It's Going to be a Pinteresting Summer!

I love summer and the break from "normal" life.  I have been stockpiling plans and ideas, from Pinterest of course, that I'd like to accomplish.  Some for my house and some with my daughters for their homes.  I  am not quite sure how much I'll get done yet since we are awaiting a new grandbaby too, but we'll see and the record will be here.  I'm not a photographer, but my trusty iPhone will assist.  Here we go...

So far, project #1 is done.  It was quick and easy and I LOVE it!  It's a magnetic pin dish.  I found a wonderful Royal Albert shell-shaped dish at a yard sale for 75 cents, used glue dots to secure some super-strong magnets to the bottom and then put in my pins!  Shopping took longer than completing the project which was done in less than 5 min!  {Now the truth is that I tried superglue to adhere the magnets first and it was a flop.  The DOTS worked like a charm.}

        

I had the glue dots on hand and bought the strong magnets at the grocery store.

My Pretty Little Pin Dish

One of the next plans involves my school classroom filing cabinets.  They are ancient of days and pretty ratty looking.  Here, take a look.

Imagine them yellow.  I saw this on pinterest....

Now lest you think I have no imagination since I want mine yellow too, I will post other photos of my classroom when these are complete and you'll see that yellow was a reasonable choice. :)

Some projects will be big, some will be small, but hopefully all will be fun!  Happy Summer!!

I don't know what to say...

My response to death has been forever changed.  It isn't that I haven't done appropriate things in the past, but now I know more....

In the two and a half weeks since my son-in-law, Chase, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly we have learned a lot and been blessed and touched by the very, very kind actions of family, friends, and strangers.  My sweet daughter Emily and her children have been the recipients of many tender actions, words of love, prayers, kind thoughts, and financial contributions.

I am choosing to record many of the kindnesses shown so I will remember and have a working list of ideas when sadness invades the lives of others.  I hope my need for this list is limited, but I also hope that it may be of benefit to others who wonder what to do when a loved one steps into the next phase of life.

• Many people simply said, "I just don't know what to say..." but they came anyway.  They held our hands, offered hugs and loved us in our grief.  This helps more than you'll ever know.
• Orange Juice -  A dear woman brought two gallons of orange juice, and then a couple of days later, another gallon.  It was the only thing Emily ate or drank for 3 days.  It kept everyone hydrated when nothing else sounded good.
• 6 boxes of Kleenex with lotion.  We cried lots.
• The snack box.  Emily's sister created a box of granola bars, fruit snacks, candy items, protein bars, etc.  It was wonderful for kids and grown ups alike.
• Meals - Amazing foodstuffs appeared.  Soups, bread, desserts, sandwich supplies, casseroles, a full out thanksgiving feast, granola (it was a godsend the day of the funeral), and a breakfast casserole for the day after the funeral.
• Visits.  Just people stopping by to offer condolences.
• Gifts for the children whose daddy was gone. Books, bracelets, toys, crayons, clothing.
• Fruit.  Baskets, bowls and trays.  Every bite eaten up!
• Money tucked into cards.  Some signed and some not, but all with gentle notes of love.
• Letters. Letters to various family members who have suffered the loss of husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law and friend.
• Help.  Babysitting, house cleaning, and car cleaning inside and out.
• Dishwashing.  I'm not sure how all the dishes were washed or by whom, but they were cleaned by helping hands.
• A party for the children on the evening of the viewing.  Our son's in-laws planned a wonderful party and invited all the cousins (all of my grandchildren) to the event.  It was so good for them to have fun and for the parents not to worry about them.
• WATER:  An ice chest full of bottled water was provided at the viewing and then at home for the next few days.  It was a huge blessing for all the family {both sides} at the viewing and then again at home.
• Alterations.  A sewing wizard/friend made sure that all the viewing and funeral clothing was in tip-top shape for the whole family.
• Floral gifts.
• Homemade fudge.
• Phone calls from near and far. We have heard from dear friends from each phase of our lives and the love and support warms our hearts and alleviates our sadness.
• Music. Someone dear came and played the piano.  I watched Emily's healing begin.
• Donations to the memorial fund to help care for the children, and the child yet to be.
• Attendance at the viewing and the funeral.
• Ongoing offers to help, and follow up calls to make arrangements to do so. Never again will I say, "Let me know if you need help."  Not because I don't mean it, but because those in grief don't know what they need.  The concrete offers have been such blessings. {"I want to come over once a week and help with housekeeping.  I want to come at the same day and time each week.  Would Thursday work for you?"  "I am free on Saturday evening from 5 -11 and I'd love to watch your kids."}
• A friend attended the viewing and was "on call" for anything that was needed. She ran errands and was the "go to" girl of the evening.  I'm not sure what we'd have done without her that day or the day of the funeral.  She was discreet, but our family all knew she was there if we needed anything.
• The evening of the viewing friends came to the house and said, "Can we take anything up to the church for you?"  When we arrived at the church the items had not only arrived safely, but had already been set up in a display.  I was SO thankful!
• A nursery was provided on the day of the funeral so young children could be occupied while the parents attended the service.
• A text to ask Emily what her favorite beverage was, and then it showed up for her, along with lip gloss and extra water. Just in case...
• A utility bill paid on Em's behalf. (For a whole year!)
• Folding Laundry.  It seems some of the most basic household chores seem insurmountable for the first week or two. This was a blessing.
• Dry cleaning drop off/ pick up.
• Ongoing help, messages of love, expressions of concern, and check up phone calls. 

I know this list will continue to grow. In the midst of great sorrow we feel extremely blessed by the goodness and love that has been shown to our family.  God bless us, everyone.

PS... If you are wondering how Em and the kids are, here is an update: Em's Family

A Tribute...

My oldest daughter, Emily, has endured a week that no young wife ever wants to consider.  The loss of her husband, Chase on March 10, followed by all the necessities that follow a death.  

His funeral was yesterday, March 16.  She was brave, brave, brave. -- The words of the funeral were a blur for Emily, so I told my her that I'd write the words she'd most like to remember.

Chase was a fine man who adored his family.  He fell in love with Grace, his step-daughter, first and then, in very short order, her mother.  Chase adored them both and went to great lengths to DO things to make them happy.  He often sent flowers, brought home candies and small treats, took them on walks, and designed family play dates.  He once told me that he couldn't bear the thought of ever losing Grace --- or Emily.  :)

Chase and Emily loved road trips.  They enjoyed National Parks week and traveled throughout Utah. Just two weeks ago their family enjoyed a trip to California and spent time at the beach, Sea World, Disneyland and Universal Studio.

They spent many weekends at Bear Lake with Chase's family enjoying boating, fishing and hanging out with family at the lake. -- Summers were full of backyard picnics, cousins, and making fresh pasta. Winters were filled with snowball fights, snow play, and hot chocolate parties with passionate kisses.
(If you've never had "Passionate Kisses," here's the recipe:  Drink hot chocolate through a Thin Mint  (or Grasshopper) cookie.  Take a tiny bite out of each side of the cookie and use it like a straw.  The inside with melt from the hot chocolate, but it's your job to slurp up the cookie just before it melts.  If you don't, it will be a melty pile of yumminess in the bottom of your cup.)

Chase loved to cook with Emily and they loved hosting guests for dinner. They were delighted to have company and often did. They loved movies, concerts, and window shopping together.

Henry was born with some challenges and teaching Henry to walk and sign (talk) has been Chase's delight. He was Henry's greatest cheer-leader, as a good dad ought to be.   It was delightful to watch the father/son bond grow.

Their children were the light of their lives and they eagerly looked forward to the birth of their new child in July. They were busy trying out names and discussing just who their new little one would be.

Chase often came home for lunch just to kiss Em and see the kids before nap time.  He was always helpful at home with household chores, and especially so when Emily was expecting a baby.  He always washed the floors, cleaned the bathrooms and took out the trash.  He was also a diaper-changer extraordinaire who never complained about diaper duty, and even volunteered for it.

When it came to discipline of the children he was kind and attentive.  He believed in talking gently and calmly and listening.

Last year Chase decided to learn to knit and loved the new hobby. He and Emily spent many evenings watching movies while he knit and Em crocheted.  The long waits at Primary Children's during Henry's surgeries were spent knitting.

Chase was a delightful son-in-law.  He often dropped in to talk and frequently told me I was his "favorite mother-in-law," assuring me that even if he had more than one, I would still be the favorite.

Chase adopted Emily's love of musical theater and had decided to learn to sing and dance so he could audition for a local theater production.  He had great plans to become an actor.

Emily is lost without the love and companionship of her best friend.  The children miss their dad and don't understand their new life without him.

He is loved and missed.

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Chase's Obituary

Chase Roger Nielsen, born November 28, 1983 in Ogden, UT passed away unexpectedly Sunday evening March 10, 2013 leaving his sweetheart-wife, Emily and step-daughter, Grace, son Henry, and a new baby anticipated in July. They were a happy family residing in Hyrum, UT. Chase was 29.

Chase was a brilliant man who loved to learn and excelled in many different fields. He graduated from Roy High School class of 2002. He also received his Associates degree from Weber State in 2002.  Chase was accepted in to the Nuclear program when he joined the Navy, and after his military service he continued his education at the University of Utah and later at Utah State University.

Chase worked for Great Western Park and Playground and loved his job and his work family. He was able to tell every one that he was a project manager, but lovingly told friends he was a “parkitect.” Designing playground space brought him great satisfaction.

Chase enjoyed spending time with his family at Bear Lake.  He enjoyed fishing, boating, knee-boarding and wakeboarding.  He loved spending time with his family playing video games with his brothers and children, watching movies, taking the kids to the park, and making fresh pasta in the summertime.

Chase is survived by his wife, Emily Ann (White) Nielsen, his step-daughter Grace, his son Henry, and a new baby who will be born in July. Also, his parents, father, Roger Nielsen (Shelly), mother, Nancy Gale Knaus, brothers, Eric Nielsen, Cory Nielsen, step-sister, Jessica Trythall (Kenny), step-brother, Tyson Spencer (Ryan), and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.  Chase will also be missed by his in-laws, Chris and Dana White and Emily’s extended family.

The “Chase Nielsen Memorial Fund” has been established to assist his family at this time of loss and sorrow.  Contributions can be made in person or by phone at any America First Credit Union Branch.

Services for Chase Nielsen include a viewing at the Hyrum North Stake Center, 245 Apple Drive, Hyrum UT from 6-8 pm on Friday, March 15, and again on Saturday morning from 10 – 11 am. Funeral Services will be held in the same location Saturday, March 16 at 11 am.  Interment will follow at the Roy City Cemetery.

Many thanks are extended to Great Western Park and Playground, the Hyrum EMT team, the Cache County Sheriff’s Department, and the ER at Logan Regional Hospital.

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We will miss Chase so very, very much.  His laughter, his love for his children, his adoration for his sweet wife, his devotion to learning and constant desire to make a better life for his family.

We love you Chase.

Suzie's Sausage Balls

Suzie is one of the BEST cooks in the world!  Her recipes are always simple and delicious.  These are magnificent!  The recipe is easy to double or more and freezes well.

Suzie’s Sausage Balls

Balls

1 lb. country style sausage

¼ cup bread crumbs

1 egg

Mix together. Form balls. Fry until crispy.

Drain.  May be frozen at this point if desired.

If frozen, thaw before adding to sauce.

Sauce

¾ cup ketchup

¼ cup brown sugar

2 T. soy sauce

2T. cider vinegar

Mix ingredients in a saucepan or crock pot.

Add sausage balls and simmer 20 – 30 minutes.

They may be kept warm for a long time in a crockpot.

Hurray for the Winner!

Amy A. is the WINNER of the wonderful pencil sharpener giveaway.  Congratulations Amy!!

Sharpen Your Pencils! {a giveaway}

Do you ever use a pencil?  If so, have I got a treat for you! I teach first grade and we go through a LOT of pencils.  My little ones can sharpen a pencil into oblivion in one session with an electric sharpener.  This nifty new gadget has saved the day, or at least some pencils....

I bought an amazing set of pencil sharpeners for my school classroom.  They were recommended by a colleague and I am super appreciative.  I've never had such well sharpened pencils before, and my first graders can sharpen all by themselves without turning their pencils into nubs.  This sharpener stops when the pencil is sharp!!

These are available at  www.classroomfriendlysupplies.com. The reasonable price of $54 for THREE sharpeners make these quite affordable. They are available individually for $25 each, but why when you could have 3 for $54? This INCLUDES shipping!

These come in colors to suit your needs (red, green, black or blue) and quickly attach to a desktop or bookcase with a clamp that is included.  I have found that even when clamped down the sharpener needs a hand resting on top to keep it stationary, but it seems a natural part of the process.  You will find videos at the website with great directions for sharpening.  You will be truly amazed at the points on your pencils.

What color do you want? Just enter for a chance to WIN your very own sharpener!  I promise you'll be so delighted you'll want to give these as gifts to everyone you know who uses a pencil.

Here we go with the giveaway, good luck! (Winner must have a US mailing address.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


WHEN you win, you'll just need to let me know what color you'd prefer and the kind man at www.classroomfriendlysupplies.com will send you a pencil sharpener right away!

Update and a New Plan

It seems that I only blog in spurts.  I'm going to change that and blog at least weekly. :)  Well, at least that's the plan.

I spent the summer working on this nifty new blog design with the EXPERT help of Lindsay at Happy Potamus Designs.  What a dream experience.  She could read my mind!  I filled out her questionnaire, sent virtual color swatches, told her I was an old woman at heart {you know, I love doilies and fringe!), and POOF I had a blog design I loved. -- She may not quite agree with the POOF part since she had to be the mind reader, but honestly, she made it a fun party and was patient and kind through the process.

Somehow, during this process I have amassed more than 100 followers!  I am planning a couple of prize giveaways and sharing of some nifty products.  Please have patience as I learn to be a real blogger.

For now, please check out my blog. I'm especially happy with the Recipes link.  I've just begun creating the "book" but I will continue to add recipes that our family loves.  If I post it I promise its a keeper at our house.

Check out the other links in the header bar too.  I hope you enjoy your visit at my little place in cyberspace and I DO plan to blog more often.  "See" you soon!

Folded Books

I tend to go overboard when I find something I love to do.  My current passion is folding books. Luckily for me it has proved to be a hobby that even makes a little bit of money!  The summer before last I began folding patterns and shapes, and participated in a WONDERFUL handmade art fair, Bijou Market, that was held in a pear orchard. Here's the  link to that post if you'd like to see pics from that event.(http://www.thewhitesilkpurse.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html)

At that time I was really wanting to learn to fold WORDS into the pages of books... And now, I have!!  I think this is really my niche.  I love looking for just the right books and choosing just the right word(s).

As with all my creative endeavors, I rarely keep any for myself.  Each time I've folded a book for my house it has left with a visitor or been purchased through my etsy shop.  I think I'll fold one to keep soon!

Here are a few MANY of my favorites:

A Love Story {just right for any day or anytime}

Akiva {special order, name}

Believe {this was for Christmas, the cover was pinecones and hollyberries}

{star} Cal {star}

for a brand new baby

Clark

Although this is my son's name, this was a special order last name

Elli

special order - check out the cute endpages peeking out

This is just a pillar fold, but I LOVE the endpages, they are flocked.

Gardner (my maiden name... folded for my brother's family)

H {heart} H

one of two folded for a wedding

HOOP

nickname

Hannah

{This is one of my favorites, the red on the end is a little heart.}

HAYES

This one is the very first word book I folded.

Heart

a book of few pages with a heart.

J {heart} K

from a thoughtful husband for a loving wife

Loved

folded into the pages of a much loved, and therefore retired, library book

Nielsen

last name

READ

vintage children's book

READ

another vintage find -- cool cover

Robinson

This was a poetry book.  I love how the page frames add to the overall look.

Sarah

The Coles

This photo is blurry, but I liked this idea.  It was a wedding order.

Wicked

(a Halloween request)

Zoe

for a Bat Mitzvah

Hmmm.  If you've looked at all of them you are a trouper!  If you'd like to order, my Etsy shop address is:  www.etsy.com/shop/whitesilkpurse

Everyone ought to have a creative outlet... What's yours??

I'll Love You Forever

The Wordful Wednesday challenge from Chocolate on My Cranium was: What fictional character do you identify with the most?

My thoughts immediately turned to the hard-working mama in "The Five Little Peppers."  It certainly isn't because I feel I am like her, but I've yet to snip a thread in my lifetime when I don't think of her carefully taking the thread out of clothing she was mending or repairing and laboriously winding it up to use again since she was too poor to purchase more thread.  I tried it once.  I don't have the patience! I am grateful each time I snip a thread and toss it away that I can afford sufficient thread for my way of life.  She is certainly the fictional character I think of most often.

However...

I love to rock babies.  Many of my fondest memories are of time spent rocking my own babies and now my grandbabies. {I think that makes me a ROCKSTAR.}  The mommy in "I'll Love You Forever,"  by Robert Munsch rocks her baby to sleep saying,

"I'll love you forever

I'll like you for always

As long as I'm living

My baby you'll be."

As my children have grown and begun families of their own these little words become more and more true. Maybe as we get old{er} we begin to reflect more on the truly important things of life. To me, some of the most important hours are those we spend holding tight to those we love dearly.  -- So, I've decided the fictional character with whom I identify has her claim to fame in a simple children's story.

I hope YOU ROCK too!

Hint of Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce

My friend, Scott, has recently been diagnosed with the need to eliminate wheat products from his diet.  I am feeling all kinds of sorry for him with the upcoming feast season.  However, this little treat eaten upon rice crackers may just make him forget all about the stuffing he isn't eating.  In fact, he may never go back to stuffing again!

So, here it is:

Hint of Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce

1 1/2 cups of water

2, 12oz bags of cranberries, rinsed

2 scant cups of sugar

10 large jalapeños, seeded and finely diced (about 2 cups)

Put all of the above into a heavy bottomed pot and bring to a boil.  Reduce to simmer for 15 minutes.  Cranberries will burst and mixture will thicken.

Ladle into sterilized half pint jars. Wipe rims clean. Use sterilized lids and rings to seal. Process in water bath for 10 minutes.  Makes about 6 half pints.

**If you are planning to eat it up within 2 weeks there is no need to process, just refrigerate. 

This is nice as a side sauce, great over cream cheese with crackers or veggies, and wonderful as a sandwich spread on turkey or ham sandwiches!

Happy Holidays my friend.  Enjoy the season!

Idle Thoughts

My very favorite time of year is rapidly approaching.  I love the fall, and especially seasonal changes from mid-October through the end of November.  I live high in the mountains of Northern Utah and the colors on the trees are breathtaking right now.

Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday of the year...  It's about family, friends, gratitude and food.  My family members all love to cook.  All four of my children are chefs in their own right.  Each of them have a forte in the kitchen.  Jared is a master of the Main Dish and Korean Cooking.  Emily is the Queen of Soup and Cake.  Anna {our Pampered Chef Consultant} makes wonderful salads and CUTE food -- her dishes are always as fun to see as they are to eat. And Clark is the Pasta King and makes a mean pan of cornbread. My husband, too, loves to cook and is the best sous chef anyone could ask for.  He is also and expert kitchen cleaner!

Last year we had a dessert that beat all others we've ever eaten hands down!  We all like bread pudding and have tried many recipes, but this one is truly the BEST:

With many thanks to Melanie at Sugardoodle (http://www.sugardoodle.net/melsrecipes/archives/313)  here it is:

White raspberry chocolate bread pudding

6 large French croissants
4 egg yolks plus 3 whole eggs
2 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
2 cups big white chocolate chunks (or chips)
1 cup good quality dried cherries or craisins or fresh raspberries work great too
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
Butter or PAM to coat baking dish
Raw sugar to sprinkle on top

1 – Cut croissants on an angle (1-inch slices) and place in the bottom of a buttered baking dish. 
2 – Add the chocolate pieces and cherries on top of the croissants.
3 – Mix together the yolks and whole eggs, cream, milk, vanilla, sugar, and salt. 
4 – Pour mixture over the croissants, pushing them down until all the liquid is absorbed into the bread pieces. There will be lots of liquid. 
5 – Sprinkle raw sugar on top. 
6 – Bake at 300-350° (depending on your oven) for 30-40 minutes.

This dessert should remain very soft and moist. Start checking after 30 minutes. Filling should be soft-set, but not dry. Serve warm.

Happy Fall!

Celebrating Family -- Mine to be Exact

For the second year in a row Montse, at http://chocolateonmycranium.blogspot.com/ is hosting a wonderful celebration of family based on "The Proclamation on the Family," a document of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Last year I enjoyed the posts a great deal and found many wonderful ideas to use with my own family.  Many of those involved had young families.  I have an older family.  My children are grown and have homes and families of their own.  I thought how nice it would be to have "older" moms posting as well.

 Things change as children grow up and leave home, but the need for connections grows exponentially as those grown children begin families of their own and navigate the new-to-them world of marriage and parenthood, while the new grandparents navigate the world of parenting adult children and learn the joys of loving grandchildren, and learn to be an independent couple.

The question posed for this initial blog post is, "What does your family like to do  in the fall?" -- Our family hits the back-to-school season with a plethora of birthdays.  We have 7 birthdays to celebrate in a six-week (give or take a couple of days) period of time.  Also, I, the mom/grandma, teach school which also creates chaos of its own! -- We began a new tradition this year of attending a play (musical) followed by an out-to-dine meal together.  Everyone over 3 was invited and the babies had wonderful visits with dear friends.  -- For our family, who most generally parties at home, this was a unique experience filled with delight as we watched the little ones enjoy a theatrical performance.  We enjoyed our meal filled with laughter and conversation and look forward to a similar celebration again next year.

That was the NEW tradition, our OLD tradition has nothing to do with birthdays, but is nevertheless fun.  We roast chilis!!  We all love roasted Anaheim peppers.  If you've never had them you are really missing out! -- This year we purchased a roaster and cut our roasting time by 80% or more, leaving us more time to visit and eat peppers.  (If you don't know what a roaster looks like, check it out! http://arizonachileroasters.com/HomeRoast.html) -- Chilis are usually ready about the same time as corn, so a roasting party is our fall tradition.

I look forward to this celebration and hope the perspective of the mother of adults contributes to the whole.

For Baby

I like to craft, and every now and then I see something that I must do!

When I saw this idea it was done with paint. However, this is super easy if you have a vinyl cutting machine (or a friend with one ;). -- I have a new granddaughter who needed her own personalized soap and lotion.... What do you think?

It was fun!  Just remove the labels from the soap and lotion (peel them off), clean off the sticky residue with this:

and rinse the  bottles with soap and water.

The spray is Pure Citrus Orange Room Spray available at Amazon.com and Home Depot.  (This magical spray takes sticky off of anything.  It also removes indelible ink and crayon off any hard surface.  Remember, I teach first grade and I KNOW.  It smells nice too!)

When the bottles are clean, apply the vinyl and you have a fast, easy, personalized baby gift.

Fast, cute, and fun!

And a big thank you to LaNae at Its Written on the Walls for featuring my post!

WELCOME!

Smiles

I teach first grade and there is something to smile about everyday.  Today's charming funny is this:

We were making Mother's Day cards.  There was a "form" for the children to fill out and one of the items said, "My mother is ____  years old."  The answers are always kind of funny, but one little boy was completely puzzled.

 He said, "I really don't know how old she is."

I said, "Well, how old are YOU?"

He: Six.

Me: Well she must be older than six then.

He:  My brother is 17.

Me: She's probably older that 17 then too.

He: I really don't know.

Me: Well, what do you THINK?

He: I just know she's really close to OLD!

:)  It made my day!