVE, GORDON, DEBORAH

I'd just turned around from taking this pix when I caught Stuey in the act of eating the last of the pollo! Yummy!



Before Sonny went back home that evening I gave her a haircut (have scissors will travel... that's my motto). I cut P's hair too, but since we both were busy no one got a photo.



What a wonderful, happy, fun-filled evening with our family!

357- Traditions

Traditions are precious. They tie us to one another and linger in our hearts for years to come.

Stuart can be thanked for organizing tonight's continuation of a nearly two-decade tradition. (So why don't I have a photo of him?)

We gathered at Camille and Kevin's house to initiate a new generation into the realms of taquito making.



We rolled and cooked over 7 dozen taquitos! Happy times.

313- Homemade Taquitos

... es muy bueno!

So you remember that a couple of weeks ago I did a post about making my own Home Canned Beef. (Which turned out totally yummy!! We had some as just a roast beef dinner one night. Very tasty quick meal.)

The biggest reason I wanted to put in a store of canned beef is... TAQUITOS!!! Yum... I love taquitos!! In fact I've been regretting all day that I sent home all the leftovers with Stuart last night!

Taquitos are really very simple to make (uh, but, let's be honest... a bit messy!)

You need to have (these amounts are approximate... I don't measure):

1 can Canned Beef
1-2 tablespoons cream of wheat or malto-meal
1-2 dozen corn tortilla
oil, a bunch (yeah, this is the messy part)
toothpicks, ditto
paper towels, ditto
... and to go along with the yummy eating... guacamole and refried beans

You can get canned roast beef at most supermarket in the same aisle as the tuna...

First you dump your beef into a pan, gravy and all, shred it with a fork. Then sprinkle on some cream of wheat or malto-meal and stir while heating. The cream of wheat/malto-meal absorbs the liquids and makes for yummy, moist taquitos. You want to cook the meat mixture until it is hot and the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. (What you're looking at here is 2 quarts of home canned beef with about 1 cup of liquid and 1/4 c malto-meal.)



Next, pour about 1" of oil into a frying pan (the deeper the pan the better... less mess). Heat to medium hot. Quickly fry each corn tortilla to soften, only about 5 second per side. Remove to paper towels to drain. I find that I can fit 4 tortillas on each paper towel. Add another paper towel and keep going until all your tortillas are softened.



This is the part where I fell down on the photo-taking job. Our home teachers came and Camille and her room mates got here and they started rolling. So I hope I can describe it ok. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of beef down the center of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla over it and then slide the meat back towards yourself with your fingers and then roll the tortilla and secure with a toothpick. (Sorry... I should be fired as photographer)

When you have your taquitos rolled it is time to fry them up (at this stage Stuart calls them raw... funny boy!)

Add oil to your frying pan to 1" again. Heat to medium hot. Add taquitos, don't crowd them and fry, turning once. I like mine on the crunchy, brown side, but some people like theirs softer. It takes about 5 minutes.





Doesn't this just make your mouth water? Yummy! (Now I must tell you that I normally only use ONE toothpick per taquito, but we had a novice roller and we neglected to tell her ONEe was enough!) Crunch, yummy, lip-smacking-good.

OK, loser photographer again... I didn't get a photo of the yummy dipping beans and guacamole... but go here if you want to see it.

We had lots of fun with the making, visiting and eating... and then Camille and the rest of the girls cleaned up the kitchen! What a bunch of sweeties!

265- Cielito Lindo

Ahhhh... get out your memory-foam shoes because I'm going to take you for a walk down my memory lane...

Ages ago when I was in Spanish 1 I learned the song Cielito Lindo. That song has stayed with me all these years and it runs through my head periodically... ESPECIALLY when I am taking a trip to my favorite Cielito Lindo.



This has to be one of the finest taquito cookeries on the face of the earth. (Just go to their website... they are world famous!) Taquitos are just happy food in my book. (I just went and searched my blog because I was sure that I'd blogged about taquitos before... but I hadn't. I suppose that will be another post for another day.)

Cielito Lindo is situated at the east end of the historic Olvera St in downtown Los Angeles. They serve their taquitos with what they call avocado sauce, but is really tomitillo sauce... yummy! My favorite is to get them with a side of beans and cheese! Oh my... it's a little slice of heaven! It is right up there with a trip to Disneyland on my fun-o-meter!



Who could resist this plate of yum-ness!? Certain not Auntie P and I!



When we were leaving Springville, a week and a half ago, for our road trip down here we made a quick stop at Taco Bell and it made me think that I would be able to go get taquitos at Cielito Lindo! I started singing Cielito Lindo for Camille and Stuart. Camille made me repeat it several time trying to figure out what it said...

I Googled to get the lyrics-

De la Sierra Morena,
Cielito lindo, vienen bajando,
Un par de ojitos negros,
Cielito lindo, de contrabando.

Estribillo: Yeh... this is the only part I remember!!
Ay, ay, ay, ay,
Canta y no llores,
Porque cantando se alegran,
Cielito lindo, los corazones.

Refrain:
Ay, ay, ay, ay,
sing and don't cry,
because singing gladdens,
pretty sweetheart, one's heart (Just for you Camille-y)

Pájaro que abandona,
Cielito lindo, su primer nido,
Si lo encuentra ocupado,
Cielito lindo, bien merecido.

(Estribillo)
Ese lunar que tienes,
Cielito lindo, junto a la boca,
No se lo des a nadie,
Cielito lindo, que a mí me toca.

(Estribillo)

Si tu boquita morena,
Fuera de azúcar, fuera de azúcar,
Yo me lo pasaría,
Cielito lindo, chupa que chupa.

(Estribillo)

De tu casa a la mía,
Cielito lindo, no hay más que un paso,
Antes que venga tu madre,
Cielito lindo, dame un abrazo.

(Estribillo)

Una flecha en el aire,
Cielito lindo, lanzó Cupido,
y como fue jugando,
Cielito lindo, yo fui el herido.

(Estribillo)

POTD Twenty-Four

For over 25 years I've made cinnamon rolls on the morning of Christmas Eve. Some years I've made a double batch and taken them to friends, sometimes it's just for family. Now my Camille-y is 23 and we make them together. Gordon walked into the kitchen this morning and commented on how nice it was that we were doing this together.



We have carried on the Christmas Eve tradition of making taquitos from scratch. This tradition goes back to having Christmas Eve at Auntie P's. One year she was pressed for time and needed help so I sent Camille down and that became their happy tradition.

Our first Christmas in Utah (4 years ago- and may I add the first time in 19 years that we WEREN'T with Auntie P) I went to Albertson's in Orem to buy the meat and tortillas. I called P and started crying; when I couldn't find the meat I found a clerk and bawling asked him for help finding the canned meat!! Poor guy! He didn't know not being able to find canned meat was such an emotional subject!

I love these wonderful traditions that add depth to our celebrations.