COUGAR FAN!!!

I have always loved BYU SPORTS because Paul loved them. I didn't know I was addicted till I found myself watching and yelling "all by myself". I was smart and married another "BYU fan". We just beat Florida in a double overtime. The supense was killing me. I did a lot of Spring Cleaning while working through my frustration. I taped it for Kim. I LOVE WHEN WE WIN!!!!!

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)—Jimmer Fredette scored 37 points, including two 3-pointers in double overtime, to seal BYU’s thrilling 99-92 win over 10th-seeded Florida on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Fredette, the nation’s 12th-leading scorer, made a 3 from the top of the key to put the seventh-seeded Cougars (30-5) ahead 90-83 with 2:42 left, then added another with just over a minute remaining to put the game away.

Michael Loyd Jr. added a career-high 26 points, pushing BYU to a lead it would hold until a late second-half rally by Florida. Loyd scored all the Cougars’ points in the first overtime.

Kenny Boynton scored 27 points, and rallied the Gators (21-13) from a 13-point second-half deficit in their first NCAA tournament game since winning back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007.

GO COUGS!!!!

Mystery Murder Dinner

OKAY...I DID IT!!! We had 8 people participating at each home. We end up with a couple of single sisters and 3 couples. The one next to me is a really pretty blonde lady. I was impressed with the acting abilities. Kim was hilarious. I found this wig in our Halloween trunk and he was a good sport about wearing it. We had stew and clam chowder, really good breads and rolls, fresh fruit and veggie trays, rootbeer floats and apple & cherry pie alamode! We had 50's music playing in the background. It made for a fun night. Yes, I ended up being the murderer. Too much fun!!!

Hard at Dance!

Nicole dances 4 nights a week and now a 5th has been added as competition is approaching. It is EMotions first production number and Nicole is in 4 dances in the one production plus she has clogging, contemporary, jazz, ballet and hip hop numbers. She loves having Misty Peterson as an instructor. I had to post some pictures of her bruised knees and feet. They look like someone has been abusing her. She just smiles and says "OUCH"! Last Saturday she laid down and took a nap with 2 bags of frozen peas on her knees. Now there is a Dr. Suess rhyme for you Kathy?!? :) She has made lots of new friends and loves being 14! Our stake dances are all regional dances. Nicole wouldn't miss one. They come to our house and get ready and then go in a group. The giggling and preparation time are "OUT OF THIS WORLD". The joys of being FOURTEEN!!!

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

Kim taking Nicole on his horse a few months ago.
Nicole at lake Roosevelt just before Paul's passing.

Nicole with her daddy just 3 months before Paul's death.


This morning I was reflecting on my life as I was typing up my personal history. St. Patrick's Day would have been our 38th Wedding Anniversary. I am amazed at the sharp turns that we have survived. I watch my dear friend Kathy care for her sweet husband and I am amazed at her strength. I hope she knows that we are all on bended knees praying for President Perrins recovery. Her strength of testimony is born through an example of service and love like unto the Saviors. This youtube presentation from the church reminds me of the tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father. Last night we went bowling and out for icecream after. It is a tradition that Nicole has missed since her daddy passed away. Kim and Nicole tease and laugh and my heart is so grateful for the "tender mercies" of the Lord in our behalf. I know we all pass through hard times and need comfort. I want each of my children to know that I love them and know that the loss of their "daddy" can never be reconciled in this life but oh, how lucky we were to all have him in our lives. He is a part of you and that lifts me. I am so thankful for the gospel and the strength it is in my life. I am thankful for a precious family that love me unconditionally. Who never left my side when I so thought I couldn't take another breath. I am thankful for Kim's family and the way they have accepted me into their midst. I am thankful my friends that never stop being "my friends". I am thankful today for all of you!!!
The Tender Mercies of the Lord

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

There is only one KASSI !!!

This little girl cracks me up...ALWAYS!!! She is a DYNOMITE on 2 feet. She does big tummy little tummy like I have never seen. She was sent to earth to make us all smile and remember not to take life too serious. Most of all she finds me and holds on tight. Oh, how I love being a Grandma!!! Heidi and Andy...thanks for sharing her with us. She is her Grandpa McConkie through and through! We love ALL our Grandchildren and look forward to the McConkie Reunion this summer. Scrapbooking room is organized and we are ready anytime. Stacy is coming for Easter. EVERYONE is welcome ALWAYS!!! LOVE YA...MOM

Murder Mystery Dinner

Our Ward is having an activity of "Murder Mystery" dinners at various homes. I am hosting one in my home. I am soooo excited! It is a week from this coming Saturday. It is set in a 50's diner! It is entitled "Last Kiss". The characters are way too fun. The people assigned to our home are some of my favorite "CHARACTERS"!!! I have never done this before. What a fun idea!?! I will post pictures after the event. Any ideas on decorating for a 50's theme? It is hard to get too board here...there is always something crazy brewing.

EASTER COUSIN'S PARTY!!!

Okay, I realize it doesn't take much to impress this girl from Moses Lake but I FOUND HOBBY LOBBY TODAY!!! I spent 2 hours in there. I am sooooo ready for Easter! I am announcing our offical EASTER COUSINS PARTY!!! We named it that years ago so that my sisters would bring their children and we could have a Family Party. It has taken on a whole new meaning with our 11 children plus their 10 spouses who have become part of our family and 25 grandchildren and 2 on the way. We thought we didn't need both of our BBQ's till we started figuring out the numbers. I love big family gatherings. We will have the traditional Easter Egg hunt and BBQ the Saturday before Easter, March 3. It is also Michelle and Andy's Birthdays. General Conference is on Easter, how cool is that!!! Everyone is invited!!! I LOVE THE SAYING "GRANDMA'S HOUSE...A PLACE WHERE COUSINS BECOME FRIENDS!" Life is still very very good!

My New Friend!

Okay...don't act so surprised...I do have a few new friends. Becky Thomas has a family-living degree from Brigham Young University. Becky's column, "The Unexpected Life, " appears on MormonTimes.com on Sundays. Becky is soooooo much fun. She is "real". I love that she jumps in and sees what needs to be done and then "just does it!!!". Too often I hear...let me know if you need anything. Becky makes a difference by "doing it and doing it with style". She volunteered to make 8 of these giant cupcakes for the centerpieces and the dessert. They were perfectly delicious and everyone loved them. She leaves in a few weeks for the summer in California. I will miss her...but she'll be back...let the games begin!?! Life is Good & just keeps getting better! I had to post the candid picture of Becky Thomas and Jenny Frogley...just so you knew she was "really real"!?!

WHAT A NIGHT!!!

My second big assignment was the RS Birthday Bash!!! It was pretty amazing. Am I allowed to say that about an activity I was in charge of. The food was a copycat Cafe Rio. It was delicious. The prep time was days for this event but it was all worth it. We had so much good food, laughter and incredible entertainment. I absolutely love Jenny Frogley. She is such a fun and beautiful woman. She sang both spiritual and just plain fun songs. It was like having our own private concert. Nicole was helping in the Nursery but I snuck out and brought her in. She loves Jenny's music, has played it for years (yes, her Mom bought the music) but it was such an inspiration for Nicole. She came home and sang her way through her homework and till the minute her head hit the pillow. I love when Nicole sings!!! Yep, I must be her Mom but she really is good. She has her father's gift of a beautiful voice with a spirit to match. Life is Good!!!

RS B-DAY BASH!!!

We are busy making incredibly delishious foods that combine to make the famous Cafe Rio Salad. I am going to include the recipes. I will post the pictures following the event. Jenny Frogley is wonderful to entertain us. She is hard to book professionally and we get a "freebie". Nicole has been listening to her music all week. When I die...I want to be resurrected with a voice like that!!! I missed that talent...TOTALLY!!! I better get busy...the clock is ticking. *I used to wonder why Lori, Peggy and Janet got excited about Cafe Rio. Nicole and I love their food. We have a restaurant about 1 mile from our home. Okay...I just got off the treadmill and I am so going to have to behave myself!!! I see skinny people eating this stuff...can't be all bad!!! :)

Cafe Rio CopyCat Salad

JUST LIKE CAFÉ RIO MEAL

JUST LIKE Café Rio Pork
5-6 lb pork roast
1 Tbsp cumin
1 cup brown sugar
12 oz bottle La Victoria Taco sauce
20 oz bottle Coke

Cook roast on low for 12 hours in crock pot with water added half way up roast.
After 12 hours, drain water off roast and add remaining ingredients and continue cooking for 4 more hours. Then shred the meat and cook for 2 more hours.


JUST LIKE Café Rio Rice
4 tsp chicken bouillon
4 tsp garlic minced
½ bunch cilantro
1 tsp cumin
1 can green chili
¾ tsp salt
1 Tbsp butter
½ onion chopped

Blend ingredients in blender, then put in pan on stove and add: 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Then add 3 cups minute rice and simmer for 30 min.

JUST LIKE Café Rio Chicken
1 small bottle Kraft Zesty Italian dressing
1 Tbsp Chili powder
1 Tbsp Cumin
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast

Put all ingredients in crock pot on low for 4 hours, shred meat and cook for 1 more hour.

JUST LIKE Café Rio Creamy Ranch Dressing
1 pkg dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
1 cup mayo
1 cup chopped cilantro
2 cloves garlic
3 tomatillos (peel off paper)
(found by hot peppers in the fresh produce section)
1/3 cup buttermilk
½ tsp cayenne pepper
(more or less as desired)
Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth

Black Beans

1 can black beans, rinsed
2 Tbl finely mined onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
1 cup tomato juice
3 Tbl chopped Fresh Cilantro
1 tsp salt

Fry onion, garlic and cumin in a small amount of olive oil. Add beans, tomato juice, cilantro and salt and heat through.