Shaved Ice Super Sunday

1.  If you have forgotten, let me remind you that I love shaved ice and the sun.  So when you put them together, it makes for the greatest day!  Twice this week I spent the afternoon in the Sondrups pool and after eating shaved ice.  Remember in the Fall when I won a $300 gift certificate from Amazon?  Well, I finally used it on this amazing shaved ice machine.  It's seriously the real deal!  If I'm not already the favorite aunt, I'll surely be when I bring it home next week!

2.  I had an MRI on Thursday and Dr. D called me a few hours later with the results.  We finally have an answer to the back pain, which actually was shown on the MRI last year, but it's worse this time around.  And it's totally non cancer related, well it sounds like it, but I'm sure the chemo and radiation have helped cause it.  I have a narrowing in the spine between L5-S1 which is making me crazy.  I seriously can't do anything without pain...that is until yesterday.  Since learning of this news I've been doing specific stretches daily; basically Dr. D said I needed to go to physical therapy, but I can do my own, plus I went to one in February.  Yesterday I went and had a massage at the massage school.  The guy was totally new, but did a fantastic job.  And for the first time in literally 6 months, I can lay on my back without pain.  I even tested it today again when I took my nap.  No pain with laying on my back, side or abdomen, well maybe just ever so slightly during my nap.  And I can even stand a little longer than the 2 minutes it takes to brush my teeth, even though I totally have to lean into the sink to take the pain away a little.  Spinal Stenosis is actually an old persons disease, but it makes since, since my body feels like I'm at least 80.  I considered not taking pain meds today and I've actually only taken 1, but I'm pretty sure the massage, prayer and the stretching have been my answer.  I'm probably going to get a steroid injection with the hopes that it takes all of the pain away.  If the pain continues, there is always the option of a little surgery, but hopefully that won't be needed.

3.  I actually called Dr. Dan's nurse earlier this week and told her I needed a prescription for a wheel chair.  I mean, I will be traveling a lot this summer and I certainly haven't been able to stand long, let alone walk.  But after a steroid injection, I just might be back to my normal...well that is if I didn't have this stent pain.
4.  Speaking of traveling; I've booked an Alaskan Cruise for mom, dad and I and also a trip to see the Boston Red Sox play on the East Coast and to visit Philadelphia, which I've never been to.  I'm leaving this week to go to Tristens in Spokane, then to Boise for the stent exchange, (this stent is going to be the death of me.  Although I did read this week that I they can do reconstruction on it, take out the tumor and the stricture and then I'd be good as new.  I just have to find someone who can do it.)  Then it's off to Marne's Beach house in Seattle and then back to Boise.  Oh, and lets not forget my return to visit Martha's Vineyard the end of August for a week of beach fun with my MVY friends!  So many places to see and only so many Summer Days!
5.  Have you read, 1000 White Women?  I'm reading it as the start to my Summer reading program and it's so good!  I have a stack of books to read this Summer and a few lists to read in my lifetime.  There are so many good books, that when I'm reading one that isn't so good, I've learned to stop reading it and not waste my time on a bad read. Oh, summer reading how I love thee!
6.  I had a lovely lunch date with my girlfriends this week!  Even though I still can't eat much, I still enjoy a lunch date.

Super Sunday

I really miss Fabulous Friday and feel like I am not recording the things that I want to and should since dropping it.  You know it was kind of like my friend that I wrote to every week.  So I've decided I'm going back to it, except we are going to do Super Sunday.  Only positive, wonderful things about my week will be reported.  So here goes:

1.  Tuesday my friend Janelle accompanied me to Dr. C's office.  He is a Radiation Oncologist that Dr. D works with.  He was amazing.  He thinks that he can radiate the tumor on the posterior iliac crest, only 4 treatments in 2 weeks.  He needs to look at my prior radiation treatments and if he feels it is safe we will do it.  I hope so, because the pain is slowly creeping back.  He said that if he can't do it, meaning if it is too risky with the bowel having too much radiation exposure, that I could have it surgically removed.  Dr. D said she wouldn't surgically remove it, but he said he knows other surgeons who will.
2.  Wednesday I met with Dr. S the research Dr. regarding the biopsy I had a month ago.  There were no genomes matched, but he also said a part of the test wasn't done correctly.  In a few months I'll have another biopsy.  They will by then be able to take some of my tissue, grow it and see what meds react to it.  In the meantime, he said he wouldn't change anything anyways because the Tamoxifen is SHRINKING the tumors!  This is so exciting.  I pray that it continues and especially to shrink the ones on the ureter.
3.  It is warm enough here in Phoenix, that it is actually like Summer.  I mean when it's 100, it's Summer.  I spent Friday morning at my cousin Laura's in her pool with her and her kids.  It was super fun and the perfect time for a pool party.  We also had lunch at Gecko Grill, where they have the best salsa. Oh and my cousins have a snow cone machine, like the real deal shaved ice.  I'm totally getting one with the amazon gift card I won way back when.  I LOVE shaved ice.
4. Friday night I went with my Aunt Leslie, cousin Autumn and my friend Barbra to the Millennial Choir and Orchestra.  It was the most powerful performance.  It is now something I do twice a year and look forward to each performance.
5.  We had Stake Conference this weekend.  The talks and music were all so uplifting.  I feel like I need to listen more to the spirit and obey its promptings quickly.  My friend Jennifer's sister wrote the music to this song Does the Journey Seem Long and a lady in my ward sang it.  Oh my, it was absolutely beautiful!
6.  I had a delicious dinner with Deborah and her family and Gordon and Leslie today.  It was to celebrate Gordon and Dallins birthdays.  Dallin got his mission call this week.  He is going to the Guatemala Guatemala South or East I can't remember Mission.  Anyway, my brother Tyler when to the central one 20 years ago.  Dallin is such an amazing guy and will be a fabulous missionary.
7.  This week I got my new Favorite Cookbook in the mail, What's Gaby Cooking.  Oh, I love it.  The recipes are simple and fresh.  Will definitely get plenty of use from it this Summer.  These wonton strips were at Winco. Yummy!

8.  And one more thing...I got 2 pounds of delicious strawberries from sprouts this week for $1.88.  Hello cheap! 

December

Wowzer's where has December gone?  I literally savored every moment of this month.  I love that Thanksgiving was a tad earlier and that we didn't have to jump right into December.  My cousin Abe flew back from Thanksgiving with me and stayed at my house for a few days because he had a conference.  It was super fun to have him in my home. One day while he was here we went to see the lights at the Mesa Temple.  They are amazing and I love it because it's nice and warm, unlike the beautiful Temple Square lights in SLC where it's freezing.

December 1 I attended my first concert by the Millennial Choir and orchestra.  I've been told its incredible and by far it was one of my most favorite live events I've ever been to.  It was so beautiful and definitely brought me right into the Christmas spirit.  I went with my friend Barbara.  It was an early concert, which was nice, because after we attended my work party at the AZ Museum of Natural History.  It was pretty awesome with several large dinosaurs that welcomed us there.  They had it on the rooftop.  It was a pretty cool party.

I decided that since I was home for a few weeks in December and since I haven't put up Christmas decorations but twice in my adult life, that I would do just that.  I'm so glad that I did, because I enjoyed it so much and might just enjoy it for a few more weeks until mom and dad come and Mom makes me take them down.  There is a sense of peace that comes from a dark house with only the Christmas tree lights on. 

On December 2 I watched college football and put up my Christmas decorations.  I'm always a little sad when football season comes to an end, because have I ever mentioned that I LOVE COLLEGE FOOTBALL?   I attended our church's live nativity.  It was so so-real and so precious.  I loved that it was nice and warm outside.

December 4-7 I met my parents, Tony and Erin and my Aunt's great niece Maddie at Disneyland.  Maddi had never been and I was so happy to let her experience all of the magic and happiness of Disneyland, especially at Christmas time.  She loved it and we were all totally worn out by the end of the first day, but of course we did it 2 more days.  One of the days my friend and her family also met us there.  The more the merrier! 

December 8 I went to the Nutcracker ballet/Phoenix Symphony Orchestra with my cousins and aunt.  I have been wanting to see this for many years.  It didn't disappoint in the least bit.  I loved the costumes and of course I love the music.  Oh, it was just wonderful.  A new tradition for me for sure.

On December 11 I attended the best little school orchestra and band concerts that my cousins kids play in.  They did an amazing job and I so much enjoyed the Christmas music they played.

I've been planning my backyard and now front yard makeovers for the last few months.  I want it to be perfect, so I'm planning every detail.  Come mid-end of January I'm going to be loving my days on the patio with a book in my hand.

I went home for Christmas on December 18.  Yep two weeks at home!  And you know it was pretty fun, except that I was on the couch a lot because of some discomfort.  We even got a huge surprise; a white Christmas and some freezing cold temps.  Definitely another post for all of the excitement of the holidays will follow soon.  I pretty much stayed warm by wearing this awesome new robe I found at Costco and my new found love for Ugg's which I bought in Phoenix, go figure.

I Love Summer

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Summer.  I don't love summer in Phoenix since it is something like 115 today, but Idaho Summers are fantastic, especially when the nights cool off.

I Love Popsicles, I especially love these lemon lime ones!

I Love my Summer Reading Program.  Right now I'm reading Rebel Mechanics:  All is Fair In Love and Revolution By Shanna Swendson.  If you love magic and the early 1900's, you will love this one.  I'm just about to start listening to Faithful by Alice Hoffman.  I hope its good.  One of my favorite reads while I was in Bali was Walk On Earth A Stranger.  It is so good.  I'm on the waiting list for the next book in the series. You should see my book list, it's pretty big.  I wonder how many I will get through this summer.

I Love Flip Flops, especially my sperry's and vionics.

I Love Summer Vacations!  Tonight I'm taking the red eye to North Carolina.  I hate red eye's but I love my peeps in NC.

I Love this soup recipe that we made in Bali.  I use grated lime rind instead of lime leaves and when

it calls for lemons, it is really limes.  They call lemons limes there.  Weird.

I LOVE that I can wear my hair up and that it finally looks normal, even though for some odd reason it has been falling out excessively lately.  Maybe I'm shedding my winter hair.

I LOVE licorice, especially the new California bags of redvines.  Look for them in your local candy isle.

Today I especially LOVE my dad and all he has done for me.  Happy Father's Day Dad!

Favorite Moments of 2016

2016 had many great moments.  Here are my top 16 in no particular order:

1.  San Fransico, Radio Row, Superbowl 50
2.  Speaking at the Colleens Dream Gala
3.  A new Niece and Nephew
4.  Idaho Summer Pool Days
5.  Exploring Austin
6.  Christmas at Disneyland
7.  Buying a new house
8.  Girls Trip to Seattle
9.  The Snake River Stampede
10.  Visits from Mom and Dad, Lauren, Tony, Tenielle and Alisha and her family.
11.  Canadian Tenors Concert
12.  Visiting Kirt in NOLA
13.  One last family party at Grandpa Swensens
14.  Dressing up for our family Halloween Party
15.  Young Cancer Survivor's Retreat in Oregon
16.  Lot's and Lot's of weddings, Jenny's, Tenielle's, and Tanners

Things I'm Totally Into These Days

With the calender telling us it's actually almost Fall in many parts of the country, even though we are still in middle of Summer in Phoenix, I'm feeling a little Fall creep into my fashion for when I travel north in the coming weeks.  However, I'm still holding on to Summer in my heart of hearts and actually living in Phoenix we have no choice but to enjoy 100 degree's in September, even though I'm only here 11 days this month.  With that said, I'm totally into many things both of which have significance of Summer and Fall.  So without further ado, here are a few of those things...

~Flannel shirts or at least plaid shirts that look like flannel, because we all know we won't be wearing flannel anytime soon in Phoenix.
~Voluminous Butterfly Mascara for my bottom lashes.  It makes them stand out and the fine brush doesn't get on my lids.
~Wunderbrow 1-step brow gel.  Since losing my hair to cancer, my eyebrows and eyelashes have never been the same, but with the help of color, they are back.  I love this because it stays on for a few days.
~Ombre Lip Liner from NYX, this is awesome for those days that you want a little color on your lips, but you want to have the neutral look.
~Ballcaps on College Football Saturdays.
~Room Fragrances which I got in Pouslbo for my Scentsy burner.  My house smells so fallish.
~Warn looking, ripped jeans, never thought I'd go for this style, but I like it.
~Tieks, I actually don't have a pair, because I can't seem to let myself spend $200 dollars on a pair of flats (short people don't even like flats), but I love all of the colors and pictures I see on instagram.  Maybe one day I'll give in.
~Speaking of instagram, I love it!  It's so fun to see pictures of my nieces and nephews and friends. I also like it that I can journal my life through pictures.
~Bremuda.  Nope I've never been there, but one day this past Spring I started following Bremuda on instagram and now I see a picture every day of the blue water and it makes me want to vacation there.
~I'm getting supper syked for my conference in Austin in October.  I've been pinteresting all of the fun facts and places that I'm going to have to visit when HM and I go for our little getaway. So much to do in such a little time.
~And speaking of Texs, I'm totally into jean dresses, my short jean skirt, jean shirts, and cowboy boots.
~One day last month I was on the stair stepper at the gym watching the Pioneer Woman.  She made this Mexican Pasta Salad.  It made me start salivating right there at the gym.  Of course I hurried home after sweating my brains out and made this to take to the Sondrups for our after pool party dinner.  I seriously can't get enough of this salad.  It is easy, quick and lasts for days (if your one person), otherwise it will be gone in minutes if your feeding a crowd.  Definitely my new go to salad for the future.

•  FOR THE SALAD:
• 1 pound Elbow Macaroni, Cooked To Package Instructions, Drained, And Rinsed With Cold Water
• 2 ears Fresh Corn, Husks And Silks Removed (I just used frozen corn)
• 1 can (15 Oz. Size) Black Beans, Drained And Rinsed
• 1/2 cup Chopped Black Olives
• 6 whole Roma Tomatoes (or 2 Large Tomatoes), Chopped
• 3 whole Green Onions, Sliced Thin
• 1/2 whole Red Onions, Finely Diced
•  Chopped Cilantro (optional) You know I don't use this
• Of course I have to add something to this, I love a red, orange or yellow pepper.
•  FOR THE DRESSING:
• 1 cup Jarred Salsa 
• 1 cup Light Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (of course I use olive oil mayo)
• 1 clove Garlic, Minced Or Pressed
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
•  Salt And Pepper, to taste
• 2 Limes, Juiced

INSTRUCTIONS

Grill the corn on a grill pan, or just place it in a hot skillet to brown some of the kernels. Remove from pan, allow to cool slightly, then use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob.

Combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl and stir until combined.

Place the macaroni, corn, beans, olives, tomatoes, green onions, red onion, and cilantro (if using) in a large bowl. Pour 3/4 of the dressing over the top and gently toss until all the ingredients are coated. Add the final 1/4 of the dressing if you think it needs it. Cover and allow salad to chill for 2 hours.

Garnish with cilantro, lime wedge, and any other extra ingredients you have!

Favorite Things I've Discovered In 2015

You know me I love to talk about my favorite things and to share them with others.  This year I think I found some of my most favorite things ever.  I'm getting old you know so I'm into finding things that help me look younger.

1.  Mom gave us corian cutting boards for Christmas last year.  It has been one of my most favorite kitchen accessories.
2.  Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic Vinegar which I get in MVY from LeRoux.
3.  Perfekt make-up products.  They typically have trials on their website which is what I started with.  I put the Skin Perfection Gel on after I my moisturizer and it keeps my makeup on all day.   I also love their Eyebrow wand and Maskara. 
4.  Maskcara Cosmetics  thanks to Aubrey, have made me look younger because I've been taught how to HAC.
5.  Aubrey also introduced me to MAC eyeshadow primer.  It keeps my eyeshadow on all day.
6.  Princess of the Midnight Ball was probably one of my most favorite reads of the year.  But I also loved these, Serafina and the Black Cloak The Wedding Dress
7.  Ivan, my new Sante Fe, oh how I love my new car.
8.  Vera Bradley Back Pack
9.  My go to afternoon snack is Pure Protein Bars
10.  IPSY I love getting a package of beauty products in the mail each month.  It gives me something to look forward to.
11.  My favorite movie this year by far was The Longest Ride, of course anything by Nicholas Sparks is my favorite.

Top 15 Moments Of 2015

When 2015 started out I definitely wasn't expecting another ovarian cancer diagnosis.  It was quite a shock, but I've done the best to enjoy life even under the circumstances I have been given.  Even through it, I can always find wonderful things that I love.

Of course I have many favorites from this year, but I'll just give you my top 15 and in no particular order.

1.  After what seemed like forever, over 3 years I finally was able to move my "stuff" from a storage unit into an apartment.  Oh, I thought I'd never see the day, but I am so happy to finally have a place again to call my own, even if it is much smaller than my house.  I love where I live and feel that I was specifically suppose to move there.  I have an amazing ward who has taken great care of me.  I've especially loved having my friend from High School move just behind me.  Speaking of my house, it was nice to finally sell it and not have to worry about it clear across the country any longer.

2.  It was fun to have mom, dad and my sisters visit in February.  I so much enjoyed going to Mexico and Disneyland even if it was only for 1 day each, while they were in town.

3.  Finally being an employee of EMP again has been wonderful, even though I've been away from work longer than I worked.  I'm grateful to be part of this amazing company and for the support they have given me as I've unfortunately been off while having chemo again.  I look forward to returning hopefully March 10.

4.  Mom's 60th Birthday Party was such fun.  It was a joyous occasion to celebrate such an incredible woman.

5.  I've had several visits with my friend Aubrey this year.  Each have been memorable and relaxing.

6.  The first annual Teal Diva 5k which I did with many of my dear friends from Charlotte meant so much to me.  I was ever grateful for Tenielle and Pamela to come as well, even though it took them many hours to drive from DC.  It was fun to show them some of my favorite things about Charlotte too.

7.  Of course my time in MVY is always at the top of my list.  I wonder though if I'm jinxed, because every time I go there something crazy happens (like being diagnosed with OVC).  However, I was grateful to have the best care from the top OVC doctors in the country.  I so much enjoyed all who visited me in MVY.

8.  Of course it was sad to have Grandpa Young and Grandpa Randy pass away this year, but I'm ever grateful for the time I was able to spend with my family because of their passing.  I belong to an incredible family.

9.  I loved being home for a few weeks in July to have lazy swim days with my nieces, nephews and friends, even if it was because I had to start chemo.

10.  Disneyland for an entire week with my family was of course the highlight of the year.  What fun we had being together and making memories.

11.  The Young Family Halloween Party never disappoints and neither did this years.

12.  I loved when my friend Jenny visited Phoenix in January.  By far one of the most fun I'd had in a while.  I so much enjoyed hiking in Sedona with her.  It is beautiful and we were brave to climb up the scary mountains, but the views were worth risking our lives.

13.  Passing my boards after studying for them over the past year feels very invigorating.  Thankfully I don't have to take them again for 10 years.

14.  Spending a week in Charlotte in December and seeing so many of my friends was awesome.  I know I say it often, but I have the best friends ever.

15.  Being home for the past almost 2 months has been wonderful.  The only thing great coming from OVC is that I didn't have to stress about having to work the holidays.  It was nice to be home during chemo treatments and to have my mom take care of me.  She worries about me more than I worry about myself for sure.  I'm so grateful that I've been able to have treatments in MVY, Phoenix, and in Boise.  May the coming year be without chemo and cancer.  My CA-125 was 25 last week and I'm hoping in the coming weeks it is in the teens.  It is my hope to finish chemo February 9.

Bonus:  Tuesday after chemo we made gumbo and then

 yesterday my friends from High School came over for lunch.  (Gumbo is always best the next day so make it a day before you serve it.)  It was so fun to see them and to catch up.

Summer In Fall FF

1.  It's really hard to believe it is October when we are having record temps of 100 which we had earlier this week.  Thankfully I believe this is the last week of those for the year.  I'm so looking forward to going home next week to see FALL!  I have been listening to Christmas Music and lighting my pumpkin candle so a little Fall is in my home.  We did however have a fantastic rain storm just after the crazy dust storm that I drove through today dropping our temperatures and letting us smell the amazing aroma of rain.

2.  Since I've felt great this week because of no chemo, had no interruptions and had a lot of time, I've studied nearly all day, every day for my upcoming boards.  I originally planned on taking them in July and then September.  I have 6 months to take them from when I registered which was the end of May and before my cancer diagnosis.  I've toyed with the idea of postponing them using my cancer card, but I just want to get them over with.  I mean if I do flunk I can always take them twice next year.  I better not flunk.  I've passed them twice before, I better pass them again.  So I scheduled them for the week of Thanksgiving, a week I'll be off of chemo and the last day I could take them.  37 days of studying and then hopefully I will be test free for 10 years.
3.  Saturday I spent some of my day watching Deb's son Dallin play volleyball.  I don't know how they played back to back games without dying, I was dying sitting there with a fan on me and still hot.  But it was fun to watch his talent.  These 15 year old boys can play volleyball so well and are undefeated.
4.  The only reason I know it is fall is because of the college football that I get to listen to all day on Saturdays and sometimes on Friday nights.  I mainly keep track of BSU, Utah and BYU however I really don't care who is playing, I just love to watch and listen to it.  Unfortunately BSU got killed by Utah State tonight and I think they maybe out of the opportunity for a bowl game, however Utah is killing it and the only undefeated team in the country.  At least one of my alma matters is doing something well this year.
5.  This week I've found that palate's, yoga and water aerobics don't increase my heart rate to where I feel like my heart might jump out of my chest.  They are also relaxing and keep me moving since I've sat more than I'd like studying this week.  I really want to do my cycle class and lift weights, but I already know lifting makes my heart rate go up and if that happens, cycle might just kill me.
6.  My friend Janelle came to visit me on Wednesday.  She is such a great friend and we have so much fun chatting.  We visited a new tropical snow/snow cone place that opened just next to the gym.  You know my love for snow cones!  As much as I wanted a sugary cone, I went for the sugar free, because I'm trying so hard to not eat sugar.  It wasn't half bad.
7.  Wednesday I helped my friends with the 8-12 year old girls activity days.  They are so cute and enjoyed their spa day.

8.  Thursday I went to the mid singles religion class.  Such a great class and so many people.  She talked about how in 1 Nephi he had to soften his heart when his dad said they needed to leave Jerusalem.  I thought through the entire class how I have had to soften my heart as I've had to endure yet another cancer diagnosis.  It has taken some time, but I finally feel that my heart has softened and that my will has become Heavenly Fathers.  (I hope His will is mine.)
9.  Today we had practice for our primary program which is on Sunday.  I play the piano and I love it.  The kids are so darling.

10.  I got my ipsy bag in the mail this week.  I love that each moth for less than $10 I get several new beauty products.  This month didn't disappoint.  I love the liquid lipstick that stays on forever, fall colored eye shadow and delicious smelling coconut lotion!

Back In My Kitchen

It feels like forever since I've been in my kitchen cooking.  I love cooking up a delicious, healthy meal.  I'm trying for at least this week, since I'm back to my "normal week" to eat super healthy and loose some of this chemo weight.  I'm jealous of the ladies in the chemo unit I bond with who have lost 30 pounds since having chemo.  Not quite sure why, but I'm not seeing those side effects.  I think my biggest problem is that I'm so use to working out and I can't because my heart rate goes up so high when I do.  I am finding that I can walk, but I only do so at night with my friend Cathy because it is just too hot during the day.  This afternoon I put my walking shoes on and thought I'd walk around for at least 15 minutes between my study sessions (I'm studying for my boards).  Yea, I only made it to the mailbox and back because it was just to hot.  I did do some lifting of my 8 pound weights though.

So tonight I made the best tasting, most delicious and healthy Roasted Vegetables.  I think that it is hard to get a good tasting, perfectly crunchy yet cooked roasted vegetable dish.  Remember our cooking class from May with my CLT Sisters?  I basically took the recipe that we were given that day, but didn't make and put my touches on it.  You could put this in with some pasta, but it's delicious by itself.  This was so amazing that I actually had seconds and can't wait to have it for a snack or lunch tomorrow.

Tuscan Roasted Vegetables
1 Zucchini, Diced
1 Summer Squash, Diced
1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes
1 Red Onion, Quartered
2 Carrots, peeled and sliced
1/2-1 tsp minced garlic
I drizzled these with LeRoux Tuscan Herb Olive Oil
Added a little dry oregano and basil, salt and pepper.  I think the more salt the better when it comes to vegetables.
I had a half lemon on the counter so I juiced it and added it which I think brought out the flavors

I tossed all ingredients in a bowel, poured them on a baking pan and cooked them on 350 for 25-30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.

I paired this with leftover grilled chicken which I made a bunch of yesterday.  I have a favorite go to recipe that I love.

Honey Lime Grilled Chicken
3 T soy soauce
2 T honey
LeRoux Lime infused Olive Oil
Juice from 1 lime
1 tsp minced garlic
Salt and Pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 T fresh Cilantro
Combine and let chicken marinate for at least a few hours.
1 pound chicken breast
Grill to perfection

I have to put in a word for a few of my favorite products from MVY.  There is this amazing kitchen store in Vineyard Haven called LeRoux.  There are actually 2 stores.  One with every kitchen supply you could ever dream of and one with food.  Upstairs at the food store they have every kind of olive oil and Balsamic Vinegar you could possible dream of.  I bought some when I initially interviewed in March of 2013.  This summer I didn't leave without more.  I really love their new Sicillian Lemon White Balsamic Vinegar.  I use it as my dressing on salads.  Their website had a sale a few weeks ago and I bought a bunch of them because I love them so much.  Oh I also like the pear one.  It makes for a delicious fall salad.  I'm sure if you search my blog you can find a recipe where I used this.

So today after reading my blog, you might as well gather these ingredients and prepare for tonight's dinner.

A Seattle FF

1.  Sunday my Aunt Leslie, Uncle Gordon, and cousins Deborah and her family came for dinner.  It was my first time entertaining in "my home."  It was fun to have them come for dinner and to cook for other's besides myself.
2.  I will be staying in this cute cottage in MVY in only 7 weeks.  I can't wait!  This cottage is across the street from the beach and the bedroom window has an ocean view.  How fun.
3.  My last permanent day at the Goodyear clinic was Wednesday.  I'm going to miss those patient's.  For the first time in my career I felt like these were my patient's, because I got to know them and their families.  I am really going to miss this view when I leave at night.


4.Thursday morning I left early to fly to Seattle, it was a very light flight and I had 3 seats to myself to catch some zzz's.  Tim (Grandma Betty's Son-in-law) picked me up and took me to their home that they are actually selling in Kirkland.  We met Marlene there where she brought us a delicious burrito lunch.  I left a little AZ sunshine in the form of Grapefruit on Aubrey's door and then Marlene and I headed to their beach house.  Marlene introduced me to my new favorite drink...

5.  Oh the beach house!  It is gorgeous, relaxing, peaceful and I felt just like I was at home.  It was a bit windy, so we only spent a short time on the beach where there are tons of huge shells.  We each took a short nap and then made dinner.

The sunset was gorgeous!

4.  Friday morning we had breakfast, relaxed and I wrote in the guest book.  I loved reading this entry from both Grandma Betty and Grandpa Randy.  Grandpa Randy said it best about the beach house, "This is the place to come when tired, hungry or needing a hug.  What more could one ask for or wish for?"

I love the kitchen (this picture doesn't do it justice) and the ceiling.

5.  We spent the afternoon in this cute little town where we shopped a bit and I bought some very cute head bands and a hounds tooth navy and cream scarf, ate a delicious lunch of crab and strawberry salad and then we hit a bakery on our way out.

6.  We caught the ferry to Seattle which brought us some absolutely beautiful views.  I think got some pretty great pictures today!

I love the teal boat, can you spot it?

This is my most favorite!

7.  Tonight I attended a reception for my CME, went to the gym in the hotel and watched Twlight.  That's a lively Friday night, not...

Another Unexpected FF

1.  This week has been completely and utterly fulfilling, even though the events of most of the week were unplanned.  Friday my mom had called me at work to let me know that my great-aunt June (my grandpa Swensens brothers wife-got that?) was not expected to last on this earth much longer.  And she didn't, as she passed away Saturday evening.  Because of this I got to see my family again this week...but lets start this week in order.
2.  Saturday was great as previously blogged about, but Sunday was even better as I was able to listen to more fantastic talks from General Conference.  During the first session on Sunday I compiled a new favorite Easter Song Playlist.  I always love a new playlist and sharing those playlists with friends and family.  These songs remind me of the love Jesus Christ has for me.  Between conference sessions I went to Aunt Leslie's where I picked a grapefruit from the tree.  I miss being able to do this every day.  There is an abundance of sweet grapefruit this year.  I still have at least 1 grapefruit daily and will miss when grapefruit season is over!  I'm pretty sure grapefruit season must be the longest fruit season of any, which I'm happy about.  We watched the last session of conference and then everyone came for dinner including my cousin's Janna, Deborah, Laura and Lisa who was visiting from Utah.  Dinner was delicious as usual!  It's always more delicious with family.

 3.  I worked Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Thursday I flew from Mesa to Provo at 6:20am, caught a taxi to the train station and rode the train to SLC where Tenielle, Aidree and Bridget picked me up.  I wish I had a picture of the girls running down the side of the train yelling, "Hi Auntie Terah."  It was so cute!  We then went to see Tanner at work, who happened to actually not have been at work because he took the day off to work on a school project.  We ended up having lunch with him and Tony, even though Tanner had no idea that I was actually coming to town.  Lunch was at Flat Bread, mostly because its' delicious and I knew the girls would have fun making their own pizza's.

 

The photobomber are aweseome!

 Bridget concentrates with her tongue out like her dad and grandpa.

4.  My favorite part of the day was visiting Temple Square.  Because I absolutely love tulips, I was in Tulip Heaven.  You really do miss the seasons when you live in Phoenix.  Nothing is more beautiful than Spring on Temple Square and the peace we felt there was almost touchable.  Aidree and Bridet say the cutest things.  I told Aidree that she needed to stop growing up and she said, "I need to hurry and grow up so I can be a mom."  Bridget got caught in the back seat smearing chapstick on her lips.  When I took it away from her she told me that she was getting ready for her wedding to her prince tomorrow.  How cute is that?

The girls wanted to visit the Christus and I took these precious pictures!  We also learned more about Christ as we read the depictions that went with these most beautiful pictures.

5. Tenielle and I drove to Pocatello where we met mom and dad, visited my mom's Aunt Arnetta and her cousin Kendra who was diagnosed this week with Colon Cancer and has a Hank (but only for 4 weeks) and then we drove to Idaho Falls.  My dear friend who I met in Jr. High and moved just after High School, let me know her mother was visiting Idaho Falls too, so she met us at the hotel and we talked for 2 hours.  It was such fun to catch up with her.

6.  Tyler and his family stayed at the same hotel so I got to have breakfast with my nephews.  They are darling.

7.  This morning was a beautiful Spring day in St. Anthony, Idaho to celebrate the life of a soft spoken, sweet woman.  It was so wonderful to see family.  Funerals bring families together.  I was so happy to be able to visit my Grandma Swensens grave.  I'm pretty sure I felt her sweet spirit there among us along with many of our dear family members who are buried there.  I'm quite positive she is sad that we don't visit more often.

This is the house mom grew up in.

8.  Of course the time was short and I had to catch a flight from Idaho Falls back to Mesa (so that I can pull a 12 hour shift tomorrow), but not before venturing into our favorite Candy Store in Rexburg to capture the deliciousness of Princess Michelle's.  These candies have a soft cream cheese center and toasted coconut on the outside and literally melt in your mouth.  We've got to find a recipe and make them ourselves someday.

Until next time...