D's Cheeseball

I got this recipe from a friend back home in California and it is a must have for game night, family get together, holiday party or just a tasty snack.

3 packages of softened cream cheese
2 packets of Ranch Dip
1 cup of shredded cheese

Mix all ingredients together in a medium sized mixing bowl and then form into a ball. Once you have formed the cheese ball roll if desired in your choice of nuts. (I prefer to use the salad topper slivered almonds that I crushed up into smaller pieces.)

5-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

1 coffee mug
4 tablespoons flour (that's plain flour, not self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional, but I highly recommended it!)
Small splash of vanilla

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well
Add the egg and mix thoroughly
Pour in the milk, and oil and mix well.
Add chocolate ships and vanilla and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on high. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little and ti[p it out on a plate to eat.

I know this sounds weird, but I had to try it - I did not use the chocolate chips and found that the cake was rather plain with little to no taste. I was hoping to use this idea as a great neighborhood gift, however, I decided that it was not such a tasty treat and was not going to subject my friends to such a test. :P

My Little Ole'Man's Obituary in the SLO Tribune

Bonar D. Collinson
Bonar D. "Jerry" Collinson was born in August 1913 and passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, at his Paso Robles home. Born and raised in Scobey, Mont., Jerry attended Rollins College in Florida. He worked for the Corps of Engineers and traveled to faraway places, including Guam, Hong Kong, and Africa. He was in charge of the defense perimeters in the Los Angeles area during World War II. Some of his work was used to revamp several areas of defense throughout the world during the Carter administration and the Vietnam War. He received a letter of appreciation fro President Carter thanking him for his dedication and work during that time. Jerry moved on to the General Service Administration (GSA) with a specialty in appraisals. After his retirement from government service, Jerry and a friend formed a company in Southern California that specialized in appraisals of commercial projects, such as airports, factories and large-scale operations worldwide. Jerry became an expert in appraisals of nuclear power plants. He traveled the world while he worked on these jobs. Jerry had a passion for history and a love of archaeology. He loved to share stories about his adventures to places such as Africa, Scotland and South America and all the interesting people he had met. He collected many treasures from his travels. However, one of his favorite collections was of model trains. He had an elaborate track system complete with trees, buildings, rivers and mountains. Jerry loved meeting and learning about people. He believed that "we each need to take responsibility for our own lives and that nothing is free. You have your freedom and the ability to balance your life." He loved living in Paso Robles and having meals at Wilson's and Touch of Paso. He was active at St. James' Episcopal Church and the Paso Robles Library for many years. He appreciated his good friend and caregiver, Irene Wilson, who took excellent care of him in his last years. Jerry is survived by his cousin, Hazel. J. Stabler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas W. Collinson and Lily Dale Collinson. There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at the Paso Robles Masonic Lodge, 320 Sherwood Road in Paso Robles. In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity are requested. http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000124262185X

Happy Valentine's Day - 2009

Happy Valentine's Day and enjoy the snow! Micah and I awake to a blanket of snow this morning. Well before he had to rush off to work we ran a few errands and were home in time to snow blow our portion of neighborhood snow. When I say 'we' I mean me - Micah is sick and only had an hour to get ready before he left for work so I took on the task of snow blowing!

I did decide to take a few pictures so that everyone back home in California know - - -> you may have had some rain for a few days, but your rain brought snow to Utah. And I am not happy about that!

Here we are mid-day and I decided to come up from the basement where I have been making some birthday cards and noticed that it is warming up a bit and the sky is the most beautiful blue outside. And thanks to the view of the neighbors across the way (Hi Lynette) I saw the biggest icicle that I have ever seen.

2008 Tax Return Completed

I just have to brag - I did our taxes for the FIRST time! I have been going to H & R Block in Paso Robles, CA since I had my first job and have only ever trusted my H & R pal Becky, but this year I wanted to save some money. So Micah's co-worker recommend www.taxslayer.com.

I was able to complete our Federal and State taxes. It was really easy and only costs $ 14.95; rather then Turbo Tax who costs $ 49.95. I got my confirmation tonight that our tax return was accepted by the IRS.

Go Tanya!

Valentine's 2009

So I am having to revise Valentine's Day since Micah has his gift now. I never know what to get Micah, but I know for sure that food of any kind always is a good thing! And since he is so busy these days I thought he would enjoy having some treats in his truck during a long day at work. So Micah got a bag of pistachios, beef jerky, peanut butter pretzels, and a bag of his favorite chocolate fruity pebbles with 1% milk (Since I do the shopping he usually only has Non-fat milk).

Oh and he got a new Chevy hat - and what does he say once he puts it on? "You should of bought two; one for me and one for Bud!" And this last picture of Micah in his hat is being posted because when I asked for a photo of him and his hat he kept showing me his food and then made this disgusting face.

Here we are in February 2009 - Micah is off working for Larry H Miller at the Engry Solutions Arena; it's Monster Trucks weekend.

Thursday night Micah was such a sweetie and came home with my favorite roses, a heart shaped pizza with bread sticks from Papa Murphy's. Since he knew he was not going to be home that was his way of making sure I had a special dinner for Valentine's day.

Chicken Enchiladas by Amers!

So a few years ago my best friend Ame came to visit while her hubby was away in Kuwait and made the most awesome dinner one night it was Chicken Enchiladas. So here is the receiepe

2 large chicken breasts
1 large can of green chille sauce
1 small can of green chillies (I added the extra chillies to the sauce)
1 medium block of shredded cheese
Corn tortillas
8x8 pan

Cut the chicken into small pieces and boil - once cooked drain the water.

Place a small amount of green sauce on the bottom of the pan to prevent tortillas from sticking . . layer pieces of corn tortillas, layer of cheese, chicken and then sauce. Repeat until there is no more room. Bake at 350 covered with foil until it reaches 120, then remove foil and bake until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Let it set for 10-20 minutes to set up . . . and by the way it makes for great left overs!

Micah's 3rd Job - Bud

Micah has been super busy working; not only is he working for De Walt and E.S.A, but he picked up a third job this week. He is spending 2 days a week for four hours entertaining a 89 year old man named, Bud. Apparently, Bud would like to snowmobiling in March with his family and in order to do so his daughter has asked him to attend physical therapy to make sure he is up for the task.

For the next six weeks Micah will be taking Bud to the indoor pool to work out at the pool. The second day they will head down to the Senior Center to play pool. Micah is excited to get to know Bud; Bud served in the Army Air Corp during World War II and again for the Korean War. To top it off - Bud loves Chevy's and the Utah Jazz, likes to do carpenter work, and enjoys airplanes.

I already told Micah that he is only paid for the hours scheduled - any extra time is his own time! And it will be unacceptable for him to run off and play with Bud to escape me.

Yummy Lasguna for Dinner

Lasagna Sauce:

1lb of ground beef or mild Italian sausage
2 tbsp of minced garlic
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
1 small can of tomato paste
1 small can of tomato sauce
Season to taste

Also if you like fresh veggies in lasagna I like to use mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, but I refrain when making this for neighborhood gatherings.

• Sautee olive oil and garlic until garlic turns darker in color and your choice of meat; from time to time I like to use half hamburger and half sausage.

• Sautee until meat is about 3/4 of the way cooked, add one jar of spaghetti sauce (pick your favorite), one can of tomato paste, one can of tomato sauce. For seasoning I add about 1tsp of garlic powder, 1tsp ground pepper, 1tsp of Italian seasoning, 1tsp of Oraegon & Basil and top it off with a few shakes (about 3 shakes for a mild tasting) of Red Pepper flakes.

Lasagna Cheese:

1 Package of mozzarella cheese
1 package of Italian blend cheeses
1 package of cottage cheese
1 can of Parmesan cheese
1 medium sized egg

• I prefer to use a cottage cheese mixture rather then Ricotta cheese; I don't notice a taste difference, but do find the cottage cheese mixture to be cheaper. To make the mixture take a 16oz container of cottage cheese, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and one beaten egg. Mix until well blended and refrigerate.

• Prepare a package of lasagna noodles as instructed. In order to not have to cook this for 3 to 4 hours I prefer to make my lasagna when everything is still warm. I use a throw away lasagna pan; place a small amount of sauce on the bottom and then a layer of noodles, top with sauce and grated mozzarella cheese, second layer is noodles with a topping of cottage cheese, a small amount of sauce and more grated cheese, and repeat until you run out of noodles.

• The finally layer is a mixture of sauce and cheese. Bake at 350 covered, once all the ingredients are heated to 180 degrees - remove foil and bake until top is golden brown and bubbling at the edges. (To speed up the process I will use the broil and cook my garlic bread)

Let it set for 20 minutes and then serve.

New Addition to the house . . .

The day before I left for California my mom came to town and bought me the final piece of furniture for our living room. Right now it is a great storage place for table clothes, miscellaneous kitchen towels and other kitchen items. Before I put in the China Micah's Grandparents gave to us for a wedding gift I am going to have Micah bolt it to the wall to prevent it from being knocked over.

I learned the value of making sure things are secured to the wall from living in California; thanks to the Cambria, California Earthquake Dec. 22, 2003.

Luxor, Micah's Cat!

A few weeks ago I was unpacking some things I brought back from California, one of which was a blanket. Before I even had the chance to pick up the bag - Micah's cat (yes I mean Micah's cat) climbed into the bag. She has this fetish climbing into any bag left unattended. Just the other day it was the big black trash bag that I was using to clean out miscellaneous cabinets through the house. Lucky for her she was not tossed out with a box of crackers from our Christmas party.

January 26th, 2002 - 7 years later January 26th, 2009

So for those of you that don't know me well, may not know what a sentimental person I can be. The other day I came across my scriptures that I was given the day I was baptized. Although Micah gave me the scriptures - it was his sister, Sara that wrote a message to me inside. So I wanted to share it.

The feeling that one receives, The one that says "I believe."
The knowledge of right and wrong, Is the thing that can bring you home.
The truth we can all receive, The knowledge we can believe.
The one who saves us all, Is the thing that can bring you home.
We can return home, To live together again, In the home we all were once in,
This is the hope to bring you home.

Written by: Sara Smith

The remaining message reads: "Tanya, You are making a great step in your life. You will be blessed. I know this church is true. I know you are a great friend and a special spirit. I know Heavenly Father brought you to Paso Robles and we were meant to be friends. Best Friends."

Not often am I asked how I came to find the church - So I thought I would take a moment to share my story. I moved to Paso Robles, CA in 1992 - shortly after moving to the area I became friends with several people as I got to know each of these people I learned that each of them was a member of the LDS Church, however each of them seemed to be living life in thier own way. Every one of those members became one of my best friends during my High School years and from there I grew to kbnow many other members.

The most important people I came to know was the Smith Family - what a group they were let me tell you! There was Sara, my bestest friend and partner in crime during our Junior and Senior year! Her father Ken and mother Debbie - to be honest I had never met two people like her parents, Then finally there was Sara's little brother Micah! Circumstances came that I moved into their home and was welcomed as if I had known them all my life and was introduced to the church.

As time went on I had come to know some facts about the LDS Church, and in 1999 I said good bye to best buddy Micah who was on his way to serving a two year mission for the Utah Ogden Mission. While Micah was away I received my monthly letter from Micah trying to convince me to meet with the missionaries or allow him the chance to teach me the gospel upon his return. At that time I was not ready and was living my life as a 21 year old adult.

Micah returned home in May 2001 and I honestly don't know what changed between us, but we started dating. Eventually, I took the missionary dicussions in December 2001 and it took a while for me to commit to bapatism until I was sure I was making the right choice - I have always been the type of person to think about everything and then think about it again, I wanted to make sure it was a commitment I could live with . . . FOREVER!

I was baptized January 26th, 2002 by Micah T. Smith

Sadest of News to Share . . .

Those of you who know I helped my parents a few years ago care for an elderly man named, Jerry. At that time Jerry was 93 years old and had been given a few weeks to live in June 2005.

Needless to say when I came to California in August 2005 - I never expected that I would leave November 2006 and he would still be alive!

My 'little man' as I referred to him as lived a good life, had the opportunity to travel all over the world, received a letter for his work from former President Jimmy Carter, and although he never had any children of his own he unofficially adopted my Dad in 1996.

My parents were able to care for him 24-hours a day in the comfort of his own home for nearly five years. He was often visited by members of the community who knew him and had daily visits with his cats. Momma Kitty passed away in 2006, however, his loyal friend Gangeous was by his side to the very end.

Jerry passed away January 21st, 2009 at 5:45 am in his home located in Paso Robles, California. His remains will be sent to Scipio, Montana where he will be reunited with his Father.

Basement Progress . . . .

A work in progress . . . always a project to do, finish or to start at our house! And now that we are free of the house guests we have been busy working on basements projects.

Our latest project has been to work on the basement cabinets, stripping the old paint, sanding, filling holes, repainting and installing the cabinets in our basement family room.

The cabinets are from a salvage house project from Micah's dad's friend in California. So when the cabinets arrived I was not too sure what to expect. So when they showed up the color of periwinkle and blue I about fell over. . . . Needless to say Micah reassured me that with a little TLC and a lot of paint stripper they would be new again.

So here we are now, all the old paint has been removed, we have replaced the paint and added some color to the room. Micah is working on adding the finishing touched to the cabinet doors - Now all I need to decide is if the inside of the doors will be red or cream!?!?

Quick blog message . . .
I am going to California for four weeks!
Since I am not working and I need to pay the bills I will be helping my parents out for four weeks.
Micah will remain in Utah and keep busy working!

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cap packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (I prefer the mini morsels)
2 cups chopped peanut butter cups (1 bag of Reese peanut butter miniature cups)

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. stir in chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups.

Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet and bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool for 2 mintues before removing to wire rack.

Damn Cat has a NEW HOME!

I am happy to report that the stray cat that adopted my house before Thanksgiving has found a NEW HOME! Micah was none to excited to have a third cat, therefore I was not to name him or even let him in; I ended up letting him in and he never went away. I also named him 'Damn Cat'. Anyways . . . I contacted a Feline Rescue organization and after a week she found him a new home.

Happy New Year!!!

Just a quick note to wish everyone a Happy New Year and all the best for 2009.

Micah playing with Anika Lynn Taylor

Spending time with Old Friends

The Taylor Klan were on their way home from Montana and spent sometime at our house! So Sunday morning we all bundled up and headed over to Syracuse High School to go sledding. Just want to point it out that it was Micah and Jason who took special note of the sign stating No Sledding, however, they decided to be law breaker!

We had a great time as always and the time of course is never enough. . . See you guys again Christmas 2010, right?

Neighborhood Christmas Party 2008

It was that time of year were all of the neighborhood couples come together for our Annual Christmas Party . . .

The above photo is the results of a family game Terryn's mom shared this holiday season. The object of the game was to decorate your husband in an outfit out of Christmas paper gift wrap. Left to Right: Mike the Framer, Blake the Santa, Darin the Conga Dancer, Micah the Beauty Queen and Nick the High Fashion Model. Great job ladies!

Christmas 2008

Micah and I had a great Christmas, we were back home in California. Micah drove out a few days beforehand, and I had been there for a week helping my parents get ready to move into their new house.

As always Micah and I were extremely spoiled this year. Micah's parents visited the week of Thanksgiving and had an early Christmas with them. Micah received a dream come true; he got the reloading equipment he wanted to go shooting. Needless to say any spare time he has he spends in the garage with his reloading stuff.

I too was spoiled . . My in Laws got me the game Partini that I had been wanting, as well as, a griddle so I can make pancakes and french toast. (I got to use it last weekend when we had guests - It was awesome!) My father in law has to be one of thee best guys ever, he kept asking me for odds and ends in my kitchen that I did not have and the next day I would notice a new gadget.

It was also during that two weeks that Micah and I were adopted by a stray cat. For the last four weeks, your truly has not had the heart to leave the poor guy outside in the snow. So the cat has been making it's self at home eating and sleeping.

As I mentioned I was in California a week before Micah spending time my my parents. They just purchased their first home and so they had lots to do!

Micah and I were once again spoiled by my folks for the Christmas holiday with a new Kitchen Aid Food Processor ( I love Kitchen Aid and the color Red), new clothes, and being an only child at home for the holiday I got this very cool new scrapbook shelf to hang on the wall for some of my scrap booking goodies. :)

Christmas 2008 Surprise

Micah and I were able to spend the Christmas holiday back home in California - So we were able to surprise Micah's nieces Rebecka, McKayla and Hailey Christmas morning.

Before Micah and I moved to Utah we lived just next door to the girls - So going from seeing them everyday to seeing them every six months took quite an adjustment. They have grown up so much since we have been gone, but they are becoming the most beautiful young ladies and we are both so very proud all three of them.

Lots of love and hugs Becky, Kayla and Hailey - We miss you always!

Blog Update!

Now that Micah and I have the house back to ourselves and there hasn't been much to blog about, but I will slowly catch everyone up to date as events happen.

Mia's Walking!!

I am a proud Auntie, Mia started walking last week. Last night I was finally able to figure out how to use my digital camera to record a video. I guess when you don't have kids those features never seem that important to you.

As you will see she makes her rounds.

The next video I have of her is just the cutest thing ever. She reminds me of the baby monkeys when they have their arms waving above there head. And then she she falls rather then being frustrated or upset she just giggles. Rolls over on her back and reminds me of those beetle bugs that kick their legs around trying to roll over. (I will post that once I get back home!)